Chapter 31 This and That
Nathan and Elizabeth keep seeing each other and strengthening their relationship with lots of walks, family dinners and games. Meanwhile Maura has been cooking and baking with Allie which makes them both happy. She is also helping out in the library. Julia has been very busy as well. She has been meeting individually with Bill, Carson, Elizabeth and various business owners about the town and the needs or potential for growth. She does it in a very low key way and all have told Nathan about this. Knowing her he knows she's formulating a plan , but can't even fathom a guess. She is so busy as is William, but he appears to be taking his breaks in the library or in the Café with Maura.
Finally Julia calls the jail and asks to speak to Constable Grant. Nathan says "This is Constable Grant". "This is Julia Regan and I would like to schedule a time to meet" she says. "Aunt Julia you do know this is me, Nathan," he says as he stares at the phone. "I am not meeting with my nephew, but with the Mountie assigned to this town as this will be a business meeting." Julia says very businesslike. So they schedule a meeting and now Nathan knows why everyone has been telling him about their meetings. He walks Allie and Elizabeth home from school and relates this to her and she laughs and says "Julia was really formal with me as well. What does all this mean?" Nathan says "I don't know, but she will have a plan as she always has a plan."
During this time word comes through that a large storm could be headed their way and the town should prepare itself. Nathan has some afternoons of chopping wood for the jail, his house and Elizabeth's. She really enjoys watching the wood chopping and finally Nathan realizes this. Smiling he taps at her door and asks for a drink. "Mrs. Thorton I do believe you may have been watching me from the window" he teases. Elizabeth blushes and tries to hide her reaction. Nathan gathers her to him and says "As long as you only watch me like that I am one happy man: and kisses her thoroughly. Almost woozy Elizabeth leans into him until she feels steady to stand on her own two feet. Smiling Nathan said "This is going better than I ever hoped for", kisses her again and says "I am not done yet if you want to watch." Somewhat embarrassed Elizabeth does peek out to savor the scene.
Nathan and Julia have their formal meeting in his office and she has a series of questions she asks, "What strengths does Nathan see in the town, what weaknesses, what is needed in the town in his opinion, what potential does he see for business etc." He answers all her questions and she thanks him for his time and leaves. It was all very formal. As she leaves he asks "Mrs. Regan what do you plan to do with this information?" She just said she is enamored of the town and is looking for some area that where she could fit in. Later Nathan sees Bill in the Café and Bill questions Nathan about Julia's purpose. He responds he has no idea, but his guess is that she will present a plan when she is ready and not before. William has been very busy with Julia as well and now Nathan is very curious. William will not share anything either.
The weather reports continue to grow ominous and the town really tries to prepare. Nathan is in the thick of it helping to plan. He tells his mother and Elizabeth to stock up at the mercantile as supplies could be delayed if the storm hits. Elizabeth gives the children projects and reports they can do if they are home from school for several days. Elizabeth is worried about Nathan checking on people and he assures someone will come with him. She says let them take Sargent, he is a trained Mountie horse and that will help. She insists on this as she thinks this will help Nathan. Now the town waits.
