“You do.”
“Maybe.”
“Then wait.”
He studied her.
“You're right.”
The immediate agreement surprised her again.
Clara leaned against the doorway.
“Ask me after Samuel is well.”
Nathaniel nodded.
“All right.”
Three days later, Samuel was standing.
Five days later, he demanded bacon.
Doctor Mills declared that an excellent sign.
Nathaniel returned to Pritchard’s General Store.
Clara was there.
Finishing the sheets Martha had threatened her over.
He carried a ledger.
Martha saw it.
Her face tightened.
Nathaniel placed it beside the wash tub.
“I checked your debt.”
Clara looked toward Martha.
Then Nathaniel.
“What?”
“Martha allowed me to review it.”
Martha interrupted.
“I did not allow anything.”
Nathaniel looked at her.
“You left the book on the counter while arguing with Reverend Alden.”
“That is not permission.”
“No.”
“But numbers don't change because you dislike who reads them.”
Clara wiped her hands.
“What did you find?”
Nathaniel opened the ledger.
“Twenty-three dollars owed.”
“I know.”
“No.”
He pointed.
“Twenty-three according to this page.”
“Then here.”
Another page.
“Six dollars deducted last year for damaged bedding.”
Martha crossed her arms.
“She tore two sheets.”
Clara stared.
“I repaired those.”
Nathaniel nodded.
“Then twelve dollars for food.”
Martha said: