An Unexpected Amish Romance. Patricia Davids

returned him then, but I decided to wait until a reasonable hour.”

      Charlotte already had the rear buggy door open. Clyde was smothering her with doggy kisses as he struggled against the makeshift leash preventing him from jumping out. “Untie him at once, and I won’t mention your deplorable behavior to Bishop Beachy.”

      “I didn’t steal your dog!”

      Helen patted his shoulder. “I think I can help. Aenti, listen carefully. Mr. Bowman didn’t take Clyde. Your poor dog became lost in the woods last night. Mr. Bowman found him and took time out of his busy morning to bring your precious pet home because he knows how much you love Clyde. Mark is a mighty goot fellow.”

      Charlotte eyed him suspiciously for a long moment and then looked at Helen. Her eyes brightened. “He’s a hero just like in the book I’m reading. He rescued poor Clyde from a terrible fate. Bless you, my boy.”

      “I wouldn’t go that far,” Mark muttered under his breath. He untied the rope holding Clyde in the buggy.

      The overweight hound tumbled out the door and immediately jumped up on Charlotte. She toppled to her backside and hugged him close as he climbed into her lap. “My poor fellow. You are safe at home. Danki, Mark. Do come in and join us for breakfast.”

      “I can’t. I must get home.” Mark helped Charlotte to her feet.

      “Nonsense. I insist. I must reward your efforts on behalf of poor Clyde. My niece makes the most delicious rolls. Where is Juliet?” She rose on tiptoe to try and see the top of his buggy.

      “Who is Juliet?” Mark asked, looking to Helen for an explanation.

      “Her raccoon.”

      Charlotte bent to pet her hound. “Juliet is Clyde’s dearest friend. They go everywhere together.”

      “She’ll be along shortly,” Helen said to appease her aunt.

      “Oh, goot.” She shook a finger at Clyde. “You were a naughty dog to wander off.”