The date discrepancy alone could be grounds for challenging the entire agreement." "So, we have a case?" Ethan asked. "You have the beginning of one. I'll need to do some research. Check territorial law regarding usurious lending practices. But Clara is right.
This contract has serious problems. How long before we'd have an answer? Clara asked. Give me tonight to review everything thoroughly. Can you stay until tomorrow afternoon?
Ethan glanced at Clara, who nodded. We'll be at the Imperial Hotel. Sam stood shaking their hands again. This is good work, Clara. Have you studied law?
Only what my father taught me. He believed women should understand contracts and legal matters even if we can't practice law ourselves. A forward-thinking man. We could use more like him. Sam's smile was warm, appreciative, and Ethan found himself stepping slightly closer to Clara.
We should go, he said abruptly. Find our rooms before full dark. Outside, Clara seemed energized by the meeting. He seems competent, and he clearly respects you. Sam's a good man, one of the few I trust completely.
You don't trust easily, do you? Not anymore. The words came out harder than intended. The Imperial Hotel was modest but clean, and Ethan requested two rooms as expected, but the clerk shook his head apologetically. I'm sorry, sir, but we only have one room available.
There's a cattleman's convention in town, and we're nearly full. Clara's face remained carefully neutral, but Ethan saw her hands tighten on her reticule. "We'll find another hotel," Ethan said. "I'm afraid you'll find the same situation everywhere, sir. The whole city's booked.
You're lucky we have even one room." They looked at each other, a silent conversation passing between them. Finally, Clara spoke. "We'll take it." The room was small but pleasant with a single bed, a wash stand, and a chair by the window. They stood awkwardly in the doorway, neither wanting to be the first to enter. I'll sleep in the chair, Ethan said.
Don't be ridiculous. You're too tall. You'll be in agony by morning. I'll take the chair, Clara. Or we could be adults about this, she said, her cheeks pink, but her chin lifted in that defiant way he was beginning to recognize.
The bed is large enough. We can share it without without anything improper happening. The thought of lying beside her, even fully clothed, even with careful distance between them, made his pulse race in a way it hadn't since Margaret, which was exactly why he shouldn't agree to it. "All right," he heard himself say. They took turns preparing for bed, Clara disappearing down the hall to the women's washroom, while Ethan changed into the clean shirt and trousers he'd brought.