There Must Be Murder by Margaret C. Sullivan

Author:Margaret C. Sullivan
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: jane austen, northanger abbey, austen sequel, girlebooks
Publisher: Margaret C. Sullivan

Chapter Eight

Most Alarming Adventures

Catherine prepared for church the next morning with a lingering expectation that the expedition to Beechen Cliff would be put off by some emergency; the general requiring his son’s company, or a summons from the Beauclerks that could not be ignored. Indeed there was almost a delay, as Eleanor wished to call briefly in Laura-place to leave a receipt for rosewater cold cream in which Lady Beauclerk had expressed an interest.

“Matthew can take the note to her ladyship,” said Henry, and Eleanor, who did not relish that duty, was happy enough to surrender it. Catherine thought she saw a significant look pass between Henry and Matthew as the note was handed over, but it was soon forgotten in a flutter of anticipatory pleasure. The charm of a country walk with Henry had not abated upon her marriage, and Catherine was as happy as she had been during a similar walk a year earlier; it could be argued she was even happier, as she now had the right to take Henry’s arm and walk beside him, talk to him and be the first object of his interest; a state which Henry enjoyed no less than she.

Most of Bath was promenading upon the Royal Crescent, and they were nearly alone by the river, so Henry let MacGuffin off the leash. In his delight at being outside and unrestrained, the Newfoundland reverted to rather puppyish behavior, cavorting along the edge of the river and chasing some mallards who lounged on the bank.

The mallards, indignant at their Sunday repose being spoiled, squawked and flapped their wings at MacGuffin; undaunted, he barked and teased them, challenging them to a game they had no desire to play, ending it by the simple expedient of entering the river and swimming away. MacGuffin stood on the riverbank, barking after them; there was a splash, and MacGuffin was in the river, swimming after the ducks.

“I suspected he would end up in the water,” said Henry, not at all disturbed by his pet’s behavior.

“Oh! Henry! Get him out!” cried his sister. “Will he not drown?”

“Newfoundlands are famous swimmers, Eleanor. I have trained Mac to retrieve in the pond at home.”

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