Kit smiled to herself at this, for secretly she thought Ralph McRae was just right for Jean. And she, too, liked him enormously, he was like the big brother she’d always wanted. She resolved to talk it over with Buzzy, who had become her fast friend, and see if together they could work out some scheme.
“He’s very capable,” Kit agreed. “I think by the time he goes we will have everything on the place mended and repaired.”
“He’s a good doctor too,” replied Jean. “Dad’s been so much better since he came. I wish when he goes back to Saskatoon that he’d take Buzzy with him. He’s got his heart set on going West.”
“Yes,” agreed Kit, “it would be wonderful for Buzzy. Not having a father he should have the companionship of an older man.”
“What do you mean ‘an older man’?” said Jean indignantly. “To listen to you, a person would think Ralph was a decrepit old man of thirty-five. He’s only twenty-four.”
“How do you know how old he is? Did you ask him?”
“No. Becky told me. And I don’t think that’s old at all.”
It took three days to cut the hay, even with the girls and Tommy helping Buzzy and Ralph. One morning when Buzzy and Kit were working together apart from the others, Kit saw her opportunity to discuss her plan for Jean. Buzzy regarded the idea disdainfully at first, but Kit seemed so anxious he rather half-heartedly agreed to do what he could.
Buzzy had a brilliant if indefinite plan to offer. “Look, Kit,” he began. “It’s almost certain that Mom will let me go back to Saskatoon with Ralph. We’ve talked it over and Mother knows how much I want to learn about ranching. Maybe when we get out there, you and Jean could come out and visit us.”
“Wel-l,” Kit said dubiously, “it’s an awfully long way and the trip would cost too much. Besides, he’s here now. Can’t you think of something that would get results right away?”