Jed Walker, Texas Ranger, up close looked every part the western man highlighted in newspapers back East, tall, rugged, with a piercing gaze. Acknowledging his way of introduction, “Pleased to make your acquaintance Mr. Walker.” She extended her gloved hand in a handshake, firm and no nonsense. “I am Olivia Webster and these are my nieces, Daisy and Anna Webster.” The sisters curtsied prettily, watching the adults talk. “My brother and wife passed recently, and I am all that my nieces have by way of family. Our solicitor secured the position of school teacher for me here and we’re planning to make a fresh start at life.” She ignored his inquiry about a husband, unpredictable and unreliable species in her book. Daisy and Anna followed Olivia, taking their queue from their aunt. Life made the two into orphans after their parents were killed, caught accidentally in a labor riot. Aunt Olivia arrived the next day, elegant in her black morning dress and confident personality, an accomplished writer who earned her fortune by publishing poems under a male pseudonym. The male dominated publishing world had already given her a taste of men thinking they could manhandle the weaker sex.<br/><br/>Accepting his offer to walk together to the hotel, they followed. Typical of people who live for the scandal of others, many paused in their activities to watch the procession. Texas Ranger, already a figure to avoid at all costs, walking with a beautiful stranger and her children? Did they know each other, was there a story unfolding in front of them? Surprised with his courteous gesture of opening the door for them, Olivia thanked him, echoed by her nieces. She wondered his reaction of two little girls looking at him with awe and wonder. Greeted by the hotel clerk, Mr. Walker explained they were interested in a room whereas he was interested in the hotel’s dining room. “Would you care to join me?” Another unexpected gesture from the stern looking Ranger, Olivia smiled, “If your invitation includes my nieces, than we accept if you can wait a moment while we check in?” The hotel clerk looked on with curiosity.