In Need of a Noble Bride - Chapter 8
Willette would love to say that she had no plans for the following evening, for it was true, but she also knew her place. He would be a viscount one day and was looking for a woman to become his viscountess. That could never be her. She was a commoner. She had never minded that before, for it had allowed her to dream about auditioning for the opera. But now…
With her heart sinking, she turned about and began walking towards the park entrance, which, unfortunately, was at the other end of the zoo.
Rafael was at her side, and she knew ignoring his question was useless, because he would simply repeat it. ‘I’ll be at my father’s house by tomorrow evening.’ That was her only option now that the opera wasn’t a choice. Quickly changing the subject, she asked, ‘Do you have any animals?’
‘I do,’ he answered, then asked, ‘Your father’s house, as in up north? Near Turnbill?’
Momentarily closing her eyes, for the reality of her future stung, she said, ‘Yes. What kind of animals do you have?’
‘Wild or tame?’ he asked, before adding, ‘How long will you be at your father’s?’
For the rest of my life, she thought, and looked at him, wondering if he was teasing. Not sure, she asked, ‘Wild or tame?’
He nodded.
‘Tame.’
‘Atlas, my horse, Pal, my dog, and The General, who is a cat.’
‘Your cat?’
He shrugged. ‘In as much as a cat can belong to someone. I named him The General because, for the most part, he rules the house. Even Pal takes his orders from The General.’
‘Your dog’s name is simply Pal?’
Giving her a grin, he explained, ‘It’s short for, well, for “poops a lot.” How long will you be at your father’s house?’
The name made her grin, but, still not ready to answer his question, she asked, ‘What wild ones do you have?’
‘Tumbler and Orphie. Tumbler is a squirrel who tumbled into the fountain at my father’s house and had exhausted himself trying to get out. I wasn’t convinced that I could revive him, but I did, and now he lives in my back garden.’
Could he be a better man? He not only saved children—he saved squirrels. Knowing and loving cats, and dogs, and most every other animal, she asked, ‘What does The General think of that?’
‘He minds his manners for the most part, but Tumbler is full grown now, and fast.’ He grasped her arm, brought her to a stop and pointedly asked again, ‘How long will you be at your father’s house?’