How can Dorcus talk to ...

My reaction, too. I can understand that she has to talk with them in a civil way (it's a small town, so they see each other everywhere / all the time), but I can't understand why she forgives them and continues to be a real friend to them -- which is only a hair away from what you're asking.

ADDING: I just re-watched 1-8 (ep with Delafield) and 1-9 (ep with tapestry, in which Dorcas the the sisters put their heads together), and it is a bit jarring they they have resumed friendly relations without addressing in any way this conflict. [end of addition]

I guess some people are more inclined to forgiveness. Plus, there's a certain pragmatism to forgiveness, esp. in a small town, where you never know whom you'll need and when.

After Dorcas rejects JD and he sinks into depression and is unprepared for a party of guests (which he desperately needs), she helps him ready the hotel and says something along the lines of "I will always be your friend and your neighbor," to make clear that she proceeds from kindness and duty but not from romantic love. Perhaps we, more than 100 years later, lack that allegiance to duty -- perhaps we have gained some beneficial freedoms but have also lost a beneficial sense of obligation to community.

"All you need to start an asylum is an empty room and the right kind of people."

Good Lord I disliked those Pratt sisters! At first Ruby seemed to be okay, then when she came back she was as nasty as a snake!! Even worst than her sister!