Chapter 5

By the time Gislane stepped into the square that afternoon, she had shed the dust of travel and wrapped herself in something far more deliberate: a crisp white coat, its back neatly lettered Animal Nutritionist. It was, in its way, both shield and disguise.

At her side walked Mrs Gladstone, a woman of comfortable means and expansive affection, who held a tiny, overindulged dog on a ribbon lead.

“I am so pleased I saw your advertisement, my dear,” Mrs Gladstone was saying warmly. “Your visit seems to have done wonders for Fifi. I have never known a veterinarian to have such a rapport with my little treasure.”

Gislane smiled gently. “I’m not a vet, Mrs Gladstone. I do try to make that clear. I advise on nutrition ... and behaviour. I suppose I’ve always spent so much time watching animals that I sometimes feel I can almost hear what they’re saying.”

Mrs Gladstone beamed. “Not silly at all! Fifi talks to me all day long. Don’t you, my sweet?”

Gislane crouched slightly, her tone softening as she looked at the little dog. “There is one thing she would like to say, though. She loves your chocolates and champagne—but they’re not loving her back.”

Mrs Gladstone gave a small gasp of guilt. “Oh dear. I do spoil her. But if you say so, I must behave like a good mother.” She brightened again. “And thank you for trimming her nails. It’s amazing how quiet she lay while you did that. s She normally hates that.”

“Her legs are very sensitive just now,” Gislane replied.

They parted with warmth, Mrs Gladstone already promising to recommend her widely.

As the woman disappeared, a blur of movement broke the calm. Rolf, freed from restraint, bounded across the square and launched himself at Gislane with unrestrained joy. She laughed, pushing him back while ruffling his ears.