Lucy and Theresa sat back and waited whilst the maid placed the tray down softly on the table and proceeded to unload it onto the thick cotton white table cloth, putting the coffee pot on a small metal trivet located in the middle of the table to protect the table from the heat.

"I hope that everything is satisfactory ladies. If you require anything please ring this and I will return," she said removing a small silver bell from her apron pocket.

"Thank you, "Theresa and Lucy said at the same time.

The maid smiled and backed away before turning and carrying her tray back to the kitchen.

Lucy turned over the coffee cups and placing them on the saucers she poured coffee into the cups. She passed the cream and sugar to Theresa and waited whilst she creamed and sugared it before accepting them back and adding cream to her coffee. Taking a sip of the hot liquid and licking her lips at the blend she replaced the cup back on its saucers.

"So my dear, tell me what you think of our fine town so far!"

-CIC-

"It sure is a big place, Aunt Lucy. But it seems kinda quiet for such a large town. Things look pretty safe; will I be able to wander around on my own soon?" Theresa asked.

"Hmm, well maybe your Uncle and I will allow that, when you have spent a little more time here and have learnt your way around. Theresa, your Uncle and I don't want to restrict you; we want to keep you safe. You are not used to a large town yet." Replied Lucy.

"Yes ma'am I know that, but even whilst we've been walking around, I've seen others of my age and younger running about. I am responsible you know," Theresa whined a little.

Lucy put her hand on Theresa's, "I know that you are sweetheart, it's not that we don't trust you. We just don't want you getting lost or being taken advantage of. The other children have grown up around here and they know the town and know what areas to avoid at various times of the day. Maybe when you have made some friends that your uncle and I approve of then you can have a bit more freedom."

Theresa sipped at her coffee and huffed, "OK, Aunt Lucy."

Lucy looked at her niece sternly, "I understand that you feel upset young lady but I don't appreciate your attitude. I promise that I will speak to your Uncle about allowing you more freedom when we feel that you are ready, OK?"

Theresa nodded her head, "Yes ma'am, I apologise for being rude."

"Apology accepted. Do you have any other comments to make about the town? Have you found things interesting?"

"OH yes ma'am I have. Helping Uncle Sam is a lot of fun and you get to meet lots of different people. This morning I helped a young girl try on some dresses and petticoats she needed for school and Uncle Sam is letting me design a changing area in the back room."

"Really? Sam is letting you change around his store to help customers?"

"Well, only the backroom, Aunt Lucy. I thought that it would be a good idea to offer customers somewhere to try clothes on so that they can get the correct size for their needs. Especially girls and ladies trying on undergarments and petticoats, but I suppose even boys want to try on pants in private."

"I think it is wonderful Theresa that your Uncle is prepared to listen to your ideas. What a clever idea you had to have a changing area. Do you have a design in mind yet?"

"I have a couple of ideas, but Uncle Sam said that we would discuss them at supper. I've found the best site to clear a space though; it is right at the back on the left hand side. It's by the only window, so there will be some nature light even through a light colour curtain. I saw Uncle Sam had some material that I could make a curtain with, if you'll help me. And, there is a hook on the wall already where Uncle Sam was hanging the onions. I thought a lantern could be hung there to light up the area for when it's too dark out like during the winter."

"It sounds like you have thought it out very well Theresa. I look forward to seeing your design later. I'll dig out some paper and coloured pencils on our return." Said Lucy as she bit into her slice of pie.

Theresa blushed, "Thanks, Aunt Lucy. I was a little surprised that Uncle Sam was interested in my idea, but I am glad that he is, it makes me feel like I am being useful, instead of a burden on you both."

Lucy had the next bite of her pie almost to her mouth when she stopped and lowered the spoon back down to the plate. "Young lady look at me please." she asked softly.

Lucy waited until Theresa slowly complied before she spoke again, "Theresa, you are not, now, nor will you ever be, a burden. Your Uncle and I are very glad to have you staying with us. Please do not feel that you have to do anything to make us want you here. You can stay as long as you want to. I don't know how much you know of your Uncle and my situation. But we always wanted children. Unfortunately I am unable to bear children. Having you here though makes me very happy, it is wonderful to share our home with someone younger and so full of life and ideas."

"I'm sorry if I made you feel bad Aunt Lucy. I didn't know you couldn't have children. Mama never said, I just thought that perhaps you didn't want children, not everyone does you know. I love staying with you, but I feel kind of useless sitting around all of the time. At home I was always doing things, with my friends and at home."

"Well I can always set you some more chores to help you feel more useful," Lucy said as she gently caressed the younger girl's cheek.

"Thanks, but I'd prefer to work in the store!"

Lucy chuckled, "Yes it is more interesting in the store. But anytime you don't feel useful you just come and find me and I'm sure that I can find you something to do." She smiled at the young girl.

"Yes ma'am," said Theresa smiling at her Aunt.

"Eat your pie please sweetheart, it's getting cold," replied Lucy.

The two women were quiet for a few minutes whilst the devoured their slice of pie whilst it was still warm.

Lucy finished her pie first and poured herself another cup of coffee whilst she sat and watched Theresa enjoying her pie.

"Mmm, that was lovely. The chef makes a really nice pie, don't you think Aunt Lucy?"

"Yes, it was very nice," agreed Lucy sipping at her coffee.

Theresa sipped at her own coffee whilst she pondered over her day. It's actually been quite a nice day, certainly more interesting than I thought it would be when I got up this morning. There is so much more of the town and the area around that I want to see and find out more about though. I wonder if Scott will be able to show me around. I must ask remember to ask permission from Uncle Sam at supper.

"Theresa? Theresa?..." called Lucy

Theresa was startled out of her thinking by her aunt patting her hand. "Oh. Sorry Aunt Lucy, I was just thinking out a few things. What were you saying?"

"I was asking you if you were ready to leave, my dear. We have to get back to prepare supper for your Uncle."

"Uh, yes ma'am I just have little coffee left," said Theresa, before she lifted her cup and drained it. "Can we go back past the Bucket of Blood saloon?"

"I'm afraid not. It is a little way down the street in the other direction. But don't worry; we can venture out on another day when your Uncle Sam releases you from helping out at the store. The saloon isn't going anywhere." Lucy said and picking up the small silver bell she rang it.

Maria the parlour maid reappeared at the table a minute later, "Did you enjoy your pie, ladies?""

"Yes thank you, it was lovely. May I have the bill please?" Lucy asked.

"Yes ma'am, I'll be right back," said the maid as she packed the empty plates, cutlery, coffee cups and the coffee pot back on the tray and carried it back through the door into the kitchen.