Authors note:Chapter has been reposted as I wanted to make Theresa a bit younger to fit in with the story better, if you read the story earlier she was 20 but she is now 17.

Theresa had arrived in town only the week before. She had lived in a smaller town, quite a way from Virginia City, where she lived with both of her parents. That was until there had been a Scarlett Fever outbreak a couple of weeks ago and which her father had become one of the fevers victims. Her mother, Elizabeth, then decided that the risk was too great for Theresa to remain in town.

Elizabeth had cabled her younger brother Samuel who owned the Virginia City Mercantile and asked if he and his wife, Lucy, would allow Theresa to stay with them until Harold recovered. Elizabeth had experienced and survived a bout of Scarlett Fever when she had been only 8 years old. And, the town's current doctor reasoned that she had a chance of not succumbing this time, as he had never heard of someone getting Scarlett Fever twice. Theresa had not wanted to leave her parents but had actually looked forwards to spending time in a bigger town with her Aunt Lucy and Uncle Sam.

Lucy and Samuel Carter had taken over the running of the Mercantile Store in Virginia City 6 years ago. Samuel had purchased the Store from the owner who was at that time looking to retire. Lucy had initially been reluctant to move to Virginia City, but Samuel had convinced her that he needed a new challenge and, that this was too good an opportunity to not take up.

The Carters, a couple in their early 30's, had not been blessed with children of their own. Lucy had miscarried twice early in the pregnancies, but had still not given up the longing to have children. That, in part, was why Samuel had wanted a fresh start in a new town. He hoped that they would try again but that if that failed, at least Lucy would have not to watch all of her friends tending to their children, which would only serve as to upset her more.

Theresa spent her first week settling in; helping her aunt cut out and make new curtains to hang up in her room. The curtains were a pretty light red colour, with small roses dotted about and each curtain had a lacy edging. Theresa was very pleased and proud of helping make them but she was tired of being inside all of the time.

"Aunt Lucy, May I please go and explore the town on my own today?" Theresa asked.

"No, I'm sorry honey I don't think that's very wise. This town is much larger than you're used to and I wouldn't want you to get lost. Besides it's not seemly for a girl your age to wander about on her own." Explained Lucy.

"But Aunt Lucy, I'm 17 years old! I am old enough to be married with children. Why can't I go out walking on my own?" Theresa said standing in front of her aunt with her back to the door.

"Because your Aunt said so," said Sam coming in the door with the milk. "Young lady, you will mind your manners and listen to your Aunt. Do you hear me?" he said sternly.

"Yes, sir. I'm sorry for arguing Aunt Lucy. It's just that I'm bored of staying inside all of the time. At home, I was able to come and go as I pleased, providing I did my chores. I went out walking on my own and I had friends to spend time with. How can I meet any one around here if I'm not allowed out of the house?"

"I didn't say that you couldn't go out of the house young lady. I just said that you couldn't go out on your own," said Lucy hotly.

Theresa huffed, "I appreciate you taking me in and all Aunt Lucy, Uncle Sam, but I miss having the freedom to do things other than baking and making curtains!"

Samuel was just about to set the young woman straight about her attitude displayed towards her Aunt, when he saw his wife's eyes tear up.

Seeing her Aunt's eyes fill with tears and her lip drop made Theresa realise what she had just said. She moved nearer to her Aunt and said, "I'm so sorry Aunt Lucy. I didn't mean to upset you. I do like spending time with you, but I want to do other things. Like explore the town and the countryside around. Meet some new people and well, try and make some new friends I guess. Anything, but being stuck inside all day, that's so boring."

Lucy nodded her head and opened her arms. Theresa stepped into the space and Lucy and her embraced. "I know that you want to explore honey. It's just that it's not as safe for you to wander around this town on your own. Virginia City is a thriving town with lots of cowboys and others passing through and young ladies, especially those not born around here could get lost or taken advantage of. "

Lucy saw Theresa's face fall out of the corner of her eye. She put her hands on Theresa's head and pulled her head back so that she could look her in the eye. "How about this though. You ask your Uncle if he needs any help in the store today, whilst I do the laundry and then perhaps tomorrow we can see about taking you on a tour of the town. Then, when you get to know a few people and can find your way around, you may be able to walk around town on your own. Is that OK?"

Theresa nodded in agreement; "Yes Ma'am" and Lucy squeezed her arms gently. "Good girl."

Lucy released her niece and Theresa turned towards her uncle. "Uncle Sam. Do you need any help in the store today? If so, May I come and work with you?"

Sam looked at his wife and saw her smiling. It was clear to Sam that Lucy adored having their niece staying with them. Sam felt a pang of grief then that Theresa wasn't his child. He vowed there and then to speak to the doctor again to see if there were any new ideas about helping Lucy get pregnant and to be able to carry a baby to full term.

"Uncle Sam?"

Sam was startled out of his thoughts, "Yes Theresa?"

Theresa and Lucy giggled wondering what had distracted him and he returned their looks quizzically.

"I asked if you needed any help in the store today, and I wondered if I might come and help you?" Theresa said slowly.

"Oh. Yes, if you want to and, if your Aunt can spare you from helping her with the laundry and such?" Sam replied.

"Yes Sam. I can manage the laundry on my own today. After all it's not much." Lucy kissed Theresa on her cheek, "If you are going to be working in the store then you've better go and get changed into something more appropriate. I'd suggest you wear your long denim skirt," and with that she turned the young lady towards her room and sent on her on her way with a soft swat to her behind. Theresa looked up at her Aunt as if to say 'what was that for?' and Lucy grinned and mouthed, 'don't be so sassy next time.'

Theresa smiled back and hurried off to her room to get changed, she was looking forwards to working in the store and getting to talk to people other than family.

When Theresa closed the door to her room, Sam pulled his wife into his arms and kissed her gently on the lips. "Are you sure you don't need any help with the laundry today?" he asked.

Lucy kissed her husband back, "No, it's OK Sam. I can manage and after all it was my idea in the first place. Sam, Theresa, feels stifled here, since she used to having so much freedom and is missing her friends. I have tried explaining that things are different here but I don't think that she quite understands. She feels that as she is old enough to marry she should be old enough to wander around on her own. Our niece is an intelligent but mischievous young lady from what I remember from her mother's letters. I wouldn't put it above her to sneak out if we are not careful and, as she does not know the area that wouldn't be safe. Can we try and help her find things to do that keep her fully occupied, but allow her the chance to meet some people her own age. Perhaps if she makes a friend or two, she won't feel so lonely and then she can go out for a while with them."

Sam kissed his wife lips softly before replying, "Yes my love, I think that we can do that. Theresa can work in the store with me for a while each day. So many different people of all ages come into the store she's bound to make some acquaintances. On the plus side it might even improve business," Sam said suddenly, thinking aloud.

Lucy looked at Sam quizzically, "How?"

Sam unconsciously rubbed at his collar, "Well you know how embarrassed I get when I have to serve young ladies and their mothers with dresses, under garments and such." Sam said his face blushing red at the thought.

Lucy laughed heartily, "Oh Samuel. You are so silly."

"Yes, well," replied Sam continuing to finger his collar. "I don't mind so much when they choose and then bring them to the counter to pay and for me to wrap them up. But sometimes they ask for my advice on size and colour" and Sam's face reddened further.

There was a soft snicker in the background and the soft click of a door closing as Theresa came out of her room.

Sam turned his head around and glared at his niece, "How much did you hear young lady?" he asked angrily.

Theresa looked down at the floor feeling a little ashamed that she had embarrassed her uncle. Oh damn, that's torn it. So much for being allowed to work in the store today. I'm probably going to be sent to my room all day instead.

"I asked you a question young lady. Please do not ignore me," Sam growled.

Theresa looked at her Uncle and said, "I'm very sorry for laughing Uncle Sam. I just heard what you were saying about ladies asking for your advice on the size and colour of the under garments they wanted to purchase. And, I thought it was funny." Seeing her Uncle's face red face, which was now frowning as well, she quickly added. "I can see that it causes you a lot of embarrassment. I am sure that Aunt Lucy and I would feel just the same, if a man were to ask us a similar question. I'd be happy to serve and advise the ladies and girls, Uncle Sam. That is of course, if you let me work with you in the store."

Lucy tilted her husband's face so that he could see into her eyes which were still shining with a touch of mirth. "Looks like you have a willing and read made assistant Samuel. Theresa, can serve the ladies who come into the store to purchase intimate items and, you can serve the men. I know that you'd intended when we moved here for me to help out in the store more, I can't always do that but Theresa can."

Sam kissed his wife's cheek and turned towards his niece, "OK young lady. You may come and work with me in the store each day for a few hours. But I still expect you to help your Aunt if and when she asks for your help, am I clear?" he asked softly.

Theresa smiled widely, "Yes sir. Thank you Uncle Sam, I'll work hard in the store I promise."

"Ok then, let's eat breakfast and then I'll take you over to the store and show you the ropes. Theresa could you please lay the table for your Aunt?" asked Sam.

"Yes sir," said Theresa happily. And she collected the flatware from the sideboard draw. Theresa laid the table, placing a bowl and cup in each place setting, and then put a spoon alongside each bowl. She returned to the kitchen and came back to the table with the sugar bowl and a jug of milk, putting them in the middle of the table with easy reach of everyone.

Table laid, Lucy removed the pan of oatmeal from the stove with a cloth and approaching the table, she ladled the oatmeal into each bowl, before returning the pan to the stove. Lucy then collected the pot of fresh coffee and carried it with her to the table, placing in on the thick cloth matt in the middle of the table which was there to protect the tablecloth. Sitting herself down next to Sam, she saw Theresa take a seat opposite her.

When everyone was settled, Lucy placed her hand gently on Sam's, "I think Theresa should say the blessing this morning." Sam nodded his head and all three bowed their heads.

Theresa spoke, "Lord we thank you for the food we are about to receive and I'd like to give you thanks for getting Uncle Sam to trust me enough to help in the store. Please keep mama and papa safe and help papa fight his way through the Scarlett Fever. Amen."

Amen, was uttered by both Sam and Lucy.

Opening her eyes and looking up Theresa smiled at her Aunt and Uncle. She received a wry smile from her aunt and a raised eyebrow from her uncle.

"What?" Theresa said trying to sound completely innocent, like she had no idea what the looks were all about.

"That was an unusual blessing young lady," said Sam looking directly into the young woman's eyes.

"Uhmmm, Well… Uncle Sam. I'm sure that the lord didn't mind. I did say thanks after all," she said mischievously.

"Yes you did," agreed Sam. "But blessing at the table are not the place to add extra comments. In future, keep your blessing restricted to thanking the lord for his bounty. You can give thanks for everything else in your evening prayers," he scolded softly.

"Yes sir, Sorry." Theresa replied sheepishly.

"See that you do remember Theresa. OK, now let's eat. The day is a wasting." And Sam dove his spoon into his plain oatmeal.