So did first heavy snow.
Her name was Margaret Boone.
Forty-five.
Sharp-eyed.
Unimpressed by men who tried talking over her.
Lena liked her instantly.
Margaret reviewed documents.
Visited ranches.
Interviewed Edwin.
Then requested Prescott records formally.
Nathaniel Prescott refused.
Claimed harassment.
Adeline came to Reid ranch herself.
She arrived in a fur-lined carriage with driver.
Lena met her on porch.
“You've caused trouble.”
Adeline said.
Lena folded arms.
“I've counted.”
“Do you understand what happens if my father’s store closes?”
“Someone opens another.”
“You think business is pie?”
“No.”
“I think arithmetic is arithmetic.”
Adeline’s face hardened.
“My family carried this town twenty years.”
“Your family charged it twice for same freight.”
“You are an outsider.”
“So are most settlers after enough years.”
Adeline stepped closer.
“You married a desperate man and suddenly think you're entitled to interfere.”
Lena held gaze.
“I married Reid.”
“Those are different sentences.”
Adeline’s mouth tightened.
“I could have given him more.”
Lena understood.
“Ah.”
“What?”
“This is personal.”
Adeline laughed.
“You flatter yourself.”
“Do I?”
Adeline looked toward house.
“Before Martha died, Reid barely noticed me.”
“After, he needed someone.”
“I offered help.”
“He refused.”
“Then you arrive from nowhere.”
Lena’s voice softened, which made Adeline angrier.
“He chose not to marry you.”
“He chose desperation.”
“Perhaps.”
Lena stepped closer.
“But if you believe starving seven boys will make him love you, you understand neither him nor love.”
Adeline slapped Lena.