Disclaimer: I do not own the characters within this story. All rights and much respect go to Crown Media, Hallmark, Brian Bird, Michael Landon, Jr., the creators, actors, and writers of the show "When Calls the Heart."
Chapter 9- Truth or Deception
Jack rode towards Buxton…again. He had been on horseback so much lately that he was beginning to feel as though he and his horse were one. His best case scenario would be arriving in Toronto by tomorrow early afternoon, and he prayed that Elizabeth would still be there. He rode throughout the morning, making great time, and arrived in Buxton earlier than planned. He had just enough time to make arrangements at the livery for his horse, and sprinted back to the station to secure his ticket on the earlier train to Toronto. He wanted to send word to Elizabeth that he was on his way, but didn't have any idea where she was staying.
Matthew and Elizabeth spent the day taking in the sites, and trying some of Toronto's local cuisine. Elizabeth forced a smile, but deep inside her thoughts were with Jack, and her desire to be returning home to him soon…very soon. However, she had no plans to leave Toronto without an agreement from the School Board that she would be able to remain in Hope Valley.
"Are you okay?" Matthew asked.
"I'm sorry, Matthew. I'm just missing home…and Jack," she replied.
"I know that your trip here hasn't been the best so far, but tomorrow we'll work out the transfer issue, and make your visit worthwhile. I'm sure your Mountie will be happy to have you back home, and who knows, maybe we'll cross paths again someday," he commented.
"I hope your right about the transfer issue, because…" she started to say.
"There is no "because. Don't worry, if there is some directive that I know nothing about, I'll see to it that yours disappears," he assured her.
"I appreciate that Matthew, but I wouldn't want to see you get into trouble," she remarked.
"Where would you like to go now?" He asked.
"To be honest, Matthew, I'm tired, and I'm not really into sightseeing today. Would you be upset if I called it a day?" She asked.
"No, I understand, but would it be okay if I checked on you later? Maybe we could have dinner together," he responded.
Elizabeth gathered her shawl and her purse and stood from her chair, "I appreciate the offer, but I think I'll just call for room service for dinner. I'm not really hungry, and I have so much on my mind."
"Well, you know where I'm staying if you change your mind," he advised her.
"Matthew, I want to thank you for everything, and I do mean everything. I'll definitely see you tomorrow at the School Board office. I'll be there bright and early; hopefully I can get the situation resolved quickly and be on my way home by lunch time," she stated, feeling positive in her resolve to obtain the answer she would demand.
"Elizabeth, I'll come by later…hopefully you'll change your mind and have dinner with me. I've enjoyed your company, and would love to have dinner with you once more before you leave to return home," Matthew commented, almost begging for the opportunity to spend a little more time with her.
Realizing that she may need his help in resolving the School Board issue, Elizabeth smiled, "Okay, do you want to meet in the restaurant at my hotel around 7?"
"I'd really like to take you to this Italian restaurant on the edge of town. The food is exquisite; it's out of the way, quiet, and I think you will love it. It may even take your mind off of missing your Mountie for a little while," he offered.
"Well, I'd love to, but I can guarantee that Jack will never be far from my thoughts," she advised. "Should I meet you there around 7?"
"I'll come by and get you around 6:45…that way you don't need to walk alone," he replied.
"That's not necessary, but I do appreciate it," Elizabeth stated. She walked with Matthew toward the door of the restaurant, "Do you happen to know where the telegraph office is? I'd like to send a telegram to Jack and let him know that I should be on my way home tomorrow."
"I'll walk with you…It's just at the end of the street. I'll send a telegram to my sister to let her know I arrived safely," he responded.
Matthew held the door for her as they made their way outside. It was late in the afternoon, but the sun was still high in the sky, and Elizabeth was warm enough that her shawl was no longer needed. As she started to slip the shawl off her shoulders, the lace dropped over a button on Matthew's jacket. They stood on the sidewalk laughing as Matthew untangled her shawl; both were unaware that they were being watched through the window of the café.
Inside the café, a young woman, approximately Elizabeth's age, was sitting alone, obviously more interested in Matthew and Elizabeth than the fresh salad before her. Her eyes followed them as they headed down the street.
They walked into the telegraph office, each one filling out their telegram to their respective parties…
Dear Jack,
You won't believe my luck. I've met someone who works in the School Board. I hope to have everything resolved, and will be home soon.
I love you,
Elizabeth
Elizabeth paid for her telegram, and walked outside where Matthew was waiting on her.
"I'm sure that your Mountie will be happy to see you. I know if you were my girl, I'd be here with you," Matthew commented.
"Well Matthew, he was on rounds when I decided to leave. He didn't know I was going, and he's probably upset with me that I didn't wait on him. I couldn't wait; I had to get here, and get everything resolved as soon as possible. It's just luck that I met you," Elizabeth responded with a smile and a look of appreciation.
"I don't believe in luck; I believe things happen for a reason. We were meant to meet…I know that you have to return home, but I look forward to seeing you in the very near future. Your Mountie needs to know how lucky he is to have you," he stated in a matter of fact tone.
"I'm the lucky one…and Matthew? His name is Jack…Constable Jack Thornton," she advised, making it perfectly clear where her heart lay.
"I'm sorry, Elizabeth. I meant no disrespect," Matthew responded, realizing how condescending he sounded.
"Matthew, we hardly know each other…I mean we met years ago, but I can't say that we were friends. So, I don't know that I need to explain myself to you; I don't need to justify my relationship with Jack, but I want you to know what a kind, considerate, and loving man he is. Trust me, if he had known I was coming here, he would have been here beside me…I just know it," she stated firmly, as her voice trailed off to a whisper near the end.
Buxton…
"Hey Jack, what are you doing in town?" Constable Riley Thomas called out from the end of the hallway.
Jack smiled, and walked toward him, extending his arm to shake his hand, "Well Riley Thomas, it seems like forever since we've seen each other. How have you been?" Jack asked.
"I'm doing well. Do you have any plans for dinner?" Riley asked. "There are some new women in town for the night: they're heading to Ottawa for school, but they don't leave until tomorrow. I met them outside the train sta…"
"I'm interested in catching up with you Riley; my train leaves in an hour, but I have a little time for lunch," Jack stated.
"Well, lunch…dinner, makes no difference. I'm sure the girls would still love to go out…" Riley advised.
"I'm not interested in entertaining anyone. I have a very special woman…well, we live in Hope Valley, but I'm on my way to see her in Toronto. It's a long story, but I'm not interested in any female companionship. So if that's what you're looking for, I'll catch you maybe on my next trip through," Jack stated soundly.
"I'm sorry, Jack. I didn't mean to imply anything. She must be something to have wrangled you. If I recall correctly, you had just broken up with that girl, Roseanne…"
"Rosemary," Jack corrected him.
"That's right, Rosemary. She sure was the life of the party, but I have to admit, I never really saw her as a match for you," Riley remarked.
"And it's a good thing she wasn't or I would never have met Elizabeth," Jack stated as his face lit up when the sound of her name passed through his lips.
"I know a great place for lunch," Riley stated as he led the way to the café on the corner.
"Sounds good," Jack followed, joining in step as they walked and talked on the sidewalk.
Jack rushed through lunch, trying to catch up quickly before having to dash off and meet the train.
Once they finished lunch, Jack and Riley promised not to allow too much time to pass again before meeting up, and Jack shook his hand before sprinting to the station to meet his train.
Jack sat close to the window, and gazed out as the scenery passed quickly by. He stuck his hand in his pocket and felt the soft velvet covering of the ring box, and his heart began to beat faster. No matter the situation, no matter who wrote the telegram or why, his desire was still the same…to propose to her. He settled into his seat, alone except for a family of four seated three rows ahead of him, and a group of college students seated directly behind him who were headed to Toronto on vacation.
Toronto…
*Knock, knock, knock…
"Just a minute," Elizabeth called out as she heard the knock on her hotel room door.
"Good evening, Matthew. Just let me grab my shawl, and I'll be right out," she stated as she walked over to the bed to retrieve her cape.
"You look beautiful this evening," Matthew remarked as she stepped out into the hallway, closing the door behind her.
She felt slightly uncomfortable with his compliment, and only agreed to dinner in order to stay on friendly terms with him while she confronts the School Board. She had no difficulty keeping this relationship platonic, as her love and thoughts were always with Jack.
Elizabeth and Matthew reached Donatello's Restaurant, located on Elm Street, and he held the door as she stepped inside. They were taken to their table which was situated in the corner, away from the general traffic. As they sat and talked, Elizabeth's eyes were drawn to a table across the room from them.
"Is something wrong?" Matthew asked.
"No, but there's a woman across the room that I think is staring at us… No, don't look," she quickly stated as Matthew started to turn around.
"Maybe you know her…" he remarked.
"I can't imagine coming across anyone I know out here," she stated as she sat pensively.
"You came across me in an even more remote area…it's possible," he reminded her.
Elizabeth noted that the woman appeared to be covering her face, doing what she could to hide herself from them.
"Matthew, do you remember Sandra Morgan from Hamilton? I think that's her…" Elizabeth stated as she folded her napkin, laid it on the table, and stood from her seat.
"I don't believe I've ever met her," Matthew responded.
Elizabeth excused herself as she walked across the room for a closer look, and to confront the woman who was leaving her with an uneasy feeling.
"Sandra…Is that you?" Elizabeth called out.
"Yes…Oh Elizabeth is that you?" She asked, trying to act surprised.
"What are you doing here?" Elizabeth asked, observing that the young woman was seated alone, her spaghetti was barely eaten.
"I live here now," Sandra replied, appearing slightly nervous.
"Are you eating alone? If so, you're welcome to come join us," Elizabeth offered.
"Who is that you're sitting with? It's obviously not Charles over there. Aren't you two married by now?" Sandra asked.
"Me…Charles…? No, that was never meant to be. Charles and I just stayed friends. We weren't meant to be anything more," Elizabeth clarified.
"Who is that? He looks familiar… Are you two courting?" Sandra asked.
"No, do you remember Matthew and Benjamin Howell?"
"I know Benjamin…is Matthew his brother?" Sandra asked.
Elizabeth turned her head and gave a knowing glance in Matthew's direction, "Yes, but he was away at school when his family moved to Hamilton. We just happened to be traveling out here together."
"Oh, so you two are courting?" Sandra asked.
"Oh…no, I'm sorry, that didn't come out right. I meant that we came across each other in Bennett's Pass, and we were both heading to Toronto, so we rode together. It wasn't planned or anything like that," Elizabeth stated, feeling obligated to explain her situation.
"Oh my, I thought someone told me that you and Charles were courting. That's a shame; I always thought that you two made a lovely couple," Sandra stated. "Any chance you two will get back together?"
"We never were a couple, so there is no chance at all that we will become one," Elizabeth assured her.
"I'm so sorry for everything," Sandra commented.
"Don't feel sorry for me, Sandra. I'm involved in a courtship with a wonderful man. His name is Jack… Jack Thornton. I'm living in Hope Valley now. It's a wonderful little town, and I teach the most precious children. When I moved there, I met Jack…he's the Constable in Hope Valley," Elizabeth informed her. "Did you and Arthur ever marry?"
"No, when we went away to school, we ended up going our separate ways. What brought you out here to Toronto?" Sandra asked.
Seeing a friend from home, Elizabeth almost forgot her troubles with the School Board… "I have some issues with my teaching position. Can you believe that the School Board wants to move unmarried teachers away from their current assignments? Have you ever heard anything so absurd? I mean, just because…"
Sandra quickly cut her off, "Well, it was nice seeing you, but I have to leave. Sorry to rush off, but I have someone waiting on me." Sandra gathered her belongings…
"But wait; don't you have a few minutes that we can talk? I mean, I never thought you'd leave Hamilton…what took you away?" Elizabeth quickly asked but it was evident that Sandra was nervous and desperate to leave.
Elizabeth watched as Sandra forced a smile at her and Matthew, and left the dining room. Suddenly, as if a light clicked on in Elizabeth's head, something that Sandra said struck an odd chord… "I'm sorry for everything? What did she mean by that?" Elizabeth thought as she headed back to her table and Matthew.
"Was that your friend from Hamilton?" Matthew asked.
"Yes, but something's different about her. She was always so kind, thoughtful, and interested is what everyone was doing…" Elizabeth stated.
"Oh, so she was a busy-body?" Matthew asked with a soft laugh.
Elizabeth furrowed her brow, "No, I didn't mean it that way. She was a good friend of mine. Both she and Arthur Pendleton…Did you know Arthur? He was closer to your age. Anyway, they were courting and I, well I mean everyone, assumed that they would marry, but they apparently broke up after we finished secondary school. That's so sad…"
Matthew shook his head back and forth, "No, I don't believe I ever had the pleasure to meet either of them."
Elizabeth's plate of Eggplant Parmigiana and Matthew's meal of Lasagna were delivered to their table. The dinner conversation consisted predominately of Matthew insisting to Elizabeth that he would take care of her tomorrow at the School Board office; that everything would be okay, and she needn't worry.
"I appreciate everything, Matthew, I really do, but I don't want you to get into any trouble…especially since you're starting your new job," she remarked.
Matthew reached across the table and placed his hand on top of hers, squeezing it slightly, "Elizabeth, if this is a new directive, I do not approve, and I'll take care to dismiss it. So please don't worry!"
Elizabeth smiled, but withdrew her hand from his quickly.
Matthew walked her to her hotel, saw her to her room.
Elizabeth walked into her room, closed the door, and she only heard Matthew walk away after the lock was securely fastened. She walked over to her bed, sat down, pulled her journal from its secure place in her bag, opened it to the next blank page, and began to write…
"At times, accepting situations as they are presented is like watching leaves change color and fall from the trees as autumn approaches. You know it will happen, every year is the same, and there is basically nothing you can do to change the inevitability. Things do happen for a reason… Maybe it's meant to help us grow independently; maybe it's meant to help us realize the strengths we hold inside, but rarely use, and maybe, just maybe it's meant to push us into making necessary decisions that we may be hesitant to do otherwise. Some things, like the leaves, we cannot change. However, you must choose your battles wisely; place your energy where you will accomplish the most, and stand firm against the injustices before you. In the end, win, lose or draw, feel pride in your accomplishments, but do not despair in those endeavors which do not bring about your desired result. Be passionate; be self confident, but most importantly, be proud!"
The train arrived early in the morning, and Jack set out to find Elizabeth. Each hotel he went to gave him the same spiel… "Our guest's privacy is very important to us, and we can not divulge that information."
"How am I going to find her in this big city?" He asked himself. Jack continued walking, stopping at a café for a cup of coffee. He hadn't slept; he wished he could wash up, shave and change clothes before seeing her, but right now his sole concern was finding Elizabeth and making certain that she was okay. His thoughts were that her father had something to do with the letter, hoping to force her to return home, but visions of her being stalked by someone else unknown to them worried him. As he glanced across the street, he saw the Imperial Inn, and remembered her telling him that her family stayed there many times when they accompanied her father on business trips. Jack jumped up, paid for his coffee, and ran out the door.
He entered the Imperial Inn and proceeded to the main desk…
"Excuse me," Jack called out.
The staff acted as though he were not there. He knew that his appearance most likely caused them to think of him as unable to afford the pricey rooms at their establishment.
Jack waited patiently…well, maybe not so patiently, but he wanted to get a look at the guest book, so he stood nearby, simply waiting for a chance. The clerk was called to the back room, and although he gave Jack a cautious glance, he walked away, leaving the guest book in plain sight.
Jack stepped up; he looked quickly… Room #423 Elizabeth Thatcher… and he headed for the elevator.
As the door closed, Matthew entered the hotel. He hoped to take Elizabeth to breakfast before heading over to the School Board office.
Jack exited the elevator on the fourth floor, glanced quickly at the room signs and headed to the left down the hallway. He reached Room #423, leaned up against the door frame, and began knocking… "Elizabeth… it's me, Jack. Are you in there?"
"Jack…is that really you?" Elizabeth called out from the back of the room, but barely audible. She rushed to the door.
Jack's knocking became louder and more persistent.
*BAM, Jack felt a tug on his arm, and before he knew it, he was on the ground.
"Elizabeth, are you alright?" Matthew yelled as the door opened.
Elizabeth was shocked to see Jack jumping up from the ground, his fists clenched, and his right arm drawn back, preparing to throw his first punch. She observed Matthew standing between her and Jack, in a boxer's stance waiting to take on this opponent to protect her.
"Stop…both of you," she yelled.
At the sound of her voice, both men backed down, but tensions were still high. Matthew remained in front of her, protecting her from this man he did not know.
"Stop it, now," she called out again as she pushed past Matthew to check on Jack. "Are you all right, Jack," she asked as she gently rubbed the red mark on his cheek with her thumb.
"Jack… this is Jack?" Matthew stated, finding it hard to believe that this scruffy, needing fresh clothes man could possibly have won Elizabeth's heart.
"Yes, this is Jack… Jack, this is Matthew Howell. He's taking over the School Board today," she advised.
"Jack, I'm sorry. I thought you were the guy from across the hall who attacked Elizabeth the other night," Matthew explained.
"Attacked? You were attacked? Are you all right?" Jack's concern was evident as he took both of her hands in his and pulled her close.
"I'm fine, Jack. Matthew came along and saved me," she stated as she welcomed Jack's arms around her, unconcerned by their public display of affection.
"I'm so sorry, Jack. If I had known it was you… Well, I wouldn't have hit you," Matthew stated.
"Well, you do pack a punch, but I guess I should be thankful that Elizabeth had someone here to help her while I wasn't around. But I am here now, Matthew, so I can take over watching out for her," Jack remarked.
Elizabeth stepped back slightly, "By the way, why are you here. I left you a letter, and I said I'd be back soon. I have this under control, but then again don't you think I can handle anything on my own?"
"Can we step inside? There's no sense in airing our laundry out in the hallway," Jack stated as he dug into his bag and pulled out the telegram Elizabeth had received from the School Board. He unfolded it and handed it to Elizabeth.
"What is this?" She asked.
"Just read it. I think it will become quite clear…" Jack responded.
"Dear Miss Thatcher,
First, please accept my apologies for not answering your correspondence in a timely manner. Our building is undergoing renovations, and your telegram was initially misplaced.
Please know that although we have discussed transferring teachers before, we do not plan to now nor in the foreseeable future make any changes in the current teaching assignments. Your placement as the teacher in Hope Valley is secure, so please do not worry.
Your concern at this time should be the fact that the telegram you received was obviously sent by someone, but it most certainly was not the School Board.
We look forward to working together, with the main goal in mind…the education of our children.
Sincerely,
Bradford Templeton
Elizabeth looked at Jack, "What does this mean? Is someone just playing with my emotions?"
Matthew sat on the side of the bed, and took his turn reading the telegram.
"Elizabeth, have you spoken to your father lately?" Jack asked.
"I've written my family; the letters I've received indicate that they are happy for me," she replied.
"Isn't it possible that your very important father may have pulled some strings to get you to move back home?" Jack questioned her.
"Just because my family has money, Jack we don't simply throw it around to get people to do as we please. You don't know my father… I can't believe that you would simply assume he had something to do with this," she stated coldly as she grabbed her bag, the two telegrams, and headed for the door.
"Where are you going?" Jack asked as he rushed to the door.
"You may not think I can take care of myself, and I may not be as strong as either of you, but I can use my mind, and I will get to the bottom of this," she remarked as she opened the door and exited the room, leaving both men awestruck.
All three walked down the sidewalk, Jack to the left and Matthew to the right of Elizabeth. They reached the School Board office and stepped inside. Matthew led the way into the main area, the employees welcoming him into his new position.
"Elizabeth, this is my secretary, Margaret Callahan. Margaret, this is Elizabeth Thatcher. Elizabeth, may I see the telegrams?" He asked.
Elizabeth handed both telegrams to Matthew, as she glanced over to see Jack; the disappointment at his accusation was evident in her face.
"Mr. Howell, I don't understand the first telegram. Mr. Templeton dictated the second telegram to me and I actually sent it. I don't know what to tell you about the first one," Margaret advised.
"It looks official though," Matthew stated.
"Yes sir, but those aren't my initials," Margaret remarked.
"Hmm, CMA… do we have anyone here with those initials?" Matthew asked.
Margaret thought for a moment, "Cassi Allenton in Human Resources, but I don't know if that's her… I don't know her middle initial."
"Where can I find her?" Matthew asked.
Margaret walked to the hallway, and directed Matthew, "Take the stairs to the second floor. Go to the right, and her office is all the way down at the end on the right…no, it's on the left."
"Elizabeth, you wait here with Jack. I'll get to the bottom of this…" Matthew commented as he left the room.
Margaret turned to Elizabeth, "Would you two care for some coffee?"
"I don't care for any…" Elizabeth stated.
"I don't either, but thank you," Jack replied.
"Please come with me, and you can sit in Mr. Howell's office. You'll be more comfortable," Margaret offered.
Jack and Elizabeth sat quietly for several minutes. Jack was the first to break the silence…
"Elizabeth, please forgive me. I'm sorry if I jumped to conclusions. As a Mountie, I know better than to assume something without all of the facts," his voice was soft, almost pleading. "Unfortunately, when the situation deals with you, I tend to lead with my heart and not my head. I'm so sorry!"
Elizabeth was stressed, he could see the tears pooling in her eyes, as several spilled over and down her cheeks.
Jack reached his hand to her cheek, softly wiping away her tears with his thumb, "Please don't be angry with me."
Elizabeth placed her hand over his and spoke in a whisper, "I'm not, Jack. I'm angry at myself. I had the same thought…you were just the person who was brave enough to actually state what seemed to be the obvious."
Matthew stepped back into his office…
"Well, was it her?" Elizabeth asked, surprised by his confused expression.
"Elizabeth…yes, it was her, but you won't believe this," he stated.
"Believe what? Matthew, what is it?" She asked as her voice rose slightly in volume.
"You know her, Elizabeth… It's the woman you saw at the restaurant last night," Matthew advised.
"Sandra? Her initials aren't CMA…" Elizabeth remarked.
Matthew stepped out into the hallway and encouraged Sandra to join them in his office.
"I don't understand…Sandra, what's going on?" Elizabeth demanded, her face was flushed and she felt nauseous to think that a dear friend of hers would perpetuate such a cruel joke upon her.
"It's Cassandra, but I go by Cassi now. Allenton is my married name. I'm so sorry Elizabeth… I thought I was doing the right thing," Cassi stated as she began to pace the floor trying to find the words to explain her actions.
"Sandra…I mean Cassi, why? We haven't seen each other in years. Why was it important for you to try to get me out of Hope Valley?" Elizabeth was angry, and her voice was quivering.
Jack stepped forward and as he took her hand, her voice softened. He turned to Cassi, "I don't understand any of this, but I do know you owe Elizabeth an explanation."
"Did my father have anything to do with this?" She asked.
"Your father? No, well not that I know of," Cassi emphatically remarked.
"Then who…why?" Elizabeth begged for an answer.
"Elizabeth, I'm so sorry…"
"Wait, you said that last night. I wondered what you meant then; so now, tell me!" Elizabeth exclaimed.
"Charles went to school with my husband; actually, they are best friends. I remember when we were in school, and you and Charles were inseparable…"
"We were only friends back then, but I don't think we can even be that now. What did he do?" Elizabeth confronted her.
Cassi continued, "My husband, Franklin, told me that you and Charles were miserable being apart from each other. We had Charles over for dinner, and he said that you were dedicated to those poor children, but you desperately missed Hamilton. They convinced me that you would be happier if you returned home to Hamilton, and to Charles. Charles said that you would never agree to leave that little town and your students, but if you thought that the decision wasn't left up to you, that ultimately you'd be happier. I'm so, so sorry, Elizabeth. It was Charles' plan, but I'm guilty too because I went along with it. Can you ever forgive me?"
"It's going to take me some time. I just don't know…you should have said something last night when I told you that Charles and I could never be a couple. You heard it from me; you should have said something. You've turned my world upside down…not just my world, but Jack's world too," Elizabeth stated, clearly disappointed in her friend. "I'll deal with Charles soon enough."
"Charles is here, in Toronto. He's coming to our place for dinner tonight," Cassi advised. She provided Elizabeth with her address, and suggested that she arrive around 7pm.
Elizabeth thanked Matthew for everything, "I'm so lucky that I met you again. I appreciate everything."
Jack reached his hand up to gingerly touch his swollen cheek, "You pack a punch, Matthew, but I'm glad that Elizabeth had you to look out for her. Thank you," Jack stated as he extended his arm and shook Matthew's hand.
"You both are very welcome. I'm happy that we met up again Elizabeth. Don't be surprised if you see me checking out your school some time," Matthew replied; his heart a little saddened as he watched Elizabeth and Jack walking arm in arm out of the building.
They stepped out onto the sidewalk. As the dark cloud that had been following her dissipated, Elizabeth was finally able to breathe. Although, she would not be able to relax fully until after she confronted Charles. "Jack you look tired. Do you want to get a room, and you can rest? We can head home tomorrow…after I tell Charles what I think of him, his plan and his so called love for me."
"I'm not inclined to let you handle that alone, Elizabeth, but I would like to clean up and change clothes…" Jack stated.
They walked back to the Imperial Inn; Elizabeth sat in the restaurant enjoying what turned out to be three cups of coffee, while Jack went upstairs to her room to bathe and change clothes. Sitting in the corner waiting on Jack, Elizabeth observed Charles walking passed the restaurant window. She paid for her coffee and rushed out into the lobby, but saw no sign of him. She ran out onto the side walk, but he was nowhere in sight. She took a seat in the lobby to wait for Jack.
Upstairs in Room 423, Jack finished his bath, and had just changed clothes when he heard someone banging on her door…
"Elizabeth, its Charles. I know you're in there. Please talk to me; I need to explain. Cassi told me that you found out what she'd done…it wasn't my fault, Elizabeth. Please open the door…" He yelled, the hallway was buzzing with guests, and he quickly drew attention to himself.
Suddenly the door opened…Jack's right fist met the left side of Charles' face, knocking him to the floor with a thud!
"Get up, Charles. We're going to resolve this once and for all," Jack yelled; his attention solely on his opponent, completely unaware of the crowd that was forming.
Charles picked himself up off the floor. He was taller and outweighed Jack, but proved to be no competition, as each punch Jack threw landed where he intended, and dropped Charles to the floor. Charles was embarrassed at the whipping he was receiving, and became angered by the crowd who, for no other reason than he was winning, were rooting for Jack.
Jack realized that he had made his point with Charles. He stepped inside the room, and gathered Elizabeth's belongings, and secured them in her bag. He walked out of the room, stepping over Charles crumpled body in the hallway, and walked toward the elevator as he heard cheers and applause behind him.
"Jack, I saw him…Charles was out on the street, but I lost him. What happened? What did you do to your hand?" She asked as she observed his disheveled appearance, and bloodied knuckles. "What are you doing with my bag?"
"I'll explain on the train. There's no need to stay here…Let's go home…!" He replied as he took her hand and led her out of the hotel.
They rushed to the train station and secured their tickets to Buxton. They found their seats, and Jack secured their bags in the overhead compartment.
"Elizabeth, in your letter, you said that you had a way to keep from being transferred to another school. What was it?" Jack asked, as his right hand was in his pocket enveloping the box which contained what he viewed as his future.
"Oh, I almost forgot…but you need to tell me first what happened at the hotel," she stated.
Jack proceeded to describe the altercation he had with Charles and the fact that he believed that Charles would no longer bother her.
She took his hand in hers, and brought it to her lips where she gently kissed each knuckle. Even her tender lips caused some pain as they grazed the top of his battered hand. But he gladly accepted the pain, knowing in his heart that Charles would no longer be an issue.
"Now tell me about your plan…" Jack insisted.
"Well Jack, according to what the telegram stated, either I would need to be married, or have a real estate tie to the community in order to stay. I know it makes no difference now, but I didn't foresee getting married, but I was able to…"
"Why didn't you foresee getting married?" He asked; his expression showing a hint of disappointment.
"Don't look so hurt, Jack. I thought you'd be relieved. I mean, no man wants to feel that he's rushed into one of the biggest decisions of his life," she stated.
"I want you to know Elizabeth that when I do ask, it will be because I want nothing more that to take you as my wife," Jack assured her.
"I understand Jack, and I think we are working in that direction…we will get there, but neither of us should feel pushed or obligated," she replied, but couldn't help but hope that he would propose to her soon.
Jack released the tight hold he had on the box in his pocket. Although he was disappointed, and it appeared that the timing was not right for a proposal, he realized that this would give him a little more time to plan something more appropriate. He wanted Elizabeth to know how much he loved her, how much he wanted her as his wife, without any thought that he was simply proposing to keep her from being sent away.
"Okay, so what is this news you had for me?" He asked.
"I rented a house on the outskirts of town…" she replied, somewhat surprised when he didn't look thrilled!
To be continued…
