The Chase

Prudence interposed herself between Samantha and Miss Brigham before the former could slap the latter. "Stop arguing, both of you. There are more important things at stake here," Prudence said. She helped Miss Brigham to her feet, who in an unladylike way stuck her tongue out at Samantha.

Samantha followed behind Miss Brigham and Prudence, wishing she had a weapon of some kind in case things went wrong. The dogs began growling from the shadows as soon as they stepped foot outside the dining room. "Oh my, those beasts sound so terrifying. Can't we wait to do this in the morning?"

"Call for Mr. Pryde," Samantha hissed.

"Yes, of course. Mr. Pryde? Are you there? It's Molly Brigham. Would you mind calling off these dogs of yours?"

Pryde appeared out of the darkness like a ghost. He touched Miss Brigham's acne-scarred cheek with one hand. "You're looking mighty pretty now," he said, following it with a chuckle that sounded like dry leaves rustling.

Miss Brigham swatted his hand away. "Now really, I've had quite enough of people manhandling me today. I am not a piece of meat to be poked and prodded at will."

"What are you three doing out here?"

"If you must know, I am taking these two heathens to visit the reverend. Please let us pass unmolested by these infernal creatures of yours," Miss Brigham said.

"I'll take them. You go back inside and play house."