Chapter 39
Elizabeth anxiously awaited Julie's arrival. Not wanting to spill the beans Julie was ordering everything in Hamilton and having it delivered. Elizabeth knew they would have to have the food prepared locally so she went in search of Gustav. She suspected that he would be at the saloon so she started her search there. If anyone asked why she was at the saloon she was going to tell them that Julie was going to be visiting and would need a room and Gustav was going to have a few of Julie's favorite foods readily available if requested.
Elizabeth and Gustav planned the menu and Gustav would arrange the food order to divert attention. He was also going to make a cake and provide refreshments too. Elizabeth thanked him and turned to leave. Lucas walked in a she was leaving and asked, "were you looking for me"? Elizabeth shook her head and told him Gustav had everything handled and that she had requested a room for Julie when she arrived.
Elizabeth then left and went about the rest of her day. She had a lot to do before the last week of school. She decided that the last assignment that she would assign to her class was a family tree with a brief description about how each person influenced their life. She was looking forward to seeing the results because it would be an art project as well as a history project. Some of the trees would be larger than others but each family was unique and special in their own right.
After agreeing to go to Hamilton, Nathan realized that he was going to have to see his mother while they were there. His relationship with his mother had been strained after she moved to Hamilton and married a wealthy banker. She changed overnight from a loving mother and grandmother to a socialite trying to fit into the Hamilton elite. He knew she would love Elizabeth because it would give her the in she needed to cement herself in that world. He decided to send a telegram informing of her that he and Allie would be visiting later that summer because he didn't really want to talk to her right now.
Nathan went directly to the build site with Bill after he finished his rounds. He was pounding the nails into the barn walls with so much force Bill knew something was wrong. Bill hadn't seen Nathan so riled up since he chopped wood when he found out Lucas and Elizabeth had gone to Union City. Bill had to find out what was wrong, "Nathan, you're going to break those boards if you continue to hit them that hard. Is there a reason you are driving those nails with so much force"? Nathan looked at the dents he was leaving in the boards and then looked at Bill. Nathan knew that Bill was right. He was taking his frustration out on the wood but at least the barn was taking shape.
Nathan took a deep breath and told Bill what was bothering him. "Bill, Elizabeth told me that Julie was visiting soon and asked to take a trip to Hamilton this summer. She wants Allie and I to meet her family. She hasn't told them yet. Elizabeth says that Julie will probably keep our secret until we can tell her parents ourselves but who knows. If we go to Hamilton, I'll have to see my mother too. She remarried and moved there. Our relationship hasn't been the same since. She's become a snob and is trying to climb the social hierarchy to become part of the Hamilton elite. When she finds out Elizabeth is basically Hamilton royalty, she will want to use that to her advantage. I have no idea what to do. My father loves Elizabeth. Allie told him already in her letters and he's happy for us. The last letter basically said it's about time", Nathan answered. Bill knew the type and knew that Nathan had a right to be concerned.
Bill wondered if Nathan had told Elizabeth about his mother. Elizabeth knew Archie already but Nathan hadn't said much about his mother before except that she was too old to care for Allie. Bill knew Elizabeth was strong and would not be taken advantage of by anyone. Bill told Nathan to make sure Elizabeth knew about his mother before put in the same room with her. Bill almost felt sorry for Nathan's mother because Elizabeth was fiercely protective of the people she loved.