"If you're going to tell me not to question you in front of your menβ"
"That is exactly what I was going to say."
She stared.
For a moment, anger flashed through her.
"Then you're going to be disappointed."
Silas's eyebrows rose.
Eleanor took a breath.
"You told me you wanted a partner."
"I do."
"Then you can't expect me to become silent whenever other people are listening."
He rubbed his forehead.
"I wasn't asking you to be silent."
"You told me to step back."
"Because there was a frightened, injured animal five feet from you."
The answer stopped her.
For a moment, she considered it.
He continued.
"That cow weighs more than half a ton. If she kicks, you could be badly hurt."
Eleanor's expression softened slightly.
Silas took a breath.
"And when I told you we'd talk inside, it was because I didn't want two young hands standing around waiting to see whether their new mistress or their employer was going to win an argument."
She frowned.
"Then why not explain that?"
He hesitated.
For a moment, he seemed embarrassed.
"Because I'm not especially good at explaining things when I'm worried."
Eleanor stared.
Then slowly lowered her arms.
Silas looked toward the window.
His voice became quieter.
"I saw you walking into that pen, and all I could think about was that animal coming down on your foot."
She swallowed.
For a moment, the anger between them shifted.
Then she said, "I was frightened for the cow."
"I know."
"And I thought the men were making it worse."
Silas nodded.
"They were."
She looked surprised.
He continued.
"I should've stopped them sooner."
For several seconds, neither spoke.
Then Eleanor stepped closer.
"I'm sorry I put myself in danger."
Silas looked at her.
"And I'm sorry I barked at you like one of my hired hands."
She smiled faintly.
"You bark rather well."
He gave a reluctant laugh.
"So I've been told."
She moved another step closer.
Then said quietly, "I don't want to embarrass you."
He looked toward her.
She continued.
"But I also won't pretend to agree when I believe something is wrong."
Silas studied her.
For a moment, he seemed thoughtful.
Then he smiled.
"Good."
She blinked.
"Good?"
He nodded.
"I asked for a fighter."