He drove his buggy right up to the barn where Eli and Maggie were sorting tools. "Eli Mercer," Silas called out, remaining in his seat. He held the reins with gloved hands. Eli stepped out of the barn, wiping grease from his hands on a rag. His limp was heavy today.
"Sil," he said, "to what do I owe the honor? " "Business, Eli, always business. " Silas's eyes drifted past Eli and landed on Maggie, who was standing in the shadows of the barn door. His gaze was physical, a slow, crawling inspection that made Maggie feel as though she were standing naked in the snow. "And this must be the lady," Silas said, his voice smooth as oil. "Mrs. Mercer, or do you prefer Maggie? " "Mrs. " "Mercer is fine," Maggie said, stepping forward into the light.
"She would not hide in the dark. " Silus chuckled. "A spirited one. I like that. I heard you hail from New York, Mrs. Mercer.
A very different world from our dusty little corner. I spent some time in the city myself, the theater district, the night life. He let the word hang there, heavy with implication. He was telling her he knew. He was telling her that he recognized the look of a woman who had been desperate.
Maggie met his gaze. Her heart was hammering against her ribs like a trapped bird, but her face was a mask of calm. I found the city crowded. Mr. Crane, I prefer the open air.
Silas smiled, but his eyes were cold. Indeed, though the open air can be dangerous for those who do not know their place. He turned his attention back to Eli, dismissing her as if she were a servant. We need to talk, Eli, privately. Eli looked at Maggie, then back at Silas.
Go inside, Maggie. She hesitated, wanting to stay, wanting to protect Eli from this snake. But the look in Eli's eyes was pleading. She turned and walked to the house, her back straight, feeling Silus's eyes boring into her spine every step of the way. She did not go inside.
She went to the side of the house near the open window of the parlor where Eli led Silas. She pressed her back against the rough logs and listened. I am running out of patience, Eli. Silas's voice came through the window. Stripped of its social pleasantries.
You are 3 months behind on the note for the south section. I paid you what I had after the sale. Eli's voice was low, tight. You know the winter was hard. The herd is thin.
The herd is thin because you manage it poorly, Silas countered. And now you are spending money on mail order luxuries. That is none of your concern. It is my concern when my collateral is being wasted. And there is the matter of the water rights.
The creek that runs through your north pasture. I want access for my upper herd. That creek is the only water for 20 mi in that section. Eli said, his voice rising. If I give you access, your cattle will muddy to sludge.