"If you don't mind," she added, "I'd like to get a sense of Cedar Springs." "I'd be happy to show you around," Yates replied, pleased by her interest. They walked along the main street, stopping at various shops. At the general store, Bethany admired a display of fabrics while Yates purchased some supplies for the ranch. Next, they visited the bookshop where Bethy's eyes lit up at the small but well-curated selection.
"Oh, they have the new Dickens," she exclaimed, picking up a copy of our mutual friend. Without hesitation, Yates purchased it for her, waving away her protests. Consider it a welcome gift to Arizona territory. Their final stop was the small cafe for a light lunch before the ride back. As they waited for their food, Bethany gazed around at the other patrons.
Everyone seems to know you, she observed. They all nodded or greeted you. Yates shrugged. Small town. Everyone knows everyone.
It must be nice being part of a community like that. It has its advantages, he agreed. And its disadvantages. Privacy can be hard to come by, she smiled. I noticed.
The woman at the bookshop seemed very curious about me. Curious is a polite way of putting it, Yates said with a chuckle. Mrs. Henderson is the town's foremost gossip. By sundown, half the territory will know I was in town with a beautiful woman. Bethany blushed at the casual compliment, and Yates realized he'd spoken more freely than intended.
An awkward silence fell, broken only when their food arrived. As they ate, Bethany asked about the school in Cedar Springs, and Yates explained that the town had recently built a proper schoolhouse, but was struggling to find a teacher willing to relocate to the territory. The last one lasted 3 months before declaring the place too uncivilized and returning east, he said with a grin. That's a shame, Bethany replied thoughtfully. Children deserve education regardless of where they live.
You sound like you miss teaching. I do very much. It was my calling, I think, she sighed. But James has made it clear he expects his wife to focus on social obligations and running his household. He's quite prominent in San Francisco society.
Something in her tone caught Yates's attention. And that's not what you want. She looked surprised by the direct question. I I hadn't really considered what I want. After my parents died, I was focused on survival.
James offered security a comfortable life, but not teaching. No, not teaching, she toyed with her fork. It's ungrateful of me to question it. Many women would be thrilled with such an opportunity. It's not ungrateful to want a life that fulfills you, Yates said quietly.
Security is important, but so is happiness. Their eyes met across the table, and something unspoken passed between them an understanding, a connection that made Yates's heart beat faster. For a moment he thought she might say more, but then she looked away. "We should probably head back to the ranch," she said, her voice carefully controlled. "I wouldn't want to overt tire myself and face Martha's scolding.