Page 303 of Conveniently Wed
Aundy didn’t know what she would have done without Garrett and Nora’s support and guidance since she arrived in Pendleton. J.B. had been a comfort as well, although he was unable to do much more than offer encouragement and words of wisdom.
In the past few days, Aundy read all the documents Erik’s attorney gave her multiple times. Erik had truly left her everything he owned.
Relieved the farm was doing well and there was money in the bank, Aundy knew that even if she never made another penny in income, she’d survive.
Erik had worked so hard to make his farm prosperous. Aundy wasn’t content to sit by and do nothing. She wanted to finish what Erik and his parents started, as a way of honoring him, thanking him, for offering her hope and a future.
Tears stung her eyes at thoughts of Erik, she hastily wiped them away when a knock sounded at the kitchen door. She pulled it open and smiled at Dent. He stood on the back step, hat in his hand.
“Morning, Missy.” He started calling her Missy somewhere between the first day they met and Erik’s funeral service. Since he was old enough to be her grandfather and had been nothing but kind, Aundy didn’t mind.
“Good morning, Dent. How are you today?”
“Fair to middlin’, but I can’t complain.” He stepped inside when Aundy motioned for him to come in.
“May I make you a cup of coffee?” Aundy asked, knowing Dent preferred it to the tea she liked to drink.
“No, thank you. I… um…” Dent hesitated, waiting for Aundy to sit at the kitchen table before taking a seat. “The fellas are wondering what your plans are for the place.”
“Plans? For the farm?” Aundy wanted to make sure she understood what Dent was asking.
“Yes, ma’am. They want to know if you’re gonna sell it or keep it. We’re all a little curious as to what exactly you’re gonna do. It’s almost calving time and Erik usually hired on more help as we headed into spring. We’re shorthanded without him as it is and we really need to hire some help if you’re of a mind to keep the farm going.”
Dent worked for Erik’s parents for years, then for Erik when his folks passed away. He could run the farm with his eyesclosed, but there were some young bucks on the payroll who didn’t like the notion of a woman being in charge.
After getting to know Erik’s bride, Dent thought the girl had spirit and sense, a combination he greatly admired.
“I see,” Aundy said. She took a breath and looked Dent in the eye. There was no time like the present to put her thoughts into action. “I have no intention of selling the farm, Dent. My plans are to continue where Erik left off. Obviously, I have a wealth of information to learn, but I’m willing and able. At least I will be as soon as my arm heals. I was hoping you could teach me what I need to know about the livestock, crops, and such.”
“That’s a lot to learn in a short time, Missy.” Dent studied Aundy. He was glad she was staying, even if it was going to annoy some of the men in the area to have a woman running the place. “I’m happy to help you, but I’ve also got to be out there supervising the rest of the men. Maybe Garrett and J.B. could be of assistance with some of that learning. Between the three of us, we can teach you what you need to know.”
“Oh, well, I don’t want to be a bother to anyone.” Aundy had already monopolized enough of Garrett’s time. Besides, she found it hard to concentrate when he was near. Her thoughts tangled in his silvery gaze, engaging smile, and dark hair.
“It won’t be a bother.” Dent got to his feet and walked to the door. “Come out to the barn after lunch and you can have a lesson in getting to know the horses.”
“Okay. I will.” Aundy smiled at the foreman who was quickly becoming a friend. Dent was hardworking and loyal, and right now that was more than she dared hope to have.
“Use that telephone thing and call Mrs. Nash. She’ll let you know if Garrett has time to help with your lessons or not. And tell her you need to learn to shoot while you’re at it. There are plenty of varmints, both two and four-legged, you need to learn to take out if they pose any danger.”
Aundy looked at him with wide blue eyes as he tipped his head, slapped on his hat, and hurried out the door.
She’d never before held a gun in her hand, but she supposed if she wanted to become a true Westerner, she’d have to put aside her fears and embrace her new lifestyle.
At the desk in the front room, Aundy wrote a long letter to her sister. She described what had transpired in the last week and asked Ilsa to come to Pendleton as soon as possible. With spring balls and parties keeping her aunt’s creations in high demand, she assumed Ilsa probably wouldn’t be able to get away anytime in the near future.
When she finished the letter, Aundy picked up a book on animal husbandry she began reading days ago. The information in the book made her take stock of how much she really needed to learn. Absorbing one chapter at a time, she felt a little more confident in her abilities to be a help on the farm.
Aundy made herself a simple lunch of bread and jam with a slice of cheese. She tried to eat slowly, taking time to savor another cup of tea.
With her thoughts on visiting the barn, she washed her plate and cup and wiped the table. A quick glance at the clock let her know it was time to head out the door but the telephone jangled.
The sound still startled her even though she should be used to it by now. It seemed at least one person called every day, whether it was Nora, the doctor, one of the women she’d met at church, or Pastor Whitting.
“Hello?” Aundy spoke into the phone on the kitchen wall.
“Aundy, dear, how are you today?” Nora asked in her usual cheery voice.
“I’m fine, Nora. How are things at the ranch?”
