But remarkably gentle.
Eleanor watched his face.
He looked concerned over an injury that barely deserved attention.
She felt something warm settle inside her.
"Thank you."
He glanced up.
"You're welcome."
For a moment, their eyes met.
Then Silas cleared his throat.
"How about I show you how the stove draws, and we'll try those biscuits again?"
Eleanor smiled.
"I'd appreciate that."
For the next half hour, he demonstrated the stove's draft, the amount of wood required for steady heat, and the way he judged when the pan was ready.
Eleanor listened carefully.
She asked questions.
Made notes on a scrap of paper.
And tried again.
The second batch wasn't perfect.
But it was edible.
Silas took a bite.
Chewed.
Then nodded solemnly.
"Improvement."
Eleanor folded her arms.
"High praise indeed."
He grinned.
"If the cattle refuse their feed, we can always offer the first batch."
She threw the towel at him.
He caught it.
Both laughed.
And though Eleanor was too embarrassed to say it aloud, she had never enjoyed learning something badly as much as she did that morning.
After breakfast, Silas took her around the ranch.
A long ride across the eastern pasture brought them to the first cattle enclosure.
Several ranch hands were moving animals toward fresh grazing.
Their foreman, Owen Mercer, approached as Silas dismounted.
Owen was fifty-one, with a square face, graying beard, and the patient expression of a man who had spent most of his life correcting other people's mistakes without making them feel foolish.
He removed his hat.
"Morning, boss."
Silas nodded.
"Owen."
The foreman's eyes moved toward Eleanor.
Then he smiled.
"Mrs. Boone."
She returned the greeting.
"It's good to meet you."
Owen looked toward Silas.
For a moment, amusement flickered.
"Never thought I'd hear anybody call a woman Mrs. Boone around here."
Silas gave him a warning look.
Owen ignored it.
"Congratulations, ma'am."
Eleanor smiled.
"Thank you."
Silas turned toward the cattle.
"How's the north fence?"
Owen sighed.
"Still needs three posts."
"I'll help after noon."
The foreman nodded.
Then looked toward Eleanor again.
"Do you ride?"
She smiled.