"Fishing and A Dinner"
The week flew by, and Friday had finally come. Laura and Mrs. Weis talked about Laura's first week at the library and her first week in Hope Valley. Laura told Mrs. Weis about her plans with Nathan and Allie on Saturday, and Laura picked up a few things at the Mercantile for their picnic. On Saturday the two women made fried chicken, and they filled one Thermos bottle of bean soup and one of hot chocolate. Mrs. Weis had baked bread on Friday and gave Laura a loaf to take to the picnic as well as three slices of chocolate cake.
"Miss Couture, this is an awfully nice picnic. I wish I could go fishing with you," said Opal.
"You would be very welcome to come with us, Opal. Mrs. Weis, could she? I would bring her home after. I have to come back here anyway, so I can change my clothes for dinner," said Laura.
"Oh, please, mama. Can't I go, please? You'd only have to cut one more slice of that nice cake, and we would have everything," said Opal.
"Are you sure, Laura?" asked Mrs. Weis.
"Yes, I'm very sure. We'll have a great time. We can teach you how to fish, Opal," said Laura.
"No. No, I don't need to fish. I just want to go and visit with you, Allie and Constable Grant. I also would like some of that nice chocolate cake too," said Opal.
"Alright, Opal. You can go." Mrs. Weis looked at Laura. "Are you sure Constable Grant won't mind?"
"Not at all. We'll have fun. Well, it looks like we're ready. Opal, why don't you put a sweater under your coat and be sure to get your hat and mittens." Opal ran to get her coat. "Constable Grant is bringing the horses for us to ride. I should have asked you if Opal rides, Mrs. Weis."
"She'll be fine riding with another person. She's not ready to ride alone."
"That's fine then. She can ride with Allie or me. They should be here any time now. Oh, look at that, here they are."
"I'm ready, Miss Couture. Let's go." Opal ran out the door to greet Nathan and Allie. "I'm coming too, Constable Grant. Is that alright with you? I have my own piece of chocolate cake, so you won't have to share yours."
"Opal, I'm glad you can come with us. We'll have fun. Do you like to fish?"
Opal scrunched up her nose. "No, I don't like fishing. I just want to come with you."
Nathan looked up at Laura and Mrs. Weis for approval, which he received. "OK, then, why don't you ride with Allie. Her horse is smaller and very gentle. Allie, can you help Opal up onto Maisie."
"Come on, Opal. I'll help you. I'm glad you're coming. Maybe you and I can walk along the creek after lunch."
"I'd like that, Allie. Thank you."
The three horses and four explorers headed back towards town and behind the school. They rode about a mile to Nathan and Allie's favorite fishing spot. The creek was flowing nicely. There were rocky areas, which made small waterfalls and pleasant sounds, and there were quiet pools where the bottom was sandy. The water was about eighteen inches deep, so it was perfect for fishing.
"I know this isn't the best time of day to fish, but we can certainly give it a try," said Nathan. If anyone gets too cold, just let me know, and we can head back, OK?"
Laura took out the blanket she brought and spread it on the grassy area near the creek. She had plates, bowls, utensils, cups and napkins for everyone.
"Would you like to eat first?" asked Laura. Allie and Opal came running up to her. "I guess that means yes. Let me tell you what we have. We've got some fried chicken, hot bean soup, bread, hot chocolate and chocolate cake. How does that sound? Nathan, are you hungry?"
"I am now that you told me what you brought."
Laura gave the explorers their lunch. The hot soup and hot chocolate warmed them up after their ride to the creek.
"This is delicious, Laura," said Nathan.
"I'll agree to that. Did you make everything, Miss Couture?" asked Allie.
"Not by myself. Mrs. Weis made the bread and cake yesterday. Then she and I made the soup and chicken this morning. Opal made the hot chocolate."
"Everything is delicious. Thank you, Laura and Opal for doing all this," said Nathan.
They ate a leisurely luncheon and talked and laughed; almost forgetting why they came to the creek in the first place—to fish.
"Now what do you say we try to catch some fish. Opal, would you like to take some fish home for dinner?" asked Nathan.
"I like fish to eat, Constable Grant. I just don't like to catch them. They're squirmy and slippery."
"Opal, come down here with me. You don't have to fish. Whatever I catch, you can keep," said Allie.
Opal smiled and ran to where Allie was fishing. Laura and Nathan stayed near the blanket to do their fishing.
"Do you want me to bait your hook, Laura?"
"Not a chance. I can do it myself, Constable Grant, but thank you just the same."
"Would you like to make a little wager on who catches the most fish today?"
Laura looked at Nathan and just smiled. "What's the wager before I agree to it?"
"If I catch the most fish, you'll help Allie and I find the best tree and join us to decorate it for Christmas. If you catch the most fish, I'll take you to dinner at the Café next Saturday."
"I'll take your bet, Constable. To be honest, I would gladly help you and Allie find and decorate a tree even without a bet. We'll just have to see who is the better fisherman, won't we?"
Laura and Nathan fished for about an hour. Allie and Opal only lasted about twenty minutes before Opal started getting restless.
"Uncle Nathan, Opal and I are going to walk downstream just a little."
"That's fine. Stay where we can see you, OK?" said Nathan. "I think Opal has had enough fishing for one day. We can leave as soon as they get back. So, Miss Couture, how many fish have you caught when I wasn't looking?"
"Three. How about you?"
"One. How did you catch three?"
"I'm a lucky fisherman. I always have been. My brothers taught me, and immediately regretted it. I always caught more fish than they did, but we were never hungry. It took a lot of fish to feed a large family."
"I know when I've been swindled. I owe you dinner at the Café next Saturday."
"I'll still help you and Allie find and decorate that Christmas tree too, so no one loses on this bet. Here come Allie and Opal. Girls, I have cake and more hot chocolate for you."
"Allie, how many fish did you catch?"
Allie whispered to Nathan, "None. I think Opal was talking too much and scared the fish away."
"Well, Mrs. Weis will have four fish to cook for dinner tonight. Laura caught three herself." I think it's time to call it a day then. Miss Couture, I think I'd like some of that cake now and more hot chocolate," said Nathan.
They all sat on the blanket and enjoyed their dessert. By the time they finished, everyone was ready to go. They packed up their picnic and rode back to Opal's house.
"Thank you for your company and the picnic, Laura. Everything was delicious."
"It was my pleasure. I had a nice time. Thank you for asking me, Constable."
"I'll be back at 4 o'clock to pick you up for dinner. Ned said I could borrow his wagon. Newton doesn't mind pulling a wagon now and then."
"Why don't we walk. It looks like it will be cool but not cold. The moon is nearly full, and I think the sky will be clear and full of stars. We'll be fine walking."
"That's OK with me. I'll be back at 4. See you then. Bye, Opal."
"Bye, Constable Grant. Bye Allie. Thank you for the fishing. Wait until I tell mama that Miss Couture caught three fish."
Nathan and Allie rode home. Allie went in the house to heat up water for tea, and Nathan brought the horses back to the livery and got them settled in for the night. Laura was right. Nathan could see that the sky was clear and bright. The sun would be setting soon, and the horizon was showing its red, orange and yellow hues. Autumn sunsets and sunrises were always the most beautiful.
"I'm back, Allie. Oh, good, you made tea. Thank you. Why don't you come sit with me. Bring your tea," said Nathan. "Are you sure you're alright with this? I mean with me seeing Miss Couture."
"Uncle Nathan, of course I am. I haven't seen you this happy in a long time. I was very afraid that when Mrs. Thornton broke your heart, you might not try again. I'm glad you are. Miss Couture is so nice. You know she's perfect for you, and she knows how to fish."
"I like her, Allie. I think she likes me too."
"Of course she does. You are the best catch in all of Hope Valley, Uncle Nathan—no pun intended."
"I get it—a little fish humor." Nathan and Allie laughed.
"It's OK for you to have some happiness in your life, Uncle Nathan. You deserve it."
"Allie, sometimes I forget I'm talking to a 13 year old. You're so grown up and smart. You know I'm very proud of you."
"Thank you, Uncle Nathan. Now, finish your tea. What are you wearing to dinner tonight, and don't tell me you're staying in those clothes."
Nathan laughed. "No, I'm going to wear my tweed suit. Laura wanted to walk rather than take Ned's wagon. It looks like it's going to be a beautiful night."
Allie got up and kissed Nathan on the cheek. "I'm going to change my dress, because this one smells fishy. Then I'm going over to Angela's house."
"I'll stop by the Canfield's to pick you up after I walk Laura home from dinner."
"You don't have to do that. I thought I would just come home around 7 o'clock, get ready for bed and read my book. I'll be fine."
"OK then. I don't think we'll be late. If it isn't too cold, we'll probably walk a while after dinner, and then I'll take Laura home."
Nathan changed into his tweed suit, and Allie told him how handsome he looked. She headed to the Canfield's house, and Nathan walked to pick up Laura. The lantern was on the outside the Weis home, and Nathan knocked on the door. Laura opened the door, and Nathan stood on the porch and could not speak. Laura wore a soft pink blouse with beautiful lace and a cream color skirt. Her long haired was curled, pulled up on one side and fastened with a bone comb. She had on drop pearl earrings and a long pearl necklace. A faint scent of violets surrounded her.
"Laura. You, you look beautiful."
"Thank you, Nathan, please come in. I'll just get my coat."
"Constable Grant, doesn't Miss Couture look elegant? She looks like a picture from the magazines at the dress shop, doesn't she?" asked Opal.
"Yes. Yes, she does."
Laura returned and was ready to go. "Bye, Opal. Mrs. Weis, I'm sure we won't be too late." Laura and Nathan went out onto the porch, and Laura closed the door.
"You look so beautiful, Laura."
"Well, I had a little help. Mrs. Weis fixed my hair for me. She has a curling iron. I was afraid my hair would burn, but she knew just how to use it. You look very nice too, Nathan. I'm looking forward to our dinner. I hear that the special tonight is roast beef."
Laura and Nathan walked back into town. Laura told Nathan about the fish dinner that Mrs. Weis would be cooking that night and how much she enjoyed their picnic earlier that day. Before they knew it, they were at the café, and walked inside. Clara was by the door, welcomed them and showed them to a nice, quiet table near the corner.
"It's so nice to see you both," said Clara. "Laura, you look beautiful. I love your blouse. Where did you buy it? The lace is exquisite."
"Oh, thank you, Clara. I made it. My mother's friend made the lace, and I sewed the blouse. I only wear it on special occasions."
"I never would have known you made it. It's prettier than anything we have at the dress shop. I'm sorry. I'm chattering too much. We have two specials tonight: Roast beef and roast chicken. Could I bring you both some tea and warm bread?"
"Thank you, Clara. That would be nice," said Nathan.
"I'll be right back with that, and I can take your order," said Clara.
"Laura, Clara is right. Your blouse is beautiful." Nathan hesitated a bit. "I'm glad you think this is a special occasion."
"It is. Thank you for asking me to dinner. I think we have a few people staring at us though."
"No. They're not staring at us. They're staring at you. I can tell. I'm a trained observer," said Nathan. They both laughed. When Nathan looked around the café, he saw Ned, Florence and Molly at one table; and Lee, Rosemary and Patrick at another table. Bill took a few minutes away from the kitchen and was talking to Molly. Jesse was helping Clara serve dinner, and Nathan did see them steal a kiss when they thought no one was looking. The café was busy, and nearly every table was taken. Nathan looked around and felt he was the luckiest man in the room.
"Nathan, you seem a million miles away," said Laura.
"Oh, no. I was just looking around at all the people here. They all look so happy."
"Yes, they do."
"I hope you won't find this too bold, but I think I'm the luckiest man here, because I'm here with you, Laura."
"Nathan, thank you. That is so sweet of you to say." Laura put her menu down and put her hand on top of Nathan's and held it ever so tightly for just a moment.
Nathan and Laura enjoyed their leisurely dinner together. Clara let them take as much time as they wanted. They talked about their favorite books and authors. Laura told Nathan about her family and friends in Quebec and some of the foods particular to that area. Nathan told Laura about why he wanted to become a Mountie and the posts where he and Allie had lived before Hope Valley. Clara brought them both a piece of warm apple pie and another cup of tea. Nathan looked around again, and realized the café was nearly empty now.
"I've really enjoyed our dinner, Nathan. It looks like we may be the last ones to leave tonight."
Nathan got Clara's attention and paid the bill. "Clara, thank you. Everything was delicious. Can you tell Bill that his Aunt Odelle's roast beef recipe was delicious. It's much better than the chili. Oh, and the pie was perfect."
"Thank you, Nathan. I'll be sure to let Bill know. Thank you for coming, and I hope you enjoy the rest of your evening," said Clara.
Nathan helped Laura with her coat and put his hand on the small of her back as they left the café.
"Jesse, don't you think they make the sweetest couple?" asked Clara.
"I didn't know they were a couple."
"Well, I'm not sure either, but I would say that after tonight, they probably are. Did you see how they looked at each other? I'm glad for them. They're both nice people and deserve to be happy."
"Clara, I'm happy I found you."
"Found me? I found you, Jesse. Oh, you're just teasing me, aren't you?" Clara grabbed Jesse's arm and gave him a hug and kiss on his cheek.
Laura and Nathan needed to walk off their dinner, so they took the long way back to the Weis house.
"I will probably have to go away in the next week or so. Headquarters has called me to testify on the land deal. It turns out Hope Valley wasn't the only place where land was being bought under questionable circumstances. I might need to be gone for a week or two. Allie usually stays with Opal when I have to be away. Do you think it would be too crowded if she stayed?" asked Nathan.
"No, I don't think so. I'd be glad to share my room with Allie. You could talk to Mrs. Weis when we get back."
"Do you think it's too late? I could always come back tomorrow after church."
"No, I don't think it's too late, but you're welcome to come after church too if you like."
"If I did, would you go for a ride with me after dinner?"
"I'd like that, Nathan. Thank you."
"Well, here we are. I've had a really nice day, Laura. Thank you."
"I did too. Thank you for dinner. It was really lovely."
"I know we're going riding tomorrow, but would it be alright with you if I could see you again?"
"I'd like that very much, Nathan."
Nathan took Laura's hand and kissed it. He tipped his cap, said good night and began the walk home. He looked back at Laura on the porch, they waved to each other and she went inside.