Four days later in school

And for his capture of the tolls gang, "Jack Thornton of the California police" " is being hailed a hero" "from the town newspapers" Elizabeth said

When Mountie jack gets back, is he gonna be courtships in you Gabe said

"Court shipping" is an improper use of the verb "to court," Gabe and also an improper question Elizabeth said

If he asks you out to dinner again will that be a proper question your blushing, miss thatcher girl said

Excuse us for interrupting ma'am Wesley said

Oh the interruption is greatly appreciated you must be the Westry boys Elizabeth said

Yes ma'am boy said

Welcome to Valley SpringElizabeth said

Wesley ma'am boy said

And I'm miss thatcher we are very happy to have you here please find some seats Elizabeth said

Find a seat Wesley said to his little brothers

Wesley you don't have to sit that far back Elizabeth said

There's an empty seat by me girl said

Thank you but I'm just here to watch my brothers on their first day I finished school three years ago Wesley said

Oh. How old are you Elizabeth said

Sixteen Wesley said

There's always something we can learn feel free to choose a book from the library now today we are going to be studying Thomas Edison one of the greatest minds of his time Introduced in 1877 some 30 years ago do any of you know how the phonograph works Elizabeth said

Later that afternoon at home

I hate that you're leaving Elizabeth said

I feel as though I've brought quite enough excitement to Valley SpringJulie said

But you'll be back Elizabeth said

I promise but for now, I am need of the comforts of home mother's hairdresser Julie said

And father's carriage Elizabeth said

Oh and a maid to clean up after me you sure you won't come back with me Julie said

I'm sure Elizabeth said

I had to ask Julie said

I know Elizabeth said

And what if Jack stays in cape Fullerton Julie said

Either way, I'll still be here Elizabeth said

I love you sister Julie said

I love you too Elizabeth said

As Julie got no the train

Excuse me this is Valley SpringRosemary said

Yes it is Elizabeth said

where's the rest of it Rosemary said

I'm afraid you're looking at it Elizabeth said

Oh well charming Rosemary said

I'm Elizabeth Letcher Elizabeth said

Rosemary level Rosemary said

A pleasure to meet you miss level and what brings you here? Elizabeth said

My fiancé Rosemary said

Oh congratulations perhaps I know him is he... one of the miners Elizabeth said

Lord no Rosemary said

Jack Elizabeth said

Oh there he is now jack Rosemary said

Oh... jack I'm here look at you more handsome than ever Rosemary said

Uh... and you look awfully healthy jack said

You're cut your hair and I can see you've been doing it yourself lucky for you I brought my scissors Rosemary said

All right well I'll let you two catch up Elizabeth said

No Elizabeth... Elizabeth wait jack said

No was it something I said Rosemary said

What are you doing here jack said

I found out where you were stationed and I just had to see you Rosemary said

Well I thought you were in New York jack said

It turns out a life in the theater is quite empty without you Rosemary said

That's not what you said the last time we spoke jack said

Dearest jack I never should have broken things off with you Rosemary said

But you did jack said

And I have regretted it every day since but I'm here now Rosemary said

Rosemary, you cannot expect that after two years things would stay the same jack said

Two years two hours two minutes it's just time Rosemary said

It's a lifetime jack said

Certainly, some living has happened since then but my feelings haven't changed and if yours have well then I'm just going to have to do whatever it takes to win them back Rosemary said

I can't believe it how could he not tell me he was engaged? Elizabeth said

I admit I'm as surprised as you Abigail said

I don't know what to say Jack's been off taking the tolls gang to justice and then she arrives and he arrives and the way she jumped into his arms it was as though they were already married Elizabeth said

Jack has always been honorable perhaps things aren't as they seem and she's not even that pretty Abigail said

Yes she is Elizabeth said

I've seen prettier Abigail said

You're a good friend but a bad liar Elizabeth said

Would a hot biscuit make you feel better Abigail said

No, but 10 might all right Abigail I'll just be in my room eating Elizabeth said

And if jack should come calling as I know he will Abigail said

You tell him I don't wish to be disturbed Elizabeth said

Meanwhile

Constable what can I do for you Tom said

Tom this is miss Rosemary level she'll be needing a room for one-night jack said

What Mr. Thornton means to say is that I'll be staying here until I find more permanent question which could be many nights Rosemary said

Uh, well, there's a room at the end of the hall, but you might find it a bit noisy, what with the new miners moved in Tom said

Noise doesn't bother me, in fact, I relied it Rosemary said

Well if it's noise you're looking for I'm certain Valley Spring well be a disappointment jack said

How could it be? You're here Rosemary said

Room 9 Tom said

Thank you jack could you show me to my room Rosemary said

You'll find it it's right next to room 8 jack said

Are you in room 8 Rosemary said

I sleep in the jail jack said

Oh how tragic Rosemary said

Actually, it's quite comfortable jack said

But lonely Rosemary said

I have a dog jack said

Monetary later at the jailhouse

Inspector Avenue you made it jack said

Did you think I wouldn't bill said

Not for a minute, it's been a long time jack said

Yes it has jack since the academy I believe you had the red coat then but not the badge yet jack I've been riding for quite a while is there a place nearby I can get a decent meal bill said

Funny you should say that Abigail Stanton's cafe jack said

Can I help you Abigail said

I hope so Mrs Sutton bill said

Yes do we know each other Abigail said

I'm bill avenue I'm in from capital city at jack Thornton behest bill said

That's a long ride in my food is good I'm not sure it's that good Abigail said

I look forward to trying everything on your menu bill said

Please have a seat Abigail said

As long as it's not on a horse I don't mind if I do bill said

(Church) Coffee Abigail said

Please bill said

how do you know jack? Abigail said

From his days at the academy bill said

So you're an officer too Abigail said

I'm an inspector I'm a forensic investigator jack wired me about the file that you found and may I say I'm very sorry for your terrible loss bill said

Thank you, Abigail said

Mrs. Stanton, I'm here to build a case against the Pacific Northwest mining company for the unsafe conditions that led to the tragic death of 47 men including your husband and son bill said

You have no idea how long I've waited to hear somebody say that Abigail said

Since the day of the disaster, I'd imagine bill said

And every day since then Abigail said

Will you help me then? Bill said

I will Abigail said

That night

Elizabeth I don't know if you can hear me, but please let me explain... jack said

Jack you off sure put in long hours Rosemary said

Well I'm off duty jack said

You know who's not off duty the barkeep at the saloon Rosemary said

Uh...jack said

Walk me back then Rosemary said

I think it is safe in here with you than out there buddy jack said

In the morning at the mine

This is where the blast originated the company said they boarded up the shaft for safety reasons jack said

Well that's convenient I must say, constable, I never pictured you in a town like this bill said

Me either the place kind of grows on you the people they're special I'll be back after my rounds jack said

Go get Gowen Richardson said (to one of his men)

This is a restricted area I will assume that you are a gentleman and ask you to leave Martin said

Well I do appreciate the word "gentleman" Mr. Gowen I don't hear it very often in my line of work bill avenue I'm here to investigate the explanation that happened in your mine bill said

By whose order Martin said

The forensic division of the north-west mounted police bill said

A little late to be investigating a disaster that happened over six months ago isn't it Martin said

Well 47 men are still dead aren't they bill said

Yes they are if I can be of any assistance please feel free to call upon me Martin said

You can be assured I will bill said

Good morning Martin said

Meanwhile at saloon

You can't avoid me forever jack said

No, just until you finally take your new posting at Cape Fullerton Elizabeth said

I'm not going to cape Fullerton Thomas O'Reilly has taken the post there his family is joining him I'm staying here in Valley Springthis is where I belong that's an interesting lesson jack said

And valuable excuse me I missed one Elizabeth said

Perfidy I don't even want to know what that one is jack said

No, you don't and school is about to begin the afternoon so... Elizabeth said

So I'll speak fast I was engaged once but from where I stand that seems like another life so much has changed since then I've changed and part of the reason I've changed is you jack said

Yet in all our conversations you failed to mention your fiancée even once Elizabeth said

Former fiancée, I should have told you. I... I guess I just didn't want to open an old wound jack said

So she wounded you not the other way around Elizabeth said

Yes and I didn't ask her to come here jack said

Yet here she is Elizabeth said

Only until she realizes there's no point to it jack said

She didn't seem to realize that last night nor did you Elizabeth said

You mean when you slammed your window shut jack said

I was cold Elizabeth said

And getting colder I sense jack said

I just can't help but think what else you haven't told me Elizabeth said

Well aren't there things in your life that you haven't told me since we were in school in the sixth-grade jack said

I'm certain my life is far less dramatic since the sixth grade Elizabeth said

Elizabeth I know you're lost some faith in me but I hope over time you're going to see that my heart is true and as it was in school jack said

Good morning children Elizabeth said

Perfidy jack said

Look it up Elizabeth said

Here here sir watch your step there all right have a nice day now bill said

You reminded me of my late husband out there he could never pass up the opportunity to lend a hand Abigail said

I heard he was a good man bill said

He was Abigail said

To have lost him and your son it's unspeakable bill said

And yet I speak of it so often to keep them alive somehow I suppose Abigail said

They'll always be alive in your memories though I know that's of little comfort bill said

Have you a wife and children Abigail said

No bill said

But the life you lead must be so fulfilling Abigail said

In some ways, though I do wish I had someone to share my thoughts with I spend most of the time alone or with strangers that's why it's nice working with jack again and you this case bill said

Oh I'm afraid we've done more talking than working Abigail said

I hadn't noticed bill said

More tea Mr. Avenue Abigail said

It's Bill and I hope I can call you Abigail bill said

I'm afraid I might have given you the wrong impression Abigail said

And what impression might that be bill said

I don't usually speak of such personal matters with strangers Abigail said

I see that is entirely my fault it's part of my job to get people to talk it's... it's like I'm a... bill said

Ventriloquist Abigail said

No that would mean I was trying to put words in your mouth I think bill said

Ah Abigail said

We want the same thing justice for your family and the people that have suffered and I mean to get you that justice bill said

Then you may call me Abigail said

Then may I have more pie Abigail bill said

Yes you may I think this might interest you more than the pie after we spoke I went through Noah's personal effects I found that in one of his pockets Abigail said

This is a journal of methane and oxygen levels bill said

I assumed as much I just don't know why he had it Abigail said

I think I do think you for trusting me with this bill said

I only hope I haven't implemented Noah in some way Abigail said

I hope so too bill said

Well if you'll excuse me I have to deliver a welcome basket to Mrs Westry Abigail said

A welcome basket bill said

Oh yes she's new to town I remember how lonely that can be Abigail said

Perhaps I can walk with you bill said

I'm sure you have more important things to do Abigail said

It can wait bill said

Meanwhile at the mercantile

Are these all that come in Dottie said

I'm afraid so Mrs. Ramsey the delivery boy said

I'd go with the red it complements your hair Rosemary said

Oh my thoughts exactly Dottie said

Rosemary level said

Dottie Rosemary said

Are you seamstress miss level Dottie said

No, I'm an actress although I have sewn my own costumes on occasion Rosemary said

My brother and I absolutely adore the theater you won't believe this but I've always dreamed of acting Dottie said

Oh, of course, I believe it who wouldn't want to be someone else if only for an hour or two Rosemary said

So true Dottie said

And so I took a bow and I run off the stage just as the curtain fell from the rafters that was my very first curtain call in New York but not my last Rosemary said

Oh miss thatcher have you met the charming Rosemary level Dottie said

I've had the pleasure Elizabeth said

Miss Thatcher and I share a common interest he looks good in red also Rosemary said

Oh my are you talking about the constable Dottie said

Are we miss thatcher Rosemary said

I believe you're the only one speaking miss level Elizabeth said

You're so right I do see to have a lot to say Rosemary said

Oh and it's so entertaining I simply can't believe you're not married yet Rosemary Dottie said

Well I do hope to change that sooner rather than later forgive me I shouldn't be talking about this in front of you Rosemary said

Feel free to say whatever you wish in front of me Elizabeth said

Likewise or behind my back, if you prefer as an actress I'm used to both Rosemary said

Oh how could that be possible Dottie said

thank you Dottie miss thatcher how well do you know our jack Rosemary said

Not as well as I thought Elizabeth said

We're known each five years our fathers were offers together Rosemary said

How fortuitous Dottie said

Yes although Jack didn't always want to be an officer Rosemary said

Oh Dottie said

He wanted to be a painter Rosemary said

Jack a painter Elizabeth said

Yes, of course, you've only known each other a short while Rosemary said

Excuse me Elizabeth said

Hmm pencils soap string my you have a busy day planned Rosemary said

Yes Elizabeth said

Are you hungry Rosemary Dottie said

Oh I could eat a horse although that wouldn't be very ladylike would it Rosemary said

Then you will come with me to the cafe Dottie said

How wonderful Rosemary said

She's awfully pretty the delivery boy said

Yeah Hickman said

(Clears through ) Elizabeth

Now what was on that list again miss thatcher Hickman said

pencils soap... the delivery boy said

And string Elizabeth said

Oh ! I almost forgot you got a letter Hickman said

Thank you Elizabeth said

"William's letter to Elizabeth" Dear Beth, your mother and I can't help but fear for your safety Julie wrote to us of your harrowing ordeal with the outlaws and I'm afraid it's all too much for us to bear which makes my good news all the more heartening university heights elementary school here in the city has offered you a prestigious teaching position you would be the first woman to join the staff

The next day

Thank you miss thatcher Wesley said

Is that the boy you were telling me about Abigail said

He read two university level books in as many nights including the one I couldn't get through myself Elizabeth said

The mine swallows another one Abigail said

Not if I can help it Elizabeth said

Let's get some coffee Abigail said

Do you have anything stronger apparently she can shoot, fish, recite Shakespeare, sing, play two instruments, oh, and shine shoes is there anything she can't do Elizabeth said

Her juggling could use some work she bruised half the apple in my cafe Abigail said

That's not all she bruised the truth is I'm ashamed of my jealousy but she takes over every room she's in Elizabeth said

She's a shiny new object she'll tarnish Abigail said

That could take a long time Elizabeth said

Or not Elizabeth, her qualities could blow away in the wind yours are steadfast you're goodhearted and loyal Abigail said

Like a dog or a boring schoolteacher who buys pencils and string Elizabeth said

I doubt Jack would agree and besides he left her Abigail said

Actually she left him Elizabeth said

Oh Abigail said

I think that's what has me so shaken the knowledge that she broke his heart and if she could do that once couldn't she win it back again Elizabeth said

What does Jack say Abigail said

That it's all in the past but somehow look very much in the present Elizabeth said

Elizabeth he did come back for you he did decide against cape Fullerton and now that he's staying in Valley Spring you'll have a chance to rebuild your trust Elizabeth, what is it? Abigail said

I received a letter from home it seems my family has procured a teaching position for me at a prestigious prep school back home I'd be the first woman ever to teach there Elizabeth said

I see will you take it Abigail said

A few days ago I would have said no Elizabeth said

And now Abigail said

I'm a little less certain is it possible I misread my calling in coming here Elizabeth said

I can only tell you to follow your heart Abigail said

It was my heart that led me to Valley SpringElizabeth said

Well then I hope it keeps you here Abigail said

The next morning

So perhaps one day we'll be back in a real Church again but until then god is with us right here thank you all have a wonderful week and God bless you cat said

All the women in town seem to be wearing red Rosemary said

Well it appears you're started a trend Dottie said

How flattering Rosemary said

Pardon The interruption folks a officer said

No intrusion we were just finishing cat said

Can I help you officer jack said

Jack Thornton the office said

Yes sir jack said

On behalf of the Governor General I have here a commendation for the capture of the tolls gang and a reward for your service from the northwestern banking association the officer said

I was just doing my job with the help of constable O'Reilly jack said

He'll be recovering a similar reward at his new post the office said

The mayor and I are so honored you are our constable jack Dottie said

The honor is mine Mrs. Ramsey jack said

Elizabeth I didn't think I've ever seen you in red before jack said

Oh you won't ever again Elizabeth said

That's a shame it suits you but then again just about everything suits you jack said

That's very kind of you Elizabeth said

It's the truth unless...jack said

Unless Elizabeth said

...you still think I'm guilty of ... what was it again oh yes perfidy betrayal treachery treason jack said

You looked it up Elizabeth said

No i asked that smart kid the Westry boy I don't have time to look things up I was too busy protecting this town from criminals jack said

Jack we're all so proud of you and a reward how deserving you could put it towards the ranch you always dreamed of having Rosemary said

Well that was a long time ago jack said

It wasn't so long ago remember those sunset rides we used to take imagine where we'd be in a few years who would have thought it would be here Rosemary said

Okay I suppose I should uh start my rounds excuse me ladies jack said

Meanwhile at the cafe

We're closed Mr. Gowen Abigail said

I didn't come here to eat Martin said

Well I've already delivered your share of the weekly profits to your office Abigail said

Yes thank you for that done something different with your hair it looks quite becoming Martin said

And you should be going Abigail said

You gave the file to Mr. avenue Martin said

I gave it to the constable who gave it to Mr avenue despite your threats Abigail said

That file only tells half of the story it's the other half that you should be concerned about Martin said

Why is that Abigail said

My lawyer has brought information that I believe will be quite devastating to both the memory of your current situation here Martin said

Is this a new threat or the same one I'm losing track Abigail said

Let me be perfectly clear with you this is a company town the company provides a livelihood for you and for everyone in this town the real truth about what happened in that mine is something you personally do not wish to see exposed but I will be forced to do so if you and bill avenue do not stand down Martin said

You're bluffing Abigail said

This is not a poker game Abigail Martin said

Good then you'll understand when I don't fold you can't intimidate me anymore Mr. Gowen Abigail said

I'll ask you to leave Mr. Gowen and I might remind you that I am an officer with the authority to arrest you if need be bill said

On what grounds Martin said

Impeding an investigation and harassment of a witness bill said

Hmm I'm going to ruin you Martin said

Meanwhile on the outside of the town in east meadow

Here you are you always had great aim Rosemary said

Well you know I've missed once or twice jack said

My turn Rosemary said

It's impressive I forget what a good sportswoman you are jack said

Do you remember the last time we went shooting I beat you best of three Rosemary said

Vaguely jack said

Of course you do and does Elizabeth shoot or does she just read about it in her novel Rosemary said

You know if I didn't know better I'd say you were jealous jack said

I am completely jealous I used to have you all to myself now I not only have to share you with the the police but also with a schoolteacher of course I can put up with anything temporarily Rosemary said

You are so persistent jack said

As an actress I have to be Rosemary said

Well as a lady you don't jack said

Mmm I wish that were true I know things didn't end well between us but they will this time jack we have a future and it's going to be exciting and unpredictable and perfect just like we always dreamed Rosemary said

I'm sorry Rosie but the only future I see for myself is with Elizabeth jack said

Well then I am just going to have to change your mind and you know me jack once I set my sights on something I always get it Rosemary said

Meanwhile in town Elizabeth writers in here Journal

Why do relationships always seem to get so complicated jack has said he cares for me and I change to believe him he had feelings for me before Rosemary arrived and feelings don't vanish overnight yet young love is so hopeful and so incomplicated what gets lost alone the way I've lost my resolve is all I was brave enough to come to Valley Spring i can certainly weather a juggling, piano-playing, horse-jumping actress after all if Abigail can have faith after what she's been through then so can I

Meanwhile in east meadow

Did I forget to tell you what I heard about Elizabeth Rosemary said

What's that jack said

Well she's leaving Rosemary said

Wait what do you mean "She's Leaving" jack said

Well she got offered a job back east a very prestigious one I hear something that would be very hard to turn down I imagine mmm Rosemary said

Meanwhile in town Elizabeth writers in here Journal

Perhaps jealousy has made me too harsh I should be better than that perhaps In the two of us might even be friends or not

The next morning at the saloon/schoolhouse

Is it true you're taking another teacher job back east word spreads fast in this town jack said

I have an offer nothing more my family's doing they're worried about me Elizabeth said

Well that's understandable with everything that's gone on here and going on jack said

I've been thinking a lot about this and you and Rosemary you have a history and you have a great deal in common Elizabeth said

That's not true jack said

From what I can see it is Elizabeth said

Elizabeth... jack said

A man doesn't propose to a woman and get over it so easily Now I Need You To Think Long And Hard About Your Feelings Before You Make A Decision You Might Regret Elizabeth said

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

It is Elizabeth said

Is that a squid jack said

It's a comet Elizabeth said

A comet uh... may I jack said

You... Elizabeth said

Comets have tails right jack said

Actually it's just evaporated materials and dust Elizabeth said

Well let's call it a tail jack said

Thank you Mr van Gogh Elizabeth said

I can add a constellation if you'd like jack said

How about you remove a constable before my students get here Elizabeth said

What so you take credit for my chalk work jack said

Good morning children be sure to admire constable Jack's artwork on the way to your seats he enjoys compliments Elizabeth said

Unlike miss Thatcher who is uncomfortable with compliments even though she's quite deserving of them, jack said

School is in session Mr. Thornton if you'd like to speak please raise your hand like all of the other children Elizabeth said

May I be excused jack said

Yes you may Elizabeth said

Thank you miss thatcher jack said

All right shall we begin Elizabeth said

Yes. the children said

Now when we think of astronomy we think of planets and stars and things far away but every 75 years something special passés over the night sky it's called Halley's comet now sometimes soon we'll be able to look up in the sky and see à fiery comet passing over Valley Springas it orbits the sun Elizabeth said

When will we know to look up max said

Well we won't exactly comets aren't like stagecoach or train they don't run on a schedule so I suggest we all keep our eyes out which means every night before you go to bed I want you to look up at the sky toward the mountains Elizabeth said

Can my father see it from heaven Rosaleen said

Oh I'm sure that he can Elizabeth said

And all the other father can they see it Rachel said

All of our loved ones we've lost are watching over us just as god is and we can feel them all around us their love and their guidance and that's not going to change all right children let's return to the skies can you imagine a time when men might travel into outer space Elizabeth said

Later that day

I feel like I've been replaced Elizabeth said

That's not possible Abigail said

I'm afraid Halley doesn't stand a chance against Rosemary's comet Elizabeth said

Don't comets burn out Abigail said

Not before setting fire to everything in their path speaking of setting fires is it my imagination or do you get prettier with every passing day Elizabeth said

It's your imagination and a little makeup Abigail said

And that hair and this dress and flowers in the cafe Elizabeth said

A gift from bill well he comes in so frequently he thought it might brighten the place up Abigail said

Hmm I'm sure that's the only reason maybe you're not just mourning the past but looking toward the future as well Elizabeth said

Perhaps but we can't forget why he's here Abigail said

Wyatt Elizabeth said

Hello miss thatcher Mrs. Sutton Wesley said

Hello Wesley Abigail said

You're working on a Sunday Elizabeth said

My family needs the money I took over Wendell Backus's shift he's sick Wesley said

Well that's very kind of you Elizabeth said

The air down there's hard to breathe for some of the older miners I came here to return these before my shift Wesley said

Thank you do you-you need more Elizabeth said

I haven't had much time to read lately ma'am Wesley said

Well whenever you do you are welcome to my library Elizabeth said

Thank you, Wesley said

Meanwhile in the mine

These fragments are from the point of explanation the sediment burns show the excessive level of methane in the shaft bill said

Which means those men were sent into a death trap jack said

It's looking that way Bill said

That night at cafe

Bill are you all right Abigail said

What happened jack said

Had a little unwanted visit out at the mine they took my forensic kit with all the evidence bill said

Did you get a look at them jack said

They had masks bill said

Okay you take care of him will you jack said

Yes of course Abigail said

I'm going with you bill said

You're in no condition jack said

I'm still your superior bill said

Well I'll make a note of that in my report jack said

This cut behind your ear looks very deep I think you might need some stitches Abigail said

The lengths that I'll go to to get you to make a fuss over me you good with a needle bill said

I've made all my own curtains Abigail said

Well how about sewing a person bill said

Well we're about to find out I'll get my sewing kit Abigail said

Meanwhile at jailhouse

Jack, Rosemary said

wow rip said

you how thrilling well you had better get used to me fine be that way Rosemary said

Several hours later

Jack did you find them Elizabeth said

The trail went cold too dark to be searching jack said

Well I'm glad you're back safely Elizabeth said

Were you worried I wouldn't be jack said

No Elizabeth said

Yet you're out here in the middle town and in the of the night waiting jack said

If you must know I was just watching for Halley's comet Elizabeth said

Halley's Comet do you know how many times I've heard that excuse jack said

Maybe I was a little worried Elizabeth said

Just a little jack said

Don't push it Elizabeth said

I heard what happened at the town meeting I'm sorry jack said

Thank you Elizabeth said

I want you to know whether you decide to leave or stay I'll support you-you deserve to teach in a real school Elizabeth not a not a saloon but I have faith that that will happen here sooner than later jack said

The schoolhouse doesn't really matter to me it's the children Elizabeth said

This town needs you Elizabeth ... jack said

It's getting late I should probably turn in Elizabeth

Of course jack said

The next morning

Hiding behind your desk bill said

Mr Avenue will it appears as if you've been injured Martin said

Don't bother acting surprised I just wanted to let you know your threats won't stop me bill said

Oh I'm not surprised and was that another unwarranted accusation what am I guilty of now Martin said

Well if my hunch is right assault and theft by your henchmen bill said

I don't have henchmen and I don't control the people in this town Martin said

I beg to differ bill said

If you close this mine the men here won't get paid and if they don't get paid then their wives can't put food on the table that would be motivation enough for a lot of people in this town to want to see you leave Martin said

I know it was you and I mean to prove it just like I'm going to prove that you know that shaft was unsafe bill said

That'll open a whole can of worms Martin said

I like worms good for fishing course I feel like I'm about to catch something pretty big bill said

Well you best get to it then but I have a feeling that all you're gonna do is further hurt Abigail Sutton the people in this town they think of her very fondly I for one would hate for that to change wouldn't you Martin said

You best be very carefully right now Gowen bill said

Unless you plan on arresting Mr. Gowen I suggest you take your hands off him Mr. Richardson said

Apparently you do have henchmen tell me something boys though standard-issue boots they're for your security firm bill said

Meanwhile at the saloon with music playing by Rosemary

Oh thank you-you're all so kind are there any requests Well I'd like to perform a song that was playing when I received a proposal of marriage from a man I used to love and still do you didn't like the song Rosemary said

I used to when it meant something we need to talk jack said

I'd love to Rosemary said

About Elizabeth jack said

Or we could just sit in companionable silence Rosemary said

I've been doing some soul-searching and I can't deny you showing up here has thrown me for a loop you are something Rosie you were once the woman of my dreams and I suppose it's only natural that old memories might filter back in but Elizabeth and I we have a relationship jack said

What kind of relationship Rosemary said

I don't know exactly but I know it's the one I want to pursue jack said and would a relationship be so easily sidetracked by my presence Rosemary said

Your presence could sidetracked an army jack said

You barely know this Elizabeth Letcher jack you and I we've known each other a lifetime I've been doing some soul-searching too and I realized that the only thing that's ever felt real to me is you what? Do you doubt my words? Rosemary said

Well you're always been a good actress jack said

Thank you Rosemary said

It wasn't a compliment jack said

Well I'm gonna take it as one have you told her all of this Rosemary said

No not yet jack said

Well until you do I'll retain a shred of hope isn't that what valley spring all about hope Rosemary said

So the next night at a emergency town meeting

So I've got some exciting news to share Thank to the generosity of an anonymous donor we begin construction tomorrow on valley spring new church and schoolhouse Mr million said

I assume that we have Mr. Gowen to thank for this Ramsey said

Well I'm not at liberty to discuss the donor but I do feel obligated to say that it was not Mr. Gowen Mr million said

Elizabeth was it your father cat said

No it wasn't but I believe it was from someone equally as generous with far less money to spare Elizabeth said

Doesn't "anonymous" mean anonymous anymore jack said

You donated your reward money all of it? for a church? Rosemary said

And a school jack said

Well that is so noble Rosemary said

Three cheers for the constable a man said

Hip, hip, hooray hip hip hooray hip hip hooray the town said

No please sit down folks let's not overdo it please I was just doing my job and what better way to spend that reward money than to help the people of Valley Springwho have all become very important to me especially one person in particular jack said

Thank you jack and your generosity well has made me all the more fond of you Rosemary said

My I Offer my own worlds of gratitude to the constable not only have you made our town a safe place but I think we can all agree on a better place now since we're all gathered here together I have an announcement to make unfortunately it is not a happy one but I do believe that it's something that needs to be said this is Mr. Gregory he is the company lawyer and he is in possession of documents which now I did not want to bring to light but it would seem that Mrs Sutton has forced my hand Martin said

And what hand would that be Mr Gowen the one that writes checks to silence us or the one that ordered the attack on Mr avenue Abigail said

Does Mr avenue not wish to speak for himself Martin said

Mr avenue has gone to get the circuit judge to bring you to justice Abigail said

Well that is good news but the judge will not be presenting over my trial these documents prove that the guilt for the terrible tragedy which befell our town lies with one man Noah Sutton you're husband was the superintendent it was his decision to lead those men into the mine knowing full well conditions were unsafe Martin said

Noah would've never done something like that Abigail said

You are way out of line Gowen jack said

Constable let's let the judge decide that Martin said

I started this investigation, not Mrs. Sutton and I'm gonna see that it's finished based on evidence, not hearsay and finger-pointing jack said

I know that you want to believe what Mrs. Sutton is saying she is kind and charming and she makes the best biscuits that any of us have ever tasted but her husband was a risk-taker and his reputation preceded him that's why he was fired by the lee mining company prior to his arrival in Valley SpringMartin said

He wasn't fired he quit because the working conditions were deplorable Abigail said

That's not what his records show Martin said

Then those records are fabricated as are your words Abigail said

You know that your husband's salary was associated with the amount of coal that his men dug out of that mine every day that shaft carried a very rich deposit Martin said

Noah didn't care about the money you can ask anyone here Abigail said

You may not have known but your husband was in debt Martin said

Deeply in debt I'm afraid desperation can cause a man to take a great many risks Noah Sutton was desperate for money desperate enough to lead his men and his own son into that mine and to their graves good people of Valley Springwhat message was Noah Sutton sending when we found this after the disaster what was once a symbol of hope may now be an admission of guilt Martin said

You all know Noah there wasn't anything he wouldn't have done for any of you Abigail said

Later that night at the cafe

The truth will come out rest assured Gowen well not succeed Elizabeth said

Oh I'm afraid he already has did you see the way they were all looking at me like I was a stranger Abigail said

You'll have your say in court and they'll hear you then Elizabeth said

I pray you're right Elizabeth because right now I feel as if I'm losing everything all over again Abigail said

You won't lose me Elizabeth said

You're a true friend perhaps the only one I've got Abigail said

No, you have many friends you'll see they'll be standing alongside you when the time comes Elizabeth said

I'm not so sure Noah did talk of buying a claim he wanted to start his own business Abigail said

Well that doesn't prove anything Elizabeth said

Unless it caused him to do something he wouldn't normally do Abigail said

I didn't get to meet Noah but from everything I've heard he was a good and decent man you must continue to believe that Elizabeth said

The next morning

The judge got stuck on a case in Coopersville he'll be in on tomorrow's train bill said

Judge Farrell, I'm hoping jack said

I'm afraid not judge black bill said

Jedediah black jack said

Yes and I know him only too well bill said

Tell me are the stories about him true jack said

He once sentenced a man to hang the man jumped the rail in court to attack him and he pulled out his pistol and shot him right there in his defense as quite as he is with a pistol he's just as quiet with a gavel bill said

Well let's hope it's swinging in the right direction last night Gowen managed to sway half the town that Noah Stanton's to blame for the explanation jack said

I'm going to see Abigail bill said

How are you bill said

Well I've been better and I've been worse Abigail said

I heard what happened with Gowen I'm sorry I wasn't here bill said

Would you like to sit down as you can see you have your choice of tables Abigail said

When the truth comes out and it will this place will be filled again so much so you'll have to open another room bill said

Right now I'd give anything just to have one customer Abigail said

You have me bill said

And you've got me Florence said

And me Mr. Westry said

I don't know about the rest of you but I'm starving Mrs. Westry said

Thank you thank you so much, Abigail said

Don't think us you're the one who has to cook Florence said

I'll help bill said

You cook? Abigail said

no, but you're not a doctor and you stitched me bill said

Touché Abigail said

Meanwhile at jailhouse

Jack can we talk Rosemary said

We can though no matter what I say you seem to hear something different jack said

Well then let me say it last year I was in a play the lead of course and I played a woman who was in love with someone else's man the past never suited me, in fact, I was quite relieved when the show ended Rosemary said

Well are you saying your performance in Valley Springis coming to an end jack said

Let's just say the curtain has fallen on this act at least Rosemary said

So you're leaving on the stagecoach tomorrow jack said

Unless something or someone stops me Rosemary said

I'm sorry Rosemary jack said

So am i Rosemary said

Meanwhile at school on

There she is the children said

Oh my goodness either you all are very early or I am very late Elizabeth said

We wanted to get her before you miss thatcher a girl said

Yeah boy said

You think she'll like it boy2 said

They are not long the days of wine and roses out of a misty dream Our path emerges for a while then closes within a dream that poem was from our first week together Elizabeth said

It's Halley's Comet Rosaleen said

Oh how lovely Elizabeth said

This is from all of us a girl said

Tears of sadness or happiness miss thatcher Wesley said

Both Elizabeth said

All Laugh

Oh I just love you all so much and you have taught me more than you will ever know but I want you to know that I have made a decision I'm not leaving you not now and not ever Elizabeth said

We love you too miss thatcher girl said

Are you staying because of us or because of Mountie jack Gabe said

That is a very inappropriate question Gabe Elizabeth said

Then it is Mountie jack GEMS said

It's both Children Elizabeth said

Meanwhile outside

Hope is in the air Abigail said

That and a little coal dust Welcome to valley spring , your honor, I'm constable Jack Thornton and this is Abigail Sutton jack said

Nice to have made your acquaintance miss ma'am Jedediah black said

Your reputation precedes you judge jack said

Well unfortunately most of it's true Sutton huh you're one of the widows judge black said

Yes sir one of many and we've been waiting a long time for our day in court Abigail said

Well it's here now I can't promise you're gonna like the result judge black said

I can vouch for that bill said

Well it's been a long time if I recall correctly judge black said

Not long enough bill said

You still holding a grudge over a poker game judge black said

Only till I win it back bill said

Well you might have quite a wait son you got a witness last judge black said

In my room bill said

Well you might get it now judge black said

Why don't you let me I was going there anyway Abigail said

Thank you Abigail it's in my satchel bill said

Judge a man said

I trust you had a safe ride in jack said

Well considering I got out Cooper's Ville alive judge black said

Well it doesn't sound all that good either jack said

Justice prevailed that's what matters judge black said

You expecting someone bill said

Yeah always you make a lot of enemies on this job you got a saloon here judge black said

We do jack said

Poker judge black said

We got that too trial starts at 8:00 sharp judge black said

Today's the day black it's time to meet your maker a man said

So apparently his little brother here don't agree that justice prevailed lock him up constable put him on my docket for tomorrow judge black said

Meanwhile at school

Elizabeth take a walk with me jack said

Is there a reason for this walk Elizabeth said

There is I have been doing some reflecting and some reading, in fact, I borrowed one of your history books jack said

Really Elizabeth said

Yeah did you know that of the 40 men that have been president of the United States only one was a bachelor jack said

Mmm-hmm James Buchanan Elizabeth said

Okay but can you name one notable accomplishment of Buchanan's jack said

Actually, his failure to deal with the south's secession is considered one of the worst presidential mistakes in history Elizabeth said

My point exactly jack said

What is your point Elizabeth said

That perhaps his poor judgment began by not having a woman by his side jack said

No, it was because he was a Confederate sympathizer Elizabeth said

Is there anything you don't know jack said

I don't know the reason for this conversation Elizabeth said

I think you do jack said

You're running for president is that a gift to say goodbye Elizabeth said

I didn't bring you up here to say goodbye open it jack said

You made this Elizabeth said

A little hobby of mine it's a lot harder for me to say what's in my heart I guess I'm not as brave as everyone thinks jack

Yes you are Elizabeth said

Elizabeth I have thought long and hard about us as promised and I keep coming back to the same conclusion you're the one you're the only one and I know I said that I'd support you whatever you decide to do but I didn't mean it don't go jack said

I'm not going anywhere jack this is where Ibelong Elizabeth

Jack "paul Elizabeth in and kisses her"

That night in Elizabeth's journal

And so I have resolved to make this place my home there will be difficult days ahead no doubt and uncertain ones but I have faith that true happiness awaits me here in Valley Spring for what is life but a bittersweet mix of sadness wonderment hope and joy

On Sunday, Feb 9, 1986 night on many streets as Halley's Comet past over head

good night Elizabeth jack said

Good night jack Elizabeth said

The next morning

Elizabeth Rosemary said

I just wanted to say that despite whatever has passed between us I wish you all the best Elizabeth said

And I You Rosemary said

Perhaps we could part as friends then Elizabeth said

Friends it is Rosemary said

Are you headed back to New York Elizabeth said

Someday Rosemary said

Where are you headed then Elizabeth said

Well, for now, I'm only moving down the street to a nicer room Rosemary said

I don't understand Elizabeth said

The mayor has agreed to help me start a theater group Rosemary said

Here Elizabeth said

Yes isn't it wonderful I'll be staying in Valley Spring after all seems well be seeing a lot more of each other Rosemary said

Wonderful Elizabeth said