Sullivan's Ridge: A Christmas Tale by Caroline Lee

Author:Caroline Lee [Lee, Caroline]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: UNKNOWN
Published: 2012-11-25T06:00:00+00:00

Connie was up early the next morning, invigorated by the day before. She didn’t bother to wake Maggie, but dressed and secluded herself in her father’s study to go over the books and the supplies for the winter ahead. If Nick was right, and it started snowing tonight, they’d have to be prepared.

The cattle had been grazing on the rough grasses that had made it through the fall, but with snow cover, it was doubtful they’d be foraging again until the melt. The animals had been gorging themselves all summer, so they wouldn’t need much to make it through the winter, unless it was exceptionally harsh. It was during this time that they’d feed the cattle the hay bales and straw they’d harvested and purchased with the money from the last drive.

Luckily, the men had herded the cattle closer to the ranch, so they wouldn’t have to travel far to feed them, if need be. There was a large group that would find shelter down along the river, and another up by the ridge. There were smaller groups spread throughout, but if the snow hid their forage, they’d make their way back. Still, it wouldn’t hurt to ask Nick to see about them.

She spent an hour going over their hay reserves, and doing some calculating based on the head of cattle, how much they would eat, and how long the winter would last. Even if the predicted snow was the first of many, since it had waited until so late in the year, they should be able to make it through the winter with little concern. She smiled and silently thanked her Papa for being such a great planner.

She had a map of Sullivan’s Ridge open in front of her, and was poring over the locations of the shelter the cattle might find, when Maggie bustled into the room carrying a tray. She placed the bowl of porridge beside Connie, poured a cup of tea from an heirloom silver pot, and stirred in some milk. Connie thanked her with a smile.

Maggie started to leave, but then turned back. “I’ve just remembered, Timmy asked if he could speak with you this morning.”

She looked down at her porridge, and said “Give me fifteen minutes or so to eat breakfast, and then send him in.”

The young man’s timing was perfect; she was just draining her cup of tea when there was a knock at the door. When she called out for him to enter, Timmy pushed his way in. He was there to ask permission to visit his family, who lived almost a day’s ride away. Apparently his father had broken his leg, and Timmy was needed at home for the foreseeable future. Connie assured him that they’d be able to manage without him for a while, and sent him on his way with best wishes for his father’s recovery and a happy Christmas.

With breakfast and business behind her, she emerged to a beautiful day. Absolutely stunning. Cold, crisp and clear… the perfect day to choose a Christmas tree.

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