Drucilla was out riding her horse Poka Dot. She had named him that because he had splotches of black all over his hide. Crossing the meadow to look at some trees, she came across a rider. "Good afternoon." She called out as she came riding up to the young dark-haired lady.

"Hello," Lara watched as the older lady reined in her horse.

"I�m surprised to see anyone out here." Drucilla smiled at Lara.

"Me too! Am I intruding on your land?

"No intrusion at all. I�m just out looking for the next patch of trees to cut down for my mill. By the way I�m Drucilla."

"I�m Lara and thanks for allowing me to ride here."

"Aw, think nothing of it. Would you like to ride with me?"

"I�d love to." Lara smiled at her new friend. So Lara followed Drucilla around like a kid leading a puppy. Drucilla described to her the different types of trees, and Lara digested every word of it. It was very interesting, and she was enjoying the day with Drucilla.

About an hour later two riders came up to them. Drucilla knew both of them, but Lara only knew one. So introductions were made. All four rode together for a little while. Walter told Drucilla and Lara that he was showing Jacy around the area because she�s in the market for a home and some land.

If Jacy decided on having her house built instead of purchasing the old Thomas� place, then Drucilla would be getting some business soon.

"You showed her the Thomas� place?" Drucilla asked.

"Yes ma�am, he did." Jacy replied before Walter could answer.

"What did you think of the place?" Drucilla would love to sell some lumber for a house because at this time of year her business was very slow. In fact the last lumber she had sold had been for the school�s equipment.

"It�s very nice. It seems as though they kept it in good condition. I just haven�t decided if I want to build a new place or buy a home already built. And I don�t know whom I could get to build me a home even if I do decide to build one. I have to discuss it with my sister." Jacy replied.

"Don�t worry about that. There are lots of strong willing men around that would be glad to give you a hand in building a place. Some might charge you though, and then again working for a pretty girl like you might be the only payment they need." Walter stated.

Well after the foursome talked and got to know one another a little better, Drucilla left them to gallop off to her mill. A little while later they came to a fork in the road and Walter bid the two ladies ado. Since Jacy was done looking at property for the day. Walter went home to grab a bite to eat before heading back to work.

Lara and Jacy rode on to town together. Jacy put Braids in her stall, and Lara put her rental horse, Haystack, into his stall. After rubbing the horses down, they walked down the street together.

"If you ever want to go riding with someone just come over and get me." Jacy suggested as she left the street and climbed the steps to the PEG.