Four days later in school
And for his capture of the tolls gang, " Seth Thorndlike of the California police" " is being hailed a hero" "from the town newspapers" Elisabetta said
When Mountie Seth gets back, is he gonna be courtships in you Gawain said
"Court shipping" is an improper use of the verb "to court," Gawain, and also an improper question Elisabetta said
If he asks you out to dinner again will that be a proper question you are blushing, Miss Letcher girl said
Excuse us for interrupting ma'am Wesley said
Oh, the interruption is greatly appreciated you must be the Westby boys Elisabetta said
Yes ma'am boy said
Welcome to Valley Spring Elisabetta said
Wesley ma'am boy said
And I'm Miss Letcher we are very happy to have you here please find some seats Elisabetta said
Find a seat Wesley said to his little brothers
Wesley you don't have to sit that far back Elisabetta 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 Elisabetta 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 1986 some 30 years ago do any of you know how the phonograph works Elisabetta said
Later that afternoon at home
I hate that you're leaving Elisabetta said
I feel as though I've brought quite enough excitement to Valley Spring Julianna said
But you'll be back Elisabetta said
I promise but for now, I'm in need of the comforts of home mother's hairdresser Julianna said
And father's carriage Elisabetta said
Oh, and a maid to clean up after me you sure you won't come back with me Julianna said
I'm sure Elisabetta said
I had to ask? Julianna said
I know Elisabetta said
And what if Seth stays in Valley Spring Julianna said
Either way, I'll still be here Elisabetta said
I love you sister Julianna said
I love you too Elisabetta said
As Julianna got on the train
Excuse me this is Valley Spring Roberta said
Yes it is Elisabetta said
where's the rest of it Roberta said
I'm afraid you're looking at it Elisabetta said
Oh well charming Roberta said
I'm Elisabetta Letcher Elisabetta said
Roberta level Roberta said
It is a pleasure to meet you Miss Level and what brings you here? Elisabetta said
My fiancé Roberta said
Oh, congratulations perhaps I know him is he... one of the miners Elisabetta said
Lord no Roberta said
Seth Elisabetta said
Oh, there he is now Seth, Oh... Seth I'm here look at you more handsome than ever Roberta said
Uh... and you look awfully healthy Seth said
You've cut your hair, and I can see you've been doing it yourself lucky for you I brought my scissors Roberta said
All right well I'll let you two catch up Elisabetta said
No Elisabetta... Elisabetta wait Seth said
No was it something I said Roberta said
What are you doing here Seth said
I found out where you were stationed, and I just had to see you Roberta said
Well, I thought you were in New York Seth said
It turns out a life in the theater is quite empty without you Roberta said
That's not what you said the last time we spoke Seth said
Dearest Seth I never should have broken things off with you Roberta said
But you did Seth said
And I have regretted it every day since but I'm here now Roberta said
Roberta, you cannot expect that after two years things would stay the same Seth said
Two years two hours two minutes it's just time Roberta said
It's a lifetime Seth 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 Roberta said
I can't believe it how could he not tell me he was engaged? Elisabetta said
I admit I'm as surprised as you Abby said
I don't know what to say Seth'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 Elisabetta said
Seth has always been honorable perhaps things aren't as they seem and she's not even that pretty Abby said
Yes she is Elisabetta said
I've seen prettier Abby said
You're a good friend but a bad liar Elisabetta said
Would a hot biscuit make you feel better Abby said
No, but ten might be all right Abby I'll just be in my room eating Elisabetta said
And if Seth should come calling as I know he will Abby said
You tell him I don't wish to be disturbed Elisabetta said
Meanwhile
Constable what can I do for you Tag Dow said
Tag Dow this is Miss Roberta's level she'll be needing a room for one night Seth said
What Mr. Thorndlike means to say is that I'll be staying here until I find more permanent question which could be many nights Roberta 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 Tag Dow said
Noise doesn't bother me, in fact, I relied on it Roberta said
Well, if it's the noise you're looking for I'm certain Valley Spring well be a disappointment Seth said
How could it be? You're here Roberta said
Room 9 Tag Dow said
Thank you Seth could you show me to my room Roberta said
You'll find it it's right next to Room 8 Seth said
Are you in Room 8 Roberta said
I sleep in the jail Seth said
Oh, how tragic Roberta said
It's quite comfortable Seth said
But lonely Roberta said
I have a dog Seth said
Monetary later at the jailhouse
Inspector Andrew, you made it Seth said
Did you think I wouldn't Andrew said
Not for a minute, it's been a long time Seth said
Yes it has been Seth since the academy I believe you had the red coat then but not the badge yet Seth I've been riding for quite a while is there a place nearby I can get a decent meal Andrew said
Funny you should say that Abby Sutton's cafe Seth said
Can I help you Abby said
I hope so Mrs. Sutton Andrew said
Yes do we know each other Abby said
I'm Andrew I'm in from the capital city at Seth Thorndlike's behest Andrew said
That's a long ride in my food is good I'm not sure it's that good Abby said
I look forward to trying everything on your menu Andrew said
Please have a seat Abby said
As long as it's not on a horse I don't mind if I do Andrew said
(Church) Coffee Abby said
Please Andrew said
how do you know Seth? Abby said
From his days at the academy, Andrew said
So, you're an officer too Abby said
I'm an inspector I'm a forensic investigator Seth wired me about the file that you found and may I say I'm very sorry for your terrible loss Andrew said
Thank you, Abby said
Mrs. Sutton, I'm here to build a case against the Pacific Northwest mining company for the unsafe conditions that led to the tragic death of forty-seven men including your husband and son Andrew said
You have no idea how long I've waited to hear somebody say that Abby said
Since the day of the disaster, I'd imagine Andrew said
And every day since then Abby said
Will you help me then? Andrew said
I will Abby said
That night
Elisabetta, I don't know if you can hear me, but please let me explain... Seth said
Seth you off sure put in long hours Roberta said
Well, I'm off duty Seth said
You know who's not off duty the barkeep at the saloon Roberta said
Uh... Seth said
Walk me back then Roberta said
I think it is safer in here with you than out there buddy Seth said
In the morning at the mine
This is where the blast originated the company said they boarded up the shaft for safety reasons Seth said
Well, that's convenient I must say, constable, I never pictured you in a town like this Andrew said
Me either the place kind of grows on you the people they're special I'll be back after my rounds Seth said
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 Andrew Avenue I'm here to investigate the explanation that happened in your mine Andrew said
By whose order Martin said
The forensic division of the north-west mounted Police Andrew said
A little late to be investigating a disaster that happened over six months ago isn't it Martin said
Well forty-seven men are still dead aren't they Andrew 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 Andrew said
Good morning Martin said
Meanwhile at saloon
You can't avoid me forever Seth said
No, just until you finally take your new posting at Santa Clarita Elisabetta 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 Spring this is where I belong that's an interesting lesson Seth said
And valuable excuse me I missed one Elisabetta said
Perfidy I don't even want to know what that one is Seth said
No, you don't and school is about to begin the afternoon so... Elisabetta 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 Seth said
Yet in all our conversations you failed to mention your fiancée even once Elisabetta said
Former fiancée, I should have told you. I... I guess I just didn't want to open an old wound Seth said
So, she wounded you not the other way around Elisabetta said
Yes and I didn't ask her to come here Seth said
Yet here she is Elisabetta said
Only until she realizes there's no point to it Seth said
She didn't seem to realize that last night nor did you Elisabetta said
You mean when you slammed your window shut Seth said
I was cold Elisabetta said
And getting colder I sense Seth said
I just can't help but think what else you haven't told me Elisabetta said
Well, aren't there things in your life that you haven't told me since we were in school in the sixth grade Seth said
I'm certain my life is far less dramatic since the sixth grade Elisabetta said
Elisabetta I know you've 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 Seth said
Good morning children Elisabetta said
Perfidy Seth said
Look it up Elisabetta said
Here sir watch your step there all right have a nice day now Andrew said
You reminded me of my late husband out there he could never pass up the opportunity to lend a hand Abby said
I heard he was a good man Andrew said
He was Abby said
To have lost him and your son it's unspeakable Andrew said
And yet I speak of it so often to keep them alive somehow I suppose Abby said
They'll always be alive in your memories though I know that's of little comfort Andrew said
Have you a wife and children Abby said
No Andrew said
But the life you lead must be so fulfilling Abby 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 Seth again and you this case Andrew said
Oh, I'm afraid we've done more talking than working Abby said
I hadn't noticed Andrew said
More tea Mr. Jones Abby said
It's Andrew and I hope I can call you Abby Andrew said
I'm afraid I might have given you the wrong impression Abby said
And what impression might that be Andrew said
I don't usually speak of such personal matters with strangers Abby 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... Andrew said
Ventriloquist Abby said
No that would mean I was trying to put words in your mouth I think Andrew said
Ah Abby said
We want the same thing justice for your family and the people that have suffered and I mean to get you that justice Andrew said
Then you may call me Abby said
Then may I have more pie Abby Andrew 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, Abby said
This is a journal of methane and oxygen levels Andrew said
I assumed as much I just don't know why he had it Abby said
I think I do think you for trusting me with this Andrew said
I only hope I haven't implemented Noah in some way Abby said
I hope so too Andrew said
Well, if you'll excuse me I have to deliver a welcome basket to Mrs. Westby Abby said
A welcome basket Andrew said
Oh yes she's new to town I remember how lonely that can be Abby said
Perhaps I can walk with you Andrew said
I'm sure you have more important things to do Abby said
It can wait Andrew said
Meanwhile at the mercantile
Are these all that come in Donatella said
I'm afraid so Mrs. Radford the delivery boy said
I'd go with the red it complements your hair Roberta said
Oh, my thoughts exactly Donatella said
Roberta level said
Donatella Roberta said
Are you seamstress miss level Donatella said
No, I'm an actress although I have sewn my own costumes on occasion Roberta said
My brother and I absolutely adore the theater you won't believe this but I've always dreamed of acting Donatella said
Oh, of course, I believe it who wouldn't want to be someone else if only for an hour or two Roberta said
So true Donatella said
And so, I took a bow and I ran 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 Roberta said
Oh, Miss Letcher have you met the charming Roberta level Donatella said
I've had the pleasure Elisabetta said
Miss Letcher and I share a common interest he looks good in red also Roberta said
Oh, my are you talking about the constable Donatella said
Are we miss Letcher Roberta said
I believe you're the only one speaking miss level Elisabetta said
You're so right I do seem to have a lot to say Roberta said
Oh, and it's so entertaining I simply can't believe you're not married yet Roberta Donatella 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 Roberta said
Feel free to say whatever you wish in front of me Elisabetta said
Likewise, or behind my back, if you prefer as an actress I'm used to both Roberta said
Oh, how could that be possible Donatella said
thank you Donatella Miss Letcher how well do you know our Seth Roberta said
Not as well as I thought Elisabetta said
We're known each five years our fathers were offers together Roberta said
How fortuitous Donatella said
Yes although Seth didn't always want to be an officer Roberta said
Oh, Donatella said
He wanted to be a painter Roberta said
Seth a painter Elisabetta said
Yes, of course, you've only known each other a short while Roberta said
Excuse me Elisabetta said
Hmm pencils soap string my you have a busy day planned Roberta said
Yes Elisabetta said
Are you hungry Roberta Donatella said
Oh, I could eat a horse although that wouldn't be very ladylike would it Roberta said
Then you will come with me to the cafe Donatella said
How wonderful Roberta said
She's awfully pretty the delivery boy said
Yeah Hickman said
(Clears through) Elisabetta
Now what was on that list again miss Letcher Hickman said
pencils soap... the delivery boy said
And string Elisabetta said
Oh! I almost forgot you got a letter Hickman said
Thank you, Elisabetta, said
"Wilbert's letter to Elisabetta" Dear Beth, your mother and I can't help but fear for your safety Julianna 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 Letcher Wesley said
Is that the boy you were telling me about Abby said
He read two university level books in as many nights including the one I couldn't get through myself Elisabetta said
The mine swallows another one Abby said
Not if I can help it Elisabetta said
Let's get some coffee Abby 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 Elisabetta said
Her juggling could use some work she bruised half the apple in my cafe Abby 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 Elisabetta said
She's a shiny new object she'll tarnish Abby said
That could take a long time Elisabetta said
Or not Elisabetta, her qualities could blow away in the wind yours are steadfast you're goodhearted and loyal Abby said
Like a dog or a boring schoolteacher who buys pencils and string Elisabetta said
I doubt Seth would agree and besides, he left her Abby said
Actually, she left him Elisabetta said
Oh, Abby 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 Elisabetta said
What does Seth say Abby said
That it's all in the past but somehow looks very much in the present Elisabetta said
Elisabetta, 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, Elisabetta, what is it? Abby 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 Elisabetta said
I see will you take it Abby said
A few days ago, I would have said no Elisabetta said
And now Abby said
I'm a little less certain is it possible I misread my calling in coming here Elisabetta said
I can only tell you to follow your heart Abby said
It was my heart that led me to Valley Spring Elisabetta said
Well then I hope it keeps you here Abby 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 Caitlin said
All the women in town seem to be wearing red Roberta said
Well, it appears you're started a trend Donatella said
How flattering Roberta said
Pardon The interruption folks an officer said
No intrusion we were just finishing Caitlin said
Can I help you Officer Seth said
Seth Thorndlike the officer said
Yes sir Seth 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 Seth 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 Seth Donatella said
The honor is mine Mrs. Radford Seth said
Elisabetta, I didn't think I've ever seen you in red before Seth said
Oh, you won't ever again Elisabetta said
That's a shame it suits you but then again just about everything suits you Seth said
That's very kind of you Elisabetta said
It's the truth unless... Seth said
Unless Elisabetta said
...you still think I'm guilty of ... what was it again oh yes perfidy betrayal treachery treason Seth said
You looked it up Elisabetta said
No, I asked that smart kid the Westby boy I don't have time to look things up I was too busy protecting this town from criminals Seth said
Seth, we're all so proud of you, and a reward how deserving you could put it towards the ranch you always dreamed of having Roberta said
Well, that was a long time ago Seth 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 Roberta said
Okay I suppose I should uh start my rounds excuse me ladies Seth said
Meanwhile at the cafe
We're closed Mr. Gowen Abby said
I didn't come here to eat Martin said
Well, I've already delivered your share of the weekly profits to your office Abby said
Yes thank you for that done something different with your hair it looks quite becoming Martin said
And you should be going Abby said
You gave the file to Mr. Jones Martin said
I gave it to the constable who gave it to Mr. Jones despite your threats Abby 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 Abby 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 Abby 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 Andrew avenue do not stand down Martin said
You're bluffing Abby said
This is not a poker game Abby Martin said
Good then you'll understand when I don't fold you can't intimidate me anymore Mr. Gowen Abby 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 Andrew said
On what grounds Martin said
Impeding an investigation and harassment of a witness Andrew 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 Roberta said
Well, you know I've missed once or twice Seth said
My turn Roberta said
It's impressive I forget what a good sportswoman you are Seth said
Do you remember the last time we went shooting I beat you best of three Roberta said
Vaguely Seth said
Of course, you do and does Elisabetta shoot or does she just read about it in her novel Roberta said
You know if I didn't know better I'd say you were jealous Seth said
I am completely jealous I used to have you all to myself now I not only have to share you with the police but also with a schoolteacher of course I can put up with anything temporarily Roberta said
You are so persistent Seth said
As an actress I have to be Roberta said
Well as a lady you don't Seth said
Mmm I wish that were true I know things didn't end well between us but they will this time Seth we have a future and it's going to be exciting, unpredictable, and perfect just like we always dreamed Roberta said
I'm sorry Rosie but the only future I see for myself is with Elisabetta Seth said
Well then I am just going to have to change your mind and you know me Seth once I set my sights on something I always get it Roberta said
Meanwhile in town Elisabetta writers in her Journal
Why do relationships always seem to get so complicated Seth has said he cares for me and I changed to believe him he had feelings for me before Roberta arrived and feelings don't vanish overnight yet young love is so hopeful and so complicated what gets lost along 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 Abby 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 Elisabetta Roberta said
What's that Seth said
Well, she's leaving Roberta said
Wait what do you mean "She's Leaving" Seth 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 Roberta said
Meanwhile in town Elisabetta writers in her 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 Seth said
I have an offer nothing more my family's doing they're worried about me Elisabetta said
Well, that's understandable with everything that's gone on here and going on Seth said
I've been thinking a lot about this and you and Roberta you have a history and you have a great deal in common Elisabetta said
That's not true Seth said
From what I can see it is Elisabetta said
Elisabetta... Seth 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 Elisabetta said
If that's what you want then I will Seth said
It is Elisabetta said
Is that a squid Seth said
It's a comet Elisabetta said
A comet uh... may I Seth said
You... Elisabetta said
Comets have tails right Seth said
It's just evaporated materials and dust Elisabetta said
Well let's call it a tail Seth said
Thank you Mr. van Gogh Elisabetta said
I can add a constellation if you'd like Seth said
How about you remove a constable before my students get here Elisabetta said
What so you take credit for my chalk work Seth said
Good morning children be sure to admire Constable Seth's artwork on the way to your seats he enjoys compliments Elisabetta said
Unlike Miss Letcher who is uncomfortable with compliments even though she's quite deserving of them, Seth said
School is in session Mr. Thorndlike if you'd like to speak please raise your hand like all of the other children Elisabetta said
May I be excused Seth said
Yes you may Elisabetta said
Thank you Miss Letcher Seth said
All right shall we begin Elisabetta said
Yes. the children said
Now when we think of astronomy we think of planets, 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 Spring as it orbits the sun Elisabetta said
When will we know to look up Max said
Well, we won't exactly comets aren't like stagecoach or trains 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 Elisabetta said
Can my father see it from heaven Rebecca said
Oh, I'm sure that he can Elisabetta said
And all the other fathers 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 Elisabetta said
Later that day
I feel like I've been replaced Elisabetta said
That's not possible Abby said
I'm afraid Halley doesn't stand a chance against Roberta's comet Elisabetta said
Don't comets burn out Abby 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 Elisabetta said
It's your imagination and a little makeup Abby said
And that hair and this dress and flowers in the cafe Elisabetta said
A gift from Andrew well he comes in so frequently he thought it might brighten the place up Abby 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 Elisabetta said
Perhaps but we can't forget why he's here Abby said
Wyatt Elisabetta said
Hello, Miss Letcher, Mrs. Sutton Wesley said
Hello Wesley Abby said
You're working on a Sunday Elisabetta 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 Elisabetta 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 Elisabetta said
I haven't had much time to read lately ma'am Wesley said
Well, whenever you do you are welcome to my library Elisabetta 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 Andrew said
Which means those men were sent into a death trap Seth said
It's looking that way Andrew said
That night at the cafe
Andrew are you all right Abby said
What happened Seth said
Had a little unwanted visit out at the mine they took my forensic kit with all the evidence Andrew said
Did you get a look at them Seth said
They had masks Andrew said
Okay you take care of him will you Seth said
Yes of course Abby said
I'm going with you Andrew said
You're in no condition Seth said
I'm still your superior Andrew said
Well, I'll make a note of that in my report Seth said
This cut behind your ear looks very deep I think you might need some stitches Abby said
The lengths that I'll go to get you to make a fuss over me you good with a needle Andrew said
I've made all my own curtains Abby said
Well how about sewing a person Andrew said
Well, we're about to find out I'll get my sewing kit Abby said
Meanwhile at jailhouse
Seth, Roberta said
wow rip said
you how thrilling well you had better get used to me fine be that way Roberta said
Several hours later
Seth did you find them Elisabetta said
The trail went cold too dark to be searching Seth said
Well, I'm glad you're back safely Elisabetta said
Were you worried I wouldn't be Seth said
No Elisabetta said
Yet you're out here in the middle town and in the of the night waiting Seth said
If you must know I was just watching for Halley's comet Elisabetta said
Halley's Comet do you know how many times I've heard that excuse Seth said
Maybe I was a little worried Elisabetta said
Just a little Seth said
Don't push it Elisabetta said
I heard what happened at the town meeting I'm sorry Seth said
Thank you, Elisabetta, 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 Elisabetta not a not a saloon but I have faith that that will happen here sooner than later Seth said
The schoolhouse doesn't really matter to me it's the children Elisabetta said
This town needs you Elisabetta ... Seth said
It's getting late I should probably turn in Elisabetta
Of course, Seth said
The next morning
Hiding behind your desk Andrew said
Mr. Avenue will it appear 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 Andrew 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 Andrew said
I don't have henchmen and I don't control the people in this town Martin said
I beg to differ Andrew 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 Andrew 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 Andrew said
Well, you best get to it then but I have a feeling that all you're gonna do is further hurt Abby 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 Andrew 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 Andrew said
Meanwhile at the saloon with music playing by Roberta
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 Roberta said
I used to when it meant something we need to talk Seth said
I'd love to Roberta said
About Elisabetta Seth said
Or we could just sit in companionable silence Roberta 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 Elisabetta and I we have a relationship Seth said
What kind of relationship Roberta said
I don't know exactly but I know it's the one I want to pursue Seth said and would a relationship be so easily sidetracked by my presence Roberta said
Your presence could sidetracked an army Seth said
You barely know this Elisabetta Letcher Seth 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? Roberta said
Well, you're always being a good actress Seth said
Thank you, Roberta, said
It wasn't a compliment Seth said
Well, I'm gonna take it as one have you told her all of this Roberta said
No not yet Seth said
Well until you do I'll retain a shred of hope isn't that what Valley Spring is all about hope Roberta said
So, the next night at an emergency town meeting
So, I've got some exciting news to share Thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor we begin construction tomorrow on Valley Spring's new church and schoolhouse Mr. Million said
I assume that we have Mr. Gowen to thank for this Radford 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
Elisabetta was it your father Caitlin said
No, it wasn't but I believe it was from someone equally as generous with far less money to spare Elisabetta said
Doesn't "anonymous" mean anonymous anymore Seth said
You donated your reward money all of it? for a church? Roberta said
And a school Seth said
Well, that is so noble Roberta said
Three cheers for the constable a man said
Hip, hip, hooray hip hooray 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 Spring who have all become very important to me, especially one person in particular Seth said
Thank you, Seth, and your generosity well has made me all the more fond of you Roberta 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 Abby 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 Abby 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 your 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 Abby said
You are way out of line Gowen Seth 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 Seth 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 mining company prior to his arrival in Valley Spring Martin said
He wasn't fired he quit because the working conditions were deplorable Abby said
That's not what his records show Martin said
Then those records are fabricated as are your words Abby 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 Abby 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 Spring what 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 Abby said
Later that night at the cafe
The truth will come out rest assured Gowen will not succeed Elisabetta said
Oh, I'm afraid he already has did you see the way they were all looking at me like I was a stranger Abby said
You'll have your say in court and they'll hear you then Elisabetta said
I pray you're right Elisabetta because right now I feel as if I'm losing everything all over again Abby said
You won't lose me Elisabetta said
You're a true friend perhaps the only one I've got Abby said
No, you have many friends you'll see they'll be standing alongside you when the time comes Elisabetta said
I'm not so sure Noah did talk of buying a claim he wanted to start his own business Abby said
Well, that doesn't prove anything Elisabetta said
Unless it caused him to do something he wouldn't normally do Abby 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 Elisabetta said
The next morning
The judge got stuck on a case in Coopersville he'll be in on tomorrow's train Andrew said
Judge Farrell, I'm hoping Seth said
I'm afraid not judge black Andrew said
Jedediah black Seth said
Yes and I know him only too well Andrew said
Tell me are the stories about him true Seth 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 Andrew said
Well let's hope it's swinging in the right direction last night Gowen managed to sway half the town that Noah Sutton's to blame for the explanation Seth said
I'm going to see Abby Andrew said
How are you Andrew said
Well, I've been better and I've been worse Abby said
I heard what happened with Gowen I'm sorry I wasn't here Andrew said
Would you like to sit down as you can see you have your choice of tables Abby 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 Andrew said
Right now, I'd give anything just to have one customer Abby said
You have me Andrew said
And you've got me Fiorentina 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, Abby said
Don't think us you're the one who has to cook Fiorentina said
I'll help Andrew said
Do you cook? Abby said
now, but you're not a doctor and you stitched me Andrew said
Touché Abby said
Meanwhile at jailhouse
Seth can we talk Roberta said
We can though no matter what I say you seem to hear something different Seth 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 Roberta said
Well, are you saying your performance in Valley Spring is coming to an end Seth said
Let's just say the curtain has fallen on this act at least Roberta said
So, you're leaving on the stagecoach tomorrow Seth said
Unless something or someone stops me Roberta said
I'm sorry Roberta Seth said
So am I Roberta 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 Elisabetta said
We wanted to get her before you miss Letcher 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 Elisabetta said
It's Halley's Comet Rebecca said
Oh, how lovely Elisabetta said
This is from all of us a girl said
Tears of sadness or happiness Miss Letcher Wesley said
Both Elisabetta 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 Elisabetta said
We love you too Miss Letcher girl said
Are you staying because of us or because of Mountie Seth Gawain said
That is a very inappropriate question Gawain Elisabetta said
Then it is Mountie Seth GEMS said
It's both Children Elisabetta said
Meanwhile outside
Hope is in the air Abby said
That and a little coal dust Welcome to Valley Spring, your honor, I'm Constable Seth Thorndlike and this is Abby Sutton Seth said
Nice to have made your acquaintance Miss Ma'am Jedediah black said
Your reputation precedes you judge Seth said
Well unfortunately most of its 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 Abby said
Well, it's here now I can't promise you're gonna like the result judge black said
I can vouch for that Andrew said
Well, it's been a long time if I recall correctly judge black said
Not long enough Andrew said
You still holding a grudge over a poker game judge black said
Only till I win it back Andrew said
Well, you might have quite a wait son you got a witness last judge black said
In my room Andrew said
Well, you might get it now judge black said
Why don't you let me I was going there anyway Abby said
Thank you Abby it's in my satchel Andrew said
Judge a man said
I trust you had a safe ride in Seth said
Well considering I got out Coopersville alive judge black said
Well, it doesn't sound all that good either Seth said
Justice prevailed that's what matters judge black said
You expecting someone Andrew said
Yeah always you make a lot of enemies on this job you got a saloon here judge black said
We do Seth 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
Elisabetta take a walk with me Seth said
Is there a reason for this walk Elisabetta said
There is I have been doing some reflecting and some reading, in fact, I borrowed one of your history books Seth said
Really Elisabetta said
Yeah did you know that of the forty men that have been president of the United States only one was a bachelor Seth said
Mmm-hmm James Buchanan Elisabetta said
Okay but can you name one notable accomplishment of Buchanan's Seth said
Actually, his failure to deal with the south's secession is considered one of the worst presidential mistakes in history Elisabetta said
My point exactly Seth said
What is your point Elisabetta said
That perhaps his poor judgment began by not having a woman by his side Seth said
No, it was because he was a Confederate sympathizer Elisabetta said
Is there anything you don't know Seth said
I don't know the reason for this conversation Elisabetta said
I think you do Seth said
You're running for president is that a gift to say goodbye Elisabetta said
I didn't bring you up here to say goodbye open it Seth said
You made this Elisabetta 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 Seth.
Yes you are Elisabetta said
Elisabetta, 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 Seth said
I'm not going anywhere Seth this is where I belong Elisabetta[4]
Seth "palled Elisabetta in and kissed her"
That night in Elisabetta'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 passed overhead
good night Elisabetta Seth said
Good night Seth Elisabetta said
The next morning
Elisabetta Roberta said
I just wanted to say that despite whatever has passed between us I wish you all the best Elisabetta said
And I You Roberta said
Perhaps we could part as friends then Elisabetta said
Friends it is Roberta said
Are you headed back to New York Elisabetta said
Someday Roberta said
Where are you headed then Elisabetta said
Well, for now, I'm only moving down the street to a nicer room Roberta said
I don't understand Elisabetta said
The mayor has agreed to help me start a theater group Roberta said
Here Elisabetta 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 Roberta said
Wonderful Elisabetta said