Elizabeth thought about Nathan and how very much she did love him, and he was aware of her feelings. Oh, how she wished she could get over the paralyzing fear that had her in its grip. But as much as she would like she just couldn't bring herself to go through it again as she did with Jack Sr. But she also couldn't deny her feelings for him, and could she live with seeing where following them could lead?
As she approached his grave there was someone else standing in front of it. He was a Mountie and one with the rank of Superintendent. Suddenly as if he sensed her, he turned to look at Elizabeth and then over at Sargent. Then as if dismissing her turned back to Jack's grave without saying a word. She was glad she hadn't brought her son because she didn't want him near this man. Even though he hadn't yet said anything she had an uneasy feeling and extreme dislike about him. This was not the first time she had come across a Mountie here but usually they left her alone after exchanging greetings. In fact, she had come across Nathan and Gabe here more than once. It irritated her that he remained there and found his behavior intrusive. Elizabeth decided to take the high road introducing herself, hoping he would get the hint. She found she didn't care for this man at all, and his actions were insulting. There was just something she did not trust about him either.
"Hello! I am Jack's wife, and may I ask how you know my husband?" Elizabeth asked raising a brow. She had stressed the word husband to give him the hint.
"It's nice to meet you Mrs. Thornton. I am Superintendent Andrew Hargraves." Though he still did not move away from Jack's grave. He was so glad that he was able to sneak in last evening undetected.
"Oh, did you serve with my husband?" She knew for sure she didn't like this man and felt like his words were disingenuous. He in fact reminded her of Billy Hamilton, who taught her a lesson she never forgot. Men like him appeared very nice and say all the right words but underneath the costume they were as crafty as snake oil salesmen. Jack had talked to her about Mounties that weren't always on the right side. That just because they wore serge didn't meant they were good. He taught her how to read people as they taught him at the academy.
"That is correct! As for how I know your husband he served under me at Fort Clay. Please accept my condolences on his death."
Excellent! I hurt a sore spot seeing the sadness comes across her face.
"Wait you were with Jack at Fort Clay?" Elizabeth said but suddenly conflicted whether to ask for more information or not. But here was the opportunity to find all about Fort Clay.
So, she really didn't know what happened at Fort Clay? Oh, this just got better struggling to keep the feeling of elation from his face.
"Yes, Constable Grant also served under my command. Didn't he tell you he was there? I was there when Jack passed, and his body recovered. Such a senseless accident that should never happened. Of course, someone leaked a story to the press that was not very complimentary to your husband I'm afraid. This is why I am here because we think he was the one who leaked a story to the papers about your husband. I have it here with me would you like to see it? We hadn't even started an investigation into the events. Mrs. Thornton because of Constable Grant your husband service is currently characterized as dishonorable. It's why his funeral was so poorly attended, and no benefits or honors awarded I'm afraid."
"What do you mean? Nathan was at Fort Clay when Jack died too?" Elizabeth asked scrambling to understand what she was hearing.
Nathan huh? Looks like Bouchard was correct, and she does have feelings for him. But then he saw the interaction between them for a brief moment, but this confirmed it. All the better he thought, and it will be yet another way to hurt Grant. Even if this Inquiry that he doesn't even know of yet doesn't strip him of his badge there was Mrs. Thornton. By the time he was finished talking with her she would despise him. It would be wonderfully ironic since he came here to protect her. The town knew how much he loved her and her son. It appeared that she loved his niece as much who returned it. He heard it quite a bit about how everyone wanted them to form a family. It was discussed a lot by patrons in the saloon this morning and at lunch. He could not believe how much this town appeared to accept and love Grant. It also irritated him that Bill Avery was also in his corner.
The saloon owner had also told him she was close to Bill and Abigail Stanton, the Mayor, and partner with the Judge of the Café. Bouchard spoke of the triangle the three were involved in. But from what he saw last night and then her face as she said his name Bouchard was either delusional or stupid.
"Yes Mrs. Thornton your husband would still be here if it wasn't for your current Mountie. He was given the job of tracking some cattle rustlers. But he was show boating and disobeyed orders. He was originally supposed to lead the mission but since he was suspended then your husband was chosen to replace him. I am not surprised though he wouldn't mention it to you. But then I can't understand how he can show his face around you. I'm sure it certainly wouldn't help him in courting that widow with another potential suitor. Especially if his actions are the reason her late husband died. He is only here because of the guilt he is carrying around didn't you know that? But then you're the daughter of a rich man and he has always been wanting to climb the ladder however he can so maybe there's another motive."
"Wait, so to be clear, you're saying that Nathan is responsible for Jack's death because he was reckless?"
Now to finish this part of the plan and head back to the saloon and watch the fallout. This was perfect timing too because it will be on his mind during the Inquiry, and he won't be able to fully focus. He was thankful to have an ally in Bouchard who made it possible to be at the grave when she came.
"Yes Mrs. Thornton I am. If he had followed orders and just tracked them everything would have been fine. You husband would still be alive and helping you raise his son. The life you and Constable Thornton wanted would have been as you planned. Do you know he intended to quit the Mounties?" He knew that that was a lie but considering what Bouchard told him it was a good one.
"But thanks to Grant it just was not to be. I am so sorry Mrs. Thornton to be the one to tell you. I suspect Bill Avery knows all about it since he is privy to everything as a former inspector. I'm sure Mayor Stanton was aware of it as well. Well, I will leave so you can have privacy with your husband." he said. Good day Mrs. Thornton and you enjoy the rest of it if you can."
As he walked away, he saw the look in her eyes and began to think about the conversation. She had a look of pain, grief, and anger. It went perfectly and he was very, very pleased with his effort and her response. If he was not mistaken things were about to get worse for Grant and Bill too. He saw how the anger built when he added that little tidbit in as a bonus.
t would seem Mr. Bouchard owed him thanks as he cleared an obstacle assuring him victory in the race for Elizabeth Thornton's hand. There was no way she would ever court the man that killed her husband. Hopefully, he would be there and see the confrontation that was coming. 'Let us see Bill get Grant out of this one. He had cast doubt on everyone that served as her support system.
Elizabeth sat down on the blanket she had spread over Jack's grave letting her thoughts run free still reeling from what the Superintendent had shared. How could Nathan keep something like that from her? After all she had done for him, and he kept something like this from her. The gall of this man and he did it because he saw her as a trophy wife or a means to a promotion?'
"Jack, I don't know what to think about everything. It hurts to know that two men I trusted would withhold this information from me. That even Abigail, who I love like a mother, would as well."
Elizabeth do you really believe what your saying? Remember your first impression of this man. Hold it up against those you have known. Examine all your information like I taught you. Think of what Billy Hamilton was able to do. She could hear Jack's voice in her mind cautioning her.
But she wasn't able to think clearly. "That you would still be here with me, and our son just infuriates me. I love you but I have some people to talk to but I'll be back soon my love."
With that said she picked up the blanket and headed to town. She knew that Abigail and Rosemary were at her house watching Jack. She wasn't ready to face Abigail just yet, but she was ready to see Judge Avery and Constable Grant.
When she got back to the livery, she quickly took care of Sargent. After making sure he was settled she headed off to the jail fuming with every step that brought her closer to her destination. As she approached, she saw Newton was tied to the post, so she knew they were inside. Unbeknownst to Elizabeth she was being watched by two men who were smiling as they watched her approach. Lucas and the Superintendent gleefully watched as she headed to have a talk with the Judge and the Mountie.
"Judging by the way Elizabeth is walking it's not going to a pleasant conversation. Looks like what you said was enough to get her angry. I don't think I have ever seen her this mad." Lucas said with a laugh clearly enjoying it. Can I get you some more tea Superintendent as we watch?"
"Why yes, Mr. Bouchard you may. I think after this Mrs. Thornton will be easy pickings from here on out. Grant won't be a problem after the Inquiry."
Henry Gowan happened to be standing directly underneath the balcony and heard every word they said. He was infuriated about what they were saying and how they were using Elizabeth against Nathan. After everything that he had done to Elizabeth she had proven to be a true friend. She freely forgave him, and at times had defended and encouraged him. It was thanks to the Mountie that he was able to clear himself of the whole fiasco about the quality of his oil. He heard a sound behind him of indignation and saw Jessie and Clara had heard too. He motioned to them to remain silent and gestured to the oil office. They nodded in agreement and proceeded to follow him.
As she walked up the steps, she was trying to formulate in her mind exactly what she wanted to say. But she realized it was not going to be possible because all thoughts went out the window as soon as she saw them. Nathan and Bill had been engrossed in the conversation about the transfer when they heard the door to the jail shut. They looked up in confusion at first to see Elizabeth with a strange look in her eyes. It was one neither of them had ever seen in her eyes before. Nathan and Bill suddenly felt uneasy knowing something was very wrong. They knew she was not there to exchange pleasantries when she turned and locked the door. The men looked at each other before turning back to her.
"Gentleman! Is it true? Constable Grant are you the reason Jack is dead? Was he your replacement because of actions that got you suspended?"
Bill suddenly knew Elizabeth found about Fort Clay and was about to drop the bomb. But how did she find out about it? I know Nathan would not and no one should know it except… If he was the one who told her they were about to have words. I can only imagine the spin he would have put on it too. He looked over at Nathan who came to the same conclusion. But as he looked at Nathan other than his clenched jaw, repeated swallowing and clenching his hands he appeared unaffected, but Bill knew otherwise.
"Elizabeth how are you today? What a pleasant surprise and …" Bill answered heading over to give her a hug. But the look in her eye stopped him knowing it would not be welcome. "Judge Avery is it also true that you and Mayor Stanton were aware of everything and didn't bother telling me."
When neither said anything, she continued. "Oh, I see! Well gentleman maybe I can assist you with that since I have information that might be helpful. Information that three of the important people I love most decided that I shouldn't have. Since I have at least the two of you let me share what I learned. I was visiting my late husband's grave and there was a visitor already there." She began trying to keep her voice even, but her emotions were beginning to well up. She didn't even realize she had just confirmed for the first time her feelings to Nathan.
"A visitor?" Nathan asked a tremor in his voice. "Yes, indeed Constable Grant. Does the name Superintendent Hargraves ring any bells? He had some remarkably interesting things to say in regard to you and Jack."
"Really! What did he say?" Bill said. He couldn't believe the audacity of that man.
"Oh, how Constable Grant here was at Fort Clay the same time my late husband was. That he was tasked with tracking cattle rustlers but because he was showboating and disobeyed orders he was reprimanded and ultimately suspended. That Jack was selected to be his replacement on that mission. He also said that if Constable Grant hadn't gone off the range and disobeyed orders, Jack would still be here, and more importantly my son would still have his father. That someone leaked information to the press before an investigation could be done and he provided the copy of the newspaper and said that Constable Grant is suspected of being the one who leaked it."
She handed the paper over as she said it before going on. The Superintendent told me my Jack was considered accountable for those deaths and that was why he didn't receive honors or benefits. He also revealed two other things Firstly Jack planned to leave the Mounties after Fort Clay was done and had even begun the paperwork. He also revealed that Constable Grant volunteered to be here because of that guilt trying to make up for it.
Andrew certainly did a good job of portraying Nathan like a reckless Mountie. He hit all her painful spots. He couldn't wait to have a talk with him. Bill thought.
"I trusted you Constable Grant when you told me you didn't know Jack. Why didn't you tell me after we became friends? Afraid it would have hurt your chances of besting Lucas in the contest for my affections? Oh, I found out your betrayal too Judge Avery. You knew all of this already but didn't think I deserved to know. Why is that I wonder? So, instead of being able to trust either of you I now find I can't. To make matters worse it was made clear that Mayor Stanton knew as well. Why didn't any of you tell me about what really happened? "Do you think I can't be trusted or I'm not able to manage it? That I am too weak and will break down? You all present yourself as truthful and trustworthy, but your actions now prove otherwise. From now on the both of you need to stay away from me and my son. Actually, please inform Mayor Stanton that includes her as well. Oh, wait that's right she is currently at my home with my son waiting for me to return. Excuse me Constable Grant and Judge Avery I need to go get that treacherous woman out of my house, so I'll inform the mayor myself. I can't believe I considered this place my home. I think I need to start looking for another position as soon as possible while I'm at it."
How can this woman think I would ever use her or consider her a trophy? I love her more than I can say and thought she returned them. I wouldn't lie to her, and it hurts more than I can say. Nathan thought. Although I guess I did lie by omission and should have told her before I started pursuing her. Wait did she say that I'm one of three people she loved the most? I don't know how but I know Bouchard is tied up in this somehow. His thoughts were interrupted by Bill yelling at her.
"ELIZABETH THORNTON! STOP IT RIGHT NOW! YOU ARE MAKING UNWARRANTED ACCUSATIONS AGAINST PEOPLE THAT LOVE YOU!" Bill said "I'm sorry for shouting at you but you are about to take things too far. Now you have said your piece, but you are not just going to run away after. You are like a daughter to me and Abigail. How can you think either of us would ever want anything but your happiness? Have I ever acted in any way on your behalf different than that? We need to take a minute and then unpack all that you said. You put a lot of cards on the table that we need to deal with. This man loves you too and you just hurt him deeply. You were only kept in the dark because we wanted to protect you. Now maybe in your eyes it was the wrong decision, and your probably right, but we are going to fix it right now. Nathan go ahead and do your rounds while I bring Elizabeth up to speed with the truth. Then when you get back Elizabeth should be ready to apologize for her accusations. I also think she is the missing piece for our defense."
Nathan finally spoke up and said "Mrs. Thornton there is one thing I want to clear up before you go. Did I hear you correctly that Hargraves was at Jack's grave when you got there? That it was also there he told you about Fort Clay?"
"Yes. But what does that matter? Is there anything untrue about what he said Constable Grant?"
"The basic facts are accurate as to what he said. I was reprimanded for not following orders regarding the cattle rustlers. Because I was suspended your husband led the mission I was supposed to lead. I asked to be assigned here when I realized no one was here and I felt guilty about what happened. I felt like it was my duty to come and watch over you and Jack." Nathan replied.
Nathan felt anger at Hargraves because he knew what the man was trying to do. He was using Elizabeth to get back at him.
"Come on Elizabeth You and I are going to head over to my office right now and clear up some things. There is missing information and your right I should have shared it before now. It's all my fault so please don't hold it against Nathan."
"I'm sorry Judge Avery but right now I have no desire to hear anything from you. As far as I am concerned, I don't trust any of you and won't believe anything that comes from those lips either. I am going home to my son."
"Well, Mrs. Thornton, your mistaken because YOU ARE going to go over to my office with me. I'll send for Abigail to meet us all there and you are going to listen." Bill said trying to keep his anger in check. Nathan just closed eyes praying that Elizabeth would just go with it because he did not want to get involved.
"No, I am not going to do that Judge Avery. In fact, I am walking out this door right now and there's nothing you or Constable Grant can say about it. Just stay away from me all of you. In fact, from what the Superintendent said you guys are going to have your hands full Judge Avery so I'd get right on it."
"It wasn't a request Mrs. Thornton you are coming to my office, and we are going to investigate this."
"JUDGE AVERY FOR THE LAST TIME I AM NOT GOING WITH YOU TO YOUR OFFICE! I HAVE NO INTEREST IN WHAT YOU OR CONSTABLE GRANT HAVE TO SAY! Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go ensure Mayor Stanton gets out of my house. By this time, she was crying fiercely and totally beyond reasoning with.
"Then you leave me no choice Mrs. Thornton" Bill began. Nathan closed his eyes because he knew where this was headed. It was just going to alienate her even more from him. Before she could unlock the door, she heard Bill say,
"Constable Grant please take Mrs. Thornton into custody for failure to appear, contempt of court and making threats against a public official."
"What? What kind of game are you playing?" she said looking at Bill in wide eyed disbelief. As Nathan approached her, he had a sad look in his eyes. She could see he had tears welling up as he approached her.
"I'm sorry Lizbeth but I have to do as he says. He was being totally serious about you going to his office." He said softly.
Before they could do anything else Henry, Clara and Jessie came in. "Bill, we need to talk to you and Nathan about something important." Henry said. "Oh, Elizabeth, I didn't see you there but I'm glad you are."
"What is it, Henry?" Elizabeth said. "I overheard Lucas and that Superintendent talking. They seemed incredibly pleased to see you going to the jail. They were happy you were so angry and going to confront Bill and Nathan. I got the impression it was intentional, and they were elated. I did something similar when Bill came around Abigail though I am not proud. I am deeply sorry Bill that I did that and wish I could go back and fix it. Elizabeth I'm also guessing they cast doubt about Bill and Abigail being trustworthy too am I right?" he asked. "Because I would do the same to isolate you from your support."
"Yes, he did."
