Elizabeth and Nathan: a shared journey to love and healing
Chapter 13-before the gathering Storm part 3
ELIZABETH POV
After relieving Laura for the day Elizabeth took Jack and they walked next door to collect Rosemary. The three of them then headed into town to meet Abigail for tea. As she was telling Rosemary about Allie's first day, for the first time she realized that her student would not be joining her and her very attractive, very single, uncle for dinner that night at her house. As she realized the dilemma, she came to a sudden stop deep in her thoughts about what she was going to do. She didn't know she had spoken aloud until she heard Rosemary ask her "Do about what, Elizabeth?"
"Oh, I had asked Constable Grant and Allie to come to dinner tonight and bring Allie's school records. I wanted to look over them and discuss some thoughts I have about Allie's abilities that I have noticed. But while we were discussing her day today, Allie, Emily and Opal ran up begging to have supper at Opal's house. Nathan had looked over at me and I just nodded without even thinking. So now she is having dinner tonight with Emily, Opal and her family. Okay maybe I'm not getting it but what has you concerned?" asked Rosemary. Elizabeth just looked at her friend with her eyebrow raised.
"What is it Elizabeth?" but then the light suddenly dawned "Oh your concerned that others may get the wrong idea and think it's something other than a parent teacher conference. That you'll be alone, at your house with the very handsome, very single, very dishy, Constable of Hope Valley who just happens to be the guardian of one of your students? Is that what your worried about Elizabeth?"
"Of course, I am. How in the world did I not realize what was happening?
With a laugh Rosemary said "Elizabeth maybe it has something to do with the fact that you lose track of everything around you whenever you look into his baby blue eyes. I'm surprised you even realized there was anyone else around." Seeing her friend blush and look a little panicked.
"Oh Elizabeth I am just teasing you." giving her dear friend a hug "I can understand why your concerned but are your sure you not overreacting? Haven't you had parents to your home before for dinner to discuss their children's studies?"
"Well, yeah, Rosemary, I have. But I've never had a single parent, in essence, a single dad. One that's very attractive and available and I just lost my husband.
Yes, but Is there anything else that you're concerned about, Elizabeth?" asked Rosemary softly.
"I don't know what you mean, Rosemary. I mean, what else would I be worried about?" Elizabeth said in exasperation her hands on hips.
"Oh nothing I was just checking that's all" hiding a smile at her friends obvious avoidance of the truth before quickly moving on. "Well, if it bothers you why not ask Abigail her opinion since she's not only your second mother but the mayor as well."
"But honestly Elizabeth if you want my honest feelings the fact that he is single man should not make any difference because in fact his niece is your student. But even more importantly the fact that given that he is a Mountie, the last thing they should even be thinking it would be anything, but a parent teacher conference and I really don't think they will. Nathan is very aware that your recently widowed as he was sent to watch over the town. Neither of you are the type of people who would be inappropriate and there is also a sort of Mountie code for Mounties to watch over loved ones and help the families of fallen brothers. Nathan would never take advantage of that bond by being inappropriate with you. Just like it goes the other way too that families will try to help other Mounties and their families. You are doing that for Nathan by watching over Allie and helping him ensure she has everything she needs. You are not only doing it in service to a student as her teacher but also helping a Mountie and his family and honoring the code. There isn't anything more special than that and Jack would be so proud of you. If people don't understand that it is completely innocent, then they don't even know you or Nathan. I know that as the schoolteacher you have a duty to ensure that your behavior can never be called into question. But if people don't understand that it is completely innocent, then they don't even know you or Nathan.
They had reached Abigail's and headed towards their friends' private quarters. It was no surprise that Bill was there standing at the stove. Abigail quickly went over to take Jack from his mother's arms for some cuddling before handing him to Bill who was impatiently waiting for his turn. They heard Bill speak to Lee as he moved to lock the door. The ladies had settled themselves in the sitting room with tea and scones while the men settled at the table with Jack. She decided to ask the opinion of two of the most important men in her life as well as Abigail.
Bill was the first to speak "I second everything that Rosemary said Elizabeth. Especially when it comes to the Mountie code and families and Mounties pull together to help each other out. Anyone gives you any trouble over working with Nathan and Allie regardless of if it is at your home, theirs or wherever send them to me."
Lee spoke next adding "Elizabeth the families around here adore you. They know what kind of woman you are and more importantly what kind of teacher you are. They know that you are always wanting to ensure that your student is acclimating. You can see proof of it in all that you have done just in the few days she has been here. She has friends already and is obviously comfortable."
"Thank you, Bill, and Lee I really appreciate it."
"I think you know what I'm going to say Elizabeth, but I will add my comment if you need."
"You know what? All of you are right. I need to look at her as she is another student and Constable Grant is the same as any other parent marital status notwithstanding. But as he is the town Mountie and my being a Mountie widow means that we are honoring the code by supporting each other as we can. It's no different than whenever you are helping Nathan, Bill or if he helped me by chopping wood. I don't know why I worried about it so much anyway. I never have before now so why would he be any different."
Luckily Jack captured her attention, so she didn't see the other look at each other knowingly before masking their expressions. They all knew that Elizabeth and Nathan were slowly developing feelings for each other and knew that Jack would have approved. Though neither were ready at the moment they also saw a deep abiding friendship forming. One that would ultimately serve as a strong and perfect foundation for a deeper richer love. They knew that all the townspeople were aware of the budding feelings softly and subtlety growing between their Mountie and schoolteacher. While her friends teased her upon occasion, they knew how far to take it without going too far. The conversation turned to other things for a bit more before Elizabeth saw she needed to get home and start dinner.
"Abigail would you have a pie that I can have for dessert?"
"Oh yes I have an apple pie you can have and before you say anything I won't accept payment Elizabeth."
"Thank you, dear friend. Honestly, I don't know what I would do without the four of you."
Elizabeth stayed longer than she had intended but she knew she had time. Rosemary had just left with jack. She was going to keep him so Nathan and her could talk without interruption. A few minutes later she heard a soft knock on the door. She quickly glanced at the clock and realized that Nathan would be there soon. Just the thought of seeing him got the butterflies dancing in her stomach. It was now a familiar sensation whenever she thought of him.
'Elizabeth, stop it right now! She told herself. He is a parent of a student. You are his predecessors' widow and you're not going down that road remember?'
She took a deep breath trying to calm her racing heart Rosemary had just left with jack. She was going to keep him so Nathan and her could talk without interruption. A few minutes later she heard a soft knock on the door.
