Chapter Thirty-Eight
"I'm not afraid of storms,
for I'm learning how to sail my ship."
-Louisa May Alcott
Elizabeth stood in a circle of woman, including her mother, Viola, and Aunt Agatha. Everyone seemed to be talking at once and Elizabeth was having a hard time keeping up with the conversation. She glanced at the clock on the fireplace mantel and was dismayed to see that it was past eight-twenty. Her thoughts focused on Jack, concerned that he was so late to the party. She closed her eyes and said another silent prayer for his safety before turning back to redouble her efforts at following the conversation.
She realized Viola was regaling them with the story about the difficulty of packin"g all of her things for the long voyage to London, a story Elizabeth had already heard at least twice that afternoon. She glanced around the room and saw her father holding court with a group of fellow businessmen and Viola's fiancé, Sir Lionel. Julie was sitting near the fireplace with a couple of younger women. She smiled when she saw three young men standing near Julie, hoping to gain her regard. Her sister always managed to hold the attention of the young men of Hamilton. Though she couldn't hear the conversation, Elizabeth noted how animated Julie was and assumed she was telling them about her new business with Clara. As she was about to turn her attention back to Viola's story, movement near the door caught her attention. When she looked that way, she inhaled sharply as she saw Jack enter the room.
She started to rush to him but remembered her manners. "Excuse me," she quickly told the women before rushing to Jack. She took his hands in hers and suddenly decided to pull him into an embrace, not even caring how it might appear to her family and friends. As she held him she said, "I am so glad you're here!"
"Me, too," he said as he hugged her. He looked around the room and spotted Sir Lionel standing with Mr. Thatcher. Then, he saw Thatcher look their way and give a disapproving shake of his head.
Elizabeth pulled away from him and smiled, still holding his hands. "You're just in time for supper," she told him.
He nodded, "Good." He continued to glance around the room.
Elizabeth studied him and her forehead creased with concern. "What is it, Jack?" she asked. "Is something wrong?"
He met her gaze and hesitated for a moment before telling her, "Stay close to me."
She smiled and teased, "Of course! Always!" When Jack didn't return the smile or tease her back, she became even more concerned. "Jack?" she asked, confused.
He extended his left arm to her and nodded. "Just stay with me," he repeated.
Her confusion and concern was fast approaching alarm now as she was certain there was something wrong. She took Jack's arm as directed and they moved toward the group of women she'd just left.
"Hello, Jack!" Julie called happily from across the room.
Jack swiveled his attention to where Julie was seated. "Evening, Julie," he replied before he glanced over at the group of men near the window, again.
"Good evening, Constable," Aunt Agatha greeted him. "Very good to see you again!"
Jack turned to her. "Thank you. It's good to see you again."
"Ladies," Aunt Agatha announced, "may I present Constable Jack Thornton."
The other women in the group all nodded a polite salutation to Jack. He nodded his greeting in return.
One of the older woman turned to Grace and asked, "Is he a friend of Elizabeth's?"
Grace seemed to falter, searching for words. Elizabeth quickly answered, "Yes, he is." She flashed a shy smile at Jack. When he just nodded and glanced across the room, another wave of concern washed over her and her smile faded.
A bell rang and the butler announced, "Supper is served, madam."
Grace and Thatcher escorted their guests to the dining room. Elizabeth and Jack hung back behind everyone else. "Jack, what's going on?" she asked, worried.
He looked at her and considered his reply. "Elizabeth," he began but was interrupted when Thatcher reentered the room and called, "Come along, Elizabeth, Constable!"
Jack directed her toward the dining room. "Just..."
"Stay close," she finished. "I know."
Later that evening, dinner was finished and they were all still sitting at the table talking when Grace announced, "Everyone, let's move to the parlor."
The dinner guests stood and started walking down the hallway. Elizabeth and Jack had been seated across the table from each other, so Jack waited for her as she made her way around the table. "Did you enjoy dinner?" she inquired as she wound her hand around his elbow.
"It was very good!" he answered as they followed everyone toward the drawing room.
Elizabeth leaned closer to him and whispered, "What is going on? What's wrong?"
Jack looked at her and frowned. He exhaled before telling her, "I can't say right now. I just want you..."
"To stay close to you, I know," she interjected. "Are you worried about someone in my family? I don't understand."
He nodded. "I know. But you will soon enough. And I'm so sorry," he told her.
His words deeply bothered her. She squeezed his arm tighter, trying to reassure herself by moving closer to him.
As soon as they entered the parlor, Thatcher asked, "Elizabeth, why don't you entertain us?" He motioned to the piano.
Elizabeth shook her head. "Oh, Father, I don't think so," she protested.
"Please, dear," Grace encouraged as she took a seat on the couch. "We'd love to hear you play again. It would be a lovely treat for your sister before her wedding."
Elizabeth sighed. "I guess I could play one song," she reluctantly agreed, smiling at Jack. Jack returned the smile as she slipped her arm from his and moved toward the piano. Jack moved back toward the wall near the door, but Aunt Agatha called to him from the sofa, "Constable, please join me!" She motioned toward the empty space next to her.
Jack nodded and agreed, "Yes, ma'am. Thank you!" He moved to the sofa and sat down. Viola was seated across from him in an arm chair with Sir Lionel standing behind her, leaning against the chair. He studied Sir Lionel for several seconds before the British nobleman turned and stared back at him. Jack nodded politely and turned his attention to Elizabeth, who was playing a few scales to warm up. Sir Lionel continuing watching Jack, frowning.
As Elizabeth played her warmups, Jack observed her. After a few moments, she looked up and smiled at him.
"So, Constable," Aunt Agatha began, "What excitement has there been in Hope Valley since we last saw you?" She looked at him expectantly.
Jack was a bit surprised by her question and before he could answer, Julie jumped in, "Well, I can share with you how exited I am about my new dress making venture in Hope Valley! It is simply the talk of the town!"
Aunt Agatha's smile faded. "A dress making venture is hardly exciting, Julie. We have those here in Hamilton." She turned back to Jack. "Have you captured any notorious criminals? Been in any shootouts?"
"Agatha!" Grace chastised. "You make it sound as though Hope Valley is the Wild West!"
Aunt Agatha shrugged. "Well, isn't it?" she asked.
"Constable," Sir Lionel interjected. "Elizabeth told us that you were in Hamilton for an investigation. Can you share with us what you are investigating?"
"Oh, yes!" Aunt Agatha enthused. "That sounds intriguing!"
Jack looked from Aunt Agatha to Sir Lionel. "I'm afraid not," he deflected.
"Official Mountie business?" Elizabeth called from the piano.
Jack turned to her and nodded. She met his gaze and saw the intensity in his eyes. She stopped the scale midway and stared at him, trying to figure out what could possibly be causing him such consternation.
"Elizabeth," Viola called, "haven't you warmed up enough?"
Elizabeth gave her sister a sharp look. "Alright, but please remember it has been awhile since I played," she advised everyone.
"You played with Charles the last time you were in Hamilton," Thatcher reminded her.
Elizabeth gave her father an angry look before turning back to Jack. He nodded and smiled, encouraging her. "Alright, this is for you, Viola and Sir Lionel. I wish you a very happy marriage!" she announced just before starting to play the final movement of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony, commonly known as Ode to Joy.
Elizabeth played very well and those gathered enjoyed her performance immensely. Jack smiled widely as he watched her play. Grace, sitting on the couch with Julie, shifted her gaze between Elizabeth and Jack, watching them intently. Thatcher stood in the back, drinking whiskey while watching his daughter play. Viola reached back and placed her hand on Sir Lionel's. He'd been studying Jack but moved his attention to her momentarily before glaring at Jack again.
Elizabeth finished the song and everyone clapped their appreciation.
"Thank you, Elizabeth!" Viola called. "That has always been a favorite of mine!"
"You're welcome!" Elizabeth replied. "Your wedding certainly calls for a joyful tune."
"That was lovely, Elizabeth," Grace offered as Elizabeth moved from the piano toward the sofa.
"Thank you, Mother," Elizabeth responded.
Jack stood, offering his seat to Elizabeth. She sat next to Aunt Agatha who looked up at Jack and said, "You still haven't answered my question about excitement in Hope Valley."
Jack again began to answer but was interrupted by Elizabeth, "I think the most exciting thing was when Jack built the church and school." She looked up at Jack proudly. He flashed her an appreciative smile.
"You built a church?" Thatcher asked, clearly surprised.
Elizabeth answered, "Yes, he did."
"The town built it," Jack corrected.
"With the money you donated," she countered. "And you led the construction. Everyone told me," she informed him.
"That's very impressive," Grace commended. "I'm sure you're glad to be teaching in a church rather than a saloon."
Elizabeth smiled. "It is a lovely church and school. The children and I are definitely enjoying having our own place to learn. But, there are some things I miss about those days teaching in the saloon. We had some fun times there."
"Teaching in a saloon was fun?" Viola asked, clearly doubtful.
"Teaching is always fun," Elizabeth told her sister. "Even though trying to teach in that saloon was challenging, we made some wonderful memories there."
Viola shook her head slightly, still unconvinced. An awkward silence fell over the room for a few moments before Sir Lionel announced, "Darling, I'm afraid I must go."
Jack's attention snapped to Sir Lionel.
"Must you?" Viola lamented.
He nodded. "Yes, I must. I have a very busy day tomorrow." When she gave him a questioning look he explained, "I have to finish all my business here in Hamilton. Friday is our wedding day and we leave for New York on Saturday."
"New York?" Elizabeth asked.
"We'll sail from New York to Liverpool," Viola explained. "We're sailing on the Lusitania! I'm so excited for my first transatlantic crossing!" She turned to her fiancé and asked, "Where did you say we're staying in New York?"
Sir Lionel momentarily looked flustered by the question but quickly recovered. "The Hotel Astor, of course," he replied.
"Oh!" Julie exclaimed. "I hear that is a lovely hotel!"
Viola smiled at Sir Lionel. "Only the best for us!" she declared.
"I really must go now," Sir Lionel told her. He leaned in and kissed her cheek.
"I should go, too," Jack announced, surprising everyone, especially Sir Lionel who jerked up straight. "I'll walk out with you," Jack said to Sir Lionel.
Elizabeth stood and asked, "When will I see you tomorrow?"
"I believe you ladies have a very busy day tomorrow," Thatcher interjected.
"Yes, we have the bridesmaid luncheon here," Viola added.
"But I'm sure there will be some time available for you to visit," Elizabeth insisted, smiling at Jack.
Jack looked down and exhaled loudly, uncomfortable with the clash between Elizabeth and her father.
No one was paying attention to the groom during this discussion, but Sir Lionel was clearly unnerved by Jack's announcement. His entire demeanor had altered. His breathing was heavy, his face contorted with concern, and his body stiffened with anxiety.
"Well, good evening, everyone," Jack glanced around the room and offered.
"Viola and I will walk you both to the door," Elizabeth told him.
Viola nodded and smiled as she stood. She turned to Sir Lionel and noted the change. "Lionel? Are you alright?" she asked.
His gaze shifted from Jack to her. Suddenly, he pulled her into his arms, her back to him.
Shocked by his actions, she laughed and told him, "Darling, I'll walk you to the door and we can hug goodnight there. I know you're going to miss me, but really? In front of my family?"
"Oh, shut up!" he growled at her.
Viola gasped at the rebuke and tried to turn around to face him, but he held her tightly. Elizabeth and her family were all shocked at the duke's sudden strange behavior. Jack studied Sir Lionel and slowly took a step toward him and Viola.
Sir Lionel saw Jack move towards him and yelled, "Don't!"
Jack stopped and watched Sir Lionel.
"What's going on here?" Thatcher demanded. "Lionel?"
Jack continued staring at Sir Lionel and saw the duke slowly push his right hand into his jacket pocket. Jack surreptitiously moved his hand toward his back and under his jacket. Sir Lionel noted Jack's movement and ordered, "No!" He quickly pulled his hand from his pocket revealing he was now holding a pistol, which he aimed it at Viola. At the same time, Jack pulled out his gun and aimed it at Sir Lionel.
Grace and Elizabeth gasped. Julie screamed. Aunt Agatha's mouth fell open in a silent cry. Viola's eyes widened and her forehead creased. "Wha... wha... what are you doing, Lionel?" she stammered.
"I demand you stop this now!" Thatcher commanded from behind the couch.
"Put your gun down, Constable!" Sir Lionel demanded.
Jack stared at Sir Lionel and slowly pushed Elizabeth toward her aunt. "Time to move away from me," he whispered to her. Elizabeth did as instructed and sidestepped toward Aunt Agatha.
"Drop your weapon, Constable!" Sir Lionel bellowed. He saw Elizabeth moving away from Jack and then spotted Thatcher advancing around the couch toward him. "Stop!" he commanded as he inched the gun closer to Viola's shoulder. "Don't come any closer! Everyone stay where you are!"
Thatcher stopped, frozen in place, his expression filled with anxiety.
Jack held his gun evenly, glaring at Sir Lionel. "Let her go, Lionel," he said, his voice even. "Your business partners already told us everything. There are Mounties outside waiting for you."
Sir Lionel shook his head. "No, no," he countered. "They wouldn't."
"What business partners?" Thatcher asked.
"They did," Jack told Sir Lionel, ignoring Thatcher. "Now, you need to let Viola go. Counterfeiting is one thing but kidnapping is much more serious. Don't make matters worse. Let her go and I'll make sure the judge knows that you were cooperative."
"I can't go to jail! I won't go to jail!" Sir Lionel yelled back at Jack. Then, he began backing his way toward the door, pulling Viola with him.
Jack cautiously followed.
"No!" Sir Lionel ordered. "Don't move!"
Jack hesitated for a moment as he saw sir Lionel pull a completely dumbfounded Viola through the doorway and into the hallway. Then, he quickly moved to the doorway and peered around the corner.
"Are you just going to let him take my daughter?" Thatcher asked angrily.
Elizabeth answered for Jack. "Of course he isn't! The Mounties are outside waiting to help." She turned to Jack and asked, "Right?"
Jack nodded as he slipped through the doorway. He saw Sir Lionel and Viola round the corner into the foyer. He rushed down the hallway as quietly as he could and stopped at the end. He looked around the corner and saw Sir Lionel about to pull Viola through the front doorway. Just then, Viola seemed to come to her senses. She demanded, "Lionel, what are you doing? Let me go! This is ridiculous!"
Sir Lionel moved the gun closer to her. "Be quiet!" he commanded.
Viola didn't seem to hear him. She began kicking and screamed, "Let me go! Let me go! Stop it!"
Movement behind him caught Jack's attention and he saw Thatcher and Elizabeth following him down the hallway. He waved at them and they stopped in their tracks.
"Come on!" Sir Lionel yelled as he pulled Viola through the front door. Jack quickly rounded the corner and followed them out the door. "Lionel, stop!" he demanded.
Sir Lionel turned around, holding Viola between him and Jack, and taunted, "Where are your Mounties? Hmmm? Where are all these police men who are going to arrest me?"
"Here!" Bill called from behind Sir Lionel.
Shocked by Bill's sudden announcement, Sir Lionel swiveled to his right in order to see the forensic investigator. He shifted his attention between Jack and Bill. "Stay back!"
Viola starting kicking and fighting him again. "Let me go, Lionel!" she protested.
"Okay, Your Highness, just stay calm," Duncan ordered as he moved from the other side of the car parked under the portico.
Sir Lionel looked at Duncan and then began looking wildly back and forth between all the Mounties as he moved closer to the car. He shook Viola, trying to get her to stop fighting him, before he bent over to peer inside the car. He saw the driver sitting behind the wheel and smiled. He stood up as Viola started kicking again. He met Jack's gaze and, as Jack saw his smile, Sir Lionel suddenly thrust Viola at him. Jack caught her as she fell into him. She looked at him and Jack noted the fear in her eyes. He looked past her and saw Sir Lionel climbing into the back seat of the car. Sir Lionel trained his gun at the driver and yelled, "Drive! Now!"
Bill and Duncan rushed toward the car but didn't make it before the car pulled away and started down the driveway. Thatcher and Elizabeth came through the door just in time to see the car start moving. Viola threw herself at her father. All at once, the rest of the party came rushing through the front doors and filled the area under the portico.
"He's getting away!" Elizabeth observed,
"He's taking my car!" Aunt Agatha cried. "And my driver!"
"No ma'am," a male voice rang out from behind them. A man moved from the bushes near the front door and walked toward Aunt Agatha. He was dressed only in his pants, suspenders, and shirt as his chauffeur's jacket and cap were missing.
"Wilson!" Aunt Agatha cried, relieved to see her driver. Suddenly, her eyes widened and her attention swiveled toward her car. "Then who's driving my car?"
Just as she asked the question, the car stopped at the end of the driveway. Jack raced toward it, closely followed by Bill and Duncan. When the three men arrived at the vehicle, Jack and Bill took positions on either side of the car while Duncan raced around to the front of the car. They saw Sir Lionel in the back seat with McDonald, wearing the chauffer's jacket and cap, in the front seat. They had their guns aimed at each other. "Drop your gun, Lionel!" Jack ordered.
Sir Lionel looked around, his eyes wild.
"Drop it!" Bill repeated.
Sir Lionel looked at Jack, his expression revealing his desperation. Jack saw Sir Lionel's finger move against the trigger and he jerked back just as the gun was fired. The bullet hit Jack's right arm and he stumbled backward. However, he quickly recovered just as Sir Lionel shoved the door open and leapt from the car. Using his left arm, Jack knocked the gun from Sir Lionel's hand. Sir Lionel took a swing at Jack but missed. Jack returned the gesture and landed his left fist squarely on the duke's jaw. Sir Lionel crumpled to the ground, unconscious.
Bill and Duncan quickly moved around the car toward Jack as McDonald exited the car. Bill rolled Sir Lionel on his stomach and placed handcuffs on his wrists before turning to Jack. "You alright?" he asked.
Jack nodded as he looked down at his arm. With his right hand, he carefully explored the hole in his jacket sleeve and saw the blood quickly saturating his shirt and jacket.
Author's Notes: That was a very long, bust chapter! Yes, Sir Lionel is a counterfeiter. Well, at least in my little corner of When Calls the Heart. His character always seemed so meek, so deferential, so cow-towed. Julie told Elizabeth in season 2 that he was marrying Viola for her money while Viola was marrying him for his title. So, if he wants money back enough to marry Viola, wouldn't he be greedy enough to get involved with the counterfeiters? Seemed logical to me. Actually, I'm really surprised that I posted this tonight but the new season 3 ad inspired me to get it finished! I probably won't get another chapter posted until the weekend. So, I hope you and your loved ones have a very Happy Thanksgiving! Hope you're enjoying the story! Thanks so much for reading!