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".

(7/8/2018)

CHAPTER 55

When they arrived back in Hope Valley, Elizabeth was delighted to see Lee and Rosie waiting for the stage. Elizabeth jumped down and grabbed Lee in a big hug.

"Lee. I've missed you. How's Father?"

"Much better."

Elizabeth turned to Rosie.

"Thank you for your help with everything, Rosie."

"Don't mention it, Izzy. Happy to help."

Elizabeth turned back to help get her bag.

"Micky Hampton?" Lee exclaimed.

"Lee Coulter. How have you been?"

Micky stepped down out of the stage last.

"Well. What are you doing with Elizabeth?" Lee asked in surprise.

Elizabeth turned back around. "No. No. No. He's not with me." Elizabeth said, catching the look of surprise in Rosie's eye. "Micky just decided to come and have a look at Hope Valley."

"Yes, Elizabeth has a business proposition for me so I thought I would come and have a look at the town."

"Oh she does she?"

"Yes Lee. Don't get all jealous. I haven't seen you in almost two months. I can fill you in. When did you get back?"

"Just an hour ago."

"Lee drove us in his car" Rosie said waving to the automobile near the saloon.

"Is that so?" Elizabeth said laughing.

"Where's Jack? I've been wanting to catch him but I haven't seen him around."

"He's not here. He left for the northern territories about … oh I don't know … a week or two ago."

"Mountie Jack left four weeks ago, Mrs Thornton" Gabe interrupted.

"How could you remember that?" Elizabeth asked him bewildered.

Gabe shrugged. "He left on Emily's birthday" he said. "Thankyou for the trip, Mrs Thornton. I best be going home to see Ma."

"Okay, bye."

The remaining three students all said goodbye and thanked her before they all went their separate ways.

"How was the exposition?" Lee asked taking her suitcase and leading her towards Abigail's with Rosie and Micky following.

"Very informative. I have a lot to tell you, Lee!"

"I bet you do" Lee said laughing as they reached the café and went inside.

After lunch at the café and catching up with everyone, Elizabeth began to make her way home. She stopped at the mercantile to see if there was any mail and she was in luck. There was one from Jack. She excitedly ran out of the store and only made it around the corner, before she couldn't wait any longer and pulled the letter out of the envelope. Leaning against the wall of the building, she read:

Dearest Izzy,

I cannot put into words just how much I miss you.

This place is cold and dreary and I wish I was home with you more than anything. I haven't received any mail here. It's no surprise. Everything here is a bit lacking.

I hope you are well and the children are behaving in class for you.

I dream of the day that I ride home and can take you in my arms again.

I love you with all my heart.

Forever yours,

Jack

Elizabeth read the letter over and over again before she finally began walking home. She couldn't believe he hadn't received any letters. She felt like she had sent a hundred since he left. She sighed to herself before heading home alone.


The next few weeks passed quickly and before anyone knew it, the plans for the paper mill were full steam ahead. Every day, Lee and Micky were up at the mill discussing options, where Elizabeth would join them in the afternoon and add her two cents. Micky had organised the electricity and it was due to be installed over the next two months. Lee had organised through William to have bricks shipped out to begin the building process of the factory. It was a much more complex building than any of them had been involved in before, but William ended up sending out an engineer and architect as well. Elizabeth was surprised at her father's support with the project, but she was not about to complain. Micky was also a welcome addition to the project. Not only had he decided to assist with the investment, he had decided to stay and help set up the mill.

Faith and Shane's wedding was fast approaching. Elizabeth was going to be a bridesmaid along with Abigail. Dottie was making the dresses with Rosie's advice. After all Rosie did know all of the modern fashions, at least that was what she told everyone.

Elizabeth was in having her dress fitting for the second time and Dottie was doing the pinning. It was a beautiful pale blue coloured dress.

Dottie had a mouthful of pins as she fixed the hem and gathered the waist line. Abigail stood next to her, where Rosie was doing the same thing. Faith was sitting down watching them.

"So are you nervous about the wedding or are you excited, Faith?" Abigail asked.

"To tell you the truth, I'm still a bit worried about everything falling into place. My wedding dress is almost done, so that is wonderful, thanks to Dottie" she said smiling.

Dottie just waved her hand in thanks and kept pinning.

"Really, none of the rest matters too much. It would be nice if we had clear weather on the day, but you can never count on that to happen" Faith laughed.

"I think it will be a beautiful wedding either way. When Shane sees you in that dress, he will likely fall over" Elizabeth said, making Faith laugh all the more.

There was a knock at the door to the dress shop and Bill appeared. "Sorry to interrupt, Faith but Miles has hurt his wrist. Could you spare a minute to come take a look?"

Faith stood up. "Duty calls" she sung out as she left the dress shop.

As soon as the door was shut, Rosie pulled the pins out of her mouth.

"What are we doing for her bridal shower?"

Abigail looked at Elizabeth. "I'm not sure. I presumed we would just do something simple. An afternoon tea maybe" Elizabeth answered.

"Yes, well I was thinking a picnic!" Rosie said, her arms waving animatedly around her. "We can have some nice blankets set out with platters of scones and cakes and tea."

"How do we make the tea on a picnic?"

"Abigail can make thermoses of water and …"

"That's a lot of thermoses if we are going to have all the women in town come along."

"Abigail will manage" Rosie frowned and shaking her head at Elizabeth, before going along with her dreamy pose. "We can have little sandwiches and pies and we can have some music playing …"

"Who's going to play the music?" Elizabeth asked.

"I can play the flute" Rosie snapped.

"But then you will miss out on the little sandwiches and the scones and the cakes …" Elizabeth imitated Rosie's tone and hand movements.

Rosie put her hands on her hips. "Must you always be so practical?"

"Must you always be so dreamy?"

"Dreamy is better than practical."

Abigail cut in. "Maybe you two should work together and figure out something that is both dreamy and practical."

Elizabeth and Rosie both relented.

In the end, Rosie ended up getting her away with doing everything dreamy while Elizabeth just made sure of the details to make it happen.


Elizabeth was walking down the main street when Micky ran out of the saloon.

"Beth!"

Elizabeth turned. "Hi Micky!"

"I have great news!"

"Okay" she said prompting him.

"Electricity should be installed next week."

"You're kidding! How?" she said.

"Because I'm a genius."

Elizabeth jumped up and down and hugged him tight.

"That's fantastic news!"

"I know right. The paper factory will be open in no time."

Elizabeth was so glad. She had been starting to worry that the paper idea was a bit too optimistic but now it was all coming together.

"Izzy!"

Elizabeth saw Katie running toward her from the mercantile.

"These just all came back."

Elizabeth saw all of her letters in Katie's hand. She took them off her. "Thanks Katie."

Elizabeth flicked through the string bound package to see every single one of her letters she had sent. Her heart dropped.

"Hey Beth. You okay?"

"Yeah I'm fine. I have to go" she said and hurriedly walked to the café.

"Abigail?" she sung out.

"Izzy? I'm back here."

Elizabeth hurried into the kitchen.

"Izzy, what's wrong?"

"Look." Elizabeth handed the pile of letters to her friend. "They all came back, Abigail."

Abigail looked down at all the letters. "It's okay, Izzy. This doesn't mean anything. It could just mean the mail service isn't going that far or he's been moved to a different post."

"He didn't say anything in his last letter. Abigail, he's going to think I don't care!"

"No, Jack wouldn't think that. He loves you and he knows you love him too. Do not panic."

Elizabeth nodded, even though she felt the tears in her eyes. Abigail wrapped her arms around her, giving her a hug.

"He's coming home to you, Izzy. Have faith."


Elizabeth was walking to the café on her way to school the next day when Katie called out to her again.

"Izzy. You have a telegram!"

Elizabeth walked up the steps and into the mercantile.

"Here you go" Katie said enthusiastically.

Elizabeth unfolded it and read:

Elizabeth Thatcher. Carol Kensington ill. Cannot care for boy. On his way back to Hope Valley. Arrives tomorrow.

Elizabeth looked up in surprise. "Katie, when did this telegram come in?"

"Late last night. I was going to run it to the school this morning, but I saw you coming past."

Elizabeth went on her way to school. She couldn't understand why Carol didn't send Joey back to Hamilton but maybe Joey had asked to come here. At least Elizabeth was someone that Joey knew.

At 11am, Elizabeth left her class with Bel's and hurried to meet the stage. She stood there hoping that Joey was okay. She couldn't imagine sending a ten year old boy from Chicago to Hope Valley on his own. When the stage rounded the corner, she panicked when she couldn't see anyone inside. When it stopped, Elizabeth opened the door and sure enough, laying across the seat fast asleep was Joey.

"Joey?" she said to him softly, patting his arm.

He startled awake but as soon as he saw her, he jumped up and flung himself into her arms.

"Elizabeth. I was so scared!"

"I can't believe they sent you on your own. How did you know where to go?"

"I remembered the trip from when I was with Mountie Jack. But there was a horrible man who took some of my money."

"Hey, its okay. Money doesn't matter. So long as you're okay, we can fix everything else. Come on."

She set him down and took his luggage off the back.

"Are you hungry?"

"Yes!"

"Good. Come on. I know of someone who will be so happy to see you."

As soon as Elizabeth walked into the café, Abigail was hurrying toward Joey and kneeling down to give him a hug.

"Joey, I have to get back to my class. How about you stay with Miss Abigail? She will give you something to eat and you can have a sleep if you're still tired."

"Okay."

"I will be back to get you after school has finished."

Joey nodded and was quickly led by Abigail back to the kitchen.

Elizabeth was glad that Joey had come back. She immediately began to feel happier now that there was someone at home with her. Over the next few nights, Elizabeth began cooking again, rather than eating at Abigail's every day, and Joey helped her with all the chores. The pair fell into an easy routine. It was only missing one thing. Jack.


Abigail was in and out of the dining room when she heard a conversation that made her ears prick up.

"That woman is unbelievable. She stole the Mountie out from under my nose and now she presumes to flirt with Mr Hampton."

"I know. She is quite the seductress isn't she?"

Abigail turned at the conversation, only to see Tabby and Jenny leave the café. Unbelievable, she thought.

That afternoon, she heard Florence mention something similar.

"That Mr Hampton is a nice looking fellow. It's a shame that he is trying to pursue Mrs Thornton though. It is not a good look when her husband is absent either."

Abigail shook her head.

That afternoon, Micky Hampton walked in to the café with Elizabeth and Joey.

"Hi Abigail. We were just going to have dinner" Elizabeth said as she made her way to a table, where Micky stood waiting with her chair pulled out. She slid into it and Micky sat opposite her and their conversation immediately revolved around the paper factory.

Abigail knew the two of them were being professional, but she could see how their friendship could be misconstrued.

"Izzy, can I have a word when you have a minute?"

"Sure. Micky, I will be back in a moment."

Elizabeth came into the kitchen.

"Izzy, I just wanted to let you know that people are … talking again."

"About?"

"You and Mr Hampton."

Elizabeth pulled her head back and scrunched up her nose. "What about us?"

"Just that you are spending a lot of time together even though you are a married woman."

"Okay …"

"I don't think it would matter as much if Jack were here" Abigail said softly.

"Abigail, what do you expect me to do? Stop doing business until Jack gets back. No. People can talk. We're doing nothing wrong."

Abigail nodded. Unfortunately, she knew all too well about people in small towns.


The following Saturday ended up being a beautiful day. The sky was clear and the sun was out. Elizabeth was in her bedroom trying to decide on what to wear to Faith's bridal shower. The weather was warmer, but the breeze still had an edge to it.

As Elizabeth pulled her skirt on, she noticed that it was a lot tighter than she remembered. Hmmm. That's strange. She pulled another one out, but she had the same problem. Finally, she settled on a soft pink skirt that she had. It fit snugly, but it was comfortable. Elizabeth shook her head. It must be all of those cookies of Abigail's. After all, Elizabeth had been eating there practically every meal of the day.

Elizabeth busied herself setting up all of the details for the bridal shower as Rosie requested. Rosie had the better job of collecting Faith and escorting her to the picnic where there were already about twenty women waiting. There were a few children, including Joey, who were playing nearby. Elizabeth had set up a separate area with some sandwiches and cakes for them, so they were more than content.

Faith loved every minute of it. She thanked Rosie and Elizabeth a million times. She was in her element as they sat and had their afternoon tea. When it came around to presents, everyone sat quietly watching Faith.

"This is from Abigail. It is your something borrowed" Rosie said handing her the gift.

Faith opened it to find a simple pair of pearl earrings. "Oh Abigail. they're beautiful. I will look after them, I promise. Thankyou."

"This is from me. It is your something blue" Rosie said handing her a small box.

Inside were some beautiful silk stockings with blue ribbon sewn around the edges. "Thank you Rosie" Faith said as she placed them back neatly in the box.

"This is your something new, from Dottie."

Faith opened up a box which held a white handkerchief with her new initials embroidered into the corner. Faith laughed. "Thank you Dottie."

"And this is something old, from Izzy."

Rosie handed her the small box. Faith opened it carefully and inside she could see a necklace that she knew well.

"Oh Elizabeth, I couldn't."

"Yes, you can." Faith stared down at the silver necklace and pendant that Elizabeth had kept in her jewellery box for most of her life, too afraid to wear it and lose it.

"Elizabeth, this is too much."

"No, it isn't. You've been around for about as long as I have had that so it only seemed right that you should have it. Just promise me you will wear it. I was always too afraid to and that is why I realised it belongs with someone else."

"I promise" Faith said as she stood up and came forward to hug Elizabeth. "Thank you. You're my best friend, Izzy."

"You're welcome."

All of the ladies gathered in groups and as Elizabeth moved around serving tea, she overheard Florence whispering to Molly that it would be best if Constable Thornton returns quickly before Mr Hampton took his place. Elizabeth couldn't believe her ears.

"Why would you say that?" Elizabeth interrupted, tears in her eyes.

Florence looked surprised that Elizabeth had heard her but didn't look too ashamed at the idea.

"It's just … people talk and …"

"They talk about things they know nothing about. I love Jack and I would give anything to have him here with me. Meanwhile Mr Hampton is an old friend that I grew up with and is now helping me to open the paper factory - nothing more."

Florence looked away, avoiding eye contact.

"Next time you women want to gossip about me, maybe get the facts first before you do damage with your rumours" Elizabeth snapped before walking over to the children.

The rest of the picnic went smoother and they finally had to pack up when the sun began to set in the sky. Elizabeth helped carry the blankets back to the café with Abigail. Joey traipsed along after her.

"You did well speaking up for yourself, Izzy. I think you stopped all further gossiping for the rest of the picnic in the process" Abigail grinned.

"Thanks Abigail. How long will it keep the gossiping at bay?"

"Maybe for the rest of the day" Abigail chuckled. "I can't believe it's the end of March already" Abigail said looking up at the sky.

Elizabeth had to agree, this year was flying and it was all the best until Jack returned.

"It certainly is going fast. To think Jack has been gone since January."

"I know. Eight weeks sure has gone fast."

"Eight weeks?"

"Yes. Have you lost track?"

"I suppose I had."

When Elizabeth got home, Joey went to his room to play with his jacks. Elizabeth pulled out her lesson plans but her mind drifted back to the calendar. She counted again. Eight weeks was right. Jack had been gone for that long. But there was something else that had been missing over that time and Elizabeth had been so busy she hadn't even noticed.

Her eyes went wide as she ran into her bedroom. She shut the door and pulled her clothes off including her corset. She stood in front of the mirror looking critically at herself. No, there's nothing there. But then she turned to the side. Elizabeth could see a very slight bump that was not there a few days ago and had probably been hidden under her corset. Oh my, was all she could think.

Elizabeth stood there staring. She had not had any symptoms. No headaches, no nausea, no vomiting, no dizziness. Nothing.

It's not possible. I would have to have some other symptom if I was pregnant.

But standing there looking at her stomach she couldn't think of any other answer.