IRISH FIRE by Jeanette Baker Page B

he said. Have you decided on a name?
    Irish Gold,
Annie said, because he was born in Ireland out of
Kentucky Gold.
    Brian stroked his chin. It sounds like a fine name. With your mothers permission, provided Weatherbys agrees, it looks like youll have a match.
    Annie smiled and Brian found himself staring. Normally, he had little interest in children. But this one was exceptionally attractive. She must be the image of how her mother had looked at the same age. He turned to the boy by her side. Ben had the same dark eyes, hooded instead of round, light hair, a missing front tooth, and features that, except for his freckles, did not look at all Irish.
    Are you the boss, Mr. Hennessey? the boy asked.
    Startled, Brian looked over at Martin who merely shrugged. The boss? he asked.
    Ben nodded. My daddy is the boss at our farm. Are you the boss here?
    Brian recalled the Claiborne millions and laughed. No, lad. Im not nearly as important as your da. I work here at the farm. Thats all.
    Ben nodded as if he understood the concept of work. I worked at Grans pub, he said. Maybe I can work here.
    Brian was enjoying himself. Caitlins children were a step past the ordinary, although he doubted that either of them had an accurate concept of the term
work
. Do you enjoy carin for horses, lad?
    Annie broke in. He likes riding better than working, Mr. Hennessey. Im the one who helps with our horses.
    Most of us prefer the ride, Annie. Youre a rare one if you enjoy the labor as well as the sport. Perhaps your mother will allow you to help us around here from time to time.
    Annies pleasure was so strong he could feel it radiate until even the dust motes around her head seemed electrified. Mama wont mind, she said without once looking at her mother.
    Ben thrust his lower lip out. What about me? I can work, too.
    Youve the look of a lad who knows his way around muckin out the stalls, doesnt he, Martin? Brian asked, looking back over his shoulder.
    I would say he does, the priest agreed.
    Brian considered the matter. Shall I put you to it right away, Ben, or do you want a day to think about it?
    Ben stepped forward earnestly. Now, please.
    Ben, love. His mother laughed, exasperated. Mr. Hennessey hasnt had a chance to think about this. Why dont you wait a bit?
    The boys chin tightened obstinately and when his mouth opened, Brian stepped in before he could get the words out. Your mothers right, lad. Ill look over things and see where you might be useful.
    Me, too? asked Annie.
    You, too, Brian repeated emphatically. Now, move aside so your mum can see her foal.
    He watched as the children reached out to tug Caitlin gently into the space between them. Annie held on to her mothers hand, while Ben leaned against her, slipping his arm around her narrow waist, fingering the belt loops. Her hand rested naturally, easily, on the little boys head while she massaged her daughters hand with the tips of her fingers. There was no doubting the affection between this woman and her children. He liked the way she treated their comments as seriously as if they had been adults.
    She was a good mother, Brian decided, a bit indulgent but that was to be expected with the Claiborne fortune. With money like theirs it would be difficult to justify refusing children a luxury now and then, unlike his own family where it was understood from the time a lad could crawl out of his crib that there was no point in asking for anything at all.
    Ill be leaving you now, announced Martin as he moved toward the door of the foaling barn. Im to say five oclock Mass at the church.
    Caitlin turned. Come by and see us, wont you?
    Soon, Martin promised. Perhaps youll come to one of my Masses.
    She looked embarrassed.
    Well come, Father OShea, Annie said. Mama said she would take me.
    Good. The relief on Martins face was complete. Ill expect you.
    Not today, Caitlin said after Martins retreating figure.
    Brian hid a smile. He approached the stall where the colt suckled, and looked over Caitlins