Nathaniel looked toward Clara.
“Rifle?”
“Yes.”
“Pistol?”
“Enough not to point it at myself.”
“Good.”
“Anything else?”
He considered.
“Are you afraid of mountain lions?”
“Yes.”
Nathaniel looked surprised.
“You admit it?”
“Only fools aren't afraid of mountain lions.”
His eyes warmed again.
“Correct.”
Clara folded her arms.
“Have I passed whatever examination this is?”
Nathaniel looked at her.
“I think so.”
Martha laughed.
“Surely you're not serious.”
Nathaniel turned.
Clara wished he wouldn't.
Martha stepped closer.
“Mr. Cole, you arrived ten minutes ago.”
“You don't know anything about her.”
Clara’s jaw tightened.
Nathaniel said:
“I know some things.”
“You know what she tells you.”
“That is generally how conversation works.”
Several people laughed.
Martha’s face reddened.
She lowered her voice.
“You should know there are reasons she remains unmarried.”
Clara stared at the wash water.
Here it came.
Nathaniel's voice changed.
“What reasons?”
Martha hesitated, almost enjoying the invitation.
“She cannot bear children, obviously.”
“He knows.”
Martha blinked.
Nathaniel continued:
“What else?”
“She has little money.”
“So?”
“No property.”
“So?”
“She works wherever she can find work.”