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 I am trying to slow this story down a bit. Also, if it starts getting confusing PLEASE email me with your questions. I don't want to lose anyone because I went and confused them. Thanks also for your reviews and comments. I am really working on my writing skills.

In Search of Peace

Chapter Four (Where's the Paint?)

Scene Six

Opening the door to the mercantile Elizabeth stepped inside only to hear Mrs. Olsen griping to her husband. The woman's voice sounded as if her nose had went up into the attic without her. "Why on earth would any sane person want the children calling them by their first name? Yes, I know Miss Elizabeth sounds proper enough; still, it should be Miss Elder if you ask me!"

For a quick second a look of disgust came onto Elizabeth's face. Due to the fact that Mrs. Olsen had her back towards her she didn't see 'Miss Elizabeth' and she'd been so busy griping she had not paid attention to the sound of the bell above the door. However, Mr. Olsen had. He was horrified to see the temporary schoolteacher roll her eyes balls as if to say 'oh brother'.

"May I help you?" Nel's spoke up and Harriet whirled around.

Shock registered on Harriet's face as she tried to 'repair' any damage that might have been done to 'her good reputation'. "I was just telling my husband how unusual it is that someone in a position such as a teacher would prefer for the children to call them anything but their last name. Miss Beadle would never dream of it."

Elizabeth wished she young enough to climb up on the store's roof and put a pail of paint above the entrance way. She'd love to see the little black rain cloud standing in front of her turn a shade of pink; maybe even purple. "I am sure that is the case," Elizabeth answered politely as she turned her attention to Mr. Olsen, "I was hoping to buy some pencils from you. Some of the poorer students are in desperate need of them."

"No problem!" Nels was thrilled the woman would care enough about the students to help them out like she was.

Once she had the items Elizabeth headed outside. As the door shut she heard Mrs. Olsen say 'I still say it's not right. She has to be a gypsy or something'. 'More like 'or something' Elizabeth thought as she started grinning 'I'm not that young anymore wonder if I actually have the nerve to borrow a ladder' she couldn't help chuckle 'Guess not, still sounds like fun though'.

Scene Seven

Albert, Laura and Andrew were sitting on a log that set near the schoolyard laughing. "I can't wait to get home and start on our creative writing assignments," Laura just loved writing. As she turned to look at Albert she grew concerned. He was just staring at the schoolhouse, "What's wrong, Albert? You still bothered about what happened last week?" She couldn't believe he'd be holding onto it that long.

"Yes and no. I know pa said I shouldn't let it bother me just because she knows Mr. Quinn and it isn't nice to talk bad 'bout anyone…" he shrugged his shoulders, the corner of his mouth turned slightly upwards, "but it does. She is a nice teacher and friendly to everyone so why is she defending someone like him?"

Laura only shook her head, "I'd say ask her but you said she wasn't willing to answer you then. I don't see where anything has changed in the past week."

"I don't see why you're worried 'bout it," Andrew said before taking a bite of the sandwich his mother had prepared for his lunch, "It's not like she's making trouble for you or anything."

"True enough," Albert relaxed and went to laughing with the others.

While the children ate their lunches and talked Miss Elizabeth stood by the window and watched them. Ever since she'd slipped up and opened her mouth and let the fact out that she knew Jeremy she had found herself unable to stop thinking about all that had been lost. Lost by choices that had been made so many years ago; even though they had been necessary.

"Miss Elizabeth?" She was brought out of her thoughts as she heard one of the students walk into the room, "I need some help."

'Don't we all' She thought as she smiled kindly upon the young girl, "Come over to my desk and let's see what we can do."

000

"You work too much," Hyrum teased as Elizabeth came out of the schoolhouse, "All you do is go from the Alden's to this schoolhouse…until you need something at the store." His friend was overworking herself and endangering her health. He didn't like it.

"So they tell me," she laughed as she reached the bottom of the steps, "but what else is there to do?" If I keep busy I can't slip up and open my mouth again' she thought but kept the line to herself.

"The town is having a social tonight. Come with me."

"I think that would get folks to talking and," she smiled kindly, "While I treasure your friendship? I do not wish to send any wrong messages either." The last thing she needed was for this good doctor to get the idea she was interested in anything but friendship with anyone.

Hyrum chuckled, "You mean it might get Mrs. Olsen to talking. Don't worry about it. I am not asking to court you. There will be plenty of folks there. You can come and go as you please; I will too. What is wrong with two friends just having fun?"

"Nothing…and everything' Elizabeth thought but only smiled, "I'll tell you what. The Alden's are going. I know because they asked me think about going with them. I will go ahead and accept their invitation. We can visit with everyone when they and I get there." 'But so help me if that woman makes trouble I'll really have to fight myself when it comes to leaving the paint alone!'

"And then you will leave with them." Hyrum shook his head and chuckled, "All right; at least you'll be getting out among folks." That's really all he wanted anyway. Well, that and he was hoping someone would get her to open up…and settle down in one place; any place.