I thought maybe we could get to my cousin in Kansas. She married well. I thought maybe she'd help. But the towns along the way, people don't trust a woman alone with a child. They think She couldn't finish.
They think you're a, Elias said bluntly. That the boy's a bastard and you're looking for a man to take advantage of. Nora flinched at the crude words, but she couldn't deny them. Yes. And you walked.
For how long? 2 weeks, maybe more. I lost track. Jesus. The word was barely a breath.
Elias finally turned to face her and his expression was no longer neutral. Something burned in his dark eyes, anger, but not at her. You walked for 2 weeks across Oklahoma in August with a 4-year-old child. No money, no food. And not one person helped you?
Some did. A farmer's wife gave us bread. A preacher let us sleep in his church one night. But most Nora lifted her chin. Most just wanted us gone.
We made them uncomfortable. Elias stared at her for a long moment and Nora forced herself not to look away. Let him see what she was, proud, desperate, determined to survive. Let him make his judgement and name his price and she'd pay it if she could. You'll work, Elias said finally.
But not to pay off a debt. I'll pay you proper wages, same as I'd pay any hand. Room and board included and wages on top. You can save up and when you've got enough to get wherever you're heading, you'll go. Fair?
Nora blinked. She'd expected many things, but not this. I don't understand. Why would you Because I need the help, Elias interrupted. Place this size doesn't run itself.
I've got three hands who work the cattle and handle the heavy labor, but the house is a mess and I can't cook worth a damn. You can handle the domestic work, cooking, cleaning, laundry, the vegetable garden that's been dying for lack of attention. And the boy, when he's well, can help with light chores. Feeding chickens, gathering eggs, that sort of thing. It's practical, that's all.
But it wasn't all and they both knew it. Practical would be sending them on their way with a few supplies and a pointed reminder that he wasn't a charity. This was something else. Something that made Elias's jaw tight and his eyes avoid hers. Still, Nora wasn't fool enough to question good fortune when it appeared.
That's more than fair, Mr. Ward. Thank you. Elias, he said gruffly. If you're staying and working, we might as well use first names.
Then you should call me Nora. He nodded then gestured to the pot on the stove. Chicken broth. When the boy wakes, get some in him. There's bread in the box there and eggs if you want to make breakfast.