A pause. Rachel could picture Langley looking toward the southern fields. The lower pasture followed the river for nearly two miles.
It was rich ground, protected from the worst winter winds. More important, it held the most dependable water on the property once summer dried the smaller creeks. Langley said, "You have more acreage than you can work properly."
Matthew's voice changed by less than a degree. "You came here to discuss land. Don't discuss my work."
"All right."
Langley sounded almost pleased. "Then let's discuss money."
Rachel stepped closer to the doorway.
"Twenty thousand for the lower tract."
Silence. Even Rachel stopped breathing for a moment. Twenty thousand was not a casual offer.
Matthew said, "No."
Langley continued as though he had not spoken. "Cash. No bank paper. No waiting."
"No."
"You're carrying winter debt."
Matthew went still. Rachel could not see him clearly from where she stood, but she knew. Langley knew about the debt that mattered.
"Most ranches do," Matthew said.
"Most ranches don't have your payroll."
"You studying my books now?"
"Your books aren't hard to guess."
Langley brushed a fleck of dust from one glove. "Men cost money. Freight costs money. Spring costs more."
Matthew said nothing. Langley looked toward the cookhouse. His eyes found Rachel in the doorway.
For a second, she had the uncomfortable feeling that he already knew who she was. Then he turned back to Matthew.
"The lower pasture solves your problem."
"No. It creates one."
"How so?"
"I sell the best water on the place, and three years from now, you name the price I pay to use it."
Langley's smile thinned. "You think poorly of me."
"I think accurately."
The yard went quiet. Finally, Langley put his gloves back on. "Offer stands through March."
"Don't hold your breath."
"I rarely do."
He climbed into the carriage. Before the driver turned the team, Langley looked once more across Holloway Basin. Not angry. Interested.
That bothered Rachel more. The carriage rolled south. Eli waited until it disappeared behind the ridge.
"That's trouble."
Matthew looked at him. "That's a buyer."
"No," Rachel said from the doorway.
Both men turned. She came outside wiping flour from her hands. "Buyers leave when you say no."
Matthew's eyes narrowed slightly. "What do you think he is?"
Rachel looked toward the empty road. "I don't know yet."