“And I thank each of you for your help in searching for her. Your kindness means more than you will know.”

Again the men began to speak, and Greta was afraid that she was losing her opportunity to try to help Wyatt. And once lost, she doubted she’d regain it. “You’ve all been kind.” She raised her voice again. “And Mr. Steele in particular.”

The gentleman shifted his attention back to her, his expression wary. No doubt he was wondering where she was going with the conversation.

“Mr. Steele, I know you were looking out for Astrid and me when you brought up marriage to Wyatt. But you were wrong to make me a part of the cattle bargain.”

“Greta, don’t,” Wyatt softly pleaded.

“I don’t think you understand,” Mr. Steele said.

“Maybe not everything. But I do know Wyatt’s one of the hardest-working men I’ve ever met. He’s got more willpower in one finger than a lot of men have in their entire bodies.”

Wyatt tugged on her. “It’s alright. Let it go.”

Mr. Steele’s gaze shifted to Wyatt, frustration flashing across his suave face. “That might be true, but—”

“He deserves a deal of his own, for being a man of integrity as well as for being so hardworking. The fact is, if you loan him the money he needs to invest in a herd, you’ll be the one who stands to gain a profit off his hard work. And if I’m not mistaken, the profit on beef will only increase as the access to eastern markets gets easier with the building of more railways.”

Wyatt released an exasperated breath, but she kept her attention fully upon Mr. Steele. She couldn’t show any signs of weakness or hesitation now, or she might lose his interest. “As a matter of fact, any mine owner in the area willing to invest in the cattle will stand to earn a hefty profit.”

If no one else took the bait, she’d plead with Phineas to loan Wyatt the money. It was the least she could do for Wyatt after everything he’d done for Astrid and her.

She lifted her chin. “If you don’t want to give Wyatt the loan, then he’ll need to start asking around for another investor. And I have a feeling that someone else, perhaps Mr. Hallock himself, would be more than eager to invest.”

“Indeed, indeed,” Phineas said in a high, shaky voice. “I should very much like that.”

The men began to talk again, throwing out suggestions for other wealthy mine owners who might be willing to help Wyatt out.

“Be quiet, everyone!” Mr. Steele waved a hand for attention. “I never said the deal is off. I’ve already contacted the breeder in Missouri, and I’m not planning to bail out now.”

Next to her, Wyatt tipped up the brim of his hat, his expression guarded.