Chapter 42
Julie couldn't remember a time that she laughed so much. Elizabeth's friends and family were so welcoming. Allie was precious and Julie promised to take her shopping when they were in Hamilton. Elizabeth knew that Julie was going to spoil her. She found Nathan quiet but as he began to relax, she could see why Elizabeth loved him. The love between them was electrifying. She wished she could find someone to love her like that.
Rosemary started the viola and said that it was time to dance. Rosemary reminded Elizabeth of the thin walls. Rosemary told Julie that Elizabeth and Nathan danced every night before bed so her and Lee had joined the tradition when the music started playing. The guys moved the furniture out of the way so the two couples could dance. Bill offered Julie his hand and they joined the others. Allie picked up little Jack and danced with him too. They switched partners a few times, Julie was surprised how well her brother-in-law could dance. He would fit right in at the dances in Hamilton. She knew that her mother would plan at least one event while Elizabeth was there.
Elizabeth could see that little Jack was falling asleep, she knew it was way passed his bedtime so she went to put him to bed. Before Elizabeth could, Nathan took the sleepy child from Elizabeth and walked upstairs with him. He told Allie that she should get ready for bed too. Elizabeth sat down by Julie and told her when Allie and Nathan moved in, her guest room became Allie's room. Elizabeth told Julie that Rosemary had her guest room ready for her and that her bags were there already. It would be quieter and more convenient than the Queen of Hearts.
After the children were tucked into bed, Nathan rejoined the adults downstairs. Elizabeth had made tea and coffee and they were all sitting having a slice of pie and the drink of choice. Elizabeth poured him a coffee and brought him a slice of pie before snuggling herself next to him on the sofa. It had been a long day and she was getting tired. She tried to stifle a yawn but Rosemary noticed and quickly tidied the cups and plates for Elizabeth. She then turned to Julie and said, "you must be exhausted from the long train ride. Why don't we head next door and get you settled? There will plenty of time to visit tomorrow". Elizabeth was grateful and everyone hugged and said good night before heading to their respective homes. Nathan scooped Elizabeth up into his arms and carried her upstairs because she looked like she was going to fall asleep any moment. He was glad that school was almost over because they were both tired from trying to cram too much into every day.
The next morning, Julie decided to come to school with Allie and Elizabeth. She wanted to paint with the children like she had the last time she was there. She thought that the children might like to display their artwork at the year-end celebration. After finding out about the family tree project she had a great idea to incorporate Elizabeth's assignment into a work of art made by all the students. She was going to make a Jack Thornton's school family tree with all the students and her sister as the heart of the tree. Julie would unveil it at the party. The party was planned but had to be executed the night before and the day of. Julie hoped that Elizabeth and Nathan would be enough help because besides Gustav no one knew anything. She wondered if she could convince him to help with the set up.
After school, Elizabeth and the children decided to show Julie the build site. The workshop and barn were basically done and the house was finished except for the interior. Nathan, Lee, Jesse, and Bill were working on the walls. Nathan had finished the staircase and was installing the built-in bookshelves. The floors were in but needed sanding and staining before a good polish. Soon the men would start on the cabinets for the kitchen. Elizabeth had gone to the mercantile and looked at stoves to order. She had thought about waiting to see what was new in Hamilton but she didn't want to wait that long. Elizabeth was very happy with the progress and was excited to show Julie. She knew it wasn't like their childhood home in Hamilton but it was her heart's desire. It was the home her and Nathan had designed together for their family. Julie loved the house and knew Nathan and Elizabeth would fill the house with love and hopefully a few more children of their own. Julie could already see that they were meant to be parents.
Julie loved her parents but her and her sisters were raised by governesses. Their parents were there but they didn't do the everyday things like Nathan and Elizabeth. Julie knew that little Jack had a nanny during the day but he had parents that took care of him and were there for him when it mattered. Her parents wanted the best for them or what they thought was best and would manipulate the situation to get it. She decided that she would keep Elizabeth and Nathan's secret and hoped that their mother wouldn't try something to get her way like the last time. If Mother and Viola hadn't interfered and sent Charles to Hope Valley years before, Jack and Elizabeth may have had a longer marriage. She prayed that Elizabeth truly got her happily ever after this time.