Disclaimer - I didn't invent and don't own any characters. I just like making up stories.

This story takes place somewhere in the middle - year 10 or so.

Kitty was thrilled and excited. Her best friend from childhood was coming to visit. As young girls, Kitty and Grace had been in a convent school together in New Orleans. Kitty had thought that Grace was the most beautiful and wonderful thing in the world. In fact everyone seemed to adore Grace.

Kitty always smiled when she recalled what she now thought of as the "marmalade caper." She and Grace were about 7 years old. Grace wanted Kitty to help snatch a jar of orange marmalade from the convent pantry. Kitty had resisted, but Grace's powers of persuasion and the thought of the sweet, delicious marmalade was too much for her. The two of them made sure the coast was clear, and tiptoed into the pantry. They giggled quietly as Grace, being the taller of two, reached up and took the desired jar. They turned to make their escape, and facing them, arms crossed in front of her, was Sister Mary Francis. Sister Mary Francis, the sternest, strictest nun in the convent was looking at them and saying angrily, "Stealing is a sin." Kitty was terrified. Grace looked up at the nun with her big dark eyes opened wide, "Sister Mary Francis, we weren't stealing. We were just borrowing. You see I was going to have a tiny little taste of marmalade, and Kitty was going to have a tiny little taste. Then we were going to give each of our class mates a tiny little taste. Then we were going to put the top on tight and bring the jar back here. The tiny little tastes would be so teeny, teeny, tiny that hardly any marmalade would be used up."

Kitty remembered being shocked when she saw a slight smile tug at the corner of the Sister's mouth as she took the jar from Grace's little hands. She then got two slices of bread, opened the jar, spread each slice with a thick layer of marmalade and handed one to each girl, whispering to Grace, "Next time just ask."

It wasn't many years after that the their lives took very different turns. Kitty, out of necessity had lived and worked in gambling houses at a young age, under the guidance of Panacea Sykes. Grace had gone on to receive more formal education and had become a governess to the children of wealthy society families. Through it all they always managed stayed in touch and felt connected, and now Grace was coming to Dodge. She had written Kitty that she longed to see her old friend and also wanted to experience the "excitement" of the west.

At Kitty's request, Matt had planned on going with her to meet the stage, but he had to back out because of work. They had had words about it, before he left.

"Kitty, I have to go the Hayes to testify against Hank Gordan. I'm the one who arrested him. I caught him at the scene of the crime. He had killed a shopkeeper and was holding the customers hostage."

"Matt I remember all that, but the hostages can testify. Why do you have to go? You said you'd be here to greet the stage, and you know how much I want you to meet Grace."

"Kitty, I should be back in less than a week. Grace will still be here, you know that."

"Matt, sometimes I feel like I just can't count on you."

Matt was hurt, but responded calmly, "Kitty, I'm sorry you feel that way right now. I think you know that you can count on me. If you were in trouble or in need, I'd move heaven and earth for you. I guess you don't want to hear that right now."

With that Matt walked out the door. Kitty was left feeling both annoyed with Matt, and sorry that she had let her temper get the better of her. She shouldn't have said those words to Matt.

The next afternoon Kitty was at the stage depot as the stage pulled in. It was on time for once. Kitty mused that Grace had probably charmed the horses into going faster, and the wheels into not breaking.

An extraordinarily beautiful dark haired woman stepped out of the stage, and Kitty ran to her.

"Grace, is that you?"

"Oh, Kitty. I can't believe how beautiful you are."

"Me? Look at you. You were a raven haired beautiful girl and now you are a raven-haired gorgeous woman. I can't believe you are here."

The women hugged.

Grace looked around, "You wrote that Matt would be here. Point him out to me please."

Kitty sighed, "He's away. Duty calls you know."

Grace smiled up at Kitty, "Well being Marshal is an important job. I'm sure I'll meet him soon."

Kitty smiled back, caught up in her friend's obvious excitement. Kitty looked over at Sam, who was standing off to the side, and motioned for him to come over. "Grace, this is Sam. I've mentioned him in my letters. He was nice enough to volunteer to carry your bags over to the Dodge House."

Grace stepped forward, and smiled brightly at Sam, "Sam, I feel as if I know you. I know you've worked at the Long Branch for some time now and Kitty treasures your presence. Thank you for being so gallant and offering your assistance.."

The three walked over to the hotel. Once Grace checked in she turned to Kitty, "Kitty dear, why don't you just wait in the lobby, no need for you to come upstairs. I'll just tell Sam where to put my things and then be right back down to get a tour of your town."

With that she and Sam turned and went up the stairs. As Sam was putting the bags down Grace looked at him thoughtfully, "Sam, you know the Marshall, don't you?"

Sam smiled a little, "Everyone around here knows Marshall Dillon."

"Would you say he was a good man, Sam?"

Sam assumed that Grace, knew about Matt and Kitty's relationship and wanted assurances about Matt out of friendship, "Grace, I can say with certitude that he is the finest man I've ever met. He wants everyone to have a fair chance and will always give a helping hand.

Grace just nodded giving Sam another of her sunny smiles as they returned to the lobby. Sam went back to the Long Branch and Kitty and Grace went to Delmonico's for lunch. Kitty had arranged for Doc to meet them there.

Doc was seated at a table when they arrived and stood as they approached. Kitty nodded at Doc, "Grace, this is Doc Adams. Doc, this is my oldest friend, Grace Lambert.

Doc kissed Grace's hand, and Grace giggled charmingly. They were all starting to sit when Kitty rose again, "Doc and Grace, please excuse me just for a moment. I see Stella Adams over there and I want to ask her when my new dress will be ready. I'll just be a minute."

Alone with Doc, Grace smiled at him, "Doc, Kitty has written so often about you, she's told me what a wonderful doctor you are. She writes about you and all of her friends. I feel like I know you all. You're also good friends with Matt Dillon too aren't you?"

Doc smiled back, being utterly charmed by Grace's looks and manner, "Grace I'd say that Matt and I have been good friends for quite some time now."

Grace gave Doc's hand a slight squeeze, "I hear Matt is quite a good Marshal."

Doc nodded, "I've watched this town grow over some years now, and the way it's grown has only been possible because Matt brought law and order with him when he came. He made it possible for decent folks to settle in these parts. I don't know another man who could have done what he's done." Doc, winked, "Don't tell him I said that, though."

Grace laughed at the last remark just as Kitty was returning to the table. "Something must be funny?" She noted.

Grace shook her head, "Kitty, it's nothing but your friend here being such a charming gentleman. Let's order, I'm starved."

After a pleasant lunch Doc returned to his office and Kitty took Grace to see the Long Branch. They entered and saw Festus sitting at a table drinking a beer. They went over and Festus stood, "Well this here must be Miss Grace. Miss Kitty's been real happy about your visit."

Grace grasped Festus' hand in both of hers, "You must be Festus. I've heard all about you, your mule Ruth, your interesting relatives and more. I'm so happy to meet you at last."

Festus was glowing with pleasure as they sat. Sam had a question about a delivery, and Kitty went over to talk to him.

"Well Festus, it must be quite a job being the Marshal's Deputy. Sam told me that the Marshal tries to make sure every gets a fair chance, do you agree?"

Festus nodded emphatically, "Rich or poor, young or old, old timer or new comer and everything in between, ya got Matthew doing all that's possible to make sure ya get a fair shake."

Grace nodded, "And Festus, I'm sure your help is really important to him."

Meanwhile, after talking business with Sam, Kitty noticed that he was watching Grace and Festus with a small smile on his face. Kitty smiled, glad that her friend's beauty and charms were as she remembered them. Looking at Sam she asked, "Oh Sam, what did you and Grace talk about when you brought her luggage up to her hotel room? I'm just curious."

Sam returned his attention to Kitty, "It wasn't much Miss Kitty. She just asked about the Marshal."

Kitty shrugged and went back to join Festus and Grace.

Latter that night Kitty and Grace sat in the Long Branch talking quietly. "Kitty, everyone here seems so friendly. Sam is so helpful, Doc makes me feel right at home and Festus is so sweet. Every person we ran into was totally welcoming. Now I just can't wait to meet Matt."

Kitty nodded, " I'm glad you are having a nice time. Matt should be back in a few days, and I know he'll be as welcoming as everyone else. Well you've gotten an introduction to Dodge. Tell me, what's your life been like for the past few years? I've read your letters, but I want to hear more."

Grace smiled, "Kitty, as you know I've been working as a governess to some highly placed members of society. I've been lucky enough to live in some beautiful mansions. I live in a grand mansion right now, of course it isn't mine, but sometimes I pretend it is." Grace giggled a little before continuing. "I care for 3 bright, beautiful children who are just lovely. Of course they aren't my children, but I admit that now and again I forget that they aren't. I am with them all day after all."

Kitty smiled, "Have you been courted by anyone?'

"Well Kitty, in my position, I seem to be considered a lady of a certain class. Not a member of high society mind you, but a woman of manners and virtue, so I am introduced to gentlemen who court me in the most proper way. Kitty that's one of the reasons I came here. Along with wanting to see you again after so many years, I wanted get away from "proper" for a while, and be my own woman. At least until my money runs out."

Grace and Kitty both laughed at the last remark, enjoying each other's company

"Well Grace, I'm sure glad you are here."