I don't think Julie loved Preston...

Just caught on TV the scene with the cane and Julie saying, "You forgot your cane," and Fonda saying, "Yes, and I forgot to use it!". Then, we get this scorn/momentum "look" from Julie, as if projecting like, who are you to say anything to me? It seems like Julie doesn't want to relinquish control to Preston, and never intends to. She was offended at his mere attempt to try and "discipline" her and set limitations, like with the Ball and wearing a white ball gown and ordering her to stay still in her room with her embroidery. I would think, if you love someone, you quickly adapt or even lose your pride if it means you have a chance of getting back together. Even a year later, I don't think Julie remains "heartbroken"; she is more like in a state of shock for seeing actual consequences result from her meanness with Preston from that fateful night.

There is lack of respect everywhere! Remember, she calls on Buck to take her to the Ball instead the evening of and he turns her down knowing Pres was already set on picking her up? If anything, at the end, I do believe she is sincere in her effort to reconnect with Pres again. However, it probably has more to do with trying to shape herself again to the self-serving, "happy" girl she used to be and not really trying to "live" for Pres. In a way, when Pres does return it seems like she is trying to redeem herself.. to herself and set the tone for being in the receiving end again, to all of the attention and focus she fed from being around Preston. I don't get the impression that Julie ever intended to give Pres the same attention and focus and love in return.