'But it wasn't? ' Cole asked.
'Oh, it was, ' Grace answered. 'Acres and acres of lush green land.
It was as perfect as my friends had claimed. I had already made an
offer sight unseen from London, but when I arrived in Kentucky to sign
the official papers, I found out that poor Mr. Wells had passed on.
His son refused to honor his father's promise.'
'Grace saw an advertisement in the Rockford Falls Gazette for available
land near Denver, and we're going there together to look at it.'
'Do you know anything about raising cattle? ' Daniel asked.
'No, but I plan to hire men who do know how, ' Grace answered. 'And I
will learn how. I know it's going to be hard work, but I'm not afraid
of it.' Cole was trying not to let Grace see how appalled he was.
'Ma'am, running cattle is a backbreaking business.' He was diplomatic
in his caution.
Daniel was blunt. 'Are you nuts? You can't run a cattle ranch. '
Grace's spine stiffened. 'No, I'm not crazy, and I assure you I will
achieve my goal. I may not have the experience, but I'm determined. '
Daniel was too incredulous to argue. Cole shook his head. 'How can
you leave tomorrow? ' he asked. 'The coach doesn't come through here
until the day after.'
'We aren't taking the coach, ' Jessica explained.
'We're going by wagon, ' Grace said. 'It's in the field behind the
house. Surely you noticed it on your way here.'
'We should put our suitcases in it tonight, ' Jessica said.
Grace agreed. 'And get an early start in the morning. That's a good
idea.'
'Who's driving the team? ' Cole wanted to know.
'We are, ' Grace answered. The look on her face indicated she couldn't
imagine why he would ask such a question.
Cole was staring at Jessica's hands. He reached over and took hold of
one and turned the palm up. 'Your hands are soft.' It sounded like an
accusation, and she pulled her hand back. 'I'll wear gloves.'
'Have you ever driven a team before? ' Daniel asked.
