Disclaimer: I do NOT own Little House on the Prairie. Only thing I can lay claim to is the story line and any "guest characters"

A/N It's been a long time since I've been able to watch LHOP and I can't seem to find the episode I want on You Tube so...If I have the members of the school board wrong? Please forgive me.

In Search of Peace

Chapter Two

Scene Three

Dr. Baker's laughter filled the room, "You were crazy if you ask me. You're lucky that sheriff didn't drag you off to the jail." He shook his head at the woman he'd known on and off for five years. She was always pulling one prank or another.

"Probably would have if it weren't for the fact that I promised to leave town." Elizabeth's grin spread from one side of her face to the other.

Dr. Baker stopped laughing and turned serious on his acquaintance, "You said the job you came out this way for fell through. What are you going to do?"

"I was just going to come and drop in and visit you but," she stood up and walked over to the window. Drawing back the curtain she looked outside, "I...I'd like to stay awhile."

Hyrum could tell something was troubling her but he didn't know what. Come to think about it; there was a lot he didn't know about the woman named Elizabeth Elder. On the occasions he'd had a chance to talk and visit with her? She'd talk up a storm about her parents and her siblings. She'd tell you about some of the adventures she'd had 'after I came to my senses when I was twenty-five' but that was it. The time between 'the adventures of my oldest sister and I' to 'after twenty five' was a period she flat out refused to talk about. He found himself wondering what on earth she was running from; or, what she was looking for.

Knowing Elizabeth had once taught school for a brief period of time he said, "There's not much around Walnut Grove for a woman to do on a regular basis; however," the good doctor stood up,"I know for a fact Miss Beadle is going to be leaving town for a short spell. I can talk to the school board about letting you teach while she's gone. It would be for about a month."

Out of the corner of her eye Elizabeth saw Laura and Albert passing by. Her eyes glued to the young lad. It was as if someone had turned back the clock of time. She sincerely wished she'd known he was living here in Walnut Grove. Only how was she to know?

"A month is fine." she continued watching Albert and Laura until they disappeared out of sight.

Hyrum, who had walked over to see what she was looking at, smiled, "They are good children."

She stiffened and turned away from the window, "Yes, they seemed to be very well behaved while I was in their home."

She could keep the tremor out her voice but she was not successful in getting the pain out of her eyes. That is; until Hyrum had already seen it. He was startled. Why was she upset?

"Elizabeth, what is it?" He asked only to get a slight wave of the hand, "Don't worry, I don't need medical attention," 'Wouldn't take any if I did anyway' she answered, "I need to either get that job or find something else."

"Oh," Hyrum chuckled as she raised an eyebrow and looked toward the door. He quickly opened it up and let her out. He didn't mind that fact that she insisted on being treated like a lady. She had never went around with her nose in the air; well, not in the time he'd known her.

SCENE FOUR

"Harriet! Nels was downright embarrassed at the way his wife insisted on acting and the things that came out of her mouth.

"Mrs. Olsen," Charles spoke up, "The woman is very much a lady. I told you what happened. What was she supposed to do? Show up without any clothes?" He-and everyone else-had to stifle a laugh as Harriet's facial expression turned into one of horror.

"Charles Ingalls..."

Dr. Baker held up his hand and cut her off. It was bad enough to have to listen to the woman's annoying complaints and highfaluting behavior on the occasions she came into his office; he wasn't about to put up with it at the moment. He had a slight headache as it was and, give her half a chance, it would get worse, "Reverend Alden knew her family until she was twelve," he folded his arms, "and I have known her on and off for five years. Why should she have to give us anymore information that she doesn't want to-unless it pertains to the job. What with two of us in town knowing her enough to know she is not a bad person? I don't think the fact that she just came to town-or has moved around a lot-should stop us from giving her a chance in filling in for Miss Beadle. It's not like she wants her job."

"I tell you she's 'one of them'-those gyspies. Has to be. Why constantly move if she isn't. Maybe she is wanted by the law!" The horror of the thought made Harriet bristle.

"HARRIET!" Nels wished he had the nerve to gag her mouth with something.

"I think we need to stop talking and take a vote." Dr. Baker had his fill with Mrs. Olsen and only wanted the meeting to end, "All in favor say yay." He wasn't surprised when Mrs. Olsen kept her hand down. He was thrilled when everyone else raised their hands.

0o0

"Don't worry about Mrs. Olsen." Anna smiled as she and Elizabeth finished putting the food on the table, "That old witch makes trouble for whoever she can. Just don't tell Robert I called her an old witch. He'd tell me 'that's not christian like'."

Elizabeth smiled, "I've known a few 'Mrs. Olsen's in my life'.

After supper she excused herself saying she was going for a ride. She promised to be back before it got too dark.

The evening air blew through the air as she rode and thought. Riding was one thing she liked doing when she had a lot on her mind. At that moment her mind was on a young boy and an well meaning but harsh man.