Then asked:
“Did Father know Mother left land to me?”
“Yes.”
Of course.
Elena closed eyes.
“Did he ever love her?”
Pike struggled.
“I think so.”
Elena opened.
“That is not answer I need.”
“No.”
He looked old.
“Love does not prevent greed.”
“It only makes betrayal uglier.”
Elena let him in.
Not forgiven.
But useful.
Healing and evidence not same.
The hearing took place March 19 at county courthouse.
Half town attended because people enjoy property disputes more when marriage and money are involved.
Elena wore slate-blue dress.
Not corset.
No attempt smaller.
Caleb wore clean dark coat.
Avery carried documents.
Edwin sat opposite beside Silas Vane.
Elena saw Vane first time.
Forty-five.
Thin mustache.
Expensive boots.
He looked at her body before face.
That told enough.
The judge was territorial district judge traveling circuit.
He began.
Vane’s attorney argued father had managed basin for years and late mother lacked capacity.
Then came attack.
A physician testified he had seen Elena twice as child and believed her “extraordinary corpulence” likely limited physical stamina.
Avery stood.
“Doctor, have you examined Mrs. Holt in last five years?”
“No.”
“Last ten?”
“No.”
“Then your opinion on current mental capacity?”
“I offered none.”
“Current bookkeeping ability?”
“None.”
“Ability to understand contract?”
“None.”
“Ability to decide property?”
“None.”
“Thank you.”
The doctor left quickly.
Another witness, Aunt Beatrice.
She described Elena as dependent.
Avery asked:
“Who cooked in Whitaker household?”
“Elena often.”
“Who kept household accounts?”
“She assisted.”
“Who ordered winter supplies when Mr. Whitaker traveled?”
“Elena.”
“Who managed tenant receipts?”
“I don’t know.”
Elena did.
Aunt knew.
Avery continued until dependency collapsed.
Then Edwin testified.
He was polished.
Elena almost admired.
He said wife intended property stay family.
He had protected.
Elena was vulnerable to Caleb.
Marriage sudden.
Caleb rough.
Elena had no business experience.
Avery asked:
“Did you accept twenty dollars and two horses in connection with daughter’s marriage?”
Edwin hesitated.
“Yes.”
“Why?”
“Customary consideration.”
“Was Silas Vane scheduled to meet your daughter same day?”
“No.”
Avery produced hotel ledger and witness statement from stable boy.
Vane had room.
Travel.
Edwin’s face tightened.
“Did Mr. Vane’s company offer you twelve thousand dollars for White Pine Basin?”
“Informal.”
“Could you convey without Elena’s signature?”
Edwin looked at attorney.
Judge ordered answer.
“No.”
“Did you tell Elena about offer?”
“No.”
“Why?”
“She would not understand.”
Avery looked toward Elena.
Then:
“Did Elena maintain timber accounts in your household?”
“She copied numbers.”
Avery produced ledger.