Chapter 28- Let the Preparations Begin
Jack and Elizabeth arrived back at the Thatcher's home. The wind was cool, and Elizabeth had gotten chilly. Jack stopped the carriage at the front of the house, and helped Elizabeth down from her seat. He walked her to the steps, and kissed her before taking the carriage to the stable.
"Jack, I'm sure that Franklin wouldn't mind taking care of the horse for you," Elizabeth said from the middle of the front porch steps.
Jack climbed back up on the carriage and said, "No, I'll take care of the carriage and the horse. No need in asking someone to do what I can do for myself. I'll be back shortly."
Elizabeth went inside and directly to the kitchen… "Louise, do you have anything I could pack for a picnic dinner?"
Louise, one of the family's house maids, was older, and Elizabeth practically grew up around her. "Miss Elizabeth, I have some fried chicken, potato salad, fruit and some cookies that I just backed. I have fresh lemonade or coffee too. Should I pack a basket, or would you like me to have Samuel take some lanterns outside by the gazebo, and I can set the food up out there?"
"Oh, I think setting up out at the gazebo would be wonderful," Elizabeth responded with a bright smile. "I'm going upstairs to freshen up a bit. Thank you so much for your help."
"You are so welcome. Oh, and Miss Elizabeth… your young man is quite handsome, and so polite. I'm so happy that your father had him stationed with you. I mean, I'm so glad that you found each other." Louise didn't mean to divulge certain information to Elizabeth, and hoped that she would not be mad.
Elizabeth laughed… "Louise, Jack and I already know about Father's involvement in his Constable assignment. I have to admit that we were both angry initially, but we fell in love, so I guess that it was meant to be.
Elizabeth slipped out of the kitchen and headed upstairs. She freshened up, and changed into a slightly warmer dress. She came back downstairs, but Jack had not yet returned.
"Miss Elizabeth," Louise called from the kitchen.
"Yes ma'am, Louise… Is everything okay?" Elizabeth asked.
"Oh yes, everything is going to be perfect. Samuel is almost finished hanging the lanterns, and the food is on the table inside the gazebo. I also took the liberty of having your father's phonograph taken out to the gazebo too. You and your young man should enjoy some romance while you're here." Louise was proud of what she had accomplished in such a short amount of time.
"Thank you for everything, Louise, but my young man's name is Jack…please call him Jack!" Elizabeth walked over and hugged her tight. "I have missed you so much."
Elizabeth walked out front to wait for Jack. She was standing on the porch admiring the beautiful moon, and bright twinkling stars. She did not hear Jack walking up the steps and over to her.
Meaning no harm; assuming she knew he was there, but certainly not thinking this through beforehand, Jack walked up behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist. Startled, Elizabeth swung her elbow, catching Jack in the ribcage. He immediately released her, realizing how stupid his actions were, given everything she had recently experienced. He backed away with his hands in the air, as she spun around, and he could see the fear in her face.
"Please forgive me, Elizabeth. I thought you knew I was there. I'm so sorry," Jack was begging forgiveness.
Once Elizabeth caught her breath, and realized that she was not under attack, she walked up to Jack, put her arms around him, and held him tightly.
"Are you alright, Elizabeth?" Jack asked, as he wrapped his arms around her holding her just as tight. He was so sorry, because he knew that he had really scared her.
"I'm fine, Jack…I just wasn't expecting you to sneak up on me," Elizabeth leaned back and kissed his cheek. "Will you come with me? I want to show you something." She reached down and took his hand in hers and they headed for the back of the property.
"Where are we going?" Jack asked, but knowing he would go wherever she led him.
Elizabeth led him to the southern end of the property, which was lined with beautiful cherry blossom trees. They stepped through the trees, and they could see the gazebo glowing in the night. The strategically placed lanterns provided a soft romantic glow to the grounds. Jack stood in awe. He knew that Elizabeth was the most gorgeous woman he had ever seen, but he found her breathtakingly beautiful in the soft light.
Elizabeth was walking slightly in front of Jack, when he took her arm, and turned her to face him, "How did I ever get so lucky in my life to have found you?" He wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her closer to him, kissing her lips.
Elizabeth leaned into his ear and said, "I think I'm the lucky one…I truly love you, Jack Thornton."
"What have we here?" Jack asked as he led her to the table where their dinner was laid out before them. He held out the chair for her to take a seat, and then guided it back toward the table. He took his seat across from her.
They enjoyed their dinner, talking about their plans for the future…their new home, and their hope for children. Jack observed the phonograph sitting on the table. He got up from his chair, walked over and kissed Elizabeth's lips on his way to start the music. He returned to Elizabeth, "May I have this dance?"
"Always, Jack," Elizabeth responded as she took Jack's hand.
Initially they danced in the gazebo, lit by the lanterns. After the second song Jack led her down the steps and they danced under the stars, each one totally lost in their love for the other.
Elizabeth looked in Jack's eyes, and watched a tear fall, "What's the matter, Jack? Are you alright?" She kissed his cheek, catching the tear with her lips.
Jack, not really thinking of himself as an emotional and romantic man was somewhat shocked at his own tears. "Elizabeth, I think it just hit me how close we have come to losing each other."
"But what has happened before has only made us that much stronger." Elizabeth kissed Jack's cheek and said, "I truly love you Jack Thornton, and it will be my biggest honor to be your wife." She wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him tightly to her. He held her just as tightly around her waist, and they continued to sway to the music.
Jack leaned back, looking into her eyes, trying to put into words what he felt so strongly with his heart. "Elizabeth…Elizabeth," he whispered, "Loving you has made sense of everything else in my life. My wants are limited to just you, and I know our love will last forever." He held her hands in his, and they each leaned forward, softly touching their lips together.
Realizing that it was getting late, Jack took Elizabeth's hand through his arm, and they strolled back toward the house. Elizabeth had her head on Jack's shoulder, and she closed her eyes; dreaming of the day when they would walk down the aisle after becoming man and wife.
Jack walked Elizabeth to her room, kissed her lips gently, and turned to head for his room.
"Jack?" Elizabeth called to him, "I love you."
"I love you too," Jack replied as he returned to her, kissing her lips again. He turned to head for his room.
"Jack?" Elizabeth called to him again, "I mean…I really love you." She whispered, trying not to disturb anyone.
"I really love you too, Elizabeth. Is something wrong?" Jack asked as he walked back to her and putting his hands on her shoulders.
"No, nothing is wrong, but I was wondering…" Elizabeth started to speak, but it was evident that she had something on her mind.
"What is it, Elizabeth? You know I would do anything for you," Jack responded.
"Well, do you think we could head back home tomorrow, Jack?" Elizabeth asked.
"Are you certain that you don't want to stay another day or two?" Jack put his arm around her shoulder and pulled her to him. "I am ready to return home whenever you want."
"Okay, I would like to leave tomorrow. I want to start planning our wedding…I can't wait to become Mrs. Jack Thornton." Elizabeth hugged Jack, and then sent him on his way to his room.
Jack walked a few feet and then stopped assuming that she would call him back again and he could sneak in another kiss. However, she didn't call out to him, and when he turned around, Elizabeth's bedroom door was closing.
Elizabeth sat at her dressing table, taking the combs out of her hair. She brushed her hair, and then prepared to draw a bath. As she waited for the tub to fill, she went to the door adjoining her room with Jack's. It was unlocked. She knocked, but there was no answer. She turned the knob, and slowing opened the door. Jack must have been exhausted, because he was already sound asleep, and still in his clothes. Elizabeth walked up to the bed, and bent down to kiss his lips. She was so close to his lips, but they had not yet touched, when Jack grabbed her arms and pulled her over him and to the other side of the bed.
"Jack, it's me," she yelled.
"Elizabeth, you don't sneak up on people. I'm sorry…I didn't hurt you did I?" Jack said as he jumped up from the bed, and pulled her to her feet.
"I'm fine, Jack, but I guess you know how it feels to be snuck up on." Elizabeth smiled.
"Yes, I do know how it feels," Jack laughed and he held his hand to his ribcage, feigning pain.
"I'm sorry, Jack. I should not have come in here. I knew you were asleep. I just wanted to…Oh no!" Elizabeth took off running into the bathroom.
"What's wrong? Do you need help?" Jack asked, but was afraid to enter the bathroom.
"No, everything is fine. I just…ooops, ouch." Elizabeth yelled as she fell on the floor.
Jack rushed in, and finding Elizabeth sprawled out on the floor, he began to laugh. He went to the tub and turned off the water. However, since she had already put in bath soap, and the tub had overflowed, the damage was done.
"Stop laughing, Jack, it isn't funny. Elizabeth was trying to get up, but kept slipping on the soapy floor.
"Uh, yes it is a bit funny," Jack continued to laugh as he put out his hand to help Elizabeth to her feet. Instead, Elizabeth pulled him to the floor…
"Now it's funny!" Elizabeth exclaimed as she began to laugh.
They were both laughing, unable to get up off the floor. Jack was captivated by her…even soaking wet, and covered in suds; she was still the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. Jack leaned Elizabeth back against the wall, and they began to kiss. Several kisses later, they were interrupted by someone entering Elizabeth's room.
"Sister? What's going on in here?" Julie called out. She walked into the bathroom and found Jack and Elizabeth wet and on the floor.
Jack stood and helped Elizabeth to her feet. They both continued to laugh. Elizabeth pulled out a stack of towels to dry the floor. Once the floor was dry, Elizabeth said, "If you don't mind, I would like to take a bath."
"Oh, excuse me, I'm sorry…I'm leaving now," Jack said as he walked back to his room, closing the door behind him.
"And to think that I have always thought of you as a prude, dear Sister," Julie called out to Elizabeth as she left the bathroom.
"I'm not a prude…" Elizabeth yelled out to Julie.
Elizabeth enjoyed her bath…growing up, soaking in a soapy tub always relaxed her. She dressed in her night clothes and crawled into bed, falling asleep within minutes.
The sun peeking through the curtains awoke Elizabeth to a beautiful brand new day. She went through the bathroom, and knocked on the door at Jack's room. He opened the door, and she greeted him with a good morning kiss.
"I could certainly get used to that...and good morning to you, too," Jack said as he leaned in for another kiss. "Do you still want to leave today?"
"I would like to, but I guess we should plan to leave tomorrow. That will give Franklin time to gets the carriage and horses situated, and possibly Mother, Julie and I can do some wedding planning," Elizabeth replied as she slipped her hand through his arm, and they proceeded down to the dining room for breakfast.
"Good morning Father…Mother…Julie. I hope everyone slept well," Elizabeth said as she walked around the table kissing them good morning.
"Elizabeth, what are your plans for the day?" Mrs. Thatcher asked.
"Well, Mother, I was hoping maybe we could do some shopping for my wedding," Elizabeth replied, excitement was evident in her voice.
"Nothing would bring me greater joy, dear," Mrs. Thatcher smiled. "I guess we should get a start on our day then. Jack, will your mother be able to attend the wedding?"
A look of shock came over Jack's face, as he just realized that he had not sent her word of his engagement…"Uh, I do hope so. When we set an actual date, I'm sure she will want to be there."
After breakfast Jack and Elizabeth took a short walk together before the girls headed off shopping.
"Jack, you haven't told your mother about us, have you?" Elizabeth asked, somewhat disappointed.
Jack took Elizabeth's hand and led her to a bench where they sat down. "You know I love you, right?"
"Of course I know that, Jack," Elizabeth responded with a smile.
He had her hand enclosed with his, rubbing the top of hers with his fingers. "With everything that has been going on, I just forgot to send her the telegram. I certainly meant nothing by it, just an oversight. Our engagement will not come as a surprise to Ma. I've told her how I feel about you."
"Jack do you not think that your mother will like me?" Elizabeth asked as she leaned against him.
"Absolutely not," Jack replied trying to make her feel better.
"Absolutely not? She won't like me? Jack what are we going to do?" Elizabeth shot off the bench and started walking back and forth. "We can't get married if your mother doesn't like me."
Jack jumped up grabbing Elizabeth's arms to stop her, "I'm sorry, you misunderstood me…I meant that there was absolutely no way that she would not love you."
Elizabeth wrapped her arms around Jack and held him tight. "I love you so much," she whispered in his ear.
As they separated, Jack leaned in and kissed her, so gently, so tenderly, and this precious moment was only broken when Julie appeared to gather Elizabeth for their shopping excursion.
"My heavens, you two can't seem to keep your hands off of one another," Julie laughed.
"Well, we are engaged, Julie." Elizabeth responded with a matter of fact tone.
"You know, Jack," Julie began, "I always considered Elizabeth somewhat of a prude. She had these grand notions of love…you know the kind that sets your heart on fire. She left quite a few broken hearts here in town."
"I'm not a prude, Julie. I just know what I want in life, and I do not want to settle for less. And for your information, I have found that love that sets my heart on fire…every time I look at him," Elizabeth kissed Jack's lips.
"Well, ladies if you don't mind, I will see if I can borrow a horse, and ride into town to send a much needed telegram," Jack said as he smiled at Elizabeth.
"You can ride with us, Jack," Julie offered.
"No, ma'am, you ladies have a wonderful time together. This is something that you should do without me tagging along." Jack leaned over and kissed Elizabeth, "I'll miss you, sweetheart."
"And I'll miss you too," Elizabeth said as she held on to his hand not wanting to let go.
"Mother is waiting for us, Elizabeth," Julie remarked as she started walking toward the front of the house.
"I'll see you later today, Jack…I love you." Elizabeth leaned over and kissed Jack on the cheek.
"Would you two break it up? Come on Elizabeth, we have a lot of things to shop for," Julie said as she smiled and raised her eyebrows.
Elizabeth and Jack finally let go of each other's hand, and they headed in opposite directions. As if on cue they each stopped, turned back to look at the other and smiled. Julie grabbed Elizabeth and they headed to the carriage to meet their mother.
Their first stop was Prentiss' Dress Boutique. Elizabeth always loved their clothes, but since moving to Coal Valley she hasn't had much of a need for new dresses.
"Elizabeth, they have added a new wedding section in the back," Mrs. Thatcher said, as she headed in that direction.
Elizabeth was in awe of all of the wedding gowns she saw hanging on the racks. She pulled each dress back on the rack to inspect it, as she envisioned herself walking down the aisle to Jack. "Mother, I would love to have a dress with silk and lace…white, of course."
"We already knew you'd be wearing white, Elizabeth," Julie joked.
Maggie Prentiss, owner of the boutique came out to help them search for the perfect dress. Elizabeth tried on several, but none to her liking. Then she saw it…the dress she had always dreamed of wearing for her wedding…
"That's it…right there. That's the one I want," Elizabeth scream with joy
"Okay, let's try this one on then," Mrs. Thatcher asked Maggie for assistance.
They went into the dressing room, and when they emerged, the site of Elizabeth in this wedding dress brought tears to Mrs. Thatcher and Julie. The dress was white silk with a slightly higher waistline, a square neckline, and lace covering the bodice. From the waist down, there were two layers of silk… one, the bottom layer, met in the back and was stitched closed. The second layer wrapped around her back, stitched at the waistline, and fell at an angle, with the underlying silk uncovered in the front. The sleeves were more form fitted from the elbows down to her wrists. The dress fit Elizabeth's body perfectly, as if it had been made especially for her.
"Elizabeth, you are beautiful," Mrs. Thatcher couldn't contain her tears.
Elizabeth looked at herself in the mirror, and soon all three of the Thatcher women were in tears. Mrs. Thatcher made arrangements for the dress to be delivered to their home.
As they left the boutique, Julie said, "Okay, now we need to go shopping for your lingerie."
"I don't think I want to shop for that with you. It is clear that you and I have different tastes in that area." Elizabeth said effectively putting an end to Julie's pushing…at least for now!
The three women continued shopping and planning what will be the most memorable day in Elizabeth's life. They stopped for lunch…Elizabeth enjoyed seeing several of her friends that she hadn't seen since leaving Hamilton. Well, most of her friends…
"Hello, Elizabeth…" Elizabeth looked up to see Madeline Gilchrist, someone she considered more of an acquaintance than a friend. "How are you?"
Before Elizabeth could answer, Julie jumped in, "We are having a Thatcher Girls day. I guess you haven't heard Elizabeth is getting married."
"Well, I heard that you are teaching in a coal mining town. I suppose to found you a miner?" Madeline asked. She considered herself to be in the elite set, but Elizabeth just considered her to be snobbish.
Jack, having sent his much needed telegram to his mother, was walking around town exploring Hamilton. He saw Elizabeth through the window of the restaurant, and stepped inside to tell her that he missed her. He walked up to the table, and could hear parts of the conversation. A young woman, whom he did not know, was talking when he walked up.
"Elizabeth, I guess I just never thought you would find someone, dear…" Madeline presented her snide comment.
"Not only has she found someone, he is madly in love with her," Jack said as he walked around to Elizabeth and kissed her cheek.
Elizabeth said, "Madeline, I would like you to meet my fiancé, Constable Jack Thornton."
"Ma'am, I'm pleased to meet you," Jack responded.
"Jack this is Madeline Gilchrist," Elizabeth completed the introductions.
"Oh my…I never would have guessed, Elizabeth," Madeline was taken aback by Jack. "You certainly are a very lucky girl."
"No ma'am…I'm the lucky one!" Jack replied.
To be continued…
