Chapter 13: The Special Guardian

The acceptance of the Deed Gambit was a victory, but the subsequent appointment of the Special Guardian was the ultimate consequence of Steward’s defiance. The court had bowed to the weight of his evidence and his constitutional rights, but it had maintained a legal leash around the ranch, subjecting the girls to constant, official scrutiny.

The appointed Special Guardian was Arthur Billings, a man in his late fifties—a stiff, retired bureaucrat from the Department of Indian Affairs. Billings viewed Steward’s “unconventional” guardianship with profound suspicion, seeing the Deed Gambit not as a benevolent act, but as a manipulative ploy to evade the Territory’s authority. His singular purpose was to find the flaw in Steward’s care.

The Inspection

Billings arrived at the ranch unannounced two weeks later, driving a dusty, formal buggy that looked ridiculous against the vast backdrop of the Grainger Range. He ignored the foreman and was greeted by Maria, whose protective loyalty radiated through her polite but frosty demeanor.

Billings conducted his inspection with a chilling, clinical detachment. He began in the parlor, finding Steward discussing market reports with Elara (14), who was seated opposite him meticulously balancing the ranch ledger.

Billings ignored Steward’s offered handshake and instead addressed Elara, the Bookkeeper. “Miss Grainger. Your bookkeeping is remarkable, the reports state. But do you ever engage in suitable feminine pursuits? Do you know how to host a proper tea or play the pianoforte?”

Elara looked up, her expression calm and defensive. She was wearing a tailored but practical ranch dress. “Mr. Billings, I manage the accounts payable for this ranch. I ensure that the payroll is met and that we meet our contracts. The failure to track our credit lines is a costly pursuit. I have no time for frivolous ones.”