(My first attempt at this...more chapters to come...please let me know what you think...)
It had been a long day and Elizabeth sat at the table in the café kitchen working on lessons for the upcoming week, when a knock on the door broke her concentration. She gladly put the pencil down and walked to the door.
"Jack," her eyes wide, "Come in…"
"Good evening Elizabeth," Jack smiled and entered noticing all her papers spread on the table, "If I'm interrupting you, I can …"
"No, the interruption is welcome. I can't seem to concentrate on work this evening," she walked to the settee and sat down. "Would you like some tea?"
"I don't want to put you to any trouble," Jack just wanted to spend the end of his day with her.
"No trouble." Elizabeth quickly walked to the sink.
Jack followed, "Maybe you need a little break from all that paperwork."
"Yes, maybe I do."
Jack sensed she was tired, "Where's Abigail this evening?"
"Out with Bill. They had dinner earlier and then went for a walk."
"It's nice that they are spending time together," Jack responded.
"Yes, it is nice. She makes dinner for him several times a week." Elizabeth's tone grew softer.
"He's courting her," Jack smiled.
Elizabeth looked at Jack, "They have dinner."
"Yes," Jack responded.
"They discuss the mine," she wasn't making tea.
"They do," Jack moved closer.
"He helps her bake, I saw him," Elizabeth said turning to the window.
"Does that bother you in some way?" Jack was concerned.
"No, of course not, that's what courting is, having dinner and sharing….."
Jack let out a small laugh and stepped in front of her. "Elizabeth," he said in a whispered tone, "are you concerned about our courting? What we do together?"
Elizabeth's shoulders slumped, "She cooks for him and has so much in common with him." She didn't want to look at Jack, "Sometimes I feel like I can't do anything."
Jack took her hands and leaned in to whisper in her ear, "Don't worry about those things."
"I do worry," she replied.
"Please, don't, everything is okay," Jack tried to reassure her.
"I can't sew…."she sighed.
"So?" he chuckled softy.
"I am getting better with the laundry," she was going through a list.
"No need to worry….." He moved closer.
"But, I …."
He stayed at her ear, "Elizabeth, you don't have to cook for me." His face brushed against her neck and she felt his breath.
"Jack…I ….." she was losing concentration.
"Stop worrying…" He stepped back.
Elizabeth sighed softly, "I wish I could …I… can't."
"Elizabeth…."Jack was losing restraint and tilted his head to kiss her.
The kitchen door flew open and in came laughing Abigail and Bill.
"Oh, I'm so sorry." Abigail was embarrassed to interrupt the lovely scene of Jack and Elizabeth by the window.
"Ahh," Jack turned to Abigail and stepped in front of Elizabeth, protecting her. "We were just about to make tea, would you like to join us?"
Bill stepped forward, "That sounds lovely," he looked at Abigail and nodded.
"I'll get it," Abigail moved quickly to the stove.
Jack gave Elizabeth's hand a squeeze and they went to sit at the settee.
"It's a beautiful evening out," Bill said, his shoulder rising in a silent apology to Jack for the interruption.
"Yes, a beautiful evening," Jack raised his eyebrows in response to Bill and then looked at Elizabeth, her eyes cast down. They drank their tea discussing the expansion of the mine.
"Well, I think we should be at the mine early tomorrow Jack," Bill said.
"I'm planning on it, with the new section opening and new miners coming in, it will be good to let them see our presence," Jack responded.
Abigail put the tray on the table, "I am so happy to hear that you both will let them see the law in Coal Valley."
"I'm not anticipating any trouble." Jack said.
After they finished their tea, Bill stood, stretching his arms out, "Well, it's time I head off to my jail cell for the night," lightening the mood with his friends.
"Good night Bill," Abigail walked Bill to the door.
Jack and Elizabeth stood and walked to the door, "Good night ladies," Jack said.
Abigail tended to the tea cups.
"Jack…" Elizabeth whispered, she didn't want him to leave worrying about her and her insecure feelings.
"Shhh, its okay, just remember what we talked about, no worrying, okay?" He kissed her cheek.
"Okay," Elizabeth responded. He smiled when she squeezed his hand.
The door closed and Elizabeth turned to her friend. Abigail smiled, looped Elizabeth's arm and they headed to the stairs, "Elizabeth, I can't recall when I've seen a man so in love."
"Really? Bill seems so reserved." Elizabeth teased.
Both women laughed and climbed the stairs.
Bill and Jack watched as the new miners gathered at the entrance to the mine and were given tools.
"Not the most enthusiastic bunch," commented Bill Avery.
"They do seem rather quiet, then again wouldn't you be going into that dark mine?" Jack responded.
"Can I do something for you gentlemen?" Henry Gowan walked toward the constables.
"Just making sure everything goes smoothly for your new staff Mr. Gowan," Bill gave Gowan a glaring stare.
"Why wouldn't it? All is tight and safe here, as you both know." Gowan wasn't backing down. "I don't believe you need to be here, not today or any other day." He gave them an insincere smile, "Good day gentlemen." He turned and headed back to his office.
"Let's go Jack, we wouldn't want to upset our friend Mr. Gowan," Bill said sarcastically.
Back in town, Jack and Bill were looking over the mail and finishing paperwork.
"I'm getting hungry, how about you? Bill asked Jack.
"I'm good," Jack smiled, "Why don't you head over to Abigail's….it's a good place for lunch."
"So it is." Bill winked, "you can join me, maybe get something for that teacher you seem so fond of."
Jack smiled, "She usually eats lunch at her desk."
Bill stopped, looked out the window, "She's a lovely young woman Jack. You two seem very well suited. I'm glad you have such an exceptional woman who cares about you."
"She is exceptional. I know how fortunate I am." Jack felt pride.
Bill nodded and left the jail.
Jack thought about the troubles Bill had in his life, he was aware of Bill's wife and child dying several years ago, he remembered hearing about their deaths. He wasn't sure of the circumstances and wouldn't feel right inquiring, but thought Bill may talk about it at some point, especially since he was getting closer to Abigail. He was glad they seemed to be getting close. Jack hoped they would be as he and Elizabeth were, growing into and moving forward in their relationship. Jack looked at the clock again, anticipating the end of the school day and time he could spend with Elizabeth.