She spent several days organizing the menu, and then spent another full day trying to decide how to get rid of Tyree on the night of the party. As it turned out, Tyree solved the problem for her. One look at the guest list was all it took. Rachel had invited Essie O’Shay, who was the Yellow Creek schoolmarm; Olaf Johnson, the blacksmith; Mr. and Mrs. Thorngood, who owned the General Store; Gus Kibbee, who doubled as barber and dentist; Vincent Myers, editor of the local newspaper; and her best friend, Carol Ann McKee. The Reverend and Mrs. Jenkins were also on the list, as well as Clint Wesley, and several other, equally dreary people. It was the thought of making polite conversation with the likes of the minister and the marshal that persuaded Tyree to spend the evening in town. He left the Lazy H just before dark. Rachel’s party was a big success. The food was excellent, the guests congenial, the conversation intelligent, interspersed with witticisms and laughter. They ate and danced and played a few parlor games before Rachel served the cake.
