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everything from toned arms, to a lean torso, and firm thighs. I’d never seen a man naked before, and the shock of the situation left me reeling with embarrassment, mortification, and shame. “He’s not in there.” I dropped the flap, as if I’d been burned, taking Letty’s hand. She had not seen what I had. “Oh, golly gosh. How awful. What a pickle.”
    “What’s awful, Jane?”
    “N-nothing.”
    Images, unbidden and unwanted, drifted through my mind. I would never be able to erase what I had seen. What was worse was that I hadn’t a clue that men were so…so lean. There wasn’t an ounce of fat on him, and his…backside had looked… oh, gracious. I couldn’t even let myself think on this topic for another moment, but my mind had other ideas.
    We found Charlie a short while later in Nathan’s arms. The boy had escaped into the field to find his father. I resumed mopping the floors, but images of Ryan continued to torment me. Feelings of embarrassment were acute, yet mixed with curiosity, as I had been given a glimpse of a mystery that had yet to be unraveled.
    When it was time for me to leave, I bid Hannah goodbye. She sat with Letty and Charlie in the parlor, as we had been reading to them. “I’ll go now.” I tied the sash of the bonnet beneath my chin.
    “Thank you so much, Hannah. Tomorrow should be better. I’m all caught up with the housework, and Nathan gave the ranch hands part of the day off. I need to go to town. Maybe we could go together, especially if I can get Nathan to watch the children.”
    “That sounds nice.”
    “Have a safe journey.”
    I was nearly to the door. “I will. See you tomorrow.”
    “Goodbye.”
    In the yard, I went to the paddock to retrieve Sally Anne; the horse has been grazing for the better part of the day. I led her from the enclosure, mindful not to step in anything foul, and, nearing the gate, a man stood before me. It was Mr. Hartsock. Stifling a gasp, I could hardly meet his gaze, staring at the ground beneath my feet.
    “You scared me.”
    “I can do this for you.” He began to bridle the horse, gently encouraging Sally Anne to lower her head to accept the bit in her mouth.
    “Thank you, sir.”
    He said nothing, as he worked, attaching the breast strap and tightening the girth. After the breeching had been placed over her back, he brought up the wagon. Sally Anne was affixed within moments, Ryan re-checking the straps and buckles for proper fitting.
    He turned to face me; his eyes were shaded beneath the brim of a wide hat. “Here.”
    “You didn’t have to do that. I could’ve managed.”
    “It was no trouble.”
    I felt compelled to say something, anything about what had happened earlier. “I-I’m sorry I invaded your privacy. I didn’t know you were…um…in the tipi. We were looking for Charlie. I’m dreadfully sorry…about everything.”
    A hint of a smile appeared, his eyes lingering on me. “You’re more than welcome to visit any time you like.”
    The tone in his voice left me with little doubt that he wasn’t the least bit bothered by the fact that I had seen him naked, quite the opposite, actually. Shocked and flustered, I stepped onto the wagon, but he had anticipated this move, placing a hand under my elbow.
    “I don’t believe I will, sir. That would be improper.” Now he smirked, which stoked a growing sense of indignation. “Good day,” I said crisply. He stepped back from the wagon, as I urged Sally Anne forward. As I began to trundle to the road, I couldn’t resist glancing over my shoulder, where I saw him standing in the yard, gazing after me. Then I chastised myself for looking, forcing my head forward, while my backbone pricked with awareness.
    After I had retrieved everyone from town, the conversation was lively on the way to Fanny’s house, with my siblings all wanting to speak at once.
    “Emma deserved her punishment,” said Peter. “That’s what happens when you cheat.”
    “You fancy the girl,