Saturday morning Mabel rose early, she didn't want to waste a minute of her day off. No children, no lessons, no headaches.
She dressed in her deerskins and hurried downstairs greeting Sally as she grabbed a warm biscuit from the pan in the warming oven.

"You're going to get indigestion eating on the run!" Mrs. Duffield called after her.
But Mabel had already disappeared out the door.

Walking past Marie and Clive who were standing on the side of the street she said a pleasant "Good morning" and kept her pace. There was no sign of Jack, and Mabel assumed that he must be sleeping in.
That thought stayed in her mind as she led Abby from her stall.
Taking the trail towards the McPherson's farm Mabel took the time to enjoy her beautiful surroundings. Turtle Creek wound its way along the trail and though the air was cooler today, the sun was shining and it seemed to dance on the water.

"Care fer some company?"
She had been so lost in her thoughts that Mabel hadn't noticed the marshal approaching from the east, where the road forked in the direction of Fort Whoop-up.

"What are you doing out here? Does Clive know you're in his jurisdiction?" She joked.

"I ain't too worried 'bout him. 'Sides, I bin trackin' a bear. This time 'a year they can be a real nuisense, ya might say dangerous." The marshal removed his hat and wiped his brow on his sleeve.
Mabel understood, she had seen the kind of distruction a bear could cause. Once she had seen one rip the door clean off her father's drying shed. They were fierce animals not to be taken lightly.

"Maybe I should ride with you...in case you need my help," she laughed. 'Or just so I can spend some time with you' she thought.

"Naw, it's long gone," he assured her.

Trying not to look disappointed, Mabel brought her horse to a halt beside Jack's.

"You ever bin to Indian Ridge?" Craddock asked.
Not needing another invitation she insisted she would love to see it. Marie had spoken about it once, the beautiful scenery, the romantic view, a great place for a young gentleman to take his intended.
As they rode through the narrow trails Mabel told Jack about her first week of teaching. She confided about her troubles with Kyle Radway and her meeting with Joanna the Terrible.

"I'll wager that bear would turn and high tail it if he saw ol' lady Radway", Jack snorted. "But she ain't no match fer you Mabel."
He had confidence in her. Maybe that was the attraction, Jack gave her confidence.

As they reached the crest of Indian Ridge Mabel was in awe of the view. To the west were the Rocky Mountains with their majestic peaks disappearing into the clouds. The Bow River snaked its way through the canyon as far as the eye could see and seemed to absorb into the enormous sentiniles. Just below the ridge, winding through the valley, was Turtle Creek. It's body of water moved slowly, in a lazy fashion, towards Bordertown. "This must be the most beautiful place in the world," she sighed.

"Yah, ain't a better view no where's." Jack agreed. "That's why the indians camped out here, so's they could see if anyone was tryin' ta sneak up on 'em."

"What happened to them? Where are they now?"

"I like ta think they moved on ta some place better."
Jack Craddock was sympathetic to the indian people. Mabel admired that. Most white folks she had known had no use for indians.
They discussed the fact that they should have packed a lunch, for it was almost noon and both of them were getting hungry. A picnic with Jack on Indian Ridge was something Mabel hoped she could look forward to in the future. They slowly decended the ridge and regretfully headed for home.

Mabel enjoyed her morning with Jack. There was no denying it. He was handsome, in a rugged sort of way, his eyes were sad, maybe that's what made him appealing? He was strong and trustworthy, kind and gentle. He was lonely and vulnerable and Mabel would die for him if he asked her to. ' And don't forget, he's an old man' , she reminded herself as she slid from the back of her horse. Jack dismounted as well and together they walked, in a comfortable silence, into the livery.

Marie was having tea on her front porch and called out for the pair to join her as they passed. The marshal politely declined, "I best go check on Clive". Mabel joined the doctor on the porch.

Passing a cup of hot tea and a freshly baked cookie, she proceeded to tell Mabel about Lucy's caller. A young man by the name of Benjamin Morris. Marie chuckled, "You would almost think spring is in the air."

"Excuse me?" Mabel questioned.

"Haven't you heard the expression, in the spring a young man's fancy turns to love?"

Watching Jack disappear into the detachment, Mabel asked, "What about an old man's fancy Marie? Does that turn to love too?"

Marie smiled knowingly. She was aware of the teacher's feelings towards marshal Craddock. At first she had been jealous of Mabel's affection towards Jack, but recently she found herself wishing that he would respond to the young woman. Jack was so lonely and Marie longed for him to find someone to love him in the way that she could not. "Why don't you tell Jack how you feel?"

"What?" Mabel seemed shocked at the question."That would make him uncomfortable Marie....and it would probably ruin our friendship." She paused for a moment before continuing, " I think I'll have to settle for admiring him from a distance," she said jokingly. "I always knew I'd die an old maid anyway."

The two women sat quietly, drinking their tea. Marie knew Mabel was right, if she spoke of her feelings it would jeopardize the bond that she and Jack had with each other.

Mabel thanked her for the tea and headed towards the boardinghouse. She had just enough time to eat her lunch, have a quick scrub, put on her dress and go to Jeb Duncan's farm to discuss Sam's school work.
In her room, she quickly removed her riding clothes and filled the basin with hot water. When she was certain she no longer smelled like a horse, she slipped into her dress and combed her hair. It was long enough to put behind her ears now. Maybe when it was longer Jack would take notice that she was a woman and not a cowboy.... maybe.
Sitting on the side of the bed, Mabel spotted an envelope Sally must have placed on her dressing table. Picking up the letter she sank back down on the bed, it was from her father. With a feeling of forboding she gently tore open the envelope.

"Dearest daughter, your mother and I were so happy to recieve your most recent letter with news of your good health and well being, please note that we are the same.
It is with great pleasure that we inform you of our intention to visit Bordertown. We look forward with eagerness, the opportunity to make the acquaintance of the fine people of whom you so fondly speak. We shall arrive on or about the 25th day of October. With fondest regards, ever yours, father."

Mabel was stunned.