Olivia ran a high fever all throughout the night. Wilma sat by her side and wiped her brow gently. The old woman hadn't left her side, the doctor had come and gone but Wilma stayed. 

"Oh my, Olivia! You can't leave me now that I've found you," Wilma whispered to her. 

"You'll be fine now, Liv. We are together now. You get better." Her voice had a plea of fear and desperation in it. 

***

With no leads Austin ran out of resources to find Olivia. Nobody had seen her or knew where she was. Every search ended up leading nowhere. He was running out of ideas, so he had to returned to Big J.

Clay came to take the reins of his horse and led him to the stable, "What's bothering you Austin?" The old man knew him well and could see something was troubling the young fellow. Austin just shook his head; his troubles were of the nature he couldn't even share it with Clay. Clay, who saw he wouldn't get an answer from him, continued chatting , oblivious of source of Austin's struggles.

"Yesterday, I was down at the general store getting my tobacco. There was an old lady that came in inquiring about Albert's daughter. She had a mighty nice coach she drove in," Clay said conversationally as he rolled his cigar between his already yellow stained fingers. He stopped talking, lit it and took the first puff coughing in the process. Austin's attention shifted to what Clay said. Seeing he got his interest he continued. 

"She left town in haste! I'll tell you that. She talked to the old widow Mrs. Helms for about half an hour and she was on her way. Why would such a lady be looking for Albert's daughter? Poor fox! They have had little, and little they did got lost in a fire." Clay rumbled. Even the smallest event in a town the size of Kenth got analysed into details. 

***

Olivia opened her eyes. The oil lamp burned and gave a comforting glow to the unfamiliar room. The burning flames made the shadows dance along the wall. The smell of the food cooking aromas that came from somewhere down below reached her nostrils. She turned her head to find the familiar face looming over her. 

"Wilma? Where am I? What are you doing here?" Olivia whispered.

"Shhh, my dear, don't strain yourself." She propped the pillow gently behind Olivia's back.

"Here, my dear! Eat now. You've been through a lot." She held the spoon to Olivia's mouth. With an effort she opened her mouth and swallowed the hot liquid.

"My dear child, you gave me a scare! I would like to know who is responsible for this?" Wilma wanted answers, but didn't want to strain Olivia too much.

"Papa is dead, Wilma." It was all Olivia managed to say before the tears started running down her cheeks.

"I know, Liv. I know. I'm sorry." Wilma dabbed at Olivia's eyes. 

"You have me now. We will talk when you are stronger. I almost lost you." Now, Wilma was wiping at corners of her own eyes.

"There are some things I need to tell you, but it can wait until you are better. Now sleep child. I'll be here when you wake up," she assured Olivia while feeding another spoonful to her. 

For the rest of the day Olivia slept. When she finally woke Wilma seemed to be asleep on the little couch by the bed. She felt Olivia was awake and looked at her. 

"What about my baby Wilma?" Olivia asked with a concern in her voice. 

"Doctor said that everything is fine. It's going to be alright, Liv, you just get your strength back. I better order some food for us. You need to gain your strength back." 

She rang the bell for service and while doing that Olivia observed nicely furnished room. 

Then the thought entered Olivia's mind how her friend could afford all this? Being a cook at the ranch didn't pay all that much. 

"It must cost a lot to stay here. How will we pay for it?" Olivia was worried. She only had a few coins left from her wages.

"Don't worry, Liv. My only cousin left me his estate in Moncotton. We are fine, Olivia." 

"What do you mean?" 

The knock at the door interrupted their conversation; the maid brought a tray with some steaming food on it. After she left, Wilma looked at Olivia with warmth.

"It's time I tell you, Liv!" the old woman spoke with trouble. "I was way too young to keep your mom; young and scared. I didn't have enough food for myself,let alone supporting a child. I had to give her up. When I found her again she had you and your papa. Just I was going to tell her the fever came and took her away." Wilma's eyes were teary, but she continued. "She was way too young to go. You were only eight Liv. I had to stay at the ranch for you. I didn't know how to tell your papa. And then the drought and the fire came." She stroked Olivia's hand with such gentleness.

"Whatever is mine, is also yours . We are family. I'm your grandma. You are my granddaughter." 

Olivia looked at Wilma not believing what she'd heard. Was it possible that she had a grandmother and it was the one person Olivia already loved. 

Wilma was always good to her and had always looked out for her. Now Olivia started to understand why Wilma was always around. 

"As soon you are well enough to travel, we are leaving for Moncotton. I can't wait for you to see it. You are going to love it there. There are beautiful trees, green pastures, and even a little lake with fish in it. We are raising sheep instead of cattle, the terrain is more suitable. There is a huge estate house; your room is being prepared as we speak." Wilma was trying to paint the picture to Olivia with words.

"How can that be?" Olivia was very confused about all that was happening.

"It is the truth, Liv, believe it. It broke my heart when you and papa had to leave." The old woman was dabbing at her own eyes. "I didn't know if I was ever going to see you again. My heart couldn't take it."

"I always loved you, Wilma. Even back then you were the closest person I had to a mother, but I'm not so sure you want a granddaughter like me. I've let you down! You know that I'm pregnant," Olivia sobbed. 

"Shhhh, you didn't let me down. You can never let me down. I'll welcome any baby of yours," Wilma soothed her as she kissed her forehead. "Wait until you see the estate. The wool that is produced on it is one of the best quality. Now, rest. I have to go out for a little bit. You sleep now, tomorrow if you are strong enough we will go home." 

"Home, that sounds so good. Are you sure I'm not dreaming and I'll wake up by the road to Kenth." Olivia remembered Austin and dull pain went through her heart. She couldn't allow herself to think of him. 

Austin learned from Mrs. Helms that the lady looking for Olivia went to Elms to search for her. Unfortunately, that was all she knew, explained the old lady.

He rode back to the ranch. He'll have to go back to Elms in the morning. With a little luck he'll find the coach that belonged to the lady that was looking for Olivia.

Wes wouldn't let him go alone; he came along without knowing what it was all about. Wes only knew it must be something very important to Austin. His brother had never acted like this before. Wes had never seen him looking so worried about anything. 

***

Wilma came back in the time when Olivia woke up. She carried parcels in her hands.

"I went shopping Liv. It just the basics. When you are better you can come along to choose for yourself ."

She pulled out a few dresses out of the round box. One had a floral design with a cornflower blue overcoat. The other one was plain dusty rose. Both of them beautiful. Olivia couldn't believe they were for her. Beside the dresses in the boxes she found few other necessities. Wilma helped Olivia dress and, after they packed, Wilma made sure Olivia got bundled up and comfortable. It was time they head home. They travelled by the river and Olivia looked outside through the little window by her head. The first signs of early fall already visible, and the scenery was exquisite. The pastures were still green, and an odd flower here and there bloomed. The birds chirped, and the leaves rumoured on the branches. The only interruption to peacefulness was when coach jump once in awhile due to the ruts on the road and bounced them around. For the first time in a long time she felt safe. 

The cowboy Wilma had hired to go with them on their journey rode on his horse and chatted with Leo keeping an eye for any dangers ahead of them. 

Wilma dozed off, for the long journey took a toll on her. She wasn't as young anymore. Olivia kept looking at the parts of the countryside when the first view of the mountains came into sight in the distance reminding her of Kenth and her short stay there. She remembered her dad, and then her mind shifted to the tall blue eyed man whose child she carried.

Austin looked all over the town and all searches came up empty. The old lady vanished along with Olivia. He had found their lodging, but no one had information regarding their current whereabouts.Two ladies kept to themselves. The only comfort he found was that he knew Olivia was alive and well. His heart full of regret.