Rafferty's Legacy by Jane Corrie Read Free Book Online

to.' He frowned. 'Not that I agree with the doc on that.' He ran a hand over his chin. 'But I guess he knows best, and said it would do you good to get out and take your mind off things. He doesn't want you moping around here all on your own.'
    Teresa managed a wry smile. 'He's right, of course,' she said. 'Only I'm a bit worried about what I'm supposed to do.' Her brow wrinkled. 'You say I'm a secretary—what if I can't remember how to type?' she asked, feeling a rush of panic at the thought.
    He poured her out a cup of tea and handed it to her solemnly. 'Now don't you go fretting about that. Jack Oates has been put in the picture, he won't rush you. For the first week or so you won't be expected to do much but learn the job.'
    In spite of her uncle's assurances that all would
     
    be well, Teresa found herself dreading starting work, and wished she had as much confidence in herself as her uncle, and apparently Mr Oates, had, for her new boss quickly put her at her ease by telling her to take her time in learning the job.
    Michael Oates, his son, was never far from her side that first week, and Teresa was extremely grateful for his help in unravelling the mysteries of the auctioneering world. 'You'll soon get used to it, Teresa,' he had said, adding with his boyish grin, `Even understand the bidding, you'll see!'
    As to that last statement Teresa had her doubts, for on the Wednesday she joined Mr Oates and Michael at a cattle sale, and as she listened to the staccato tones of Mr Oates calling out the bids for each animal shown, her bewilderment increased. She would never understand what was being said, let alone understand the bidding. It appeared to be as clear as Chinese would be to her.
    As each deal was concluded, Michael would enter the buyer's name in a book, and the price paid, and her bemused eyes would watch as each name was entered. She wondered how on earth Michael had managed to spot the eventual buyer, for before the man's name was given he had already written it down in the book.
    Her thoughts were abundantly clear in her green eyes as she met Michael's amused brown ones, then as he grinned at her she would grin back, thinking how nice he was. Yet, she mused, she liked Michael very much indeed, and she studied him covertly under her lashes as he turned his attention to the prize bull now being offered for sale.
     
    His dark, slightly curling hair was cut in the style of the day, but not too long. His features were clear-cut, and although he was not overly handsome, there was a look of boyishness there that would be bound to bring out the motherly instinct in every female. Teresa tried to pinpoint his age, but had to give it best. He could have been anything from twenty-five to thirty, and she wondered why he hadn't been snapped up on the marriage market.
    After a few seconds' thought she was sure she had the answer; in spite of his outgoing nature, he was extremely shy where females were concerned, and she recalled an incident that had taken place a few days ago, when a rancher had come to the office to pay for some cattle he had bought, and was accompanied by his extremely pretty daughter, who had whiled away the time by making eyes at Michael during the transaction between her father and Mr Oates.
    Teresa had had to smile to herself at the frankly inviting looks the girl threw his way, and could almost sense Michael's embarrassment. When they had gone, he had turned to Teresa who was pretending to be terribly busy, and remarked with a grin, 'Now there's a man-eater if I ever saw one. Women like that terrify me '
    It was strange really, Teresa thought, he had never acted as though he were embarrassed or shy in her presence, in fact the reverse, she thought with an inward grin. If there was any mothering to be done—Michael was the one who was doing it I He would watch her like a hawk, and if she looked worried or confused, would hasten to reassure her.
    She was so immersed in her thoughts that it took a