Everyone Ignored the Quiet Cook—Until a Mountain Man Asked About Her Cornbread
Chapter 4
The next morning, a gentleman arrived at the tavern.
His coat was expensive.
His boots were clean despite the muddy road.
He introduced himself as Mr. Samuel Mercer.
Silas Mercer’s eldest son.
He smiled at Clara.
“Father has heard excellent things about your cooking.”
Clara bowed.
“That is kind.”
“He would like you to work at his estate.”
Clara stared.
“I have employment.”
“You would earn more.”
Mr. Pritchard immediately interrupted.
“You cannot simply take my cook.”
Samuel smiled.
“Everyone has a price.”
Clara said nothing.
Samuel looked at her.
“Your mother was a remarkable woman.”
Clara froze.
“What did you know about her?”
“Very little.”
His smile remained.
“But Father remembers her.”
Clara’s stomach tightened.
“What does he remember?”
“That she was stubborn.”
Samuel left.
Elias was waiting outside.
“You heard?”
“Yes.”
“What does he want?”
“You.”
Clara shook her head.
“No.”
Elias’s gaze hardened.
“He does not want your cooking.”
“Then what?”
“The letter.”
She felt cold.
“My mother’s letter?”
“Perhaps.”
“But how would he know?”
“Someone saw you open it.”
Clara looked around.
The tavern suddenly felt smaller.
Every doorway seemed occupied.
Every shadow seemed to move.
Elias lowered his voice.
“Pack what you need.”
“Where are we going?”
“My cabin.”
“No.”
“Clara.”
“I don’t know you.”
“You know enough.”
“You are asking me to leave with a stranger.”
“I am asking you to leave with the man your mother trusted.”
She hesitated.
Then the tavern door opened.
Two men entered.
Neither wore the clothes of travelers.
Both carried pistols.
Elias looked at Clara.
“Now.”
