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those pushy men scare you. We can set them straight,” Henry said.
    “No, really. I wasn’t scared, exactly. More pressured.” Emily smiled at them. “I’m not opposed to marriage. I just don’t want a man who is more interested in my money than me. Or a man who wants to marry me out of a sense of obligation, or to keep the peace in the town. It’s not a competition or a charity event.”
    “Of course not, there are many things to consider.” Alice nodded. “There is no rush, but showing you intend to marry will put the gold diggers off.”
    “We’ve always admired you, Emily. If we knew there was a line-up of bachelors, we’d have counted ourselves included. But we’re not that pushy.” Henry winked at her.
    Alice cleared her throat. “I’m sure you would have. However, since she’s invited you here doesn’t mean the rules of propriety will be lax. Even though her sister is in Denver, I take my place seriously.”
    Emily shot Alice a glare. “Mrs Lange is being overly protective. I am a grown woman.”
    “Your father looked out for me. I owe it to his memory to keep an eye on you until you’re married.” Alice surveyed the two men. “Which of you are interested in courting her?”
    “Alice,” Emily said.
    “You went and invited them to dinner. I won’t rush anything, but the sooner you’re seen out courting one of these men, the sooner you’ll be free of other suitors.” Alice shrugged.
    Dora helped Sarah clear the plates and the distraction gave Emily a chance to breathe. As the pie was served, Emily wondered what the men were thinking. Had they decided which one would court her?
    “We’d both be honored if Emily chose us. Either one. We’re family and we won’t let anything come between us,” Jack said.
    Alice nodded. “Two men looking after Emily’s safety is good. However, the other of you will marry at some point. Most likely. Two women trying to run a home isn’t ideal.”
    “Aren’t you jumping ahead several steps, Alice?” Emily wanted to crawl under the table.
    “I’m asking the same questions your sister would in my place. I won’t advise you on which offer to take. Both men are perfectly respectable. Trustworthy. Spend time with both of them, if you’re not sure, but don’t play too long or people will talk.” Alice looked at them.
    “People will always talk.” Emily rolled her eyes.
    “So be discreet until you decide. Forgive my honesty, but we all know how small this town is. If we want to stay without issue, the sooner people know the better. The wedding is no rush, but the match is important.” Alice took a bite of pie.
    “She’s right.” Henry nodded. “So how about Jack takes you riding tomorrow afternoon and I’ll take you for a picnic later in the week? It’s a start.”
    “Sounds acceptable. I’ll take over the tutoring duties this week so you can focus on getting to know them better.” Alice nodded approvingly.
    “Thank you,” Emily said.
    The men smiled at her.
    “Great pie,” Henry said.
    “Apple is my favorite,” Emily admitted.
    Jack smiled. “Mine too.”
    “I’m a cherry man, but this apple is delicious.” Henry focused on the pie.
    “What tutoring? The maid?” Jack asked.
    Emily nodded. “I have an open invitation to the saloon ladies if they want to educate themselves. Some can read and write and others can’t. I’m glad Dora has left that life. She insists on working in exchange for room and board. The more skills a woman has, the more options she has too.”
    “We shouldn’t discuss other people or that former profession.” Alice’s posture stiffened. “Your charitable efforts are great. However, those matters are better suited to a married woman.”
    “I wouldn’t worry about that, Mrs Lange. My intentions are honorable.” Jack’s tone was firm. “As are my cousin’s. Everyone in town knows about Emily’s suffrage efforts and charity work. It makes me admire her more.”
    “Thank you.” Emily felt his