Feeling quite accomplished that evening, a successful day at school, learning to shoot a ‘rifle,’ and arranging for cooking lessons, Olivia admitted she was happier than she’d been in a while. Being in the west, surrounded by people she loved and people she was getting to know, a sense of contentment filled her soul. Interested in Mr. Walker’s day and how he arranged for firewood and groceries to be delivered to them, she exclaimed, “Your thoughtfulness has touched me deeply, Mr. Walker. How can I begin to show my gratitude?” The girls watched their conversation, very quiet and well-mannered (you could hear their little brains ticking with ideas), looking pointedly at Jed. As he spoke, a conversation could be heard coming towards the restaurant, loud and raucous in dialog. The next moment, two attractive women in flamboyant colored dresses swept in, declaring their ‘line of work’ though low décolletage and exposed limbs. A buxom blonde and a painted faced brunette, glanced at all the men, many who were regulars, before spying Jed. “We are still available, Ranger.” The blonde teased before they spied Mr. Rutherford. A new, more available, and most importantly richer target, they sauntered over.<br/><br/>Olivia watched in amusement and wished Mr. Rutherford well. The new women were more to his taste, compliant and easy to please. Give them money and they would shower you with sweet words and adoring looks. Mabel was looking a little discomforted by the disquiet they were creating. Dismayed, Olivia sensed Mr. Walker would be doing something shortly to maintain the peace, sad their time together was cut short. Such was the responsibility of being a lawman. She hoped he would have time to go riding with her soon.