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what Jesse had gone through in that time? Could she really blame him for wanting to put that unpleasant time at the ranch behind him? Still, he could’ve been a tad more polite in refusing to renew old acquaintances.
    Shiloh sighed, glad to pass under the portal of the brush enclosure and head out into the open. It wasn’t the end of the world just because Jesse had briefly reentered her life, then just as quickly departed it again. She hadn’t come here, after all, in the hopes of finding him. She had come to be a teacher to the Ute children and to make a difference in their lives. Jesse or no, that hadn’t changed.
    With every step she took back to the Agency, Shiloh’s mood improved. Once before, she had been forced to put Jesse out of her heart and mind. She could—and would—do so again. This time, though, she at least had the comfort of knowing he lived and had found a new and hopefully happier life with the Utes.

     
    “Excuse me, Miss Wainwright.”
    Shiloh jerked around, trying to balance on one foot as she tugged off her snow-laden boot in the entry foyer of the boardinghouse. Still deeply immersed in her thoughts on the way back from the Bear Dance, she had failed to hear Nathan Meeker’s footsteps as he exited the dining room.
    After a second or two of hopping around while still attempting to remove her boot, Shiloh gave up the task temporarily and stood on both feet. “Yes, Mr. Meeker? Is there something I can do for you?”
    “I need to speak with you and my daughter.” He glanced around as if hoping Josie would appear at any moment. “Do you know where she might be?”
    “Likely still down at the Bear Dance. I just arrived back from there myself.”
    He frowned, his thick gray brows nearly joining in the middle. “That girl involves herself too frequently and familiarly with those Indians. And, contrary to what she may believe, they’re not as friendly or benign as they may appear. I hope you will take greater care and keep a proper distance around them, Miss Wainwright.”
    She didn’t know how to reply to his comments about Josie, so thought it best to address his request of her. “Since I’m to be the children’s teacher, I believe a professional demeanor—both with the children and their parents—is appropriate at all times.”
    As if digesting that bit of information, Meeker paused, then nodded his approval. “Good. Good. Perhaps some of that will rub off on my daughter. We try our best, Arvilla and I do, to instill proper Christian morals and attitudes in our children. Josie, however, has always been a bit unruly and strong-willed. Perhaps a young woman closer to her own age is just what she needs.”
    Shiloh managed a smile, all the while holding her opinions tightly reined in. “I’m sure Josie and I will both profit from our acquaintance.”
    “Yes. I’m sure you will.” He paused again. “Well, I’ve work to do, but as soon as my daughter returns, would you and she join me in the Agency office? I’ve a plan to discuss regarding how to win over the Ute parents, so they’ll finally allow their children to attend school.”
    Somehow, Shiloh doubted there would be much “discussion” on the plan, but wisely decided to forego expressing that observation. She felt a twinge of guilt at so swiftly taking Nathan Meeker’s measure, but she’d learned at an early age to trust her instincts. Instincts that generally proved very accurate.
    Still, he was the Indian agent and ultimately in charge of everything that went on at the Agency. Shiloh made a mental note to keep her opinions to herself. Well, at least for now anyway. And, hopefully, once she got school going, he’d stay pretty much out of the teaching side of things. After all, it was why he’d hired her.
    “I’ll be sure to tell Josie, just as soon as I see her, sir.”
    “I’m sure you will. Good day, Miss Wainwright.” He grabbed his coat from a peg by the front door, donned it, and departed without another