The departure of the ladies returned the restaurant to its’ normal state of propriety and peace. Groups quietly agreed this was the place to be, so much to witness and gossip about. Mr. Rutherford took his time eating and sipping his wine, surreptitiously watching Olivia and Jed. Earlier he complained of the wine’s lack of quality, declaring he’d have to telegraph for boxes to be sent from Boston. “Or you could always just go back to where you belong, nothing here seems to meet your standards.” Mabel’s tart retort made a few patrons chortle behind their hands. She was in no mood to take any guff. Grumbling under her breath, she came by to take orders from Jed’s party. He’d just invited Miss Webster to ride with him, bringing a smile to the cook’s face. “Ah, I came at the right time.” winking at them in approval.<br/><br/>Olivia’s cheeks blushed becomingly, confused by the verbiage of the invite. A man of little words, she wasn’t sure if he was asking as a friend or more. Trying to be as blunt as the Ranger, she asked, “Mr. Walker, I’m not meaning to be presumptuous, but are you asking to ride with me as a friend or are you asking for permission to court me?” Daisy and Anna looked at one another, eyes rolling. Their aunt was intimidating in some respects, but in others, sadly lacking comprehension. It was clear to see that they both liked one another. But it was important to Olivia to determine were they riding as friends or was he officially requesting to start something. Past disasters taught her better to be clear at the beginning rather than sorry later.<br/><br/>Mabel returned with their dinner, giving Olivia some time to compose herself. “Regardless of your answer, it would be nice to ride and see more of the countryside. Mrs. Carpenter helped me get clothing and I’m looking forward to wearing something new.” Green eyes sparkling with excitement, “Mind you, I’ll need to get boots later, but my shoes are quite study.” Daisy and Anna shared with Jed their recent purchases as well. He was the first man since their father passed that took time to listen to them. Most just tolerated their presence so they could get close to Olivia.