Waking the next morning, thankfully it wasn’t the colder months, Olivia made a note to ask someone to help her with the potbelly stove, how to work it. The oven was the same. Being a city girl had its drawbacks. At least there was food for breakfast and hot tea. Breakfast, dressing, and making sure to lock the house, they headed to the schoolhouse. “Auntie,” Daisy asked, “After we get settled, could we invite some of our friends over for lunch? It might be nicer to be here than having them stay in the schoolhouse.” Listening thoughtfully, Olivia cautioned, “Although a good idea, Daisy, let’s get comfortable in our new home first before having any company over. You might consider what might happen if you only invite certain friends over. How will the other students feel?” Food for thought, they walked in silence. Anna added softly, “I don’t care what anyone else thinks if I invite Sissy. She’s been the nicest to me.” Sissy Carpenter was the youngest of farmer Carpenter’s children.<br/><br/>Opening the schoolhouse, the girls scampered to help, preparing chalk and individual boards and getting water for the classroom. Olivia noticed the men in the street, Mr. Walker’s familiar figure near the jailhouse, John Carpenter sweeping the porch of the general store, a sprinkle of farmers and townsmen, and the swaggering Mr. Rutherford, so out of place in his woolen suit and bowler hat. She witnessed the incident causing him to stumble and fall into horse droppings. Served him right thinking he could waltz into town like he owned it. As he hurried back to the hotel to change, Mr. Walker made his way towards her. Smiling, she wished him a good morning. They chatted about her new home and he offered to help with the stove and oven. Accepting his offer to learn how to ride ‘western style’ and shoot a rifle, she asked if dinner tonight at the restaurant was an option. He agreed before tipping his hat and wishing her a good day. Feeling much better, she couldn’t wait for the day to move along. Lunch would have to be spent getting groceries, riding clothing and asking Mabel if she could perhaps take cooking lessons from her. Now was not the time to be prideful when two small stomachs depended upon her resourcefulness.<br/><br/>Daisy and Anna helped carry grocery items back to their home, chattering excitedly about the gifts from Olivia. Both deserved a reward for being brave and strong during their journey. Daisy chose a new bonnet in pale pink and Anna the doll she saw earlier. The store had other women shopping including, Patience Carpenter, Sissy’s mother. When she saw what Olivia was trying to purchase (this was the schoolteacher’s first exploration into housekeeping), she stepped in to help. The other women, townsfolk, tittered behind their hands at Olivia’s ignorance. When it came to something to wear for horseback riding, Patience advised the more practical purchase was a pair of men’s canvas trousers. “Miss Olivia, trousers are easier to clean and care for than the newfangled ladies riding skirt.” Thanking her profusely, Olivia made a mental note to indeed allow Sissy into their home, regardless of what other’s might think. Tasks complete, another day done, the three walked over to meet Mr.Walker and walk to the hotel restaurant. Olivia decided to approach Mabel then.