Page 31 of Leap of Faith
Fortunately, the country girls did not take long to ready themselves, and soon they were gathered with their bonnets and cloaks about to set out when there was a knock upon the door.
“Freddy. We were just about to walk in the park. Would you care to join us?”
“Certainly! It will be just the thing! I have brought a lead for my namesake.”
Joy squealed with delight as Dominic looked on with horror.
Freddy pulled out a little bejewelled black collar and a matching lead.
Joy held up Freddy Tiger and Freddy clasped the collar round his little neck.
He then proceeded to stroke the kitten behind the ears. “This way he will not escape up into a tree again. Will you?” he said in that annoying little voice that people talked to babies with.
“You unman me, Freddy!” Dominic said acidly.
Freddy, who was by now allowing the kitten to rub its chin all over his, merely grinned at Dominic.
“Not so amused now?” Miss Whitford asked knowingly.
“Certainly not bored!” he retorted and held out his arm to her.
She laughed for the first time he could remember. The low, musical lilt affected him in ways even her beauty had not. She needed to laugh more, he decided.
They began their procession two by two with Freddy and Joy leading the way trying to convince little Freddy Tiger to walk on the lead. Thus far it had only managed to become tangled in Joy’s skirts.
“I believe Freddy is in danger of becoming another Poodle Byng.”
“Oh, but a kitten is much more dashing! Perhaps we should return to the Strand and select one for you as well,” Miss Whitford said with a smile that quite transformed her face.
Dominic pretended to shudder which made her laugh again.
“Come now, I have heard anything Lord Westwood does is certain to take.”
“Who is filling your ears with such nonsense?” he protested.
“Your servants think very highly of you, and we read the Society pages.”
“Unfortunately, when retainers have known you since birth, there is little threat you can make to them,” he replied ruefully.
Thankfully, Green Park was neither as crowded nor as occupied with members of thetonintent on socializing as Hyde Park. The park was instead full of playing children and merchants going about their business.
They entered through the gate near Bath House and walked along the row of stately homes in the Palladian fashion similar to Westwood House.
“Are those cows?” Miss Whitford asked, squinting towards the far corner of the park.
“Yes, indeed. I had forgotten about them. Would any of you care for some fresh milk?”
“They have milch cows in the middle of the park in London? How curious!”
“No one can ever say you were deprived in London. Not only do we have milk, but fresh and warm, straight from the cow!”
The others had by this time noticed the herd and were wandering closer with curiosity, while Joy and Freddy still struggled to teach little Freddy Tiger to use his lead. Currently, he was climbing Freddy’s glossy Hessians much to his dismay, resulting in a blistering scold to his junior. Once he had divested Hoby’s masterpiece of the feline, Freddy Tiger then began attacking his lead.
Dominic could only shake his head. He paid the attendant for five warm glasses of milk, thinking himself rather magnanimous for considering Freddy Tiger.
He placed the cup down on the ground, and the cat eagerly helped himself.
“Do you wish for some, Freddy…the great? Senior? It is a bit confusing to know what to call each of you when you’re together.”
