To Want the School Teacher by Lisa Day Page A

snooty way, and he crossed her off the list. What list?
The list held only contented three names. He laughed silently. This
wasn't suppose to be hard. Where were the single women who had no
choice but to become the homely and respectable teachers of the
growing country? Surly one woman with qualifications to teach and a
likeable enough personality to marry existed in a city the size of
St. Louis.
    The next victim, er,
potential candidate, sashayed into the room. He didn't remove her
from the list when her cologne entered the room far too many
seconds before she did. He coughed. She fell from grace when she
opened her mouth. Her voice twanged setting his nerves on edge. If
they hadn't been 'his' hotel lobby, he would had stood and left the
area, he used to interview the women, leaving the woman to fend for
herself.
    Pieces of the torn list
found it way to the red wicker trash bucket sitting beside one of
the lobby's writing desks. The last name on it sent a note
explaining she had accepted another position just two hours
ago.
    Taking the stage coach back
to Edenville at the stations Thomas switched coaches several times
hoping to meet someone suitable. This strategy added two days to
his journey but added not one candidate for his consideration.

Chapter Two
    “Drats.”
Thomas turned abruptly and sped up his steps. Frederick Calhoun
headed straight for him.
    “I say,
Thomas, wait up, Thomas.”
    “Frederick, how are you?”
    “I hear
the search isn't going well.” There was genuine concern in his
voice. Which surprised Thomas for they hadn't been the best of
friends in the past.
    Thomas nodded in answer to
the man's question.
    “Well,
don't give up. Not every qualified person will have a teaching
degree or experience. We just need someone educated who can put the
desire to learn in the small ones. Eh?”
    He shook the councilman’s
hand when he'd rather had punched the man in the face. Why didn't
the man inform him of this before his went to St. Louis it might
have added more names to his list.
    ***
    The shade on the
Cattleman’s Association door slowly covered the window announcing
the office was closed.
    He needed to get out of
town. A smile crossed his face thinking of the widow Murphy filled
his thoughts. He wondered if she'd be open to a visit. Of the three
widows, he saw from time to time Anita was his favorite. He
considered a few years ago to offer marriage, however, before he
could the woman let him know under no certain circumstance would
she ever marry again.
    She had no need for
widowhood left her financially secure. Of the four children, only
one remained in Edenville, and he lived in a cabin on the back of
her property. It was then Thomas learned she had other callers, and
she explained all her earthly needs were taken care. Thank you very
much.
    Anita always welcomed him
with a hot meal and an equally hot time in her bed. Her
administrations to Thomas' baser needs were what kept him from
pursuing a marriage partner sooner.
    “Thanks,
Anita your meals are always something special.” Thomas crooned
while thinking of the pleasure they'd be sharing in a little
while.
    Thomas was a man who liked
his sexual encounters. The idea of having a warm and willing
partner every night hid deep within his brain as soon as it
appeared.
    It surprised him when he
left early again breaking his normal routine. In the wee early
morning hours he returned home. Thomas sat behind his desk looking
out of the window as the first light touched the sky. The drink he
poured an hour ago still remained in his hand. The discontent, he
felt earlier in the week again covered him like an itchy wool
blanket.
    Finding out the thoughts of
waking everyday with someone caring about him was unsettling
enough. The rub was he seemed to like the idea and that scared him
to the point of breaking out in a cold sweat.
    The mantle clock chimed the
seventh hour of the day. The drink forgotten sat on the desk's
blotter. Thomas moved to the doorway,