A week later Man Whoa!

Hope is the thing with feathers Just 10 of Emily Dickinson's poems were published while she was alive But her words have moved millions said Elizabeth Sorry, Ma'am we thought this was a saloon said

it is, at night, During the day, it's the school said Elizabeth is this where we're supposed to stay said man welcome, gentlemen! you'll be housed in the rooms upstairs said tom we've spent six days crossing this cursed country we came a long way to work in this mine least we can get is a drink said man

are there any kids coming? said Gabe

Nope, no children company's just hiring single men. said dewitt graves

Welcome, but we're right in the middle of our school day, so we've got back to our lesson said Elizabeth

Sorry for the intrusion, ma'am said dewitt graves

bar's right there, fellas I'm gonna get myself a drink said mam

the lady's trying to teach a lesson, we'll go to our rooms said bill

after I get my drink said a man

mister is that really the first impression you want to make in Valley spring ? said jack

the constable's right how about I buy a round later said Bill

well, I guess I can wait, since it's gonna be free said man

Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul and sings the tune without the words, and never stops at all, How does it end? no matter it'll come to me Good day professor Bill said

Thank you jack said

Later that night

you sure you want to unravel that? wasn't that your husband's favorite sweater? Carla said

oh, he would have approved this way, a little part of him can help keep your baby warm Abigail said

thank you, the blanket's gonna be handy, it'll be cold by the time I deliver in a few months Carla said

Carla, you're bigger than seven months probably more like eight months Abigail said

maybe I counted wrong but I guess we'll find out I feel like I've been pregnant a whole year Carla said

oh, this is so pretty violets are my favorite. Elizabeth said

you know my joe never noticed flowers I could go out pick a bouquet put it on the table and he'd say, what's for supper Cat said

men lord they're impossible until they're gone. a woman said

did you hear all those new miners who came to town and bachelors Florence said

I saw them they're staying in the rooms above the saloon Elizabeth said

how did they look Florence said

wet and dirty Elizabeth said

well, they're probably all drifters and troublemakers I'm not sure i like that kind of element coming into Valley SpringFlorence said

well let's not be too quick to judge my husband wasn't a chivalrous man but he provided just fine for Caleb and me Mary said

you're right mary we all know how hard it is to find a good man Abigail said

or a good father for our children Carla said

oh, Carla, I think it's time that we get you home get you into bed so you can get some rest oh! there we go there we go said Abigail

the next day hi, jack Elizabeth said

hi, how're plans for the dance coming along? jack said

very well thank you Elizabeth said

I'm looking forward to something in that saloon besides 40 miners sawing logs all night long. Jack said

I'm just picking up some more supplies my students are making all the decorations and we're running out of colored paper Elizabeth said

nice. Jack said

so are you going to the dance? Elizabeth said

yes but in an official capacity jack said

does that mean you're going alone Elizabeth said

I'll be on duty said jack

oh, I see you're not allowed to have any fun? what's going to happen when you settle down and have a family said Elizabeth

well that's unlikely to happen for marriage and bring a office are two subjects that don't go together at the academy they told us if the mounties or office wanted you to have a wife "we would have issued you one " said jack

so you don't ever wanna get married? said Elizabeth

well I didn't say that it's just that the office life can put a wife through a lot of hardship, for instance, living in a tent six months at a time without a privy said jack

so theoretically marriage and office don't marry because they think women are delicate said Elizabeth

chuckles I've just remembered I've got some word to do said jack

mmm—hmm said Elizabeth

so, I'm going to see to it ma'am said jack

a for mins later at the general merchandise cans clattering

here, let me help you said dewitt

i am so embarrassed said mary

well you shouldn't be it could happened to anyone do you... do you like peaches? said dewitt

oh I only wanted one,not the whole stack said may

well here my name's Dewitt Dewitt graves said dewitt

oh, Nice to meet you Mary Dunbar said Mary

nice to meet you Mrs. Dunbar said dewitt

uh, I'm sorry Mrs. Dunbar, but your tab is full I can't let you have anything else until you pay it off said Ned Yost

oh sorry said Mary

here, let me, Mrs. Dunbar, it's my treat no, please, you don't have to do that well you don't recall that you did invite me to supper and it's only fair that I should spring for the supplies said dewitt

Right, thank you, Mr Graves, said Mary

you're welcome, Mrs. Dunbar please Mr. Yost put it on my account said dewitt

certainly said Ned Yost

that night

you put the cucumbers in the jar, then you add the pickling spices, and then you pour in the brine Abigail said

you have to do all that just to get pickles Elizabeth said

well it doesn't happen by magic Abigail said

back home, they were always just in the serving dish magically Elizabeth said

you'll never guess who I saw being sweet-talked to at the mercantile by one of those new miners Mary Dunbar he even bought all her groceries Florence said

well, Mary's had it harder than most of us that was very nice of him Abigail said

Nice it's a mistake for mary to get involved with one of those men Florence said

I don't think we can judge each other's circumstances, Florence Abigail said

are you ready to forget your Noah Florence said

I will never forget my Noah but at some point, life goes on for all of us for you too Abigail said

Abigail! Carla said

oh my lord Abigail said

Abigail Abigail Carla said

are you okay? what happened? Abigail said

I was walking up the hill and I got all light-headed Carla said

here, sit down Elizabeth said

yes, sit down, get off your feet Abigail said

come Florence said

sit down Elizabeth said

Carla, I think that you should move in here with me where I can keep my eye on you Abigail said

I can't I couldn't impose Carla said

oh, it's not an imposition I insist Abigail said

what about Ephraim? Carla said

oh, Carla, there are dozens of families in Valley Spring who would love to look after that little boy while you're here Abigail said

the more I get to know these women I realize how remarkable and courageous they are they go through life with such grace under fire it makes me realize just how little I actually know about the real world Elizabeth said

good night Carla said

good night Abigail said

these women are teaching me by their example that when each of us offers a small kindness to a neighbor it can become a very large blessing to the whole community Elizabeth said

The next day

That's the law over there for those of you inclined toward drink there's the bar but I recommend you become a teetotaler like me Wendell said Make sure you use the soap everyone washes off a man said

You don't want to get mud all over Tom's bar Wendell said Go on getting out of here a men said

ProfessorBilal said

Please, it's miss Thatcher Elizabeth said

Well, miss thatcher I'm bill bill ham said

Mmm-hmm Elizabeth said

It came back to me the end of that Dickinson poem bill ham said

Really Elizabeth said

I had it written in the back of my book from years ago a little journal I keep bill ham said

I'm surprised to find a poetry lover among miners Elizabeth said

Oh I love poetry I've even written some poems of my own only one of six in my family that made it through secondary school Did you attend college I had dreams but they ended when my father died bill ham said

I sorry Elizabeth said

Oh, no, no, it's all for the best I never thought I'd be a mine I found a job at a mine back east, ended up hopping from mine to mine and now here I am bill ham said

Well welcome to Valley SpringElizabeth said

Perhaps you could show me around introducing me to the place bill ham said

There's not really much to see Elizabeth said

Oh, I disagree I've never been to this part of the country out west it's beautiful besides there must be a reason why someone like you came here maybe you could show me why how about tomorrow bill ham said

I'd be happy to Elizabeth said

Then it's a date bill ham said

That one's quite the lady's man Wendell said That night

How do you fellows stay up so late and then get up for work the next morning jack said

We haven't officially met I'm bill ham said

Jack Thornton you uh got blisters on your head jack said

Oh that it's been a while since my last job digging coal worked most recently at central union mine but they had me behind a desk training me for something bigger I guess bill said

Something bigger what brings you to Valley Springjack said

I got tired of pushing papers saw the job advertised and decided I'd get back into the mining bill said

Well you are the first miner I've ever met that traded an office job for the pickax again jack said

I ain't no cheater you take that back miner 1 said

How about you take this back miner 2 said

Cut it out back up! Are you done jack said

Damn your eyes miner 1 said

Hey come on we're going across the road jack said

The next morning

Don't want you to miss a day at work miner mind your manners next time and I won't have to have you here jack said

Actually, it was kind of peaceful miner said

Good morning how's life at the saloon said Ned Yost

It's like living in a circus I need you to send a telegram to the superintendent at central union mine for there was a storm and it took out the power line and telephones out there jack said

Certainly I'll label that urgent police business said Ned Yost

Definitely jack said

Hello Mrs Dunbar Ddewitt said

Mr. Graves Mary said

Oh, it's just Dewitt no one's ever called me Mr graves said Dewitt

Then it's just Mary I was hoping I would bump into you I wish there some way to repay your kindness Mary said

Oh no that was my pleasure ma'am said Dewitt

Well thank you I headed this way Mary said

Um Mary um I wouldn't want to put you out but it has been a while since I've had a home-cooked meal said Dewitt

Oh Mary said

And we did tell Mr Yost that you had invited me to dinner so I was thinking you wouldn't want to make a liar out of me would you I could buy something for it a roast maybe? said Dewitt

Oh that would be very much appreciated but um I'm not sure how my son Caleb would feel about us having a guess Mary said

Oh of course I understand I've intruded I'm sorry for asking Mary good day said Dewitt

But uh I'm sure he would be very pleased to have a hearty meal for a chance Mary said

That's splendid tomorrow night dewitt said

Tomorrow night Mary said

The very best you tell Mr Yost to put anything you need on my account Dewitt said

The next day

This is one of my favorite spots Elizabeth said

Oh it's perfect bill said

When the church burned down the town meeting here every Sunday for services Elizabeth said

You can feel it it's like God is here with you bill said

I've only been in Valley Springa short time but the town change you when you see people really helping each other and loving their neighbor it just... I know it's making me a better person Elizabeth said

You know my dad would love a place like this bill said

What did he do for a living Elizabeth said

Ah he worked with his hands his whole life stable hand harness maker pick miner a man of all trades kind of like me I support bill said

It must have been hard for you losing him Elizabeth said

You know I've had some hard knocks throughout my life but I live with hope the thing with feathers that's my philosophy bill said

Hello jack Elizabeth said

How's that hunting going any luck bill said

Well you don't need too much luck in this part of the world just good aim enjoy your walk jack said

You enjoy your supper bill said

Thank you I will jack said

Meanwhile in town

Hey ma Caleb said

Hi Caleb Mary said

Didn't catch nothing for dinner what smells so good Caleb said

We're have roast Mary said

Roast? Want's he doing here Caleb said

His name is Mr graves and he brought us a roast so I invited him to supper isn't that wonderful Mary said

I don't want him here Caleb said

Caleb, Caleb that would be rather ungracious of us Mr graves is here all alone in a new town there's nothing wrong with showing him a little hospitality Mr graves this is my son Caleb Mary said

Nice to meet you young man dewitt said

Hello Caleb said

That sure does smell delicious Dewitt said

Not that one it's my dad's spot Caleb said

My apologies anything I can do to help Mary Dewitt said

No thank you please have a seat Mary said

Meanwhile in outer sides of town

Elizabeth, what you do you want to do after Valley Springbill said

What do you mean "after," Elizabeth said

I mean this is a wonderful place but I don't know I just...I see something bigger for you-you know bill said

Well I've really only just begun my work with the children so I haven't given it much thought but I have some dreams Elizabeth said

And what are they bill said

I think dreams are like birthday wishes if you say them out loud they might not come true Elizabeth said

Very well you keep them tucked away in the meantime I have little gift for you from someone who loves poetry this is my favorite one bill said

Thank you "o my love's like a red red rose that's newly sprung in June o my luve's like the melodies that's sweetly played in turn as fair Elizabeth said

As fair as thou my Bonnie lass so deep in love am I and I will love these still my dear till a seas gang dry bill said

It's beautiful it's very familiar I can't place the poet though Elizabeth said

It's probably familiar because it plucks the strings of the your heart bill said

Who is the port Elizabeth said

You're looking at him bill said

That's amazing oh my! It's wonderful Elizabeth said

Thank you Elizabeth there's something I'd like to ask you about the dance on Saturday would you honor me in going with me please your are my red red rose out here in the wild bill said

I'd like that Elizabeth said

Meanwhile in town

Well that was u... that was the best roast I've had in a long time dewitt said

It was wonderful and we are so grateful aren't we Caleb Mary said

Do you have any pastime Caleb I bet you like to play baseball dewitt said

May I be excited Caleb said

Yes Mary said

Well I'd best be going too I've got a lot week ahead of me dewitt said

I'm sorry he's usually more polite Mary said

No no not at all I understand I mean I'm sure that this has been really hard on the two of you dewitt said

Yes Mary said

But today was nice Dewitt said

It was nice for me too Mary said

I hear that there's a dance on Saturday dewitt said

Yes Mary said

Oh I was wondering if you um... you wouldn't want to go with me would you to the dance dewitt said

Um... I'm honored that you would ask me truly I would need to thank about it I hope you understand Mary said

Yes that's all a men can ask for is a little bit of hope good night Dewitt said

Down the back

Carla are you sure you don't want any supper Abigail said

No thanks I'll just sleep Carla

How is she feeling? Elizabeth said

Well she has a slight fever and she didn't want any supper Abigail said

I'm surprised there isn't a midwife here in town Elizabeth said

We did have one for years but she left right after the mining accident Abigail said

"Knocking on door "

Oh jack um... come in Well I will be upstairs if anyone needs me Abigail said

Ma'am glad to see you got home safe and sound from your walk jack said

Bilal happens to be a perfect gentleman Elizabeth said

Actually that's why I'm here I don't think you really know who Bill is jack said

what's that supposed to mean Elizabeth said

Look I have my suspicions about whether he's all he says he is jack said

Based on what evidence? Elizabeth said

I'm not really to say but I just want you to be cautious I'd prefer you not go out walking alone with him into the wilderness jack said

It wasn't a trek to Amazon rainforest I was just showing him around Valley Spring"he says I'm an excellent guide by the way" Elizabeth said

I'm sure you he did flattery can get you anywhere jack said

Flattery? You think I'm in search of flattery? Elizabeth said

No, I'm just saying he threw down the hay where the goats could get at it jack said

You're calling me a goat Elizabeth said

Pardon my imagery I'm not student of poetry but that's the basic idea jack said

Jack are you jealous Elizabeth said

Jealous I don't have to be jealous to be concerned it might be like uncle's friend jack said

Well you need not concern yourself with me or how I spend my time bill happens to be someone with whom I share an interest good evening Elizabeth said

The next morning on Tuesday

Caleb, you're here early Elizabeth said

Yeah well um... can I ask you a question, miss thatcher Caleb said

Of course, Elizabeth said

The new miners what do you think of them Caleb said

I think they can be loud and sometimes they interrupt out class but they're here to reopen the mine and I think that's a good thing because it means it will bring prosperity back to Valley SpringElizabeth said

I don't like them Caleb said

Oh why is that Elizabeth said

I just don't Caleb said

Well have you met any of them Elizabeth said

My mom invited one over for dinner Caleb said

Oh Elizabeth said

And I don't like it Caleb said

I see Caleb I understand sometimes in life... Elizabeth said

Good morning miss thatcher a girl 1 said

Just forget it Caleb said

Hi miss thatcher a girl 2 said

That afternoon

Miss Thatcher May said

Mary, I'm so glad you came over I was hoping to talk... Elizabeth said

I wonder if I might ask for a big favor Mary said

Of course, Elizabeth said

I don't know oh! That is beautiful I've never worn anything like this in whole life Mary said

I would be honored to let you borrow it Mary but...Elizabeth said

You think I'd look ridiculous wearing this to that dance, don't you Mary said

No no no that's not it it's just Caleb he comes to see me at school Elizabeth said

About Dewitt graves having supper with us Mary said

He didn't mention a name but it's safe to say he's upset Elizabeth said

I know what he thinks but he's too young to see the whole picture I wish he knew what I was trying to do is protect him Mr graves is a good man and he's asked me to be on his arm at dance and I believe he might care for me and I never thought that another man would ever pay attention to me again and I'm not willing to waste anything minutes frittering away my son's future when this could be a change for us Mary said

I understand I really do I'm just cautioning you Elizabeth said

I don't think you do understand you were raised with all of the options in the world available to you and I have next to nothing I don't think I'll borrowing this dress after all thank you I going to make one of my own work Mary said

Mary Elizabeth said

Meanwhile in town

rip, old boy I'm home I am moving in I have had enough of that saloon and all of those noises miners I've slept on worse jack said

Constable Florence said

Ma'am jack said

Somebody stole my late husband's gold watch Florence said

Someone broke into your home jack said

Middle of the night with my child slumbering nearby they got the watch and his cufflinks out of my top dresser drawer Florence said

When did you notice it was gone jack said

Ten minutes ago it must have happened last night because I saw them there yesterday Florence said

Mrs. Blakeley can you keep this to yourself jack said

I'll do my best Florence said

And I'm going to look into it as soon as I can I just want whoever took it to get nervous and leave town understand jack said

Ok Florence said

Across the back at the saloon/school

Just hang them about every five feet that's wonderful now for the rest of you boys and girls who are working on arithmetic we have a garden full of fruit trees one-half of the trees are apple one-quarter of the trees are peach and one-sixth oh the trees are plum the remaining 200 trees are cherry trees how many trees are in the garden Elizabeth said

Children screaming

Are you okay It's all right it was just a little harmless gopher snake jack said

Get that out of here Elizabeth said

Yeah, Caleb, you can claim him this afternoon in my office jack said

Now! Elizabeth said

It's ok kids jack said

Caleb why did you bring a snack to school Caleb I suppose I'm going to have to speak to your mother about this Elizabeth said

I don't care Caleb said

I know that's not true Elizabeth said

I saw her trying to fix up her prettiest dress it's because she's going to the dance with him Caleb said

Mr. Graves Elizabeth said

I know he lives upstairs I figured I could put it in his boot he'd get scared and then my ma would see that he's a coward not like my pa he wasn't afraid of snakes Caleb said

You miss your pa don't you Elizabeth said

Mom never talks about him it's like she to forget Caleb said

Maybe she just doesn't want to make you sad or it's just too hard for her to talk about it too memories can be painful Elizabeth said

They aren't painful they're all good Caleb said

Tell me about him? what was he like? Elizabeth said

He was strong and tall and he was funny sometimes he liked to sing and whistle he liked to fish we'd go fishing and build a fire cook it right on the bank of the river Caleb said

Sounds like he loved you very much Caleb Elizabeth said

Yeah, he...I guess he did I miss him so much nobody can replace him nobody Caleb said

that night

Thank you Abigail you and Elizabeth have been most kind dance a waltz for me Carla said

I will and I won't be long Abigail said

Down the back

Come in Mary said

My heavens Mary you look lovely for you dewitt said

Thank you I'll put these in water and go say good night to Caleb Mary said

I'm leaving now Caleb are you don't want to come with us I love you Mary said

At The saloon

Wow it looks like something out of Peter Pan Abigail said

Oh those little hands did a beautiful job cat said

They really did Abigail said

I would never have recognized this place Mary said

Wow well it sure makes a mine feel awfully lucky Dewitt said

Hello welcome, welcome everyone first we would like to greet our new miner friends who are new to town this is valley spring way of showing you hospitality and it's been quite some time since we've had something to celebrate so musicians enough of that tuning up let's start with a Macarena Abigail said

Have you ever dance the waltz Mr. Backus Abigail said

A long time ago before all my troubles, Wendell said

Well would you like to try again Abigail said

No one would dance with the likes of me Wendell said

Oh I wouldn't be so sure about that Abigail said

May I , I miss him, mom, Caleb said

Caleb I miss him too honey I miss your pa so much here Mary said

Back at Abigail's house

Oh Carla oh Carla I'm so sorry I should have never left you Abigail said

It's my fault I should have listened to you I think the baby's coming Carla said

Back At The saloon

Wow look at all the stars Elizabeth said

Do you see Orion's belt Bilal said

I do Elizabeth said

There he is still looking for his love Artemis Bilal said

Will, he ever find for Elizabeth said

I hope he does she's so lovely Bill said

Winter's coming I'm freezing thank you Elizabeth said

Of course,, Bill said

Constable this come in for you just before the dance started Ned said

Thanks, Ned Jack said

Certainly, Ned said

No record of him the man's a liar Jack said

Just on the outside of town

This has been such a lovely evening Bilal thank you Elizabeth said

It's been my pleasure Elizabeth Bilal said

Excuse me Elizabeth Jack said

Jack Elizabeth said

Could I have a word with you a private word Jack said

Of course constable Bill said

I'm sorry What is it Elizabeth said

There's something you need to know to about Bill Jack said

What Elizabeth said

I heard it from central union mine his previous employer according to his they've never heard of him Jack said

I know he's led a different life so he may have embellished a bit bet I'm sure there's an explanation Elizabeth said

Yes there is an explanation he's not the man you think he is at best he misrepresented himself and worst he's a con man Jack said

Did you check into everyone's employment history or just Bill you singled him out jack why did you do that Elizabeth said

Because Elizabeth I'm just trying to protect you he much like uncle's friend and yet I know how much you and your uncle's family were hurt by him Jack said

I don't want your protection I can make my own judgments when a men show some interest in me I appreciate your concern but I already have a father, Bilal would you please walk me home Elizabeth said

I'd be happy to Bilal said

Thank you Elizabeth said

Meanwhile Abigail house

Abigail, it just doesn't feel right could the baby becoming already I was never this uncomfortable with Ephraim Carla said

The baby is still high your water hasn't broken I think he's just trying to get comfortable in cramped quarters Abigail said

Thank you Abigail Carla said

We thought that we heard cat and Florence

You did Abigail said

But is she... Florence said

I think it's just a false alarm Abigail said

I just don't understand how she could only be a little more than seven months and yet be so huge Florence said

Maybe she counted wrong cat said

Yeah Abigail said

But if this real labor starting if the baby comes this early Florence said

I don't think the baby survives Abigail said

In the morning the church is singing him

How about spending the afternoon with me and taking your mind off of it Bilal said

What did you have in mind Elizabeth said

I may have persuaded Mr anvil to lend me his dodge ad convertible for a Sunday afternoon drive with the loveliest lady in Valley Spring Bill said

That sounds nice I'm just have to check with Abigail Elizabeth said

I'll check with you Bilal said

Hello Mrs. Stanton Jack said

yes oh what can I do for you constantly Elizabeth said

There's been another robbery I'm advising everyone to lock their doors and windows I thought with Mrs. Morrison staying here with you jack said

Oh yes no thank you for the warning is there something else on your mind Abigail said

Any advice on getting a woman to listen to me jack said

I take it we're speaking of Elizabeth and my advice would be make sure you're saying something important Abigail said

I am I'm concerned about her consorting with a man of low character yet somehow that offered her jack said

Well they say you catch more flies with honey then you do with vinegar Abigail said

I shouldn't have to play some sort of game when I'm trying to be the good guy here and...jack said

Honey Abigail said

Yes ma'am jack said

Meanwhile in woods of the town

Did you know scientists think those mountains were once at the bottom of an ocean Elizabeth said

And then they emerged only to be shaped by glaciers what a thrill it would be to be able to read a mountain layer by layer and unlock the secrets captured in sediment and crystal Bill said

I didn't know you had a love of geology as well as poetry Elizabeth said

I have a love of many things good afternoon constable Bill said

If I'd realized you were coming this way I would have invited you both to come fishing with me jack said

Well we were just discussing geology Bill said

Well no finer classroom in world for it jack said

Catch anything Elizabeth said

No, but that hardly matters on a day like today does it well enjoy your ride jack said

You as well Bill said

He was so pleasant Elizabeth said

I wonder what he was up to Bill said

Meanwhile in town

I'll have what he's having Dewitt said

Brave man jack said

I like the chili Dewitt said

Is that what it is jack said

How's she going jack Dewitt said

Mmm good jack said

How are you doing jack said

You mean since the dance Dewitt said

Yeah jack said

I can't blame the boy Dewitt said

These youngsters here in Valley Springare dealing with a lot jack said

Yeah I can't disagree I just wish that there was a way to break through to the boy DeWitt said

have you tried honey jack said

what do you mean honey DeWitt said

maybe if you do something kind for him he will see you as someone he can trust jack said

honey DeWitt said

that evening

constable is there a problem cat said

I'm calling on everyone and asking them to lock their doors tonight jack said

is this because of what happened to Florence cat said

yes but unfortunately there was another robbery last night jack said

oh no what was taken cat said

Marta crocker's silver candlesticks jack said

oh my goodness false alarm meemaw's brooch is safe my grandmother gave me this on my wedding day cat said

all the more reason to lock up until I can catch this thief jack said

Meanwhile at Abigail house

I'm not hungry there's no room in my stomach anyway the baby's taking up every inch Carla said

it's my grandmother's recipe it's really good it'll keep your strength up Abigail said

Abigail, it's here dr. crane's recipes and cures I remembered reading about it in my aunt's journal, so I call my father and he found a copy and sent it to us it's just full of advice on how to birth a child it's practically a midwife in a book Elizabeth said

I don't want a midwife in a book I want a real midwife or the company doctor when will he be back in town Carla said

I'm sure any day now Abigail said

but I've heard you talking about how big I am what if I go into real labor before he gets back Carla said

Carla I don't want you to worry about that Abigail said

Meanwhile, in town at the saloon

I've got to admit this crime spree makes me nervous constable until this bunch showed up, the only thing ever disappeared around this town was a licorice stick form the mercantile Tom Bouchard mary's, brother said

my thoughts exactly jack said

Whiskey please Bill said

This round's on me jack said

Right nice of you constable To Valley Spring Bill said

Valley SpringYou're not sitting in on a poker game I figured you for a gambler jack said

I am I just gambler other things besides cards Bill said

Handsome watch I noticed it wasn't your monogram though jack said

It's my mother's fathers my only inherited well that and my smile Bill said

Best keep that inheritance close to your vest. Our thief has been taking family mementos jack said

You know I'm sure you're concerned about me jack but we're interested in the same woman now you might think that red serges jacket intimidate me but it doesn't when it comes to Elizabeth Letcher I'm going to steal her heart hope you find your bad guy Bill said

I will it's only a matter of time jack said

Meanwhile at Abigail house

Oh no no no Elizabeth said

Oh your cake for Saturday baking takes practice Abigail said

Good then I'll be ready for the cake auction in two years Elizabeth said

Now now you wouldn't let your students quit and I'm not going to let you quit Abigail said

Why don't I just stay here with Carla and you can go to the miners game Elizabeth said

Because you've never been before and besides you shouldn't be hiding from jack Abigail said

I'm not, why would you say that? Elizabeth said

Because I can tell when two people have feelings for each other Abigail said

Jack and I are just friends besides he's a... he's a confirmed bachelor anyhow Elizabeth said

No he's a confirmed officer duty and honor union the right woman come along Abigail said

I don't know about that but he has been acting strange lately but he was like that in school one moment he's interrogating me and the next he's... I don't even know how to describe it Elizabeth said

Sweet like honey Abigail said

Yes. How did you know Elizabeth said

Never mind that all I know is I would be flattered to have someone who is going to extra lengths to watch over me Gentley on the rim of the bowl Abigail said

I'm not a complete beginner Elizabeth said

Meanwhile down the block

Constable come in cat said

Thank are you children asleep jack said

of course you know what time it is? cat said

Yeah I'm sorry I'm wondering if I could see your grandma brooch again It's perfect jack said

For what cat said

For nabbing a thief I need to wear this to tomorrow will you help me jack said

back down the block

Why are relationships between a men and women sometimes so confusing our actions our words it's like we're all speaking in foreign tongues and we can't understand each other but I wonder what part of our failure to come from our own brokenness and what part does my own brokenness play Elizabeth said

The next morning in town

Whoa kids 1 said Nice hit kids 2 said Look at how far it went kids 3 said

Caleb DeWitt said

What Caleb said Try a knuckleball Dewitt said

You know how to throw a knuckler kids 4 said

I do all right Dewitt said

Show me I'll show Caleb since he's the one who's pitching but everybody can watch Dewitt said

Hay he knows how to throw a knuckler kid 4 said

Okay the grip is half the battle see the fingers see where they are knuckles on the seams here try it fingers here knuckles on the seams now this thing this will dance a two-stepper you want give it a try Dewitt said

Yeah Caleb said

Meanwhile at Abigail house

Okay Ephraim your mommy's right over here let's go say hi Abigail said

Have a Good time at the games Ephraim Carla said

I'm going to eat three funnel cakes Ephraim said

You eat one for me you listen to Mrs Blakeley about sweet Carla said

Yes mama Ephraim said

Give me a kiss Carla said

All right, Ephraim, you run along Mrs. Blakeley's waiting outside for you Abigail said

What if something happens to me Carla said

Oh Carla don't think like that you have to stay calm stay calm for this baby everything's going to be fine stay calm Abigail said

Meanwhile in town

Ladies and gentlemen girls and boys it is my great pleasure on behalf of the Pacific Northwest mining company to welcome you to the annual miner's games today we celebrate the re-opening at full capacity of our mine so without further ado for who work so hard now it's time for you to play hard too let the games begin Martin said

Sometime later

First fellas we have Mrs Florence and her famous red velvet cake now let's us dig deep for these bids this is for a good cause new encyclopedias for the school and books too we will start the bidding at twenty-five cents cat said

Twenty-five cents a miner

Oh aren't you an eager bidder we have twenty-five cents cat said

thirty-five cents miner 2

And we have thirty-five cents cat

Yeah? fifty cents Sam said

We have... cat said

fifty-five cents miner 1 said

Sixty cents miner 2 said

Eight cents Sam said

Goodness I don't suppose I hear eighty-five cents going once, going twice... sold to the man with all the money for eight cents thank you very much cat said

My pleasure Sam said

And next up we have a new addition to our cake auction our teacher Elizabeth cat said

One dollar Bill said

Oh, you don't have to do that... Elizabeth said

One dollar twenty-five jack said

One dollar thirty-five Bill said

One dollar fifty jack said

One hundred seventy-five Bill said

Two dollar jack said

Two dollars twenty-five Bilal said

Two dollars fifty jack said

Two dollars seven Bill said

Two dollars seven-five jack

Three dollars and the cake is mine Bill said

Sold cat said

May I have a word with you please why were you fighting over my pathetic little cake you completely embarrassed me Elizabeth said

We were supporting you jack said

Raising funds for a good cause I apologize for embarrassing you but uh I think you're understating your cake it looks delicious Bill said

Stop lying Elizabeth said

yes ma'am Bilal said

And you stop with all the smiling what game are you playing jack Elizabeth said

I'm just doing my job project and service that's all jack said

By bidding on a cake Elizabeth said

Whatever it takes jack said

Sometime later

Hey jack we've got a problem we need your help Dewitt said

Yeah jack said

You any good at tug of war dewitt said

Okay, fellas, Tom said

Whoa whoa hey hey he can't complete he's not a miner Sam said

All right Sam since you're the one who hurt Ernie Jacobs how about you sit out then the teams will be even Dewitt said

Let the constable complete that way we can have our content and still get our victory Bill said

I won that are wrestling fair and square Sam said

By breaking Ernie's wrist what a lug Dewitt said

Are we going to do this or what Sam said

Oh we're going to do this dewitt said

Ready you ready go Martin said

Come on put your backs into it Dewitt said

That's it jack said

Congratulations Thank you there, Mr Gowan Dewitt said

Yeah the red team was was better anyway Caleb said

Caleb Mary said

Well so much for honey Dewitt said

You and me both jack said

Caleb Mary said

you can't make me like him Caleb said

Being rude and disrespectful to Mr graves is not going to make you feel any better Mary said

He won't leave me alone tell him to leave me alone Caleb said

If that's what you want then I will Mary said

That evening

Do you miss home Bill said

Sometimes but oneday like today how could I I love it here Elizabeth said

Well wherever you are whether you're out there exploring the wide world or here filling young hearts and minds with great and noble thoughts I hope to be with you in your life Bill said

Me too Elizabeth said

But I want you to know that I never considered myself the marrying type until now you're the type of woman I can see myself settling down with starting a family with and we can move as fast or as slowly as you'd like Bill said

Thank you Elizabeth said

Well I won't overstay my welcome Bill said

Oh no no no I wasn't I wasn't chasing you away I'm sure Abigail has a pot of tea brewing Elizabeth said

No, I want to treat you with the utmost respect so I'll better gentleman than I've been all day and say good evening Bill said

Yet so much of what matters in life rests on trust remembering to trust god discerning which people are worthy of our true for when we place our hearts our lives in someone else's hands it is act of faith it requires courage and hope but it's worth the risk because it is trust that brings us love Elizabeth said

Meanwhile down the block

It's over ham give it up jack said

What is going on? What's the ruckus Abigail said

The constable and I set a trap for the thief jack thinks that Bilal has been the thief all alone cat said

What Elizabeth said

That's not Bally ham Abigail said

Sam cat said

What's going on here Elizabeth said

Thank you for your cooperation Mrs. Montgomery jack said

Cat Elizabeth said

I wore my brooch to the games today to try and lure the thief here we thought it might be his cat said

You ...you thought Bilal was me that's a joke Sam said

Shut up jack said

You think that little of him, of me, and you say he's not the man I think he is, Carla Elizabeth said

Carla honey go back inside everything's all right Abigail said

No it's not my water broke Carla said

The next morning

I want to apologize to you Caleb I've been ... I've been playing pretend father and I I think we both can agree that's a bust because I have no idea how to do that truth be told I envy you because from everything I've seen you had a great great pa and I don't, in fact, I never even met my father he walked out on my ma when I was just a toddler Dewitt said

Really Caleb said

I always figured it was because Of something that I did wrong even though my ma she said it wasn't so you know what I used to do I would go off by myself and I would lie on the ground and I would look up at the clouds and I would wonder if somehow my father was looking up at those same clouds if he was thinking about me maybe even a tenth as much as I was thinking about him it broke my ma the way he just left her she wasn't strong and brave like your ma she loves you you mean the world to her you know that and I realize that you lost your pa and I could never hold a candle to him but I'd give my life to have a family like yours one-day Dewitt said

Meanwhile at Abigail

Okay breathe deep breath that's right Carla that's it breathe work with the baby Elizabeth can we get another poultice please that's right breathe Abigail said

What is that turn it's so beautiful Elizabeth said

Oh that's, my love is like a red red rose it's from a Robert burns poem you know we all used to sing it in school, knocking on the door hi jack cat said

How is she doing jack said

Oh the baby is definitely coming this time any word on when the doctor getting back in town cat said

No not yet jack said

We're a little busy in here Elizabeth said

I know but I need to say something to you jack said

Not inside you have absolutely the worst sense of timing in many ways Elizabeth said

I was wrong about Bilal being a thief jack said

Let's not belabor the obvious Elizabeth said

Please understand my main goal even more then finding the thief was to make sure you didn't get hurt and I did the opposite and I will regret that more then you know your well-being is all I ever care about I hope you can forgive me jack said

Meanwhile at Mary

Caleb, Mr. graves Mary said

I invited Mr. graves over for pie is that okay Caleb said

I don't want to be any trouble Mary Dewitt said

No no it's no trouble at all I have a blackberry that I kept back from the games or perhaps some shortbread Mary said

You gotta have the pie Mr graves on one in the town bakes pie like my ma Caleb said

That sounds good real good Dewitt said

Tree pieces of blackberry pie coming up Mary said

Meanwhile at Abigail

Still no baby Bill said

No Abigail's starting to worry I don't know if I'm cut out for this country life the challenges and hardships these ladies face I just don't know if I'll ever have the courage they have Elizabeth said

You must miss your family your life back home your four sisters and a brother Bill said

How did you know I had four sisters and a brother I never mentioned that Elizabeth said

Sure you did you must have or perhaps I just assumed such a gentle loving soul was surrounded by females tenderness growing up because you're so cultured and well mannered a red rose out here in the wild Bill said

O my love is like a red red rose that's newly sprung in June Elizabeth said

I my love is like a melody that's sweetly played in tune Bill said

Your beautiful poem Elizabeth said

Written just for you Bill said

Yes written for me may I tell you a secret Elizabeth said

I wish you would Bill said

My father was so against my becoming a teacher that he disinherited me my whole family cut me off Elizabeth said

I had no idea Bill said

It doesn't matter that won't hold me back my dream the one I wouldn't tell you about before is to travel north where it's completely wild or to start a mission school in the Far East live among the destitute and downtrodden and raise them up through education Elizabeth said

Well if that's your dream then it's mine too Bill said

You'd go with me knowing that I'll never be rich Elizabeth said

I'll go with you Bill said

I'll just have to wait to find another teacher to replace me Elizabeth said

I will wait as long as necessary Bill said

an hour later at Abigail baby coos

what fine work you've done Carla cat said

okay she's not done yet Abigail said

what Florence said

focus breathe Abigail said

twins cat said

push here we go Carla here we go oh my goodness it's a boy Abigail said

Carla has been blessed cat said

we all have Abigail said

Meanwhile, in town at the jail

so what tipped you off jack said

somehow he knew i had four sisters and a brother it's the one thing i knew i never told him and then your words came back me, that he might not be all he says he is that and him stealing somebody else's poem and claiming he wrote it for me, which... really gets my goat Elizabeth said

jack i don't know what's going on over in my livery but I think another burglary might be in the offing. Tom said

go inside. let me handle this, little late for a ride, isn't it jack said

oh, I'm just uh taking a look at the stars Bill said

ham sure you're not stealing the horse, trying to hightail it out of town jack said

oh no office I bought this horse he's mine fair and square Bill

ham you haven't done a thing fain and square since you set foot in Valley Springe especially with the way you treated Elizabeth jack said

there ain't nothing illegal about courting a pretty girl Bill

you're right how about a carpetbagger courting a pretty, rich girl for her family's money jack said

well, she'd have to be rich for you to make an accusation like that and that ain't the case anymore Bilal said

i'm not so sure about that why don't you ask her directly it's over ham you've got nowhere to go jack said

hiya Bilal said

The next morning at Abigail baby coos

they're so tiny like little fragile china dolls jack said

we're very fortunate they both made it given how early carla delivered Elizabeth said

how are you doing ? jack said

hmm more embarrassed than wounded I sent a letter to my sister, Julie and asked her to do some discreet research I didn't want to alarm my father but she discovered Bilal had worked at the shipyard in new jersey until he was fired for stealing Elizabeth said

when jack said

Right around the time the society pages were reporting that I was heading here rich heiress heads west all that nonsense Elizabeth said

Well what he didn't count on was that rich heiress being way smarter then he was jack said

Jack I... Elizabeth said

Shh it's okay you don't have to say anything jack said

he seems so safe and sound in your arms Elizabeth said

aww you know i could get used to this jack said

Really Elizabeth said

yead maybe someday when the right woman come along jack said