InsaneJournal

The Rancher and The Stable Master
Who: Grace and Eli
Where: Donovan stables
When: May 22, 1867 - early afternoon
Status Complete

In a town the size of New Shelby word had a way of traveling around in the snap of a finger, and in this instant it had proved no different. She had known one of Donovan's mares was on the brink of foaling within the span of a couple days, so it was of no surprise that when word reached the ears of the only lady rancher in the vicinity that Grace made the trip from the rancher to the stables of Eli Donovan.

Riding through the main street of town it didn't take Grace long to find herself at the Donovan house. Dismounting and latching Rogue's reins to a post the blonde made the short climb up to the porch and gave a light knocking to the front door. "Anyone home?" She called out. She'd give it a short moment, and if there was no answer Grace would just head over to the stables as that would be the most logical place she'd probably find Eli if he weren't at the house.

Eli emerged from the stables, scrubbing his forearm across his brow to dash away the sweat that threatened to run into his eyes. He'd just finished spreading fresh hay in the foaling stall for Trixie and the colt, and he'd been on his way back to the house for some water and a quick wash. The familiar blonde on his front porch drew a grin, though, and he held up one hand in greeting.

"Afternoon, Miss Sackett," he called cheerfully. "You visiting for business, or just wanting a peek at our newest resident?" he asked her with a laugh.

"Business is a possibility, but I came primarily to see that new addition I heard word going around about." Grace shooting a grin to the man. Grace climbed down the stairs to join Eli. "Everything go well? No complications?" she inquired.

"Nary a one," Eli answered. "Just as quick and smooth as you please, and the little one up and nursing just a few minutes after he took his first breath." He jerked one thumb over his shoulder toward the stables. "He and Trix are back in the back, if you've a bit of time to pay the proud mum a visit," he chuckled.


"I think I can spare a moment or two for a visit." Grace grinned. It had, after all, been the primary point of her visit to the stables.


Eli skirted the paddock to the side door as he led Grace back to Trixie's stall in the rear of the stables. "Fairly smooth foaling," he admitted as he pulled the large double doors wide for her. "Trixie did great, and the little lad was up on his feet just as quick as you please." He flashed a grin at Grace as they reached the foaling stall. "Got his mum's coloring, he does. Name's gonna be Bandit -- we had a group of little ones down at the school pick out names for us," he chuckled.

"Hope he doesn't literally live up to his given name." A smile broke as Grace moved a bit closer to get a more clearer view of the new addition to the stables. "He looks strong and healthy." She commented, not that she expected the foal to look all sickly or anything, and hadn't Eli given her the impression that the foaling had gone off without a hitch and that both the mare and little one were doing well.

"He's doing well," Eli admitted. "No problems at all. I'm reckon I'll give him a week or two to settle in and get his feet under him, then I'll send word to the school for the young ones to come see the colt they named," he chuckled. He leaned his elbows against the top of the stall wall and tilted his head back at Grace. "How 'bout you -- things going all right down at the ranch?"

"The ranch is doing well." Grace answered. Her arms folding as the came to rest a top the stall wall as she looked over it to watch the foal. "Patrick's gone back to Australia, but still got two experienced ranch hands, and a possible third hired this morning." Grace shared. Word had reached New Shelby that her cousin was needed back home, and though his presence would be missed, the ranch was functional, and Grace didn't see any problems with her and the two hands keeping the place running smoothly.

"If I hear 'bout anyone else needing work with good horse sense, you want me to refer 'em to you?" Eli offered. "You've got your hands full as it is, and I'm fully staffed at the moment."

"I'd appreciate that, Mr. Donovan." A couple more ranch hands would be a help. It'd lessen the burden that now sat upon Grace's shoulders since the leaving of her cousin from town.

"I'll keep you in mind, then," Eli said cheerfully. "Now that your cousin's headed home, I reckon the extra hands will come in handy -- and if you ever find yourself in a real bind, you can always send word and I'll help out as best I can." He tilted his head at her curiously. "The new one looks promising, I hope?" he asked.

"I'll keep that in mind." Grace offered a light smile. "Seems promising. He doesn't have the look of someone who'd you think was good with horses, but he seems to know quite a bit about handling the animals. But there's just something about him that has me going with instinct here." She was really hoping that the man wouldn't prove to be a misjudgement on her part.

"Instinct's the best tool you've got at hand," Eli agreed. "Without it, I wouldn't have hired half of my own hands, including Floyd, and then I'd really be in trouble," he added with a chuckle. "I don't reckon I looked much like a horseman when I was a little lad, myself, so I'm sure he'll work out just fine."

"I hope so. Tomorrow should tell on that." If Julian accomplished roping one of the wild herd and get it, and himself, back to the ranch in one piece. Then Grace would know she hadn't made the wrong choice in hiring the man.

"I should be going." She voiced with a bit of reluctance. Talking horses with someone was a thing she generally enjoyed. Especially with on as knowledgable on the subject as Eli Donovan. "I've got a ranch to get back to and you have a whole stable of horses to manage." She added on with a smile.

"Busy as bees, the both of us," Eli chuckled, pushing himself back off the low wall to walk her out. "Good luck with the new hand, then -- and let me know if you need anything from my end," he reminded her with a smile.

"It's what keeps us on the profitable end of things." Grace offered a bit amusedly as the two walked their way out from the stables. "I surely will, Mr. Donovan." She said, though hoping it wouldn't come to her having to seek the man out for help. She was determined to make a success of the ranch, and keep it going for many years, on her own.

"Congratulations again on your first successful foaling." Grace said to him before the blonde took that short stretch of path to where she had left Rogue hitched.