Page 48 of The Duke of Distraction
“Undoubtedly,” Mrs.Jenney said.
Sarah pulled off one of her gloves and reached over into the pen to stroke the puppy’s head.This one was the lightest of the bunch, a pale cream.“They are absolutely adorable.”
“Go on and pick her up, then,” Mrs.Jenney suggested, as if Sarah needed much urging.
Removing her other glove, Sarah handed them to Dovey.Then she scooped the puppy into her arms and stood, cuddling the animal to her chest.
Felix could see she was already in love.“What would you name her?”
Sarah nuzzled the dog’s head.“Blossom.Because she’s beautiful, and she smells so very sweet.”
“Well then, it sounds as if she’s yours already,” Felix said.
“I can’t take a dog.”She squatted down and put the dog back into the pen.Another trotted toward her, this one darker with a reddish hue.The animal thrust its head into Sarah’s hand, and she picked it up next.
“You’re right,” Felix said.“Clearly you must take two.”
She put the dog back in the pen and stood, shaking her head at him.“What if my husband doesn’t like dogs?”
“Then he shouldn’t be your husband.”
Mrs.Jenney looked confused, and Felix said, “He’s hypothetical at this point—the husband.”
She nodded.“They’ll be fully weaned in a few weeks.You could take one—or two—then, if you like.Two of them are spoken for.The darkest one there.”She pointed to one that was nearly red and to a second one that was lighter and by far the largest of the litter.“And that big one.My son calls him Hero.”
“What a wonderful name,” Sarah said.Her gaze was so wistful, so full of yearning, that Felix could hardly stand it.
“Sarah, you’re taking a dog,” he said.“I insist.Make your choice.Blossom or the other one.”
“She’s a girl too.My son’s taken to calling her Poppy.She’s the friendliest of the bunch.”
Sarah frowned.“I would hate to take your son’s dog.”
“Oh, she isn’t his.Their mother is his pup, and he wouldn’t trade her for anything.And we’ll keep whatever pup is left when the other five have been taken.”
“It’s settled, then,” Felix said.“We’ll pick up Blossom and Poppy in two weeks.Will that be sufficient time for them to wean?”
“Oh yes, sir.That would be just fine.”Mrs.Jenney smiled widely, revealing a gap between her front teeth.“I’m so pleased they’ll have such a loving home.It’s obvious you love dogs,” she said to Sarah.
“I do.”Sarah positively beamed, and Felix was aware of a tightening in his chest.Blast it all.
“Would you like to play with them a bit?”Mrs.Jenney asked.
“I would, thank you.”
Mrs.Jenney stepped away from the pen.“I’ve lemonade in the house if anyone would care for some.”
“Would you mind if I went inside, Sarah?”Dovey asked.
“Not at all.”Sarah didn’t look up from the puppies.She bent down and scooped Blossom up, then moved to sit on a pile of hay nearby.
When Mrs.Jenney and Dovey had left, Felix picked up Poppy and joined Sarah.The puppies allowed a bit of coddling before they demanded to be put down so they could explore.
“This was lovely of you,” Sarah said softly.“Thank you.”
“I know how much you adore dogs.”
“I do.My parents wouldn’t let me have one in London.”
