Elizabeth had occupied herself inside purposefully at the time she knew Nathan would be coming to get Allie. After that first day, she realized he wasn't coming, but instead allowed her to walk home with Emily and Opal and their mothers. During those 4 days of testing, she had Rosemary stay and walk her home though she wasn't sure if he was aware of it. But after what he accused her of she wasn't taking any chances. Allie had already taken up a spot in her heart and she was shocked by that. Though she had certain children she was closest to none were as dear to her as her Allie. When she saw those records and comments from the other teachers it made her just sick to her stomach that they dare call themselves educators. She saw the intelligence in the girls' eyes and the way her face lit up when it was time for Math. Her eyes always sparkled whenever they read or discussed literature and even science fascinated her.
She knew she owed Nathan an apology for some of the comments she made regarding him putting other things over her well-being but him accusing her of trying to trap him or worse using Allie to attract him were just plain absurd and downright insulting. Who did he think he was anyway to suggest her Jack could be easily replaced by someone else in a Serge? Honestly when it came down to it he was insulting not only the serge but himself in that he could be replaced that easily. Of course, she could also say he was saying the only thing he had going for him was a uniform. Did he really think that was the only thing attractive about him to a woman? Oh, he was handsome in uniform there wasn't a woman alive who wouldn't agree. But she thought he look handsome in anything, and she preferred his suits, especially the dark navy one he wore last week to church. Elizabeth could only stare when he was in that uniform and astride Newton because he was a sight to behold. But there was also an honesty and a feeling of dependability that surrounded him that had nothing to do with that uniform but was all Nathan. She recalled the feeling that came over her as they sparred across her table. She had to fight the impulse to go around and just kiss him until they were senseless. Something that came over her as they argued that she didn't dare put a name to.
Elizabeth loved that sparkle that was in his eyes at times when he was happy whether he was watching his niece or teasing her about the antics of her son. She really missed that crooked smile of his as he did and even those horrible jokes of his. He had become a treasured friend and she suddenly realized he had snuck a bit in her heart too. She knew that was what hurt the most when he made those accusations. They felt as fresh today as they had two weeks ago when he said them. She missed that crooked smile of his and even his jokes some of which were horrible, but she found herself laughing anyway. She really missed her friend. But she was left wondering what happened.
'Stop it, Elizabeth! Just keep your focus on the students and not the Constable. It's all one sided apparently and he doesn't think much of you anyway 'she told herself.
With determination she walked into town deliberately avoiding even a glance at the Jail. As she entered the café, she was grateful to see only Bill, Abigail and Clara. For once Elizabeth was glad Rosemary wasn't there but then she heard the door open and knew Rosemary had arrived.
"Elizabeth how are you? It's been a while since I've seen you in town" Abigail said.
Seeing a look on her friends face Rosemary said "Yes, I've tried coming by for tea but your never home."
"How did your conference go" Bill asked.
"Fine Bill. It went fine." In that he recognized that it was anything but fine. "Since you probably are heading back to the Jail can you hand this to Nathan?"
"Well, I guess I can, but wouldn't you rather do it since it appears to be school related?"
"No Bill I wouldn't. If you can't or won't then I can find someone else." She said with a hint of anger in her voice and if they weren't mistaken hurt as well. Bill looked over at Abigail in question and she just shrugged her shoulders as if to say she was just as confused.
He could the tears welling up and threatening to spill over so he said "Sure, I can do it Elizabeth. Don't worry about it. Won't you sit down for tea?" he continued. Bill couldn't recall her ever being this mad at someone other than Jack of course. That realization got him thinking about her and Nathan. Could it be that they have met their match in each other?
"No, I really need to get home to Jack. But maybe another time." With that she quickly turned and left once again avoiding looking towards the Jail.
Bill unfolded the letter and looked at it wondering what was going on. Since she had given it to him to deliver and it was unsealed, he didn't feel he was prying. When he whistled quickly as he read it Abigail crossed over and began reading it over his shoulder. After they finished reading the letter, they looked at each other in disbelief and thought what happened at that dinner?
"May I?" Rosemary asked. "I may be able to shed light on the situation." After she read it, she looked up and handed the letter back to Bill before saying "It's what I was afraid of and exactly what Lee and I figured was happening. Abigail you should have a seat." Before starting her explanation, she went over and locked the door so that no one else could hear. She didn't want the information bandied about by the town gossip mill. Although they all knew the town noticed something had changed because neither one could hide their feelings for each other.
"Lee and I heard some raised voices, and we could make out most of it." She then proceeded to tell them what they had heard. "When I heard the door open, I wanted to go talk to Elizabeth and take jack home. I could see Nathan was kind of frozen in the road looking dazed. If I had to describe it, I would say it was like "what just happened" kind. But the fire in his eyes was not anger or at least not all of it anyway. Lee and I both agree it looked more like restrained passion. He didn't even know we were standing on our porch at first. Then he just said goodnight and headed home. From what Cat said he almost forgot to pick up Allie he was so shook up. I quickly walked over to Elizabeth 's and she had a death grip on the back of her chair and looked the same way Nathan did. She didn't even realize we were there until Jack called out to her and then she came over to him… When I asked how her date went, I don't even think she heard what I said. She didn't correct me, and her cheeks turned red." Rosemary said with a laugh.
"Abigail I'd say that still waters are running deep in both. You know now that I think about it they had a similar look Lee and I get when we have an argument before making up.?" The others suddenly knew exactly what she was saying. Though they both had things to work out all of them felt that the couple met their true match. It would be interesting to see how the next few months would unfold.
Nathan could only stand at the post and watch Elizabeth come to town. At first, he thought maybe they would have a chance to talk but then he noticed her posture and her avoidance of looking towards the Jail. But he still hoped maybe he was wrong and that she would come by. But when he saw her come back out stiffer than when she went in that bit of hope left. It was if whatever happened in the café made her angry.
He let a frustrated sigh as he realized she wasn't ready to hear anything he had to say. Why didn't I listen to the advice Abigail gave me? I should have just told her from the beginning before I gave the records to her. She would have understood, and it probably would have helped her as Allie's teacher repair the trust issues she had or at least some of them. But as he reflected on the past three weeks since Allie arrived in Hope Valley, she hadn't displayed any of them. What had happened that spurred him to say the things he did? He couldn't even remember any of it to be honest. In fact, for the first time since her mother died, she seemed happy and carefree. All she ever wanted to talk about was how great Mrs. Thornton was, how fun school was all the friends she made. Friends that Elizabeth had helped her make by including them and introducing her around. For that matter she made his life easier as the Constable by welcoming him in front of the town. She even helped him make friends with other parents especially the mothers who offered to watch Allie when he had out of town missions. Hope Valley in just a short period of time felt like home to both. It was the first time he ever felt like he belonged anywhere. But then of course no one knew the horrible secret he carried around like a ticking time bomb. Well, no one except for Bill and Abigail. One thing he couldn't shake was the intense desire to take her in his arms and kiss her until neither one could form a coherent thought. She was magnificent to look at when she faced off against him at the table. But that was one relationship he couldn't pursue as much as he longed to do. Jack was a Mountie brother, and he wouldn't betray that.
He went back inside the jail and sat down at his desk his head between his hands. "How am I supposed to fix this?" he said out loud.
Just then he heard "Well I'm sorry is always a good place to start at least I always found it to be." Bill said, "But then I'm probably not the best to give advice when it involve the fairer sex."
"What are you talking about?" Nathan asked warily.
"Well maybe I should give you this first and it may clear up some things for you." Bill handed the envelope over to Nathan before going over the door to close the door before taking the chair opposite him. Nathan briefly looked up brow raised before continuing reading the letter.
From the desk of Mrs. Elizabeth R. Thornton, Teacher of the Jack Thornton School
To: Mr. Nathan A. Grant, Guardian of Allison Mayes Parks
Dear Mr. Grant,
As per our discussion from April 23, 1918 I have evaluated your niece over a four-day period. It was as I suspected, and your niece excels and is capable of work above her current grade. She particularly excels in Mathematics, but she excels in Reading, History and Science as well. She did a little below when it came to writing but I suspect that it is because she doesn't like to do it so tends to rush it and makes careless mistakes but it my belief, she has the potential to do that very well. Her sentence structure as well as the ability to organize her thoughts in the correct order also indicate this theory.
I will be endeavoring to challenge her a bit more in the classroom and will be placing her, with your permission of course, in an advance math course. I am available for tutoring should she require it all. To ease your concerns for her well-being Mrs. Abigail Stanton has agreed to act as an observer. I can promise that there will not be any unsupervised time between myself and your child. I thank you for the opportunity to work with her and be assured I will do everything with in my power to provide a quality education. I also want to reassure that I have no other motives for Allie other than to see she is prepared for the bright future I see ahead of her. Should you have any questions please write a note and I will work out a suitable time that will be public to ease your fears of inappropriate behavior or motives on my part.
Sincerely
Mrs. Elizabeth Thornton
Nathan read over the letter twice to make sure he was reading it correctly before tossing it on the desk.
"So, Nathan care to tell me what happened at the conference?" Bill asked. "I would hazard a guess that you somehow put your foot in your mouth. Am I right?"
Nathan didn't say anything for a while but then looked up and said "I don't want to discuss it Bill. Whatever happened is between her and I but I will say some accusations were made and some hurtful comments too on both sides. The decision was made that we interact strictly as parent and teacher. I prefer to keep it like that and I'm sure Elizabeth does too."
"Alright then I will leave you to whatever it was your working on. Have a nice day." Bill said heading to the door. But just know that Abigail will not be put off as easily. The women of this town can be quite formidable when they want to be especially Coal Valley women. They have a unique bond and really watch out for one another. When it comes to Elizabeth you should know they will get to the bottom of it. Now I'm sure Elizabeth let her stubborn pride gain control of her words but underneath that pride Nathan is a tender heart. From what I saw she is hurting, and the combination is fueling her unwillingness to listen. Just like I'm sure there is a lot going on inside of your head too. I'm pretty sure that there is stubbornness and a bit of prejudice concerning teachers as well. As Bill went to open the door, he got this kind of amused look on his face and said, "I wish you luck son." As the door began to close Nathan thought he heard "you're going to need it."
