Chapter Seven
Happy Rides
Elizabeth awakened, stiff after sleeping overnight on the settee. Jack had only awakened once, taken some liquid and fallen asleep again. She looked at her still sleeping son. Rising quietly, she touched his blonde head and rejoiced. He felt cooler.
Elizabeth retreated to the kitchen to make tea and noticed the stacked bowls and pans nearby. "Nathan," she whispered softly and stood motionless for a few moments. She remembered his kindness last night and the sweet song she had overheard. Smiling, Elizabeth reached for the biscuit tin and got jam from the shelf. Although she hadn't eaten much for dinner, she didn't feel hungry, just relieved!
A light tap at the front door revealed Rosemary checking in. She carried a plate of eggs, bacon and applesauce. "I thought you could use some sustenance this morning. Here sit and eat while it is hot. I'll make the tea. How is sweet Jack?"
"I think he turned a corner. He seems cooler. Rest is what is best for him, so I will not awaken him. I believe Faith is coming again this morning to check on us."
"Lee told me that since his back is still not back to normal, Nathan and another Mountie brought the small crib over. When I got home later, I saw Newton still tied out front, so I didn't want to interrupt. Did you and Nathan have a talk?"
"Not at all. We hardly whispered. He offered to watch Jack so I could lay down for a nap. I did sleep and it was wonderful! When I got to the stairs, I heard Nathan singing to Jack. Rosemary, it was beautiful. He was holding Jack in his arms, walking back and forth, rocking him and singing." Elizabeth's eyes teared. "Rosemary, Jack has missed so much, so much father-love."
"Well, I for one am so glad Nathan stepped in to help you. I keep telling you he is a good man, Elizabeth! So you didn't talk about anything?"
"No. Just about Jack, and that briefly." Elizabeth looked wistful.
"You know, Lucas came to the door yesterday morning when I returned from calling the Infirmary. He was angry that I couldn't go riding, right then, or even later. He doesn't seem to grasp I am a mother. But, maybe that will come in time?" She brightened and continued, "I really have enjoyed our outings. Well of course, not being caught in the rain!"
Rosemary was quiet, watching warring emotions play across the face of her dear friend. She took a deep breath. Maybe now was the time. "Elizabeth, I…"
Jack began to cry and the moment was lost. Rosemary went quiet watching Elizabeth and Jack. She decided now was definitely not the time.
While at breakfast, a hotel waiter brought a message to Bill. Thanking him, Bill opened the envelope. Commander Ash wanted to speak to him before he departed for Hope Valley and asked him to have the hotel clerk call to confirm. He requested he meet him in Bill's hotel room at 8 o'clock. Bill glanced at his pocket watch, went to the hotel desk to arrange the call and then went up to his room to wait.
Close to 8 o'clock, the Commander knocked. After a brief greeting, he got right to business. "Thank you, for meeting me, Bill. I thought about my instructions last evening. It is not fair, after all this time, to hide this information. I now think I will call you as soon as Hargraves is in safe-keeping and at that time, or when it seems suitable, you can tell Nathan what you know, with one exception. Please do not mention the issue of Jack Thornton's pension. I want to discuss that first, in-person and privately with Nathan. I may make two trips to Hope Valley as I want to get his promotion in the works as soon as possible. We have a Council meeting on Friday and I hope I might have an affirmative answer that will allow me to visit next week and make the job offer to Nathan."
"Okay, I can do that. I can wait. Just knowing this will finally be out in the open and everyone will recognize the prize Mounties they had in Jack and now have in Nathan is worth the wait," Bill responded.
"And who will tell Mrs. Thornton about Jack?"
Bill thought a moment, "Maybe Nathan should tell her? Now that I know, I can seriously encourage him to do so. Of course, I may have to supplement the story he tells Elizabeth and inform her that Nathan has numerous commendations that he has not framed or hung in his office to date! I will relish giving that news!"
"I concur. Now, one more thing. What was your impression of my nephew, Stephen?"
"Peter, I think he is a wonderful fellow. We hit it off right away and he was invaluable, especially when I had my moments of being dumbstruck! Thank you for arranging for him to accompany me to Fort Clay."
Commander Ash broke into a wide grin. "I am so glad to hear this! What would you think of him being assigned to Hope Valley once Nathan accepts the Inspector position? Of course, assuming the Council approves and Nathan agrees! I am getting ahead of myself I know!"
They both laughed.
Bill, grinned back, "I think that is a splendid idea!"
"Now, no word about this to anyone? I want Stephen to see Hope Valley when we visit next week and then I can discuss the possibility with him on our ride back to Headquarters. I think he has been treading water at Headquarters and would jump at the chance to be a town Mountie. I am actually excited how all this might turn out for good! I am getting ahead of myself again, but I would like to bring those commendations and present them to Mrs. Thornton and to Nathan with a ceremony there in Hope Valley, once the Inquiry is determined. Everything else can proceed and this will just be an added surprise!"
The Commander was thrilled. Justice would be done. Family and friends of these fine Mounties, these fine men, would recognize the truth. He could resolve the issue of the much deserved and prestigious promotion for Nathan Grant, take care of a deserving widow and provide for his nephew. "I should let you go now, Bill. Thank you for everything and I will contact you next week with our next steps. Traveling mercies."
The comrades shook hands, smiling.
"I am happier than you can imagine, Peter!" exclaimed Bill. "I believe I will be singing my way home today!"
After a quiet day of showing Mountie Roberts around Hope Valley, Nathan decided to consider their many tours around town to be enough to cover his evening rounds. The men said goodbye at the office and Nathan headed to the stables to feed & water Newton and saddle the horse for Allie.
Nathan had surprised Allie with a beautiful filly as a combined gift for graduation and in anticipation of her adoption. Allie was still deciding on her name, but was leaning towards Annie. Allie had sounded very grown-up when she declared she wanted to live with the name for a bit before making her final decision.
Nathan smiled as he led the filly home to meet Allie, who was ready and anxious to go as soon as Nathan changed out of his uniform.
Their first "riding" lesson had been in the stables, meeting the horse! Nathan had given thorough instructions for feeding, proper care and brushing the horse, preparing and placing the bridle and saddle and climbing into the saddle and handling the reins. Yesterday Uncle Nathan helped lift her into the saddle and fit her foot into the stirrup, but today, Allie wanted to try it on her own. Allie was anxious to actually go riding!
"Ready, Allie-girl?" Nathan stood by her as she climbed into the saddle. He was impressed. "Very good! You're a natural, just like your mother was. Your Grandmother would be very proud!"
Nathan mounted Newton and they began to ride together, slowly and side-by-side. Allie looked very confident and listened carefully. She took all instructions to heart and Nathan felt it was okay to head out into the meadow, remaining at a gentle pace. When they came to a creek, Allie asked to pick some wildflowers, so Nathan held the horses while Allie carefully chose a bouquet. She was just tucking them into his saddlebag when they heard another horse whinny.
Around the corner came Elizabeth who was very surprised to see them. She smiled and nodded at Nathan, then turned her attention to Allie. "Well, hello!"
"Hello, Mrs. Thornton! Meet my new horse. I think her name is Annie. Isn't she beautiful?"
Elizabeth nodded in agreement. "She is a lovely horse, Allie. She is yours?"
"She's my graduation and adoption gift from Uncle Nathan."
"What a lovely gift, Allie." She nodded at Nathan. "And why did you say you 'think' her name is Annie?"
"Well, you know my favorite character is Anne, so I am pretty sure I am going to call her Annie. You know like Anne-with-an-e? I just want to be sure, so I am giving myself a couple days to decide."
"Very wise, Allie. So what brings you out here today?"
"Uncle Nathan is giving me lessons. Would you like to join us Mrs. Thornton?"
Nathan looked down, smiling.
Elizabeth, laughed. "Well I thank you for the invitation Allie, but I need to get back home. Laura came to watch Jack so I could get some fresh air. I'm afraid I am at the end of my ride, so you and your uncle can enjoy the evening together."
Nathan raised his head. "How is Jack today?"
"Amazingly much better, thank you. He actually stayed asleep after you left and by this morning his fever was down. He stills struggles to swallow, but I think his hunger is pushing him to try eating the custard, so that's good."
"Glad to hear it. Well, have a good evening, Lizabeth. Allie, shall we continue our ride?"
"Sure." Allie climbed into the saddle and then said, "Good night, Mrs. Thornton. It was nice to see you. Give Jack a kiss from me?"
"Thank you, Allie. I will do that! Have a great ride." Elizabeth waved at them both, while keeping her eyes on Nathan.
After they were alone again, Allie looked at her uncle. "It was nice to see Mrs. Thornton, wasn't it?"
Nathan, laughed as he knew just what Allie was doing. "Yes, Allie, it was. Now, how much longer shall we ride? I don't want you to be too sore tomorrow. It takes some time to get used to being in the saddle."
"Can we go over there to see the view? Then we can turn back home."
"Sure, Allie-girl. Let's enjoy the view."
Nathan was anxious for Bill to return so he could discuss the land purchase again. Although in a moment of discouragement and seeming defeat Nathan had declined the purchase, he was now hoping that the land would still be available. He didn't want to tell Allie until the deal was done, but as he looked around, he couldn't help imaging them in their own home, right here on their own land. "Lord, Your will be done," He prayed silently.
Elizabeth returned, feeling happy as she rode home to Jack and Laura.
"Thank you so much for coming, Laura. I really needed that break, to ride, breathe in the fresh air and let my cares go with the wind! How is Jack?"
Turning to lift Jack, she snuggled with him, asking him, "How is my little boy, Jack? Are you feeling better today? Are you ready for some custard? Yummmm!"
"He was fine, Mrs. Thornton. So much better than the day before. I guess the sleep helped?"
"I guess so. Here, can you hold him while I get your money for this week? Thank you."
Saying their goodbyes, Elizabeth reached for Jack and walked Laura to the door. She stood and looked out over the town. Hope Valley was her home and she loved it here. She had memories both happy and sad, but this place was hers and she never wanted to live anywhere else.