“As to the drawings, that is a bit more complicated. I’ll need to speak to my friend in Green River, who is the judge for our area. I’ll need his advice about how to proceed.”
Not what she wanted to hear. Why couldn’t the law move faster? “But what does that mean for us right now?”
“Mr. Oppenheim doesn’t have the right to do anything until it’s decided legally. He can make suggestions, but that is all. He invested so his name would be on the exhibit along with yours at the museum. He will also get paid a tidy sum from the museum, in addition to what they’ll pay you. He wants recognition and I can handle that. My suggestion is that you proceed as usual and keep your chin up. I’ll do everything in my power to see this is done accurately and legally.” He scrunched up his face. “Perhaps they will leave in a day or two?”
“We can hope.” Anna plopped down into a chair. She didn’t care if she looked like a small child pitching a fit.
“Chin up, Anna.” Dad pointed at her. “You are in charge. You are doing a wonderful job. My team knows exactly how toproceed. They have worked with me countless times before. No one can doubt their experience.”
“But what about mine?”
He winced and put a hand to his chest.
“Dad? Are you all right?” She rushed to him.
He took several breaths with his eyes closed. “I’m ... fine. Now, don’t you worry about your reputation.” He stabbed the bed with a finger. “I will not allow him—”
“Dad, there’s no need for you to get worked up over this.” With a shake of her head, she patted his hand. “As much as I love being a woman, this is one of those times when I wish there was a bit more help for the fairer sex. I’m not trying to take over the world.” She sniffed. The tears wouldn’t stay hidden. “I’m not even asking to dig in the dirt! I simply want to work in the field I love.”
Dad lifted his hand again, reaching out to her.
She took it.
“Your drawings are the best I’ve ever seen and I’m not saying that because I’m your father.” His voice was calmer. “It’s a fact. You have been trained. You have been working in this field for a long time. We will fight for you, Anna. I promise.”
Mr. Gilbert patted her shoulder. “I helped women gain the right to vote in Wyoming Territory a decade ago, Miss Lakeman. Believe me, I will ensure that you have every right that belongs to you.” He slapped his hat on his head. “Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m going back to my office and sending out several telegrams.”
“Thank you for coming.” Anna offered him a smile. Hopefully she hadn’t whined and complained too much. He was a wonderful help to them. She’d just been so discouraged. Outraged. Offended.
The list could go on and on.
Joshua came to her side. “Maybe we can go for a walk andstomp out some of this aggravated energy?” He wriggled his eyebrows at her.
Perhaps a walk would help her out of this awful, black mood. “Dad, do you mind?”
“Not at all.” He leaned his head back on his pillow and released a long breath. “Let me spend some time praying. Will you ask Louise to give me a few minutes alone?”
“Sure.” She tucked her hand in Joshua’s and allowed him to lead her out of the room.
Once they were outside, she indeed stomped her way down the path. Joshua kept pace with her and held tight to her hand.
But her thoughts wouldn’t calm. Her eyes burned with unshed tears. “What if they try to take it all way?”
“We’ve got to leave this in the Lord’s hands, Anna.”
“Easier said than done.” She welcomed the black mood back. For now, it was more comfortable to wallow. Her strong father wasn’t out there in charge of the dig. She was.
What if she failed?
SATURDAY, JULY6
Julian had watched the goings-on at the dig with his field glasses. Whoever those rich people were who arrived yesterday, Anna didn’t seem too pleased with them. If she didn’t like them, Julian didn’t like them either.
They came back this morning but left before lunchtime. At least they hadn’t returned this afternoon.
But the frown etched on Anna’s face told him all he needed to know.
His brother nudged him. “She needs some cheering up.”
