Can you ride a horse? "I can learn. " "Ever cooked over a wood stove, baked bread from scratch, butchered a chicken? I'm a quick study. Morrison sighed and set down his pen.
Ma'am, I'll be plain with you. Jake Caldwell is a fair man, but he's not known for patience. That ranch has broken stronger folks than you appear to be. The last three cooks quit within a month. One just up and walked off into the prairie rather than stay another day.
Margaret felt her resolve waver, but pushed the doubt aside. Perhaps they lacked sufficient motivation. "I assure you, Mr. Morrison, I have nowhere else to go. " The truth of those words hung in the air between them. Morrison studied her for a long moment, then nodded slowly.
I send supplies out to the Circle M every two weeks. Next wagon leaves tomorrow morning at dawn. You can ride along if you're certain. I'm certain. There's a boarding house down the street.
Mrs. Patterson runs it. Tell her I sent you. She'll give you a room for the night. He paused, then added more gently. "You might want to purchase some more practical clothing, ma'am.
What you're wearing won't last a week on a working ranch. " Margaret glanced down at her traveling dress, already dusty and wrinkled. "Thank you for the advice. " She turned to examine the store's selection of women's clothing, pitifully small and clearly meant for frontier life. Simple calico dresses, sturdy boots, practical bonnets.
With the last of her money, she purchased two dresses, a pair of boots that looked as if they could withstand anything, and a wide-brimmed hat to replace her city bonnet. As Morrison wrapped her purchases, he said quietly. "Ma'am, if you don't mind my asking, what brings a lady like you to Willow Creek? You've got education in your voice, refinement in your manner. "This isn't the place for you.
" Margaret met his curious gaze steadily. My husband was a doctor in Philadelphia. When he died, I discovered he'd been living beyond our means for years. Debts took everything. The house, the furnishings, even his medical practice.
I have no children, and my family, well, they have their own troubles. This advertisement was the only position that offered room and board along with wages. I'm sorry for your loss, Morrison said, and seemed to mean it. But ranch cooking is hard work. Dawn to pass dark every day.
Those cowboys eat like wolves and complain like children if something isn't to their liking. Mr. Morrison, Margaret said with a slight smile. I have spent the last 20 years managing a household, navigating Philadelphia society, and maintaining appearances on an increasingly limited budget. I believe I can manage a group of hungry cowboys. He chuckled despite himself.
Well, ma'am, you've got spirit. I'll give you that. Jake Caldwell might appreciate that, or it might rub him wrong. Hard to say with Jake. Margaret gathered her packages.