Dawn Comes Early by Margaret Brownley Read Free Book Online Page B

. . I’ll do whatever you ask of me.”
    â€œHmm.” Miss Walker studied her with cool appraisal. “You have three months . . . no, let’s make it four. That will take you to the end of our busiest season. During that time I will expect you to prove your sincerity and capability in learning the business. I will, of course, pay you a minimum salary. If you manage to last until the end of the trial period in July, you will then be required to sign a document that, among other things, will forbid you to marry. Do you have any questions?”
    Up until that moment the whole idea had seemed so far-fetched Kate hardly considered the enormity of becoming a ranch owner. In Boston, property owners enjoyed more respect and privilege than non–property owners. It was a class distinction evident even during her school years. Though she despised being treated as a second-rate citizen she never thought property ownership possible. She still couldn’t believe it.
    â€œNo questions,” she murmured. No doubt later she’d think up plenty, but for now her mind was filled with the sheer wonder of it all.
    â€œVery well. You have a hundred and twenty days to convince me of your trustworthiness, after which I shall then teach you the business side of ranching. In five years, if I deem you’re ready, I will turn the ranch over to you. However, the deed shall remain in my name until the day I die, at which time the ranch will be yours and yours alone.”
    â€œThat is exceedingly generous,” Kate said. She still couldn’t believe such good fortune. Her mama often said that nothing good ever happened to their kind because God favored the rich, but maybe, just maybe, she was wrong. Maybe God did on occasion favor the less fortunate.
    â€œI’m not being generous, simply practical. Speaking of which, supper will be served at six in the dining room.” Miss Walker indicated the adjacent room. “But you look exhausted, so it might be best if I have Rosita bring a tray to your room. I’ll also ask her to heat water for your bath.” She set her glass on the tray and stood.
    â€œBreakfast is served between four and five. It’s essential that we get the work done early before the heat kicks in. I’ll see you in the morning.” Without another word, she crossed the room, turning at the doorway.
    â€œIn case you were wondering, I don’t plan on meeting my maker anytime soon. Until that day, the spinster pact is binding. Marry and you forfeit everything.”
    With that she hastened from the room, leaving Kate alone with only poor dead Ralph for company.

Chapter 5

    A weaker or gentler woman would have swooned upon finding herself the recipient of such good fortune. But now that her destiny was secured, she had no use for feminine wiles.
    K ate couldn’t believe her luck. Just think, one day all this could be hers. Granted, the arid desert ranch was a far cry from the lush, tree-filled property she dreamed of owning, but land was land.
    She had just finished arranging the last of her books on the back of the desk when a knock sounded at the door.
    It was Rosita carrying her supper on a tray.
    Kate stared at the large dinner plate piled high with generous portions of roast beef, gravy, mashed potatoes, and green beans.
    â€œIt’s so much,” she said. It would feed a family of four with enough left over for seconds.
    â€œYou must eat to be strong,” Rosita said. She brushed past Kate and set the tray on the desk. “Steer strong.” She lifted her arm and squeezed a muscle, and stared at Kate’s slender frame. “Workers no be weak.”
    â€œI don’t plan on carrying a steer or even wrestling with one,” Kate said.
    â€œThat’s what last señorita said.” The housekeeper walked out of the room, leaving the door ajar, and Kate sat at her desk to eat. The meal was delicious, the meat so tender she could