Nelly is 11. The twins are eight. They are not guardians. They are children. But the concern about female presence is not accurate.
Prescott looked at him. A 12-year-old girl is not what the board means by female guardianship. Mr. Boon. Then what does the board mean?
An adult woman. A wife or at minimum a hired housekeeper. I am working on the schooling arrangements. Calder said. I've spoken to the school teacher about a temporary arrangement until a formal agreement can be drawn up and the financial situation.
He reached into his jacket and produced a folded paper which he held out is documented here. 3 years of ranch ledgers. We sold 30 head last fall and the winter provisions are covered. I'm not a rich man, but I'm not a struggling one. Prescott looked at the paper without taking it.
Mr. Boon, he said in the tone of a man moving to a different argument because the first one had not landed as planned. The board's primary concern is the welfare of the children. Specifically whether this arrangement serves their long-term interests or whether they would be better served by separation into multiple placements where each child receives individual attention appropriate to their specific minds. No, Calder said.
Prescott stopped. No, Calder said again. They are not being separated. I have told each one of them that they are staying. I do not intend to make a liar out of myself.
Behind him in the house, he was aware that at least one window had opened slightly and that the people at that window were his children listening. Mr. Boon, Prescott said with a careful patience of someone who is deciding how much authority to deploy. The board has the legal right to review. I know what the board has the legal right to do.
Calder said, I also know that you have not found anything wrong. You've listed concerns. Concerns are not findings. Until you have findings, you are standing in my yard telling me things I'm already working on. " He looked at the three of them steadily. Come back in two weeks.
I will have the school arrangement signed, the railing done, and a household log ready for your review. If you find something wrong after that, I will listen. " Prescott was quiet for a moment. He was a man who was accustomed to people becoming either apologetic or defensive, and Calder had done neither, which left him without a prepared response. Two weeks, he said finally. Two weeks, Calder confirmed.