They watched Mr. Walker approach, a sight for sore eyes. There was no other way to explain the relief in seeing the man who was the first person to show any hospitality during their entire journey from Boston. Already proving to be honorable and courteous, Olivia felt she would rather deal with his straightforward, no-nonsense ways than the brittle cheery personalities she’d met on the street. Before she could invite him to join them for a meal, he shared news about the gossip circulating in town, explaining the volume of guests in the restaurant. Quirking an eyebrow, Olivia was mildly entertained, turning in her seat to catch a few folk watching. “Rumors circulating is two of us have something going on. Perhaps the girls are mine and yours.” She noted how they both tended to raise an eyebrow at dubious ideas.<br/><br/>Glancing at the dining room, he continued, “If there’s any more room in there, would you care to join me for dinner again with the girls?” Olivia nodded putting aside the afternoon work, “Mr. Walker, gossip tends to follow us no matter what we do.” She took his proffered arm and stood, nodding to the girls to follow. With their entrance, the whispers died as everyone watched with bated breath. He nodded to Mabel who showed them to a table. You could practically hear a pin drop when he courteously addressed her chair. Sitting himself and removing his hat, he warned, “Looks like this might be a nightly thing Miss Webster, and I guess that people's tongues will be wagging a lot.” Her laugh was deep and throaty, “Well, let them wag. The restaurant will profit, and there’s no harm in speculating.” Shrugging she added, “The school room tomorrow will either be full of students sent by parents dying to know the truth or empty, which doesn’t harm my nieces’ education. They will continue learning regardless of what other people think.” After looking at the girls, continued, “We enjoy your company Mr. Walker and hope we have the opportunity to enjoy your company for dinner every evening.” Tongues would surely wag at her last comment, but Olivia didn’t care.<br/><br/>Interested in the fate of the two he arrested earlier, she asked, "Tell us what will happen to the men in the general store? Will they be tried and taken to a larger jail?" Daisy and Anna eagerly listened, remembering the tussle earlier in the day. In their book, the Ranger was a guardian angel.