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wedding.  Mrs. Larke, wishing to devote herself to the wedding preparations, gave her husband the task of entertaining the widow.  Mrs. Ladbrook was still a handsome woman, tall and slender with a beautiful head of silvery hair.  The admiral took the lady for a tour of Bath on the first two days, and happened to mention at breakfast on the third that he was thinking of buying a puppy.
    Mrs. Ladbrook’s ears pricked up.  “A puppy?  What kind of dog are you considering, sir?”
    “I have a friend who breeds beagles,” the admiral replied.  “I’ve seen some of the animals from his kennel – they are top grade.  I had a mongrel as a boy, and I would like to have a dog again.”
    Mrs. Ladbrook pursed her lips as she stirred her coffee.  “Well, beagles are fine animals, Admiral.  We’ve had some of them for hunting, of course.  But I am not convinced of their suitability as a house pet.  They can be noisy.  Also, I should think that a man of your stature would be better paired with a larger dog, don’t you think?”
    Admiral Larke leaned forward in his chair.  “You think that a beagle would look too small for me, Mrs. Ladbrook?”
    The lady pointed her spoon and squinted at him.  “I could see you walking down the street with something more impressive, Admiral.  Say, a bullmastiff?”
    “You don’t say?  A bullmastiff, eh?  They are a handsome animal.”
    “Oh yes, indeed.  My father had a ribbon-winner.  Such a strong, obedient animal, and an excellent guard dog, too.  Absolutely fearless.  I’d be happy to accompany you to a few kennels, if you wish.”  Mrs. Ladbrook paused to take a sip from her coffee.
    The admiral’s face beamed with boyish excitement.  “Would you really, ma’am?  That would be good of you.  We have been so busy since our arrival in Bath that I haven’t wanted to introduce a dog into the household, but things should quiet down after the wedding.  I would greatly appreciate having an opinion from someone who knows the breed as well as you.”
    “Delighted to help.  One can’t be too careful when purchasing a dog.  The wrong animal can make your life a perfect misery.  Together we shall find you something suitable.” 
    The lady and gentleman spent the next few days visiting kennels until Mrs. Ladbrook found a litter of which she approved, and the puppy was delivered to the Larke family three days before the wedding.  The dog was a success, Mrs. Ladbrook and Admiral Larke became fast friends, and Mrs. Larke was left alone to make the wedding preparations.
    The wedding day finally arrived, and was as felicitous as could be expected when the marriage couple was young, healthy, joyously in love, and surrounded by approving family and friends.  Mr. Wovington spent the week in Bath to stand up with his friend, and Patricia did the honours for her sister.  When the festive day was over, the newly married couple and Mrs. Ladbrook stayed for another fortnight before making the journey home.  
    The path to becoming the new mistress of Eston House had been smoothed for Victoria as much as any bride could have hoped.  David’s mother had wisely decided to take a house in Salisbury where she would live but two streets away from her daughter and her family, leaving the manor vacant for its new mistress.  And Mrs. Greene was to accompany the newlyweds for a month-long visit, returning to Bath in time to celebrate Christmas with the Larkes.  Mrs. Larke had suggested the visit to Victoria, knowing that Mrs. Greene’s experience, tact, and discretion would help Victoria through any early difficulties.  For her part, Victoria felt that the visit would be a beneficial distraction for her restless friend.  And so, Mrs. Greene, her maid, the newly married couple, and David’s mother all travelled home together, stopping briefly in Salisbury to deliver Mother Ladbrook to her new home before making the short journey to Eston House.
    David took Victoria on a formal