Chapter 14: Unusual Conferences

"Good evening, Nathan." Elizabeth said trying to catch her breath. The immediate attraction she felt upon seeing him each and every time still shocked her. Oh, he was very handsome anyone could see that but there was something else about him that always drew her in like a moth to a flame. Whenever she was near him, she felt that she found her missing piece. But that was ridiculous she thought because Jack was her missing piece, and he was gone. Oh well it doesn't matter because I am a grown woman and it's going to fade eventually. 'Are you sure about that because it seems the more you see him the stronger that pull is' she heard in her head. It was as if Rosemary once again speaking to her. Forcing those thoughts away she moved aside and invited him in. But as he accidently brushed her arm as he went by she had to catch her breath. Instantly her senses were assailed with the scents of pine, cedar and leather all of which she associated with only him. Instantly her senses all locked on him as their eyes met briefly.

"Evening Elizabeth." Nathan replied as he stepped through the door to enter the house. As he walked past her he accidently brushed her shoulder and felt a current of electricity flow through him as if he had put his finger in a light socket. He wondered if she felt it too because he heard her catch her breath at the same time. 'Could it be that he finally found the one person who could love him flaws and all? A woman to share his life with that would love Allie as well?' How long he stood in the room waiting he didn't know but he saw her move past him and sit down on the settee. As she walked away, he couldn't help but smell her fragrance of Lavender and lilies. He noticed a lot of women preferred the stronger scents for perfume, but she preferred the subtle hint of flowers. It wasn't a strong scent but the combination of hers always scent him reeling.

"Nathan? Nathan?" He finally heard her and was able to come to his senses.

"I'm sorry? He said "would you repeat that?"

With a laugh she said "I asked if you were alright. You seemed a million miles away just then."

Oh I'm sorry Elizabeth I was thinking about some things from a meeting I had earlier in the day." It was then he saw her quaint living room that was similar to his but cozier. She had a sitting area with the settee and a little side table that she had arranged for their tea. He noticed that she also had a round table beside her stairs with photographs and a vase of flowers on it. Next to that that table was a box of children's toys that he assumed were her son's.

"Would you like some tea before we eat? Dinner will be ready in about 20 minutes. I thought it would give me a chance to look over Allie's records and make some notes for us to discuss during dinner. It's nothing fancy I am afraid just some leftover stew and biscuits, but it will be filling."

"That's fine with me and tea would be great. Do you have chamomile?"

"Why yes, I do have chamomile and it's my favorite. Please come join me " she said gesturing to the empty place beside her as she prepared their tea to steep. As he sat down beside her he handed the records over to her. Watching as she began to peruse the records, he felt his guard drop a bit. But he just couldn't let the wariness go away because it was too important to protect his little girl. He didn't think he would ever be able to fully relax again after what she had endured. He knew it was only a matter of time that she would suggest they do dinner again, she would criticize his occupation and that it wasn't right for raising children or they would employ a combination of those and throw in that Allie was belligerent and disrespectful and wasn't able to keep up with schoolwork.

As he sat and watched her go over the previous records her emotions were playing out across her face. 'Here it comes he thought with disappointment. He didn't let it last long though as he thought back to the scene with Alice. His eyes became distant as he thought of Fort Simpson.

"Allie, I don't know what your uncle was thinking when he agreed to take you because you have done nothing to earn your keep. You may have him fooled and some of the others, but the others see you for who you are. You are undisciplined, rude, and uncaring of trying to ease your uncle's burden of caring for you. I wonder that you can even dress yourself at times and it's obvious you don't have a woman who cares about how you look. When the other children see what you are wearing and then your so awkward around the others it's no wonder, they don't like you. When people see you, they need to see a perfect child that doesn't bring ridicule only praise. You should only be seen and not heard." Allie was crying in earnest now and she was heartbroken because she really had wanted her uncle to be proud. She couldn't even count the number of times she was told harsh things like what her teacher was saying so they must be true. Her own Father didn't want her and just abandoned her on her uncle's doorstep. Unknown to Alice Nathan had returned and wanted to surprise his Niece but instead he was the one surprised. He wondered how long and just what his niece had been quietly enduring the times since he got her.

"As soon as I convince your uncle to leave the Mounties and we get married there are going to be some major changes with you my girl and if you don't like it then I will take you to an orphanage right away and tell him you ran off. "Allies sobs grew louder as her heart shattered. "You need to hear me and start working on what I am saying because once we have our own children, we won't need you unless for a babysitter. Stop that bawling or are you a baby!' He had heard enough and was glad a fellow Mountie had heard it all too because this would not go unanswered.

"THAT IS ENOUGH!" he shouted. "Allie please gather your things right now and come to me. Make sure you gather it all because you will not be returning. "Turning to address her teacher he said "I think you are under some impressions that have no basis in reality Alice." Normally Nathan wouldn't address things with another adult with Allie present, but he felt like she deserved to hear every word because of how she was talked to. His eyes took on an iciness she had never seen and there was steel in his voice as he said. "I have never, nor would I ever entertain a relationship outside of teacher and parent with you much less Husband and wife. I don't know where those ideas came from but there is not one ounce of chance, they would come true. Second the Mounties are my calling and IF I decide to marry, they will have to accept it just like I would them. Last Allie is more than my niece I consider her my daughter. She has never been a burden, but I consider her a gift." Then he looked down with loving eyes to his niece and said "you can be sure Allie that I would bever entertain a relationship like what your teacher described, nor would I ever accept that you ran away."

He could see the hurt was still in her eyes with a disbelief that he could see went straight through to her heart. He wanted nothing more than to throttle that woman in front of him but obviously he was a man but he would go directly to the Commander about this. Looking to his friend they nodded at each other and walked out.

Coming back to the present he saw that Elizabeth was done reading the records and was standing. "Nathan are you ready to eat?"

"Oh yeah I am." He said and as they went to the table he went and pulled out her chair before seating himself. Something about his actions served to irritate Elizabeth but she didn't know why.

They ate in silence for a bit before Nathan asked. "So, what did you think of her education so far." Elizabeth had been dreading that question because she was trying to calm the emotions swirling around in her mind. Having been around Allie for one day in a classroom she could definitively say that these records were not correct, and those previous teachers obviously don't know the child they were supposed to be teaching. 'Did Nathan not care or take the time to question?'

"Ummm" she said stalling for time. "Well, there were some interesting things written in there about Allie. But why don't we finish up our dinner first."

"No Elizabeth I don't think so I think I want to have the conversation now. Suddenly I don't think I'm hungry anymore."

As she glanced up she was surprised to see the irritation and what almost seemed like anger on his face.

"Nathan…" Before she could say anything else he went on "I think we should stick with formal address as well Mrs. Thornton since this is supposed to be a parent teacher conference correct?"

Suddenly her anger ignited, and she responded. "Well Constable Grant, I suppose you are correct though I am not sure what you are insinuating. But let me make one thing very clear to you. If you think I brought you here for something other than learning about my student than let me assure you that you couldn't be more wrong. In fact, maybe that will explain the records and how they reflect the neglect that your niece suffered at all these supposed educators? Sounds like she was taught by some scorned ladies. It's a wonder she has the knowledge she does considering the Mounties?"

"Care to explain that Mrs. Thornton?" Rising from the table as he asked.

"Sure, I would be glad to Constable Grant" she said as she also rose from her chair. "But should I write it down for you?" she asked. When he looked at her with a raised brow she continued "you know so you would have proof this indeed was a conference and not a pathetic attempt of a widow to get herself a man?" she said but quickly realized things were heading south and she didn't even know what happened. As she finished the comment, she felt regret that she was allowing her emotions to get the best of her. But just the fact that he was basically accusing her of something so pathetic and rude was beyond insulting and she couldn't let it go.

"For your information Constable Grant I never meet with parents here in my home."

"See I was right you do have ideas of us." Before she could finish, he continued "Let me just say that I will not have a repeat of what she endured from her teacher in Fort Simpson. So, any ideas you have about us Mrs. Thornton they end right here and now. I don't care how beautiful you are my niece will always be first. If I so much as see that Allie has been hurt by something, you have said I will speak with the board of Education. There will not ever be anything more between us than Parent and Teacher. DO I make myself clear?" As she listened to him, she was confused about his comments about going to the school board and how she could hurt Allie his last words incensed her and she rose to the challenge.

"Crystal Constable Grant but let me say that I agree with you about us and may I add that you are not so handsome that you are irresistible. May I remind you also I am a Mountie widow and the last thing I would ever do is be involved with another Mountie. Before I ask you to leave, please let me just tell you about these records and your nieces' abilities. It is very clear that those who have taught Allie don't even know her or how intelligent she really is. I really wonder how you have allowed her to be so neglected and ignored and I think abused at times by educators and others since she has been in your care. Did you even read the comments and assessments made by these "Teachers"? Were you so enamored and caught up in your romances that you didn't even check.? Nathan. I mean Constable Grant she has been missing out on a good education because of having to move around all the time and children need stability."

"We are fine Mrs. Thornton" and he turned to leave.

"I'm not finished Constable Grant." she added a hint of steel entering her voice. As he turned back around, she continued softer. "I would like to test Allie as I said before and see where her abilities truly are because most of what is on there is rubbish. I don't know who the student is they are talking about but that is not MY Allie Grant. I don't know how long you will be here but as long as you are she will be given the best education I can offer. Like the Mounties are your calling teaching is mine and I NEVER give up on a student nor let them give up themselves. When I came here, I realized quickly that as a teacher I would have to fight for the futures of each and every one of my students and I will never stop even if I have to battle the parents themselves. So before I ask you to leave my home may I test Allie to see where she truly is in abilities?"

Nathan sat there shocked and a bit ashamed of how the conversation went but there was still a part of him that didn't trust her. But he had to admit the way she spoke of Allie being her Allie Grant, fighting for her future made him drop that guard a bit more.

"Yes Mrs. Thornton you may do so although her last name is Parks but I'm thinking it's the perfect time to look into adoption."

"Allie would enjoy that" Elizabeth added before continuing. "I would like to begin for the next 4 days after school for an hour and I will walk her home. I will get Cat Montgomery to observe the interaction for your comfort although I have never abused a student. Then Constable Grant. Once the testing is complete, I will send you a written report and we can meet at Abigail's café with Bill or Lee to ensure that you know I have no designs on you. That is if you have questions otherwise, I will let the report speak for itself. Is that agreeable Constable Grant?"

As she stood her ground with her head held high, he had never seen a more beautiful woman in his life. He hadn't ever seen Mounties stand as tall and proud as she did.
"Good Constable Grant. Now I assume you can find your way out the door?"

"Yes, I believe I can Mrs. Thornton. Good day!"

"Good day Constable." and as the door shut behind him she grabbed the back of her chair for support. She was very confused by the feelings running through her in that moment. Oh, there was anger and disdain because of his insinuations but what she was confused by were the strong feelings of attraction and passion that threatened to overwhelm her. She had grabbed the chair to keep herself from running over and touching his lips with her own. With a laugh she could only imagine how the Constable would have reacted to that one. However little did Elizabeth know but Nathan was struggling with those same emotions and same impulse to put his lips on hers. Both were shocked at the passion that sprung up between them that grew as the argument went on. They may have said they weren't interested and would never be involved but somehow, they forgot to let their hearts in on the agreement. Their heads were obviously losing that same battle as well. This passion was unique and beautiful and would serve them well as their journey continued.