Chapter 3- New Man in Town
Some time has passed since Jack and Elizabeth professed their love for each other. Their relationship has continued to blossom and grow with each new day. However, a new resident in town may cause one or both of them some concerns.
"Elizabeth?" Jack called to her as he caught her taking in the early morning sunshine from the porch of the café.
"Good morning, Jack. How are you today?" Elizabeth responded.
Jack jumped up to the top step of the porch without touching the other two, took Elizabeth's hand in his, brought it to his lips kissing it gently, and said,"I'm so much better now. My day always seems brighter after I see you."
Elizabeth blushed, but the excitement at seeing Jack this morning was ever so evident on her face. "Jack, you always brighten my day as well," she said.
Jack and Elizabeth sat in a swing on the porch that had recently been hung by Adam Miller, as a gift for all of the time Elizabeth had spent with his girls, as well as, the help Jack had given to him when he was trying to escape his problems. Adam knew how much Jack and Elizabeth cared for each other, as did everyone else in town, and the swing was his way of giving them a place to enjoy the warm summer evenings.
"Adam did a beautiful job with this swing." Elizabeth remarked.
"Yes, he did." Jack said as he placed his arm behind Elizabeth and pulled her closer to him. Jack took his other hand, placed it under her chin, lifting and turning her head to face him, and leaned closer until their lips softly touched. One kiss turned into two, then three, and they were soon lost in the moment. They didn't realize that Abigail had come out onto the porch until they heard her half heartedly cough to get their attention.
Snapped back to reality, Elizabeth buried her head in Jack's shoulder to hide her embarrassment. Jack smiled, rubbing up and down on Elizabeth's arm, to let her know that everything was alright.
Abigail, obviously regretting her interruption of Jack and Elizabeth's sweet moment, needed to ask Jack for some assistance. "Jack?" Abigail asked. "The fire has gone out on my stove, and I have tried several times to get it started. Would you mind coming in and working your Mountie magic on it?"
"I'd be glad to Ma'am!" Jack replied. He kissed Elizabeth on the cheek, got up from his very comfortable seat, and went inside to work his magic on the stove.
"Sorry to take him away." Abigail said to Elizabeth as she entered the café behind Jack.
"Don't worry about it. Jack is always happy to help out, and we will spend time together later this afternoon." Elizabeth assured Abigail.
By the time Abigail reached the kitchen, Jack had worked his magic, and the stove was lit again. Abigail was a bit frustrated, as she did not like to be dependent on others for help. It was obvious that it didn't take much to fix, as Jack got it up and working again before she even made it back to the kitchen. She quickly learned, following the mining accident and the loss of her husband, Noah, and son, Peter, that she no longer had a man to depend on, and would have to dig deep into her own strength to get through the upcoming hardships.
"There you go, Abigail." Jack said as he smiled, but immediately noticed the sadness in her face. "What's wrong, Abigail? It's working again. You can get the food cooked and ready for your hungry customers." Jack said as he tried to lighten the moment.
"Oh, Jack…I really appreciate what you did, whatever it was. I just thought that it was something more involved. Although I am happy that it wasn't, I feel somewhat helpless, and I don't like that." She sat at the kitchen table, and Jack sat across from her. He was so hoping that Elizabeth would come back inside, as he felt that Abigail was in need of a woman to woman talk, and since he didn't know what was wrong, he felt a little uncomfortable with the unknown subject.
Jack inquired again, "Abigail, what's wrong? Would you like me to go get Elizabeth, so you can talk with her?" Jack was so hoping that her answer would be, "Yes." However, Abigail looked off into space and started talking…
"You know, Jack, when Noah and I came to Coal Valley, we really didn't know anyone. We were so young, and had no one but each other to depend on. I am not a weak person, emotionally or physically, but I was very dependent on Noah, and I think… no, I know, he depended on me, too. Following the mine explosion, I realized that he, and Peter, weren't coming home. So many women here, who were also dependent on their men, felt lost."
Jack sat quietly listening to Abigail speak, letting her release the emotion that she had been feeling, but not understanding where it was coming from.
Abigail continued. "I told myself that I would never become dependent on another man. I would stand strong, and take care of myself. I know that the stove not lighting is a simple thing, but it just shows me that I can't be totally self sufficient. I do need help sometimes, and I do need to depend on others at times. That is such a scary thought, because in a heartbeat they can be gone."
Just then, Jack realized where this emotion was coming from. Two days ago, Bill was called away to Herring Bend to deal with a murder investigation. Unfortunately, a Mountie had been slain while making his rounds. What made the situation worse was that he was ambushed. Although Herring Bend was only a one day ride away, Jack understood that Bill was probably busy, and hadn't had time to send word to Abigail that he was safe. Abigail, having been brought back to that emotionally draining mine explosion experience, automatically began thinking the worse.
"Abigail?" Jack called. "I know what is going on, and why you are feeling this way. Bill is gone and you are worried. I can tell you that I believe that Bill is fine and simply very busy with his investigation. I know the helpless feeling you get when someone you love is not here. I have felt that every time that Elizabeth and I are apart. If it will make you feel better, I will send a telegram to find out the status of the investigation."
Abigail smiled and seemed to relax a little. She thanked Jack for his kindness and concern. "That won't be necessary, Jack. I have to be strong and continue to stand on my own two feet." That was all she said before returning to her stove to begin the day's cooking.
Jack opened his mouth to speak when all of a sudden Elizabeth came through the dining room into the kitchen, and surprised them both. She had an envelope in her hand.
"What have you been doing?" Jack inquired. He was happy to help Abigail, and to allow her to get her feelings off of her chest, but knowing that Elizabeth was probably the person she really needed to talk to.
"Why? What's wrong?" Elizabeth replied. "I was outside talking with Ned Yost about the town's celebration next week, and the decorations that still need to be made. We got carried away with plans for the party, and he forgot that his reason for coming over to the café, was to bring this telegram to Abigail."
Abigail ripped open the telegram, and the look on her face revealed the good news of its contents.
"Abigail," Bill wrote, "I am sorry that I did not get word to you right away. The man responsible for killing the Mountie has been apprehended. I am fine, and should be home before the celebration next week. I hope you will allow me to be your escort for the festivities. With very warm thoughts, Bill."
Abigail took a deep breath, and smiled…knowing that the man she was beginning to care for would be home soon.
Jack walked over to Elizabeth, took her hand in his and said, "Miss Thatcher, I need to make my rounds, but would you like to have lunch with me when I return?"
"Well, now Jack," Elizabeth began. "No, I would not like to have lunch with you. I would…"
"What? You don't want to have lunch with me? Why? What did I do?" Jack seemed annoyed.
"Well, what you did, Jack is not let me finish." Elizabeth spoke up. "I would not like to have lunch with you…I would love to have lunch with you."
Jack leaned in, wrapping his arms around Elizabeth, kissing her softly on the lips, and not caring that Abigail saw them. Elizabeth giggled and tried to hide her blushing face.
"Elizabeth?" Abigail said, "Don't be embarrassed. I think it is sweet that Jack feels comfortable enough to kiss you in public."
"Well," Jack interjected, "showing Elizabeth how I feel in front of you is one thing, Abigail."
"Yes," Elizabeth jumped in, "and doing that in front of other townsfolk is something entirely different."
Jack released Elizabeth and started heading for the café door. He turned, looked at Elizabeth with a smile that showed off those dimples she loved, and said, "As much as I would love to spend the entire day with you, I have to do my rounds. I look forward to our lunch today."
"Please be careful, Jack. I will look forward to our lunch as well." Elizabeth said softly.
As Jack left to make his rounds, Elizabeth talked with Abigail about the upcoming party. It was a celebration to give thanks for the prosperity that came with the mine re-opening; and to welcome several new businesses that had recently opened. Coal Valley residents were feeling quite blessed, as they now had a fulltime doctor, Andrew Stapleton, MD., in town. Along with Dr. Stapleton, a Barber Shop, run by Landon Harper, and a seamstress, Charlotte Charles, had shops that were now open for business.
Elizabeth headed over to the Mercantile to purchase more colored paper needed to finish the upcoming party decorations. She met Florence and Cat as they were on their way back home after picking up a few food items from Ned Yost. Florence made it known that it was summer vacation for the children, and she hoped that Elizabeth would not monopolize the children's time making decorations, and keeping them from their chores. Elizabeth assured her that the children would not be required to do any work for the celebration that they, or their parents, did not want them to do. The three women exchanged pleasantries and then headed about their tasks at hand.
"Hello Miss Thatcher. Can I help you with anything?" Ned Yost greeted Elizabeth as she entered the Mercantile.
Elizabeth smiled and said, "I forgot when I saw you earlier that I need colored paper to make some of the decorations for the upcoming celebration."
Mr. Yost left the counter and headed to the back of the store where he retrieved a large pack of colored paper, which he handed over to Elizabeth. She reached into her purse to get her money to pay for the paper, when Mr. Yost advised her that it was his contribution to the party.
"Thank you, Mr. Yost. That is very kind of you."
"You are very welcome, Miss Thatcher. I know it isn't much, but it is something that I can do to help out. If there is anything else you need, let me know." Mr. Yost eagerly responded. Elizabeth thanked him and headed out the door.
Elizabeth headed over to the saloon to take inventory of what decorations would be needed for the festivities. Gabe, Gem, James, and Rachael had met several times over the past few days, after completing their chores at home, to make the decorations. Elizabeth took inventory of the paper flowers, chains, signs, and the pictures drawn by the school children just before their summer break began. Elizabeth had found several bolts of ribbon that had made its way into shipping boxes that were sent from her family. "These will make beautiful bows to place on the handrail of the staircase," Elizabeth thought. She took out the colored paper that she had just obtained from Mr. Yost and began cutting strips to make more chains. Before she realized it, the time had gotten away from her, and she was late for her lunch date with Jack. Although, she hadn't heard from Jack, so apparently he was running late too. As she packed her things up, and left the saloon, she ran into Dr. Stapleton, who was coming back from a sick call.
Dr. Stapleton was a handsome man, in his late twenties, with light brown hair, and bright blue eyes. He had only arrived in town recently, and Elizabeth had been kind and helped him settle in, much to Jack's chagrin. However, to be fair, Elizabeth had also helped Mrs. Charles get things moved into her new shop. She actually came to town with her husband, James, who moved to Coal Valley to work in the mines.
Although Jack was glad to have a fulltime doctor in town, he actually wished that he wasn't so young, and according to the other women in town, "so nice looking." On the few occasions that Elizabeth had spoken to Dr. Stapleton, she found him to be kind and considerate, and had heard from others that he was a talented physician.
"Hello, Miss Thatcher. How are you today? He asked.
"I am doing well, Dr. Stapleton." Elizabeth caught a glimpse of his medical bag, and said, "I guess you are being kept busy with house calls?
Dr. Stapleton continued, "Yes, always someone to tend to, especially in a town where medical care has been lacking." He peeked in the window of the saloon as he changed the subject, "I am looking forward to the party next week. I have heard from others that the food is wonderful, and that you and the children always do a beautiful job with the decorations."
Elizabeth, smiled and said, "you will not be disappointed in either the food or decorations, and I am sure you will have a great time."
"Would you feel comfortable calling me Andrew?" He politely asked.
Elizabeth, feeling fairly comfortable with him because he was so young and seemed to be an honorable man from what she had seen and heard from others, smiled and said, "Only if you agree to call me Elizabeth."
Jack arrived back in town from making his rounds, and observed Elizabeth talking with Dr. Stapleton.
Jack was a little jealous of him; not because he had given him reason to be, but because the women in town had mentioned how handsome and sweet he was. Jack walked up on Dr. Stapleton and Elizabeth, as he heard the doctor ask Elizabeth if she had a date for the party. Jack quickened his stride, stepped up behind Elizabeth, and put his arms around her, startling her.
"Oh Jack, you scared me." Elizabeth was a little embarrassed as she was not sure how much of their conversation he had heard or if anyone around had also observed his display of affection. She continued, "Dr. Stapleton and I were just talking about his work, and the celebration next week."
"Yes," Jack said, "that party will be a highlight in town. I look so forward to having you on my arm." Jack smiled at Elizabeth, but glanced at Dr. Stapleton, and noticing a sadness in his expression. Jack looked back at Elizabeth and said "are we still having lunch together today?"
Elizabeth laughed and said, "Well, it's pretty late. I guess it will be more like dinner, but I'm looking forward to it. I guess we better go."
"Goodbye, Elizabeth…Goodbye, Constable," Dr. Stapleton called as he turned to head for his office.
"Goodbye, Andrew. Have a nice day." Elizabeth replied.
Jack and Elizabeth headed back to the café. Before they reached the steps out front, Jack turned to her and said, "Andrew? And he is getting a bit comfortable with you…calling you Elizabeth."
Elizabeth looked around and seeing no one else in the street, took Jack's hand, placing it on her heart, and said, "Do you feel that? It's my heart, and it beats only for you." Jack smiled, but it only lasted for a moment. They sat on the porch swing waiting for the café business to die down before going inside.
"Elizabeth, I did hear the good doctor invite you to the party, but I don't recall you telling him that you were going with me." Jack said with concern in his voice.
"Well Jack," Elizabeth replied, "I didn't get a chance to respond. Besides, I think you basically told him that I would be going with you. Although I don't recall you actually asking me. Of course, I am going with you. You are the only person I would want to go with. If I didn't know better I would think that you are jealous."
"I am not jealous." Jack stated rather indignantly. "Okay, maybe I am jealous. I don't like other men showing you special attention. I am the only one who should do that. Why is it, Elizabeth, that when Rosemary came to town, you weren't jealous of her. It bothers me when other men show you attention, but with Rosemary, you seemed to be pushing me to her."
"Jack," Elizabeth started, "don't make the mistake of thinking that I wasn't jealous. I was very envious of the memories you two shared, and the things you had in common. I have cared about you for a long time, but Rosemary made me feel inferior to her. I wanted you to pick me…to love me. But, I could never be like Rosemary. I wanted you to be with me, because you wanted to be with me. Please, Jack, let's not deal with jealousy anymore." Elizabeth said as a tear ran down her cheek. "I did not hear Andrew ask me to the party. What I heard was him ask if I had a date for the party. That's different, and maybe he was just being polite."
"Elizabeth, really? Don't you realize what he wanted to know? Jack questioned. "He wanted to ask you to the party."
Elizabeth stood up from the swing, turned to face Jack and said, "I do not know what Rosemary did to you that made you so insecure. I know that she broke off your engagement, and I am sure that was hurtful. However, you have told me many times that you really didn't love her, so you should consider her leaving you as a blessing. I have told you that I love you, and I have given you no reason to question my feelings or actions. Andrew is a nice man, who has come to Coal Valley to make a life for himself, and to take care of the medical needs of this town. He is not Billy Hamilton, and I am not Rosemary LeVeaux." Elizabeth turned and walked inside the café without saying goodbye to Jack.
"How can I be so lucky one minute, and so stupid the next?" Jack muttered under his breath.
To be continued….