Page 179 of A Scandal for the Beastly Earl

"But trainable," Arabella said. "Like dogs."

"I resent that," Lucien protested.

"But don't deny it?"

"I can't deny truth."

And so they bickered into the evening, while James began his seemingly impossible task of training Thistle, Cordelia watched with hearts in her eyes, and Matilda slept through it all.

It was, Arabella thought, perfect chaos.

Their chaos.

Forever and always.

***

Ten days later, James stood in the morning room looking remarkably pleased with himself.

"I've done it," he announced.

"Done what?" Lucien asked suspiciously.

"Trained Thistle."

"Impossible."

"Watch."

James produced a list from his pocket. "Thistle, Lord Potts."

Thistle immediately trotted to the window where Lord Potts’ card lay on a side table, picked it up delicately, and deposited it in a basket James had brought.

"Now that's just fetching," Lucien protested.

"Thistle, Lady Worthington."

This time, Thistle went to Arabella's side and just lay down calmly.

"He can identify specific people?" Arabella asked, amazed.

"He can feel when you are calm around someone. Now watch this. Thistle, enemies."

The dog's entire demeanor changed and he went and sat between Lucien and Arabella.

“Thistle, Cassandra.”

Suddenly the dog started barking and they could tell that he was feeling danger.

"How did he know?" Lucien demanded.

"Dogs can sense emotion. He can feel when you are not calm around someone."

"That's... actually impressive."

"So I pass?"

"You trained him to steal more efficiently. That's not exactly what I asked for."