We saw you headin' back with a shovel, Miss Katherine

It's Tommy's first day working in the stables. Kate sets him up with a grooming bucket and shows him what to do, handling her morning chores between bringing him horses — though she works a little more aggressively than usual. It's just been a few days since Tommy fought with Voodoo, and despite his claims that he feels much better, the bruises have mottled and turned uglier colors. Kate's temper hasn't abated, and likely never will. God help Voodoo if he ever tries approaching her.

Once it's time for afternoon tea, Tommy suggests they go someplace quiet to eat together. It only takes her a moment to decide on the field out beyond the lake where she likes to take Beaut from time to time. Instructing him to finish up and put his tools away, she heads out first, on horseback. It's a typical sight around this time of day, so nobody else is likely to suspect she'll be meeting someone.

When Tommy does mosey along, he'll find her just a few paces away from the beaten path in a great field of dandelions and poppies. Beaut is grazing freely while she's unpacking a basket of food on a large checkered blanket.

[continuing from here:]


It's mid-morning by the time any of the other hands show up, and all the animals are squared away. Kate has Rachat and Duncan out back, saddled up and ready to go.

The sun's come out, and the path around the lake looks clear. If they make it around the lake, Kate will be impressed. But Tommy seems diligent, at least, and stubborn if all else fails him. He should be all right, so long as he's half as good at listening.

Kate will endeavor not to hold her breath.