Hi Hearties. Thank you for all the reviews, unfortunately they aren't showing up on the site. But I have read them all and I want to say thank you for taking the time to read and review. Finally we find out who is behind Jack's transfer request.
Once again thank you to Lisa for reading and editing my work, as always. I loved reading your commentary, gave me a good laugh.
Happy reading Hearties
Elizabeth paused at the doorway to her childhood home, well actually if she thought about it, she was standing at the entry to her childhood mansion. Sighing she reached across the doorway to ring the doorbell. Waiting the few moments it took from the butler to come, she looked around her surroundings wishing that Jack was with her. It had been a long journey out from Hope Valley. It was the first time in a long time, if ever, she had travelled back to Hamilton by herself. Lee had accompanied her to Cape Fullerton, saw her safely onto the train and then it had been an uneventful ride to Hamilton in her lonely compartment.
Jack had met her at the train station, even if he had been on duty they had managed to squeeze in a quick sandwich before he was required back at Regional Headquarters.
Over lunch they had discussed Jack's two or so weeks in Hamilton.
"I can take your luggage with me back to the office so you won't need to take it to your parents and then back again," Jack informed her as the waitress placed a sandwich in front of them both, as they sat in a small café just outside the train station.
"But Jack, it's no trouble to take it to Mother and Father's. I'm sure that it would be more trouble to you to have to take them back to the cottage and then have to go back to headquarters."
"I can take them back to the headquarters and place them in my office. I can either bring them with me when I come to your parents or we can take them home when I finish work this afternoon," confirmed Jack. "But Elizabeth, how much did you pack this time?"
"Jack! That wasn't funny two years ago, it's not funny now," huffed Elizabeth.
Jack smirked slightly.
"So Hamilton, how is it?"
"The Mounties have issued us with a small cottage for as long as we need it. It's only a meagre little thing and I know that it's not what you would be used to here in Hamilton," apologised Jack.
"Oh Jack, I'm sure it will be fine."
"It's not far from headquarters and it's a little small place, with the one bedroom. The kitchen isn't much bigger. However, there is a nice dining room that can fit a few people, Julie would be able to come for dinner if you'd like. It's one saving grace is that there is indoor plumbing."
Elizabeth smiled at the comment. Whilst it wouldn't be the big Thatcher house, it would still be nice.
"…And it's been updated recently. Previously the force hasn't provided housing to their officers. So as this posting is only temporary, they were able to find something for the both of us. It's there for as long as we need it, but I'm hoping that we won't need to spend your entire summer holidays here in Hamilton," Jack informed her.
"And how is the work?" Elizabeth inquired, just enjoying hearing Jack talk.
"Different," confirmed Jack.
"Different?"
"Working in a busy city is different to Hope Valley. Here I am not the only officer to deal with every little problem that arises. It means I'm actually on a roster; there are night shifts to undertake, but rarely have I been called out of my bed to deal with anything. The other officers who hold the same rank seem like good officers. I have a few young bright men who are under my command. My own command, did you ever think I would have one of those?" he smiled, his dimples on full display.
Elizabeth looked over at him, proud of her husband, knowing that he could take on anything.
"Of course I did. I know one day you will command the entire force, Mr Thornton," Elizabeth told him, leaning over to place a kiss on his cheek.
"Elizabeth," breathed Jack as he raised his hand to hook around her chin which allowed him to fully press his lips against hers.
Elizabeth felt the blush creep up her face.
"Jack!" she hissed.
He smirked in reply, letting her go. Settling back into his seat, he resumed his commentary on Hamilton.
"This command is why it's taking so long for me to be returned to Hope Valley," Jack confessed. "They need someone of the same authority to replace me, but they are still no closer to finding someone to do so yet. They have not been able to even work out what or who caused the transfer," he said apologetically.
Elizabeth only smiled as he reached over to grasp her hand. She was still content just to sit and allow Jack's words to wash over her.
All too soon though, Jack was looking up at the wall clock.
"My dear Elizabeth, I am needed back at headquarters," he apologised.
Elizabeth's smile dimmed slightly.
"Are you sure?" Elizabeth gently pleaded.
The corners of Jack's mouth twitched as he stood to help Elizabeth to her feet.
As she stood, Jack pulled her closer and whispered. "I do believe you were flirting with me Mrs Thornton!"
"Is it working?" Elizabeth boldly asked, as they left the café.
Jack closed the gap between them, sliding his arms around her and kissed her softly. Pulling back slightly, Elizabeth gave him a half smile.
"I love you Elizabeth Thornton," he said softly. "Ring the station when you're ready to be collected," he told her as he opened the door to the car that Mr Thatcher had sent to collect Elizabeth.
Placing one last kiss on her hand, he nodded to the driver and let go of Elizabeth's hand.
Elizabeth gave him one last longing look before settling into her seat.
Their time together had been much too short, and unfortunately Jack hadn't been able to join her and the family for lunch.
"Miss Elizabeth," the Thatcher's butler greeted her, pulling her out of her reverie.
Elizabeth shook her head slightly and looked up.
"Harold," she greeted warmly. "How are you? Is your family well?"
"They are Miss. Where is your luggage?" he inquired.
"With Jack," confirmed Elizabeth. "Currently sitting at Mountie Headquarters," she managed to say with a straight face.
"You and Mr Thornton won't be staying here? I was under the understanding that you would both be here. Your room has already been prepared," Harold commented, standing aside to allow Elizabeth to pass.
"No," confirmed Elizabeth. "Jack and I will be staying elsewhere this trip."
Harold smiled as he led her towards the living room where the rest of the Thatchers were waiting.
"Mrs Thornton," announced Harold as Elizabeth entered the room. There waiting for her were her parents, Julie and Viola along with her baby daughter.
"Elizabeth!" Julie squealed as she jumped out of her seat and rushed over to embrace her sister.
"Julie," Mrs Thatcher admonished. "Let your sister breathe. Sit back down."
Elizabeth grinned as she watched Julie slink back to her seat, annoyance crossing her face.
"Mother, Father," Elizabeth greeted her parents leaning down to hug them both in turn.
"Viola," she continued as she turned slightly to greet her eldest sister. Walking towards Viola, a small Moses type bassinet placed on the floor caught her eye. After hugging Viola, she crouched down to glance into the basket to meet her niece.
A breath caught in her throat as she pulled the blanket around Mary's face down slightly and gently ran a finger across the baby's soft cheek.
Elizabeth allowed herself a moment to imagine what life would be like with a baby in their family. She could see the wooden cot and change table that Jack would make, with Rip laying next to the dark wooden legs as if he was keeping watch. Letting her imagination run a little further, she saw herself moving slightly in a rocking chair, watching Jack enter the small room that she imagined would be just off their main bedroom. Jack, still in his uniform although his red serge was undone and the belts missing, was carrying a small bundle wrapped up in white blankets. He was holding the bundle slightly upright with the baby's head leaning against his shoulder. He was dancing, or swaying slightly in a way to ensure the baby was being lulled to sleep, whilst singing softly. It was this perfect image that Elizabeth's heart longed for.
"Elizabeth," Viola greeted civilly, pulling Elizabeth out of her little daydream.
Elizabeth turned and smiled at Viola, almost asking permission. As Viola nodded slightly, Elizabeth reached into the bassinet and gently pulled this precious bundle that was her niece towards herself.
Taking a seat next to Julie, Elizabeth turned her attention to Viola. "And where is Lionel today?" Elizabeth inquired, expecting to see her brother-in-law with the family, after all where else would he be.
"He's meeting with some clients in regard to the business back in London," Viola replied, a posh English accent starting to creep in.
"And how is England treating you?"
Viola only nodded her head.
"Viola was telling us about the friends she had made over there and the lovely house she and Lionel have. The grounds sound exquisite! Father and I are planning on visiting them in the fall," Grace filled Elizabeth in.
Elizabeth nodded politely, as she saw Julie roll her eyes out of the corner of her eye.
"Beth, where is Jack?" her father inquired, giving her a hard stare. "I expected him to be here with you. He didn't allow you to travel all this way alone did he?" the disapproval evident in his question.
Elizabeth froze slightly. What was she going to say to them?
"No Father. Jack was required at Police Headquarters; there was some paperwork he needed to bring across from Hope Valley. He sends his apologises for lunch, however he will be here for dinner," Elizabeth informed them, conveniently leaving out how long Jack had already been in Hamilton.
Cradling Mary closer, Elizabeth settled further down on the lounge. She was content to sit there, breathing in the sweet baby smell, enjoying its intoxicating scent and listening to her family talk around her.
Julie turned to her, giving her a knowing smile.
"Julie?" Elizabeth questioned.
"Just wondering how long until you and Jack have an announcement of your own," Julie teased.
"Julie Thatcher," came Elizabeth's slightly shocked reply.
"You can't blame her for asking Elizabeth," Viola's voice rang out.
Elizabeth's head shot up, looking over at both Viola and her mother who was nodding along.
"Elizabeth dear, you and Constable…" started Viola.
"Jack," interjected Elizabeth sternly. "He's family now Viola, it's a not a hard name to learn."
"Nevertheless my dear," continued Grace, "you and… Jack," she managed to get out. "…have been married for a considerable period of time now. People will talk if you do not have children soon."
"Let them talk. It is none of their business," retorted Elizabeth.
"Now Beth," her father took over. "Can you imagine what people will think? They will think that there is something wrong with our bloodline… with our family."
"Well Viola and Lionel have a family…"
"Yes, well Sir Lionel is of slightly different breeding to Jack," sniffed Viola.
Elizabeth recoiled back as if she had been slapped.
"Viola, how dare you," Julie smartly replied. "We couldn't have asked or prayed for a better brother than Jack. Nor any man who cares and would protect our dear sister more than Jack!"
Elizabeth smiled at her younger sister as she juggled Mary to be able to lean over and place a kiss on Julie's cheek.
"Thank you Julie," she honestly said. Turning back to her parents, she settled her emotions. "Whether Jack and I decided to have children now or in the future has nothing to do with our family. It is a decision between us and God, and no one else. I do not care for what might be said in society, they have no place in our relationship. I am still very much learning about my students and my teaching style, and Jack is still enjoying his time as a Mountie in Hope Valley. We have no plans to leave that life behind in a hurry."
William Thatcher's face paled, although Elizabeth was yet to notice.
"Elizabeth, would you like to freshen up? I'm sure your luggage has been taken up to your room. Would you like some time to rest until Jack arrives?" William asked.
"Thank you, but no. Jack and I won't be staying here during our stay here in Hamilton."
"Really, Elizabeth?" Grace
Elizabeth nodded slowly. "Jack and I decided to stay by ourselves whilst on holidays this time. We wanted to visit Tom and Mary while we're here," confirmed Elizabeth.
"I would have assumed that you both would have stayed here, especially whilst Jack is working. Staying here would be easier as you look for a new house to live in," William commented.
"I do hope you won't be living too far away," added Grace.
Elizabeth frowned confusingly at them; she hadn't mentioned that Jack had been transferred to Hamilton. Nothing that she had said would have led them to that conclusion.
"You're moving home?" Julie asked, hope evident in her question.
Elizabeth rose from the lounge with a stony look on her face.
"Father," she stated with an even voice. "Can I see you in your office for a moment please?" she finished as she walked towards Viola and passed Mary into her arms.
Standing in her father's office, she waited until he had shut the door.
"Beth, dear…" he started.
"No, no Beth dear. I never said anything about Jack working. Why would you assume that Jack would be working whilst he is here?" accused Elizabeth.
"I just assumed that Jack would have to do some work to do with the Mounties whilst he is here," William tried backpedalling.
Elizabeth gave her father her classic scary teacher look.
"I think you know more than you are saying Father. Both you and Mother mentioned looking for a house in Hamilton."
"Beth."
"What have you done?"
The door behind her opened. "Elizabeth, we did what we thought was best for you," Grace told her as she entered the room.
"Beth, have a seat," her father offered.
Elizabeth shook her head. "No! You do not get to dictate where Jack and I live. How we live our lives."
"Elizabeth, how can you expect to continue to live out in the west? When you have a family, you will need your family around you," Grace told her.
Elizabeth scoffed slightly. "Like Viola does?"
"Beth, that's not the same. Lionel has provided well for her, she has many people around her. She is not living in the remote wildness."
"Father, Jack and I are happy in Hope Valley. We have friends around us, friends who would do anything for us. I do not want for anything with Jack. Whilst you might not be comfortable living there, I am. You need to respect the decisions that I make," Elizabeth told them.
Turning to leave, she marched towards the door. Pausing slightly, she looked over her shoulder, "And the next time Jack is in this house, I expect that you apologise to him. You do not have the right to control his career. He is a fine Mountie who is well respected and liked by his colleagues. You are not to mess this up," she firmly told them as she closed the door behind her.
Grace sunk into a chair, looking up at William.
"What have we done?"
Resting a hand on her shoulder he spoke as he looked out the window. "There is nothing wrong with wanting the best for our children," he told her.
Grace shook her head. "I'm not sure we've done the right thing," she replied.
Elizabeth calmly walked out of the office and towards the front door. Picking up her bag which had been placed on the hallway table, she glanced back. Was it worth walking back into the sitting room to farewell her sisters? She knew that it was the correct thing to do, but all she wanted to do was to see Jack and explain everything. Shaking her head, she walked determinedly towards the door.
"Elizabeth," a voice called from behind her.
"Aunt Agatha?" Elizabeth questioned turning around to face the voice.
Sure enough, Agatha stood in front of Elizabeth.
"Aunt Agatha, I didn't know you were here," exclaimed Elizabeth leaning over to hug her Aunty.
"You seem to be in a rush to leave my dear."
Elizabeth hung her head slightly.
"Beth? What's wrong?"
"Mother and Father are just meddling in my life again," confessed Elizabeth.
Agatha sighed. "What did they do this time?"
"Had Jack transferred to Hamilton. It's been a mystery as to why Jack had been transferred. The message to us was a transfer request had been placed on his behalf and I've just found out who was behind it all."
Agatha had no words for her, simply took her free hand and gave it a big squeeze. "You, my dear, need to go and find your Mountie. My driver is just outside; have him drive you to wherever Jack is."
"Thank you, Aunt Agatha," Elizabeth said, placing a kiss on her cheek.
A short drive later, Elizabeth was standing in front of Regional Headquarters. Taking a deep breath, she walked towards the door.
How was Jack going to react? He never had liked how her family would meddle in their lives. It was all stemming back to the fact that they never thought that Jack was good enough for her, that as a Mountie he was not enough. By having him transferred to Hamilton, they would expect that Elizabeth would move home and they would have more control in her life.
Walking up to the Mountie on duty, Elizabeth smiled and asked for Jack.
"Who shall I say is asking for him?" the constable enquired.
"His wife," Elizabeth replied.
"Constable Thornton? Jack Thornton? His wife?" the constable confirmed, confusion evident.
Elizabeth looked back at the constable. "Yes, I'm Mrs Jack Thornton," just as confused.
There we are Hearties. One mystery solved, to be replaced by another...
Please do feel free to review and I'm always interested to hear what you think about the chapter and what might happen next.
~Em