Disclaimer: I do not own any of these characters. All rights go to the actors, writers and creators of the show "When Calls The Heart".

To the readers: Thanks again for all of your kind reviews. To the reader who wanted to punch Charles in the face (pit3), sorry but its only going to get worse! Ha ha!

(12/07/2018)

CHAPTER 29

Elizabeth was still watching Julie, who's expression must have mirrored her own. What has Father done?! I didn't even get asked!

Elizabeth turned to her Father and was about to say something when Charles was already at her side, taking her hand in his. He smiled broadly at everyone, including Elizabeth, while she just stood there stunned. I am already engaged! This cannot be happening!

Before she knew it, there was music playing and Elizabeth had been swept along in a dance, Charles forcing her around the dance floor. No sooner had one song stopped than another began and Charles' grip tightened on her each time she tried to leave at the end of the song.

After this happened for a third time, Elizabeth had had enough. She waited for a convenient moment in the dance and with all her strength she collapsed onto the ground with a scream. She clutched her ankle as she landed for good measure. She had to fake some tears but after thinking about being engaged to Charles, the tears flowed easily.

Charles looked down at her like she was vermin. Jack would have carefully scooped her up and whisked her away within moments if he was there. I wish he was here right now. But if he was here none of this would have happened.

William called for the butler and between Julie, one of the maids and the butler, they carried her out of the room while everyone else stayed at the party. No one came to check on her. As soon as they had helped her toward the sitting room, Elizabeth asked Julie to close the doors behind them before she dismissed the maid and butler.

"Did that look legitimate enough?" Elizabeth asked.

"You're not hurt?" Julie said surprised.

"No. He wouldn't let me go. He was going to break my hand. I had to do something."

Elizabeth went to the servant's door and peered through.

"I'm leaving. Are you coming?"

"Yes!"

Elizabeth waited until the coast was clear and then the two of them slipped along the corridor and through the back door out into the night.


Charles was disgusted with Elizabeth right now.

When his father, Henry, had told him about the business arrangement between him and William he thought it sounded like they were getting the better end of the deal. Now having met Elizabeth Thatcher, he could see that a bit of work was needed to get her behaving the way he expected. She was attractive enough so at least that was in her favour and she looked like she had good hips for bearing his male heirs but he thought she was spoilt. Being brought up in a house full of women would likely do that to her.

In exchange for buying a share in the company, William Thatcher had agreed to take Charles on as an associate and provide him with an eligible wife. Charles had read the newspaper article weeks ago regarding Elizabeth's role in that little country town, but he couldn't have cared less. So long as the agreement went through with William and he became a shareholder and an associate, the rest was unnecessary details.

Charles expected his wife to run a household, bear children and be available when he desired her. She shouldn't draw any unnecessary attention to herself and she should act like a lady. It was not that complicated. Any woman could do it.

However, Elizabeth had just made a scene. Not only had she been shocked at their engagement but then she fell over on the dance floor. What a clumsy woman? How can I marry someone so silly? He cast the thought from his mind. I have more important things to think about. I start work tomorrow.


Elizabeth and Julie ended up at the far end of the grounds under the trees. There was an old swing there that they had used as children and Elizabeth sat in it now as Julie sat against the tree trunk. Except for their beautiful dresses they could have been children from a distance.

"Julie, what am I going to do?"

"I don't know Beth. You can't marry him."

"I was never going to, even if he had've been charming."

Julie looked up at her, tilting her head slightly.

"You said that you were already courting someone …"

Thinking of Jack made Elizabeth smile automatically. She didn't want to tell Julie though. Julie was known for having a big mouth.

"Tell me! Tell me!"

"No way."

"Please"

"Absolutely not."

Julie sat there thinking.

"They said in that newspaper article that you were courting a Mountie to evade the law …"

Elizabeth could feel her cheeks blush and had no control over stopping it.

"Oh my goodness! Its true! I thought that was fiction! You're courting a Mountie?"

"Maybe."

"Is he handsome?"

"Yes" Elizabeth answered and Julie let out a squeal and was jumping up and down like a little girl.

"I knew it! I knew something was different about you, but I couldn't put my finger on it. So is it serious?"

"Julie, if I tell you, you have to swear not to tell anyone! And I mean it! If this gets out I will be ruined, especially after tonight!"

"What do you mean? You've already reached an understanding with him?" Julie asked before her eyes went wider. "Are you already married?" she whispered loudly as if someone else might hear them.

"No, we're not married … but we might be soon …" Elizabeth grinned at her sister.

"You're engaged! Oh, Elizabeth that's wonderful!" Julie jumped on her sister, throwing her arms around her. Unfortunately, the weight of Julie as well as Elizabeth on the old swing was a bit too much. With a loud rip sound, the rope split and they both ended up sprawling on the floor.

"Ow!" they both complained. Julie rolled off Elizabeth, who had broken most of her fall. Elizabeth began laughing and so did Julie and then the two of them were rolling around in the grass holding their stomachs with laughter. Finally they were able to stop laughing and breath again and they both lay on the ground next to one another. Julie reached out her hand to her big sister.

"I'm so happy for you, Beth."

"Yes, but now you know what the problem is. I am not marrying Charles."

"You have to marry the Mountie." Julie squeezed her hand. "So how are we going to fix this?"

"I'm not sure but I've got an idea. I might need your help."

"Anything for you!"


William was sitting in his office the following morning when there was a knock at the door.

"Come in."

Elizabeth entered slowly.

"Elizabeth. How is your foot?"

"Much better thank you, Father. I was hoping I could discuss something with you."

"Certainly, Beth. I have to leave soon but you have my attention."

"I would like to know what the terms are of your business agreement with the Kensington's."

William was surprised that she would make such a request.

"It's none of your concern. You just need to hold up your end of the bargain."

"That's the problem father. I never agreed to this bargain. You put me on the spot last night. Since when is it customary for a woman to become engaged without even being asked by her suitor.

"Charles told me that he spoke to you."

"He spoke to me but nothing about an engagement. He is an arrogant piece of work, Father. Surely you can't expect me to go through with this."

"Elizabeth, you are the final piece in the negotiation."

"Tell me what the terms are right now. I've been doing business for the mill for eighteen months. I know what I'm doing. Tell me."

Elizabeth stood in front of her father, hands on her hips in determination. William knew her to be head strong and stubborn - a trait that she had inherited from her father.

"Fine. Henry Kensington has bought into the company and Charles has been hired as an associate and you were offered as his wife."

"Why me? Why not Viola?"

"Viola is too valuable as the oldest heir plus she is older than Charles. You are much more suited."

"No, I am not suited to that man. No woman is. I will not marry him."

"I have spent countless dollars on your tuition and education to let it go to waste on marrying a Mountie. You will marry Charles Kensington."

William wasn't surprised to see Elizabeth momentarily falter when he mentioned the Mountie. She recovered quickly before continuing.

"How much money did you invest in me?"

"I don't know" William said opening his hands with a shrug.

"Name a price. If you are only going to talk in monetary terms, then I have a business proposal for you. Name a price" Elizabeth insisted.

"$20, 000"

"You hire me as an associate. I will work for free. I will make you that $20 000 as well as the price of Henry Kensington's buy in before Christmas. Charles can get lost for all I care. He is only going to cost you money, I guarantee it."

William sat there thinking about what Elizabeth had proposed. There is no chance that she can make that much money in just over three months.

"If you fail, you marry Charles."

"If I don't fail, I marry Jack and the mill stays open indefinitely. No more blackmailing."

I knew this had something to do with the Mountie. I think I'm pretty safe.

"Fine."

"Fine. I will need access to your client lists and any other information that is required to get the contracts over the line."

"You can have anything and everything you need."

"Deal."

"Welcome to Thatcher Shipping." William stood up and offered her his hand. She stood smiling and shook it. "We have a meeting in half an hour. Are you ready to go?"

Elizabeth nodded and followed her father out.