Father Alexander Crest …  The play on words struck him as amusing.  But Duncan chose to watch his tone.  A 19th century man could take words the wrong way all too easily.  He was not at all surprised to see this man extend a hand.  Duncan did likewise, limped over and nodded, extending his good hand.

“Sir Alexander Crest.  Hmm, for conversational purposes it would be useful to know your preference.  Sir Alexander, Lord Alexander, or Mr Crest - the American version.  While we are being formal, I am Dr Duncan Moran - not the medical kind, but science.  My specialties are Physics, Chemistry, and Math - but I am also knowledgeable of Geology, Astronomy … and several other fields.  To be honest though, I prefer not to make that common knowledge.  Noone likes a know-it-all.  But Duncan is what I prefer to be called.”  

Duncan laughed a little.  “Actually it is the more practical things I know little about - like how to ride a horse, rope a steer, or run a farm.  That said, I am sure that people have said a number of things about me already - like how I was taken for a fool at the price I paid for a horse.  The gentleman I bought it from was a little too eager to part with it for the price I paid, but it was exactly the sort of horse I needed.  And the horse is getting on in years.  Least I can do is give him a decent end to his life of service.  I’ll get a better horse once I learn to ride properly.

“I’m afraid your daughter discovered that one of your calves decided the grass was greener on my side of the fence and got his head caught between rails.  Her presence reminded me of the fact that I have been remiss about introducing myself to my neighbors.  And yes, I have been working hard to raise the house.  I am hoping my parents will join me.  But the house is really far from done.”

Duncan realized that Victoria’s father had to have passed the average lifespan for these times.  Wealth had probably lengthened that a bit.  But a hard life in the West wasn’t helping.  He had to smile at the man’s house.  It had likely taken weeks to build, but would be dwarfed by his home.  Truth to tell, he might have gone overboard.

Duncan was getting that uncomfortable feeling he always got around his mother whenever a single girl was around.  She was always hinting how she wasn’t getting any younger and asked when she was ever going to be a grandmother.  Duncan was getting that same vibe from Victoria’s father.  He wondered if Victoria would know.  His guess?  Probably.