Elizabeth smiled leaving the cafe watching the children playing in the street.
"Hi Miss Thatcher!" Emily smiled where she was playing dolls with Rosalie.
"Hello girls, are you enjoying your break?" Elizabeth gave them a smile as some of the older boys playing baseball in the field ran over.
"When can we go back to school?" Rosalie asked.
"After the church is built"
"When will that be?" Gabe asked.
"Soon, they are starting on it this week" Elizabeth smiled happy to see all the children so eager to go back to school.
"Good, come on" Gabe called as the boys ran off and the girls waved as Elizabeth made her way to Jack's office where he was waiting for her outside.
"Hi, are you ready for your riding lesson?" Jack asked as Elizabeth walked up to him.
"I have to admit I am a little nervous, I have never been on a horse by myself before" Elizabeth bit her lip looking up at Sergeant who towered over her. Jack had to look away from her when he chuckled, oh she would be the death of him looking so beautiful teasing him with that lip.
"You do look a little queasy" He said Elizabeth made a face reaching out to slap his arm but be grabbed her hand before she could hit him, holding it in his own throwing her off guard.
"I meant happy, it must be because of that kiss" Jack smirked.
"Oh did we kiss, I don't remember." Elizabeth shrugged looking at him through her eyelashes.
"Maybe I can refresh your memory" Jack offered. He was teasing her, she could tell, it was a battle to see who would give in first. She looked up and down the crowed street.
"Maybe we should start my lesson now" She said not wanting Jack to kiss her in front of the whole town because she knew if she challenged him again he just might.
"Sure, but can I just say, that was the best kiss I ever had" Jack said smiling at her.
"Wait, how many women have you kissed?" Elizabeth asked sounding a little horrified.
"Oh not to many maybe five" Jack said. Elizabeth's eyes widened and her mouth fell open.
"Did I say five I meant two, you and my mother" Jack said quickly seeing her face.
"You expect me to believe that" Elizabeth raised an eyebrow at him but let it go walking over to Sergeant.
"Well then, how exactly do I get up?" Elizabeth asked barely finishing her sentence when Jack grabbed her hips and lifted her, neatly tossing her into the saddle as she let out a little screech. He swung up behind her as she tried to fix her skirts and hair after that unladylike act. She was just about to turn around and yell at him when he reached around her, his chest laying on her back for a minute as he picked up the reigns. His arms were around her as he held them in front of her. Elizabeth struggled to keep her breathing normal.
"Um Elizabeth" Jack said softly.
"Yes?" She whispered turning finding his face almost directly in front of her's.
"You have to hold the reigns to steer the horse" Jack smirked.
"right" Elizabeth shook her head a bit to clear it taking the reigns from Jack.
"Now gently kick his sides with your heels, there you go. Point him toward that field. He's pretty easy, that's a boy Sergeant" Jack said as Elizabeth turned him to the big field toward the outside of town.
"Jack can I ride next?" Kate called from where she was watching the older boys play baseball with some of the other girls.
"You bet! You can hop on the back and we will take him for a run in the woods." Jack told her making Kate smile.
"You get my sister bucked off a horse and I will come after you Constable" Elizabeth warned only half kidding.
"She is becoming quite the horseman. And with a few more lessons you will too, we can borrow you a horse from the town stables and ride together." Jack said
"I don't mind sharing" Elizabeth said allowing her voice to get a little lower then usual.
"Good, I think I prefer it this way." Jack whispered and Elizabeth felt her ears turn pink.
"So what else does he do?" She asked.
"Watch this, hold on tight!" Jack smirked giving Sergeant another nudge as he started into a trot.
"Oh Jack!" Elizabeth cried but she laughed.
"Hello" Jack smiled letting himself in the back door of the cafe the next day as Abigail and the girls were cleaning up from the lunch rush.
"Hi Jack" Abigail smiled as Jack poured himself a cup of tea.
"You girls looked busy today, I'm sorry I missed lunch but I will definitely be by for dinner. I could smell your cooking from across the street." Jack said as Elizabeth smiled at him.
"Well I will make sure we save you a big plate." Abigail assured him.
"Hey little shadow you missed a spot" Jack teased pointing to the plate Kate was washing. She made a face flicking soap suds at him making Jack laughed.
"Why do you call her little shadow?" Abigail asked
"Because she's Elizabeth's little shadow, looks exactly like her just smaller and always following her around." Jack said.
Not as much anymore" Elizabeth smiled at her sister.
"That's true, but the name stuck" Jack smiled.
"She was your little shadow when you girls first got here, always just silent and by your side." Abigail smiled.
"I'm right here you know!" Kate called.
"Well you have grown up so much, now I have to go out and find her to come in for dinner" Elizabeth smiled.
"She's still a little version of you though" Jack said tugging on the end of Kate's braid.
"high praise" Kate smiled as Elizabeth. They all turned when a voice yelled outside
"Abigail!" It called. Jack went to the door first and the three girls followed him.
"Mrs Montgomery whats wrong?" Jack asked. Rosemary was crossing the street and she stopped hearing the yelling
"Oh nothing, just Mrs Miller's baby is coming." Cat said.
"I will get my bag and meet you there" Abigail said as Cat hurried off.
"Thats wonderful for the Millers" Elizabeth smiled.
"It is, I have to run see you later" Jack said hurrying back to work
"Well looks like I have to close the Cafe for the night" Abigail said.
"Oh it's ok Abigail we could run it" Elizabeth said.
"Yeah!" Kate agreed
"Oh if you need help with the Cafe Abigail I am happy to help. I am a wonderful cook!" Rosemary cried hurrying across the street.
"Nosey" Kate muttered.
"Come on!" Rosemary cried linking arms with Elizabeth and pulling her back into the kitchen.
"Thank you! I will try to hurry back" Abigail said.
"Oh take all the time you need!" Rosemary waved her off as Elizabeth turned back giving her a horrified look.
"You better go supervise that" Abigail said as Kate frowned at Rosemary's back.
"Yes Ma'am"
"Good luck!" Abigail laughed as Kate followed them into the house closing the door.
An hour later the cafe was picking back up again as Kate hurried back and forth serving food and Elizabeth and Rosemary cooked at the stove side by side.
"Pass the salt would you? Oh and flip your steak it's going to burn" Rosemary said as Elizabeth handed her the bowl of salt. Kate didn't miss the annoyed face her sister made as she went to flip her food.
"Oh no not like that!" Rosemary said reaching over.
"I don't recall signing up to work for you" Elizabeth said quickly.
"Oh, am I being to bossy? I just have such a way with cooking and from what I hear you… don't" Rosemary said walking over to the table to get more of something. Kate shook her head filling a tea cup and turning to see Jack standing in the doorway unseen by both of the women.
"Who told you that?" Elizabeth asked as Kate raised her eyebrows as Jack who looked horrified to see them both in the kitchen.
"Oh Jack may have mentioned it" Rosemary said. Jack's eyes widened even more and Kate held back her laugh.
"Jack had barely even tried my cooking" Elizabeth said
"Perhaps there is a reason for that" Rosemary muttered. Elizabeth sucked in a breath turning around to tell her off when she saw Jack standing in the doorway.
"Jack!" She said.
"You know I'm actually not that hungry" Jack said backing out of the room.
"Nonsense, Kate get Jack a table" Elizabeth said Kate nodded
"You better sit" Kate muttered.
"I think I will just get something to take back to the jail and eat there" Jack said.
"Oh no my chicken fried steak will not be eaten in a jail!" Rosemary cried following them into the cafe dining area.
"Neither will mine!" Elizabeth said hurrying over.
"You both made chicken fried steak?" Jack asked.
"Well I did. I'm not sure Elizabeth's can be identified" Rosemary said.
"I'm just going to take a coffee, black" Jack said as Kate put a fork in front of him.
"Anddddd" Elizabeth raised her eyebrows at him.
"And your chicken fried steak" Jack said.
"Coming right up" Elizabeth smiled as they both went back into the kitchen.
"You didn't warn me!" Jack whispered at Kate after they were gone.
"I thought this would be funny, I was right" Kate smirked at him hurrying back to the kitchen.
"Honestly Elizabeth don't you think it's selfish to force him to eat your steak when you know mine is better" Rosemary said taking hers off the stove.
"that's just your opinion" Kate said sticking up for Elizabeth as she put her own on a plate. Kate didn't feel the need to point out that Rosemary's did look better, but Elizabeth's was perfectly eatable.
"Well, if they say the way to a mans heart is through is stomach you could be attempting murder" Rosemary said glancing at Elizabeth's slightly burnt steak. Rosemary picked up her plate bringing it over to Jack as Elizabeth hurried after her with her own. Jack looked at both women holding out a plate to him.
"That's a lot of food" Jack said.
"Well you work so hard protecting the town." Rosemary said.
"Actually I have not done much all day" Jack shrugged. Elizabeth gave him a smile sitting down in the chair across from him.
"Jack, we both know I am not the best cook. But I did spend the last hour cooking over a hot stove and we both know that if you don't eat this no one else will" Elizabeth said gently sliding the plate over to him.
"Except maybe his dog" Rosemary muttered Jack looked up at Elizabeth giving her a smile and picked up his fork taking a bite. He smiled and gave her a nod as Rosemary went back into the kitchen with a huff.
"Good job Jack" Kate whispered pouring the table next to him more tea as Ned Yost came inside.
"Sorry to interrupt. Miss Thatcher this telegram came for you I think it might be important" Mr. Yost said. Elizabeth reached out taking it as Kate hurried to her side.
"It's Grandmother, she has taken ill, the doctor is worried. We need to go home as soon as we can." Elizabeth said.
"Oh no" Kate whispered as Jack reached out taking Elizabeth's hand in his.
"I made you some bread to take to your family" Abigail said as Kate packed her best dresses in the trunk downstairs.
"Thank you" Kate gave her a smile careful to put it in safely as Jack came through the door.
"Jack" Elizabeth gave him a smile as she came down the stairs with an arm full of clothes to pack.
"Sorry I know it's late, I just wanted to let you know I'm going to Hamilton with you tomorrow." Jack said.
"You are!" Kate cried.
"Yeah, I want to make sure my girls get there safely" Jack gave her a smile.
"Are you sure?" Elizabeth asked.
"Positive, plus my little brother is hanging out around there and I want some time to catch up with him. So don't even think about giving me an argument" Jack winked at Elizabeth.
"I wasn't going to" Elizabeth said not fully returning his smile.
"Kate why don't you head up to bed, you have an early morning tomorrow. Come on I'll go with you." Abigail said gently as Kate nodded climbing the stairs with Abigail behind her.
"You ok?" Jack asked softly.
"I'm just so worried" Elizabeth said dropping her armful of clothes into a trunk and leaned into him without even thinking.
"Hey, it's going to be ok" Jack said softly wrapping his arms around her and tucking her into his strong chest. Elizabeth closed her eyes feeling herself relax a little for the first time since she had gotten the telegram.
The next morning the sun was just coming up over the lake as they stood out waiting for the stage. The morning air was chilly and they were wrapped up warm.
"There's the stage" Abigail said as they saw the dust gathering behind it. Across the street Jack came out of the jail making his way over to them.
"Everybody ready?" Jack asked as the stage pulled up.
"Oh have a wonderful trip. I hope your grandmother is better soon, I will be praying for you" Abigail said pulling Elizabeth into a hug.
"Thank you, we will miss you, I will write to you when we get there." Elizabeth said. Jack was picking up their bags and putting them into the back of the stage.
"I will see you soon darling, have a wonderful trip" Abigail gave Kate a hug and was surprised how fiercely she returned it before Jack helped both girls up the steps.
"Take good care of them" Abigail said giving Jack a hug.
"I will, we will be back soon" Jack smiled as he climbed up into the stage closing the door. He settled back into the seat next to Elizabeth across from Kate who was nervously looking out the window as the stage pulled away.
"You worried Kate?" Jack asked her.
"Last time we were in a stage between here and Hamilton we got held up a gun point" Elizabeth said gently and Jack immediately felt guilty for his teasing.
"Don't worry wild girl, nothing is going to happen to you with me in the stage" Jack assured her.
"I'm glad your here" Kate smiled at him before picking up her book.
"So am I" Elizabeth whispered reaching over and taking hold of his hand.
"Tell me, Thatcher girls, what on earth did you pack in these suitcases?" Jack asked as they stepped out of the train station into the city street. Jack had insisted on being a gentleman and carrying their bags and he was juggling three of them along with his own back pack slung over his shoulder.
"Just want we needed." Kate said.
"And what occasion may I ask, would call for an anvil?" Jack sighed putting them on the sidewalk.
"We would be happy to carry our own bags Jack." Elizabeth said.
"Alright let's see it" Jack raised an eyebrow at her. Elizabeth widened her eyes in surprise before giving a huff and reaching for the suitcase handle. She tried to lift it hardly getting it off the ground. Kate and Jack laughed as she stood up.
"Alright you made your point" She smiled at Jack as he nodded at her grinning.
"I'm sure Uncle would send the car to meet us here" Elizabeth said looking up and down the busy street. Elizabeth and Kate had worn their best dresses on the train, and Jack couldn't understand why. They were far to dressy to wear around Hope Valley, sure to get dirty, but now he understood as they blended in perfectly. If he wasn't in uniform he had a feeling he would stick out like a sore thumb.
"Elizabeth Thatcher!" A voice called making them all turn as a women Elizabeth's age came walking up a porter following her pushing a cart full of bags. The women wore a gown and fur coat looking like she was going to a ball not about to get on a train.
"Regina Alan how are you?" Elizabeth cried smiling at her.
"I am fine, but I heard about your grandmother I hope the poor dear is alright" Regina said.
"That's why I came as soon as I could, Regina you remember Kate."
"My Kathryn Thatcher, you are growing up aren't you, find yourself a husband yet?" Regina asked
"So good to see you Regina." Kate gave her a smile Jack didn't think he had seen her force one so hard ever before.
"And this is Constable Jack Thornton." Elizabeth turned to Jack.
"Ma'am" Jack said shaking the hand Regina offered him.
"Well aren't you lucky to have such a handsome fellow to carry your luggage" Regina said turning to Elizabeth and Kate speaking to them as if Jack was not even there.
"Oh no he's not here to carry our luggage…" Elizabeth started when they heard a call to board the train.
"That's my train, mother procured me an introduction with an Austrian count, he has a castle with a huge moat" Regina smiled proudly as Jack raised his eyebrows.
"It's so good to see you darlings" Regina said giving Elizabeth then Kate two air kisses before heading into the train station.
"Friend of you's?" Jack asked leaning towards Elizabeth.
"Might be stretching it" Kate grinned.
"Good, because she judges a man by the size of his moat" Jack smiled making Elizabeth laugh.
"Regina is one of the Philadelphia Alan's. Every upper-crest" Elizabeth said as if that explained something.
"Her family has been around forever." Kate nodded.
"Like the plague" Jack nodded.
"Jack!" Elizabeth cried but she was smiling at Kate laughed as Jack bent to gather all their bags again.
"There's the car!" Kate cried as an open car pulled close to the sidewalk.
"Come on Jack" Elizabeth said as the girls rushed over.
"Ok, just hang on" Jack struggled after them with more bags then he had hands.
Jack knew his mouth was hanging open as the car pulled into the gated fence and the biggest house he had ever seen came into view. Complete with a paved driveway and arch for the car to go under right up to the front door. He knew the number of rooms inside must be pushing thirty with the size of the house. The car came to a stop and the driver got out quickly opened the door and helping Kate then Elizabeth down, Jack was last as he reached for the bags before his hand was practically swatted away by another man going to grab them.
"You're here!" Julie cried running over from the door.
"Julie!" Kate cried as she reached for both sisters at the same time.
"And Jack so good to see you!" Julie said taking his hands and giving him a warm smile.
"You too Julie" Jack returned it feeling a little better seeing her here.
"Have you been staying here?" Kate asked.
"Yes, Father moved us all in last week to care for Grandmother. I was so glad when I heard you were coming, it will be like when we were small and had sleepovers" Julie nodded.
"How is Grandmother?" Elizabeth asked.
"She is better today, but she is still having fainting spells" Julie said turning serious.
"I didn't know." Elizabeth said sadly shaking her head.
"You might if you visited more often." A voice said and they turned to see another women coming out the door. She had brown almost red hair like Julie, and looked a lot like the other three girls but a little older.
"Viola" Elizabeth smiled giving her a hug before Viola reached to pull Kate into a hug. It was warm, but much more proper then when they greeted Julie, Jack noticed.
"You know I would come home more often if I could." Elizabeth said.
"Jack this is my cousin Viola, Julie's sister" Elizabeth introduced them.
"Nice to meet you Miss Thatcher" Jack nodded to her.
"So this is the mountie we have heard so much about?" Viola asked Elizabeth.
"Oh he's much more then that, well you did kiss" Julie said.
"Julie!" Elizabeth cried as Kate hid her smirk behind her hand and Viola frowned as Jack looked down at his boots.
"I wrote to you in confidence" Elizabeth muttered giving Julie a look.
"Apparently it's more then teaching school that is keeping you away." Viola said raising her eyebrows. Jack could see how close the cousins were. Viola clearly the oldest and most upstanding, Elizabeth, he was glad to see was actually more like Julie then he had first thought.
"Well, look at the four beautiful Thatcher girls, this is a sight for sore eyes" A man said walking up to them.
"Uncle Henry it's so good to see you." Elizabeth smiled greeting him with a warm hug.
"And you, are you behaving yourself on the frontier?" The man asked turning to Kate.
"Yes sir" Kate smiled giving him a hug.
"Uncle, this is Jack, Constable Jack Thornton" Elizabeth said.
"Good to put a name to the face, I am indebted to you for escorting my nieces home"
"The pleasure is all mine sir" Jack said greeting him.
"Jack we are having a dinner party tomorrow, you simply must come!" Julie cried.
"Julie we must not put him on the spot. I am sure the constable has other things to do while he is in the city." Henry Thatcher said firmly.
"I'm sure Jack could spare a few hours" Elizabeth said giving Jack a smile clearly wanting him to come.
"I wouldn't want to impose" Jack said.
Henry gave a nod about to turn.
"It's no imposition" Elizabeth said turning to her Uncle giving him a smile.
"Well then I suppose it is settled, come along girls." Henry said going back into the house. Jack didn't feel the most welcome but he couldn't say no to Elizabeth. A habit he had recently developed that seemed to get stronger everyday. It seemed like ever since their kiss all she had to do was bat her eyelashes at him and he was a slave to her. Viola and Julie turned following their father into the house.
"Come along Kathryn" Viola called as Kate looked up at Elizabeth.
"Go on, I will be along in a minute." Elizabeth assured her as Kate trailed after them.
"Well at least it doesn't have a moat" Jack said making Elizabeth laugh as she turned back to him.
"Why don't Kate and I meet you in town in a few hours, we can see some of the city together." Elizabeth offered.
"Are you sure you won't be missed?" Jack asked.
"It's a big house, besides we will need a break in a while. Viola and Aunt Agatha and Grandmother tend to put Kate on edge. There's a ice cream parlor on the corner of Main Street by your hotel, should we meet there at 4:00?" Elizabeth smiled at him.
"Sounds wonderful." Jack smiled as Elizabeth stepped closer to him their lips just inches apart as Jack bent toward her. She was surprised how relaxed and normal she felt as she was about to kiss him goodbye when Jack suddenly pulled away looking behind her. Elizabeth turned to see Viola watching them from the doorway a stern look on her face.
"Mmmm" Elizabeth gave her a little smile turning back to Jack rolling her eyes as Jack politely offered her his hand and they shook both of them laughing before she turned and he watched her hurry into the large house.
Elizabeth made her way through the big house she had grown up in finding Kate standing outside the larger parlor hiding behind the wall.
"What are you doing?" Elizabeth whispered.
"I said I had to use the washroom, I didn't want to go in alone" Kate whispered. Elizabeth instantly felt bad. These past few months she thought Kate was out growing her and spending so much time with her friends. But truly it was because Coal Valley gave Kate a place to find her own independence and discover herself. Being back in Hamilton for only a few minutes she was already unwilling to leave Elizabeth's side for long again.
"Here, let's go and spend time with everyone, and then you and I will go into town and meet Jack alright?" Elizabeth reached out fixing Kate's curls and smoothing her dress. Kate smiled at Jack's name and nodded.
"There, perfect" Elizabeth took her hand and they walked into the parlor where Uncle Henry, Aunt Agatha, Grandmother, Julie and Viola were sitting drinking tea.
"Hello Grandmother" Elizabeth smiled sweeping into the room and going over to her grandmother who stood as both girls curtsied in front of her.
"Well, Elizabeth, Kathryn, you both look well, clearly the horrors of the untamed west have left you both still unharmed" Rose Thatcher said looking them over. Rose Thatcher, the head of the family had short all white hair. She was a thin women always wearing a formal dress and matching hat and bag. Kate didn't think she had ever seen her grandmother dressed in anything less and certainly never wearing the same thing twice. Rose had kind eyes that showed she had a soft side if you looked deep enough. However she had an emotionless face and carried herself upright and tightly like she was much younger then her many years. Uncle Henry looked just like his mother but had a kinder face and could be softer with his daughters and nieces then Grandmother was. He was the second born son but the head of the family after Elizabeth and Kate's own father had died. Working many long hours running the family business. Aunt Agatha had a sweet smile and dark brown hair. She too carried a large importance of the family's standing in society and wanted to make sure all four of the girls carried that on as well. Kate sometimes wondered how alike her own parents were to her aunt and uncle.
"We are very well Grandmother, Coal Valley is wonderful" Elizabeth smiled going to hug her aunt as Kate followed her before they sat on the couch next to Julie, everyone else perched in chairs.
"Grandmother you have no idea how worried we have been." Elizabeth said as the maid came in serving everyone tea.
"I will be fine, I don't want you worrying about me. You should just have a good time with your cousins now that you are here." Grandmother said firmly.
"What does the doctor say?" Elizabeth asked glancing as Julie before turning to their uncle.
"He says your Grandmother has a weak heart, its important that nothing upset her now." Uncle said going to Grandmothers side.
'Maybe we should cancel the dinner party." Elizabeth said softly turning to Julie.
"Nonsense, we need to celebrate your return home." Grandmother said.
"It's just a few old family friends" Uncle nodded.
"And Viola's new beau, Sir Lionel." Aunt Agatha added with a smile.
"Viola! You didn't tell me!" Elizabeth cried turning to her smiling.
"You didn't asks" Viola was grinning proudly.
"Sir Lionel is from London, he's a duke" Julie said softly as Elizabeth and Kate both turned to Viola surprised.
"His uncle is Grand Duke and his great uncle is an Earl" Viola grinned smiling bigger then Kate thought she had ever seen her oldest cousin smile. So strange the things that made Viola happy.
"I am sure you girls will want to shop for something new to wear to the party." Grandmother said turning to Elizabeth.
"Oh no that's not necessary" Elizabeth shook her head as Julie sucked in a breath.
"This is not the wild west you know, we do still dress for dinner here." Grandmother said firmly frowning at them and Elizabeth felt Kate trying to melt into her side.
"Sit up Kathryn!" Grandmother barked as Kate straightened her back and fixed her skirts.
"Oh wait until you see the new gowns as the shop downtown, they are pure heaven!" Julie cried
"Well I suppose it might be nice to have something new, and perhaps a little fancy" Elizabeth smiled.
"Oh good! We can all go together, it will be just like old times." Julie smiled.
Grandmother seems to be in good spirits" Elizabeth said as the four youngest Thatcher girls climbed the main staircase a bit later.
"Because you two are here, but it isn't easy taking care of her." Viola said.
"Well I wish I could be home more often but I have school to teach, and Kate has school to attend." Elizabeth said glancing at her sister who was silently following them up.
"Books and education a wonderful way to escape" Viola muttered.
"It isn't an escape, I love what I do." Elizabeth said.
"I am sure you do, but when I get married and father has to go back to work, who will look after Grandmother?" Viola asked.
"Well I will" Julie said from where she was standing behind Elizabeth.
"You can barely look after yourself!" Viola said frowning at her. Elizabeth turned giving Viola a look for being to stern with Julie. Viola turned climbing the second set of stairs leaving them behind.
"Viola can be so pretentious" Julie said as Elizabeth turned to her.
"Some of what Viola said is true" Elizabeth said gently.
"No it's not!" Julie cried.
"Let's be fair, it is a great deal of responsibility." Elizabeth said.
"Don't let it bother you, she lives to lot it over us" Julie said waving her off.
"Is Sir Lionel really serious about her?" Kate asked finding her voice now that they were alone.
"Well he's serious about her bank account, and she's in love with his title" Julie grinned.
"A match made in heaven" Elizabeth said as they laughed and climbed the other set of stairs.
"I am never going to get used to waiters wearing tuxedoes" Jack said holding the door open for Kate and Elizabeth as they left the restaurant.
"It's called white glove service Jack!" Kate smiled as Jack helped Elizabeth into her coat.
"At Abigail's the food is great and no one is wearing gloves." Jack said holding Kate's coat for her as she shrugged it on.
"At least admit it was delicious" Elizabeth said.
"Steak is just a fancy name for a hamburger" Jack said putting on his own coat.
"It does come with a sauce" Elizabeth said as the three of them started walking down the street past a women walking a poodle freshly groomed.
"Speaking of fancy can you picture Rip like that?" Jack asked chuckling. The girls laughed and Elizabeth was glad to see Kate back to herself.
"Life if the big city does take some getting used to, but we got used to life in Coal Valley, and I'm completely at home there." Elizabeth pointed out.
"Really?" Jack changed.
"Yes" Elizabeth raised her eyebrows at him waiting to hear his argument, she truly did enjoy the back and forth her and Jack had.
"You still don't know how to ride a horse" Jack said.
"It's a good thing I have such a good teacher then" Elizabeth shrugged taking the arm Jack offered her.
"I don't know, you might not be able to afford him" Jack said stopping her seeing Kate had stopped a few steps behind them admiring a necklace in a store window.
"Oh?" Elizabeth asked.
"It could cost you another kiss" Jack whispered. Elizabeth glanced down the street at her sister for a second seeing she was distracted before standing on her toes quickly pecking Jack on the cheek.
"Consider it a down payment" She teased pulling him to walk again as Jack grinned.
"Come on little shadow." Jack smiled as Kate hurried to catch up.
"Can we spend the day in the city again tomorrow?" Kate asked dreading the walk back home wishing Jack could stay with them instead of the hotel.
"Well you and I are going shopping with Julia and Viola tomorrow. And then Jack is coming over for dinner." Elizabeth reminded her.
"Are you girls spending time with your grandmother?" Jack asked.
"Grandmother doesn't want to spend time with us, she just wants us back in her house." Kate frowned.
"It's a comfort to her having us here and I am glad we came. But She doesn't like Kate underfoot, normally we would be gone all day anyway having lessons or meeting friends. She wants us to enjoy our time here." Elizabeth reworded what Kate had said a little more gently.
"Have you seen your brother yet Jack?" Kate asked.
"Not yet, hoping to meet him tomorrow for lunch if he has the time." Jack said.
"I want to meet him" Kate said.
"As do I" Elizabeth agreed.
"I am sure that can be arranged." Jack smiled at them both.
Kate tried to settle into her bedroom at Grandmothers. She knew she should love it, she used to love it. Trunks and a wardrobe full or any dress she could want. A wonderful big feather bed with a canopy over it all to herself. Toys and a big dollhouse in the corner, a writing desk, music stand. Everything a girl could wish for. But it still felt so wrong as she lay in the dark, there were no crickets singing through the window, the street light outside was much to bright. She couldn't hear Elizabeth and Abigail softly talking downstairs while Abigail was cooking like she often did at home at night. Kate sighed rolling over and switching on her electric lamp even hating how bright that made the room as oppose to the single candle she usually had when getting ready for bed. Kate quickly crossed her room creaking open her door and crossing the hall silently. She knocked on Elizabeth's bedroom door as quickly as she could before peeking her head in. Elizabeth's room was the same, slightly larger but full of things like her art stand, books, writing desk and everything else her sister had used daily less then a year ago but had no need for now. Elizabeth looked up from where she was reading in her bed not even slightly surprised to see her sister slip into her doorway and close the door behind her. Kate would often come to sleep with Elizabeth when something was bothering her since she was small enough to climb out of her bed on her own. Grandmother found out once and was so upset, since then Elizabeth always carried Kate back to her own bed at dawn. At dinner with Jack both girls had said how excited they were to sleep in their own beds and rooms tonight but Elizabeth found as she went to bed she was uncomfortable having Kate sleeping so far away tonight.
"Come on then" Elizabeth whispered giving her a little smile holding the blankets back as Kate slipped in next to her.
"I wish Jack was staying here with us." Kate said softly.
"That would be very inappropriate" Elizabeth said surprised.
"I just mean, in one of the guest rooms." Kate shrugged.
"I'm sure Jack is happy and more comfortable in the hotel."
"I suppose. Elizabeth so you think we will fight like Julie and Viola?"
"Whatever would make you think that?" Elizabeth asked closing her book and turning to Kate.
"I don't know, they are sisters too, why don't they get along? Viola is so mean to Julie" Kate said.
"Viola and Julie are like oil and water. Viola is the first granddaughter, she has always had a lot of pressure to keep our family name in high standing and marry someone like a Lord or Duke for the family. I suppose my moving away may have added more pressure to that. I think Grandmother is losing her hope that I will turn out the same as Viola." Elizabeth sighed.
"And Julie?"
"Well Julie is still young, she has a few more years before she is expected to settle down. Viola is the oldest, theres more expected of her. They do love each other they are just so different." Elizabeth shrugged.
"Would Viola marry Sir Lionel just for his name like Julie said?" Kate asked she had heard it done before, many times but she never thought it would happen in her own family.
"I suppose, if she cared enough to think she should spend the rest of her life with him. His title does seem to be important to her."
"Could you do that, marry someone you didn't love because they were important?"
"People do it all the time Katie."
"But would you be happy?"
"I suppose you learn to be happy, you learn to love someone and share your life with them."
"Elizabeth" Kate sighed knowing her sister wasn't being entirely truthful with her. Elizabeth took a deep breath giving Kate a little smile.
"I suppose, that given the choice, I would much rather marry someone for their personality or their heart then just their name."
"You have that choice, right?"
"I feel much less pressure now that we are living outside this city. I think if I had stayed I would be expected to be married within the next year. But in Coal Valley I feel I have much more of a choice."
"Is that choice Jack?" Kate asked with a smile.
"That choice might be Jack yes" Elizabeth rolled her eyes at her making both of them giggle.
"Do I have a choice?" Kate asked.
"Of course you do, I wouldn't have it any other way. As long as you are living under my roof you will marry someone because of your heart not because of money or social standing. Of course not for a very many years as well" Elizabeth added quickly.
"I will stay with you, even when you are married?" Kate asked.
"I am not even talking about being married anytime soon! You are get very ahead of yourself little girl. But yes Katie, you are my sister and you will be with me until I am old and gray"
"Promise?"
"Promise, you and me forever right?"
"Right" Kate nodded. Elizabeth smiled as Kate lay down on the pillow. Elizabeth reached over turning off the lamp laying down next to her.
"I miss Abigail" Kate whispered.
"Me too, I miss her cookies" Elizabeth said making them both giggle in the dark room.