Chapter 81 – Faith Comes to Hope Valley
Jack, Bill and Lee had been out riding checking things after the morning prayer service. Lee's horse ended up getting spooked and throwing him. Bill and Jack were able to get him back into town, but they were concerned. He had a nasty gash on his leg close to where he had been hurt in the sawmill accident. Jack was also concerned that Lee hit his head despite Lee saying he hadn't. Jack knew that it needed stitches, but he didn't feel comfortable doing it. He talked to Abigail and they both agreed that it was best to send for the doctor. A wire was sent to Buxton only to learn that Dr Stone was in Calgary and but they had contacted Union City and someone had been dispatched. That night, Jack was surprised when the the carriage pulled up and he saw Nurse Faith Carter. When she left Hamilton, she had gone to work for the hospital in Union City. She let Jack know that when she heard that someone in Hope Valley needed help, she volunteered for the assignment. She also admitted that she had hoped it wasn't Jack that was injured and if it wasn't she was hoping to at least see him.
Faith had been dispatched to see the patient, because the hospital in Union City was short staffed and she was qualifed to treat patients. Jack took her to Lee, who was at the infirmary with Bill. While they walked Jack explained about Lee's previous injury and that was why he asked for the doctor. When they arrived, Bill left Lee with Jack and Faith. She looked at Lee's leg and saw the outline from the previous injury and that the current cut near the old one. Faith wasn't concerned, but agreed that Lee needed some stitches. She was able to quickly get Lee taken care of. She let Jack know that she would stay at the infirmary with Lee. She let Jack and Lee know that it would heal fine and she would just keep him overnight just because he had possibly hit his head. She didn't think that there would be any problems. They would have to watch the area for infection, but Lee would be able to return to work and activities as he felt up to it. Lee was grateful that Faith was able to get there and for taking care of him.
Jack left Faith and headed home. He was tired and knew that the next day was going to be long with the town meeting. After Jack had left Faith, she looked around the infirmary and realized that there were a lot of crates and things stacked along one wall. As she looked around, she realized that there was a storage cabinet as well as a nice size linen closet that needed to be organized. Since she had to stay up and keep on eye Lee for a bit, she set about organizing things. It didn't take Faith long to get the linen closet in order. She then turned in and would talk to Jack the next morning. She wondered why they would have all those medical supplies but no doctor or nurse. She decided that if they were setting up the infirmary, that she would talk to Union City and see if she could stay and help. She would feel better making sure that they had what they needed and that things were ready before she left. Besides, she still had at least a week before her fiance would return from his business trip and she hated being that small apartment by herself.
The next morning, Jack stopped in to check on Lee when he got back from rounds. He found Faith had started to organized things. Before he could ask her about it, she asked him about the crates. Jack explained that he was worried about a flood that spring and possible mudslide at one of the near by mines. She asked if he wanted her to organized the medical supplies and make a list of other things that they might need. Jack quickly agreed and he also asked if Faith would stay that night and attend the town meeting. Even if she didn't live in Hope Valley, as least she could answer some of the questions about the readiness of medical supplies. Faith quickly agreed and also agreed to stay in Hope Valley and help get the infirmary set-up. She said that it wouldn't take that long and she would just need to send a wire Union City and let them know. She wanted to stay in Hope Valley, at least there was work for her there. Despite being short staffed in Union City, there were plenty of nurses and few patients for her. She really wanted to be somewhere where she could use her skills and that really needed her help. She felt that Hope Valley was that place. It helped that she knew Jack and now had meet a few other people.
Faith spent the day organizing the infirmary. Jack spent most of his day with paperwork. As supplies arrived, he needed to check each crate and make a list of things that had been received and report back to headquarters. Jack had wanted to have someone help him go through things, but then he quickly realized that it would just be easier to do it himself since he had to personally check each crate. Jack was getting ready to take a lunch break when he was surprised by a large supply wagon looking for him. Jack had a quick flashback to right before his wedding. Once again it was a wagon from Hamilton addressed to Jack. The driver helped Jack unload things at Gowen's old house. He then was handed an envelope and then the driver left. Jack was having serious deja vu at that moment. Jack sat down on a stack of crates and opened the envelope. He quickly learned that it was from Elizabeth's Aunt Agatha.
Apparently, Elizabeth had written to her family about the concerns of flooding and other damage that spring rains may bring and that the money that had been set aside would not be enough. Elizabeth's Aunt Agatha had taken it upon herself to talk to Wynn and Elizabeth Delaney and learned about the plan. She then took her own money and had ordered things that the town would need. It was things that could be stored if not needed that spring. As Jack started opening crates, he saw blankets, bandages, clothes of various sizes. Jack also came across splints and other medical supplies. Jack made a list and realized that they had plenty blankets and other things. The last crate that Jack opened that was addressed to him and not the town, Jack found a journal and with a note tied to the top addressed to Elizabeth.
Jack checked in with Faith and let her know about the additional things that had arrived. She was able to quickly cross off a number of things off her list that she had made for Jack. Jack and Faith had lunch with Bill and Lee. They talked about the plan and the town meeting. Bill and Lee were a little surprised when they learned that the latest supply wagon had been sent by Elizabeth's family. Jack agreed that he was just as surprised as the rest of them. He wasn't going to explain that it was from Elizabeth's Aunt Agatha and that her and Elizabeth's mother had money that was separate from Elizabeth's father's money. Jack didn't think that they needed to know. All Jack said was that even if they didn't support Elizabeth's decisions they did want her to be safe and that was probably all that supplies were about. Bill could tell that there was more to the story then Jack was saying. Bill had lived and worked in Hamilton and knew some about the Thatcher's and their money. When school got out, Jack headed over to see Elizabeth. He waited until all the children were gone and he pulled her in for a kiss. When he released Elizabeth, he reached into his messenger bag and pulled out the journal and handed to Elizabeth.
"Care to explain." Jack said. "Not that I am complaining that you talked to your family, you didn't need my permission to contact your family."
"All I did was ask Aunt Agatha about what else we could do." Elizabeth said. "I knew that Uncle Henry always had plans in case something happens and I felt like another set of eyes wouldn't hurt."
"Well." Jack said. "Like I said I am not complaining since we can use all the things that were sent."
As Jack waited for Elizabeth to gather her things so he could walk her to town. Jack could see that Elizabeth wasn't feeling well and really wanted her to go home, but with the town meeting she wanted to stay. He was concerned because she had had not felt good a couple days before, but she refused to admit it to him. He knew that he would have to keep an eye on her. What he really wanted to do was suggest that she see Faith, but he knew that Elizabeth would resist that idea. Jack didn't know what was going on, but he was concerned about Elizabeth getting sick.
"Have you had any students out ill?" Jack asked.
"Yes." Elizabeth said. "Patrick and Nellie were out yesterday and today. Robert was also gone today. I also sent Jolene and Morgan-Rose home by mid-morning."
"I think that I will ride out and check on Patrick and Nellie if they are not in school tomorrow." Jack said. "We need to keep an eye out for extended illnesses or spreading illnesses especially since we have had so much wet weather."
"I agree." Elizabeth said. "But if this is your way of saying I need to be careful, you don't have to worry. I feel fine."
Jack and Elizabeth left the schoolhouse and walked to the cafe. Elizabeth planned to stay with Abigail until the town meeting. She really just wanted to go home, but she also wanted to go to the town meeting. The last thing that Elizabeth wanted was to admit to Jack that she didn't feel good and needed rest. As Jack left the cafe, he made a list of things that he needed to do. He knew that he needed to combine the lists of supplies and also place the order for additional supplies. He also wanted to talk to Faith about the the kids being sick. Jack also wanted to discreetly talk to Faith about Elizabeth. He was worried even if she wouldn't admit that she wasn't feeling well. Jack also wanted to try and talk to Abigail quickly and update her on all the supplies that had arrived.
Jack headed for the infirmary and found Faith. She had sent Lee home and was working on cleaning the infirmary. He talked to her about the kids and she agreed that if more children showed signs of illness that it would might be a good idea to give everyone a couple days off and apart from each other. If that happens, it would also be a good idea to clean the schoolhouse. Faith also advised Jack to just keep an eye on Elizabeth and that if he saw an increase in symptoms to make her take a day off and/or bring her in.
"So you staying?" Jack asked.
"I wired the hospital in Union City." Faith said. "They agree that I should at least help you stay and get the infirmary set up. They gave me through the end of the month to get things set up. They also suggested that I could and should see patients if needed when I explained about the current illness going around with the children. Mrs Miller had brought the girls in earlier after Mrs Thornton had sent them home. They have plenty of nurses right now and my fiance is currently traveling."
"Congratulations." Jack said. "I didn't know that you had gotten engaged."
"Thank you." Faith said. "It was part of the reason that I moved from Hamilton to Union City. I am glad to have something to focus on right now, I wasn't getting a lot of shifts at the hospital in Union City and I hate when Adam is traveling and I am stuck in that apartment. He is making plans to build us a house, but all that we could find to start was a small two bedroom apartment."
"Well." Jack said. "I am glad to have you here even if it is only for a short time. Also please let me know if any other people start showing signs of illness. I think it will be okay, but with the wet weather. I think we need to be careful."
"I agree." Faith said. "I will keep an eye out, but I won't be able to tell you. The most that I can do is advise people to talk to you or if they are willing sign a sheet so that you know who is sick. I will say it is so that you can check on them if they need things. I think that is reasonable."
"Thank you." Jack said. "The last thing we need this spring is any illness running rampant."
After talking to Faith, Jack headed back to the jail to work on things and get ready for the town meeting. He wanted to go over the disaster plan and also what supplies had been received and what was still on order. While Jack was working, Elizabeth was helping Abigail. She wanted to make cookies and also try and get ahead for the next morning because she knew that she would be tired after the meeting. Elizabeth didn't mind helping Abigail, because they could talk while they worked. Abigail had already let people know that she would be closing an hour early for the meeting. Supper ended up being a lot busier then normal because people came in for the meeting. Elizabeth had arranged for some of the older children to have an activity at the schoolhouse for all the children so that they wouldn't be underfoot during the meeting.
Jack came over and had supper with Elizabeth before she headed to the schoolhouse to make sure everything was set up for the children. Jack had suggested that she stay at the schoolhouse, but she wasn't sure. She really wanted to be apart of the town meeting. She let Jack know that she would sit in the back and slip out to check on the children if things seemed to drag out. Jack was okay with that plan, he didn't want the meeting to drag on, but was glad that Elizabeth had thought about it. After supper, Jack walked Elizabeth to the schoolhouse and then headed to the saloon to start getting ready for the meeting. Bill and Faith arrived and helped Jack get ready for the meeting. Abigail arrived after closing the cafe. They all wanted things to go better then the last town meeting.
At 7pm, Jack started the town meeting. He first explained why they were meeting. He wanted everyone to be aware of the dangers that the wet weather was presenting and what would be done in case there were major problems, such as the river flooding or a mudslide up in near the mines. Jack let the people know that since they were the closest town to the Silverton mine and the settlement that if anything happened they would be brought to Hope Valley. Jack also explained that if anything major happened at Rock Creek or its mine, they could also be brought to Hope Valley, but more likely they would be taken to Benson Hills. Jack stressed that he wasn't as worried about Rock Creek as he was about the Silverton mine, since that road had a history of washing out in the spring time. Jack went through that the schoolhouse would be turned into an additional infirmary. He also let people know that additional supplies such as blankets, cots and medical supplies had been ordered and were being stored. Jack also let them know that additional canned goods had been ordered and were also being stored. Jack stressed that he didn't want people to panic, but to just be prepared.
After Jack had gone through the basics of the plan, Abigail spoke to the people gathered. She reminded them how they had pulled together in the past and she expected the same if something happened again. It was then opened up to questions and between Jack, Abigail, Bill and Faith they were able to answer the concerns that had been presented. When Abigail dismissed the people just over an hour later, Jack and Elizabeth were both tired. Elizabeth leaned on Jack as they walked home. She let Jack know that she was heading right to bed and that she wasn't worried about grading papers. She said that she would catch up over the weekend. Seeing how tired Elizabeth was Jack was concerned. He wanted to say something, but he also didn't want to fight. He had expressed his concern earlier and she had told him that she was fine.
When they got home, Jack helped Elizabeth upstairs. She quickly changed and crawled in bed. Jack let her know that he was going to head downstairs and make sure things were closed up for the night before coming up and heading to bed. Jack went downstairs and made sure that the doors were bolted and the fires banked. He then picked up a few thing downstairs before heading up to bed. Jack changed into his night clothes and crawled into bed only to realized that Elizabeth was already sound asleep. He didn't want to disturb her, so he didn't pull her close. It didn't take Elizabeth long to realize that Jack had crawled into bed. Even though she was sound asleep, she snuggled up against Jack's side. He then wrapped his arms around Elizabeth and fell asleep.
The next morning, Elizabeth didn't feel good, but pushed through and tried not to let it show. She got up and dressed. She headed downstairs and made breakfast for herself and Jack. Jack came downstairs and enjoyed breakfast with Elizabeth. He then encouraged her to leave the dishes and do them later. He helped her make their lunches before walking Elizabeth to the schoolhouse. Once Jack had left Elizabeth at the schoolhouse, he headed to livery and saddled Sergeant. He was going on rounds. Normally, he would have left earlier, but he was tired and also worried about Elizabeth. He didn't mind going on rounds later that day because he was able to get a little more sleep and also walk Elizabeth to school. Jack also wanted to check on the river and the settlement and that was better done in good light. He was concerned that he was forgetting something and/or he had forgot do something, but for the life of him he couldn't remember what it was. He racked his brain as he was riding. It frustrated him that it felt like he was forgetting to do something important. Finally, unable to come up with anything, he tried to reassure himself that he had done everything that he could and he was just being overly worried.
By lunchtime, Elizabeth really wasn't feeling good. She made the decision to assign homework for the afternoon as well as the weekend. and send the children home. She also had seen that a number of the the children didn't feel good and felt it was best for everyone. She gave them their homework, told them to take their readers and sent the children home after lunch. She also reminded the children that if they didn't feel good that it was best to stay home and if needed they could see Nurse Faith at the infirmary. Before she let the children go, she asked them to let their parents know why they were home early and to remember their homework. Elizabeth took a few minutes to gather her stuff and then headed home herself. She quickly stopped at the cafe to let Abigail know what was going on before she headed home. Abigail said that she would either send something home with Jack or drop something off later. She also let Abigail know that she would deal with any parents that were upset that she had let the children out. Abigail agreed that she had done the right thing. Elizabeth was so tired and she had a headache. All she wanted to do was crawl in bed. She left her things downstairs and headed right to her room. She laid down and fell asleep almost immediately.
When Jack returned to town after rounds, he was surprised to see a few children playing in the street. He stopped and talked to them, only to learn that Elizabeth wasn't feeling good and had let the children go home early. Jack was concerned because he knew that she didn't feel good, but he thought that since she had gone to school that everything was okay. Jack was glad that she would have the weekend, but was still concerned. He had noticed that Elizabeth had been more tired recently and now she had let the children out of school early to head home. After a quick stop to talk to Bill, Jack headed home. He went home and checked on Elizabeth. He found her in their bedroom sound asleep. He didn't want to wake her, but he also wanted to check on her. He careful sat on the edge of the bed and felt her forehead. She didn't seem to have a fever, but she also didn't stir when Jack approached. He left their bedroom and headed back downstairs. He left a note for a Elizabeth that he had checked on her and that he would bring something to eat when he came home.
Jack headed back into town, he wanted to let Elizabeth rest and he had things to do. His first stop was to let Abigail know that Elizabeth wasn't feeling well and that he would need to bring something home for supper. She let him know that she had already talked to Elizabeth and that she would have supper ready for him to take with whenever he was wanted. She was also glad that he had gone to check on her. Abigail let Jack know that she didn't think Elizabeth looked all that bad when she had stopped at the cafe, but she did look a little tired. Jack thanked Abigail and let her know that he would keep her up to date on what was happening both with Elizabeth and the plan. She reminded him that he needed to take care of himself as well and they would deal with whatever happened.
Jack then headed to see Faith before he went back to the jail. He relayed to Faith Elizabeth's condition and what he knew. There were questions that he couldn't answer, so they agreed that if Elizabeth wasn't feeling better the next day, Faith would stop by. Then Jack headed over to the jail to write up things from rounds. He also needed to check what he had last written about the river level and then relay that information to headquarters. When Jack had checked the information and realized that the river had risen faster then he felt comfortable with, he wrote up the information and got it ready to send out on the wire. Jack talked to Bill about the river and his concerns. Bill and Lee agreed that they needed to keep a closer eye on things and that there wasn't much else that they could do at the moment. All three men were frustrated that there wasn't much that they could do.
