Chapter 25: To Be Grateful . . .
(Thank you to everyone who has encouraged me to post additional chapters. Having to work during the week is interfering with the more important business of catching everyone up on my story of Jack and Elizabeth! There's more to come, so long as I can find the time to write it out (usually by staying up until 1 a.m. in the morning!) Thanks again, everyone – Happy (upcoming) Valentine's Day!)
Over the next day and a half, Elizabeth's fever spiked and she slept most of the time, barely conscious. Abigail and the other women in town took turns tending to Elizabeth. The townswomen brought food for Elizabeth, which kept piling up since Elizabeth was barely eating. Abigail jokingly complained to Bill, who was helping her eat the leftovers. "I don't know why I even bother running a café - the women in this town make enough food to keep everyone fed!" Abigail chuckled. Abigail was nonetheless very grateful for the outpouring of support from her neighbors.
Many of the townsfolk stopped by to see how Elizabeth was doing, even though Elizabeth barely registered their visits. Most would stand by the bedroom door, not wanting to disturb Elizabeth or catch her contagion. The townsfolk had come to care for the devoted, young teacher, whose energy and enthusiasm gave them and their children hope for the future. The Mayor and his wife, Dottie, came by with an apple pie. Ned Yost from the mercantile dropped off a box of chocolates, and Tom the barkeep sent over a bottle of rye whiskey. Cat Montgomery made delicious biscuits, and Florence delivered plum pudding.
After two days, Elizabeth's fever finally broke, and she was able to sit up in bed, although she remained quite weak. Elizabeth was still in a daze, not quite comprehending how ill she had been. Around noontime that day, Abigail was helping Elizabeth sip some broth, when they heard beautiful singing coming from the street. Elizabeth's students were singing the verses of "Amazing Grace" outside Elizabeth's window. Abigail helped Elizabeth walk over to her window so she could watch the children as they sang. The children's sweet voices and earnest faces brought tears to Elizabeth's eyes, as well as those of the townsfolk who were gathered in the street listening to them. Elizabeth waved at her students excitedly– seeing them made her want to get better as soon as possible.
When the children finished their song, a woman stepped out in front of them. It was Rosemary – she had been conducting the children. Elizabeth's face registered her surprise. Then Rosemary started to sing "Ave Maria," looking up at Elizabeth piously. All was quiet on the street as the townsfolk, the children, Elizabeth and Abigail listened to Rosemary's beautiful offering. Elizabeth clasped her hands in front of her, endeavoring to show Rosemary how much she appreciated her song. At the end of the song, Elizabeth waved to Rosemary and smiled; Rosemary curtsied deeply in response and then shooed the children back into the schoolhouse. Elizabeth turned to Abigail with a contented smile, and Abigail helped Elizabeth back into her bed.
Just then Bill knocked on the door to alert the women he was entering. "Hello, ladies. How are you doing today, Elizabeth," Bill asked solicitously. "I think I'm doing better," Elizabeth said confidently. Abigail agreed, "I believe the beautiful singing has lifted all of our spirits." Bill hesitated and then handed Elizabeth a note, saying, "I hope this note from Mr. Gowan doesn't spoil the moment. Mr. Gowan left today to go back East, but wanted me to give you this." Elizabeth, surprised, opened the note and read its contents. Elizabeth looked up, "It's just a note from Mr. Gowan apologizing for not being able to come visit and wishing me a speedy recovery." Abigail and Bill looked at each other with raised eyebrows. "It seems like your illness, Elizabeth, has caused a lot of people to reform their ways," Abigail said. Bill retorted, "We'll see how long that lasts!" Bill continued, "The new mine manager, Mr. LeRoy, also sends his best wishes to you, Elizabeth. He knows he hasn't had a chance to meet you yet, but he's heard all about you and Jack, of course."
Hearing Jack's name, Elizabeth furrowed her brows and asked, "Where is Jack, by the way?" Abigail and Bill quickly looked at each other. Abigail responded, "Jack had an important task which took him out of town today. Prior to today, Jack was with you every moment. He's been very worried about you." Elizabeth was a little annoyed, although she wasn't sure why. "Well, he doesn't need to worry anymore. I'm obviously getting better. He's such a worrywart!" Abigail laughed and said, "Elizabeth, it just shows how much Jack cares for you." Elizabeth, chagrined, answered, "I know, but it seems like he's always having to come to my rescue. He's going to think I'm like Calamity Jane! I hardly ever got sick or in a trouble when I lived back East . . . ." Abigail brought over the serving tray with food on it. "Why don't you eat some more of your lunch, then, so you can prove to Jack when he returns how much your health has improved." Elizabeth pouted, but took some sips of her soup. Elizabeth realized she was actually hungry, and started eating the other items on her tray as well.
Elizabeth dozed off after lunch for a few hours. Later that afternoon, Elizabeth awoke, hearing muffled voices outside her door. As Elizabeth struggled to prop herself up in bed, Jack strode through the door. "Jack!" Elizabeth called out, thrilled to see him. Jack pulled up a chair to Elizabeth's bedside and reached for her hands. "How are you feeling?" Jack asked, his voice full of concern. Elizabeth answered vehemently, "I'm fine. I'm all better. There's no reason to worry anymore." Jack laughed with relief. "Okay, okay . . . that's great to hear." The two of them couldn't stop looking at each other. Jack continued, "Elizabeth, there's someone here to meet you." Elizabeth looked questioningly at the door and saw an older woman with grey in her hair. The woman stepped through the threshold and walked towards Elizabeth's bed. "Hello, I'm Jack's mother, Hannah. It's a pleasure to meet you. I've heard so much about you from Jack. I'm so glad you're feeling better."
Elizabeth's eyes went wide and she looked back and forth between Jack and his mother. Elizabeth reached out her hands towards Hannah and whispered, "I hardly know what to say . . . I'm so glad you're here." Hannah sat on the edge of the bed and put her arms around Elizabeth, who started to cry "That's all right dear. Everything's going to be okay." Jack was astonished at Elizabeth's reaction. "Elizabeth, why are you crying?" Jack exclaimed. Hannah, still cradling a weeping Elizabeth, turned to Jack and explained. "I think Elizabeth is missing her mother." Jack's mouth formed an 'O" as he started to comprehend. Elizabeth, still crying, nodded her head up and down. Abigail and Bill were watching sympathetically from the doorway.
Elizabeth pulled away a little from Hannah, wiping her eyes. "I'm sorry to overreact that way," Elizabeth croaked. "That's okay, dear," Hannah responded. Elizabeth was confused. "How did you get here? Where did you come from?" Jack answered, "I sent a telegram to my mother and she met me halfway in Capital City. I went to get her today and bring her back to Coal Valley." Now it was Elizabeth's turn to have her mouth form an "O" as she looked around at everyone. Jack continued, "There's something else. My mother brought me this." Jack pushed his chair back, kneeled on the floor by Elizabeth's bedside, and pulled out an engagement ring. "Elizabeth, I want to ask you properly, with a proper ring, in front of our close friends and family, will you marry me?"
Elizabeth gasped and her eyes went wide. Hannah, Abigail, and Bill were all smiling broadly. Elizabeth nodded and replied happily, "Of course I will." Jack slid the ring onto Elizabeth's finger and kissed her hands. Jack said quietly, "This is my mother's engagement ring. She gave it to me to give to you." Elizabeth turned to Hannah and whispered, "Thank you. Thank you so much." Hannah replied smiling, "It's my pleasure. I'm just so happy to see my son happy."
Jack continued, "Elizabeth, another reason I brought my mother here is so she can be at our wedding. I don't want to rush you, but as soon as you're strong enough, I'd like us to be married here in Coal Valley." Elizabeth looked at Jack and then threw off her blankets. Elizabeth cried out, "I'm strong enough now – let's do it!" Everyone started laughing and Abigail rushed over to gently push Elizabeth back into her bed. Abigail said, "Elizabeth, why don't you take another day or two to get strong and healthy. And we can use that time to plan the wedding." Elizabeth acquiesced, already feeling tired from all the excitement. Elizabeth responded, "Okay, that probably makes sense." Elizabeth held up her hand with her engagement ring by the light of the candle and said admiringly, "It's so beautiful!" Elizabeth turned to Jack and complimented him, "You did good." Jack grinned. "Just doing my job, ma'am. Protect and serve." Everyone laughed at Jack's quip. Hannah said, "Maybe we should go . . . maybe we're tiring you out." Elizabeth responded quickly, "No, no . . . please stay for a bit longer. I want to hear all about your trip and about you and Jack when Jack was growing up." Hannah smiled and pulled up a chair. "I'd be happy to tell you all about it." Jack was ecstatic to see his mother and Elizabeth getting along so well. Abigail started towards the door and said enthusiastically, "I'll prepare some food for everyone."
If this were a television show instead of a real story , the camera would be panning away from the outside of Elizabeth's window, showing the amber glow of the light in the room through the curtains. The audience would be hearing lots of laughter and activity and seeing the outline of people moving about in the room. The camera would continue to pan out over the main street in Coal Valley, showing the residents doing their errands and getting ready for dinner. A few children would be playing in the street, and two horses would be tied up outside the livery, their tails swishing about. There might even be some light snow falling. The familiar western-themed music that accompanied the show would be swelling in the background, and we would know not only that this episode was ending, but that all is well in Coal Valley – and with Elizabeth and Jack – for the time being, and hopefully for a long time to come.