Page 17 of Mail-Order Bride Substitute
“That’s Scamp,” Lindy said. “He’s not allowed in the garden.”
The children sat on the ground beside Olivia and introduced the cats.
“This one is Storm.” Lindy indicated the one she held.
“This is Patches.” Kit stroked the cat gently.
“There’s one more we call Mittens. You can have her if you want.” Lindy smiled widely.
“Thank you. I’ll have to ask your Uncle Riley first. Do you know I’ve never owned a cat?”
Two pairs of eyes widened and stared at her like they couldn’t believe her news.
After a moment, Lindy blurted out, “How come?”
Olivia sat back to consider her answer. “I don’t know. I guess it never occurred to me that I’d like to.” Her aunt had not liked small animals. “My friend, Sylvia, had a cat who waited on her doorstep. I enjoyed petting it when I went there.” A forgotten memory flooded her thoughts. “I just remembered. I did have a cat when I was very young. Called him Scratchy.”
Two pairs of eyes studied her. Curiosity and admiration in their look. As if knowing she’d had a pet made her more acceptable in their eyes. Too bad it wouldn’t have the same effect on their uncle.
“What happened to him?” Lindy asked.
“I don’t rightly remember.” Sadness strained at her heart, but she didn’t know if it meant Scratchy had died or if it was the tug she always felt when she thought of her life before her parents passed away.
The children visited for a few more minutes and then wandered off.
“Is your friend Sylvia the one Riley meant to marry?” Gwen asked. The ladies continued to work as they talked.
“She is.” Seeing the curiosity on both Gwen's and Honor’s faces, she decided to explain. “Sylvia met a man recently and was soon in love so when my world fell apart, she was eager to suggest I come here in her place.”
Gwen paused to study Olivia. “We’re all from Kellom but I don’t recall seeing you there.”
Olivia realized their worlds might have overlapped back east. “Nor do I recall seeing you. What was your maiden name?”
“Humber. My brother worked for a shipping company.” She gave the name.
Olivia considered her answer. “I’ve heard of them of course but I know nothing of their employees. My uncle is associated with a different shipping line.” She wouldn’t reveal that he was owner of the company.
“Was he a Mullen?” Olivia could tell that Gwen was trying to place the family.
If she refused to give the information, she’d arouse unnecessary curiosity. “He’s a Tate.”
Gwen stared at her. Honor’s mouth fell open. Gwen recovered first.
“Tate? As in Tate’s Shipping?”
Olivia sighed. “That’s him.”
Honor’s eyes widened. “And ya left that to come west? Did ya have any idea of the differences you’d face?”
Olivia’s chuckle mixed amusement and regret. “You sound like Riley. He expects me to run home crying at the challenges of ranch life.” Her words ended on a hard note.
“Does he now?” Honor looked at Gwen. “The Shannon boys are all reluctant to realize how much they want us.”
Her curiosity was piqued, and she begged for an explanation.
Gwen got a dreamy look. “Matt gave me a month’s trial before he’d agree to tie the knot.” Love glowed on her face.
“Obviously, he agreed.”
