At his father’s enormous sandstonepile, which was now Grant’s home, Jack greeted the staff, some ofwhom remembered him as a young lad.
After an elaborate luncheon, he andGrant made their way on foot to view the dog, as the day was fineand pleasantly warm. They crossed the manicured grounds while Jackrelated all that had happened since they’d last met.
Grant’s gray eyes widened. “You stillsuspect Caindale to be behind all this?”
“He’s in it, right up tohis neck,” Jack said. “He’s been playing a deep game.”
“Who would have thought itof Caindale? He’s a member of my club, played hazard with him.Terrible player. Always loses. Must owe moneyeverywhere.”
Jack glanced at him. “That’sinteresting. So, money would be his motivation?”
“Money generallyis.”
The cacophony from the hound’senclosure reached them as they approached.
“Our prize bitch recentlywhelped a fine litter,” Grant said. “You can have your pick, butthere’s one I’m willing to bet you will choose.”
Jack grinned. “You know me thatwell?”
Grant laughed. “I ought to. And he’salso the one I would choose. Has some spirit.”
Excited barking rent the air as Grantsurveyed the boisterous litter.
“Well?” Grantasked.
One pup tried to climb up thewire.
“This one,” Jack said,poking a finger through the wire. The pup promptly lickedit.
Grant smiled. “Then I’ve won thebet.”
“I believe you,” Jack saidwith a laugh.
When Grant instructed the gamekeeper,Manners went inside the enclosure and grabbed the pup. He returnedwith the small animal in his arms and held the pup out. Jack tookthe squirming body, feeling the delicate bones through silky furthe color of a misty sunrise spotted with rich cream. He held himup, the rangy legs dangling. Showing no fear, the dog’s long snoutdived at him, trying to lick his face.
“He’ll do.” Jack laughedand gave the pup a pat. “I’ll return for him as soon as Ican.”
“So, you’ve decided not towander about the country?” Grant asked.
“My plans haven’t changed.”To his own ears he sounded so confident, yet he’d never been sounsure his instincts were right.
“Do you want the pup toremain here until you return?”
“No. I have something inmind for him. I’ll let you know.”
Grant nodded and made no attempt toprobe him further.
Jack returned the dog to Manners, andthey walked back along the road toward the house.
“Best man, eh? Please passon my felicitations to the bride, and my congratulations to Harry,”Grant said. “And tell him what a poor show it is not to haveinvited me.”
“Sir Ambrose and Erina’sfather wished for a discreet affair,” Jack explained. “Don’t beoffended.”
“Oh? Is there a need forhaste?”
“No, nothing like that. Buttheir unescorted journey to Ireland would raise many eyebrows if itwas discovered.”
“I see. Harry must havefallen hard to act in such an uncharacteristic manner.”
