“I know who you are, and I’m coming to find you, and when I do, I will look at your dogs. If I find any in a bad way because of your mistreatment of them, I will take them with me.”
Cyril’s eyes widened.
He doubted his words would make a difference, but he knew the man’s name and had no doubts he’d find him. Which he would and look over his dogs.
Pulling out a lavender-scented handkerchief, he then minced back to the carriage.
“Nice jab, my lord. Right quick it was. I barely saw it,” Lenny said.
“I will explain my actions soon. For now, get us moving, Lenny.” Monty opened his carriage door and climbed inside.
The animal still lay shivering on the floor. He’d not owned a dog or cat since he’d walked out of his family home to attend Eton. That didn’t mean he was completely coldhearted toward them. He’d just taught himself to be that way. To close himself off to feelings and emotions.
“’Tis all right now, Oscar.” Monty touched a hand softly to the dog’s head. It trembled.
Why had he addressed that man about his dog? He never got involved in the business of others unless it directly affected him. More proof that he was not quite himself.
Monty knew he was changing. He just wasn’t sure how to stop that happening or how to handle it.
“There now, Oscar,” he said, stroking the short hair of the animal’s head. “What am I going to do with you?”
It was all very well to make the rash, grand gesture of saving a dog that was clearly distressed enough to leap into his carriage, but what did he do with it now?
Theft was also theft, and that’s exactly what he’d done, even if the cause had been an honorable one.
The Duchess of Yardly liked dogs. Perhaps he could leave it with her at the birthday celebrations. He couldn’t very well open the door and throw it out. Its situation would be worse than what it was.
“Come now, Oscar. We have left your mean owner behind. Up you get,” Monty said, bending to speak to the animal. “Do you like taffy? Or perhaps peppermint sticks? Walter likes those, and I got some for him when I purchased the taffy.”
He waved the peppermint stick before the dog’s long snout. It twitched.
“That’s better,” Monty said softly as it rose gingerly on thin legs.
He’d always thought them odd dogs, with their angular faces and long legs. He’d watched them race once. Their speed was astounding. The soft brown eyes that Oscar turned on him were sweet and doe-like.
“Hello. I’m Monty. Would you like this?” He held out the peppermint stick.
His guess was the dog was hungry, but it took the offering gently. It then ate two more. When it had finished, it rose on its hind legs and put its paws on Monty’s thighs, staring at him.
“There is no way I can know what you’re thinking, Oscar.” But he thought maybe he did in that moment as a long tongue came out and licked his cheek. Relief that it had escaped its owner. Relief that someone had cared enough to save it.
No one saved me.Where had that thought come from? Pushing it aside with all the others he was avoiding, Monty watched the dog climb onto the seat beside him. It then lay down, making a sound as if air was being squeezed out of its lungs. Placing its snout on Monty’s thigh, Oscar then let out a loud sigh.
“Well now.” Monty patted the soft head. “You just make yourself comfortable on my very expensive upholstery, Oscar.”
They traveled that way for the rest of the journey, and Monty found himself chatting to the animal about several things, including Iris. It felt strangely comforting and cathartic. Especially, as unlike Mary or the Devilles, it did not answer back.
CHAPTERFIFTEEN
As Iris was outside in the front garden with Henry, she saw the exact moment a large carriage stopped before her town house. The door opened, and Lady Raine stepped down. She then turned and helped Ella from the carriage behind her. Next came Lord Raine, holding a little girl in his arms. Last out was Walter.
Iris felt Henry stiffen and then make a sound like a squeak. Looking down, she noted he was smiling.
“Hello!” Lady Raine waved at her. “I hope you don’t mind the intrusion. Walter, do not bound over the flowers!” she then bellowed.
The dog changed direction and trotted to where she and Henry stood. He then plopped down on his bottom and looked at them.
“Hello, Walter, it is nice to see you again,” Henry said.
