On a Wicked Dawn (Cynster 9)

As he tacked through the crowd, he saw the others — Martin, Lucifer, Simon — like him, scanning the throng. On the outskirts, Cottsloe kept watch from the terrace, while Sugden stood in the shadow of the shrubbery, keeping an eye on Patsy and Morry, and on everything else.

The dogs were greeting countless children. Luc headed that way, intent on asking Sugden if he could identify a number of men he himself could not. Nothing immediately worrying about that — all invited had been told to bring any houseguests. It was summer, and many country families had friends or family from London or elsewhere staying.

Moving through the crowd, Luc saw General Ffolliot standing to one side watching the fiddlers play. He changed course and joined him, nodding genially.

"Just watching our two." The General indicated Fiona and Anne, arm in arm, watching the dancers.

Luc smiled. "I'd meant to thank you for allowing Fiona to spend so much time with us in London. Her confidence is a boon to Anne."

"Oh, aye — she's confident enough, is Fiona." After a moment, the General cleared his throat, and somewhat diffidently asked, "Actually, I'd meant to have a word myself, but that business of the thimble distracted me." He shot Luc a glance from under his shaggy brows. "You haven't heard anything about Fiona having dealings with any man, have you?"

Luc raised his brows, genuinely surprised. "No. Nothing." He hesitated, then asked, "Have you reason to suspect she has?"

"No, no!" The General sighed. "It's just that she's… well, changed since she's returned home. I can't put my finger on it…"

After a moment, Luc said, "If you like, I could mention your concern to my wife. She's close to both Emily and Anne. If Fiona has mentioned anything…"

The General studied his daughter, then gruffly said, "If you would, that would be most kind."

Luc inclined his head. A moment later, he parted from the General, and continued to where Sugden stood, Patsy's and Morry's leashes in one hand.

The hounds leapt and whined when they saw him, then sat, front feet dancing, ears back, tails wagging furiously. Smiling, he ran his hand over their heads, stroked Patsy's ears, sending her into a state bordering on ecstasy. "These two have proved popular."

"Aye — the kiddies love 'em, and the gents can't resist admiring them."

Luc patted Morry. "How could they not?" His tone altered. "Have you seen anything amiss?"

"Not amiss, but there's a few here I can't place."

Between them, they put names to all they could.

"That still leaves five men we don't know." Impassive, Sugden had his eye on one.

Luc looked down at the dogs. "We have four ladies we can't place, either, and there're still people arriving."

"And from what you said, we've no idea when or from where this bounder will arrive anyway. He might not come via the front door."

"True." Luc focused on a small procession heading their way. Amelia and Portia were in the lead, holding hands with two children; a small tribe followed at their heels. "What's this?"

It appeared Amelia had intended to head straight for the kennels; noticing them watching, she veered their way. With a wave, she indicated her entourage. "We're taking the children to see Galahad."

Luc recognized the children from the cottages by the river. "I see."

The older children stopped to pat Patsy and Morry; the younger ones followed, as did Portia and her charge. The girl with Amelia slipped away to join the group. Sugden talked about the pack; Luc drew Amelia aside.

She turned to him. "I'll just take them in to see the puppies, Galahad in particular — I promised."

He hadn't considered Amelia — or Portia — being anywhere but among the guests on the lawns — in full view. He couldn't, in all conscience, desert his watch on Helena to escort them to the kennels. Still, realistically, what harm could befall them in his kennels? He nodded, inwardly grim, but hiding it, or so he thought. "Very well — but don't dally, and come straight back."

She met his eyes, then smiled, stretched up, and kissed his cheek. "Don't worry. We won't be long."

The children were ready to move on; hands were retaken, the procession re-formed and headed on toward the kennels.

Luc watched them go, then turned to Sugden, who was also watching the group heading into his domain — unsupervised. "Give me the leashes — I'll take Patsy and Morry. You go and watch that lot." As a sop to his pride, he added, "You may as well check around the kennels while you're there."

Sugden nodded, unwrapped the leashes from his fist, then hurried off to catch up with the children.

Luc settled the leashes about one hand, then looked down at his favorite hounds. "I'm the host — I can't stand here like a post. So we're going to wander through the crowd. Try and keep your noses to yourselves."