He shut the door firmly against the cold November rain and knelt down beside Reeth who slowly opened a mournful eye. A week before, Reeth had lost a front paw in an illegal gin-trap set in the oak plantation high on the hill that sheltered the manor house. Nathan had bound the stump and raced with the dog back to the stables and pleaded with Oliver to save him. Oliver had a knack for healing sick animals and after stemming the flow of blood he treated Reeth with a fennel poultice. He prescribed barley water to drink when the dog was able to lap and pronounced that if the infection didn’t claim its life it could get along quite reasonably with three paws instead of four.

Nathan watched the treatment with tears flowing unashamedly down his face. He and Polly had been married for seven years and although they hoped and prayed, even resorting to Beatrice’s fertility potions, they had not yet conceived a child. Nathan’s gun dogs were his ‘children’ and he swore a terrible revenge on the cruel culprit who had set the trap. So great was his gratitude to Oliver for giving Reeth the chance to live he might well have kissed his master had he been a female. But Oliver’s ill temper of the past few weeks forbade even a handshake of thanks.

Everyone took turns to watch over Reeth. Nathan and Polly sat up all through the first night, the dog’s mournful hot head cradled lovingly in Nathan’s lap. He spent as much time with Reeth as possible. Conan and Michael took turns through the following days. Luke and Kane came together and no high jinks ensued for a change. Kerensa came with Beatrice, with fresh barley water, clean blankets and soft cushions. Olivia came with Cherry and amid floods of tears left her favourite rag doll tucked in under his head. Ruth and Esther tempted his appetite with tender cooked meats. Oliver made inquiries on Reeth’s progress but did not check on his condition, being far too preoccupied. And Jack was there as much as the others.

‘Life’s miserable for you too, isn’t it, boy?’ Jack stroked the dog’s smooth brown and white head. ‘’Tis miserable for everyone round here lately. Little Miss Olivia’ll be along in a minute, she’s bringing ’ee a biscuit. Told me she’s gonna ask Esther to help her bake it for you herself, bless her heart. She’ll be here too, won’t let a drop o’ rain stop her.’