Part 1: Chapter 17: 1887 Red Deer, Alberta
Ophelia and Edith Meet Face-to-Face
The next two days went in a similar manner for the Normandeaus and Ophelia and Nate. Ophelia was actually already doing better with Nurse Rhoades observations and being able to hear the happy sounds of Nate playing. With her energy returning and a normal sleep cycle, Nurse Rhoades was able to confirm that Ophelia Grant was Typhoid Fever free. Ophelia still had limited mobility and Nurse Rhoades still needed to manage her exhaustion, but she could have visitors in her room. So it was on the third morning after Ophelia was taken in by the Normandeaus that Ophelia and Edith met face-to-face.
Edith had woken up early so that she could have her veil and wig on to meet Ophelia. They were going to have a light breakfast in Ophelia's room. Nate also woke up early and Edith styled his hair. Edith was sore that day, so she used her cane to help support herself as she walked, but she also wanted to capture the moment mother and son reunited. She had instructed Sally to set up her sketch pad and drawing tools.
"Nate, are you ready?" Edith asked as the staff carried their breakfast and drawing items.
"YES!" Nate said loudly as he shifted from foot to foot eager for Nurse Rhoades to open the door. When the door finally opened, he looked up at Edith for permission. Her slight nod and smile was all the encouragement he needed and then he shouted "MAMA!" then was on the bed and in Ophelia's arms.
"Nate! I am so happy to see you! And hold you!" Ophelia said as she squeezed her son. Both were crying. But they were tears of happiness. Ophelia would kiss his head every few moments as well.
"Have you had a good time with Mr. and Mrs. Norman?" Ophelia asked.
Nate nodded against her stomach. "We have lots of fun! Although they have to be super clean so Mrs. Norman doesn't get sick!"
"I am glad they have taken such excellent care of you, my boy," Ophelia whispered. Edith was crying in happiness at the sight of her best friend and her darling little boy. Ophelia's chocolate gaze met Edith's blue ones. Ophelia gestured for Edith to come into the room closer.
"Ophelia, I am so pleased to meet you in person, officially," Edith said as she stuck out a hand for her Ophelia to shake.
"Oh Edith, we are way beyond a handshake," Ophelia grabbed her hand with more strength than Edith thought she would have considering her illness, and pulled her into the hug with Nate.
"Oh wow!" Edith said as she ended up sitting on the bed next to Nate.
"We Grants are huggers," Ophelia said as she lessened the hold she had on Edith. "And I have no idea how to repay you for your kindness."
"Just let us continue to be part of Nate's life. We will call it good," Edith said.
"Is that seriously something you are worried about?" Ophelia looked at her in surprise.
Edith nodded. "We both have grown to love Nate, and your family, of course, but we also realize that we have no right to be around him, once you are home."
"Edith, you and your husband have a lifelong invitation to any holiday, birthday, celebration, random Tuesday that you want to spend with my children," Ophelia said in reply. Nate looked between the two in happiness. "We will even come to you, if you can't go out!"
"Really?" Edith said, her voice shaking slightly.
"Why would I lie to you about this?" Ophelia asked back.
"Most people don't trust me with children. They haven't since my attack and even more when I tell them about my spleen. They say such awful things! It wasn't just because of the dirt and filth in Red Deer that made me stay inside. Our previous post was full of cruel people. A part of me still believed that when you saw me, you would realize you were wrong about allowing Nate to stay," Edith cried.
Ophelia couldn't stop herself. She pulled Edith into another hug.
"Those people are SO wrong about you, Edith Normandeau! I am not wrong about the type of person you are. I trust you with my children and grandchildren, and without my supervision, and there are extended family members I won't allow them near. You are a special woman. I hope to be around enough to convince you that you are," Ophelia whispered into Edith's ear as she gently held Edith in a hug.
"Nate gets his kindness from you," Edith whispered back as she returned the hug.
"Nate, definitely takes after me more personality wise. But he looks like Archie," Ophelia said.
"Is Colleen the opposite?" Edith asked as she pulled away.
"Sort of. Colleen is a talker like Archie, she has his blue eyes, but my straight hair," Ophelia said.
"James said that Nate and Colleen are protective of each other."
"They are. Very protective. But they have been each other's only playmate for years," Ophelia said as she caressed Nate's cheek.
"I think it is also your influence," Edith said.
Ophelia smiled at her as she rocked Nate.
"Edith, those wigs and masks can't be comfortable. I know it may take some time for you to be comfortable around me, but know that your physical appearance will have no negative impact on my decisions to let you around my children. If you ever feel like you want to go in your natural looks, please don't feel like you have to dress up on my account," Ophelia said just before she yawned.
"We should let you sleep," Edith said. Ophelia nodded as she covered her mouth from another yawn.
Edith picked Nate up and walked him out of Ophelia's room. She was feeling much more secure of her place in Nate's and Ophelia' s lives after speaking with her. Edith took Nate into the parlor and started drawing what she remembered of the scene, which was easy to do with how emotional it had been. Ophelia's beauty was simple. Her eyes, like Nate's, showed you everything she was feeling. She wore simple clothes and hairstyles, but they fit with Ophelia's personality. Edith drew the moment so that it felt real. Ophelia was thinner, with dark circles under her eyes, hair in a simple braid coming over her left shoulder. She drew the tears of happiness as Ophelia had held her child.
"Mrs. Norman?" Nate interrupted her reflection.
"Yes, Nate?" Edith asked back as she looked into his shy blue eyes.
"Will you pway wif me?" Nate asked as he pointed out the battle field on the floor.
"Of course, but those soldiers look like they need a harder terrain to battle on. Why don't we have them battle on a mountain?" Edith asked as she patted the sofa space next to her, knowing that getting on the floor would be a battle for her today.
"Otay," Nate replied as he grabbed the soldiers and put them on the sofa before climbing up it himself.
The two battled on the sofa for hours. They didn't even notice that James had come home early that day.
"Oh no! They've come about from behind. What shall we do?" Edith's voice echoed in the hallway.
"Stand our ground. We'll fight 'em off!" Nate's voice came through behind hers with a lot of play noises.
"They've surrounded us!" Edith said.
"Scoundrels!" James said as he entered the parlor and saw the mess on the floor around the sofa as Nate was standing and fighting a foe from behind.
"James! You're back," Edith said in surprise as she looked at the clock on the mantle. James smiled.
"I am. I got most of what I needed to done, so I figured I would come and check on all of you, and see how your meeting with Mrs. Grant went," James said as Nate climbed into his arms.
"Well, Nate and I have been having a battle with some rebels, as you can see. It has taken most of the morning," Edith smiled at Nate and gestured at the toys on the floor.
"Hmm, seems to me like you were winning," James said.
Nate nodded.
"Really? I would say we were about to lose. We were surrounded you know," Edith teased.
"Nope. There is a secret weapon in any battle," James whispered.
"Oh, and that is?" Edith asked.
"That General is part of the battle, and any battle led by Lieutenant Grant and his steadfast horse wins the day!" James whispered back. Nate beamed at being called General's person.
"Let's have lunch. I am sure you both are hungry after playing so hard," James said as he poked Nate gently in his stomach. Edith nodded and stood as well. They had a small lunch together, then James put Nate down for his nap.
"How did it go with Mrs. Grant?" James asked as he returned to the parlor and sat down next to Edith. Edith showed him the drawing. "That is exceptional work, Edith, as always. It makes me feel like I was there."
"Thank you. They were both just bursting with happiness and relief. It was very special to watch," Edith said.
"Good. How did your official introduction go?" James asked as he pointed at the picture.
"Ophelia is a remarkable person, James," Edith said in awe of the woman in her guest room.
"What she isn't telling you, is that Mrs. Grant pulled Edith into that hug," Sally said as she left them a tray of tea.
James looked at her and raised an eyebrow.
Edith blushed and nodded.
"I talked with her about the possibility of staying in touch after they leave, and she seemed surprised that I was worried about that," Edith added.
They sat in silence for a moment. James was thinking that it was weird that he was the one having to pry the information from his normally verbose wife.
"Well?" James asked, not being able to handle the suspense any longer.
"Well what?" Edith replied.
"Well? Do we get visitation rights?" James asked again a bit to eagerly.
"Yes, she said we have an open invitation for any time we want for the rest of our lives," Edith smiled happily.
James felt his relief too.
"Good."
"You're already thinking about what you can teach him," Edith said as she looked up at her husband.
"Somewhat. I will not overstep if Mr. Grant wants to teach him something, but we can still have fun," James replied.
"That is what I expect of you. But if you are involved in his life skills lessons, then he will be Mountie trained before he graduates high school," Edith teased.
"If you are going to do a job, then you must do it well," James replied.
"Does this mean you would be okay with him becoming a Mountie?" Edith asked in surprise.
"I never said I wouldn't be okay with him being a Mountie. But I also know first hand how hard being a Mountie is on a man. Nate's natural empathy and curiosity and happiness with the world is something that I would hate to see be diminished by what Mounties experience. If Nate decides to be a Mountie on his own, I would be supportive and thrilled. I would also be thrilled if he became a large animal vet. Or a rancher, or a farmer. But I wouldn't want to try and influence him either way," James replied.
They both stopped their conversation when they heard the shuffling footsteps of Ophelia Grant and Nurse Rhoades encouraging her.
"We heard James' voice through the wall when he put down Nate. So, we ate our own lunch and decided to take a short walk for Mrs. Grant to get some exercise," Nurse Rhoades explained as she held onto Ophelia's elbow.
Ophelia was looking perturbed at having someone at her elbow and controlling her pace. But she wasn't going to complain if she was allowed out of the room.
"How do you feel, Ophelia?" Edith asked.
"Better, still tired, but not overly so," Ophelia replied as Nurse Rhoades led her to the chair sitting opposite the sofa. Ophelia sat down. She was still in her nightgown and one long braid. Ophelia watched the Normandeaus as a couple. James had his arm around his wife in a protective and comfortable manner. Edith was leaning into his side. Neither had moved or apologized when she had entered the room. Their gazes at each other were the result of loving someone so fiercely for so long. Ophelia couldn't help but smile at the image they made. They were good together, and she was happy to see that such an example of a strong marriage existed in the world.
Edith remembered her manners first. As she sat up straight.
"So sorry, Ophelia! It has been a while since I've had to use better manners within this parlor. Usually, it is just the two of us, and we have had years to get out of hosting habits," Edith blushed.
"I don't mind. Truly. It is nice to see a long-married couple as happy as the two of you are," Ophelia said.
"He does spoil me," Edith teased as she looked at her husband with affection.
"Do I?" James asked as he looked back at her.
"You always find me a house or build me a house," Edith said.
"That is necessary," James argued.
"Some husbands wouldn't put forth the effort," Edith said.
James gave her a long look before replying, "Well, that just means they are a horrible husband, because when one's wife is sick enough to have higher standards of living, then one makes it happen."
Ophelia watched in amusement as James tried to normalize how much he respected and loved his wife. Edith seemed to know that this wasn't the norm for a lot of women. Edith looked over at Ophelia and smirked at her husband, who was still lecturing about bad husbands. Ophelia couldn't help but smile.
"What is so funny?" James asked, looking between the two women.
"Ophelia knows I am right about you spoiling me," Edith said. Ophelia nodded.
James was about to speak when Ophelia interrupted him, "She's right. Most women I know are lucky if their husbands don't hit them or their children."
"I hope you aren't saying that from personal experience," Edith said suddenly with worry for her friend's well-being. But she had just realized that she didn't know much about her friend's marriage.
"Archie has never struck any of us. He has his problems but being violent towards his family isn't something Archie could ever do," Ophelia explained. Edith visibly sighed in relief. James looked like she had confirmed something he had already suspected about her husband.
"You and Mr. Grant seems to still be fond of each other, still," James replied.
"I love my husband. I am still somewhat astonished that he picked me," Ophelia admitted.
"How did the two of you meet?" Edith asked eagerly.
"I was working in Cape Fullerton and was coming out of a bank having been denied an account, for a variety of reasons, all of which got me mad. I was rambling rather loudly to myself, and Archie turned to me and answered some of the questions about my anger. He was tall and handsome even then. His eyes just twinkled in amusement at me. He had recently come from Ireland to make something of himself, and his accent was even thicker back then. But I did manage to understand that he wanted to see me again. He got me to agree to a date at a nearby restaurant that evening," Ophelia said.
"It sounds like he swept you off your feet," Edith said with amusement and happiness.
"I guess. It was not normal for me to accept those types of offers form men. I was very careful about who I interacted with, and Archie acted like the men that I avoided like the plague."
"What do you mean?" Edith asked.
"Men who are slick and charming at first, but only see you a a conquest. Archie is charming and gregarious like that. After I agreed to the date, I was certain that Archie would realize how plain and boring I am and find himself a more fashionable girl to go out with, since he would have many of the high society females after him, just from his looks and accent alone," Ophelia explained.
James nodded in understanding having heard some of the female population wax poetic about Archie Grant and how lucky his wife is. Edith gave him a look of confusion.
"I have heard some talk about how if Archie were less honorable, or in love, some of the females around here would have tried to entice him to break his marriage vows," James admitted softly and looking sheepishly at Ophelia.
"Oh, I know all about that talk. I also know who is saying it. Archie may break his promises about money and his gambling, but he won't break his promise to be faithful," Ophelia stated firmly.
Edith and James both nodded.
"Why were you surprised that Archie chose you?" Edith asked.
"Well, I showed up to our date in my best dress, but it was ridiculously plain compared to the other girls. I am also very helpless when it comes to styling my hair. Simple braids, and a straight tight bun is all I have ever been capable of. My hair was up in a bun. My family has always been working poor, anything more fashionable is a waste of time and money," Ophelia admitted.
"You must have felt out of place," Edith said.
"Very. Archie arrived after me, and I was about to bolt due the condescending looks I was getting from the people who were going inside. Archie managed to sneak up on me from behind," Ophelia said.
"You must have been very distracted with how alert you are," James added.
"Yes, I was. Archie noticed how uncomfortable I was and suggested we go to a diner instead. Then he escorted me to one around the block," Ophelia explained. "The place he took me to was way more my style, which Archie noticed. Archie then asked me a thousand questions. Most of which were one-word answers. I didn't ask much of him. Then he escorted me home. When he asked to see me again, I was outwardly surprised."
Edith smiled at her encouragingly.
"Archie noticed my surprise, and I answered bluntly that if he was the type of man who was only in it for the chase and the conquest, then he needed to leave me alone because I wasn't that type of woman," Ophelia remembered. "Archie went quiet, but only for a moment, then looked at me with a serious mien and said 'I never assumed ya wer that type o' woman. I'm not that type o' man, but I can see I need to prove it to ya. Will ya let me?'"
Edith's eyes crinkled with happiness.
"Archie sounds quite romantic," Edith said with happiness.
"Yeah, romance has never been a problem with him. Me, on the other hand…" Ophelia said as was reminded of their presents towards each other. "I am not so great with outwardly expressing myself in that manner."
"Archie must think you do well enough. He brags about you," James said.
Ophelia forced a smile, then looked down at her lap as she began to pick underneath her fingernails.
"You don't take compliments well, do you?" Edith asked.
Ophelia shook her head.
James gave Edith a look.
"What?" Edith asked at his look.
"Pot. Kettle," James replied as he looked from Ophelia to Edith.
Edith started to deny it, but then realized they would both gang up on her on this issue. So, she just shrugged and smiled under her veil.
James Normandeau would often have longer days after that. With the town's businesses closing and keeping the peace plus rounds, made for long days and a saddle-sore man. If he could, he would be the one to ride out to the Grant's house himself. Often, there was no significant change in either patient. James would do the chores and exchange news with the nurses and move on.
At the end of the first week of having Nate and Ophelia both in his house, James was out visiting the Grant house again. As he was riding up on General he noticed an immediate difference. Nurse Baker was standing on the porch waiting for him to arrive. Feeling nervous about her news, praying it was good, but preparing himself if it was bad, he instructed General to move at a faster pace until he rode up to the porch. James dismounted and then tied his horse to the railing before even looking at Nurse Baker.
"Hello, Lieutenant," she said.
He gave her a look to cut the niceties.
"I have news about the Grants," Nurse Baker said.
"And?" James replied with an archness to his tone.
"HI, MR. NORMAN!" Colleen rasped from the front window. James turned to look at her. She was obviously still sick, but she looked healthier than she had been.
"Colleen is doing very well," Nurse Baker said with a teasing lilt to her voice.
"I see that," James smiled and waved back at Colleen.
"Mr. Grant is also beginning to get better. Nurse Jones wants to know if Nurse Rhoades can come here to help her with Mr. Grant. Since Colleen is now moving about with energy, it is taking all my power to keep her still when she is awake," Nurse Baker asked.
"Sounds normal for Colleen. I will ask, of course, if Nurse Rhoades thinks Ophelia Grant is well enough to be left in our care without the medical practitioner in the back," James said. "Anything else?"
Nurse Baker shook her head as there was a loud crash in the house.
"I will let you take care of your charge," James said as he untied General and mounted his horse again. He decided to go straight back home in order to discuss the request with Nurse Rhoades.
When he rode into his yard, he found Edith, Ophelia, Racheal, Sally, Nurse Rhoades, and Nate all sitting or standing outside. The women were drinking tea and watching Nate play with Sirius. Ophelia, Edith, and Nurse Rhoades were laughing deep, tear-inducing laughter. This didn't help Edith's wig and veil placement. Both were slightly askew on her head and face, but she didn't seem too self-conscious about it yet. He smiled at them and just enjoyed watching them. Then Nate noticed General.
"General!" Nate said in happiness. Nate ran to the horse. General stood at full height as they were now being watched. Nate held up some carrots. General bent his head down and licked them out of the tiny fingers.
"James! You're back early," Edith said in greeting as she observed Nate and General and imprinted the picture in her mind to draw it later.
"Sort of. I have news and a question," James dismounted, then walked to the porch railing and stood behind it.
"News first please," Edith said, then looked at Ophelia.
"Colleen is doing much better. Mr. Grant is also finally on the mend," James started.
"Oh, that is wonderful to hear!" Edith said as she took Ophelia's hand.
"Yes, it is," Nurse Rhoades agreed.
"The question is for Nurse Rhoades. Colleen has been well-enough to move around for a bit each day. And it sounds like Nurse Baker has her hands full keeping an eye on her," James said. Ophelia closed her eyes in embarrassment at her precocious child.
"Apologize to them for me?" Ophelia said softly.
"Why on earth do you need to?" Edith asked.
"You haven't met Colleen, but she is a spit fire, and always into things. If they are in trouble, Colleen has usually led Nate into it," Ophelia said.
"I did hear a crash before I left," James admitted.
"See!" Ophelia gave Edith a look.
"What is your question, Lieutenant?" Nurse Rhoades asked, trying to get the conversation back on track.
"With Nurse Baker having her hands full with Colleen, Nurse Jones is hoping that you can help her with Mr. Grant. Is Mrs. Grant well enough from the exhaustion for you to go to the Grant house and help?" James asked.
Nurse Rhoades looked at Ophelia for a moment. Then another.
"How soon do they need me?" Nurse Rhoades asked with a smile.
"They didn't say," James replied.
"Colleen will only get harder to manage the healthier she is, especially after being cooped up so long. The sooner she helps, the less stress the other nurses will have," Ophelia said, knowing her child's energy levels very well.
"Tomorrow then?" James asked.
"Tomorrow," Nurse Rhoades confirmed.
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