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By the time he returned with fresh water for both them and the horse, the dog was sat beside the fire eyeing him warily. Benedict crouched beside him and set the water on to boil. When the door to the wagon cracked open, Sebastian wheeled about and darted to the step where Lizzie held her hand out to him.

“Morning,” she yawned, though whether to the dog or himself he wasn’t sure.

“Morning,” he responded. “Water will soon be heated. I didn’t fetch enough for tea, though. We’ll have to buy some in the arena.”

Lizzie nodded and stroked the dog’s head. “Have you been getting acquainted?” she asked.

“Oh, he’s been sizing me up alright,” Benedict replied. “Hopefully, I’ve shown him I’m a decent provider or he’ll be trying to run me off.”

Lizzie laughed. “If you buy him another meat pie for breakfast, I’m sure he’ll transfer his affections readily enough.”

Benedict eyed the animal thoughtfully. “I doubt it,” he said without rancor. “He knows his master, and it’s not me.”

Lizzie looked gratified, though she tried to hide it, pulling her shawl tight about her. “I’ve never had a pet before,” she said eyeing Sebastian fondly as he lapped up water from the bowl Benedict had set down.

He wasn’t really sure ‘pet’ was the right word, more like guardian. Still, his mind felt easier that she now had a watchdog for those moments when he wasn’t around.

Half an hour later the three of them were on their way to the main field. Benedict bought them tea and currant cake from a vendor and after perusing what was on offer, two large sausages for the dog. Sebastian made short work of them, and Lizzie had finished her cake by the time they reached Wonderous Females.

“Don’t forget,” he reminded her. “We’re going dancing tonight.”

Lizzie nodded, lingering at the entrance to the tent. “Will we still meet for lunch?” she asked hesitantly.

“Of course. We won’t go to the tea tent today, though. There’s something else I want to show you.”

She looked up quickly. “What is it?”

“You’ll have to wait and see.” She returned his smile a little shyly and then slipped into the tent, promptly followed by Sebastian. From the exclamations he could hear within, the large dog had clearly caused quite a stir. Benedict made his way to the boxing tent with a grin on his face.

When he returned at one o’clock, Lizzie was not awaiting him outside. Pushing past the ‘Gone to luncheon’ sign inside, he found her setting her bonnet on her head while two young women clad in filmy red garments fussed over Sebastian.

“Come, large dog!” one of them cried. “Come to Zaya!” She held out a gold bangle for his inspection. Sebastian sniffed it with the air of one humoring another. The glance he threw Benedict was distinctly sheepish, as if he knew full well he looked a fool.

“Oh, I did not mean to keep you waiting,” Lizzie exclaimed, turning and hurrying to his side. “Come, Sebastian!”

The twins called their farewells to the dog as he followed close on Lizzie’s heels. Benedict offered his arm, and she took it.

“He behaved himself, I take it?” he asked, glancing at the dog.

“Oh yes! He was a great hit with Zaya and Ema, and even Connie admitted he lends me some credence as a rule enforcer. Mr. Wurtzel was a little nervous around him, it is true, but I think Sebastian is more trusting of women than of men.”

“Wurtzel?” Benedict frowned.

“You remember, I told you about him? He is the Salome’s brother.”

By great effort, Benedict managed to dredge their conversation to his mind. “I thought you said he was not really her brother.”

“I never said that!” Lizzie protested, looking around nervously. “That was just something Niamh remarked,” she hissed. “And I do not think she had anything to substantiate her theory.”

“What does he do, this Wurtzel?”

“Do?” Lizzie looked surprised. “Squires his sister about, I suppose. I do not know what manner of business he is in. The Wurtzels are quite standoffish from the rest of us and only really speak to Connie.”

He grunted. That didn’t sound too bad. He did not like the idea of some man hanging about Lizzie all day when he was not there.

They stopped at a convenient stand to pick up ham sandwiches, which Sebastian ate more than his fair share of, and then headed for a far field where there were less acts and more wares than the ones they generally frequented.

“I do not think I’ve visited this area before,” Lizzie remarked looking about as they came to a stop before a stall covered in ribbons and lace.