Mr Stone's Hunting Lodge

Chapter Three

'George, you're not coming out with us?' Dressed head to toe in their hunting outfits, Mr Slain and the other guests were in the Great Room, about ready to go off to hunt.

The day was dark and cloudy, but the snow had stopped falling, the storm ending over night.

'Afraid not.' Mr Stone stood next to Jack, Rachel and Emily. Betty was at his feet trying to get his attention. 'I have to clear the road up to the lodge of snow. It got pretty deep after everyone had arrived. Harry will take care of you today so you're in good hands. He's a Jack-of-all-trades. Isn't that right, Jack?' He gave out a chuckle.

'Yes, sir,' replied Jack. 'Harry's a driver, handyman and hunter extraordinaire.'

'That's too bad, George,' said Mr Slain. 'If you want, I can stay behind and help.'

'Don't be silly,' said Mr Stone. 'You came here to hunt, not remove snow. Please, go and enjoy yourself.'

Mr Slain nodded, smiled at Rachel and Emily, and went outside with his wife, who was feeling much better, and to an awaiting Harry.

Mr Stone turned to Miss Doncaster, a morning glow radiating from her like a bursting star. 'Gloria, I hope you enjoy your first hunting experience.'

'I hope so, too,' replied Miss Doncaster. 'Actually, I'm getting rather nervous. And not just about hunting but the possibility of running into a dangerous animal. Like a wolf.'

'No need to worry. I'll take very good care of you.' Mr Hayward gave his fiancée a peck on the cheek before the two of them went outside.

'Push harder.' The words had rang out harshly.

Mrs Forsythe was sitting on a chair underneath the crowned head of a deer, her husband unsuccessfully helping her with putting on a pair of leather knee-high boots.

'I'm trying.' Mr Forsythe wheezed and panted as if he had been wandering over a hot and sandy desert for days. A bead of sweat was running down him.

'You're not trying hard enough. Put some bloody oomph into it.' Mrs Forsythe's frustration was growing.

'I am.' Mr Forsythe had raised his voice ever so slightly.

'Don't take that tone with me.'

Mr Forsythe went back to his cowardly way. 'I'm sorry, dear.'

'Now push again.'

Mr Forsythe's high-pitched grunting sent Rachel and Emily into a bout of laughing fits, which thankfully for Mr Stone went unnoticed.

A great big bark of jubilation by Mrs Forsythe finally marked success. And she and her husband joined the rest of the hunting party outside.

With a sigh of relief, Mr Stone closed the front door, more than faintly grateful for a bit of peace.

'Mr Slain was flirting with me after breakfast when I was cleaning away the dishes.' Emily was looking at Jack and Rachel as if she was holding in that information for years.

'Me too,' added Rachel. 'I don't know how Mrs Slain can stand for it. I really don't.'

Mr Stone came over, Betty still trying to get his attention. 'I do apologize for Mr Slain.'

'No need, Mr Stone,' said Emily. 'I can handle myself, handle men like that. Let me tell you, if he goes too far, I'll put him in his place. You can count on that.'

'I'm sure it won't come to that.'

'For his sake, let's hope so.' Emily's face was quite serious.