Free A Prince for Aunt Hetty by Kimberly Truesdale

Stephen followed.
    “Hey! Why do they get to be up there?” protested Agnes who was just outside of the age limit.
    “Because they are younger and need a head start on you,” Rupert reasoned. “You three stay there by your aunt until I say go.” The girls grudgingly stayed, but that piece of cake prize was too good to pass up.
    Once they were in position, Rupert yelled “go” and the children all scrambled for the entrance. Hetty laughed at their shrieks and whoops as they tried to make their way through the maze. Rupert stepped back to where she was and they watched the hedges shake with the impact of bodies running into wrong turns.
    “Do you think my hedges will withstand the onslaught?” Rupert asked with laughter in his voice.
    Hetty chuckled. “I am more worried about how the children will fare. They can be ruthless beasts when cake is on the line.”
    “Most people are,” he said seriously.
    “They are?”
    “Oh yes. Who wouldn't fight for a delicious piece of cake?” He turned to her and cracked a smile.
    “True, I have seen many a fine lady turn into a jealous mess when another lady has taken the last of the sandwiches.”
    “Absolute beasts,” Rupert winked at her. “You know I once saw a woman smack her daughter's hand in order to have the last biscuit on the plate.”
    “Not seriously?” Hetty couldn't believe it.
    “Quite seriously. I expect if the mother had seen the way her daughter stared daggers at her, she might have kept her eyes open while she slept that evening.”
    “Oh my,” Hetty laughed. “I think we are all silly creatures when it comes to our stomachs.”
    “I completely agree.”
    At that moment, Margaret came tearing out of the maze, running full tilt for where Rupert and Hetty were standing. Agnes was just one step behind her. Both were giggling so much they couldn't run straight. The other children weren't far behind.
    “I win! The cake is mine!” Margaret yelled as she reached Rupert's side. She danced breathlessly as her brothers and sisters all caught up with her. Hetty could see the disappointment on their faces. She sensed a mutiny about to happen.
    Before she could say anything, Rupert spoke. “Well done, Margaret! But now I think we need another contest. Maybe partners this time?” The mutinous mood lightened immediately.
    For a few minutes, they were all intent on the task of dividing into pairs. Rupert hoisted the littlest, Stephen, on his shoulders and bounced him around. The child squealed in delight at the sensation of being taller than everyone else. Hetty and Vincent were together while the girls put themselves in pairs. Then they all started for the entrance of the maze, on an even footing this time.
    “Ready?” Rupert asked. The children braced themselves to start. “Go!”
    Vincent pulled at her hand with more strength than she thought a boy of seven years could have. She followed quickly after him. In a few steps, they were running as Vincent shouted. “Come on, Aunt Hetty! It's this way!” Though he was sure of his steps, the young boy led them into a few dead-ends before they finally found their way out. But he never grew frustrated, Hetty was pleased to see. He simply thought for a moment and dragged her along behind him as he decided where to go next.
    By the time they spilled out at the end, everyone else was out. As the children argued about who had made it first, Hetty put her hand to her heart, trying to catch her breath.
    “Are you all right, Miss Masters?” Rupert asked.
    “I am fine, thank you.” She was still panting. “It has been many years since I've even considered moving that fast.”
    He chuckled. “Well, you and Vincent made an admirable turnout.”
    “Thank you. I cannot say that I will be doing it again soon.”
    “Would you like to sit down?” There was concern in his voice. “I've had one of the parlors prepared for us.”
    Hetty was surprised at his thoughtfulness, although she supposed she shouldn't be. After