The ride back was quieter than the journey into town. Both of them lost in their own thoughts. As they approached the lazy K, the setting sun gilded the landscape in warm light. The ranch house a welcoming silhouette against the horizon. It's beautiful, Bethany said softly.
Your home. Thank you. I've always thought so. As they stabled the horses, one of Yates's ranch hands approached with a telegram in hand. This came for Miss Rose while you were out, boss.
Boy from town brought it over. Yates felt a knot form in his stomach as he thanked the man and handed the telegram to Bethany. Her face pald slightly as she took it, but her fingers were steady as she opened it. He watched as she read the brief message, her expression changing from anticipation to confusion to something that looked remarkably like relief. Is everything all right?
He asked when she looked up. Yes, she said slowly. James has. He's married someone else. Yates blinked in surprise.
What? She handed him the telegram. The message was brief and to the point. Regret to inform you. circumstances changed. Married Catherine Wilson last month.
Wish you well, James Elliot. He couldn't wait, she said. And to Yates's surprise, she laughed a genuine laugh of what sounded like relief. All those proper letters about patience and propriety, and he couldn't wait two extra months for his bride to arrive. Yates wasn't sure how to respond.
I'm sorry seemed inappropriate given her reaction, but congratulations definitely wasn't right either. Are you upset? He ventured. She considered the question seriously? I should be, shouldn't I?
But honestly, I feel free. She shook her head in wonder. Is that terrible of me? No, Yates said firmly. Not if you weren't in love with him.
I wasn't, she admitted. I respected him, was grateful for his interest, but no, I wasn't in love. I'm not sure I even knew what that meant. The knot in Yates's stomach dissolved, replaced by a warmth that spread through his chest. He tried to keep his voice casual as he asked, "What will you do now?"
Reality seemed to crash back over her as she considered the question. "I don't know. I have no money, no possessions." She straightened her shoulders, but I have skills. Perhaps Cedar Springs needs a teacher more than I need a husband.