Wildest Dreams - By Rosanne Bittner Page 0,99

give you the rest after they've proven themselves." He looked back at the Englishman. "For all I know you could hightail it back to England and I'd never see you or my money again. The damn cattle could die off on me over the next winter, and I'd be out four hundred dollars."

Bentley smiled. "Agreed. Half up front. But I assure you, I am here to stay, Mr. Fontaine. I promised my father I'd find a big market out here for him, and I do love this land. It's so beautiful. Everything is so big and spectacular! I'm not sure I could ever go back to England!"

"We love it here, too, Mr. Bentley," Lettie put in. "That's why we've never left, in spite of the bad times. There have also been a lot of good times."

Nial glanced at her again, wishing she hadn't spoken so he wouldn't have to look her way. How could a woman who had lived out here for so long and borne six children look like she did? Did she often think of her firstborn? He'd heard the woman actually thought the boy might still be alive. He supposed any mother would have to think that or go crazy.

"Would you like something to drink, Mr. Bentley?" she was asking. "Coffee? A little whiskey, perhaps?"

"Actually, I would love some tea. Would you have any?"

Lettie smiled. "Of course. I'll go heat the water." She went back inside, wondering if Luke noticed how Bentley looked at her. Bentley seemed to be on better behavior today, thank God. She was glad Luke was trying out the new breed of cattle, but she would be glad when Nial Bentley was gone. She hoped he didn't intend to visit too often. It made her much too uncomfortable.

Luke and Nial talked for another hour. Lettie served the tea, bringing a shot of whiskey to Luke, then stayed inside the house, away from Nial Bentley's roving eyes. She noticed Luke seemed wary of the man, gave him a few helpful hints on ranching in Montana but not offering a lot of details. She noticed he did not mention his plans to contract with the army. That was one deal he wanted for himself.

Finally Bentley rose and shook Luke's hand. "I'd better be off. Some of my men have made camp a few miles from here. We'll sleep under the stars tonight—too long a ride from here to my place to make it before dark."

"Aren't you a little uncomfortable in those clothes?" Lettie heard Luke ask him. She stifled a laugh as she came to the door to bid Nial Bentley good-bye.

"Oh, not at all, I assure you. I do have clothes more fitting to this kind of living. I only dress this way when I am visiting or going to an important meeting."

"Well, you don't need to dress fancy to come visiting here," Luke told him, shaking his hand.

Lettie came out then, carrying Paul, who was always begging to be picked up. "Good-bye, Mr. Bentley."

"Please, both of you call me Nial," the man answered, his eyes quickly moving over her before he bowed again. "It was so pleasant meeting you again, Mrs. Fontaine."

"Lettie," she answered. "Just Luke and Lettie."

Lettie, Nial thought. My beautiful Lettie. Such a strong, handsome, loving husband you have. If only I could woo you away from him. He donned his hat then, nodding to Luke again. "Well, then, Luke, I'll have my men bring over a couple of my best Herefords for you to see, and I'll send word to the overseer of my ranch in Wisconsin that you are willing to try them out. Next summer he'll ship five hundred of our best to the Double L, and you can start building from there. You won't regret it, Luke. Wait until you see how big the steers get after castration."

"Well, I always have my own shorthorns to fall back on if it doesn't work out. I might even try breeding the shorthorns with the Herefords."

Bentley brushed at his suit. "Sir, I guarantee that in a few years you'll be breeding nothing but Herefords." He nodded once more. "I'm off. I do pray that leg will heal much more quickly than the doctor thinks. When you can ride again, do come and pay a visit to Essex Manor. Feel free to bring the missus. She is quite a wonderful woman. You must be very proud to have a wife who is so intelligent and supportive to stand up for the