Chapter 38

"A happy marriage is a long conversation

that always seems too short."

~Andre Maurios

Inside Abigail's Cafe, Abigail and Elizabeth were in the kitchen preparing dinner. Olivia was sitting at the table in the kitchen, folding cloth napkins. As the door opened and Charles and Jack entered, Abigail looked up from where she was standing at the stove. Elizabeth peeked around the corner and gasped.

Hearing Elizabeth gasp, Olivia looked up from the napkins and saw the two women staring out into the dining room. She stood and walked around the table so she could see what they were watching. When she saw her husband standing in the dining room, she, too, gasped. "Charles Thatcher! What on earth are you doing here?"

Charles smiled at Olivia. "You're well!" he exclaimed. "I'm so glad to see you aren't sick!"

"Charles, what are you doing here?" Olivia demanded.

Charles had started advancing toward Olivia. "I heard you were ill," he explained. "I got here as quickly as I could."

Olivia stared at him coldly. Charles slowed his steps toward her, confused by her coolness.

"I'm so glad to see you are feeling better," he placated as he stopped a few feet from her. He moved his arms awkwardly, as though he wanted to hug her but wasn't sure if he should.

Olivia continued to glare at him.

"Um... you are feeling better, aren't you, Livy?" he asked.

The use of his nickname for her seemed to ignite her. "Really? Why? Why are you so concerned? What does it matter to you whether I'm well or sick? I'm surprised you even noticed I wasn't at home!" she exploded as she stepped toward him.

Charles was shocked by her reaction. "Livy... what...?"

"Don't you Livy me!" she yelled and glared at him.

Abigail edged into the dining room. As she got Jack's attention, she motioned with her head to the door. Jack nodded and turned to Elizabeth, who was gaping at her aunt and uncle. Jack tried to get her attention, but she was totally engrossed in their exchange.

"Where have you been all these weeks? Months! Did you even notice I had left?!" Olivia roared as Charles just stared at her, dumbfounded.

Jack moved toward Elizabeth and took her hand, pulling her toward the door. Startled, she looked at Jack, questioning him with her eyes. He mouthed, "Let's go." She didn't move.

"I haven't heard one word from you in months!" Olivia yelled at Charles. "And you show up here, today, saying that you're concerned about me?"

Jack yanked Elizabeth's hand, pulling her through the dining room and out the door.

"Olivia, I only just found out…" Charles started to explain.

"Oh, wait... excuse me," Olivia berated. "My mistake, you did telegram once when I was in New York asking where you could find some of your suits. One telegram in, let's see, how long has it been now... 4 months!"

Abigail, Elizabeth, and Jack could still hear Olivia and Charles out on the porch of the café, even through the closed door. Abigail and Jack were clearly uncomfortable but Elizabeth was listening intently.

"Why don't we grab some tea at the saloon?" Abigail suggested. Jack nodded his agreement and pulled Elizabeth toward the stairs.

"Where are we going?" Elizabeth asked as she stopped him, clearly wanting to stay and eavesdrop on her aunt and uncle's argument.

"To the saloon for some tea," Jack explained. Elizabeth didn't move. "Elizabeth, we need to give them some privacy," he reproved. Elizabeth was still hesitant. "They've been married awhile. They'll work this out," Jack assured her. "Now, let's leave them alone." Finally, she responded to his very serious tone and fell in step with him down the stairs and into the street, heading toward the saloon.