The woman smiled.
“I might be able to help with those, too.”
The shopkeeper laughed.
“Then perhaps we should become business partners.”
The woman was still smiling when the merchant entered.
His expression changed immediately upon seeing her.
“Well,” he said. “I see you're still in town.”
The shopkeeper looked uncomfortable.
The cowboy, who had been waiting near the doorway, straightened.
The woman kept her voice calm.
“Yes.”
The merchant glanced at the fabric spread across the counter.
“Planning to settle in permanently?”
“That isn't your concern.”
He gave a short laugh.
“Still proud, I see.”
The woman looked directly at him.
“Still interested in my property, I see.”
The shopkeeper stopped moving.
The cowboy's expression hardened.
The merchant stepped closer.
“You should be careful about accepting advice from people who have an interest in your land.”
The woman nodded.
“I agree.”
He looked surprised.
She continued.
“That's why I'm having the records reviewed independently.”
The merchant's face tightened.
“You don't understand the complexities involved.”
“Then explain them.”
He stared.
She waited.
The shopkeeper looked between them.
Finally, the merchant said, “You'll regret turning down a reasonable offer.”
The woman smiled faintly.
“I suppose we shall see.”
He looked toward the cowboy.
“You're filling her head with nonsense.”
The cowboy answered quietly.
“She came to those conclusions herself.”
The merchant's expression darkened.
“You think this is amusing?”
“No.”
The cowboy stepped forward.
“I think it's time you stopped troubling her.”
The merchant looked around the shop.
Several customers were watching.
He adjusted his coat.
“This town has a long memory.”
The woman lifted her chin.
“So do I.”
For a moment, their eyes met.
Then the merchant turned and left.
The shopkeeper exhaled.
“Well.”
The woman smiled wearily.
“I'm sorry.”
The shopkeeper shook her head.
“Don't apologize. I've watched that man bully suppliers for years.”
She glanced toward the cowboy.
“And I've never seen anyone answer him quite so calmly.”
The woman looked surprised.
The shopkeeper continued.
“You have more courage than you give yourself credit for.”
The words stayed with her throughout the ride home.