“Of course, you are correct in all of that,” Lord Addersley inclined his head crisply and led them onward. Either he was unconvinced or he had another matter on his mind. He seemed, for a man who hid his thoughts well, to be preoccupied.
They might have crossed the distance in silence, if not for Aunt’s chatter. Neither the viscount nor Helena spoke.
His stables were as newly constructed as the house and nearly as fine. The floor was swept clean and the horses were most handsome. Helena knew that Nicholas would have appreciated both the stable and the horses.
A large brown dog emerged from the shadows as they approached and barked a warning. It was indeed as tall as the viscount’s hip and Helena gasped in surprise. The ostler came out and patted the dog. “Easy, Rufus,” he said. “They’re friendly enough.” He grinned then inclined his head to Lord Addersley. “You see he recognizes his lordship. That’s his bark to greet friends.”
“He barks differently depending upon who arrives?” Helena demanded.
“Of course, miss,” the ostler said.
The dog came to her, his tail wagging, and she was taken aback by the size of his teeth. He was a shaggy creature with a long rough coat, and it looked as if he had bushy eyebrows and a moustache. Lord Addersley offered his hand and the dog sniffed his fingertips, still wagging, then stepped closer to sniff the viscount’s boots and trousers. Lord Addersley then patted the dog’s head, his touch both sure and gentle.
The dog certainly appeared to have a calm manner. Helena followed the viscount’s example and was delighted by the dog’s easy acceptance of her. His fur was stiff but also soft, he waswarm and she could feel the strength in his shoulders. He sat down and leaned against her leg, a not inconsiderable weight, tipping his head back with a blissful expression as she rubbed his ears. He began to emit a growl of satisfaction when she rubbed his throat.
“Ah, he likes that,” the ostler said with a chuckle. “You’ll own his soul in a heartbeat, miss.”
Helena laughed, glancing up to find the viscount watching her, his attention so intent that her heart skipped. His eyes were dark again and their gazes locked for a moment during which she could not catch her breath.
“I do not want his soul, just one of his puppies,” she said and the ostler chuckled.
The viscount averted his gaze.
“You’ll need to know a little of dogs and their barks then, miss. There’s his warning bark, when something is amiss or a stranger is coming,” the ostler explained. “There’s his welcome bark when someone he knows is arriving. There’s his growl, which is for trouble that does not yet merit a bark. There’s a yip he makes when he’s playful.”
“Dogs have an entire vocabulary for those who know to listen,” Aunt said as if she knew of such matters.
“Goodness,” Helena said, laughing when the dog licked her fingers. He gave yet a different bark, a high one that sounded happy. “He sounded as if he was purring when I rubbed his ear.”
“Aye, he likes you, miss,” the ostler said with satisfaction. “And a good thing that is since his lordship means to let you see the puppies.” He turned and walked into the shadowed interior of the stables. “Rufus is as proud a father as ever you saw, miss.”
He led them to a stall at the end. There were old blankets piled there and a darker dog of similar size to Rufus lying upon them. The mother was almost black, her fur a little more curly and glossy than that of Rufus. No less than eight tiny puppiesscrambled around her, some nursing, some sleeping, some tumbling over their enormous feet. Their fur was silk and shiny, softer than belief, their antics and wagging tails so adorable that Helena was enchanted.
Lord Addersley crouched down beside the bed and she watched him doff his gloves. One puppy flopped against his boot while another nipped at his fingertip. They trusted him, it was clear. He smiled, oblivious to her perusal, and once again, she thought he was wonderfully handsome.
It was unfortunate that his nature was so restrained and quiet. He would be a dreadfully tedious companion once a woman looked beyond the cleft in his chin.
“They nigh all need new homes, miss. We can keep two or three, but Rowena here had a large litter.” The female dog oofed, a low sound that might have been born of pride. “Though it is too soon as yet for them to leave their mother.”
“Truly?” Helena asked.
“Aye, miss, they are nursing yet. I would not take them from her for another week.”
“But you can choose one today,” Lord Addersley said.
“Pick of the litter to the lady,” Hoskins said with approval.
“There’s a fine tribute, Helena,” Aunt Fanny said. “You must thank Lord Addersley for that.” Helena did as her aunt surveyed the puppies with a critical eye. “You will want the largest female, my dear.”
“I will?” Helena knew nothing about dogs, but it was clear her aunt did.
“We had hunting dogs at Hexham, Helena. Do not look at me as if I am mad,” Aunt chided.
“I did not know, Aunt. I apologize.” Helena curtsied to her aunt, mollifying the older lady. The viscount, she was well aware, watched her keenly.
The ostler nodded approval. “Naught better in the house than a female,” he said. “She’ll take you all on as her family.”
“How lovely!” Helena said. “You do let dogs into the house.”
