Page 35 - Homestead By Ann Newhouse

home. I had to thank Mrs. O’ Neilson for my clean laundry, otherwise I’d have been wearing my dusty shirt and jeans. With my first wage I’d have to invest in some new clothes.
The restaurant, was as usual, crammed to the rafters. Wall to wall people all shouting for attention. I hoped Sofie would be as charming and chatty as Johanna had been the first night I came here, otherwise we would either die of hunger or be too drunk to taste the food. After a few seconds sitting at our table, in a secluded corner, we were supplied with a tray of beers.
“I’ll have to learn that trick,” I told Sofie, smiling.
“You’ll have to change gender! Only women receive this treatment,” she replied giggling. Sofie nodded to the server, “Usual Jed, please”
“I just ordered steaks. Medium rare ok?” she asked.
“You read my mind,” I said, adding, “I had the same experience with Johanna”.
I knew by her expression that Johanna had not told her we had eaten together, much to my surprise, as I took it women told each other everything. But still Sofie seemed to be her old self as the conversation flowed freely. She wanted to know how I did on my first drive. I explained how sore I was, having ridden such a long distance, as I was only used to riding around a smallholding. She giggled a lot, sympathising sarcastically.
“You will get used to it in time. Speaking of time, my father wants you to move out of the medical hall as soon as possible, so I have suggested renting the cabin next to mine as the tenant has moved out. It’s a little smaller but has all you will need to sleep and eat in,” Sofie advised.
“Thank you. I’ll take it, as long as my wage allows me to afford to live, after paying rent. Your father has not discussed a wage with me yet.”
“He usually leaves me to mark the farm hands cards. I’d say you will be pleased at what you can afford. The team only do a long drive about every second or third month, so the cattle can graze on fresh pasture or sold at the markets. The rest of the time they work around the Homestead or, if my father wishes, they do the provisions run once a week into town. It’s not everyone he trusts to do so. There’s a set amount for the cattle drive and the rest depends on the hours you put in. If you call to my office in the medical hall, I’ll pay you what you’re due to date.” Sofie’s manner mirrored her fathers at that moment, I thought.
Quite happy with that arrangement, I walked Sofie to her cabin. I felt a tingling as she took my arm although it was no longer necessary to assist me in walking. She seemed to be happy to be so close