"All right," he said. Croft came to the property 2 days later. He didn't come in the aggressive way, which was what Gideon had half prepared for, not with force or with papers or with obvious intent. He came up the road in the early afternoon on a hired horse, dressed practically now rather than in town clothes, and he tied the horse at the fence post and came to the front door and knocked. Gideon answered it.
Viven was in the back of the house with Elsie. He told her to stay there, and she had because they had agreed on how this would go. Mr. Ashcroft. Croft had dropped the easy sociability of the general store.
He was direct now, which paradoxically Gideon respected more. I think we can both stop pretending I'm a land buyer. I was never pretending, Gideon said. I knew what you were at the general store. A slight acknowledgement in Croft's expression.
I represent certain interests in Philadelphia who are concerned about the welfare of a family member who traveled west without informing them. They want to know she's safe. And if she is, then I can confirm that and be on my way. My employers don't want trouble. They want to know where Miss Aldicott is and that she's in good health.
So, they can send the paperwork. Gideon said something shifted in Croft's face. Not guilt exactly, but the acknowledgement that the pretense had a limit. There are legal matters outstanding. He said, related to the estate.
Her presence is required in Her presence is not required anywhere she doesn't choose to go. Gideon said she's a free adult woman. She lives here. Any legal matter that concerns her can come through the court in Billings where her attorney will answer it. If your employers have a claim they believe is valid, they're welcome to file it there and have it examined.
He kept his voice even, not aggressive, just factual. Judge Hartley has already been informed of the situation. I sent the wire 2 days ago. That landed. He saw it land.