He frowned. “Go on.”

“As a child, I was accidentally locked overnight in a cellar overrun with mice. I’m afraid I allowed my childhood fears to get the best of me.”

Curious as to why she thought it necessary to explain, he shrugged. “Other than givin’ Cookie a scare, I’d say no harm was done.”

They stared at each other for a moment before she turned away. Hand on the doorknob, she shot a glance over her shoulder. “When can I expect my ride?”

“I’ll have my foreman pick out a hoss for you.”

“A…a horse?”

“You can leave it at the stables in town when you’re finished. Just let me know where you want your luggage sent.” Something in her face made him frown. “Something wrong?”

“I—” Clearing her throat, she turned to face him. “I don’t know how to ride.”

He reared back. “You’re not serious.” He had practically been born in a saddle and couldn’t imagine life without a horse.

She lowered her lashes, and her cheeks turned red. “I-I know how to drive a horse and buggy. Even a carriage.” Her lashes flew up. “B-but never found the need to ride a horse.”

“Never?” He shook his head. What a strange one she was. She could hint at his manhood—or invented lack of it—with hardly a falter, but a subject as benign as riding a horse had her stammering like a schoolgirl. “I can’t imagine such a thing. Not ridin’, I mean.”

“That’s probably because you were never required to ride sidesaddle.”

“Sidesaddle, huh?” Of course. He should have known. A lady like her… “I think you’ll find us more civilized out here,” he said wryly. “We don’t expect our womenfolk to do anythin’ so ludicrous as to ride half-cocked.” When his attempt at humor failed to bring the hoped-for smile, he added, “I can take you to town myself. But that would mean you havin’ to ride on the back of my hoss.”

“What about the buggy you drove last night?”

“I rented it in town for my weddin’. One of my men used it to retrieve your luggage and has since returned it. We’ve no need for such contraptions out here. The most we have is a chuck wagon, which has no room for passengers, and a freight wagon. The buckboard is in for repairs.”

Her face dropped in dismay. Feeling sorry for her, he added, “I’ll send one of the boys to town to rent a four-wheeler.”

“If you don’t mind. I’d be…most grateful.”

Oh, he minded all right. He needed his men on the ranch, working. Still, he was partly to blame for the woman’s plight. The least he could do was help make things right.

“Anythin’ else?” he asked.

She shook her head. “No, thank you. That will be all.” She started for the door and stopped. “I’m sorry for hitting you.”

“I’ve been hit worse,” he said.

She turned her head to look at him over her shoulder. “Have you now?”