Elena’s eyes filled.
The attorney tried again.
“And yet you paid father.”
“Yes.”
“Sounds purchase.”
“It was wrong method.”
That surprised everyone.
“You admit?”
“I admit I made decision that should have been hers.”
The attorney smiled, thinking victory.
Caleb continued.
“That is why I signed away every possible claim to her land before this hearing.”
Avery handed document.
The smile vanished.
Then Elena took stand.
The opposing attorney looked almost eager.
“Mrs. Holt, have you ever managed timber acreage?”
“No.”
“Mining?”
“No.”
“Railroad contracts?”
“No.”
“Then what qualifies?”
Elena looked at him.
“I can hire people who know those things.”
“Management requires physical oversight.”
“So your clients personally chop every tree?”
The judge hid something like amusement.
The attorney frowned.
“I ask questions.”
“Ask better.”
Avery covered his mouth.
The judge warned Elena.
She apologized.
Then the attorney asked:
“Do you rely on Mr. Holt physically?”
“Yes.”
He seemed pleased.
Elena continued:
“He relies on me financially.”
The courtroom laughed.
Caleb lowered head.
She smiled.
“Marriage is not evidence of incapacity.”
The attorney moved toward most dangerous argument.
“Mrs. Holt, would you agree your size limits certain physical activities?”
“Yes.”
He did not expect directness.
Elena continued.
“I cannot climb steep slopes quickly.”
“I tire in deep snow.”
“Some chairs are unsafe.”
“Some wagons are narrow.”
“All true.”
“Does that make you incapable of reading a deed?”
“No.”
“Of hiring surveyor?”
“No.”
“Of understanding money?”
“No.”
“Of saying no?”
Her voice sharpened.
“No.”
She looked at father.
“Though several men have worked very hard to pretend otherwise.”
Silence.
The attorney asked:
“Why trust Caleb Holt?”
Elena looked at Caleb.
Then judge.
“Because the first night I entered his cabin, he had legal power people told me entitled him to my body.”
“He turned his back.”
The room became absolutely still.
“He gave me scissors.”
“He let me remove what was hurting me myself.”
“He showed me deed.”
“He signed away his claim.”
“He has made mistakes.”
Elena looked at Caleb.
“He made one enormous one when he decided marriage for me.”
Caleb’s face tightened.
“But when confronted, he did not tell me gratitude required obedience.”
“He said I was right.”
She faced attorney.
“That is more respect than I received from people calling themselves respectable.”
Three days later, the judge ruled.
Margaret’s deed valid.
Edwin’s filings misleading and insufficient to create ownership.
Elena legally competent.
Vane’s option invalid without her consent.
Caleb’s renunciation recorded.
White Pine Basin belonged to Elena.
Solely.
Outside courthouse, Elena laughed.
Then cried.
Caleb stood nearby, uncertain whether to touch.
She saw his hesitation.
“Come here.”
He did.
She wrapped arms around him.
For first time, he held without asking because she had already asked.
His chin rested against her hair.
“You did it,” he whispered.