Now, shall we get going?" "My housekeeper, Mrs. Abernathy has been cooking since dawn, and she'll have my hide if we let her pot roast get cold. The Circle Tea Ranch was more impressive than Faith had anticipated. A large two-story house of timber and stone stood at the center of the property, surrounded by various outbuildings, corral, and a massive barn. Well tended vegetable and flower gardens flanked the house and a covered porch wrapped around three sides.
"It's beautiful," Faith murmured as Yates helped her down from the buggy. "Been building it up for 10 years now," he replied, lifting Emma down with ease. "Started with nothing but a claim and a handful of cattle. You've accomplished a great deal." Yates shrugged, but Faith could see the pride in his eyes as he surveyed his domain. Hard work and good luck.
Come on inside. Mrs. Abernathy is eager to meet you both. Mrs. Abernathy proved to be a plump, cheerful woman in her 60s, who immediately took Emma under her wing.
Such a pretty little thing. Would you like to help me set out the dessert plates, dear? And then perhaps we can find those kittens Mr. Turner mentioned. Emma looked to Faith for permission, then happily followed the housekeeper to the kitchen, leaving Faith alone with Yates in the spacious living room.
For the first time, Faith felt truly awkward in his presence, acutely aware that they were unshaperoned. "Your home is lovely," she said, admiring the solid furniture and well stocked bookshelves. "Thank you. It was just a bachelor's quarters until Mrs. Abernathy came along 3 years ago and civilized the place.
He gestured toward a chair. Please make yourself comfortable. Would you like something to drink? I have coffee, tea, or something stronger if you prefer. Tea would be lovely.
Thank you. As Yates moved to a sideboard to prepare the tea, Faith studied him covertly. He moved with the easy grace of a man comfortable in his body, confident in his surroundings. His dark hair was neatly trimmed for church, and his Sunday clothes, while not fancy, were of good quality and well fitted to his tall, muscular frame. "How many men do you employ?" she asked, seeking safe conversation.
"Wtime, more during roundup and branding." He handed her a delicate china cup filled with fragrant tea. Most live in the bunk house, but my foreman Jake has a small cabin near the south pasture. And you run cattle primarily, cattle and horses. Started breeding quarter horses about 5 years ago. They're becoming quite sought after for ranch work.
He settled into a chair across from her. But that's enough about my operation. Tell me about yourself, Mrs. Summers, what brought you all the way from Saint Louie to our little corner of Montana? Faith sipped her tea, gathering her thoughts.