There had been no animal in sight when she had glanced around the large enclosure. Distracted by eager anticipation, Kate had not assessed her surroundings properly. So intent on correcting a mistake, she had slipped through a narrow opening on the east side of the field, leaving Marie by the road. If only she had been paying better attention. The gate leading to Wattage Lane was behind her … somewhere. Slowly, in small moves, Kate inched backward. And so she stared, willing the behemoth to stay just where he was, shoulders hunched, pawing the ground. The bull could cross that divide very quickly despite his size and weight there would be no outrunning this huge battering ram. Standing some twenty feet apart, Kate knew that the distance was too close for comfort-for both of them. The threat that his mood would escalate into fury, and the dire consequences that would accompany this rage, was all too real. He wore a look of irritation that was growing more passionate with each passing moment. The beneficiary of this bravado was a big fellow with a broad forehead, prominent eyes, and curly black hair. “Nothing to worry about, my friend,” she said, her words barely audible. She tried to exude strength, calm, and dominance in this staring contest: to look away would be perceived as weakness … at her peril.

She snorted in vexation-very quietly, of course, just a whisper of warm breath drifted into the afternoon chill.

Miss Kate Darby of Shackleford Park scowled, and yet the recipient of her dark looks was not in the least intimidated. If you believe the copy of this e-book you are reading infringes on the author’s copyright, please notify the publisher at: us./piracy.Īs always, for my family-especially, Mike, Christine, Deb, and Dan Copyright infringement is against the law.

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Carols and Chaos by Cindy Anstey