About this story
In town her aunt refuses the room her cousin offers, and snow catches Hazel alone on the road home, a rabbit's blood marking her new blue dress. A horseman, Jack Reddin, stops for her in the dark, then turns his trap toward Undern, his own house, instead of the Callow.
How it opens
Young larches silvered the Callow while a small red fox slipped between their trunks.
FoxyHer answering whistle rose thinly before she bounded toward you.
You ran home with her through a spring evening already sharpening toward frost.
Abel WoodusHazel, feed your creature before she learns to steal supper herself.
Abel WoodusOld Samson is failing; bring wreath frames when you walk to town.
Choose
Choose another tune; Foxy hears the hounds inside that one.
I will take her outside until the song is finished.