When Solomon saw Eleanor, he stopped.
For a moment, his eyes moved across her enormous figure.
Then toward Caleb.
His expression changed.
“Well.”
Eleanor felt her stomach tighten.
Solomon smiled without warmth.
“So the mountain ghost has come to town.”
Caleb's jaw hardened.
Eleanor touched his hand.
He remained silent.
Solomon looked directly at her.
“Eleanor, you've caused considerable trouble.”
She took a breath.
“Good morning, Solomon.”
He frowned.
“You should have contacted me before running off with this man.”
“I informed you of my marriage through my attorney.”
His eyes narrowed.
“You think a ceremony in a mountain chapel changes your obligations?”
Eleanor held his gaze.
“No. I think my rights existed before the ceremony.”
For a moment, Solomon stared.
Then gave a short laugh.
“Henry always said you could be stubborn.”
She nodded slowly.
“Yes.”
The old man looked irritated.
Eleanor continued.
“He also said many things that weren't true.”
For several seconds, nobody spoke.
Then Solomon glanced toward the attorneys.
He lowered his voice.
“Let's discuss this privately. I may be willing to arrange a settlement.”
Martin Pierce stepped closer.
“Any proposal can be submitted through counsel.”
Solomon ignored him.
He looked directly at Eleanor.
“I'll provide you with a comfortable allowance. A house near town, staff to assist you, and enough money to live properly.”
Eleanor stared.
For a moment, she remembered Henry promising similar things before their marriage.
A beautiful house.
Comfort.
Security.
Then the price of those promises.
Silence.
Obedience.
And the surrender of decisions she should have been permitted to make herself.
She took a breath.
“What do you want in exchange?”
Solomon smiled.
“Your cooperation in resolving the Bell property claims.”
She nodded.
“Meaning I sign away my interest.”
He hesitated.
“Meaning we avoid unnecessary conflict.”
Eleanor looked toward Caleb.
He was watching her quietly.
Then she turned back.
“No.”
Solomon's smile disappeared.
“Think carefully.”
“I have.”
“You don't understand how difficult these proceedings can become.”
Eleanor nodded.
“I understand that you've spent years counting on me being afraid of difficulty.”
His jaw tightened.
She continued.
“And I understand that you've offered me comfort only when you wanted something I owned.”
For a moment, the corridor became silent.
Then Solomon looked toward Caleb.
“You've filled her head with nonsense.”
Caleb's expression hardened.
Before he could answer, Eleanor spoke.
“No.”
The old man turned.
She held his gaze.