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Newton jolted awake as the door snapped closed and he groaned as he rolled over from his back towards the door. He stretched his back with another groan as he took Kate in.
Kate, not that I’m not happy to see you, it’s just very late and if we’re going to travel I really need to get my rest while I can.
Kate took a shuddering breath as she stood in the doorway, her back pressed against the door. Newton narrowed his eyes as he stared at her, his chin resting on his paws.
What are you doing?
Kate let out a small giggle and her cheeks were flushed as she held her hand to her lips. “Newton!”
Katie… He watched her warily as she stepped towards him the smile on her face growing.
It wasn’t that it wasn’t nice to see her smile. Of course, it was. And he’d seen it so few times since they’d arrived in England. In fact, it seemed as though more of her had slipped away every second they’d been in this house. Kate didn’t seem cheered by the nice carpets to lie on, or the fact that his cushion had made it all the way. She didn’t seem to care that here they could sneak into the kitchens for a sausage whenever they wanted. And he knew exactly why.
It was that man.
Every time she was around that man that stared at her like a wolf about to pounce she started acting so strangely, and then she’d lie awake in bed with her hands running through his fur and stare at the ceiling with so much sadness in her eyes. Anthony hated that man. Anthony, Grandma Mary had called him, when Kate had laid so still for all those days after he had forced his way into the house carrying Kate. He was sure Anthony was responsible. Kate had come home that morning smelling of him and she’d been so upset when she left. Only to return with him. And Newton would never forgive him.
“Oh, Newton.” Kate flopped down onto the mattress with a breathless laugh.
Kate, you’re jostling me. Newton said, a little startled at the sudden change in her demeanour from a few hours ago.
“You’ll never guess what happened.”
Newton moved a little closer, sniffing delicately at her hair, his mind racing. She smelled like those flowers that grew in the fields and-
Kate! Newton let out a yelp of surprise and jumped backwards at the smell that practically assaulted him. It was him. She smelled like him. That man who had ruined her life. Kate, well I never. I’m not upset, I’m only disappointed.
Kate sighed as she rolled over, pressing her lips to Newton’s forehead. “I have a little bit of important news.”
Kate, please. Thank you for the kiss you know I like them but you’re getting his foul stench all over me. Newton whined taking a step back and looked petulantly at the ceiling.
Kate took a deep breath and sat up, her eyes bright, “The Viscount asked me to marry him.”
Newton nearly gasped in surprise. Well, I hope he didn’t feel the sting of the rejection of his mateship too harshly.
That was a lie. Newton hoped very much that Anthony went home with his tail between his legs having been thoroughly mortified at Kate’s firm refusal and he allowed himself a smug little huff.
Kate’s hand was gentle on his paw and she smiled gently, “He told me he loved me, despite the fact we drive one another to… near insanity if truth be told and I… I’ve never felt like this in my entire life.”
Victory is very sweet, isn’t it?
Newton settled his chin on Kate’s shoulder pushing down the revulsion he felt at Anthony’s scent in her hair but the moment really was too sweet to let it be ruined.
“I could barely breathe when I accepted his proposal.”
Newton yelped, reeling backwards. Kate! When you-?! Oh, I see. You were joking. Very funny, I’m tickled.
“So I’m afraid this means we weren’t be returning to India after all.”
Newton froze. If we aren’t going to- Kate. No!
“I know that it’ll be difficult with everything that happened between us-”
He’s out to ruin me. This is personal.
“But we’ll be happy together. I know we will.”
Oh, why did you have to say that? Newton whined, resigning himself. I’m not going to live with him. I’m not, Kate. He’ll have to stay where he is, and we’ll stay here, with Lady Danbury. That’s right, I’ll never have to see him.
“He’s coming tomorrow, after I’ve had a chance to talk to Mama.”
Well, I won’t be home! Newton huffed, settling himself back down on the bed. Feeling a little guilty at the happiness on her face that he couldn’t share in. Not yet.
_________________________
“Oh Newton, you look sad this morning, puppy.”
Newton sighed as he flopped down on the flagstone floor of the kitchen, Clara, I am sad. My Katie’s marrying a tart.
Clara scratched him behind the ear as she dropped a sausage on the floor in front of him. “Cheer up, boy. I hear you’ll be staying in England when Miss Sharma marries the viscount.”
That’s the problem, Clara. And a sausage won’t fix it. Newton whined, sniffing at the sausage before he gobbled it up. I see you’ve all heard.
Kate had been nervous this morning as they’d gone into the breakfast room. Truthfully, Newton had run ahead, desperate to get to Mary before Kate did.
Mary, Mary, Mary! Stop her! She’s gone a little insane! I still love her but she-
“Good morning, darling.” Mary hummed, kissing Kate’s forehead as she sat beside her.
“Morning, Mama.”
Mary watched Kate carefully, and Newton was sure she was going to sense what Newton had: that a blackhearted devil had entranced his Mama. But then she looked away. “Have you any plans for your final day here?”
Oh well, you’ll love this, Mary! Newton whined, leaning against Kate’s leg.
Kate stilled, her hand holding a piece of toast tantalisingly close to the edge of the table and Newton had to look away from it to keep from getting distracted.
“I believe…” Kate trailed off, clearing her throat, “Lord Bridgerton and the… Dowager Viscountess are planning to pay a call.”
Mary had exchanged a very pointed look with Lady Danbury and Edwina bit back a smirk.
God, don’t laugh at my misfortune, Edwina. You may have had a lucky escape but I will not!
“Lady Bridgerton did not say we had plans last night.”
Kate swallowed and Newton flopped to the floor, rolling his eyes. Oh great! He ruined my life without his Mama.
“I believe Lord Bridgerton wants to… discuss having asked for my hand in marriage last night.”
Everyone in the room froze, their mouths open in surprise and finally, Newton felt vindicated.
This is the appropriate level of horror, thank you, ladies.
And then the entire room erupted into excited squeals.
Ladies, no! Go back! Cease this!
It had been no good. Everyone was thrilled for Katie and the he-demon who was expected at any moment. And all Newton could do was eat his sausage on this cold floor.
He sighed as he finished his second breakfast and dragged himself off the floor, meandering upstairs. God, what was to become of him in this country? Forced to live with his mortal enemy, now. Kate thrust into the middle of this war betwixt him and the awful viscount. God, it would break her heart.
He nosed his way into the drawing room and hopped up onto the window seat beside Kate, staring out into the dreary sunshine.
He watched as a carriage turned into the drive and the footmen stepped forward.
The devil himself stepped out of the carriage, his cloven hooves hidden by his boots. He helped his mother down from the carriage looking far too smug and eager as he took off his hat.
I see he’s hidden his horns for this morning. Newton snorted, All the better to trick my Kate with.
Newton refused to look at the man as he entered the drawing room, teaching him a very firm lesson on the dynamic of their relationship, of that he was certain.
“Lady Mary,” Lord Bridgerton warbled like a dying fish and Newton turned pointedly away as he greeted the others, “Lady Danbury. Miss Edwina.”
Oh god, get away from me! Newton growled as Anthony stepped towards them, Your stink is everywhere!
“Miss Sharma.” He bared his teeth at her, snatching up her hand in his talons and pressing his lips to her hand.
Why don’t you just gnaw it off, Anthony?
“Lord Bridgerton.” Kate’s voice sounded funny and there was that look in her eyes again as she stared back at Anthony, a smile curving her lips. “Lovely to see you this morning, sir.”
Anthony raised his eyebrows, looking around the room, “And I… see no trunks packed. Could it be that you’ve decided we Englishmen are not so very bad after all?”
Oh, God. What more can this country take from me?! Newton sighed, Am I to trundle around these shores forever, with my Mama taken in by satan’s mistress?
“Perhaps I’ve changed my opinion on one Englishman.”
I’ve not changed my opinion. If anyone’s wondering.
He leaned in, so close his lips were nearly touching Kate’s ear and a wicked smile curved his lips. “Perhaps there’s still time for us to discuss breeding though.”
Never, In all my years! Newton leapt down, sprinting over to Mary’s side with a whine. He’s trying to corrupt her! Help me!
“Lord Bridgerton.” Lady Danbury said firmly, thankfully, “Perhaps you could stop pawing at your new betrothed for a moment and perhaps… tell us that you are in fact betrothed.”
Well, Newton thought, smiling smugly. That’s shown him.
Anthony spun around so quickly that he nearly toppled over, looking completely ridiculous, “Had she not-? Well, Lady Mary, Lady Danbury I apologise. I-”
“Lord Bridgerton.” Mary sighed, and Newton was sure she was about to send him packing, telling him that under no circumstances could he be Kate’s mate. “I had thought Aubrey Hall would be nice for the wedding. Was that not your wish?”
Oh. I wonder if a pup can die from disappointment.
_________________________
Finally. Newton huffed as he hopped onto the mattress of Kate’s bed. The end of a disappointing day.
Newton had been left to rattle around the house all evening, completely alone. Forced to eat only one dinner as everyone else had been out and there had been no table scraps to be fed. He’d be lucky if he was strong enough to get up in the morning, truly he would. Kate had come home a short while ago, stinking of Anthony again, burning Newton’s nose and absolutely ruining his pre-bed-time snuggles.
Lord. And now rocks were hitting the window. Was he not to know a moment’s peace?!
Kate stood slowly, and Newton followed begridgingly, ready to protect her from the ruffians. He hopped up on the window seat and-
Oh for god’s sake!
Anthony was standing beaneath the window. His hair was a mess, as though he’d run all the way from the cave he lived in and he’d left it practically undressed. Not a tie to be seen. He smiled like a lunatic when he caught sight of Kate. Clearly part of some nefarious scheme.
“Ah! Darling!”
“What on earth are you doing?!” Kate hissed at him, opening the window.
You tell him, Katie. Newton huffed smugly, Rack off, you goat.
“I’m not very ashamed to say I was hoping I might convince you to join me under that tree.” Anthony winked at her, like an absolute trollop.
“I’m not going to climb down!” Kate gasped, “Anyone could see us.”
Anthony dropped the pile of stones he’d used to desecrate Newton’s peace of mind and grinned further. “I’ll concede that anyone could see us, and while I’d love the vision of your skirt flapping around: I believe there’s a door you might be able to use.”
Kate scoffed, “You’re awfully cheeky, now that you know I love you.”
You don’t love him, Katie. Newton tutted, He’s… I’ll admit he’s a little pretty but I could find you someone prettier. I’ll find someone much prettier for you.
Anthony sighed, “Have I not a right to brag just a little, my Lady?”
“I’m not your lady yet.”
She never will be!
Anthony paid them no mind, “I’m afraid, Viscountess, that if you won’t come down to me, I shall have to come up there.”
Kate chuckled, “Oh that I would pay handsomely to see.”
Anthony sighed, making his way towards the wall, tugging on a vine. “I shall show you for free! Be prepared to be amazed and astonished!”
I doubt I’ll ever be amazed by you, Anthony. Newton scoffed, leaping back to the bed to reclaim his spot before Anthony could desecrate that as well. Kate, I’m not sharing my bed with him, I mean it.
“Anthony!” Kate hissed, “What are you doing?!”
With an enormous grunt that sounded like an elephant, Anthony’s face appeared in the window. “Viscountess! Perhaps I’ve earned a small reward.”
“I’m not a viscountess, yet.” Kate sighed but she leaned forward and pressed her lips against Anthony’s.
She helped him through the window, much to Newton’s dismay and her arms wrapped around his chest, holding him close.
“You are so beautiful.”
Well, she is. Newton sighed, She is the best person in the world.
Kate looked away a little embarrassed but she tugged on his hand and pulled him towards the bed. “Will you stay with me?”
Anthony let out a groan, “I can stay a short while.”
He shucked off his jacket and his boots and slipped into bed beside her.
Ugh! Anthony! Your feet are near me! Kate! His feet are near me!
Kate laid her head against Anthony’s chest and let out a content sigh, “Tell me something no one else knows.”
He’s an idiot! Newton huffed, pushing at Anthony’s foot. He’s not fit to wipe your boots.
Speaking of boots. Newton eyed Anthony’s as the man started to drone on. Those looked just right to sharpen his teeth on.
He leapt down, rolling his eyes at Anthony who shifted into the new space, smiling about something as he told his boring story. Newton gave the boots a little nibble, feeling more than a little petty as he watched Katie and Anthony together.
Bugger it. Newton sighed as Anthony’s eyes sparkled and Kate giggled about something. he sat back on his haunches and let out a loud howl, before barking as loud as he could. Mary! Mary! Lady Dabury! Come quickly! Mary, he’s being a harlot! Help!
“Newton!” Kate hissed, “Stop, someone will hear!”
I want them to!
“Newton!” Anthony said briskly, “Stop this instant.”
Never!
“Newton, please.”
He couldn’t resist the pleading in Kate’s voice and felt a little pang of guilt as he fell silent. He turned pointedly away from Anthony, making his position very clear. He’s not staying all night!
The sun peaked over the horizon, and the birds chirped and Newton was laying, sore-backed on the floor like some sort of common mutt.
“You need to go.” Kate’s voice was sleepy as they stirred on the bed and Anthony groaned.
“I am very much looking forward to the time when I won’t have to leave your bed in the morning.” Anthony smiled as he shrugged his jacket on, not noticing the chewed edge of his boot and Newton reclaimed his spot on the bed, growling as Anthony leaned back towards Kate, pressing their lips together.
“I you don’t leave soon, my Mama may never let you get there.” Kate chuckled, nudging him away as footsteps approached outside, “Go!”
Anthony mercifully shimmied out the window as a knock sounded at the door.”
“Come in.” Kate said, her cheeks still flushed as she adjusted her hair and the pillow beside her to make it seem as though Anthony wasn’t just outside.
Mary appeared as the door swung inward and Newton sighed. Mary, I called for help twice! Where have you been?!
Mary smiled as she made her way into the room, tucking Kate’s hair behind her ear, “You look happy, sweetheart.”
Kate swallowed and her fingers twisted in Newton’s fur as she anchored herself to him and Newton stayed very still. “I’m very happy. I know that… I know that we didn’t go about things the right way, and I’m sorry for that. I’m sorry for all of it but I… love him, Mama. We’ll be happy together.”
Once again, Newton felt guilt twist in his stomach. Maybe he should try to like- No. He never would. There was no point trying.
“I’m glad you’re happy.” The traitorous Mary smiled before she took a shuddering breath. “There was only one thing that I wanted to doscuss with you.”
Kate looked uncomfortable, shifting in the bed, “Oh, I’m a little aware of… what happens btween a man and a woman.”
Gad, do I have to hear this?!
Mary bit her lip, “Well, that’s rather the point.” She cleared her throat, “I realise that there is a great deal of feeling between yourself and Lord Bridgerton and I… Darling, if he’s going to sneak in for heaven’s sake have him use the door. He kicked my window three times.”
Am I to have no help?! To ward off the incubus?!
_________________________
Don’t mind us. Newton grimaced at a Pomeranian as they passed, trying to enjoy the wind in his fur.
It should have been nice, to feel the grass under his paws again and to be able to smell everything London had to offer. He loved going out for walks. He loved greeting all of his new friends and spying that squirell that kept taunting him. He loved feeling the sun on his nose and being out and about with Kate. But not today. No. Today, the spectre of doom had darkened the doorway when Kate had reached for his leash and Newton had known that there was no escape.
So here he was. Letting his paws scuff the pavement as he walked ahead of Kate. She had her arm tucked in the crook of Anthony’s as they made their way through the park and really, it was more than a dog could be expected to bear.
Kate giggled as Anthony whispered in her ear and Newton sighed.
Anthony, please. We’re walking here! Let me do what I need to do!
Another dog huffed at him as they walked past and Newton Sighed.
He’s not affliated with me. Newton huffed. He’s my mother’s concubine, he’s not my father.
“Miss Sharma!”
Newton pulled up as Anthony ground to a halt at the sound of the voice, shaking his head. “Just wave! I’m not going over to that woman.”
Kate rolled her eyes, laughing, “Well, I can’t very well ignore her, can I?”
“You can!”
Kate sighed, and Newton watched in horror as she slapped his leash into Anthony’s hand. “Stay here then, you coward.”
“I will happily be a coward, to avoid that woman.” Anthony grinned, “Good luck, Darling. I pray for your safe return.”
She’s not your darling. Newton whined, straining at his leash to follow Kate down the path rather than be left with anthony. She’s my Katie!
“It’s okay, boy.”
It bloody well isn’t! Newton huffed, flopping dejectedly onto his haunches. God, someone might see us together.
Anthony sighed, “You and I don’t… know one another very well. Truth be told I feel a little silly talking to you.”
Well, you’re stupid so it shouldn’t be much of a change. Newton sighed, patting his paw in the grass.
“I would… see it as a great personal favour if you… perhaps gave me a chance.”
Fat chance of that.
“I only… I love her very much and I think we can agree that she is the most incredible person.”
Why did he have to start being right?! Newton Whined. You won’t hypnotise me, you demon.
“All I want is to make her happy.” Anthony sighed, and Newton begrudgingly let him scratch his head. “So perhaps we could be friends.”
Newton stared at him for a very long moment, his eyes narrowed as he took in the man that he was failing to convince his Mama not to marry. Perhaps. But we won’t be starting now.
And with a yip Newton took off running, dragging the very devil behind him as Kate’s laughter boomed through the afternoon.