Part 1: Chapter 16: 1887 Red Deer, Alberta
Getting Ophelia Settled in the Normandeau House
The next day Nate was the first one awake and about in his excitement to see his mother again. In fact, Nate rudely interrupted the sleeping Normandeaus by running and jumping into their bed. He made sure to aim for Mr. Norman, not Mrs. Norman so he didn't hurt her. But he still shook them both awake.
"Mama 's coming today! Get up! Get up!" Nate said, pushing at Mr. Norman's arms.
James Normandeau was, for once, surprised by Nate's attack on his person at an early time of day. He was super alert about his surroundings. Nate had been quiet enough until he jumped into their bed. So, James Normandeau had let out a gasp of surprise, and his eyes went wide before he maneuvered himself into a better position for Nate to be in his arms. Edith had noticed his reaction and started snickering at him, although she kept her eyes closed.
"Nate! Calm down, dear boy," James held onto the squirming toddler in his arms and looked him deep into his blue eyes. Nate looked back at him with happiness radiating out his eyes and smile.
"But mama is commin' here!" Nate protested.
"Yes, but Nate you have to understand that you will only be able to see her through the window when she gets here. She will be closed in the other room with Nurse Rhoades until we know she is safe to be around other people," James explained again.
"I know. But she'll be here," Nate said simply as he nodded his messy head in agreement.
"Good. Then you will want to be looking your best when she comes. You need your bath and then breakfast. Then I will help you look more handsome for your dear mama," Edith said as she sat up.
Nate nodded, then gave Edith a hug and a kiss on her chin (what he could reach in their awkward position) then squirmed down James' side of the bed. He then quickly walked to Sally, who was waiting for him in the hallway, and took Sally's hand and hummed along to the tune Sally was singing since he didn't know the words.
Edith raised her eyebrow at James while smirking.
"What?" James asked, but knowing where this was going.
"How long has it been since someone has gotten the jump on you?" Edith asked.
"My first big battle," James admitted gruffly. His first battle was when he had been young and inexperienced. He had always been attentive and observant, but that battle had taught him to never let his guard down.
"And yet, Nate—who's four—got the drop on you this morning," Edith teased.
"Yes, he did," James admitted.
"Do you think you will help train him officially one day? Edith asked.
"In what capacity?" James asked back.
"As a Mountie, of course. That sweet natured boy is too caring to be a soldier! No. If he does go into service it will be as a person whose goal is to help, not kill," Edith replied as if she were offended that James would even suggest that Nate was capable of going to war.
"Honestly, I hope not. Both soldiers and Mounties experience a lot of dis-heartening harshness in the world. While soldiers are more battle prone, Mounties still have to see some hard things in this world. Do I think he would be a good one? Yes, I do. But I hope he picks something else," James answered honestly as he looked across the room, but not really focusing on the wall paper he was looking at.
"That makes sense. I am proud of you and everything you have done to make the world better, James," Edith whispered as she hugged her husband.
The Normandeaus went about their normal morning routine. Then sat to eat breakfast with Nate.
"Is mama's room ready?" Nate asked with a spoonful of oatmeal going towards his mouth.
James and Edith looked at their staff to answer that question.
Racheal looked insulted.
"Of course! Her room has been ready since yesterday," Racheal said stiffly.
"What about her clothes?" Edith asked.
"As clean as we can make them. Some are heavily stained with years of use," Sally said.
"As long as she is comfortable, that is what matters most," Edith replied.
"Her room and clothes are ready for her arrival," Racheal added.
Nate beamed his happiness. This made James and Edith smile at him.
"How long do the two of you need to get ready for Mrs. Grant?" James asked.
"A few hours for me," Edith replied with a wink.
"I will collect Mrs. Grant and Nurse Rhoades during my lunch break, then," James replied as he stood up. He kissed his wife on the cheek, then walked outside to saddle General. Nate followed him outside to the barn.
"Do you need anything, Nate?" James asked as he looked down at his small shadow. Nate shook his head, but smiled up at him. General reached over the stable door and sniffed Nate's pockets. Nate giggled as he stroked General's nose.
"I should have known. You are here for the horse," James teased Nate. Nate nodded.
"Would you like to help brush him?" James asked.
Nate's eyes widened in pleasure and nodded emphatically. James picked Nate up and held him in one arm as he opened General's stall door. General obediently stood in his brushing spot. James then went to show Nate how to brush General. Nate watched a few examples before getting the hang of it. Then he took his own brush and brushed General's back as Normandeau held him in one arm and used his other to brush the areas Nate couldn't reach. When General was finally brushed, James set Nate down and told him to go to the porch. As Normandeau rode out of his yard, Nate waved them goodbye.
Ophelia Grant and Nurse Rhoades were waiting in the fort's infirmary when Normandeau came by with a wagon to collect them. He parked the wagon expertly in the tight spot and then helped both women with the bags they still had, then helped them both into the wagon itself.
"How are you today?" James asked, looking at Ophelia as she seemed exhausted.
"I don't sleep well after looking after Archie and Colleen for so long. I don't have any symptoms of Typhoid though," Ophelia answered honestly.
"That is good to hear," James answered back. Ophelia sat in silence the rest of the short drive to the Normandeau yard. She was looking around the enclosed yard and the outside space of the home she was going to be a guest in. Taking in what she could in her mind.
This must be where Nate gets it from! Normandeau thought.
"See any enemies coming from our yard, Mrs. Grant?" Normandeau asked with a slight tease to his voice.
"Hmm?" she looked at him in confusion.
"You observe your surroundings before you are comfortable in them," James observed about her.
"I suppose I do," she admitted, "How did you come to know that?"
"Well, it is in my job description to get a reading on people. That and Nate does it a lot," James explained.
Ophelia smiled at the mention of her little boy.
"Yes, he does. He takes after me in a lot of ways. Sometimes I worry about how badly that will hinder him in his adult life," Ophelia admitted.
"Nate is a good, happy boy. Being quiet and observational is not a bad thing, Mrs. Grant," James said. "I think these traits will serve him well in the future."
"Thank you, but I know that boys are supposed to be outgoing and gregarious," Ophelia said.
"And yet a lot are not. He might be teased as a child, but they will serve him well as an adult," James said seriously.
"Speaking from experience?" Mrs. Grant gave him an eyebrow.
"Yes, slightly. Not many dared to tease me because of my family's position, but Edith is the talker," James admitted.
"I never would have guessed," Mrs. Grant said sarcastically and smiled at him.
James laughed.
"I am glad you know her habits well enough with only having spoken to her in her letters. It has been some time since she has interacted with anyone not in our family or a member of our staff. She has grown quite fond of you, Mrs. Grant," James said honestly, with a bit of thankfulness edging into his tone.
"I have also grown fond of her," Mrs. Grant replied with a small smile, which turned into a big one as they became visible to the parlor window.
James shook his head at his wife. Edith was wearing her wig and veil styled fashionably. She was holding Nate up on her hip. Nate was wearing the outfit he had worn for Colleen's birthday party, bow tie and all. His hair was neatly combed and gelled over. Nate was waving excitedly as he pointed to the sign that Molly and Rachael were holding up. On a banner they had painted in purple "Welcome, Mama!" and Nate had used his hand prints to decorate in different colors.
"I feel like this is a lot of pomp and circumstance for the occasion," Ophelia blushed as she waved back at Nate and blew him an air kiss.
"For Edith, this is mellow," James said.
"I suppose she doesn't get to do this a lot, so when she does it is quite the event for her," Ophelia surmised. James looked at her in surprise.
"What?"
"You are really very good at reading people and situations yourself. The more I talk with you, the more I wish you were a Mountie," James complimented.
Ophelia blushed and giggled.
"I may be observant enough, but I am an indoor girl, and I don't know much extra stuff," Ophelia said.
"Really? Because Archie said you would make a good interrogator," James said.
"Archie said that?" Ophelia said in surprise.
"Just after the saloon grand opening. Well, not those exact words, but it was implied," James said as he pulled the wagon up to the side of the house where Mrs. Grant was staying. James helped the women down from the wagon and step through the open window. Then he placed their things inside the window.
"Please make yourselves at home," James said as he walked back to his spot on the wagon.
"Thank you, James," Nurse Rhoades said as Ophelia waved good-bye.
Nurse Rhoades and Ophelia had baths prepared for both of them and they had notes instructing where to put their dirty clothes. Once both were freshly cleaned and dressed, Nurse Rhoades helped Ophelia into her bed. On the pillow of the bed was a letter.
May 5th, 1887 Red Deer,
Dear Ophelia,
I cannot tell you how happy and relieved I am that you are recovering from exhaustion in my home! I know this really was your last resort. But I also feel like this is exactly where you need to be in order to get better! You won't have to wait too much longer to hold Nate in your arms again, (and really there is not much of a better feeling in the world! He is such an affectionate boy!) Can't wait to see you in person without a window between us!
Your Friend,
Edith
Ophelia smiled as she read the letter, especially the part about Nate. Nate was a good child to hold. He didn't squirm much after he got comfortable in your lap or arms. He was content to listen quietly as she did whatever she needed to do. Ophelia hugged the letter to her chest. Then she fell asleep on the covers, holding tightly to her letter from Edith.
James Normandeau stayed around the fort that day. He felt he had to help enforce the lock-down. He assigned Constable Jilot to check in with the Grants at the Grant house and to take care of the animals and report back. Normandeau was walking along the boardwalk as his Mounties were posting the new rules for the town.
"Lieutenant? What are all these rules about?" asked Fred.
"Well Fred, a lot of people have come down with Typhoid. It isn't just the Grants anymore. The doctor is trying to stop the spread," Normandeau responded.
"They aren't very good for business though," Fred said as he finished reading the list.
"No, but this is about public safety. The good of the people outweighs commerce and capitalism, Fred," Normandeau replied.
"Still, how are folks supposed to make a livin' if everything is shut down?" Fred said.
"How will you make a profit if everyone you serve ends up dying because we didn't take this seriously?" Normandeau was losing his patience with people like Fred.
"Who will help them if they are stuck inside and at home?" Fred asked.
"My Mounties, Fred! That is part of their purpose. They each will have a section of Red Deer to cover. They will hunt and do chores as necessary."
"Seems like businesses that provide goods will be obsolete in this process," Fred said.
"Not at all, Fred. We are taking notes of the ones who are giving us trouble. Then when the fever is gone, we will then make your businesses obsolete," Normandeau glared.
"Aren't Mounties not allowed to take a side?" Fred asked, offended by the insinuation.
"My Mounties are following my orders. They do what I say," Normandeau glared even more.
"Seems like you are playing favorites then," Fred stood up to his full height and put his thumbs under his suspenders.
"Oh really? And who are you going to inform? My superiors? They are in Hamilton. You may be able to get a telegram to their offices, but they may not see it for a few weeks. And even if they did receive it, they would tell you that…I AM THE LAW IN THIS TERRITORY NO MATTER WHICH WAY YOU LOOK! If I feel that these rules should be enforced with harsh punishments, then that is what will happen, Fred. So, I suggest you let everyone know that the purposes of these mandates are to keep everyone healthy and safe. That they will be enforced, and there will be consequences if you are caught breaking them," Normandeau shouted just before he stalked off of the boardwalk and mounted General.
Ophelia Grant didn't wake up until she heard James Normandeau ride up into his yard (and really the only reason that woke her up was because Nate had run out to greet Normandeau and his horse and the door slammed shut behind him).
"MR. NORMAN!" Nate shouted as James dismounted General. James easily scooped Nate up into his arms and swung him about. Nate laughed gleefully. James put Nate on General's back and led the boy and his horse into the barn. All three males were very happy and content in each other's company. Ophelia smiled at the picture they made. She was glad she had let Nate stay with these kind people. It wasn't much longer before Nate was walking hand-in-hand with James Normandeau to the Normandeau's front entrance, where Rachael and Sally were waiting for them.
"He is very good with kids. It is a shame that they don't have children," Nurse Rhoades said as she had noticed where Ophelia had been looking.
"Yet," Ophelia said.
"Yet?" Nurse Rhoades questioned.
"It is a shame they don't have children yet. I believe Edith will come around to the idea of adopting some sooner or later," Ophelia explained.
"Do you really? It has seemed that they were always sad that they couldn't," Nurse Rhoades said.
"Perhaps. Edith didn't have the confidence to take on a child, but this, I think, will help prove to her that she can," Ophelia said.
"You are an optimistic person, Mrs. Grant," Nurse Rhoades replied.
Ophelia couldn't help the snorting that left her mouth.
"That is the first time I have been accused of that," Ophelia said. Ophelia turned away from the window and took up some knitting as she sat back in her bed. The women worked in silence on their projects until dinner time.
When James and Nate were clean and redressed, they joined Edith for their supper. Edith could tell that James had been bothered by something from his duties today. But he stayed quiet about it while Nate was around. In fact, he seemed to appreciate the levity that the happy toddler brought to the dinner conversation and the play time after wards. Edith would not find out what was bothering him until after Nate's bedtime and Edith was putting on the finishing touches of the drawing for Ophelia.
When they reunited in their parlor, Edith let James process his day. She just smiled at him while he sat down next to her. Then he tilted his head back.
"Having the simple happiness of a toddler to come home to makes my hard days so much better," James finally said.
"Nate certainly has made mine much fuller, in a good way, of course," Edith said.
"It will be hard going back to our routine after Nate goes back," James said as he covered his eyes with one arm.
"I almost wish that it won't. I mean of course I want Mr. Grant and Colleen to get better, but I also wouldn't mind having Nate and Ophelia stay forever either," Edith said. James finally looked at her. His eyes were tired and weary. "What happened, my love?"
"There are citizens in the town who are disgruntled about the new mandates we are enforcing. They go out of their way to let me know. I feel like I have been fighting a PR battle since the Grants got sick. I am tired of having to re-explain myself to the same people every day," James said. "Nate distracts me enough and gives me more security that I am making the correct decisions, but I know that, eventually, he will be going home to his family, and that makes my heart hurt."
"I am sorry about the citizens. You can lead a horse to water, but you can't force it to drink," Edith replied with one of his favorite sayings.
James smiled a small amount.
"We still have some time before the Grants are fully reunited. Maybe by then we can convince Ophelia to let us have visitation rights. Let Nate and Colleen come over, we could babysit them! Any time!" Edith said.
"Perhaps. It wouldn't be the same, though," James said.
"I know. But Nate is too special to all of us to simply not have anything to do with him again," Edith said.
"I don't think the Grants are mean spirited in the slightest. I don't think that they would say 'no' to seeing Nate if we asked," James replied.
"But do we have the right to see him?" Edith voiced the question they both had been thinking about for a while.
Edith curled up against James as they held onto each other. Both hoping they would be able to stay a part of Nate's long life.
Thanks for the positive feedback in the previous chapters. I have, slowly, worked on this one and finished it on my one day off (rather than some of the other work I probably should have done instead).
Let me know what you think!