Second Chances for Nathan Chapter 14, Part 1, Page 91
The week went faster than Dee expected. Everything she and Elizabeth planned was really working well. After school, Dee had several parents coming in to talk with her about music lessons. Arrangements were made for the children to start lessons the following week. Dee was excited not only for the school music class, but all of them were also interested in a children's choir for the church. Dee knew that Pastor Joseph would be very pleased.
Thursday, Superintendent Landis showed up unannounced at the school house.
He was politely greeted by both Elizabeth, Dee, and the children. Eyes rolled among the children and Elizabeth smiled, but then followed with a stern look. They knew what that meant and they were on their best behavior afterwards. Dee was teaching music that morning. That was a good thing, as the children focused and were enjoying themselves. Mr. Landis even seemed to appreciate having a little fun as the children were singing while learning to read the music.
While the rest of the children were doing their silent reading, Elizabeth went over by Angela and worked on her reading braille with her. Mr. Landis was exceptionally interested in how this was working and was surprised at how at ease Elizabeth was, and how relaxed and attentive Angela was.
Then, at recess, Superintendent Landis spoke to the ladies and reassured them both that he was indeed pleased with the curriculum that he read through and the lessons seemed to be properly adjusted for different grade levels.
"I'm very pleased with the education here in Jack Thornton School. I was afraid it wouldn't work with a blind child, but Mrs. Thornton you have proven me wrong and I am impressed."
"I'm glad. Your approval means a lot to me, thank you." Elizabeth nodded.
Then he turned to Dee. "Miss Gleixner, I can see how much the children are enjoying the addition of music not only in your music class, but interspersed within the other subjects. Those little jingles you created are a clever idea."
"Thank you Superintendent Landis, I appreciate the opportunity to bring music to the children any way I can!" she replied enthusiastically.
If music education took off in Brookfield as in Hope Valley, as Mr. Landis expected, then he would hire another music teacher to take Dee's place in Brookfield he informed her. He appreciated the adding of music instruction and hoped that it would be doable for Dee to travel to Brookfield just for now. She realized this was his first time venturing into adding music to the curriculum and she had to make this a success.
After school, Dee left right away to get home and get ready to catch the stagecoach ride to Brookfield. Nathan came over and escorted her back to town and waited with her for the coach. Dee told him about the surprise visit from Mr. Landis and how it actually worked out on a positive note.
They talked about Nathan and Allie stopping by to see Dorothy and the rest of the family. Since they would be heading up to Brook Springs to get Emily to bring her to Hope Valley, they made plans for when he would return through Brookfield with Emily and Ella, that they all would ride together back to Hope Valley. Dee said Dorothy and her family would be at the stagecoach stop. Dee was excited for them to see Nathan and meet Allie.
When they heard the stagecoach arriving, Nathan and Dee embraced and kissed goodbye with a forlorn look as if they weren't going to see each other for two weeks instead of two days. Nathan waved as long as he could see her, then he walked through town.
When he got to Judge Avery's office he walked right in. "Bill, are you busy?" he inquired.
"Not for you, buddy. What's up?" he asked.
"You know the soldiers that were just released to go home and back to work? Did any of them play in the military band do you know?" Nathan asked.
"Some stayed at Billees; Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, but I never asked them about what they did in the war. I didn't want to bring it up. If you want to talk to them, they work for Henry, check with him" Bill replied. "But, hey why do you ask?"
"I'm just trying to help Dee. She has to teach here at Hope Valley and Brookfield, plus she's the choir director for the Church. Now, I'm just thinking if she could focus on her teaching, choir and voice lessons, she would have time to breathe." Nathan started.
"You want a soldier to help? How?" Bill started to get interested.
"If they were in the military band, they could easily help teaching various instruments, maybe even start a band!" Nathan suggested.
"Have you mentioned this to Dee?" Bill asked.
"No, I want to talk to Henry and find out now if any of the soldiers working for him, ever played in the military band. Oh, just a reminder, we'll be gone Saturday and bringing Ma home Sunday, so I'll need you keeping an eye out on the town."
Thanks, I'll talk to you later." Nathan said as he left for Gowen Petroleum.
Henry called Mark, Luke, and John into his office. Nathan first thanked them again for their service and then asked if by any chance they had played in the military band. John said yes, he did. At that point, Nathan shared with him what he was thinking, and asked if he would be interested in helping Dee.
"Sure, if I'm not too tired after work. I know we have to dig as much as we can before a hard frost hits." John explained.
"Okay then, let's see what develops," Nathan nodded and shook his hand. "Thanks, I'll be in touch."
Looking at Henry, Nathan smiled and said, "Don't overwork these guys now."
Nathan walked up to his Dad, Archie and told him, "I'll be bringing Ma home on Sunday. Now, please try to keep the peace, for Allie's sake."
"I understand. I know my place. You know I haven't seen her in years. I'll be watching from a distance, God speed my son." Archie said affectionately.