“If you came to discuss my land, you can leave.”
“I came to warn you.”
Her expression sharpened.
“About what?”
Silas sighed.
“Mercer.”
Clara almost laughed.
“You expect me to believe you’re concerned for me?”
“I expect nothing.”
He stepped closer, stopping at the foot of the porch.
“Did he tell you why he offered to marry you?”
“Yes.”
“To protect your land?”
“Yes.”
Silas studied her.
“And you believed him.”
Clara felt irritation rise.
“Leave.”
“You should ask him about the railroad survey.”
Her hand tightened against her sleeve.
“What about it?”
Silas replaced his hat.
“Ask your husband.”
“That isn’t an answer.”
“No.”
Silas glanced toward the distant pasture.
“It’s a question.”
Then he walked away.
Caleb returned just before dusk.
Clara waited until supper.
“Silas Boon came here.”
Caleb’s fork stopped.
“What did he want?”
“To cause trouble.”
“That sounds like Boon.”
“He told me to ask you about the railroad survey.”
Caleb put his fork down.
