Brodie nodded. ‘He was probably looking for Percy.’
Her lined face crumpled and she began crying quietly. Brodie turned to Lettie unsure what to do.
Lettie cocked her head towards the woman and mouthed for him to comfort her.
He stood and crossed the small distance between his chair and Mrs Broadbent, crouching down in front of her. ‘Please, don’t get upset. It’s not your fault. It’s a natural thing for the dog to have done.’
She wiped her eyes and looked up at him, sniffing. ‘It is?’
‘Yes,’ Lettie agreed. ‘I was the one who found Derek and I can assure you he was fine.’ She pointed to the dog and smiled. ‘Look at him. He’s sleeping soundly in his bed and I think we can all see that there’s no harm done by his little adventure.’
Mrs Broadbent blew her nose again and seemed to calm down a little. ‘Thank you both. You’re very kind.’
Brodie sat back down in his chair. She seemed reassured but there was something not quite settled about the whole incident, although he couldn’t put his finger on what it might be. He went over what she had told them about Percy, then about not being used to dogs and it dawned on him what the problem might be.
‘I was wondering if you knew how old Derek is?’ He presumed the dog must be about seven years old, but thought he may as well ask the person most likely to know.
‘I believe he’s about seven or eight maybe?’ She sighed. ‘He’s arescue. Percy was kind like that. I think he’s a greyhound cross, or something.’
‘I had suspected as much,’ Brodie said nodding.
‘What, the dog’s age, or breed?’ She seemed very interested.
‘Both.’ He watched her as she spoke briefly to Lettie and it occurred to him that as relieved as she might be to have Derek returned to her she didn’t appear to be as elated as most owners usually were when reunited with a beloved pet.
‘May I ask you something?’ Brodie hoped he was not about to overstep the mark. ‘I hope you won’t be offended if I ask how you cope with exercising the dog? He seems to have a lot of energy and I was wondering if it might be a little difficult for you.’
She dabbed at the end of her nose and gave him a quizzical look. ‘I’m not offended at all. In fact, exercising him is the thing that concerns me the most. I’m not as steady on my legs as I was and find it a struggle to take him out much.’
‘Is it going to be difficult having Derek back living with you?’
She looked aghast. ‘I’m not the type of person to abandon a defenceless animal, Mr Murray.’
Horrified to have offended her so deeply, Brodie gasped. ‘That’s not what I meant.’ He puffed out his cheeks, trying to think how best to rectify his mistake. ‘You mentioned you’re not used to looking after dogs.’ She continued to stare at him, her eyes narrowed. ‘What I’m trying to say, very badly, is that I’ve grown very attached to Derek in the short time he stayed with me and, if you were to consider him coming to live with me I would be very happy to take him on.’ He raised his hand. ‘But only if that’s what you would like. If I’ve misread this situation I apologise.’
Her shoulders lowered and he noticed her relax slightly back into her chair. ‘I see. Well…’ She looked at Derek for a few seconds, seeming to consider his suggestion. ‘I have felt a little overwhelmed having to look after him and especially now that he ran away.’ She looked at Lettie. ‘What do you think about all this? Would it be dreadful of me to agree to this young man taking Derek on when dear Percy entrusted him into my care?’
‘Not at all,’ Brodie was relieved but not surprised to hear Lettie reply. ‘To be honest with you I haven’t known Brodie all that long but he is well liked by the community. He’s also a very good vet, so Derek couldn’t be in better hands.’ She put her hand up to the side of her mouth and whispered loud enough for Brodie to hear, ‘And he does seem to already love this little guy.’ She pointed to Derek snoring louder now on his bed.
Mrs Broadbent considered what to do, looked at Derek for a few seconds, then at Brodie. ‘I’m happy for you to take him on. Would you mind if I visit him on occasion?’
‘If you want me to bring him to see you all you need to do is call me at the practice and I’ll happily drive him here.’
She smiled and patted her hands onto her knees. ‘That’s agreed then. You take this dear dog and care for him.’ She stood. ‘I’ll show you out, if you don’t mind. I’m feeling a little emotional and think I need some time alone.’ She bent to stroke Derek, waking him from his sleep. ‘I do feel guilty though.’
‘Please don’t.’ Brodie stroked Derek. ‘I promise you there’s no need at all. He loved being at the practice when I was working and I’ll walk him on the beach most days.’
Her face lit up. ‘That’s settled then.’
Derek stood and gave a good shake before standing next to Brodie and wagging his tail. He seemed to know exactly what had been agreed.
Brodie suspected seeing the empty dog’s bed might not be the best thing for the older lady to find each morning. ‘Would you like me to take his bed with me?’ He noticed a few toys. ‘And all his other paraphernalia?’
‘That would be kind of you, thank you.’
He wanted to invite Lettie back to his cottage but she mentioned she was meeting Joe and he should be getting home in case Maddie arrived.
‘I never imagined that happening, did you?’ he asked as they drove down the lanes towards the farm.
