The Cowboy's City Girl by Linda Ford Page B

wasn’t scalding hot, and pushed away from the table. “I’ve got to take care of the stock.” He hurried from the house before anyone could stop him.
    A laughing Charlie caught up to him halfway across the yard. “You can run, cousin, but you can’t hide.”
    Levi slowed his steps. “Who’s running?”
    â€œYou know Aunt Maisie wants to know more about these city boys and what Aunt Maisie wants, Aunt Maisie gets.”
    â€œHuh!” He wasn’t going to confess he feared exactly that. “Besides, I don’t know if it’s city boys. I only suggested that so they wouldn’t worry.”
    Charlie laughed loudly. “I don’t think the city girl liked hearing city boys talked about like that.”
    â€œI guess not.” He wished he could retract the words but he couldn’t. And the whole situation reminded him of the vast difference between him, a half-breed cowboy, and her, a well-to-do city girl.
    But why was such a girl in Montana and insisting she needed a job?
    * * *
    Beatrice stared after the departing men. City boys—and by extension, city girls—were spoken of with great disdain. “How many city girls—” she quickly corrected herself “—boys, has he known?”
    Maisie chuckled. “Not many. But don’t be offended. I was a city girl when I came, a fact that Levi seems to have forgotten. You did well this morning.”
    â€œThanks to your instructions.”
    â€œJust remember, no one is born knowing how to run a household or make a meal. They learn. Some sooner, some later. All that matters is you’re willing to learn.”
    â€œI am.” No one had any notion of how desperately willing she was. Even her father believed it was only a matter of time until she returned to Chicago and his plans for her. She eased away from Dolly, who had relaxed somewhat now the men were gone. “I’ll clean up.”
    A little while later, the kitchen was clean, the dishes neatly arranged in the cupboard, the kitten fed and taken outside under Dolly’s watchful eyes. Beatrice had swept the floor and made Maisie’s bed.
    â€œWhat’s next?” she asked the older woman.
    â€œIf you’d be so kind as to bring me the sewing basket, I’ll do the mending.”
    Beatrice did so.
    â€œThank you. I think a nice stew would be perfect for dinner.”
    â€œStew?” Beatrice swallowed hard.
    â€œIt’s easy. There’s canned meat and a little later you can bring in some vegetables from the garden to add to it. Meanwhile, why not take Dolly and Smokey outside for some fresh air. Feel free to—” Maisie stopped and glanced toward the window. “I hope Levi is right and whoever is leaving gates open is only interested in mischief, but do be careful.”
    With Maisie’s warning ringing in her head, Beatrice and Dolly and Smokey left the house. Beatrice turned toward the barn and other outbuildings. She’d stay close to them in case someone lurked nearby. “Let’s have a look around.”
    Dolly nodded.
    Beatrice’s curiosity about the child blossomed. “Did you live on a farm or a ranch with your parents?”
    â€œA little farm,” she whispered. “Papa said we’d have a great big farm when we got where we were going.”
    â€œWhere were you going?”
    â€œI don’t know.”
    They reached the trail in front of the barn and continued along it. Beatrice had been this way before with Levi, so she felt safe. “Were you happy to leave your farm behind?”
    â€œMama said it was for the best and she said I could keep Smokey.”
    Beatrice had to lean toward the child to catch what she said. “Smokey sure likes being with you.” The kitten never complained about being held so tightly. “Do you think she would like to walk for a while?”
    Fear darkened Dolly’s eyes. “What if she runs