Post by Mariette Deveraux on Mar 19, 2015 22:05:20 GMT -5
Mariette took to rising somewhat early in the morning, the better to avoid breakfasting with the later-rising Antoinette, claiming that Ivo needed a good morning's run to stretch his furry legs and expend some energy. The faithful dog was her near-constant companion of late, a comfort and a distraction from her self-imposed misery. He loved to play, allowing her a chance to romp with him, throwing a ball for him to chase like an oversized white blur in the open spaces; at least Ivo was enjoying their stay in Lockewood. There was plenty of room for a dog of his size.
She liked this time of day, when the gardens were largely empty of people, especially those of the Deveraux persuasion. A sleepy-eyed knight accompanied her without protest from the third Deveraux daughter herself; they encountered a few gardeners and other servants going about their duties. Ivo was well-trained, keeping to his lead and at Mariette's side until she removed the lead once they were well past any people. She was careful not to throw the ball too far, so no damage was done to the foliage and less distractions tempted Ivo to switch from training to a dog's natural hunting instincts.
Today was not her lucky day in that regard. Mariette threw the ball well within the bounds of the closely cropped grass, but an unfortunate rabbit caught Ivo's sensitive nose. Rather than politely retrieve the brightly colored ball that was among his favorite toys, the great white dog lowered his nose to the ground and took off, chasing the cotton-tailed creature through the gardens. A yip of dismay escaped Mariette as she gave chase with the knight in hot pursuit. The dog was no match for the rabbit, but the humans were hardly able to keep pace with the dog.
He led them a merry chase through the gardens and into one of the courtyards Mariette had not encountered prior to now. As she called for Ivo to heel, she heard... barking? Cringing, she picked up her skirts, heedless of exposed ankles and skirts as she bolted after Ivo, who continued to charge headlong into something or someone of a red hue to send the form tumbling. Wincing in sympathy, she could only hope it wasn't one of Lord Gardiner's prized hounds as she tried to catch up and pry Ivo off his victim. "Ivo! Come here! You bad dog!"
@casperdeveraux