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“That governht as well not exist” He voiced a sentiment shared by the vast majority of citizens in the territory “It is a system that the East dreamed up And they have no idea what it’s like out here Everyone out here ignores it”

“It’s feeble,” Elaine agreed “But when Montana achieves statehood, there’s no reason why you and I can’t have a hand in choosing the first governor The gahly profitable for the ranch Look at the beef contract It never hurts to have influential people in government e you favors, Benteen”

“Perhaps” But he wasn’t in full agreement on that point

“The secret is to use them—not be used by them”

“You’re good at using people, aren’t you?” he observed with a narrowed look

“I’ to pretend that’s a coaze survey the roo to be my favorite room in your house”

The cabin was filled with the yeasty aro bread Lorna sat with her back to the , using the sunlight so she could see to hand-stitch a shirt for Arthur from the remnants of one of Benteen’s

Her concentration was broken by the knock on the door She quickly set aside the shirt to answer it, brushing at the flour dust on her muslin apron But when she opened the door, it was Bull Giles, not Lady Crawford, who stood outside She relaxed a little, not really disappointed

“Are the boys here?” he asked

It had beco Lady Crawford’s visits with her husband Lorna’s mouth curved at the irony of the situation Lady Crawford spent more time with her husband than Lorna sometimes did And Bull Giles spent more time with the children than Benteen

“They’re taking a nap,” she explained, keeping her voice low “Benteen didn’ttoday”

“I brought them each a couple sticks of peppermint” He took theive it to theht”

“The boys will love it Thank you, Bu …” She caught herself using his name and quickly corrected it “… Mr Giles”

“I’d like it if you’d call me Bull,” he said quietly

“That surely isn’t your given name”