Page 10 of The Heir's Fortune
The girl nodded stiffly, bending to pick up her bucket. Just as they began to pass through the kitchens, a yap came from beyond, and the puppy Gideon had found came running towardthem, jumping back and forth between Gideon and Madeline as though uncertain of just who was his master.
“What are you doing down here?” Gideon asked, bending to pat his head.
“My lord.” Victor rounded the corner, relief on his face. “My apologies. I knew you were out in the rain and was concerned. I began to look for you, but then the dog ran out and I didn’t want to leave him. Fortunately, he returned to the house.”
The stablehand took a huge breath, and Gideon patted the dog absentmindedly.
“Had he come looking for me?” he asked.
“Er—that was actually my fault,” Madeline said. “I let him accompany me to the stables and then asked Victor to watch over him. I didn’t realize that anyone else was out riding – although I must apologize, Victor, for that is likely what you were trying to tell me.”
Victor nodded once. “I should go see to the horses.”
“We did that already,” Gideon said. “It’s still raining quite hard. Why do you not stay here, have yourself a hot drink, and then return once the rain has settled.”
“That is kind of you, my lord,” Victor said before Gideon and Madeline continued up the servants’ staircase to the main part of the house.
“Have you named the dog?” Madeline asked.
“No,” he said shortly.
“He needs a name.”
“I know,” Gideon said, trying to hide his annoyance.
“He’s resilient and seems to be able to find his way, whether that is to people who need him or to find what he needs.” She tapped a finger against her lip. “How about Scout?”
The dog gave a yap of excitement, causing Madeline to laugh.
“He agrees!”
“Well, Scout it is, then,” Gideon said.
“Why did you not name him?”
“He’s a dog.”
“Lord Ashford,” Madeline said boldly. “This dog already clearly adores you and as much as you are trying not to show it, you enjoy his company in turn. Would you like to know what I think?”
“Not really, but I have a feeling you are going to tell me anyway.”
“I think that you do not want to allow the dog to get too close to you.”
“Why would you think that?” he asked, turning away from her, for he did not like how close to the truth she was.
“You keep people – and dogs, apparently – at a distance.”
“Because they all end up disappointing you,” he said. “Now, this has been a pleasure Lady Madeline, but we should really both go find dry clothing.”
“Scout, would you like to help us find the treasure?” Madeline said as they entered the dining room, their clothing dripping over the rich carpets as they went, but there was nothing to be done about it.
Gideon fixed her with a stare.
“Lady Madeline, there is nous. You will not be finding the treasure.”
“What is that supposed to mean?”
“It is too dangerous. I cannot let you help.”
