What's a Little Water and Mud Between Friends?
Meredith's Tender Awakening 7:2
Previously Meredith and Aunt Cecily take a walk in a nearby park, but Badger, Mr Bairstow’s terrier, starts to misbehave
Several people now stopped to watch the spectacle, talking amongst themselves as Badger paddled vigorously in the water, his head lay flat on the surface and his two ears perked up. Under the murky green water, his paws were presumably paddling furiously, because he glided along, with just the tip of his tail visible, only occasionally ruffling the surface with an excited flick, especially when he drew almost level with a frantic mallard.
Meredith stood on the shore, impotent and embarrassed, while her temporary charge had his fun chasing the wildlife. Why hadn’t she heeded Mr B’s warning? That question rang loud in her consciousness, especially when spectators gathered alongside her open-mouthed.
One ventured to ask, “Is that your dog?”
“Not mine,” she shrugged helplessly, “but I am looking after him.”
There was a ripple of derisive laughter.
“Do you think he would kill a duck?” A lady in a dark aubergine dress asked no one in particular.
“I hope not,” Meredith spoke through gritted teeth.
“He can’t help it,” the male companion of the lady in the aubergine dress’s spoke with authority. “It's in his nature. He’s simply enjoying the thrill of pursuit.”
By now, Aunt Cecily had reached Meredith’s side and was looking aghast at Badger’s antics.
“Oh Meredith,” she said balefully.
“Badger, come here!” Meredith tried injecting a note of dominance into her voice, despite feeling the opposite.
That was the moment the little dog chose to turn gracefully in the water and begin swimming back to shore, having caused most of the ducks to fly to higher ground. He propelled himself calmly up the muddy bank and returned to Meredith’s side. When he had nearly come close enough for her to catch hold of him, he planted all four paws and shook himself. Dirty droplets sprayed out in an impressive arc, thoroughly soaking her dress and bonnet.
“Oh no!” her aunt exclaimed, stepping back.
But Meredith was too relieved to have the little dog's lead in her grasp to worry about dirt and wetness. She grasped the leather loop and held it tightly.
“Aren't you a frightful scamp?” Chuckled the man who had made the earlier remark about Badger’s nature. He had crouched down and was rubbing the dog’s waterlogged ear. “You had your fun and now you’ve returned, looking like butter wouldn’t melt in your mouth.”
When he straightened, he gave Meredith a conspiratorial grin. “Please let me introduce myself; Edgar Aldenham at your service. And this is my sister Amelia.”
He lifted his hat off his brown wavy hair and gave a courteous bow. Amelia also inclined her head with a sweet smile and Meredith’s embarrassment at the scene Badger had caused diffused a fraction.
“Meredith Millais,” she supplied, “and this is my aunt, Mrs Celia Woodrow.”
“Pleased to meet you Mrs Woodrow, Miss Millais,” Edgar spoke smoothly. “I don't believe I have seen you in Bath before. Have you just arrived?”
“Yes very recently,” Meredith smiled weakly as she dabbed at her face with a handkerchief.
It was most vexing to meet a handsome man when she was not looking her best. She cast Badger a reproachful look, but the dog ignored her, sitting calmly on his haunches, licking water from its hind quarters.
“Where are my manners,” Mr Aldenham scolded himself, glancing quickly at his sister. “You ladies would surely benefit from a hot beverage. What say you join us at the tea rooms for some refreshment?”
“That would be lovely,” Meredith’s aunt accepted his invitation. “Come Meredith, and bring that disreputable dog with you.”
[To be Continued …]