“I can imagine. What happened to you?”
Benjamin shrugged. “My folks pretty much let the situation be punishment enough like your guardians did with the pie. My father lectured me on the evil of overindulgence and what happens to drunkards. I had to do my chores, attend church, and act as if I wasn’t in pain or feeling sicker than when I smoked the cigars. It was a fitting punishment, and neither Michael or I drink much. We both learned a lesson that day.”
“It sounds as if we all had similarly learned lessons. It’s the way I would raise a family, I think,” Katie said and wondered once more if that was too forward. It was nearly the turn of the century, but she still wasn’t sure how bold women should act.
“I agree,” Benjamin said and blurted out. “Katie, could I court you? I mean seriously court you with marriage the objective?”
Katie blushed and answered, “I think you should ask Miss Ethel and Miss Edie.”
“If I did and they said yes, would you agree?”
“Of course.”
Benjamin grinned and then his smile dropped. “I have a question.”
“I’ll try and answer it,” Katie offered.
“Michael told me that you sent an ad off for a husband,” Benjamin said staring straight into her eyes. “Are you planning on answering any letters you receive?”
Katie shook her head slowly. “Not anymore. I thought it was the answer to my needing a husband. Maybe it isn’t.”
“Maybe not,” Benjamin agreed. “Can we take a walk before we have that cobbler. I think I ate too much potato salad. It was delicious.”
“Thank you, and I’d like to take a walk.” He held out his hand and helped Katie to her feet.
“Did I tell you that you look beautiful today?” He continued to hold her hand as they began their walk.
“No, but you can say it anytime.” Katie blushed.
They circled to the back of the pines and to the small stream that meandered through the field. Benjamin looked back toward the house and realized the pines blocked the view of the house and he assumed it prevented them from anyone watching from the house’s windows.
“May I kiss you,” he whispered.
Katie looked up at him and nodded.
Benjamin drew her closer and slowly leaned toward her gently placing a kiss on her lips. Katie stepped a bit closer, and Benjamin wrapped his arms around her holding her as close as he dared for a first kiss. When she didn’t pull away, he deepened the kiss. Both broke apart a bit breathless and jumped at the sound of giggles.
“Michael told me about this, too. I assume that’s Ivy and Rosie watching us,” Benjamin whispered.
“I’m sure it is. Perhaps we should go back to our picnic and enjoy the cobbler before they run and get Miss Ethel,” Katie suggested.
Benjamin grabbed her hand and hurried back to the picnic blanket and basket before Miss Ethel showed up with her rifle in hand.
Chapter Ten
The walk back to Howard House was joyful. Both Katie and Benjamin were excited and nervous about Benjamin asking Miss Edie and Miss Ethel for permission to court Katie.
“Just be honest with them and don’t mention your mischief with Michael and you’ll do well. Michael passed muster, so I’m sure you will, too,” Katie assured Benjamin.
He just nodded not sure how to answer. What would he do if they said no? They can’t say no. He’s a hard worker with good prospects. He’d make a good husband. He loves Katie. Loves Katie? Did he just think that? Yes, he did, and when he peeked at the vision walking next to him, he was sure of it. He loved Katie.
Benjamin and Katie unpacked the picnic basket and Katie suggested, “I think we should talk to them now or at least you should.” She grabbed his hand and led him to the parlor. Both Miss Edie and Miss Ethel looked up from their embroidery when they entered the parlor.
“Did you have a nice picnic, dear?” Miss Edie asked Katie.
“Yes, we did, and Benjamin would like to speak to you,” Katie answered.
“All right young man, speak up,” Miss Ethel stated. “We’re listening.”
Benjamin felt his knees weaken just a bit as he stared into the two sets of eyes staring back at him. Feeling utterly incompetent at the moment, he decided to just come right out with it.
“I asked Katie if I could court her. She agreed. Now, I would like your permission, please,” he blurted without taking a breath.
Miss Edie’s smile spread across her face, and Miss Ethel’s blank look didn’t change when she asked, “You told us quite a bit about your life before you arrived in Silverpines while we had dinner the other night. What we need to know is what you plan on doing now and if we agree, and Katie agrees, if the outcome is marriage, how will you support her?”
Benjamin knew he could answer this one. “Are you familiar with the small farm about a half-mile from the edge of town?”
“The Milligan place? It’s such a sad story,” Miss Edie said.
“Yes,” Benjamin replied.
“Her husband was killed in the mine collapse. When she heard the siren blow, she and her children ran to the mine. An aftershock or something caused a lamp to topple over, and her home burned to the ground. She and her children had nothing left. She sold the few cows and chickens she had left and with the help of the town, returned to Montana and her family.”
Benjamin nodded. “I heard that story at the bank.”
“Bank?” Miss Ethel inquired.
“Yes, Michael told me about the property. I rode out, and the barn is still
