Chapter Eleven
Discussion at the Cartwright dinner table usually concerned the events of the day; what work had been done and what work was left. Adam had gotten back late with only enough time to help move the last of the wagon load of hay into the barn.
"It's time to go into town for supplies," said Ben. "Adam, you and Hoss take care of that tomorrow."
"Pa, Adam's been puttin' in half days all week," complained Joe.
"What's your point, Joseph?"
"Me and Hoss have been doing all the work around here lately. Maybe our big brother should stay tomorrow and do his share," said Joe, smiling sarcastically at Adam. "We have to bring in a couple more loads of hay. Then there's the fences that need to be checked, and the line shacks need to be stocked for winter."
"I have other responsibilities, Joe. And besides that, I have a timber bid to price out tonight, so I'll be staying up late. Pa, I need to go into town tomorrow anyway. I need to see Mr. Murdock and let him know the Flying W account will run high this month."
"Won't Shiloh pay that account down every month?" asked Ben.
"Well, yeah, she will, but she and Hank have done an inspection of the ranch and have quite a repair list. I thought I'd speak with Mr. Murdockā¦sort of guarantee her account since it's gonna be higher than normal. I also need to arrange for Mr. Sawyer to release the extra cash she'll need. She'll have to get some of that work done before winter."
"I guess you were over there today then."
"I wanted to go over her ledgers again. She's got everything updated. The only thing she'll need help with is estimating the time for the repairs. She's even got the horse ledger updated except for the stallions."
Ben stopped eating and looked up at Adam. "How is she?"
Adam glanced up, looking back at his father, sighing. He leaned back in his chair, wiping his mouth with his napkin. "I really don't know, Pa. I've been there several times over the last few weeks to check her ledger, and the most I can get out of her is related to the ranch. She seems fine. She's still angry with me. She tries to be nice, but it's obvious she doesn't want me there."
Ben nodded and took a sip of coffee. "Maybe I should pay her a visit."
"What if we invite her to dinner?" suggested Adam. "Other than an occasional trip to town, I don't think she's been off the ranch. There have been two dances since she's been back, and she didn't go to either of them." He leaned forward, propping his elbows on the table. "She was working with one of the horses today wearing britches. She looked a little skinny if you ask me."
Ben exhaled heavily. "I wonder if she's eating. She's alone in that big house. I can imagine that she might not prepare a meal for herself."
"She'll be in town tomorrow. I'll invite her to dinner tomorrow evening," said Adam. "Oh, she'll have a guest with her." He excused himself from the table and made his way over to the desk to begin working on the timber bid.
