Keeping a Secret
Keeping a Secret
Marriage is all about sharing the ups and downs. It is about respect for each other and trust, as well as love in all its deep close affection and pleasure, the care and understanding.
One of the, no doubt, many things that Geordie has had to be understanding about is quite how many dogs we have. I’m fairly certain that he feels that one or two would be quite fine. Therefore, each time the idea of a new litter of puppies seems to be irresistible (to me), he may not necessarily be the first to know.
When Stella, our labrador, was 4 years old I had begun to look for her husband. I go and meet them, see some of their puppies or grandpuppies, meet the owners and have a chat to get to know them before the ‘deed’ is agreed. On the appointed day in Stella’s season we set off together on a two hour journey to find a very lovely intelligent kind dog (photographed on the right).
Geordie was pottering around at Highclere and I had made a causal comment that I was popping out and he would not in any case notice one dog more or less at home. Two hours later, Harriet in the Estate Office called me whispering in giggles down the phone “Lady C, Lord C is asking where you are... He knows you are not here..” “He is asking what are you doing in Warwickshire, up a track!”
Everyone else knew what I was up to but no one wanted to say an untruth to Lord Carnarvon so they all hid behind the screens on their desks, hoping that they would not be asked about my whereabouts…
Very annoying -Geordie never looks at Find my Friends usually. My phone rang and I thought better to answer “Where are you darling? I did not know you were going anywhere?”. “I am just with K (a girlfriend) looking for furniture in a warehouse here”. "It looks like you are up a track...". “Yes, there it is a wonderful warehouse here, very low key...”. "When will you be back?”. “Very soon, just a few more things to look at...”.
I quickly rang my girlfriend to ask her to stay low and let her know she was with me, up a track, in warehouse. It was the most ridiculous and hopeless explanation.
Stella had met her lovely mate and 45 minutes later we were both back in the car heading home. Stella was curled up in the boot and did not move for two hours. We slipped back in to Highclere and carried on. I could not find the right time to tell Geordie so I decided not to as it may not have worked so I thought, why disturb him.
We all settled back into life and forgot about it all for at least six weeks. Stella did seem a little different and Geordie was happily unenlightened. He then went away but I could not as I had a week of talks and tours at the Castle. I thought this was the chance to tell him so Caitlin helped me create a photo of Stella with love hearts and the promise of little people. He texted back "how sweet". I persuaded my girlfriend K to tell him and he did get the message…
Geordie returned home and Stella was about to give birth – these are just some of the best moments - it is extraordinary and no day has enough hours for the joy and time needed to spend gazing at them. The best place to sleep is with the puppies in their area hearing their snuffling noises.
Telling Tails/Tales is Chapter 4 of my latest book 'A Year at Highclere' – dogs mean so much to all of us, sharing our hopes dreams and love. I hope you like it.
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud… it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs”
36 Comments
This was absolutely delightful. Sometimes it’s best that husbands don’t know until they need to know. Everyone is happier that way. Enjoy those precious puppies!
Lovely photos! American here, so what is "up a track"???
Preciosa imagen, como lo son siempre
una madre con sus cachorros, puro amor
La que tenemos perro lo entendemos bien
Gracias por compartirlo, lady Carnarvon
Rather like our 'off the beaten track'. A non-paved, rural road.
Dear Lady Canarvon,
OMG, your dog is absolutely adorable! 😍 And those puppies?! I can’t even handle how cute they are. 🐶💖
They’ve totally stolen my heart!
Thank you for sharing, it just made my day.
Leila S.
Lovely the pictures of keeping a secret and did you and lord Carnarvon have a weekend l love dog when they are puppy
I would love to get your book year of highcelere castle
This post is so timely as I lost one of my faithful companions Friday night. The house is so quiet without his joyful noise. They truly are one of life's greatest gifts.
I am sorry for you, Wendy. They are such gentle and unwavering companions. I lost my Maddie recently, too. I am learning to live without her, but she is greatly missed. I wish you all the best.
Kind regards, Natalie
My husband had never had a dog before he married me. Luckily, he became enthralled by my four legged characters. We had 16 at one point, on our ranch, with litters of purebred Siberians. We successfully showed many of them in the American Kennel Club.
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
the puppies are adorable, and your tactics are awesome! Lovely outcome.
Jane
Wonderful story, I loved every bit of it. We knew Geordie would come around. Congrats to all of Highclare.
My dearest Lady Fiona,
Good morning,
Lord Carnarvon, you are absolutely right,
there comes a day when we have to stop...
Vila Alemã
Rio Claro-SP
Brazil.
.
A Love Story! Great start to the week! Congratulations on the new arrivals!
That is hilarious! The things we do for our dogs lol. I had a sharp intake of breath on seeing Stella and her new puppies. I want them all lol.Daddy looks.very like my boy who sadly passed away during lockdown. I.miss him dreadfully, still. He was such a character and the most loyal boy. Enjoy your time with these beautiful new pups. Time to pick Geordie up off the floor and give him something strong to drink 😁.
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
Puppies! How wonderful! I try to fool my Hubby as well. (It is usually rather easy.) Will you keep one of the pups?
Best,
Roberta Fox
Chicago
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
Love your weekly uplifting messages and this week your puppy escapade hits close to home. As a breeder/exhibitor/judge for more years than I would care to count, you are ever so correct in saying that the best place to be is snuggling with the puppies and there is no greater smell than puppy breath. Congratulations to you all and from the look of things, Lord Carnarvon doesn't seem too unhappy with the result of your and Stella's efforts and journey "up a track." Enjoy them... they grow up much too soon!
I loved your story. I'm a fur mamma of three beautiful fur babies. I'm sorry to say I won't be having puppies in the future. It's okay, I can enjoy your pictures and our friends' puppies.
Enjoy them while you can.
God protect and bless everyone at Highclere
Lilly A.
Lady C, I cannot believe you told Lord C porkies ! You are a terrible woman and as for Stella, she is a very naughty pooch! Bu I just love it and going to put it into practice as soon as the time is right Lord E will miss the dog but won' even know I've disappeared !
I love dog stories and you tell it so well about Stella and Geordie! Thank you!
Stella and her puppies are look so gorgeous in the photos. It’s such a privilege to have the love and trust of dogs though it must be very hard work taking care of a litter of puppies.
I’m writing this with a beautiful daschund relaxing on my lap. We take care of him for a family member from time to time. He trots in and makes himself at home immediately. Of course he has my husband and I wrapped around his little paws and it’s hard not to spoil him. We always miss him when he returns to his own home. It’s said that dogs live in the moment and I believe it because he seems to realise we’re only his substitute family when it’s time to leave he doesn’t give us a second glance!
What a wonderful story!!! We loved visiting in 2022 and met you in the garden.....Were your dogs in the latest Downton Abbey movie?
Lady Carnarvon,
Such a sweet story of your love for your “children in doggie suits”! Thank you for starting my week with a smile. 💐
Martha
Thank you for sharing this story! Sometimes we, women, have to go to extraordinary lengths to
show our men what is reqlly important in life and love. The last picture of Lord C and the puppy
confirms it!
Dear Lady Carnarvon. What a pleasure to read this post today. It was an oasis in the urban caos. Thank you for this.
Lots of love,
Mariela from Quilmes, Buenos Aires, Argentina
So much Love. Thank you for sharing. 💓
Congratulations to Lady Stella on her cuddly brood!
So incredibly adorable! What an extraordinary story you have among so many!!!
This is hilarious! Yes, this subterfuge reminds me of planning our daughter’s wedding. I tried hard to keep my husband advised of expenses to the point where he finally just threw up his hands and said, “ spare me please! Just let me know when I need to write the check !”
It is always best to ask for forgiveness than permission. You did well!
One can never have too many dogs (or cats).
So beautiful! Congratulations..it is a tense time waiting to see if the mating has succeeded. Beautiful Mummy and Babies! I am very envious as all my dogs have gone to heaven, Caring for my sick husband was time consuming and I didn't replece them. My wonderful Irish son in law, had never had animals of any kind..he has become used to cats now, but my daughter , who was raised with dogs , some champions, most were rescues from roadside dumps or simply followed us home, she, and I missd having dogs. When on a recent trip home to London they met a friend who had a Springer Spaniel. My son in law liked the dog. Immediately on return my daughter found a rescue..a thoroughbred that was presumably abandoned and his owner , when contacted said he didn't want him back (!!!). "Bruno" is absoutely wonderful and now well adjusted into the family. A slight problem keeping the homicidal cat , I am not joking, away from sensitive nose and eyes. Both animals have visiting 'trainers' who are teaching them to ignore each other.(Don't ask...it is Dallas, what more can I say!). Dogs are wonderful and wives are not bound to tell the strict truth about the number of animals in the house it is a very forgiveable , tiny little sin.! Husbands usually get used to them. Most husbands do not see collections, only a carefully controlled selection at any one time so there is no need to say how many dogs (or cats) there are in residence! Lovely blog, Dear Lady. I too am looking for a Springer as I adore "Bruno" and my aunt always had Spaniels who were also adorable. My Aunt also had very broken Chinese porcelaine vases, but my son has glued them together- just in time to meet another rescue Spaniel, I hope!
I love this sweet story. It reminds me of how I never learned to use an ATM until my late wonderful Husband, John died, because I always "got" the cash I needed out of his pants pockets, usually while he was sleeping. Thank you for reminding me of this today.
Thank you for the wonderful story of love! My yellow Lab died last year at 14 and if I lived closer I would put in a request for one of yours - they remind me so much of her
Karin in Vancouver BC
I enjoyed Chapter 4 as much as I loved the whole book. I would love to see you with another litter of sweet little pups and, of course, keeping at least two of them. Especially after you had to say goodbye to Alfie and Winnie. It would be such a joy to welcome a new generation of Highclere dogs and I hope this post is a little glimpse of what's ahead.
Wonderful and funny story! I love the secrets you kept and your methods of keeping them. I will say, my favorite, after all the secrets, is Lord Carnarvon pictured with the puppy. Just delightful!
What a wonderful story. The puppies are adorable!
Seeing your husband's sweet smile holding that soft pup is the absolute best start to my week.
Your story reminds me of when I kept a secret too from mine when I put down the deposit for my beloved chocolate lab Damon. (Greek name meaning faithful friend, and indeed he was.)
Lord above, how I miss him.
A lovely story ,love the puppies thank you a delightful Monday read x
Lady C. I just love this lovely story & the beautiful pictures Thank you so much for sharing 💖
Barbara 💞
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This is hilarious! Thanks for the much needed Monday Morning Chuckle here in the US, where we need all the good news and laughs we can encounter. The pups are adorable, and Lord C seems pleased despite the background of Stella's affair. Congratulations, and Thanks much again-
All these stories are so wonderful and to be connected to such a glorious
family of friends,love all the stories .
God bless all of you. Some day I will get there.
Sue