Chapter 28 – Late Night Visitor (Longer one)
Sunday night, December 4th, brought a late night visitor to the cafe. The little boy that Elizabeth had seen outside the schoolhouse, snuck in to get some food. Jack was doing a late night check after the saloon had closed and saw the door to the cafe slightly ajar. He knew that Abigail was always careful about securing the door. Jack peaked inside and saw a child, so he waited by the door ready to grab him. Abigail heard noise downstairs, so she came down. She turned on the light just in time to catch the little boy. Jack came in at that moment. The commotion brought Elizabeth downstairs.
"You look hungry." Abigail said. "How about I warm up some chicken for you."
"Yes." The little boy said.
As Abigail fixed him a plate, Elizabeth tried to get the little boy to talk. She tried to get his name, but he wouldn't talk. They tried to let him know that his parents were probably worried about him. He still refused to talk. Finally Jack stepped forward.
"If you don't tell me your name and tell me where you live, so I can take you home." Jack said. "I will have no choice but to bring you back to the jail with me for the night."
At that the little boy got frightened.
"But Becky won't know where I am." He cried. "She will be worried, she doesn't feel good."
"Is Becky you sister." Elizabeth asked.
The little boy nodded.
"I bet she is hungry too." Abigail said. "Why don't you tell us where she is. Maybe we could go get her and bring her back here. That way you both could warm up."
"Okay." The little boy said dejected.
He lead Jack, Elizabeth and Abigail out to where his sister was. When she saw the group approaching, she got angry at her brother.
"Cody." She hissed. "I told you not to tell, they will just send us back."
"It is okay. Becky." Cody said.
"You are not going anywhere except back to town." Jack said.
"They wanted to split us up." Becky said. "So I took Cody and left."
Just then Becky had a huge coughing fit and gasped for breath. Jack leaned down and scooped her up into his arms. He wasn't going to listen to anymore protests. She needed a warm bed and medical attention. Besides that, Jack had the authority to take the kids into custody for their own safety. Abigail careful put out the small fire, while Elizabeth helped Cody gather up their few belongings, before following Jack back to the cafe. Once there, Jack took Becky straight up to the extra bed in Elizabeth's room.
"I will go wake Ned." Jack said. "I will have him send an emergency wire to the hospital in Union City. Hopefully they can send a doctor out at first light. The best that we can do is keep her comfortable."
Elizabeth and Abigail went about trying to get Becky comfortable and a bed made up for Cody in the other small bedroom that they had been using as storage. Once they got both children settled. Abigail insisted that Elizabeth try to get some sleep, since she had school the next day. Morning came too soon for everyone. Abigail got breakfast going at the cafe. As soon as Elizabeth was up and dressed, she went to get Mary Graves, so Abigail would have help in the cafe. Jack had been up and done rounds, before sending a second wire to a judge getting an emergency order for the kids to be placed with Abigail.
Despite the busy day, Jack was able to get most of Elizabeth's things moved over to the row house. All the trunks that were pack and ready had been moved. By the time that Elizabeth returned from school, the cafe was busy. Abigail had kept Cody home as well, not being sure what was wrong with Becky. Elizabeth worked on trying to get the rest of her belongings packed. Jack was able to get everything moved over just after supper. Elizabeth had offered to stay, but Abigail refused. She had arranged for Mrs Graves to be back in the morning to help with the breakfast rush. Just after supper, the doctor arrived. He agreed that it was best to keep both children away from the others because Cody had a slight cough as well. He said that he would be staying at least two nights to keep an eye on the children. He would be at the saloon hotel, if needed.
Elizabeth spent her first night in her new house. The next morning December 6th, she was up early and made her own breakfast, before heading for town. Before school, she needed to head to the mercantile and order the flowers for the wedding, as well as some ribbon that would be needed. She knew that they were just over two weeks away, but as soon as she ordered the flowers Elizabeth knew that it would get out. Elizabeth took a deep breath and went into the mercantile. She was grateful that it wasn't busy that early in the morning. She knew what she wanted, then she remember what her Aunt had said. Elizabeth quickly changed her plan of attack. She had Ned send the wire to her Aunt and her Aunt would go order the flowers in Cape Fullerton and have them sent to Hope Valley. Elizabeth also placed the food order for Abigail. She needed to order not only what she needed for Christmas, but also the wedding.
Cody improved right away. After a couple of warm nights and a few hot meals, he was feeling better, so Abigail wanted him to attend school. Becky was still struggling. The doctor said that it would just take some time, she was seriously underweight and since she had no reserve, it would just take longer for her to recover. Before the doctor left, he left medicine for Becky with instructions that if she wasn't on her feet by Christmas that he would have no choice but to come back and get her and take her to the Children's Hospital in Cape Fullerton.
By the end of the week, there were whispers that Jack and Elizabeth were up to something. People wondered if Jack was planning on proposing to Elizabeth at Christmas or were they already engaged. No one had directly asked Jack or Elizabeth what was going on, because they didn't want to ruin any surprise that may be in the planning.
Jack and Elizabeth talked about sharing the news, since they needed to let the parents know that the children would be let out for Christmas at noon on Wednesday the 21st, two and half full days early. By noon Thursday, December 15th, there was a growing buzz around town. People were excited. Everyone was getting ready for Christmas and there was the heightened excitement of something happening with Jack and Elizabeth. Extra food had arrived in town and been delivered to the cafe. Christmas decorations were being put up and the town looked amazing.
Then it happened, something that no one was expecting. A large supply wagon pulled into town. The driver pulled up to the mercantile and when Ned came out the driver asked for one Corporal Jack Thornton. Ned directed him to the jail. Jack came out when he heard the wagon. The driver saw the red serge that Jack wore and knew that he had probably found the person that he was looking for.
"You Thornton?" The driver asked.
"Yes." Jack said. "I am Corporal Jack Thornton. Can ask what this is regarding?"
"Special delivery from Hamilton." The driver said. "I have my orders that it is to be delivered to you personally. Also, I have something that you will need to sign. Where do you want them."
"How much is there." Jack said looking back at the jail.
"The whole wagon is for you." The driver said.
"Alright." Jack said. "I will show you."
Jack jumped up in the wagon and directed the driver to the row house. The two men were able to unload everything in no time. Then the driver reached for a leather satchel and pulled out a clipboard to have Jack sign and then handed him two envelopes. Before Jack could ask any question, the driver was back in the wagon and driving off. Realizing what time it was, Jack quickly put both envelopes in his pocket and headed back to town. He went to the school to meet Elizabeth. By the time that school was let out for the day, the buzz around town had exploded. Anyone who was anyone, saw a huge supply wagon enter town and Jack ride off with it toward the row houses.
Once the children had left, Jack went to help Elizabeth gather her things and head home.
"Oh by the way." Jack said before they left the schoolhouse. "A large supply wagon came into town asking for me and the row house has a bunch of crates in it. I have not had a chance to open anything, so I don't know what is going on. Fair warning, the town gossip is on overdrive."
"Oh boy." Elizabeth said. "What there a note or anything."
"Yes." Jack said reaching into his front pocket. "The driver handed me these before driving off."
Elizabeth took the two envelopes and instantly knew the hand writing. She knew that she would have to let Jack in on her surprise.
"Jack, I think you better sit down." Elizabeth said. "I have something to tell you and you might be upset."
"What did you do." Jack said sharply.
"Now before you get mad," Elizabeth said. "Let me explain."
"Start talking." Jack said.
"I had hoped that it could be a surprise, but now you need to know." Elizabeth said. "Right after we got engaged. I sent a wire and then a letter to my Aunt Elizabeth. I wanted some of my family at the wedding. Knowing that she would never say anything to Father, I knew it was safe. I asked if Uncle Wynn would give me away. They sent a wire back agreeing. We have been exchanging weekly letters since. They are set to arrive the afternoon of the 20th and the stuff that arrived today, was probably wedding stuff. In order to keep the town from knowing for as long as possible, I ageed to let Aunt Elizabeth take care of a few things. I told her we wanted simple, but I fear that she may have gone overboard."
"How can I be mad." Jack said. "You deserve to have family here. I may not be ready to meet your uncle, but it will be okay."
"Uncle Wynn already loves you." Elizabeth said. "You have nothing to worry about. Now lets see what she wrote. Oh the second is addressed to you."
Elizabeth took her letter and handed Jack the other one. Each opened their envelope and read the contents. Jack finished first and waited for Elizabeth to finish. Finally Elizabeth looked up.
"You first." Jack said.
"Aunt Elizabeth sent decorations." Elizabeth said. "There is tulle, fabric, ribbon, silk flowers, candles and everything we need for the perfect wedding. What about yours?"
"I have been instructed to reserve two rooms at the saloon starting Tuesday for one week." Jack said. "There is a check in here for the rooms and additional information about their arrival."
"Guess, we need to go talk to Sam before heading home." Elizabeth said.
"Given all the buzz." Jack said. "Should we end the suspence."
Elizabeth just looked at Jack, so he walked over to her and lifted the chain that he knew was just inside her dress. He unhooked the chain, slide the ring off the chain and then put it on Elizabeth's finger. Elizabeth looked down at the ring that Jack had replaced on her finger. She had loved to look at it from time to time, but it felt so good to finally wear it for all to see.
"Now," Jack said. "That doesn't come off."
"Deal." Elizabeth said and then leaned up to kiss Jack.
They gathered her books and walked out of the schoolhouse hand in hand toward the saloon. When they arrived at the saloon, Jack went to talk to Sam about the room. Jack showed him the note on Mountie Headquarters stationary. Sam's eyes got a little big before speaking to Jack.
"Yes sir," Sam said. "That will be no problem. I will be glad to do it. I will also reserve the entire saloon for you for Friday the 23rd. Care to tell me what is going on?"
"No problem." Jack said. "Everyone will know soon enough. Elizabeth and I are getting married at 2pm on the 23rd."
Sam just looked at Jack and then over to Elizabeth before nodding his head. Elizabeth had spotted Dottie Ramsey and was heading to talk to her, when Jack joined her and slipped his hand in Elizabeth's.
"Dottie I have a huge favor to ask of you." Elizabeth said.
"If I can help you I will." Dottie said.
"I need a very special dress altered and it needs to be done by noon on the 23rd." Elizabeth said.
"Okay, I can try." Dottie said.
"It is very important." Elizabeth said. "We are getting married at 2pm on the 23rd and I need the dress fitted. It arrived today from Hamilton, with extra fabric, lace and thread."
"Very well then." Dottie said. "I will need to get Rosemary to help and maybe even Clara. Can you bring the dress over as soon as possible."
"Get who ever you need." Elizabeth said. "I will go get the dress and everything be back within the hour."
With that Jack and Elizabeth walked out of the saloon and headed straight for the row house. The went in and Elizabeth looked for the crate that had the marking that her aunt said would be the one with the dress. She quickly found it. She had Jack open the lid, but not remove it.
"How about you get some of these opened." Elizabeth said. "Then I will meet you at Abigail's for supper in two hours."
"Sounds good." Jack said. "I am sure that everyone will know shortly. I can't believe that we kept it a secert this long. But I am glad to see that ring on your finger where it belongs."
By the time that Elizabeth arrived back in town and headed toward Dottie's, Rosemary was completely in a tizzy. Elizabeth tried to hold back a chuckle. Elizabeth hadn't even made it Dottie's when Rosemary caught her.
"A wedding in a week." Rosemary cried. "There is absolutely to much to do."
"Rosemary." Elizabeth said. "Everything is handled. All I need is for this dress to be finished. All the decorations arrived today. The flowers are coming on Wednesday. The food is here and Abigail has it well in hand. Jack has the rings. Abigail has a dress and the best men have their suits. Jack and I have taken care of everything."
Rosemary stood there completely shocked. Dottie caught up with them about that time.
"Is this the dress." Dottie asked.
"My aunt assured me that it wouldn't take much to fit it to me." Elizabeth said. "She sent everything that you will need."
"Well." Dottie said. "Let's go."
Elizabeth, Dottie and Rosemary all headed into Dottie's house. Once inside, the dress was removed from the crate and Dottie had Elizabeth slip it on. Her aunt had been right. It wouldn't take much to fit it to Elizabeth. Dottie was awed by the silk and lace dress on Elizabeth. It needed to be taken in at the waist just a bit. Elizabeth also wanted to add additional lace to the bodice, it was a little low cut for her comfort. Dottie also wanted to add some length to the bottom to give it a bit of a train. Also in the crate, Rosemary found the pieces needed to make a lovely veil for Elizabeth.
"This won't take any time at all." Dottie said. "I am more then happy to do it for you. I think we should be able to do a final fitting after school on the 20th."
"That would be perfect." Elizabeth said.
Dottie then helped her out of the dress and onto one of her dress forms. Elizabeth slipped back into her regular dress. After a few more questions, Elizabeth excused herself and left Dottie and Rosemary to get to work. Dottie promised that everything would be perfect by the wedding. Elizabeth hadn't gone far when she was approached by Florence Blakely and Molly Sullivan. She was sure that she knew what the two town gossips wanted, so she just took a deep breath and smiled.
"Is it true." Florence demanded stopping Elizabeth in her tracks
"Depends what you heard." Elizabeth said.
"We heard a rumor that you and Jack are getting married on the 23rd." Molly said.
"Yes that is true." Elizabeth said. "I just left my dress with Dottie and Rosemary to finish. I was going to inform the children tomorrow that due to the wedding that they will be getting out of school at noon on the 21st and that school will resume on January 2nd. Before you get too excited. Other then my dress, everything is handled. Granted, I won't turn down help decorating the church or the saloon. Everything arrived today and is currently at my house."
"Yes of course." Molly said. "We can decorate the church on Thursday and the saloon Friday morning. Don't you worry, we will make sure everything is taken care of."
"Thank you." Elizabeth said. "Feel free to spread the word. I am heading to Abigail's to have supper with my fiance."
Dinner was anything but quiet that night at Abigail's. Everyone wanted to come up and talk to Jack and Elizabeth. It took them twice as long as usual to get through their meal. Finally, they were able to excuse themselves and Jack walked her back to the row house. When they stepped back into the house that night, it hit Elizabeth that they would be married in just over a week's time. She looked around at everything that had arrived to help make her day perfect. She loved her aunt for wanting to help.
Before meeting Elizabeth for supper, Jack had worked on opening the crates and had started to stack them along on wall. He tried to keep similar items to together, such as all four crates of flowers were stacked together. Jack wasn't sure what they were going to do with everything, but Elizabeth was happy so he was happy. He just hoped that everything would come together so they would be able to enjoy their wedding day. Honestly, he was amazed at the number of things that Elizabeth's aunt had sent. He had no idea how they were ever going to repay them, much less use everything that they sent. Jack just wanted to make sure that Elizabeth was happy.
Friday, Elizabeth had a hard time getting the children to focus. They had so many questions about the wedding and everything. Elizabeth finally promised that she would take the last half hour of school to answer some questions, but only if they got through all the work that they needed to do. She knew that the children would spend the majority of the next week practicing the Christmas play. She had also planned to get some more math in and the regular reading, but at the rate they were going, she wasn't sure anymore.
By that afternoon, the children couldn't sit still. Finally she gave in and answered some of their questions. The children wanted to know if they were invited and what they would call her when they started back to school after the holidays. The older girls wanted to know about her dress and flowers. Elizabeth told them all that she felt comfortable telling them and then told them that they would have to wait to see everything at the wedding. She had also told the older children that if they had wanted, they could help decorate the church on Thursday. Many of the older girls wanted to help. Elizabeth told them they would need to ask their parents.
That evening, many of the ladies came over to see what decorations that Elizabeth had and see what all needed to be done. Florence and Molly had put themselves in charge of the decorating. They saw all the silk flowers, tulle and candles. Elizabeth reminded them that there would be real flowers arriving for the bouquets and boutonnieres, but they might not be there until Thursday. Molly suggested that they hold back enough flowers for those just in case. They had more then enough to decorate the church and saloon with. The ladies loved the red ribbon that had been sent. It was the perfect red to match Jack's serge.
Elizabeth was so happy that the town was helping them to get things ready. Part of her felt guilty for keeping the engagement from them until the last possible moment. Then again, she and Jack had enjoyed keeping it basically between themselves. They were able to get the things that they wanted and do things their way. Now, Elizabeth just hoped that everything would come together. Friday night, as Elizabeth was getting ready for bed, she realized that she hadn't gotten Jack an actual Christmas gift. She knew what she wanted to get him, so she decided to go into to town the next morning and quickly wire her Aunt and have them bring it. She thought through if she needed any other gifts, but she had something for her aunt and uncle. Abigail's gift was done, Elizabeth didn't know how she had found time to actually finish it, but it was done.
The weekend flew by. Elizabeth was busy helping get decorations ready and helping Abigail bake twice as many Christmas cookies as usual. It seemed that everyone wanted to pitch in help where they could. Jack had spent the better part of the weekend working on the bookshelves that he was building for Elizabeth. He had planned on giving them to her for Christmas.