Hunter's Prize by Marcia Gruver Read Free Book Online

she watched the looks that passed between her parents.
    His said,
“Here we go again.”
    Hers said,
“Relax, I can handle this.”
    Tightening her lips, Addie gathered her resolve.
I won’t be handled. I simply won’t!
    “Well?” she demanded. “Won’t one of you say something?”
    Mother placed her hand over the folded sheet of stationery, as if she couldn’t bear to look at it. “Who gave you this letter, Addie?”
    She jutted her chin. “Dr. Moony.”
    Father’s mouth tightened. “Wait until I see Thomas Moony in town …”
    “Now, Tiller,” Mother soothed. “It’s not his fault.” Tears still glistening in her soulful eyes, she turned the force of them on Addie. “I feel for this poor orphaned child, dear girl, but my first concern is for you. With all the children in Mississippi, you can’t find a position closer to home?” A tiny frown wrinkled her brow.
“Texas
, Addie. Do you know how far away that is?”
    Addie sighed. “I didn’t look for this opportunity, Mother. It fell into my lap. And I don’t want another position. I want this one.” Hearing a whine in her voice, she cringed. It wouldn’t do to act like the child they thought her to be.
    She sat forward and tried again. “I won’t shrivel by degrees in Canton with never a chance to see the world. I can’t settle for a loveless marriage like half the girls in town, groomed to live a dutiful life while pretending to be ignorant of intellectual opinion. I need to prove I’m capable of making a decision besides which day of the week should be washday.” The final impassioned word squeaked out on her last bit of air. Drawing a fresh breath through her nose, she glared. “Surely God gifted me with talent beyond how to mend socks and maintain an organized pantry.”
    Her mother lowered her head. “Tending a family to the best of your ability is a gift of God, too. One that I treasure.”
    Her heated stand doused with guilt, Addie’s hand flew to her mouth. “Oh Mother, I didn’t mean to imply—”
    Father cleared his throat. “We’ll let this offer pass, Addie. There will be others, I’m sure.”
    Lurching to her feet, Addie strode to the door and spun. “I would never deliberately defy you, Father, but I feel led of God to go. I’m not asking your permission. I’m announcing my intentions.”
    Speechless for several seconds, Father closed his startled mouth and wagged a finger in Mother’s direction. “This is your fault, Mariah Bell McRae. She inherited your willful spirit.”
    Mother sat back in her chair and calmly placed her napkin beside her plate. “Caroline, Martha, Matilda, go to your rooms.”
    Carrie, Marti, and Mattie likely couldn’t understand the reason for the breakfast-hour skirmish, but the use of their proper names sent them scrambling. Carrie turned back long enough to make a face at Addie and snatch a slice of jellied toast.
    Wincing, Addie glanced at her mother, bracing for a glimpse of her fiery temper.
    Respect shone from her dark eyes instead. She touched Father’s arm. “The words sting because they’re coming from Adelina. You look at her heart-shaped face and delicate features and see your five-year-old daughter. She’s a woman now, Tiller. One who’s been more than patient with us.” She reached across and patted his hand. “It’s time to let our little bird fly.”
    Addie bit her trembling lip and shot her mother a grateful smile.
    Father steepled his hands on the table and sighed. “I get the distinct feeling that I’m outflanked.” He quirked his mouth to the side. “I guess this means you’re bound for Texas?”
    Squealing, she crossed the room and hugged him around the neck. “You won’t be sorry. I promise.”
    Standing, he gripped her shoulders. “Don’t be so sure. I already regret my decision. And on one point I won’t compromise. You can’t leave until after your birthday. Otherwise, you’ll break your father’s heart.”
    “But sir, my birthday is over a