This man who wouldn’t marry her ... was still fresh and deep. It was obvious that Mirriam still remembered her love for him. Agatha wondered what th...t was like too.“It wasn’t like that with Harry and me.” It was out of her mouth before she realized it.“I’m so sorry,” said Mirriam. It was an automatic response. But it was also an opening ... the kind of opening many women welcome, when they want to talk about something.“I don’t know what happened,” sighed Agatha.“You were young,” said Mirriam.“I. Without her sage advice I’m sure the entire operation might have become a total clusterfuck… it was a very near thing as it was. Eventually the Fed boys noticed that I had arrived, stopped rattling their sabers at each and instead started to dictate plans of action towards me. I listened as politely as I could manage, but after about forty-five minutes of restraining the urge to do some pistol-whipping myself, I interrupted. ‘Ok, fine, I think I understand your plan. Well it sucks, it’s going. "Well, Mr. Lester, we're looking to either start one or join one. We won't be able to leave for a couple of weeks yet though." There's really no hurry in getting started. You could wait a month and still get through the mountains before the snow flies." Have you been through the mountains before, Mr. Lester?" Yes, ma'am. I've taken wagon trains to Oregon the last two years. I'm hoping to take another one through this year." Well, sir, we just might be interested in getting you to guide us. If you can'thandle that, then you'll know that this adventure is not for you."It certainly made perfect sense but it suddenly seemed a daunting task."Don't worry, honey. Today I'll be with you. Remember how yourconfidence grew throughout the afternoon and evening yesterday. You canafford to buy what you need and if it doesn't work out, we'll just donateeverything to the Goodwill." Ok, Suzy. Let's do it. I think I'm up for the challenge and I mustadmit I love my look!" Oh wait," I cried. .