Selena heaved a sigh of relief and taking out her locket she kissed it and asked her parents for their guidance and a bit of luck.
She turned to lead Azure back to the main road when she spotted a stream just a few yards away. In her haste, she’d forgotten to fill a pouch of water before she ran away. She said a quick prayer of thanks. She might have been soaking wet from the rain, but her throat was parched.
“We both need water and nourishment, Azure.”
Climbing down, she led the stallion to the stream where he could drink his fill. Selena drank as well, feeling much better as she scooped up handful after handful of cool stream water.
Reaching into her pocket, she fed Azure a carrot and an apple. She took a few bites of the cheese and bread and then drank more water.
“At least we have some shelter from the storm,” she said.
After she tended to her private needs behind a nearby tree, she walked back to Azure who greeted her with a snort and a nuzzle on the cheek.
She patted his sleek mane. “All right, we should be on our way, my friend.”
She lifted herself onto his back and guided him back onto the road. On the main road, she noticed two wonderful things: the rain had stopped, and the clouds were beginning to dissipate. She pulled out her locket and kissed it again, thanking her parents for guiding her.
As dawn streaked the sky, she happened upon a farmer who gave her directions to get to Derbyshire and the Bellwood estate. Relieved she was heading the right way, she hoped to make it there by nightfall.
When she finally arrived at Lord Lawrence’s estate, Selena was completely exhausted and could barely keep her eyes open. Unfortunately, it had begun to pour again, and she was soaked to the skin, having traveled in the rain for several hours. She turned onto a gently winding path that led to an elegant, white-stoned manor house. Just as she and her horse were almost at the hitching post, a large white dog ran out in front of her, barking, and spooked her exhausted horse. Azure reared up. Unable to keep her seat, Selena tumbled backward, hitting the ground with a thud—and then, everything went black.
~*~
Chapter Three
Bellwood Manor
Derbyshire, England
Gerald was anticipating a relaxed, leisurely evening.
He’d completed a tour of the property’s perimeter, looking over the repairs to the numerous breaches in the stone wall that bordered the estate. Satisfied with the results, he’d spent an enjoyable hour, playing fetch with Dutch.
The large white dog of uncertain lineage had wandered onto the estate one rainy day, two years ago, bleeding, and limping. At a loss as to what to do for the animal, Gerald had deferred to Connery who immediately sent for the doctor.
“Doctor Baker knows how to treat dog wounds?” he’d asked.
“Aye…The man loves dogs. I’ve seen ‘im with them,” Connery had replied.
To his surprise, Doctor Baker had known exactly how to set the dog’s hind leg. It healed perfectly.
Gerald had named the dog, Dutch, and began taking him along as he tended to his duties and chores around the estate. Together, he and Connery trained the dog to obey key commands. Dutch had proven to be a clever and loyal guardian and protector, especially of the animals. When they’d had trouble with a band of horse thieves last year, Dutch had swiftly cornered one of the bandits in the stable, enabling Gerald and Connery to question the thief to discover the whereabouts of the rest of his gang. Best of all, Dutch was an excellent companion who kept Gerald company on his rambling walks.
Gerald picked up the stick and threw it again, watching the big, lumbering dog chase and return it with the exuberance of a pup. “Good boy, Dutch,” Gerald said, crouching to rub the dog’s shaggy head. Dutch wagged his tail and hopped about, uttering a mix of woofs, yips, and yaps—his canine chatter making Gerald chuckle.
“Time to head back, boy,” Gerald said, feeling the first few drops of rain. As they made their way back to the manor house the darkening skies abruptly unleashed a fierce storm. Gerald whistled at Dutch and the two broke into a run as the rain poured down.
By the time Gerald approached the stables he was drenched to the skin and looking forward to sitting by a warm fire in his study with a snifter of brandy, and Dutch snoozing on his favorite pillow by the hearth.
Dutch had run ahead, and Gerald whistled to call him back. Suddenly, he heard the dog’s distinctive bark warning of danger.
Alarmed, Gerald raced around the corner of the stables and stopped in his tracks.
To Gerald’s horror, a large gray stallion had appeared out of nowhere with a young boy on its back. Gerald shouted another command to Dutch but to no avail.
The white dog had sprung into attack mode, barking, and growling as he lurched toward the horse, causing the stallion to rear up, and toss the boy from its back. The horse, kicking and neighing, bolted, leaving the boy on the wet and muddy path.
“Dutch, easy fella. Easy,” Gerald said as he was able to grasp the panting dog’s collar and command him to sit. Gerald knelt beside the boy, hoping the youth was all right.
