HELD CAPTIVE BY A ROGUE

Chapter Eight

Days turned into weeks as Dodger recovered quickly under Kathryn's loving care and every free moment she had was spent with him. When he was strong enough, she took him outdoors, with Lord Christopher's permission of course and they would go down to the stables to visit Starr. Kathryn felt an inner peace with their daily routine for even Lord Christopher would sometimes join them on their walks out in the meadows that surrounded Crestwood Hall.

"Why don't we go for a ride today, Katie?" Christopher asked, just before she and Dodger were about to leave for their morning romp.

"I would like that very much, your lordship," Kathryn exclaimed. "I think Dodger is ready for a good long run. His ribs have healed up nicely and he could use some vigorous exercise.

Christopher masked his disappointment that Kathryn only wanted to go riding with him for the good of the dog. "I thought it would be nice if we packed a lunch basket and have a picnic next to the waterfalls," Christopher suggested softly, recovering some of his enthusiasm.

"Oh your lordship, that would be most delightful!" Kathryn exclaimed. "I'll go change right away!" She said, before darting back up the stairs.

When she returned, Christopher already had the picnic basket and blanket in hand so they proceeded down to the stables where Starr and Thor were saddled and waiting for them.

"Oh Starr, it's been a while since we last rode," she said excitedly and rubbed the mare's muzzle before she mounted her.

They started out at a slow canter to let Dodger set his own pace as they made their way across the countryside. Once they reached the edge of the forest, they dismounted and walked the rest of the way to the lake with Starr and Thor in tow. Dodger ran a little ways ahead of them along the path but would stop and glance back at them every few minutes, making sure they were still following him.

"He's become quite attached to you, Katie." Christopher observed, watching Dodger scamper through the underbrush, chasing the small forest creatures that lived there.

"Yes, I think he is. He gets very upset when I make him stay in my room and not let him come with me. He just lays on his pallet by my bed with his head resting on his fore paws and stares at me with those big brown eyes of his, until I return for him."

As they reached the clearing, Kathryn let her breath out for she had forgotten just how beautiful it was here. A slight mist hovered over the waterfall as it gracefully flowed into the lake, with rays of sunlight dancing across it and brilliant rays filtering through the large oak trees that encompassed the entire area.

"I could stay her forever," she sighed, watching Christopher lay out the blanket for them to sit on. Dodger stopped suddenly by the branch where he had been pinned and kept his nose buried in the leaves, trying to sniff out a scent to follow.

Letting out a small giggle, Kathryn made herself comfortable on the blanket, joyously watching Dodger's confused state for he had found more scents then he had bargained for.

Christopher laid down on his side next to Kathryn, propping his head up with his hand. He gazed up at her with the sun glistening through her long fiery tresses as they dangled down her back. She was the most fascinating woman he had ever met, he thought while he watched her open up the picnic basket and began laying out the various entries that Emma had packed for them.

Dodger perked up his head instantly when he caught the aroma of their lunch and came trotting back to where they were eating, to beg for a few tiny morsels that they might throw his way.

"You're spoiling him you know," Christopher chuckled, watching Dodger try everything he could to get their attention. "Here, catch boy," he said finally and threw him a large chunk of meat high in the air. Dodger jumped up doing a half twist before coming down with it in his mouth, quickly taking it a few yards away to eat it.