A Time to Bloom (Leah's Garden #2)(27)

He gave a firm nod. “We agreed we would be, as long as the plan seemed sound. And if we can get a decent price for the land.”

“She knows you’ll get a percentage of the profits?”

“She does. We agreed it seemed a worthwhile project.”

“There’s Mr. Young,” Lilac put in.

The portly banker stood in front of the unfinished train station. He nodded as the Nielsens approached and shook hands with Anders. “So you are the brother to this bunch of strong-minded women.”

“Well, the older brother, at least. Our youngest is back in Ohio.”

“Fine, fine.” Hiram Young rubbed his hands. “Well, shall we take a look at the lot? I must say, I wish I’d come up with this plan before you did, Miss Nielsen. It should be a real moneymaker.”

“It seemed like a growing need.” Lark smiled but kept her caution up.

“Indeed. Well, as you can see, this location would be ideal.” The banker led them over to the expanse of bare prairie just beyond the station. “Close to the water towers, so we know there’s water, and you could dig a good well of your own. And obviously convenient for attracting customers, as you can catch people right off the train.”

Lark exchanged a glance with Anders. “Yes, that’s why I thought of it. I’m surprised no one has snatched this land up yet.”

“Oh, I’ve had other inquiries already. But you spoke to me first, so I’ve been saving it for you.” The banker cocked a brow. “Although I will need an answer today.”

Today. Well, that put the pressure on.

“What price were you thinking?” she asked.

“Oh, let’s not haggle over money just yet. Take your time, walk over the lot a bit.”

Lark strode the boundary of the lot, her siblings trailing behind. The prairie grass, drying in the summer heat, swished against her skirt. It was a big enough lot to build a boardinghouse and a stable too, which they would need for customers’ horses. Especially in winter.

Del joined her. “No trees yet.”

“No, but we can plant some. Just like we did on our land.”

“But the previous owner had planted that other cottonwood sapling already. That gave us a head start.”

“True. But I don’t think that alone is a reason not to buy this lot.”

“Just bringing it up.” Del’s tone bit sharper than usual.

Lark eyed her sister. “You all right?”

“Sorry. Just wondering if I should talk to Mr. Young about the salary issue today.” Del glanced back at the men chatting behind them and bit her lip. “He’s the one with more control, after all, not Reverend Pritchard. But I’m not sure how to bring it up.”

Anders approached. “There are lots of advantages to this property. I like the water source, and its location by the train station can’t be beat. I’m thinking we should snatch it up.”

“Shouldn’t we at least look at the other property first?” Del put in.

Lark nodded. “Definitely. I agree, Anders, I like this one. But we don’t want to be hasty either.”

“Certainly not,” Mr. Young said. “But once you see the other lot, I think the virtues of this one will stand out clearer than ever.”

They headed back toward the center of town, then down the main street all the way toward the church. Lark and Mr. Young led the way, followed by Lilac and Anders. Lark glanced back to see Forsythia linking arms with Del, chatting quietly with her as they walked. Trust Forsythia to seek out whoever needed comfort, even if she didn’t know the reason.

“Here it is,” Mr. Young said a little while later, slightly out of breath, his face flushed. “As you can see, it’s quite a walk from the station.”

“But not that far.” Del loosed her arm from Forsythia’s and stepped forward, her face brightening. “And, Lark, look at those trees—the grove behind the church extends onto this land also. They’d provide wonderful shade for the boardinghouse.”

“They would at that.” Lark nibbled her lip. She’d dreamed of weary travelers being able to see their sign as soon as they stepped off the train, though. Nielsen House, perhaps? “Do you know if there is water available for this land, Mr. Young?”

The banker took off his hat and wiped his forehead. “Not right on the lot, as far as I know. The church shares a well with the nearby businesses, so you’d have to negotiate there.”

“Yes, that’s where we draw water when we’re holding school in the church.” Del nodded. “It’s good and deep.”

Lark slanted a glance at her. “You like this property.”

“It just seems . . .” Del shrugged. “Friendlier.”

“Friendlier, when it’s so far from the station? It seems less of a welcome to me,” Lark said.

“I see Del’s point, though,” Lilac put in. “The trees and being near the church—it has more of a stable, homey feel. And not having to dig a well is a saved expense.”

Anders shook his head. “I agree with Lark and Mr. Young. Location is always most important with real estate.”

“Well, it’s not like we’d be competing for customers,” Del pointed out. “There are no other boardinghouses in town.”