Anna and Daisy were delighted Mr. Walker was going to be staying on. They were so excited and about to say something but a pointed glance from Olivia, stopped them instantly. Even though they were both quite young, they were old enough to understand social queues. The elderly lady returned with their dishes, food satisfying after makeshift meals during their long journey. Olivia nodded in acknowledgment, “I know I speak for myself and my nieces when I say it’ll be reassuring to know a man of integrity will be nearby.” Seeing her charges nodding off in their seats, Olivia thanked Mr. Walker for his invitation, and made to rise. He swiftly got up to pull her chair back. Appreciating his gallantry, “Sir, I’ve had the company of men in Boston who didn’t extend half the consideration you’ve shown. If there’s anything I can do to repay your warm welcome, please don’t hesitate to let me know.” Guiding them upstairs, she requested a bath before retiring.<br/><br/>Their room small but clean, had a large bed, a spacious wardrobe and vanity with large mirror. First giving quick baths to her nieces, dressing them in nightgowns, Olivia tucked them into bed. Then redoing the bath, she took her time undressing, a process in itself: gown, crinoline, corset, petticoat, underthings, garters, and stockings. Lastly, unpinning her hair and letting heavy tresses tumble down her back. Sighing in bliss, she sank into the shallow bath, not deep as she’d like but better than hasty washes with a washcloth and soap. Finally, being able to wash away grime engrained in her pores was heavenly. After scrubbing vigorously and rinsing several times, she attacked her hair. It was her one vanity, an envy of many a debutante when she was presented in society. They pointedly ignored her, jealous of the attention her hair seemed to draw. Clean at last, she finally stood and looked at her body in the mirror: unblemished skin with a hint of blush, straight shoulders, acceptable breasts (they filled her corset well), trim waist, rounded hips, red hair at the juncture of long strong legs. She believed all women looked like her, nothing special. Too tired to empty the tub, she shrugged into a clean nightgown and crawled into bed with Daisy and Anna. Tomorrow she’d take care of the used bath water.<br/><br/>By the time Daisy and Anna awoke, Olivia had taken care of the bath, dressed in a simple dark walking skirt with useful pockets, high necked long sleeve blouse in cream with tiny pearl buttons down the front, hair in a French chignon. She helped them get dressed, eat a simple breakfast of tea and porridge brought up on a tray, before venturing forth. Matthew, the hotel clerk provided directions to the school house and Olivia was excited to investigate its condition. Parasol in hand, bonnets secured, they stepped out and headed towards the town’s makeshift square. Unbeknownst to them, the street was unusually busy. Townspeople heard of the woman with who arrived yesterday with two children and no husband. Curious to discover, was she a respectable lady or a scarlet woman with children born out of wedlock? Some men hoped to find out firsthand.<br/><br/>A one room school house, situated between town church and courthouse, it had long benches for students to sit on and a teacher’s desk and chair in the corner. Large blackboard opposite the double front doors. Chalk and slates were plentiful. Olivia, not knowing what to expect was not disappointed. Daisy and Anna liked the large windows and wondered if the students might get real desks at some point. Olivia approved of them making suggestions in improving the classroom, an outward sign they were adapting to the change and willing to see its’ possibilities. Suggesting a stop at the general store for paper, pencils, and some miscellaneous items, they left in high spirits. Aware of two men trailing them from the schoolhouse, Olivia calmly led the way to the general store they visited yesterday.<br/><br/>The larger of the two, a heavyset man with dark grisly beard and squint, followed them in, pretending to browse farming tools against the wall. Anna was drawn to the dolls against colorful bolts of material while Daisy stood watch. She did not like the smell of the stranger near the door. His name was Rufus Bassett, a heavy-handed man who did odd jobs around the town. He listened to storekeeper, John Carpenter talk with the woman, the new school teacher, unmarried, with two nieces, a very delectable morsel. Sidling up to the counter, it was always more fun when they became alarmed and flustered. Olivia moved avoid a confrontation, but he pressed closer. John Carpenter could tell the game afoot but didn’t know how to alert Miss Webster without causing undue distress. Finally having enough of game, she turned and took an aggressive step towards Bassett. Sometimes this tactic startled a man and he shied away. Other times, it excited them but then Olivia knew how to prepare. “Sir, I do not like your attention. Stop your behavior and be on your way.” Acting like he didn’t know what she meant, a hand shot out to pull her to him. In the same instance, raising parasol like a club she wacked sharply on the head. “Come on, no need to play coy with me,” Bassett was enjoying himself. Parasol again, this time stabbing down with the pointy tip directly into his foot, eliciting a painful yowl. She moved towards the girls and ushered them quickly from the store. But the way was blocked by the other miscreant, Seth Marlow, come to join the fun.<br/><br/>Finally, John Carpenter advised loudly, “Miss, this is the West. You’re going to have to use stronger tactics.” Ordering nieces to find someplace to hide, she grabbed the nearest weapon, a rolling pin. Handling it like a badminton racket, she swung at Marlow’s head, hitting it with a resounding ‘crack.’ Turning quickly, she hit Bassett in the arm, side, and finally head, taking him down as well. Slumping to the ground, he toppled a small table displaying canned peaches. Not happy about the mess, but relieved it didn’t turn into something worse, John recommended she find the town’s newly appointed Ranger.