Another Chance by Michelle Beattie Page B

said, it's a small town."
    And Wade had spoken of her at the saloon.  Jillian wondered if he'd spoken about it before or after he'd realized she wasn't at fault. "How bad is it?"
    "It's not going to help, you, I'm afraid.  But I have to say, even without that poor cow dying, you would have had a hard time.  Folks, especially those who've been here since they were being nursed by their mammas, tend to think the town belongs to them.  So as an outsider, you wouldn't have been readily accepted anyway.  As an outsider doing a man's work, it's even worse.
    "Now don't get me wrong, Jillian, I'm not one of those.  I think new blood keeps the town thriving.  Otherwise, we'd all become stale like week old bread, but not everyone's as open minded as I am."  She nodded toward the front of the store.
    Jillian turned around.  The two women ducked down, pretended they weren't listening to every word.
    "Go on and find what you need, Jillian.  I think those women are about done here."
    There was pretty yellow material she'd love to sew into curtains, and a simple rug that would look perfect at her front door.  But knowing she couldn't be extravagant in her spending, she kept to the basic necessities.
    By the time Letty had rung up their purchases and walked them to the door, Jillian had carbolic acid, beeswax for her salve recipe, laudanum and other medicines for her supplies.
    Fifteen minutes later Jillian and Letty were loading her purchases in the back of her buckboard.
    "Don't hesitate to come calling, Jillian, anytime at all.  If I'm not here, my house is just up there," she gestured with her hand.  "Third house after you pass the boardinghouse.  You can't miss it."
    "Thank you.  And for all your help with this as well."
    "Well, that's what I'm here for."  Suddenly her eyes widened and she snapped her fingers.  "The church is having a picnic after this Sunday's service.  The whole town usually comes and they have races and games for the children, as well as a craft and bake sale.  It would be a good chance to get to know the people around here."
    "I was thinking of riding around some of the farms, introducing myself."
    "You carry a gun?"
    "I have a rifle tied to my saddle."
    "Good girl."
    "You're not saying I'll need to protect myself against this town, are you?"
    Letty shook her head, popped her candy out of her mouth.  "Nah, and I'm not sure what stories you've heard back home, but you won't get scalped either.  Still there are rattlesnakes and such around here that you don't have back east.  Besides, if you were my daughter, I'd tell you to carry it with you.  I believe a woman ought to be able to take care of herself."
    "I agree.  And I can, but I appreciate the concern."
    "Good.  Now then, don't forget the picnic.  Eileen and I will be there, so you'll have friends to talk to."
    Friends.  Jillian smiled.  Those had been in short supply back home.  "Thanks, I'll look forward to it, then."
    "Well, don't get too excited.  While I expect most around here will accept you with time, the truth is some may never.  Speaking of which, here comes just the sort."
    A very prim-looking woman about Letty's age, with her shoulders thrust back, clipped along the boardwalk.  Jillian wouldn't have been surprised to see a plank holding them that way.  Her head was tilted so high it was a wonder she could see where she was going.  As she approached them, her gaze flitted over Jillian.  Her brow furrowed and her mouth pinched as though someone had just stuck a lemon into it.  Angling her body away from Jillian, she fixed her gaze on Letty.
    "If you have a moment, I need to make some purchases," the woman said.  Her voice matched her expression perfectly.
    "Of course, Angela."  Letty held open the door, let the woman precede her.   "Nice meeting you, Jillian.  See you Sunday!"
    From the mercantile, Jillian moved to the post office.  Though she was able to send off a letter to her mother informing her that she'd