They rode back to Lord Powell's in silence. Sir James had much on his mind, not the least of which was tender young Abigail. A very eager young lass indeed. Sir James knew that anxious feeling rather well of late. Only how to excuse himself from Lord Powell later on, perhaps a 'special investigation' he mused.
Patsy, meanwhile, kept quiet as befitted someone of his rank. Even when he saw the huge cat-a-mount, over to his right, just on the edge of the woods, following them. Even as the big cat started to lay back behind them, like big cats do when they're hunting, just before they attack. Patsy never uttered a word. But a shaky hand did find his pistol as they rode on in silence. Neither Patsy nor Sir James saw the timber wolf that watched them arrive back at Lord Powell's estate. Then wi
