Patricia Veryan - [Sanguinet Saga 09] - Logic Of The Heart (47 page)

Wolfgang was grinding blissfully on his bone. Bearing down on
him at top speed came a large and terrible threat.

"
Soldier
!" roared Montclair, racing full
tilt. "Go
home!"

But Soldier was almost upon the delectable bone and its
contemptibly puny owner, and paid no heed.

At the last second, the Fierce and Invincible Guard Dog jumped
up and turned to face Nemesis, and quail, shivering.

'Oh, Lord!' thought Montclair, 'please don't let the child see
this.'

A horrifying growl rumbling deep in his throat, Soldier lunged
in for the kill.

All the hair stood up on Wolfgang's small back. He yapped
once, and sprang bravely.

Soldier let out a shrill yelp, and jumped back, one paw
flailing at his bloody nose.

Staring in disbelief, Valentine halted.

Wolfgang planted both front paws firmly on his property, and
barked a shrill diatribe of canine insults.

His tail between his legs, howling, Soldier sped for home.

Montclair threw back his head and shouted with laughter. He
heard peals of merriment ring out behind him. and turned, holding out
his arms. Susan and Priscilla ran into them. Priscilla hugged his leg
hard. Susan kissed his chin, her eyes full of love and laughter.

Andrew strolled down the front steps with Welcome draped over
his shoulder. He relinquished the little cat to Priscilla's eager
embrace, and said with his ingratiating grin. "I say. Montclair. I saw
the most deuced pretty girl driving towards the Manor when I was coming
back from Tewkesbury this afternoon. She has auburn hair and the
loveliest green eyes. I wondered…"

"She is my new sister-in-law." said Montclair. "And I'll thank
you to keep your lecherous eyes from the lady. Furthermore, does it
escape your notice. Andy, that I have my arm around your sister?"

Lyddford blinked. "Well. I'm not blind. Why d'you suppose we
painted the house that disgusting colour? Or brought Priscilla over to
Longhills to tell you about it? You were properly ambushed, poor
fellow. Now, regarding your sister-in-law—since we're all going to be
part of the family…"

Laughing. Montclair planted a firm kiss on Susan's brow.

"By Jove, but we are," he said, and with his arm securely
around his love, led the way into the dear old house.