Relieved he would join them that evening at the restaurant, she began thinking about what to make the prisoners for their dinner. Mabel said her chicken fried steak was deplorable, gravy had the consistency of pine pitch, but her biscuits were becoming light and fluffy. A captive audience, Olivia imagined they would be the perfect audience to sample her efforts. Jed held her hand as he escorted her back to the schoolhouse, children avidly watching their approach. Many of the older boys looked at the ranger, eyes shining with hero worship imagining the job of a ranger was full of adventure and rich rewards. Witnessing the adults holding hands, Daisy and Anna were excited events were falling into place. “You don’t hold hands with just anybody.” Daisy told her little sister. As calm as before, Olivia tsk-tsked the children’s behavior, ordering them to continue their assignments or face homework. They had a moment of excitement, but their parents expected learning to happen daily and Olivia was not allowing any distractions. Finally satisfied with their progress, they were dismissed. Daisy and Anna saw Jed first, wishing him a good afternoon before holding his hands. He and Olivia exchanged smiled over their heads, walking together towards the restaurant, he shared news of the next suitor just come to town, a Mr. Arthur Singleton. She sighed in exasperation, “Big game hunting is his past-time, and he’s never taken an interest in the running of his family’s estate. When he was in the city, which thankfully wasn’t often, I only saw him at formal soirees.” Stepping into the hotel, “He’s here for the money and I’m pretty certain he doesn’t even remember my nieces’ names.”<br/><br/>Mabel motioned them to their usual table. Pulling her seat out and then sitting himself, Jed watched an imposing stranger enter the restaurant. Catching Jed’s eye, he began walking towards him but stopped after noticing Olivia. Respectfully, he removed his cowboy hat and nodded in greeting, “Excuse me, Ma’am, but I have to have a word here with the Ranger.” Jed rose and took the Marshal's outstretched hand and asked him if he cared to join them for dinner. "Much obliged. Name is Marshal Jennings, from Huston." he took a seat and looked over at everyone.<br/><br/>“This is Olivia Webster and her nieces Anna and Daisy. I am Jed Walker." Jed introduced everyone. After Mr. Jennings shared his reason for being there, the ranger was pleased, "Taking him off my hands would be helpful Marshal. Won't have to wait for the next train to Houston." Mabel came over to take his order and Olivia asked if she could stop by after dinner to whip up dinner for the inmates. Sharing her menu, the woman laughed, “I knew you had a evil streak in you.” She teased and agreed to be ready to offer any assistance. Olivia was a welcomed presence in the kitchen, very neat and clean. Her organization and attention to detail would help when it came to more complicated recipes.<br/><br/>Arthur Singleton could see the schoolroom from the hotel window and watched as Jed escorted Olivia and her brother’s whelps to the hotel for dinner. She looked well, not the frazzled image he had in mind. The ranger was a man to be reckoned with and not to be underestimated. Arthur had some planning to do before doing anything reckless. Checking his outfit, deliberately casual, he wore dark custom cut trousers, fitted linen shirt, with cuffed sleeves, and a dark vest. He brushed his sun streaked blonde hair and moustache before going downstairs. A vain man, he loved the attention from women. Sure enough, when he entered, the room went a little silent before the buzzing started again. Many of the buzzers, women who were very interested in his handsome good looks and polished city ways. Could this be a better cut of man than Rutherford? They hoped so, given there were a few unmarried women looking for a husband. He casually glanced over at Olivia’s table, then with more manners than Rutherford, asked for a table. He would observe the couple from afar and bide his time.<br/><br/>Daisy, seeing the new diner made a face, “Oh no, it’s the animal killer.” She shuddered visibly, explaining to Jed, “He kills exotic animals and has them stuffed. They’re all over the place back in Boston.” Anna nodded, “I’m glad he never paid attention to us. He was always more interested in talking about himself.” Dark eyes looking at her aunt, “Do you think he’s come all this way to ask you to marry him? Maybe it would save time if you and Mr. Walker got formally engaged.” She jumped in her chair, her leg kicked by Daisy under the table. “That was impertinent, Anna.” She admonished, mimicking Olivia’s mannerisms. Olivia blushed furiously, would the public shame never end?