Emily Hendrickson by Drusillas Downfall Page B

what a docile creature he was, turned red at the dog’s behavior. “He always loves everyone,” she said weakly as Binky issued another low growl. She patted the dog in a comforting way, stroking the silky fur and soothing it as best she could.
    Drusilla exchanged a look with Lord Ives. “A neighbor of ours has a dog like that. Bites my ankles at every chance, the little beast.” She spoke softly out of deference to poor Miss Knight, but she devoutly hoped the animal would not be turned loose.
    “Dogs are sensitive creatures. They know who likes them and who doesn’t.” Lord Ives stood at her side, waiting to turn the page of the Mozart sonata she played.
    “I had never thought of a dog as needing to get on the better side of one, but I suppose it makes sense in a way.” She glanced at him, then concentrated on her music. It was better that way. He looked very handsome this evening. She thought him ideal company; a pleasant voice, excellent manners, and above all no desire to scold her for anything. It was a pity that try as she could, the face that kept popping up in her mind’s eye was that of Lord Brentford!
    At least two games had been played when Lady Brentford announced it was time for refreshments. “My poor brain needs the stimulant of a cup of tea.”
    “Do not, I beg of you, forget those ratafia biscuits,” Lord Osman declared.
    Sir Bertram added, “I must confess a partiality to your cook’s seed cake.”
    “We shall have both. And, Cordelia, do something about Binky, dear. Perhaps the dog wishes to go out?”
    Miss Knight, who had relaxed her hold on her pet, smiled and was about to comment, when the animal leaped from her lap and dove under the table to attack Lady Felicia’s ankles.
    Lady Felicia screamed and kicked out. “Nasty beast!”
    The terrified dog dashed madly across the room, where she spotted someone she knew. Drusilla. She immediately jumped up to what she expected would be an accepting lap.
    Drusilla froze, her hands in midair. Liquid sable-brown eyes beseeched her.
    “What can I do?” Dru whispered to Lord Ives. She carefully placed a hand on the dog, stroking it to calm it and trusting Miss Knight would shortly rescue her.
    The dog smiled—she would swear it did—and settled down in her lap as though anticipating a snooze.
    “Binky, you bad puppy!” Miss Knight cried as she hurried across the room, only to halt at the sight of the dog draped on Drusilla’s lap.
    “Here she is,” Dru said quietly, hoping not to disturb the animal. She had no wish for nipped ankles. She offered Miss Knight an encouraging smile.
    “Look, he likes Miss Herbert! I have never seen him take to someone like this! My dear girl, it is truly marvelous.” Miss Knight eased her little dog up in her arms, earning a lick on the cheek for her efforts.
    “I think I need a cup of tea as well.” Mozart forgotten, she rose from the piano to be joined by Lord Ives. The hot tea was more than welcome.
    Miss Knight handed Binky to one of the footmen to be taken for a walk. She apologized profusely to Lady Felicia, who returned a strained smile while rubbing her ankle.
    “I do hope I am able to walk without difficulty. My skin is so tender. I am not accustomed to such things.”
    Since Drusilla had endured nipped ankles, she couldn’t censure Lady Felicia too much. She thought she might have been just a bit more stoic about it. One thing was clear—Lady Felicia had a temper, and she didn’t like dogs.
     

Chapter Six
     
    “She is a lovely creature, is she not?” Lady Brentford declared in ringing tones once Drusilla had escorted her to her room and helped her ladyship arrange things to her liking.
    “Indeed, ma’am. Lady Felicia is pink-and-white perfection.” Dru made no comment on the temper and the kicks at the little dog. After all, she on occasion had a flare of temper, and she certainly wasn’t fond of the neighbor’s spaniel. But she hadn’t booted it.
    “She assuredly is,” Lady