“Better than most shopkeepers.”
Martha muttered something.
Nathaniel ignored her.
“Read?”
“Yes.”
“Write?”
“Yes.”
“Arithmetic?”
“Yes.”
“Ride?”
Clara hesitated.
“Some.”
“Horse?”
“Not well.”
“Wagon?”
“Better.”
“Milk a cow?”
“Yes.”
“Goat?”
“Yes.”
“Deliver one?”
Clara stared.
“A goat?”
“Cow.”
“No.”
“Neither can I without swearing.”
That made her laugh again.
Ruth smiled from the wagon.
Clara noticed.
The girl quickly looked away.
Nathaniel continued.
“Can you manage stored food through winter?”
“Yes.”
“Keep a stove burning overnight?”
“Yes.”
“Chop wood?”
Clara lifted one eyebrow.
“If the axe is sharp.”
Nathaniel nodded.
“That is the correct answer.”
“Can you shoot?”
Martha interrupted sharply.
“Nathaniel!”
Everyone looked toward her.
She flushed.
“I mean—Mr. Cole.”
“That seems an inappropriate question for a lady.”
Clara turned.
“I can shoot.”
Martha stared.