Free Hunter's Prize by Marcia Gruver

passing carriage and announced their destination to the driver. While he loaded the luggage, Pearson offered his arm to help them board. Grinning and waving merrily, the men stood on the street and saw them on their way.
    As soon as she could speak without being heard, Addie spun on the seat. “Heavens, Mother, what were you thinking? Those two weren’tthe sort of men we should take up with in a strange town. What would Father say?”
    Mother drew back and frowned. “Theo and Pearson? What was wrong with them?”
    “They were entirely too forward for one thing. And far too familiar for strangers.”
    She laughed. “Nonsense, Addie. I’m a fair judge of character, if I say so myself. And I believe I proved it just now.” She nodded firmly. “My instincts about those two bore out. They were wonderful young men and perfect gentlemen.”
    Addie widened her eyes. “But they looked so … so coarse, for lack of a better word.” The warning glance from under her mother’s lashes wilted Addie’s smug indignation.
    “Character isn’t always reflected on the surface, young lady. One look at Theo’s bright smile and the sincerity in Pearson’s brown eyes, and I knew we were in safe hands.” She nudged Addie with her elbow. “Don’t act as if they didn’t intrigue you. Especially Pearson. I didn’t miss how closely you watched him.”
    Addie’s gaze leaped to the back of the driver’s head. “Mother! Keep your voice down. I was only—”
    “Pearson’s a very attractive man, which you can’t deny. If I’d judged your father on his rough-and-tumble appearance, I’d never have given him a second glance.” Smiling, she stared across Addie’s shoulder into the past. “I saw straight through his cocky boasts and swaggering posture to the wonderful man that he is.” Back in the present, she winked at Addie. “In the nick of time, too. He almost got away.”
    Addie shrugged, feigning interest in a passing stand of trees. “Please don’t compare your courtship with Father to a brief encounter with a strange man.” She rolled her eyes. “And I emphasize
strange.”
She focused on her lap, twirling a loose string on the index finger of her glove. “Besides, they’ll finish their business in Marshall and go back to where they’re from. Chances are I’ll never see Mr. Foster again.”
    A knowing look on her face, Mother tilted up Addie’s chin, her slender fingers adjusting the brim of her hat. “I wouldn’t count on it, honey. I saw the way he looked at you, too.”
    Shifting away to hide the flush that warmed her face, Addie fiddled with the row of pearl buttons on her sleeves. “Don’t be silly. How could he look at me when he never took his eyes off you?”
    Pearson’s handsome profile swam in Addie’s mind, with his straight nose and strong chin, his peculiar hair, and the haughty smile he gave her—infuriating yet titillating at the same time.
    Flustered, she dismissed him with a shake of her head. “I’d prefer we change the subject. I have more important things to occupy my mind.” She settled against the seat with a sigh. “Besides, the whole conversation is ridiculous.”
    “Premature, perhaps,” Mother said. “Hardly ridiculous.” Her almond eyes softened. “Don’t misunderstand. I’m not suggesting you cavort with strange men while you’re in Marshall. Your father would have our hides.” Reaching for Addie’s hand, she squeezed. “Just don’t limit God’s ability to bring two people together.” She held up one finger. “In a proper and respectable way, of course. After all, He managed things quite nicely for your father and me.” Nudging Addie again, she chuckled. “Lucky for you, as it turns out. Otherwise, where would you be?”
    Addie laughed and leaned her head on her mother’s shoulder. “I wouldn’t be, I suppose.”
    “The ways of God are wonderful,” Mother said, caressing her cheek. “His generous heart unsearchable. It’s important to keep watch at all