"Lost Lake Ranch?" Kate paused for a moment to think. Yes, that was the ranch, Pastor Evans had mentioned with the two orphaned children.

"I understand that there are two young children living there who lost their parents recently. Pastor Evans said that he would be taking me out there in a few days to meet their guardians, as well as the parents of the children who will be attending school. I was hoping it would be sooner, but he said something about some sort of bear killing livestock and it might be dangerous to leave town at this time."

As she waited for his reply, she thought about what she had just said and realised that she might have rambled on a bit too much. Something about the man, made her slightly nervous. When she was nervous, she tended to blurt out whatever was on her mind. Smiling, she hoped he hadn't notice her faux pas.

The fact that the young woman seemed a bit nervous had not escaped Shade's attention. For all his unassuming ways, he was very sharp when it came to people's reactions. That extra sense regarding people had helped keep him alive for the last thirteen years. Still, he was not sure why Miss Bowen was unsettled. Shade never considered that it might be him that was the cause of her skittishness. She was definitely intriguing.

"That's why I'm in town, ma'am. Getting supplies for the hunt in case it takes us more than one day to find the animal and dispatch it," Shade told her. "The children the pastor mentioned are my niece and nephew, Nettie and Cody. Once it's safe, it would be great to have you meet them and their nanny...maybe advise her on a lesson plan for them? They are only five so just getting some pre-school learning right now."

"I understand. I will be happy to visit your ranch and the children. When you are ready, you can send word to me at Pastor Evans. I am staying there until I can work out other arrangements and after I get to know the town a bit better."

Wondering about the nanny Shade had mentioned, she continued, "How many years of experience has the children's nanny had at teaching? Knowing this will help me to devise a lesson plan that she will be able to understand and one that will help the children."

Shade grinned as he thought about the young lady that he referred to as the children's nanny. Honestly, he had no idea how to designate Clara's job. She fit in so well at the ranch, even with only being there two or three days a week. Also, Cody and Nettie adored her. She was young enough to keep up with them and old enough to discipline them when needed which was rare. The twins were rambunctious but well-behaved.

"The young lady that takes care of them two or three days a week is Clara Redmond. She's fifteen. The rest of the time the wife of our ranch's business manager is their care giver. Laura Hale has been teaching the kids on the ranch for as long as I can remember. Clara's new at the teaching although I'm sure she supervises her little brother's studies."

Kate smiled. She was fifteen when she was sent to live her Aunt Emily, so she could understand the burden young Clara must be carrying her shoulders. "Well, judging by my own experience, I am sure that Miss Redmond is able to handle the responsibilities she has."

Taking a moment, Kate glanced around the store. Ruth Johnson was still at the counter but now had been joined by Mrs. Wilson. To her, both women seemed to be taking a bit interest in her conversation with Mr. Thornton. Even though she was sure they couldn't hear what they were talking about, she wondered what they were thinking. Mr. Thornton was probably well-known in the town and if he spend any more than a few minutes talking to any woman would be a cause for speculation.

Knowing that she was new in town and that she needed to build her up reputation as a respectable school teacher, it was time to end this meeting. Looking at Shade again, made her regret her decision and that puzzled her.

"If you would let me know a time and day of your choosing when I can meet Miss Redmond and your wards then that would be appreciated. In the meantime, I will get some lessons ready for her to use."

Shade smiled, "I will send word in once it's safe, Miss Bowen. It's a really long trip out to the main house so you will likely want to plan on an overnight trip. Mrs. Miller and Mrs. Hale will be there in case I'm on the range." He really wanted to keep her talking. However, he could not think of anything else to say. Besides, he really needed to get his order placed and head out to see if anyone else was interested in joining the ranch's hunting party.

Tipping his hat, he gave a small nod of respect and stepped aside, leaving Miss Bowen room to pass him and get on with her business.

"Mr. Thornton, I look forward to visiting your ranch soon." If they weren't in such a public place she would have liked to talk to him a bit longer.

Tipping his hat, he gave a small nod of respect and stepped aside, leaving Miss Bowen room to pass him and get on with her business.

She smiled as he tipped his hat and made her way past him. For a minute or two she browsed around the store before deciding that she had enough of shopping for the day. Besides, Thornton's presence in the store was a bit distracting and it looked like he would be there for a while. Seeing that Ruth Johnson was leaving, she decided to go with her.

Ruth, who had bought more than she had originally planned, accepted Kate's offer of help and the two of them left together.

Shade surreptitiously watched the two women leave the store. He could not help but feel that something momentous had happened although he had no idea what it was. He shook the feeling off and handed his order over to Mr. Wilson. After being assured it would be ready when he returned, Shade went looking for someone to help him and Quentin kill a bear.