Chapter 46

Elizabeth knew that she would have to send a letter to her mother telling her when they were going to be in Hamilton. Her mother and father have yet to meet their grandson because Elizabeth hadn't been to Hamilton since Jack's death and they haven't traveled west in quite some time. She knew that they were hoping she would move back home but she had made it quite clear more than once that that wouldn't be happening. She knew her mother well and expected her mother to either try and set her up with Charles again or throw a dinner party with numerous eligible bachelors in hopes of luring her back into the Hamilton elite.

Elizabeth also planned on sending Julie a letter with the dates so that she could assist from afar. Elizabeth knew that Julie would ensure that her room along with two guest rooms would be prepared in close proximity to Elizabeth's room for the children. She wanted Allie and little Jack close by but she didn't think Allie would want to share. She also wanted Julie to keep her in the loop regarding her mother's plans. She knew that the staff would let Julie know about any and all events that Grace was planning or planned on attending while Elizabeth was in Hamilton. She knew Julie would like her role as a spy.

That evening after writing her letters and writing in her journal Elizabeth could see that Nathan was preoccupied. He had put the children to bed so she could write but she knew that he was battling something. She could tell by his pacing that his internal struggle was eating at him. She pulled him to a stop and told him to sit before saying, "Nathan, what's wrong? You haven't been yourself since Julie left and I bought the tickets to Hamilton. Are you worried that you won't be able to take that much vacation time? Bill did say that he would cover for you as long as he knew in advance not to book any court dates. Did you change your mind about going? Julie loves you and Allie and so will the rest of my family. If they don't, we have all the family we really need here in Hope Valley". Elizabeth wanted to put her husband's mind at ease but he had to talk to her. She couldn't help if she didn't know what was bothering him.

Nathan wasn't one for talking but even before they married, he felt comfortable talking to Elizabeth. She had a way of making him feel at ease and that she cared. Nathan knew he had to tell her about his mother. It wasn't something that he liked to talk about but she had to know everything before they went to Hamilton. It was more than likely that her parents had already met his mother or knew of her. He hoped there wasn't any animosity between her parents and the social pariah that his mother had become.

Nathan breathed heavily before starting talking, "Elizabeth, I know that I've told you that my mother was too old to properly care for Allie but that isn't the whole truth. I hate talking about the woman she is now but you need to know before we go to Hamilton. She lives there now so it would be rude if we didn't see her while we were there." Elizabeth could see that Nathan was struggling with telling her about his mother and she wondered if Allie knew the truth. Nathan had a habit of trying to protect others by keeping to himself. After Elizabeth entwined their fingers together Nathan resumed talking, "My mother was a strong woman dealing with Archie's prison sentences and the downfall of her family but when Colleen died, she couldn't cope. She went from the fun-loving mother and grandmother to someone I didn't recognize. She reverted back to the socialite she was before married my father. My mother came from an old money family that had fallen on hard times and at the time Archie was a up and coming banker so her family approved even though he didn't have the same social status. Within months of Colleen's death my mother remarried a wealthy man from Hamilton and has been trying to fit in with the elite ever since. She is so focused on being invited to the best parties and climbing to the top of Hamilton's social hierarchy. I couldn't see myself or Allie fitting into her world nor did I want Allie to feel like an afterthought so I sought guardianship. Now that we are married, I'm worried that her knowing that I married William Thatcher's daughter will give her ammunition to use to cement herself in that world. I don't want her using you or hurting you to benefit herself". Nathan breathed a sigh of relief and waited for Elizabeth to respond.

Elizabeth couldn't help it but she burst out laughing. It wasn't the reaction Nathan expected but Elizabeth's laughter was infectious and it made him loosen up and laugh. After a few moments Elizabeth looked at Nathan and kissed him. She then proceeded to tell him about her own mother, "Nathan, once you meet my mother you will understand why I laughed. My mother likes to manipulate the situation to get what she wants and has tried with me several times unsuccessfully. When she couldn't persuade me to come back to Hamilton, she sent word that she was ill so that I would feel obligated to go see her. So, Jack and I went but once I was there, she was magically healthy and proceeded to throw me into situations with my old friend and father's protégé in hopes of me falling for him. She didn't approve of Jack and made him feel unwelcome. He actually left before I did but I promised him that I would come home to Hope Valley. My mother even manipulated Charles into believing he had a chance with me and he came to Hope Valley to propose. I turned him down because I was in love with Jack. I know that as soon as she knows that I'm coming for a visit she will be up to her old tricks. Our mothers are two peas in pod and I know how to handle both of them. I know Julie will help. Nathan, you need to write your mother and tell her the exact dates you will be in Hamilton for this to work. I promise that this will be fun". Elizabeth smirked and rubbed her hands together. Nathan could see that Elizabeth was going to fight fire with fire and there was a devious glint in her eyes. He shouldn't have doubted her strength or their love. He hoped that she was right.