Free To Dream Anew by Tracie Peterson

firmly, “my uncle planned this house and built a good portion of it with his own two hands. If you think it less than refined, try staying in one of the small cabins on the property. That’s how the rest of us lived in the early years. Maybe it would give you a better appreciation for what you have here.”
    Portia stopped in her tracks, her stunned expression revealing horror at the thought. “I could never live like that.” She shuddered, then began pacing again. “Some women are meant for more common living—but not me.”
    “Then perhaps you should go back East—or at least to Denver or Kansas City—and await word from your father,” Dianne replied. She finished repairing a rip in her husband’s shirt, then snipped the thread. With that done, she looked at Portia sternly. “If you remain here with us, you’ll have to start putting forth effort to help. Winter will soon be upon us and everyone will be needed to ready the ranch.”
    The woman turned and said nothing for a moment. Her rosy lips were pursed as if she were about to blow a kiss. There was an exotic beauty to Portia Langford; her black hair and dark eyes were intriguing, set against alabaster skin. There was no doubt she was probably the most beautiful woman in the room, but her personality failed to complement her appearance.
    “I’ve never had to work at household duties,” she finally admitted. “My mother desired a better life for me, so she wouldn’t let me lift a finger. Then I married and had maids and servants. What you’re asking is too much.”
    Dianne shrugged. “Then you’d best gather your things and head back to Bozeman. I don’t say this to be mean, but frankly, you’ve become a burden. You’re extra work. Koko and I have had to care for your clothes and clean your room. We cook for you and do your dishes. I simply don’t need the additional responsibility.”
    “But I don’t know how to do any chores. I know nothing about that mending you’re working at. I know nothing about cooking and cleaning.”
    “Those skills are easily taught,” Koko said. “You appear to be a smart woman. I’ve no doubt you can learn.”
    Portia shook her head. “I’m sure that you’re mistaken. Being an Indian, you probably don’t realize the needs of a refined woman.”
    Dianne got to her feet and put aside the shirt. “Portia, you will refrain from insulting my family. Being Indian or not has little to do with what we’re speaking of. This is a working ranch. We can’t dress in silks and fine fashions as you do. We need sturdy, serviceable clothing. You have your choice. Either I’ll have one of the boys hitch up a wagon and take you back to Bozeman tomorrow, or we begin your lessons today.” Dianne stood her ground despite the resentment reflected in Portia’s eyes.
    “You say it’s my choice, but I really have no alternative. I can’t go to Bozeman. I haven’t enough money to stay for an undetermined time.” She pouted and looked away as though trying to figure out another way out. Finally she sighed. “What will I have to do?”
    “Well, the first thing is to go change your clothes. You can hardly work in that,” Dianne declared. Just being around the richness of Portia’s heavily embroidered silk dress made Dianne nervous. The creation must have cost a fortune, and while there was a good deal of fraying at the hem, Dianne wanted no part in causing further damage to the gown.
    “And what would you suggest I wear?” Portia asked smugly.
    “Koko and I have managed to put together a few things for you.” Dianne smiled. “You may not like this arrangement, and for that I’m sorry. If you were a guest staying only a few days, it would never be an issue. But you must understand that there is a great deal of preparation for winter, and everyone is needed to work. Once that’s done and most of the men lead the herd to winter pasture, we’ll have it a little bit easier. But even then we need to help one another so