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knew she meant business. She glared at him but turned her attention to Anya. “You must be the poor dear. Don’t worry, now. Agnes will take care of you. You are off of that awful boat.” She glared again at Eli as if aiming her words at him. “I will keep you safe from men who treat women like property!” Eli was shocked at the accusation. “But I...” Before he could defend himself, Mabel Jaimison and Elizabeth Jackson came running onto the dock, each trying to outpace the other. They ran over to Anya and started to fuss over her. “Oh, here she is,” Mabel cooed. Elizabeth stepped between Mabel and Anya, wafting her hand in front of her nose. “To think of the poor child riding all that way on a cattle boat.” Agnes took command of the situation. “Come on, ladies. Let’s get her cleaned up.” Eli knew he needed to clear things up. “Now, Mrs. Harris, I just wanted to explain that...” Agnes turned and poked him in the chest with her finger. “As for you, sir, you will be expected at our house for dinner at precisely six o’clock.” “At your house?” Agnes’s voice was stern and harsh. “You don’t think we would let you marry her until you’ve gotten to know her, do you?” “Well no, but I...” “Six o’clock sharp!” Agnes’s thundered. “And don’t you dare be late!” With that, she hurried to catch up to the other ladies 21