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."
Steam Alert...
Chapter 11- It's Not What It Seems
"You have a telegram…" the Purser advised as he entered the room and handed an envelope to the Captain.
"Hmmm," the Captain huffed.
"Do you need to send a reply, sir?" The Purser asked.
The Captain thought for a moment, "Yes, please take this down…
I did not perform wedding. Stop
Couple found a minister. Stop
They are now married
and enjoying their honeymoon. Stop"
The captain laughed, "Maybe I shouldn't send that. No, send it… Mr. Thatcher thinks he can have what he wants, when he wants it. It feels good to show him that he can't just order people around."
"Yes sir," the Purser said as he took the message and headed for the Bridge.
Elizabeth sat in a chair in the corner wrapped in a sheet. She pulled out her journal, glanced over to Jack and momentarily watched as he slept. She smiled broadly as she opened her journal and began to write…
"Is it possible to love someone with your whole heart, while at the same time maintaining your own individuality? Can you give yourself completely to someone, but save enough of yourself so not to be lost in them? Being with someone doesn't mean giving up yourself or asking them to. It shouldn't be difficult, trying or a chore. Each moment spent should feel like a blessing, whether in good times or bad. For the worst time with that special person, is better than the best time with just someone. It means the joining of your hands, your hearts and your souls for a lifetime of caring, trusting, forgiving, and loving."
Elizabeth glanced back over to the bed and smiled. She looked back at her journal, and finished her entry…
"Don't jump in; don't rush to feel the emotions; hold out for the one, that special one…the wait will be well worth it!"
Elizabeth closed her journal as she sat mesmerized by Jack's still body, lying so peacefully in bed. She quickly thought back to years past, and the few suitors she'd had previously. Although she enjoyed their company, well most of them, none made her feel such peace, so safe, and so loved as the man now sharing her heart, "and my bed," she thought as a smile covered her face.
Elizabeth dropped her sheet, pulled back the covers and slipped into bed, brushing up against Jack, as their naked bodies were so warm to the touch, "Good morning," she whispered.
"Hmm," Jack moaned as he raised his arms over his head to stretch. "Good morning, sweetheart. Did you sleep well?"
Elizabeth moved closer as she whispered in his ear, "You wore me out last night."
"I wore you out? No ma'am, I believe it was the other way around…and I wouldn't have it any other way," he said as he wrapped his arms around her and pulled her so close that even a whisper could not slip through.
"I'm sorry that our honeymoon is quickly coming to an end," Elizabeth lifted her head and rested her chin on his chest, a frown gracing her face.
Jack kissed her forehead, "It's only over if we choose to let it be over."
"Jack," Elizabeth whispered.
"Yes," Jack responded.
Elizabeth caught his gaze as her fingers began drawing circles on his chest… "Have you recuperated from last night?" She asked with raised eyebrows and a giggle.
Jack clasped her upper arms, and said, "You'll have to see for yourself."
The heat from her body encased him; there was a warming of his blood when they touched, and their bodies tingled from the contact.
He rolled her over and straddled her hips. He leaned down…her body shuddered as his soft lips and warm breath met the skin on her neck.
"Oh Jack," she whispered; her soft voice stroked the fire that was burning within him, as the warmth spread to his limbs.
His hands gently traced the outline of her shoulders and down her arms where he clasped her hands in his. Gently, he rolled over, carrying her with him until he was on top, straddling her hips. His lips pressed firmly on hers; each kiss was more passionate than the one before.
Elizabeth was moved by the sensation of his touch on her body. She moaned and the passion of his kisses intensified. Her body was warm, as if the heat from his eyes was burning through to her soul.
His body enveloped her, swallowing her whole, as they each felt the passion that passed between them.
"I love you Jack," she professed.
"I love you completely," he responded as he wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close.
They fell asleep in each other's arms; her head was resting on his chest, and she felt so safe with his arms around her.
Several hours passed when she awoke to find him gone… "Jack," she called out, but received no answer. She ran her hand across his side of the bed and felt something, "What's this?"
The note read, "Elizabeth, I'll be back soon. I went to get you some breakfast before we dock. I know you may not want to eat anything, but with our recent physical activities, you need all your strength to face your father today. If you aren't hungry now, maybe we can work up your appetite once more before we leave this wonderful ship. I love you so much, Jack"
"That's so sweet of him," Elizabeth thought as she stretched and then begrudgingly pulled herself out of bed to get dressed for the day.
Quite some time had passed and Jack had not yet returned. Elizabeth was becoming concerned, as the ship was now preparing to dock. She stuffed their belongings into a suitcase, and set it outside the door to be taken to the luggage area.
"Excuse me, sir," Elizabeth called out to a passing crewmember.
"Yes ma'am…" he replied.
"My husband left quite a long time ago to get us some breakfast before we docked, but he hasn't returned. Do you know where I may find him?" She asked.
"No ma'am, I'm sorry, I don't. But, I don't think we were serving breakfast this morning anyway. Are you certain that is where he went?" He asked.
Elizabeth put her hands on her hips and huffed, "What are you implying?"
He replied, "Nothing ma'am. It's just that we are docking; no food is being served today, and your husband has left your stateroom. There aren't many places someone could go on this ship, unless he's…"
"Unless he's what?" She indignantly replied.
"I'm sorry ma'am. I didn't mean to imply that he was visiting someone else, or had fallen off the ship," he responded without thinking.
Elizabeth's face was turning red as she was getting angrier by the moment… "What did you mean, because those two things never came to my mind?"
He started to back away realizing that she was upset with him, "I only meant ma'am that he most likely is on the Bridge with the Captain. Sometimes he will take passengers in as they dock to show them the inner workings of the ship."
"Oh…well how will I find him now; people as starting to leave their rooms and head for the pier," she asked.
He grabbed the remaining suitcases near their room, and started backing away, "I'd suggest that you start heading for the gangway, and he'll probably be waiting for you there."
Elizabeth stepped back into the room to make certain that she had packed all of their belongings. Finding nothing else in the room, she grabbed her bag and headed out the door. Instead of heading for the gangway, she made her way through the crowds toward the Bridge.
"Elizabeth, where are you going?" Aunt Agatha asked as they bumped into each other in the hall.
"I'm looking for Jack," she replied.
"Girls, I need to talk with Elizabeth. You go to the gangway, and I'll meet you at the shop at the end of the pier. Don't buy too much there; we already have a car load of souvenirs and new clothes to bring home," she advised her girls.
Aunt Agatha pulled Elizabeth off to the side, "Did you hear what happened this morning?"
"I'm sorry, Aunt Agatha, but I have to go find Jack… wait, what happened?" She asked, now more concerned about Jack.
"I don't know what happened, but what I heard was that two men were fighting over a woman. One of the men was knocked out and the other was arrested," Aunt Agatha proceeded to explain what she knew.
Elizabeth immediately felt better, "That's it…As a Constable, he arrested the man, and is tied up with paperwork, but why didn't he send me a message?" She whispered.
"What dear?" Aunt Agatha asked.
Elizabeth kissed Aunt Agatha on the cheek, "Oh nothing. I need to go find Jack."
As Elizabeth started to leave, Aunt Agatha took her by the arm, effectively stopping her, "Dear, what are you going to do about your parents?"
"I can't even think about that right now. They'll understand…they'll just have to," she replied before turning around and heading for the Bridge.
Mr. and Mrs. Thatcher arrived at the pier; he was prepared for the confrontation, and she was more accepting.
"William, please remember that he is now our son-in-law, and Elizabeth loves him," Mrs. Thatcher reminded him.
Mr. Thatcher looked stern, extremely unhappy, and impatient… "When they get down here, we'll do what we have to get this sham of a marriage annulled."
"Look at me…Did you not hear what I just said?" She asked. "Elizabeth could do a lot worse than Jack."
"But she could also do a lot better," he remarked.
"Please don't do something that you'll regret later. Jack loves her, and she loves him. After all, isn't that what we want for our girls?" She asked.
"You don't understand… My wife is still onboard, and she doesn't know where I am," Jack was yelling as he was escorted off the ship in handcuffs. "I'm a Mountie. You need to listen to me…I didn't start it. I was simply…"
"Stop, you'll have plenty of time to explain what happened when we get to headquarters. And as for you being a Mountie, we protect others, we don't start fights and knock people out," the arresting Mountie remarked as he led Jack through the crowd.
Mr. and Mrs. Thatcher stood motionless as Jack was led off of the ship. They obviously saw him, but he did not appear to notice them.
Mr. Thatcher turned to his wife, "So, do you still think that this man is the perfect husband for Elizabeth?"
She replied, "I don't know what to think, but we need to find Elizabeth. I hope she's alright."
Elizabeth made her way to the Bridge, "Excuse me sir, I'm looking for my husband. He left our room early this morning to get some breakfast, but didn't return. One of your crewmembers said that he may have come here to watch how you dock the ship."
"No ma'am, I didn't have any visitors on the Bridge this morning," he replied.
Elizabeth became more worried and turned to leave…
"Wait," he called out… "There was an altercation on the second floor this morning. One person was knocked out and the other was arrested. What's your husband's name?"
"Jack Thornton," she replied.
The Captain thought for a moment, "No, that wasn't the person who was knocked out, and I heard that the one arrested was actually a Mountie."
"Oh no," Elizabeth yelled as she turned and headed for the gangway.
"Ma'am, wait…" he called out as Elizabeth hurried away. He thought, "Oh, Thornton…that's the couple that got married. Mr. Thatcher will have a heyday with this one."
Elizabeth made her way to the gangway; she continued toward the pier, forgetting to look for her luggage as she left the ship. Unbeknownst to her, Randolph, her father's driver had already retrieved her bag and was waiting at the car for Mr. and Mrs. Thatcher, and he assumed Elizabeth as well.
As Elizabeth reached the pier, she came face to face with her father, who appeared to be looming over her, bigger than life, more stern than she ever remembered.
"Elizabeth…" he called out to her, reaching out and grabbing her arm as she attempted to run by.
"Father please… We'll talk soon, I promise. I have somewhere that I need to be right now," she exclaimed, with tears beginning to well up in her eyes.
Mr. Thatcher let go of her arm, "If you mean the Mountie station, we already know that."
His statement stopped her in her tracks. She turned around to face him; tear stains were streaking her face, and she was scared.
He opened his arms and she met him for a reassuring hug. As a child, his arms around her always made her feel safe and as though everything would be fine. This time was different, because although she loved him, she also knew that he disapproved of Jack, and in her heart he would be pleased if her worst nightmare in this situation became reality.
She pulled away from his hold, "What do you know? What happened?"
Her mother spoke up, "We don't know anything dear. We just saw him being led away in handcuffs."
"Elizabeth, we were worried that he had hurt you," Mr. Thatcher jumped in.
"No sir, never… If you gave Jack a chance you would know what a wonderful man he is," Elizabeth blurted out angrily.
Mr. Thatcher took her arm and started leading her toward the car, his voice becoming louder and angrier as he spoke, "Well Elizabeth, we saw how wonderful he is as the Mountie was leading him away in handcuffs…IN HANDCUFFS ELIZABETH!"
Elizabeth stood outside the car, contemplating whether or not to get inside. She needed to get to Mountie Headquarters; she knew there was a reasonable explanation for Jack's arrest, and she needed him released. She knew she needed her father's help, but "would he willingly oblige?" She prayed that his love for her as his daughter would allow him to put his feelings for Jack aside.
"Father, I know you've had concerns, and whatever happened here hasn't eased them, but please know that I have complete faith in Jack. He's not a man to use violence unless he has to. I trust him completely, and I know there is a reasonable explanation. I have to find out what happened. You can't just assume that he's at fault. After everything he's done to show what an honorable man he is, you owe Jack that much," Elizabeth lectured.
Figuring in his mind that Jack would officially be arrested, he agreed to take Elizabeth to Mountie Headquarters. Elizabeth slid into the back seat of the car, with her parents on either side of her as they made their way to find Jack.
Once the car was parked, Mr. Thatcher told his wife to remain with Randolph, and he accompanied Elizabeth inside.
Ma'am, sir… Oh Mr. Thatcher, what can I do for you?" The Mountie at the front desk asked.
"Constable Jack Thornton was arrested, I believe, and I; that is we…" Mr. Thatcher began to explain before loud voices could be heard down the hall.
"Sir, I told you what happened. I need to get a message somehow to my wife…" Jack's voice could be heard all the way down the hall.
"Elizabeth, wait," Mr. Thatcher yelled as she ran down the hall toward the voices, with him following close behind.
"Excuse me, Mr. Thatcher… Miss Thatcher," The Commander acknowledged them as they entered his office.
"It's Thornton, Mrs. Thornton, and I demand to know why you're holding my husband," she yelled. Her eyes wanted to cry, but her anger at the situation wouldn't free the tears to fall.
"It's okay Elizabeth…it's just a misunderstanding," Jack assured her.
Mr. Thatcher stepped inside the office and closed the door behind him, "Commander, I'd like to know what the Constable is accused of."
"From the evidence, it appears that he approached Miss Celeste Parkerson, and unfortunately made an inappropriate advance, and was confronted by her fiancé, James Barkley. Mr. Barkley had words with Constable Thornton, who punched him, causing him to fall backward and hit his head on the wall, knocking him out," the Commander explained what he was told.
Jack continued to shake his head from side to side, "I told you that's not what happened. Elizabeth… Sir, may I talk to my wife alone please?"
The Commander stood from his chair, "Ordinarily I'd say no, but I'm willing to trust that you won't run off."
The Commander walked to the door and held it open, motioning for Mr. Thatcher to leave with him.
As the door closed, Elizabeth walked to Jack and sat in the chair next to him. "What happened, Jack?" She asked.
Jack took a deep breath. He could see the uncertainty in her eyes, and he just hoped that she truly trusted him, "Did you get my note?"
"Yes I did but then everything went crazy. What happened?" She asked again.
Jack looked at her, his eyes never leaving hers as he asked, "Do you trust me?"
"Of course I trust you," she replied.
Jack began to explain, "I left the room and headed to the café. I knew that breakfast wouldn't be served this morning, but I thought I could get us some coffee, and maybe some muffins. I have to tell you, I don't know these people, but apparently they are well known in Hamilton society. Do you know them?"
"I don't know them, but her father owns the publishing house in Hamilton. His father owns the newspaper in Ontario. I think it was a relationship based on business, not love," she remarked. "Please continue Jack…"
"I'm sorry Elizabeth. I never meant for this to happen," he said remorsefully.
Her breathing increased, and she was on the edge of her seat, "Jack you're scaring me…"
"It's not what the Commander implied," Jack replied.
"Jack he didn't imply anything… He stated it matter of fact. I just need to know from you what happened?" She demanded.
He took her hand in his, "I came out of the stairwell and heard loud voices. When I came around the corner, he had her pushed up against the wall, and she was trying to get away from him. He was slurring his words, and sounded like he had been drinking most of the night. I yelled at him to back away, and he let go of her. Once he let go, she swung and hit him in the face, and he started beating her as if they were prizefighters. I pulled him off of her, and he swung at me. I never even hit him. He lost his balance, and fell up against the wall. I guess he hit his head and knocked himself out."
The Commander knocked on the door before entering, "Miss Parkerson is here to file her complaint."
"Complaint? She has nothing to file a complaint about unless they want to charge each other with assault," Jack remarked.
"Mr. Parkerson, would you and your daughter step in here please?" The Commander asked.
Mr. Thatcher stepped in behind them and closed the door.
"Miss Parkerson, is this the person you said confronted you in the hallway?" The Commander asked.
She looked from her father to Jack and back to her father, "I think so."
Mr. Parkerson grabbed her arm, "What do you mean you think so?"
"It all happened so fast, and I was scared," she cried.
"Young lady, do you know how bad this will look in the papers?" He yelled.
Elizabeth notice that Celeste moved away from her father and closer to Jack. Elizabeth found this behavior odd, since Jack was the one who supposedly confronted her inappropriately. Sadly she appeared to feel more safe with a stranger than her own father.
Celeste's face was red, and her body was beginning to shake. She glanced from Jack to Elizabeth; she observed the look of love in their eyes, the trust Elizabeth had for Jack, and she began to feel guilty.
Although scared of the possible outcome, Elizabeth was beginning to feel sorry for her.
Celeste looked from Jack to Elizabeth… She began to cry, "I'm sorry you were both pulled into this situation, especially you sir. You came to my aid when I needed help, and I repay you by keeping quiet. Well, not anymore… Father, James is abusive. I know you and his father were expecting us to get married, strengthening the family businesses, but I can't do it. He drinks too much and I'm tired of being his punching bag."
Elizabeth walked over and put her arm around Celeste. She felt sorry for her…especially after her father stormed out of the room yelling, "We'll talk more about this when we get home."
Once Mr. Parkerson and Celeste left the room, the Commander removed Jack's handcuffs. In front of Mr. Thatcher, Elizabeth rushed into Jack's arms.
"Ah hem," Mr. Thatcher cleared his throat, attempting to gain their attention. "Don't you think that we should be leaving Elizabeth?"
"All of us, Father?" Elizabeth asked.
Mr. Thatcher held open the door, "Of course… We have quite a bit to discuss when we get home."
Jack stood up, reached out for Elizabeth's hand, and they walked out followed closely behind by Jack's new father-in-law!
To be continued…
