He couldn't believe his eyes as Madeline began to lick Ellie's hand. The dog was usually not inclined to like anyone at all. She had recently been taken to b.u.t.ter up the dog with little helpings of chicken and pork when the dog was close by. The corgi had taken such a liking to their new guest such that the dog was always growling by Ellie's bedroom door when Henry came to scoop her up for bedtime. The dog unexpectedly jumped into Ellie's lap and Henry was about to say something sharply when his partner dissolved into a fit of giggles. 

"It's hard to see her have so much affection for someone who is not me. I do believe that today I feel quite a bit jealous of my dog. " Henry said sheepishly as the dog licked Ellie's face aggressively. "But I am sure she would love anyone as long as they were fond of me. She likes Nadius as well which is nice when he is over.  I wish I could get to be more personable, but she is very picky with her clients as am I."

"I always imagined you with a Doberman you know.  I thought you wanted something stately and elegant and intimidating. That's the vibe that I get whenever I walk around the house. It's on top of a skysc.r.a.per so you can look down on everyone. The people look like ants. It doesn't suit you, I think.  You should let me have Maddie."

"Not a chance. I love how she terrifies Dorota. When I was a kid, Madeline was the only one who would save me."

Both Ellie and Henry burst into laughter. Ellie spoke between shuttered breaths as she tried to control her laughter. "Imagining that prissy lady being frightened of an overgrown squirrel is my favorite thing. That would be so funny to see her so mortified with her little stilt heels."

"I believe she is much more dignified than a squirrel. Madeline is a royal animal. She comes from the same sire as one of the Queen of England's dogs."