Frontier Engagement. Regina Scott

seem to know a lot about horses.”

      His tone was admiring, but her stomach sank. When would she learn? She had to guard every word now, not to protect a so-called family secret but to prevent being tarred by it. “My...family owned a team much like yours,” she told him. “They raced a few times. Not that I condone the practice.”

      “We can’t control our families,” he assured her as if he knew firsthand. “Though that doesn’t keep us from trying.”

      Her breath came easier. He wasn’t going to press her for details. “What are your team’s names?” she asked.

      To her surprise, he glanced ahead as if to estimate the distance to their destination. When he spoke, he lowered his voice. Did he fear the trees would overhear him?

      “The fellow who sold them to me didn’t think much of naming horses,” he said, gaze more serious than she’d seen. “Neither do my brothers. Drew says you don’t name your tools or your saw.”

      To her, horses were far more than tools. They were intelligent, caring creatures whose loyalty you were blessed to earn. Yet if he didn’t believe in naming them, he probably wouldn’t understand that.

      He turned toward his team once more, and she could see their ears twitching back to listen to him as he spoke again.

      “I disagree with Drew,” he said as if making a confession. “My horses are more than bone and muscle, meant only for turning a field or tugging out a stump. I rely on them, and I know they rely on me. They believe in me when no one else does. I think of them as Sir Lancelot and Sir Percival. Lance is a little bigger and prouder, but Percy has the greater heart.”

      What beautiful sentiments! His look was soft, paternal even. Rina had to fight the urge to touch his shoulder, tell him she understood.

      And he knew the legend of King Arthur? Perhaps Le Morte D’Arthur had been one of the books his father had left him. She couldn’t count the number of times she’d read it, believing that her parents’ kingdom was as marvelous as Camelot.

      Now it wasn’t a kingdom awaiting her, but a frontier schoolhouse. After traveling thousands of miles and counting off the months, she was about to achieve her dream of teaching. She could hardly sit still as James guided his team out of the woods at last. A clearing opened up around her, wide pastures surrounded by curly-topped cedar and fir pointing to the darkening sky. A large, two-story log house sat across one end of the clearing, with a barn to the south of it. But what drew Rina’s eye was the building at the back of the clearing, up against the hillside.

      The newly peeled logs gleamed gold in the setting sun. The brass bell on a stand outside the planked door looked as if it would ring for miles. She could imagine children lining up outside, eager to come in for lessons. Her heart swelled. This could be her school.

      This might be where she could make a difference, where her life would count for something.

       Chapter Three

      From far too close, a gun roared.

      Rina gasped and ducked away from the sound, pulse racing.

      “It’s all right,” James assured her, reaching out a hand. But the gun barked again.

      “Are we under attack?” she cried.

      “Not at the moment,” James promised with a gentle smile as he reined in near the school. “That’s just how we call folks to dinner.”

      Rina managed to catch her breath and nod. She had to remember she was far from the world into which she’d been born. But she’d hardly imagined she’d be fired on the moment she reached Wallin Landing!

      “James!” The call came from the house, where Rina noticed a young woman with straight blond hair. She hung a gun on a hook near the door on the rear porch, lifted her pink gingham skirts and came running to meet the wagon. Her smile broadened her heart-shaped face as she gazed up at Rina.

      “You’re here! Thank you so much for coming! I can’t wait to see what you’ll teach us. I’ve read all of Pa’s books and any John could get, but I know there’s so much out there to learn. I love history, but I’m not terribly good at math. John says I just need more practice.”

      “This is Beth,” James said when the young woman paused for breath. “She’ll be one of your students. She’s enthusiastic. About everything.”

      Beth’s full cheeks turned red, and Rina felt for her.

      “Any student who enjoys learning will be a blessing to teach,” she told the girl.

      Beth beamed. “Thank you. I promise not to talk so much in class. Or at least I’ll try. Dinner’s nearly ready. Will you eat with us?”

      Rina glanced at James for guidance. He’d said the teacher was to have her own place, but perhaps she should eat with the family nearest the school until they were all sure the position was hers.

      James eyed his sister. “Who cooked tonight?”

      She raised her head and stuck out her chin. “Levi, but I helped.”

      James nodded. “It’s safe, then, Miss Fosgrave. Levi does a decent job, but I’d beware of John’s cooking.” He leaned closer and lowered his voice, eyebrows wiggling. “Far too creative with the sauce, and don’t get me started on his use of cinnamon.”

      Beth giggled, but Rina felt herself slipping into those deep blue eyes. She forced herself to look away. “I’d be honored to join you for dinner, Miss Wallin. Give me a moment to change out of my travel dirt.”

      Beth’s eyes widened as if Rina’s propriety awed her, but James straightened.

      “No need,” he said. “We’re all nice and dirty in our family.”

      With another giggle, Beth excused herself to hurry back to the house. Rina frowned at James. Why would he refuse her? The Fosgraves had changed clothes at least four times a day. She only wanted to look her best for the people who would hire her.

      “I do not believe my choice of attire is any concern of yours, Mr. Wallin,” she informed him.

      “Oh, yes it is,” he declared, hopping down. He came around the wagon to her side. “Until one of my brothers shows up, I’m the one who’d have to ferry that trunk of yours to the school so you could change.” He bent and pressed a hand to his lower back with a groan. “’Bout near crippled me the first time.”

      Rina shook her head, fighting a smile. “You do not strike me as particularly feeble, sir.”

      He straightened. “Not in the least, but I’ll admit to being lazy as the day is long. I’ll let Drew carry your trunk. I’ll take the more delightful task.” He held up his arms. “Fair warning, ma’am, as I promised. I mean to take you in my arms. Only to help you down, of course.”

      The ground was a long ways below. She knew she needed his help to get off the bench, but she wasn’t sure she was ready to feel those hands on her waist. She must have hesitated a moment too long, for his smile faded.

      “I’m sorry, Miss Fosgrave,” he said, lowering his arms. “I seem to keep offending you. It isn’t intentional. I’m just used to teasing people I like.”

      He liked her? Why would he like her? She’d given him no reason, hadn’t been particularly encouraging. She was no longer someone whose favor he needed to curry. Of course, as friendly as he seemed to be, he probably liked everyone and they liked him in return. Yet she couldn’t help feeling as if he’d given her something precious.

      “Forgive me, Mr. Wallin,” she said, offering her hands. “Of course you may assist me.”

      He slipped his arms up under hers and lifted her down as carefully as if she were made of fine crystal.

      “Certainly not