Grey returned to the kitchen and looking about she asked, What may I do to help? Hank Davis shared a knowing look with his son. Randa while not blood kin had always been looked on as part of the family and yet she always acted as a guest and it never dawned on her to offer to help and her was this girl who was a guest but she was looking for something to do. Well young lady Hank said I have more peas to shell what do you say and give an old man some help. I would be glad to i enjoy shelling. Grey had a wistful look on her face as if she was some place else for the moment Chance wondered where her thoughts had taken her. Randa broke into both of there thoughts with the Statement. I do so dislike shelling it makes my hands sore and I do pride myself on my hands. Grey looked at the other girls hands noted the smooth pale skin the well cared for nails. With out hesistating she said. Yes your hands are lovely I suppose you sew make quilts and such. I do no such a thing I have no need of such. Aunt Clara would you like some help with the dishes. Randa rose and went to help dry the dishes. Chance noted that while Grey hands worked quickly they while just as clean as Randa's showed some signs of strength and work. He thought about how she had listened intently to his instructions to handling the Mare while driving her hands while new at the task had been sensitive to the mares mouth. After Shelling quite a bit Chance gathering up the hulls said to Grey let me show you where the compost pile is you may decide that you want to go fishin one day and the best worms are there. As they walked out Chance noted that Grey had changed clothes like his ma had and wore a simple dress while Randa remained in her Fancy Green dress. He showed her the compost pile and they collected Eggs from his mother's hens. He introduced her to the family dog Missy a fluffy dog who had a litter of pups she was tending. Grey held out a fist and let the mama smell her hand. She is a sweet dog. Looks like she is a good mama too. She is and her other litters had good dogs in them so we should be able to find familys that want a dog to help out on the farms . I noticed when pa asked you for help with the peas you got this look on your face like you were far from here ? A slight blush crept on Grey's cheeks I was thinking of my Aunt we used to sit and shell and have the best time . She Was an interesting woman from her letters I felt like i had made a friend. Oh she was so good to me I was young when my folks died and Aunt Lilly just took me in and raised me as one of her own. Your Uncle did he welcome you as well? Oh yes he did it is just Uncle ottis is well he was a good man He cared for me in his way but my Aunt was his world and he was never a open book and when she died he drew further away. I think Aunt Lil knew how he would react and she was trying to find me a suitable home. They Walked back in the house to find Randa had retired to Change yet again for supper but Clara answered her unasked question. I love the child have since she was a wee thing but this changing clothes so much just makes the laundry pile up if you ask me. I won't be a changing clothes. Grey how are you with a biscuit dough? I have a pretty alright hand with em can i help. Sure thing child come on help me get these beat out and in the oven. So While the two women worked together in the kitchen Chance and his father went out and tended to the stock and changed the puppies straw . As the two men worked together the older man said Well we should have a nice day for the picnic tommorrow I should say things are going be right busy around here. Well pa what do you think about Grey? I think i want to see if she can cook no really son I think you have to women here in this house that are as different as Chalk and Cheese. Like i said things are gonna be interestin round here . Has ma said anything yet. No not yet but you know it is like night follows day it is commin.