"Are you certain about this, Miss Farrell?"
"Positive, Drake. I've spoken to Mr. Donatelli and filled out the necessary paperwork. Would you mind handing me my purse?"
Drake sighed as he fulfilled Grace's request. He wasn't sure about having an orphan child running amuck in the house. He didn't understand why Mr. Warbucks would agree to this – or how Miss Farrell got him to agree.
Then again, maybe he could.
He was glad for Grace's sake Mr. Warbucks would be home by the end of the day. She wasn't fooling anyone about her feelings. It'd become a running joke among the staff. Mrs. Pugh in particular made notice of the change in Grace's somber mood. That mood hadn't lifted until a telegram came two days ago telling her he was on his way home.
"Thank you," Grace said as she tucked her purse under her arm. "I shouldn't be more than an hour."
"Please, Miss Farrell," Drake said, following her down the hall. "I wish you would reconsider. To introduce a child the same day Mr. Warbucks is set to return home. He'll have a coronary."
"He will be fine," she insisted.
"Have you confirmed the arrangement with him?"
She stopped. "Not in so many words..."
"I caution you, Miss. You know more than anyone his present state of frustration with the closings. The last thing he'll want is to put on a happy face for a strange child."
Feigning confidence, Grace stood tall. "Well, perhaps he needs a child around more than ever. I'm not bringing home an infant. She'll be around eight or nine, I think. I'll see when I get there."
"A girl? If I recall, Mr. Warbucks was under the impression you would be inviting a boy."
With a shrug, she began walking again. "I don't know if a boy or girl was ever specified."
"Miss Farrell..."
"Drake," she turned, holding up her hand. "I appreciate your concern. There's no need to worry. I know what I'm doing. I'll choose the child carefully and be sure she's low maintenance. Although, it wouldn't hurt to bring some fun into this house. Do you remember the last time you had a good laugh?"
"Probably when you first mentioned inviting an orphan for Christmas," Drake said.
Grace rolled her eyes. "This child will not only help lighten everyone's mood but will also help with Mr. Warbucks' goal in softening his image. He's going to need it now more than ever with those closures. Best of all, a poor little girl will be able to celebrate Christmas with a feast and presents under the tree. Doesn't the thought alone tug at your heartstrings?"
"Not when I'm the one who will have to clean up the gift wrapping."
"Come on, Drake," Grace said with a nudge. "Don't be a Scrooge."
"Don't you have an orphan to collect?"
Grace reached into her pockets for her gloves. "I'll see you later, Drake," she surrendered. "Please have the staff ready to greet us in an hour or two. It might take a little while to travel across town."
"Consider it done."
