Quicksilver Passion (144 page)

Waanibe,” Miss Jones stammered,
that’s not polite. You must remember your manners so you will do well when you go back East to school.”

The child immediately curtsied.
If you’re a friend of my mama’s, maybe I should give you a treasure.”

Jake blinked.
A treasure?”

The child kissed her chubby palm, folded her fingers over it, and held it out.
For you,” she said conspiratorially,
for your pocket.”

Intrigued, Jake held out his hand and Waanibe put her hand in his big one and opened it slowly. He stared at her chubby fingers and began to laugh.

Gray Dove looked surprised, then baffled.
It’s just a silly game those two have going.”

Waanibe leaned close.
Do you like to play dress-up? We can get Mama’s jewelry and Silvery’s shoes—”

Jake looked up.
Who’s she talking about?”

Miss Jones looked flustered.
My—my name is Sylvia and she never could pronounce it.” She turned to the mother.
Duchess, if we may go outside now . . .”

Of course, run along. Mr. Dallinger and I have a lot of catching up to do.”

Jake watched the two close the door and waited for a long moment as their steps faded down the hall.
I’d swear I’ve seen your plain little governess someplace. If she was fixed up some, she wouldn’t be half bad.”

Don’t be charitable, Jake, it ain’t like you. She’s plain as a mouse and prim as a church deacon. Sometimes I think Waanibe cares more for her than she does for me.”