Chapter 52 Lunch at Abigail's
The Bouchard's walked arm in arm over to Abigail's where the place was standing room only. Bill approached them. "This crowd is almost too much for me to handle. It has been this way since the railroad depot was finished." Bill said with a scowl on his face while Lucas and Elizabeth looked around.
"What are you going to do Bill?" Lucas asked.
"I am going to have to renovate and add more seating." He said unsure of how he was going to add on and where he would put everyone.
"I am in the same boat. The saloon is full to the max and the hotel as well. I am thinking about building a new hotel and renovating the upstairs to offer more dining. Let us know if you need any help Bill. We would be glad to help. We are supposed to meet Elizabeth's parents here for lunch, but it seems like that might be unlikely." Lucas said unsure of what to do.
"Nonsense, you can sit at the kitchen table. I heard what happened today at the Queen of Hearts. All the crowds have brought in some unwanted characters. I am enjoying being busy, but it has brought about a lot of change in the atmosphere to this town." Bill said escorting them through to the kitchen.
Lucas pulled out Elizabeth's chair and ushered her to sit. "Thank you Bill, can you bring Elizabeth's parents back here when they arrive? We will wait to order." Lucas took his seat across from his wife. They sat there in conversation.
"Darling I would like to discuss what happened today." Elizabeth looked at him with that curious look reserved only for him and he knew exactly where this was going.
"What exactly is there to discuss?" He raised his eyebrows.
"Lucas you bloodied that man's nose. Why do I feel like there are some things from your past, which you have not told me about?" She said curiously.
"Awe, I see where this is going. Elizabeth, I will be more than happy to discuss this at home where it is more private. I don't think this is the time or place to discuss this right now." He said calmly.
"Why the need for all the secrecy?" She asked concerned.
"It's not a secret, Elizabeth! I just prefer to keep my private life private. There are a lot of ears around here. I promise. I will share the whole story with you this evening. I fear in your state of being, it may make you emotional and it would be best not to talk about it here." He flashed her that dimpled smile that made her heart melt.
"Okay, I am holding you to that." She said as her parents, Julie and Jack joined them for lunch.
Jack ran to sit on Lucas's lap. They all ordered lunch.
"We heard what happened today at the Queen of Hearts." William said with a questioning tone. "Do either of you want to talk about?"
"Not Really." Lucas said as Elizabeth said, "Yes."
"Okay then, this is going to be good." Julie said with a mischievous grin.
"Elizabeth, I told you we would discuss this at home, why is that not good enough for you?" Lucas asked in a frustrated tone. "William, Grace, if you will excuse me, I think I need to take a walk. Elizabeth, please take Jack." Lucas handed Jack to her as he walked out of Abigail's.
"I don't understand what the big deal is." Elizabeth said solemnly while William got up to follow Lucas out.
"Maybe, it is hard for him to talk about and all the people make it harder." Grace responded trying to offer Elizabeth some perspective.
Lucas made his way over to the library and thought taking the time to shelve some books would help clear his head. He did not like arguing with his wife, anymore than he enjoyed fighting. Lucas hated violence and only used it when it was necessary. His past had made him the man he is today and talking about it was very emotional for him.
Ten minutes later William walked in. "What's going on Lucas?"
"I just don't understand why Elizabeth can't just accept things. I told her, I would talk about it later. She can't let it go. It is not an easy subject for me to talk about and definitely not with all the people around. It upsets me that she is so stubborn. I have an emotional attachment to my past and sharing my life with others is not easy for me." Lucas explained with glossy eyes.
"Lucas I think you need to let her in. We are all here for you. Just as you helped Elizabeth to move on from Jack, she can help you to move on from your past." William suggested.
"I have no problem doing that in the confinements of our own home. I have a problem sharing my secret sorrows in public. That is not who I am. I know Elizabeth said she doesn't want me to have secret sorrows. She said she wanted me to share all my joys and sorrows both privately and publicly. I am fine with sharing my joys, but not my burdens." Lucas explained. "I wish to bring joy to the world, not more sorrows."
"Why don't you come back and eat lunch?" William asked.
"Actually, will you bring Elizabeth and Jack home when you come and we will continue working on our checklist later? I am going to go home for the day. Tell Elizabeth I will see her at home." Lucas said as he shut the door behind him.
William rejoined the ladies and Jack as they enjoyed their lunch.
"Where is Lucas?" Elizabeth asked.
"He asked me to bring you home later?" William said as he took Jack and placed him on his lap. "I think you need to ease up on him Elizabeth. He has some serious emotional ties to his past. He is willing to talk about those with you, but not everyone else. Stop pushing so hard."
"Okay father."
"Please try to keep an open mind when he shares his past with you." William suggested.
They enjoyed the rest of their lunch and then visited Lee and Rosemary before heading home for the day, where Elizabeth knew there was a serious talk about to happen.