Free Hunter's Prize by Marcia Gruver Page B

you here.”
    Miss Whitfield smiled. “I haven’t confessed the whole story, I’m afraid. My father didn’t amass all of his fortune from that unfortunate war. We’re old money, as pompous and posturing as it sounds. Daddy brought his fortune with him when he came to this country. He was quite the philanthropist, however, and I’m quite proud of the good things he accomplished with our wealth.” A faraway look crossed her face. “We had hoped Cedric would one day fill his shoes. He stands to inherit all of this one day, only—”
    She sniffed demurely and folded her hands on top of the desk. “Speaking of Ceddy, I suppose we should begin the interview.”
    Thankfully, Mother stood, gathering her parasol and gloves. “The two of you have quite a lot to discuss, and I’m sure you don’t need me. If you’ll direct me to the parlor, I’ll wait there for my daughter.”
    “You’ll do no such thing,” Miss Whitfield said, reaching for a small brass bell.
    The pleasant jangle brought a polite knock at the door, and the maid in the white cap peered inside. “Yes’m?”
    “Delilah, will you show Mrs. McRae—” Her eyes widened as a small figure in khaki shorts and a striped percale waist staggered into the study, clinging blindly to Delilah’s skirts.
    Addie’s first glimpse of Ceddy Whitfield took her breath. The boy was achingly beautiful.
    Clear blue eyes dominated his delicate pixie features, and flyaway blond wisps fell over his forehead to tangle with his sweeping lashes. His graceful bottom lip dimpled, and his rosebud mouth turned up a bit at the corners. A beam of light from the hall shone through his hair, illuminating the top of his head like a kiss from God. Swinging his head dreamily from side to side, he seemed cut off from the presence of mere mortals.
    Irritation marring her pleasant face, Miss Whitfield cleared her throat. “I asked you to keep him occupied until”—she glanced at Addie and her mother—”after.”
    Delilah caught Ceddy’s shoulder to guide him from the room.
    Whether her touch set him off or he’d noticed the company of strangers, Addie couldn’t tell, but he moaned and grimaced, straining toward the far corner.
    “I done jus’ like you say, ma’am,” Delilah said, scrambling to hold on to him. “I kept right on his heels the whole time, only I heard you ring the bell.”
    Ceddy’s moans became shrill screams as he struggled to escape her grasping hands.
    The older woman bent close to the hysterical boy’s face. “It’s all right, precious. Won’t you please go with Lilah? She has a cookie for you, I’m sure. After a while she’ll take you out back to dig for rocks.” She glanced at the maid. “Won’t you, Lilah?”
    “I sho’ will.” She stretched out her hand. “Come along, sugar.”
    Ceddy eased from the corner and ambled out ahead of the maid.
    Before she left, Delilah glanced over her shoulder. “I’m real sorry, Miss Priscilla.”
    Pulling an embroidered handkerchief from her waistband, Miss Whitfield blotted her top lip. “Never you mind. Take Ceddy to the kitchen; then come show Mrs. McRae to her quarters. Make her comfortable and bring her refreshments. It’s awhile yet before suppertime.”“Yes, ma’am.”
    The door closed, and Mother smiled at their hostess. “That’s very kind, Miss Whitfield. I’m grateful.”
    She waved the hankie. “No trouble at all.”
    Mother’s dark eyes softened. “He’s a lovely boy. You must be so proud.”
    Their hands clasped briefly. Miss Whitfield’s damp lashes fluttered. “Thank you.”
    Mother had made another conquest.
    Their heads tucked close together, the women chatted quietly until Delilah returned. With a last encouraging wink, Mother backed from the room, shutting the door on Addie and her prospective employer.
    Priscilla Whitfield cleared her throat, bringing Addie to the edge of her seat. Despite the gracious smile on the lady’s face, there was a change in her demeanor. “I