There was sun coming through the parted curtains when Elizabeth opened her eyes. Blinking at the brightness, she tried to recall why she did not close the curtains. She always closed the curtains.
Thinking back, Elizabeth remembered standing at the window looking at the window thinking about Nathan. Ally had come into her room . . .
Ally!
Suddenly fully awake, Elizabeth threw back her blankets. Her feet found her house slippers and she looked around for her robe before realizing she was still wearing it. Why was she still wearing her robe?
Deciding that checking on Ally was more important, Elizabeth did not dwell on it. Instead she hurried to the room the girl was using. Stepping inside, Elizabeth found a tired looking Carson sitting at the bedside. The doctor looked up at her entrance even as he continued to press a wet cloth against the exposed skin of Ally's face, head and neck. A cloth lay over her forehead.
"How is she?" Elizabeth asked, taking in the girl's pale features. Ally's cheeks were still flushed with fever and her eyes were closed. She did not to look to be in any distress though.
"I haven't been able to get the fever down below 101 degrees," Carson told her. "I think she caught what Jack had as her throat is inflamed as well. She has been drinking water for me. I'd like to try to get some food in her shortly. Perhaps oatmeal mixed with a lot of milk. Something that will slide down her throat easily."
"I can take care of that," Elizabeth replied. She paused for a moment. "How did I end up in my bed, Carson?"
Carson smiled. "You fell asleep here at Ally's beside. I know you have been worried about Jack and Nathan and I did not want to wake you. You needed some sleep. So I carried you to your bed and let you sleep. You are going to need to keep your strength up, Elizabeth."
"I should go check on Jack," Elizabeth said.
"There is no need. Lee took Jack home last night. His throat looked a little irritated still but the fever was gone. I think he is past the contagious point. Even so, I told them not to let Bridget and Ivy too, close to him. However, I do know that you would run yourself ragged caring for a toddler and a sick child. Jack cannot help you like Ally could."
"I wish she had not helped me," Elizabeth said. Part of her felt torn at the idea of Little Jack being away from her. Her son should be with her but at the same time Ally needed her. Ally was her child as well. Perhaps the law did not recognize that quite yet, but her heart had already claimed Ally as her own. "Maybe she would not have gotten sick."
Before Carson could reply, another voice spoke.
"I am glad I could help. It is what family does."
Carson looked back at this patient who had her eyes open. "You have that right," he told her as Elizabeth moved to the other side of the bed. Carson put the cloth in the basin of ice water and reached for the nearby glass of what. He helped the girl take a sip of water.
Sitting on the edge of the bed, Elizabeth watched as Ally wince as she swallowed.
"My throat hurts," Ally replied quietly. "Is this how Little Jack has felt these last few days?"
"Yes," Carson replied. "He probably felt much the same way you did, though his fever was never quite as high."
"No wonder he was so fussy," Ally commented, closing her eyes. "I feel cold and hot at the same time," Ally murmured.
"You will feel better soon," Elizabeth told the girl, holding her hand. She reached out and placed her other hand against Ally's fevered cheek. Ally pressed her head weakly against the touch.
"That feels nice," Ally murmured, before drifting off again.
Elizabeth looked across the bed at Carson. "She is going to be all right, isn't she?"
Carson nodded. "We just need to give the medicine time to work and watch her fever," he told her even as he tried to stifle a yawn.
"You need sleep as well," Elizabeth said, realizing that Carson had been up about half the night.
Carson nodded. "Go make yourself something to eat and make some oatmeal for Ally. I asked Lee to bring the cot from my office out. If you do not mind, I will set it up in Jack's room. While Ally's fever is this high, someone should be with her at all times and I want to stay close by."
Elizabeth let out a sigh of relief. "Thank you, Carson," Elizabeth said, as the doctor reached for the cloth on Ally's forehead. Though she would not have asked, she was glad that Carson would be with her until Ally was on the mend. While Carson dipped the cloth in the basin of ice water, Elizabeth pressed a kiss to the girl's forehead before leaving her.
As Elizabeth headed downstairs, she breathed a quiet prayer. It was a prayer for Nathan's safety. For the safety of those out looking for her fiancé and for the lord's healing hand on her daughter.
"And our daughter needs her father, Lord. Please bring Nathan home to us soon, Amen," she finished as she reached the kitchen and began breakfast preparations. Carson had not mentioned food for himself, but Elizabeth planned on feeding him as well.
Standing in the kitchen of the Queen of Hearts, Lucas placed things in a small crate. There was the container of ice that Carson had asked to be sent out regularly while Ally ran the fever. Clara had sent over some butterscotch pudding. Gustav had made a custard for Ally, as well as a broth that he claimed was his mother's recipe for a cure all when he and his siblings had been ill as children. Gustav had made a heartier beef and vegetable stew for Elizabeth and Carson.
Carefully, Lucas placed the bouquet of flowers on top. He wished he could offer more to help, but he did not know what. Hopefully, the flowers would at least lift Ally's spirits.
What Lucas really wanted to do was bring Nathan home to Ally. The girl needed her father right now. If it was the simple case of Nathan being far away, Lucas would gladly have driven to wherever he was and get Nathan home as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, Nathan's whereabouts were currently unknown.
Footsteps behind him caused Lucas to look back over his shoulder. Despite the situation, a smile came to his face as he saw Fiona walking into the kitchen.
"The library had it!" Fiona said happily, holding up a book. "You do not mind taking it out to Ally for me, do you?"
"Of course not," Lucas replied reaching for the book. Looking down at the book he read the title out loud. "Heidi?"
"My mom read that to me when I was sick with the chicken pox when I was six. It was fun hearing about the adventures of a girl about my age. It kept my mind off the itching for a bit. After that, every time I was sick, I had my mom read me that book."
"That is a nice memory of your mom," Lucas replied, turning and slipping the book carefully into the crate.
"It is," Fiona said. "Wherever I feel ill, I often wish I had her with me to read me that story. I miss the comfort that it brought me."
Lucas turned around again, and reaching out, put his hands around Fiona's waist pulling him close to her.
"Lucas, you do remember where we are, don't you?" Fiona asked, though she went easily toward him, her hands coming to rest on his shoulders. She gazed up into his adoring eyes.
"It is not like we are in the middle of the main room, or even behind the bar," Lucas told her. "The only ones who should be back here are you, me, Gustav and the waitresses," he told her before leaning in and pressing his lips against hers.
Fiona returned the kiss, though she kept it brief. Lucas might not care about getting caught, but she did not feel like having the workplace rumor mill saying she only had her position because she was with the boss. She might know that her relationship with Lucas had no bearing on her manager position of the saloon. She had been given the position before they had started courting. She also knew that would not keep some people from talking.
"If you get so much of a sniffle, let me know and I will come read Heidi to you," Lucas told her softly.
"I will hold you to that," Fiona told him, smiling as she took a step back from him.
"I should probably take this stuff out. They might be needing the fresh ice by now," Lucas stated, reluctantly letting Fiona slip from his grasp. He understood her uneasiness and he did not want to cause any issues between her and the other employees.
Turning back to the counter, Lucas picked up the crate. "I wish there was more I could do," he confessed, turning to face Fiona again, the crate in his arms this time. "Yesterday I thought about going to help search for Nathan myself. However, I don't know that area at all. After looking at a map, I figured I would probably be the next person the Mounties were searching for if I tried to help."
"Then stay right here and do what you can for Nathan's family," Fiona told him. "Let the Mounties do what they are trained to do."
"All I am doing is being a delivery man," Lucas replied.
Fiona shook her head. "You are doing more than just delivering stuff. You are letting Elizabeth know that even though Nathan can't be here to help care for Ally that she is still not alone."
Lucas nodded.
"You have things under control here?" Lucas asked.
"I am perfectly capable of running the saloon," Fiona told him. "So, get lost though remember I am cooking you dinner tonight."
"That would be impossible to forget about," Lucas informed her, placing a kiss on her cheek as he walked by.
Leaving the Queen of Hearts, Lucas put the crate in the passenger side of his car. Getting behind the wheel, he made the short drive out to Elizabeth's house. Crate in hand, he made his way to the front door. His knock was answered by Carson.
"Hello, Lucas," Carson greeted. "Did you bring more ice?"
"I did. How is Ally?"
"No change, but at least her fever is not getting higher," Carson said stepping aside so Lucas could come inside. "That looks like more than ice."
Lucas nodded. "Clara sent butterscotch pudding. I had Gustav make some custard and broth for Ally, and beef and vegetable stew for you and Elizabeth. I brought Ally some flowers and Fiona sent a favorite book of hers."
Carson smiled. "I am sure it will all be appreciated," he said, reaching for the crate."How about you take the flowers and the book upstairs and I will take care of the rest of it. Perhaps you can talk Elizabeth into laying down for a bit. She has not left Ally's side since she brought breakfast upstairs."
"It will be okay for me to go up?" Lucas asked, having handed over the crate.
Carson nodded. "Just keep a little distance between you and Ally and wash your hands well before leaving and it should be fine," the doctor informed him.
Lucas retrieved the flowers and the book from the crate and headed upstairs. It was the first time he had been upstairs in Elizabeth's home but it did not take him long to figure out which room Ally was in. The door to that room was open, and Lucas watched for a moment as Elizabeth took the cloth from Ally's forehead, dipped it in a basin, wrung it out and replaced the cloth on the girl's head. Even in profile, he could see the worry on Elizabeth's face.
Lucas knocked softly on the open door to make his presence known. Both Ally and Elizabeth looked in his direction.
"Hello, Mr. Lucas," Ally greeted. Her voice was low, raspy and flat.
"Hello, Ally," Lucas said. He held up the bouquet of flowers. "I brought you some flowers to brighten up the room."
"Thank you," Ally said, taking the bouquet from him as he stopped at Elizabeth's side.
"Miss Miller picked out a book for you from the library," Lucas added, holding up the book. "She said her mother always read it to her when she was not feeling well as a child and she thought you might enjoy it."
"Would you read me a chapter?" Ally asked. "Maybe Mrs. Thornton will listen to Dr. Carson about taking a break then."
"Sweetheart, Lucas may have other things he needs to do," Elizabeth said.
"Nothing pressing," Lucas replied. "I have capable employees keeping an eye on things. I would be happy to read a chapter or two to you while Mrs. Thornton lays down for a bit. It is just what the doctor ordered," he added, looking at Elizabeth with the last words.
Lucas sensed that Elizabeth was about to protest and rushed on before she could speak.
"You need to take care of yourself so that you can take care of Ally," Lucas told her.
Elizabeth sighed but nodded. She reached out for the flowers. "I will put those in water for you and then I think I will lay down for bit."
"Good," Ally said. "Dad would not want you to get sick again."
"You are right," Elizabeth agreed as she got to her feet.
As Elizabeth left, Lucas sat down in the chair she had vacated, placing the book on the bed for the moment. Imitating the actions he had watched Elizabeth make a few minutes earlier, Lucas cooled the cloth again and placed it back on the girl's forehead. He then reached for the book and started reading. He was aware of Elizabeth coming back in with the flowers now in a vase. She placed them on the dresser and then to Lucas' relief she did not linger.
Carson came in soon after. He added ice to the basin of water. While Lucas read, Carson dabbed the cool cloth on Ally's face and neck for a bit before, resting the cloth back on her forehead. Carson left and Lucas continued reading. He was halfway through the second chapter when Carson came back with a mug of the broth. The doctor propped Ally up a bit with the pillows. At the girl's request, Lucas continued with the second chapter while Carson helped her drink the broth. Soon after the mug was empty, Ally drifted off to sleep.
Lucas marked where he had stopped reading and closed the book.
"I will stay with her until Elizabeth comes back in, if you want to leave," Carson assured him.
Lucas nodded. Other than trying to raise her spirits, Lucas did not know what else to do for Ally. Carson knew better how to care for the girl than he did.
Placing the book aside, Lucas got to his feet and left. He walked quietly down the hallway, not wanting to disturb Elizabeth if she had managed to relax enough to nap. As he reached the first floor, Lucas found that the caution was unnecessary. Elizabeth was standing near the stove, her back to him. As she had not seemed to notice him coming downstairs, Lucas was about to speak to her when he noticed the telltale, shake of her shoulders which told him that she was crying.
Instead of calling out, Lucas walked over to her instead. Reaching out, he gently touched her shoulder.
"Elizabeth, what is wrong?" Lucas asked quietly.
"Everything," Elizabeth said, her arms crossed in front of her and her head bowed. "Nathan is out there risking his life to keep others safe and I cannot even take care of his daughter. I feel like I failed him. If he comes home and Ally . . ."
Though the thought trailed off, Lucas did not need Elizabeth to voice the fear he knew she was struggling with.
Turning her toward him, Lucas wrapped her in what he hoped was a comforting hug. Though Elizabeth did not uncross her arms, Lucas used one hand to rub her back soothingly.
"First off, Nathan is going to come home to you, Elizabeth," Lucas told her. "As for Ally, kids get sick. Nathan knows that better than I do. It is not like you let Ally take my car for a joy ride or something irresponsible like that. You are taking care of Ally."
Despite the tears, the comment got a chuckle from Elizabeth.
"I know this has been hard on you but it is okay to lean on others, Elizabeth," Lucas continued. "You do not need to do everything by yourself."
Elizabeth nodded even as she took a step back from him. Lucas let her go, though he watched as she reached up to wipe tears away.
"You are right," Elizabeth replied. "About everything. I just wish I knew for sure that Nathan is all right. All of this would seem so much easier."
"I am sure we will hear something soon," Lucas said, trying to sound confident. "Is there anything else I can do for you?"
"Not right now," Elizabeth told him. "You have already been a great help. The short nap I did get helped a lot despite this little melt down."
"Good," Lucas replied. "If there is anything I can do, just let me know."
"I will," Elizabeth said. "Thank you, Lucas," she said, giving him a quick hug.
"You are welcome, Elizabeth," Lucas told her as Elizabeth stepped back again as the kettle on the stove whistled. He noticed the tea cup nearby. "Take time to enjoy that cup of tea," he told her. "Ally was sleeping and Carson is with her. You need to take care of yourself as well."
"I will," Elizabeth told him, hesitating about moving toward the stove.
"I can let myself out," Lucas assured her.
As Elizabeth turned back to the stove, Lucas headed for the front door.
Constable Tyler Randall leaned close to his horse's neck as they moved underneath some tree branches. The forest was thick in this area, making it ideal for trappers to make their living. With spring's arrival, most trappers were finishing up for the summer as the animals coats were not as thick during the summer months. One still had to be careful moving through the area though. Having served in the area a few years back, dealing mostly with trappers' disputes, Tyler knew the area well. It was part of the reason he was one of the Mounties involved with the search that was sent out this way further from check in points.
A week ago, Tyler had turned his post in Landsdale over to another Mountie. A regional Mountie position had opened up. Though part of him was not looking forward to having a more permanent place to call home, the position had been in the area surrounding Hope Valley. It would allow him the freedom to check in with Rachel and Autumn more often, though the community seemed to be doing that by the accounts in Rachel's latest letter.
However, Rachel was now expecting a second child. Gilbert's child. Gilbert would have wanted him to help out any way he could.
Giving the ongoing manhunt, Tyler had been told to join up with that group. He had gotten into the area the night before the storm. He had actually been the one to find Constable Grant's compass. Searching for a fellow Mountie was not the ideal way to start out a new posting but very seldom in this job did things turn out to be ideal.
Coming out of the woods onto a rough road, Tyler sat up straight in the saddle, reigning the horse to a stop. Taking off his campaign hat, the Mountie ran his hand through his dark blonde hair. If he followed the road northwest, he would come to the settlement of Wayport. Too small to be considered even a village, Wayport consisted of the saloon and hotel, a trading post, and the livery that was run by a blacksmith and a few scattered one room cabins. Supply wagons, Mounties and trappers were about the only ones who used this road or stopped at the small settlement in this remote area. However, Tyler knew that if there was anyone in the area that may have seen Constable Grant, Wayport was the best place for information.
Tyler put his hat back on, took a drink from his canteen and headed his horse in the direction of the little settlement. Ten minutes later, he could see the smoke from the chimneys of the few dwellings. A short time later, Tyler rode into the settlement. The Mountie dismounted, talking to the men who were currently in the little settlement. Tyler's disappointment grew as each man he talked to had seen no signs of another Mountie in the area. Reaching the trading post, Tyler was relieved to see a familiar face still running the post. He was in the middle of posing the question to the man who ran the trading post, LaMech, when the trader gestured beyond Tyler.
Stopping in mid sentence, Tyler turned in the direction he was pointing. From the opposite direction that Tyler had ridden in, a weary looking Mountie was leading an equally weary looking horse. Mud splattered the man's uniform. Handing the reigns of his mount to the trader, Tyler made his way toward the other Mountie.
"Constable Grant?" Tyler called out as he walked toward the other Mountie.
The man's head came up at the address. Tyler saw a look of relief push away some of the weariness in the man's expression.
"I'm Constable Tyler Randall. We've spoken on the phone recently and you have quite a few Mounties out looking for you," he told the man, reaction to the address the only further confirmation he needed. Quick strides closing the distance between him and the other Mountie. "We found your compass the day after the storm, but we were not sure where you got too."
"The storm spooked Newton. I must have lost the compass when I fell off. I did not realize it until morning when I had finally caught up to him," Nathan replied, reaching up and rubbing the horse's nose. "I have been trying to find a landmark or some type of dwelling to get my bearings. This morning I happened upon a hunting cabin and a hunter who was able to point me in the direction of this settlement."
"Are you hurt?" Tyler asked his fellow Mountie, looking up slightly now that they were closer. Though he was more broad shouldered than Nathan Grant, Tyler's head came up to about the others man's shoulders, when standing next to him.
Nathan shook his head. "Just some bumps and bruises. Nothing that a few days of rest won't cure, though I need to get home first."
"Which is going to take a couple of days at least," Tyler replied, as he and Nathan walked back toward where the trader was standing outside of the trading post. "It will be a three-hour ride just to get to a town where we can let the command post know they can call off the search."
Beside him, Nathan let out a low groan. It was clear to Tyler that his fellow Mountie was exhausted and probably more sore than he was admitting.
"Perhaps you should stay here and rest some, before heading out," Tyler suggested.
Nathan shook his head. "I have a daughter and a fiancé that need to know that I am all right."
"Then I will head out and get the message out," Tyler told him. He knew some of what Grant's family was going through, not knowing if the man was all right or not. The time he had been wondering how Rachel had been doing after leaving Landsdale had been some of the longest weeks of his life. "I really think you should get a couple hours of rest at least."
Nathan opened his mouth to reply but the trader spoke first.
"Both you and that horse look like you need a good rest," the trader said, looking Nathan up and down before looking to Tyler. "You give me the information you need sent out, Constable Randall, and I will have my son ride to the next town to send the message. Your friend can rest in my house and the horses can rest at the livery. You can both have supper with my wife and me this evening. You can decide then if you want to leave tonight or wait until first light."
"I thank you for your hospitality," Tyler replied. He looked over to his fellow Mountie. "I get that you are anxious to be heading home, but you look like hell right now."
Nathan sighed. "I could use a rest," he admitted.
"Good," the trader stated. "Randall, you can take the horses over to the livery. Tell Victor I sent you over. He owes me money. He will treat your horses good that way. I will take your friend inside and send Dominic over to the livery. You can give him the information to send whatever messages that need to be sent out."
"Thank you," Tyler told the trader. He took the reigns from both Nathan and the trader and then started toward the livery with the two horses. He had a feeling Constable Grant would want to leave this settlement after they ate, but even a few hours of rest would help.