After the departure of the Thimken's there was finally peace and quiet in the house.

"You should consider courting Victoria Austin. It would be nice to know I could look forward to grandchildren." Nelly commented as she poured tea into some delicate china cups.

Austin noticed his brothers were listening from a hallway. Not for the first time all three of them hunched over holding their bellies trying not to laugh. Without coming closer they smiled his way and quietly slipped outside. He knew they were trying to avoid being the target of their mother's agenda to get them married. 

"One day mother, not just yet," placatingly answered Austin, grabbing his hat off the hook and followed his brothers outside. Working cattle was way easier than avoiding his mother's marriage plans.

Austin and Wes rode toward the southern pastures, and the beauty of the scenery amazed them all over again. The skittish fox crossed their path here and there hurrying to get as far as possible from them, and soon they could see why. There were about four young fox pups waiting eagerly for mom to return.They were peeking out of the den looking for her.

The southern pastures were the ones closest to Kenth. The little creek run through the pasture, and little further down the stream joined Elms river. Austin pulled his horse to a halt, observing and looking for any broken fences.

"I think it's time to visit Elms. We should take a few days off before father gets back from his trip east." Wes was surely ready for some fun. It was obvious he was getting restless. 

Austin ignored him. His mind engaged elsewhere. They rode for some time before he broke silence. 

"We got to stop at Kenth. Clay asked me to get his tobacco, and you know we don't want to be around him if he's without." Austin grinned. He loved that old cowboy. When they rode to town it was already afternoon. They slowly trotted down Main Street.

Wes spotted them first, "There's our hand Albert," He pointed out.

Austin looked in their direction. Albert was with the rag girl. Instantly his lips formed a thin line. It was too late to say anything. 

Wes already nudged his horse forward, "Look at the beauty beside him, Austin. Isn't she beautiful?" Wes was only twenty-five and a couple of years younger than Austin and chased every willing girl around. Being naturally born charmer he always found them to have his fun.

"Leave it alone Wes! We don't need any trouble in Kenth.Take your womanizing fun to Elms." Austin warned his brother.At this time Austin cached up to his brother and rode beside him. 

Albert, seeing them coming down the street was pushed into a corner. He couldn't ignore his employers, yet he didn't want Olivia in their proximity. He already heard of brothers reputation. Albert had no choice but to stop and say hello.

Wes came closer acknowledging Albert, but he was looking at Olivia, "And who is this lovely lady?" Albert swallowed and introduced Olivia to the Jade brothers, "This is my daughter Olivia. Olivia this is Wes Jade, and Austin Jade my employers." 

." 

Without saying anything he acknowledged Olivia by tipping his hat.

"Hello Albert!" He managed. 

So she was Albert's daughter. The employees and their families were off the list, they can never get involved with one of them. 

His eyes got stormy and he turned his horse around to hide it and rode off. Austin wasn't usually this rude.

Wes made apologies." Nice meeting you Olivia, see you in the morning Albert." Then he nudged his horse into a gallop to catch up to Austin.

Olivia, her violet eyes and her smile were dancing in front of his eyes. He wanted to put his hands around her and pull her tight against his body. She looked so fresh, so innocent, like a rosebud waiting to open up. Her pull towards him was strong and he was trying to shake it off.

Austin was in a foul mood, and when Wes catches up to him, he took it out on him.

"What is this socializing with hired hands and their daughters in the middle of the day right on the Main Street of Kenth?" He asked angrily and then rode on like the wind.

Wes rode after him and when he caught up to Austin he looked up at him and said, "What's your problem? If you want to be in a bad mood, then I'll give you a reason. You know, Victoria and her parents are coming this weekend. They'll come to church with us." He knew nothing would get his brother like the mentioning of Victoria. 

"Great," was the only response he got from Austin.

The news of Timken's arrival sure didn't help his mood.

Olivia's heart picked up a speed, he was so tall and good looking sitting in the saddle. His brother was good looking too, but Olivia didn't feel a thing looking at him. With Austin Jade it was like someone took her ability to think and tossed it to the wind. The warm feeling just from seeing him zipped throughout her body like a million needles poking at her. The tingling sensation spread like a grass fire inside of her. 

"Olivia, I know you are sensible, but I should mention. They are not of our rank. You know that." It was difficult for her dad to talk to her about stuff like that. 

The blacksmith's son, Tommy, noticed Olivia the first day he saw her. He was well mannered and a decent guy. He spotted Olivia and her dad coming down the street and smiled at them. 

"Good day Mr. Tanner, Olivia." He was very polite and clearly showed interest in Olivia. Olivia wished she cared for him that way, but she only felt friendliness towards Tommy. She knew any girl in her position would grab at the opportunity like that.

"That is one fine fellow Olivia," Her dad mentioned little later. 

Wes looked at Austin on their arrival at the ranch, "I'll mention to mother that you would love to take Victoria on a picnic." He made it sure he was respectable distance when he said that. 

Friday morning the fancy horse buggy arrived with Timken's in it.

Nolan rolled his eyes looking from the corner of a barn, "Is she moving in with us." He was referring to the amount of the luggage they brought with them.

Austin squished his cigar in the dirt, " That would be the day I'm moving out." He turned around and disappeared in the barn.

"Albert, let's take a look what is bothering our new mare." 

"Yes, Mr. Jade." Albert was an easy going guy. He was even tempered, not like some too easy to ignite cow-hands they had working for them. 

A little while later Austin came in the house, his shirt soaked with sweat. His mother looked at him and said ," You should wash up Austin. We have guests." 

His hard mouth came together but from respect towards his mother he sustained himself from saying anything, and continued on towards the wide staircase leading to the second floor where his room was.

He made himself scarce on Saturday morning, but Sunday was a church day and there was no way out. Victoria took the seat next to him, holding the book in front of them, he had no choice but to share. 

Olivia always arrived late for service, so everyone would be inside already. That way she could safely take a seat in the last row in the city church. Her brown dress was little more serviceable than her gray one, but was also showing the wear around the high collar and elbows.

She could see his back, beside him stood a beautiful young woman in a lavender dress, her dark hair pulled up in a fashionable manner. They were both looking at the book held by elegant gloved hand.

Olivia was aware of her rough working hands. She closed her eyes for a second and opened them again," Don't be stupid Olivia, he can never be yours." She was telling herself, however her heart didn't want to listen. The stub of pain went through it.

The young woman was obviously his rank, with parlour manners to fit his world. Like on a cue he turned his head slightly and their eyes met.

She trembled inside and lowered her eyes immediately. His icy eyes were on her for a bare second before he diverted them towards the book.

As soon service was over Olivia slid out of the church unnoticed. She took a shortcut home, hurrying ahead, for she had lunch to finish. Her father was at work, and he'd be hungry when he gets home. Later on she'd go collect some greens for a few chickens she kept. She was too busy to daydream about Austin Jade