Bill's Reaction – Chapter 27

Elizabeth quickly crossed the room to her father's study and closed the door behind her, with one last nervous but eager smile toward her parents who were trying to pretend they weren't watching her. She reached across the desk and answered the phone on the fourth ring with a breathless, "Hello?"

"Hello, Elizabeth? Are you alright – you sound out of breath." Elizabeth closed her eyes and put her hand on her chest as she calmed her breathing. It was Nathan. It was Nathan!

"Nathan! Hello! It is nice to hear from you. When Bill called and said you were tied up with Mountie business, I wasn't sure if you'd still be able to call tonight."

Even though he couldn't see it, she was smiling broadly. His voice sounded so good. To have this feeble connection with him, a thin wire that stretched three thousand miles to Hope Valley, made her heart soar. As she held back a laugh, she continued with, "Wait a minute – you weren't actually tied up, were you?"

Nathan laughed, "No Elizabeth, I promise I was not. It has been a long day, so I appreciate the chuckle. So how has your week gone, so far?"

Elizabeth responded with, "Thank you, but no, you first. What is going on in Hope Valley? I hope and pray everyone is safe."

Prior to making the call, Nathan reasoned Elizabeth would have questions regarding the Mountie business that delayed his call. That put him in a bit of a quandary – he wanted to be open and honest with her, but he couldn't tell her what had happened in town. Despite how things ended between them, Elizabeth would still care that Lucas was missing. Ultimately, he said a prayer asking God to grant him wisdom and discernment.

Nathan sighed deeply before responding, "Actually, Elizabeth, there has been an incident involving a Hope Valley citizen. I'm still investigating the full scope of what transpired, so I would prefer not to get into details. I'm not trying to keep anything from you; I just don't have many facts yet. What I do know should not be shared to protect the integrity of the case."

Elizabeth sighed, "Yes Nathan, I understand that all too well. Bill wouldn't tell me anything, either. As much as I want to know, I respect the need to keep things quiet. Can you at least tell me if the person or people involved are alright? Knowing that would help ease my mind."

Nathan struggled with how to answer her question. In the end, he responded with, "I can't say for sure. I'm waiting for additional information on that. How about this – as soon as I feel I can share any news with you, I will do so. Is that fair?" It felt good to be able to talk this over with Elizabeth, even though he wasn't telling her too much information. The conversation was light and easy, even if the topic wasn't.

Elizabeth ended the topic with, "I understand your position and I trust your judgement. When you can, I know you will tell me. In the meantime, I will keep the citizens of Hope Valley in my thoughts and prayers, now more than ever."

She changed the topic. "I can't believe how quickly the time is passing since I came to Hamilton for a visit. It has been so satisfying to be here, spending time with family and friends and to have a break from teaching. I know it's not going to last so I'm taking it all in. Soon I'll be back in Hope Valley and getting ready for the new school year and colder weather. Even still, I am looking forward to it, being back home. Does that make any sense?"

Nathan smiled to himself and replied, "Of course, that makes sense. That is exactly what a good vacation should do. You rest up and then return home and resume your normal routine."

After replying to Elizabeth, Nathan made a mental note to check her back yard wood supply, before she returned home. One thing he could do was ensure she had enough wood stocked up to keep both her and Little Jack warm this winter.

Elizabeth spoke up and asked, "How are you and Allie enjoying your summer?"

"As usual, the summer is going by far too quickly." Nathan sighed, "I remember the days of summer used to seem never-ending. What happened to those days?"

Elizabeth smiled and replied, "Well, that's what happens when you grow up. Life has a way of turning those magical days of childhood into the realities of life. It's our job as parents and teachers to keep a nice balance for the kids." Elizabeth laughed and said, "Since I'm getting back into teacher mode already, how is Allie feeling about entering the Advanced Math Program?"

Nathan laughed and replied, "In all honesty, Elizabeth, I don't think she's thought that far ahead – yet. Allie still believes summer days will never end."

"Speaking of summer days, I was able to take Allie out on Sargeant the other day. Thank you for that idea and that opportunity. It was a special time for us. We spent the whole afternoon together. Allie and Sergeant really took to each other. You may have a hard time getting him back now."

Elizabeth smiled with pleasure, "I was wondering about that. I'm so glad it worked out well for the both of you."

Elizabeth was desperate to know if Allie's feelings toward herself were changing, but she didn't want to pry or make it feel like she was applying pressure. It had only been three days since she and Nathan had last talked, which was probably too soon to expect a major change in Allie.

Elizabeth chuckled, "I'm happy to hear you enjoyed yourselves." She pressed her lips together, unsure how to ask the next question. She paused with uncertainty.

Knowing what Elizabeth was concerned about, Nathan decided to spare her from asking her biggest question. With a sigh he said, "You know, Elizabeth, as much as I would love to share what Allie and I discussed, I feel I would violate her trust in me, if I were to share it with anyone, not just you." He wanted to offer her some hope, so he continued, "I know your childhood was very different from Allie's, but try to think back to the kinds of issues that would act as a stumbling block for you, when you were Allie's age. If you imagine yourself in Allie's shoes, that might help you understand where her heart is. We just have to keep praying for her."

Elizabeth was disappointed but not surprised. "Thank you for that, Nathan. I will search my heart and see if anything becomes clear to me. Prayers will definitely continue."

Nathan thanked her in reply and continued with, "I'm planning on taking Allie out soon, for a special dinner at the cafe. Please thank your father again for me."

"Oh Nathan! I'm so glad! Father did mention that to me!" Nathan could hear the warm joy had returned in Elizabeth's voice. "When I was younger my father would take me out for special dinners several times a year. Those are some of my favourite memories with him. As the middle daughter, I sometimes got the lesser amount of my parents' attention. It wasn't so much the quality of the restaurant, but just the fact Father was spending special time with me."

Nathan's interest rose and he asked "Really?" After a moment's thought he asked "Well, do you have any tips for me to help make Allie feel special? She's also had to wait patiently by the wayside a lot growing up with me."

Elizabeth's mind filled with visions of everything she found attractive about Nathan. She had once been invited on a dinner date of her own with this man and had foolishly refused it. She pushed aside the feelings of regret for the moment and pressed her lips together in thought before answering. "Well Nathan, why don't you both plan on dressing up for dinner? She's always tried to be a tomboy, but I think she might enjoy it if you both wear your Sunday best. If you plan it far enough in advance, perhaps she could get her hair styled all fancy – something age appropriate, of course. Then, on your way into town, offer her your arm. I know I'd enjoy that." Elizabeth wondered if she'd been a little too forward and added, "My father used to do that for me on our special dinner dates."

Nathan was taken a little aback, but said "Oh, I've - never thought of doing that with Allie before, but, yeah, I think I will. She's growing up and I want to be the first to make her feel like a young lady. That's part of my job, right?"

Elizabeth smiled to herself and agreed. "That's right, Nathan. A daughter's first love is usually her father."

Nathan and Elizabeth both sensed their phone call was coming to a close and hesitated, wanting to say something special but not knowing how to do so.

Nathan asked nonchalantly, "So, what have you got planned for the rest of the week?"

Elizabeth bit her lip, not sure if she should tell him everything. "Well, while my mother and I spent the day together today, we wound up dropping off a couple of charity baskets at the orphanage in town. While there, we met up with Ruth Lockwood." She paused waiting for a reply, but when she received none, she continued. "Her daughter, Victoria and I were debutantes together. I'm going over to spend the afternoon with her tomorrow. After all the years that have passed, I'm sure we'll have a lot to catch up on. Don't you think so?" She was baiting him and she knew it, but she was curious what kind of response Nathan would offer her. He was too good at his job not to pick up on the name. She was not disappointed.

Nathan cleared his throat and answered her with, "Yes, I'm sure you do have a thing or two to discuss. I hope everything goes well for you." At face value, there was nothing unusual about the words he spoke. It was the tone that delivered those words that meant something to her. Without admitting he knew who Victoria was - that would violate confidentiality - he was acknowledging it could be significant for both to share their stories and wished her well in doing so.

"Thanks, Nathan. I - I'm really glad we were able to connect tonight."

There was a pause on the line.

"Nathan…" she interjected. "I hope you and Allie have a wonderful time when you go out for your special dinner. You're her world-." They both remembered the previous two times she had said that, but this time it felt so much different.

Nathan was having a hard time saying good-bye. It was hard to be connected only by technology, even though he was thankful for it. Still, he wanted to be able to see her, not just hear her voice. To his surprise, Nathan realized his heart was ready for a step forward. He had been hurt, but that was forgiven. He was ready.

"Elizabeth," he said a little louder. "We never did have that dinner date…." He winced and put his hand to his forehead. That's what he had said last time. He had never been good with words.

Elizabeth was stunned to silence as her heart thrummed with hope.

"Ah– I mean, when you get back to Hope Valley, maybe you and I could have dinner together."

Elizabeth wasn't going to pretend that this was just an ordinary invitation to dinner. It was Nathan asking her for a date with him. It was the beginning of the reconciliation she had prayed for when she apologized to Nathan. There was nothing ordinary about this request.

"-Nathan," she said in a breathy voice, "Are you giving me another chance?"

"Elizabeth, we need another chance." Elizabeth heard tenderness and longing in his voice. "I - I want us to have that."

Elizabeth's eyes closed in relief and the tears of joy slid down her face. She was overjoyed to hear him speak of them as "we" and "us."

"But what about Allie?" Elizabeth asked softly with concern.

Nathan thought it over. "Elizabeth, Allie has wanted you and I to be together for a long time, until all the upset happened." Why mince words? They were beyond that. "I wouldn't be surprised if she starts to have a change of heart when she sees us giving us a chance. She's struggling, but I know we both love her. We'll be sensitive to her feelings, and maybe we will have to show her the way. I think it would help her overcome any reluctance she may have."

Elizabeth was silent, overwhelmed with her feelings when she realized Nathan was waiting and the silence was starting to feel a little anxious from his side.

"Nathan, yes, of course, I want to have dinner with you or take a walk with you or just stand and do nothing but talk with you. I would be honored. It will give me something extra special to look forward to upon my return to Hope Valley." She just hoped he wouldn't change his mind because it was still a few weeks before she would go home.

Nathan felt a joy in his heart that healed the disappointment he had felt when they had last tried this. He nodded and smiled. "Alright then, it's a date."

"Nathan," Elizabeth spoke in a tender voice, "Thank you." She didn't voice it aloud, but she knew in her heart she would never give Nathan cause to regret this opportunity.

He replied softly, "Of course. Well, I hope your visit with your friend goes well, tomorrow."

"Thanks, Nathan. I hope your new case doesn't keep you so busy that we can't chat again on Sunday, after church?"

"I try never to let my work interfere with my personal life, unless absolutely necessary. I will look forward to your call on Sunday afternoon. Say hello to Little Jack for me."

"Thanks, I will and please take care." Elizabeth replied softly.

"Good bye for now." Nathan ended the call.

Nathan was stuck at the jail for the night waiting to hear back from the surrounding Mountie detachments about Lucas' disappearance. At this point, he had done all he could do to find Lucas. He had even completed the paperwork on time, which included Gustav's first-hand account of what happened! Now he waited for the Mounties in the surrounding areas to report back to him.

In the meantime, he was replaying the conversation with Elizabeth in his mind and thinking about their future dinner date, when all the sudden the jingling of the phone brought him back to reality.

"Mounted Police. May I help you?" he answered in his professional voice.

"Constable Grant?"

"Yes, this is Constable Grant."

"This is Constable David Green. I am assigned to Assistant Deputy Commissioner Paul Edwards's office. I have new orders to communicate to you."

Nathan's face registered with concern. It wasn't every day he heard from the Assistant Deputy Commissioner's office, and certainly never after hours. It was approximately 8 pm Hope Valley time which meant it was near 10 pm in Hamilton. At this hour, the switchboard was closed for the night, but the Mounties had recently installed direct phone lines to the remote NWMP stations for after hours calls. Nathan often thought it would be handy to have it ring at his house after hours, but he doubted if that would ever be possible.

"Constable Grant, I apologize for the lateness of the call, however, I have an order for you from the Assistant Deputy Commissioner's office. You are being temporarily reassigned to Mountie HQ, Hamilton. You are to report directly to either Deputy Commissioner Edwards or Chief Superintendent Collins on Monday morning at 8 a.m. sharp. Delegate any active cases to Judge Avery in the interim. He can then disperse the cases to adjacent Mountie stations. Restate the orders, Constable."

Nathan restated the order verbatim while his mind raced in confusion. As he finished, he asked, before the man could hang up, "Excuse me, do you know what these orders are about? This is highly unusual."

"Constable, this is all that is included on the orders."

Nathan gulped. "I have a daughter, as Mountie HQ is aware. I will need to make arrangements for her care while I am gone."

"Yes, we are aware of that. Please make the necessary arrangements for your daughter."

Nathan wanted to ask more questions but he knew in a case like this, it would be best to let the phone call end as the man would not be able to give him any other information.

His first priority was to tell Allie.

Thanks to Mamabethany for all her help, as always.