The Scarlet Huntress

Chapter 20: Unsatisfactory Explanations

"To put it simply, his family are clients of ours, they buy everything from tools to cutlery from us. If I had put hands on the idiot then it would've caused problems in our business relations with the Milners. I'm guessing that's why you didn't toss the brat out on his head as well Lilli?" Josiah asked.

"Pretty much, although, another two seconds of that and I would've done a lot more than throw him out," I shrugged and continued. "I don't have the same restrictions that you do. If I don't get paid I can just let the next creature that terrorizes their farm have free reign."

"So in other words, it's too dangerous for them to cheat you out of your money," Rick summarized.

"Precisely."

"By the way Lilli, what did that boy mean when he called you a 'spinster'?" Rick questioned. Both me and Josiah looked at him aghast, how could he not know what a 'spinster' was?

"A spinster is a woman who is considered too old to marry. It really only applies to young women who have never been married. In our culture any woman who hasn't been married before the spring after her nineteenth birthday is a spinster, although it may be different in other places," I answered. "I turned twenty this summer."

"And do I even want to know why he spat 'Huntress' like it was a bad thing?" Rick asked, clearly becoming annoyed.

"Most people around here are superstitious, they don't think Huntresses are 'natural,' which is not true. Everyone in this house knows that, before you even say anything," Josiah answered for me.

"That is absolutely ridiculous, too old to be married! Huntresses are unnatural! Bull puckey! Of all the things to be stuck up about, I'll tell you this much, you Rooted sure are strange," Rick blustered, storming around the room.Now it was Josiah's turn to be confused.

"Rooted?"

"'Rooted' is what Wanderers call people like us, people who aren't nomadic," I explained.

"Anyway, I believe that you're here to see me Mr. Blackstone?" Mr. Smith interjected.

"Yes sir, have you finished my order?" Rick answered.

"I have, let me go back and get it. Lilli, would you mind manning the counter for a minute?"

"Not at all, but what should I do?" I replied.

"Nothing silly, just sit there and look pretty, it should be easy for you," Rick teased, earning a disapproving glance from Mr. Smith. He had obviously heard Rick's comment about Selena being an 'exquisite creature' and didn't like how Rick was 'flirting' with me. I'll have to clear things up later, I thought as I moved to do as I'd been asked and the older men moved to the back.

"So, what was that?" Josiah inquired.

"What was what?" I replied.

"Him flirting with Lena, then turning his attention to you."

"Nothing, he's just teasing me. I've known Rick since we were kids and he loves messing with me."

"So, if you know him so well, was he 'messing with' Selena?" Josiah asked, getting agitated.

"In my opinion, no he was not, for several reasons. One, if he was only impressed with Selena's looks he would've kept his mouth shut," I held up one finger, then raised a second. "And two, Rick doesn't want a house wife or a 'yes woman' he wants a travelling companion and a partner, in every sense of the word. He is one of the most honest people I've ever met, in every aspect of his life. His interest is both genuine and honorable."

"By the way, how do you know Rick so well, I'm curious," Josiah rapidly changed the subject.

"It's not my story to tell, if he wants you to know he'll tell you. The only thing I can say is that I met Rick when I lived in Beavers Bend and that he's the only person from there to keep in contact with me. Anyway, they're going to be a while and it's well past lunch, you should head up, bring me a plate back down would you?"