Chapter 37 – Making Changes
Thursday the last of the stuff for the cafe came and Abigail was ready. She she would open on Monday the 25th. She was so excited. She knew that it was going to be a lot of hard work, but she was looking forward to it. Abigail spent the better part of the day washing the new dishes and silverware. She was glad that Elizabeth helped her. After they were done with that, Abigail went to put the finishing touches on the table clothes that she was making. She had ordered some, but wanted to make a few. She had also ordered napkins and a wringer washer so she could do all the laundry that was required. The nice thing about it, Laurel Miller let her know that if she was in a pinch that she would be willing to help with the laundry. Abigail was glad about that, but she knew that would eat into her profits. It wasn't that she didn't want to help Laurel out, but she also knew that she was having to split the profits with Henry Gowen and she wanted to be able to save and eventually buy him out. That was her real goal. She hadn't told anyone that.
Elizabeth didn't see Jack that day. She had run to the mercantile and Ned had told her he saw Jack ride out of town early that morning toward Benson Hills. Elizabeth was bummed, she had been hoping to spend some time with him. He also hadn't told her that he was going out of town, so she wondered what was going on. She figured that she would just leave him a note at the jail that she was planning a picnic for after services on Sunday and would he like to join her. Elizabeth spent the rest of the day with her nose in a book. She was working on lesson plans for the upcoming school year. It would be the first time that she would have a whole year with students and she knew that it would be different, but she was also looking forward to it, since she already had some teaching experience and knew the children. She was much better able to do lesson plans since she knew what level that children were at. Elizabeth was also looking at ordering some more books and things. She was still watching her money, but she had received a third surprise amount in a package of things from her father at the beginning of June, so she didn't mind ordering a few books. It was really the only thing that she used the money that her father sent for. Elizabeth didn't want to have to rely on her family's money to live, so only used what they sent to supplement things needed in the classroom. Everything else needed to come out of her pay of do without for the time being. It helped that she was living with Abigail and she refused to allow Elizabeth to pay rent.
Jack hadn't really needed to go to Benson Hills, but he needed to get out of town. It wasn't that he didn't like Coal Valley, but he was also learning the draw backs of a really small town. He needed to do something and he didn't want everyone talking, which would happen if he did it in Coal Valley. He had planned on asking Elizabeth out to a nice dinner and he wanted a suit. He knew that he could get a tailored suit in Benson Hills and no one would say anything. The only dress clothes that Jack had in Coal Valley was his uniform and he definitely didn't want to wear that to dinner. Jack also knew that he would eventually have to get more clothes, but for now, it was fine. He had multiple uniforms, plus his dress serge. He also had five or six work pants and a dozen shirts and vests. He knew that he had plenty of clothes for every day, but not dress clothes. He really wanted to impress Elizabeth and that was the point of the tailored suit.
Besides, Jack needed to think and riding was the best way that he could do that since he had enough wood for awhile. He had been to Benson Hills, but he hadn't really had a chance to explore the town or the countryside on the way there. The last time he had come from Rock Creek and then went back to Coal Valley the same way. Jack hadn't heard from his mother or best friend, but he couldn't get the picture that he drew out of his head, so he had made the decision that he was going to ask Elizabeth on a formal date and just see what happened. He knew that he had planning to do and the first step was getting the tailored suit. It was late when Jack got back to Coal Valley, because he had stopped at the Mountie office in Benson Hills. He hadn't needed to do that, but he was trying to get to know the other Mounties in the area in case he needed help. Jack knew that he could count on his brothers in arms, but he always felt better when he knew a little about them.
When Jack got back to the jail, he found Elizabeth's note and thought a picnic was a great idea. He smiled as he thought about the last time that they had gone on a picnic. Jack wouldn't admit it at the time, but he knew that he was gone when Elizabeth jumped into his arms the second time to have him remove the spider. He couldn't believe how much he wanted to kiss her in that moment. He had thought about that moment more then once and knew that he loved Elizabeth. He knew that it wasn't going to be easy, but he knew that he had to try. Jack knew finally admitted how he felt and that he wanted a future with Elizabeth. That was a huge step for him. He knew that he would have to prove his love to Elizabeth. He also knew that he had hurt in the past with some of the things he had said and done. He knew that he would have to earn her trust again. Jack also knew that it would be worth the effort in the end, especially if he could have what he drew in that picture.
Friday dawn cool and rainy in Coal Valley. Abigail was glad that Jack had fixed the roof. Abigail had planned on baking most of the weekend to get ready for Monday. She was expecting the large supply wagon that day, but with the rain it would probably be delayed. Jack had planned on splitting wood for the cafe, but with the rain, he would have to put it off. He was glad that he had split a lot for the house before and then moved it. Jack was also glad that he had gotten a couple of tarps for both the jail and the cafe. It would make it easier when it rained and also during the winter. Elizabeth woke up Friday not feeling well, so she stayed in bed. By noon the sun was out and Elizabeth was feeling better, but Abigail insisted that she take it easy and even made her some chicken vegetable soup. Elizabeth wasn't going to argue with Abigail, so she stayed upstairs and allowed Abigail to take care of her.
The supply wagon showed up two hours late, but it had quit raining, so it wasn't so bad. Jack had gone out to see if he could split a load of wood and got there about the same time as the supply wagon, so he helped to unload what was headed to the cafe. Abigail insisted that he stay and have some supper. When Abigail told Jack that Elizabeth wasn't feeling the best, he insisted on going up to check on her. He knocked on her door.
"Elizabeth." Jack said. "Can I come in?"
"Yes." Elizabeth said.
Jack walked in and saw Elizabeth sitting up in bed. She had a robe wrapped around her, but he had to shake his head and not think that she wasn't dressed like he normally saw her, but in bed clothes.
"Abigail said you weren't feeling well." Jack said. "I just wanted to check on you."
"Thank you." Elizabeth said.
Jack walked over and took a seat on the edge of the bed.
"How are you feeling?" Jack asked.
"Better." Elizabeth said. "Abigail insisted that I stay in bed."
"Do you have a fever?" Jack asked.
"I don't think so." Elizabeth said.
"Can I check?" Jack asked.
Elizabeth nodded, so Jack took his wrist and laid it on Elizabeth's forehead and then her cheeks.
"No fever." Jack said. "That is good. So what is going on?"
"I just felt off." Elizabeth said. "I was tired and my stomach was upset this morning."
"Okay." Jack said. "If you don't feel up it, we don't have to go on a picnic this weekend. I would love to, but I don't want to if you are sick. Do you want me to wire the doctor in Buxton? I don't want you pushing it with school starting again next week."
"No." Elizabeth said. "I think I will be fine. How about we make a decision about the picnic on Sunday. I will be fine. I am going shorter days for the first couple of weeks. I also have some stuff outside planned for the children if the weather holds."
"Okay." Jack said. "If you get worse, I won't give you a choice and I will wire the doctor. When I was in Benson Hills, I read about few cases of scarlet fever. You will let me know if you get a sore throat or a rash. It sounds like each of the cases started with a sore throat."
"I will." Elizabeth said. "I doubt it is anything. I think I just overdid it. I promise to take it easy tonight and tomorrow."
"Okay." Jack said. "I am just worried about you."
"I know." Elizabeth said. "Do you think Abigail will let me come down and have supper with you?"
"I will go see." Jack said. "If not, how about I bring supper back for both of us."
"That sounds better." Elizabeth said smiling.
Jack gave her a smile back and headed downstairs. He told Abigail that he thought Elizabeth would be fine, but he also let her know about the cases of scarlet fever he had read about in Benson Hills and what to watch for. Abigail fixed him two bowls of soup and some fresh bread on a tray to take back up to Elizabeth. She smiled at how concerned Jack was about Elizabeth. Jack took the tray back upstairs and had a nice supper with Elizabeth. They really didn't talk about much of anything, but just enjoyed the time together, by the time that they were finished, Jack could see that Elizabeth was getting tired again.
"How about I let you rest." Jack said. "I will check on you tomorrow. Do you need anything right now?"
"No." Elizabeth said. "Thank you for sharing supper with me."
"Your welcome." Jack said. "Have a good night."
Elizabeth watched Jack pick up the tray and head back downstairs. After Jack left, Elizabeth was embarrassed. She knew what was wrong, but she wasn't going to tell Jack. She felt bad that he was making a fuss, but Elizabeth knew that she would be fine. By mid-afternoon, Elizabeth had figured out why she didn't feel good. She hadn't been paying attention to the dates with moving and everything and wasn't prepared when it happened. She knew she should have told Abigail, but she was embarrassed. Even more so after Jack made such a fuss. It made her feel good though, if Jack couldn't tell her how he felt, his actions left no doubt. When he looked at her, she knew that he loved her and there no was denying it. Elizabeth snuggled under the covers and fell asleep dreaming about Jack a future together. Little did Elizabeth know that Jack dreamed of a future with her as well. They were both still fighting fears and reservations about the other and in themselves. Other people could see that they would be great together, if they could just get over themselves.
Elizabeth woke up Saturday morning and felt better. She still had a few cramps, but she wasn't going to say anything. She quickly got ready and ahead downstairs. She really wanted some coffee and to sit in the sunshine. She found Abigail in the kitchen making cookies.
"Feeling better?" Abigail asked.
"Much." Elizabeth said. "I am so embarrassed that Jack made such a fuss last night."
"It is because he cares." Abigail said.
"I know." Elizabeth said. "But I know why I wasn't feeling good, but I couldn't tell him."
"Oh." Abigail said. "Don't worry. I won't say anything. But I am sure that he will be checking on you later."
"Fine." Elizabeth said. "I wouldn't mind some coffee and I want to sit outside for a bit."
"Coffee is on the stove." Abigail said. "You hungry?"
"Not right now." Elizabeth said.
Elizabeth poured herself a cup of coffee and headed out to sit in the sunshine. She hadn't been there more then five minutes when she saw Jack ride up.
"Feeling better?" Jack asked.
"Much." Elizabeth said. "I will take it easy, but I thought some sun would be good."
"Okay." Jack said. "As long as you take it easy."
"I will." Elizabeth said. "If Abigail doesn't need me, I thought about reading one of my favorite books."
"Which would be?" Jack asked.
"Pride and Prejudice." Elizabeth said with a smile.
"Good book." Jack said. "I think I read it in school, but don't remember much, but I know Austen books are good."
"You should reread it." Elizabeth said. "I have read it so many times, I could probably repeat most of it by heart."
"I will think about it." Jack said with a smile. "Maybe we could read it together."
"That might be fun." Elizabeth said with a smile.
"Take care and I will see you later." Jack said.
Elizabeth watched Jack ride off. She didn't think she would ever get tired of watching him ride, especially when he was dressed in his red serge. There was just something about watching him on that huge black horse and his red serge standing out against everything. Elizabeth knew that she was staring, but she really didn't care. Jack had not wanted to ride away from Elizabeth, but had to go check on some of the out laying farms. He was glad that she was feeling better, as least he didn't have to worry about leaving her. As Jack rode through town away from the cafe, he could feel Elizabeth watching him. He almost turned back to tease her, but he changed his mind. As he turned to head north out of town he looked over and he could see her sitting there at the cafe and he knew that she was looking at him. Jack kicked Sergeant into a canter and took off. He hoped to be back by early afternoon, but he wasn't sure.
After Jack turned the corner and she couldn't see him anymore, she got up and headed into the cafe to have breakfast. After she ate and helped Abigail clean up, she headed up to her room to grab her book and then she was going to head down and read by the pond. Abigail didn't mind and preferred Elizabeth take it easy. Abigail was so use to working in the kitchen by herself, that she wasn't sure that she could handle someone else in there at that point. Even though it was a much bigger kitchen, Abigail knew where everything was and what needed to be done. She figured that at some point she would need someone, but for now, she was fine on her own.
Elizabeth stayed down by the pond reading well past lunchtime. Since the weather was nice, Abigail wasn't worried since she knew where she was. Jack rode back into town about mid-afternoon and headed straight for the cafe. When he knocked on the back door, he was surprised at how good it smelt.
"Hey." Jack said when Abigail opened the door.
"Hello." Abigail said. "Elizabeth is down by the pond."
"How long as she been down there?" Jack asked.
"She went just after breakfast." Abigail said. "I wasn't worried, she took a book. She said she was feeling better. She looked better this morning."
"I think I will go check anyway." Jack said. "Be back soon. By the way it smells great in here."
"Okay." Abigail said. "Staying for supper?"
"If you are offering?" Jack said "Of course."
"You are welcome anytime." Abigail said. "Go check on Elizabeth."
Jack didn't need to be told twice, he went back out the door and mounted Sergeant. He headed for the pond. He didn't see Elizabeth right away, but then he spotted her under one of the large shade trees off to the side. She looked like she was sleeping. Jack rode closer and Sergeant let out a snort and wanted at the water. Jack dismounted and let Sergeant go to the water. Jack walked toward Elizabeth.
"Hey." Elizabeth said opening her eyes.
"Hey." Jack said. "I thought that you might be sleeping."
"Nope." Elizabeth said. "Just enjoying the day."
"Want to walk back to town with me?" Jack asked.
"Sure." Elizabeth said. "Let's go."