CHAPTER 30 RETURN TO HOPE VALLEY

A/N FOR CLARIFICATION PURPOSES, WHEN REFERRING TO BETH DELANEY BY NAME, SHE WILL BE NOTED BY (BETH D.) OUR ELIZABETH THORNTON WILL BE KNOWN AS ELIZABETH SINCE THAT IS WHAT HOPE VALLEY CALLS HER.

OF COURSE, CHARLOTTE CALLS HER LIZZIE (Sorry K8eSunbug) ;-)

Poor Nathan will be thrown into the fire but will come out pure gold with the dross burned away.

When the men returned to Henry's home, they found the ladies in the drawing room chatting. As they entered, Beth could tell that their visit was not pleasant. "Uncle Wynn, what did you find out,"

"Wynn? What is wrong, sweetheart?" his wife asked.

Wynn sat next to his niece, took her hand, and said, "Sam was unaware of what Hargraves had done, Beth. He was unaware that the man was even in Hope Valley yet. Needless to say that he was not happy with how you found out about Jack."

"What was his reasoning for not telling you about the inquiry?" Elizabeth asked.

"He said that he was trying to protect you, sweetheart."

"Are you kidding me? Uncle Wynn, that doesn't even make sense. He wouldn't have hidden it from me if he was trying to protect me." Elizabeth began to cry. "I'm sorry, everyone, but I need to get home. I'm catching the first train home. I don't care what that man will do at this point because I have had enough of the Mounties hiding things from me that I have every right to know." With that, she stood and went upstairs to her room to begin packing.

Nobody moved or spoke for a time. Their thoughts and prayers were all on the woman upstairs packing. Rosemary stood and said, "I'm going to say goodnight and go pack as well to accompany her back. I am pretty understanding, and I know that Collins is probably not a bad person. However, there is no excuse for him to keep something like this from her. As for protecting her, I'd like to know how he felt his plan was working. I think you also need to understand something. Jack Thornton and Nathan Grant are very loved by those who live in Hope Valley. Hope Valley is a family more than a community and is very loyal. Elizabeth has seen them through their grief, so she is very loved. They won't get a good reception when they arrive. I want you to know so you are prepared." By this time, Rosemary was also tearing up and hurt by her dear friend's pain.

Wynn stood up and went over to Rosemary and embraced her. "Rosemary, I understand, and I feel the same way. I'm not happy with how all this has played out, and I assure you I will be there every step. I have been appointed representation for both Jack and Nathan. I'm also going to call Beth to testify about what happened. When their Inquiry is made, I will have Beth file the complaint against Hargraves. But it won't be until after he finishes making his case, and it's ruled on. As for packing, we all need to get packed because we are also heading to Hope Valley on the first train out." Squeezing her hand, he smiled and said, "Our Beth is fortunate to have a friend like you."

"Thank you, Wynn; I'm just as lucky, though," Rosemary said before heading up to her room.

Wynn turned to his wife and let out a sigh. "I can't believe all that has happened. Can you please get us packed while I call William? He has a right to know about what has happened."

"Of course, sweetheart. I hope he doesn't get on a train and come to Hope Valley." His wife answered.

"I think the fact that I will be there should keep him calm because he knows I won't hesitate when it comes to our Beth," Wynn said. "If this were happening to Christine, I would be on the first train to her location. When this is all done, I think an Inquiry into how all of this happened the way it did needs to happen, including Sam's actions. This should have never happened to a Mountie Widow. It won't surprise me if we don't see Charlotte Thornton come to Hope Valley at some point."

"Well, I can say one thing they chose the wrong family because Beth is very protective of those she loves. She may be overwhelmed right now, but I can tell you she is preparing to go to battle Wynn."

"Oh, I do not doubt that, my dear. She is just like her Aunt Elizabeth in that respect." He said with a smile, kissing his wife on the cheek, and went to call his brother-in-law. The ladies went upstairs to pack for the trip while Henry made arrangements for the train.

Rosemary found Elizabeth lying on the bed, crying and frustrated by everything. She sat down on the bed and began rubbing circles on Elizabeth's back. "Your uncle is going to get things sorted and has been appointed to represent Nathan and Jack. I think that you should let Charlotte know what is happening as well. I think you should trust your uncle's plan and know that he will get this sorted. But for now, let's get our things packed so we can catch the train. They are all coming with us in the morning as well. You are not going to be alone in this fight anymore. I bet Jack can't wait to see you again or our Mountie. I know that you probably can't wait to see Nathan, Jack, and Allie."

"You know I can't wait to see them," Elizabeth said, getting up and wiping her tears away. Just the thought of seeing Nathan, Allie, and Jack filled her with a joy that chased away all the hurt.

"So, when will you and Nathan announce that you are courting?" Rosemary asked.

"Not until everything is settled with the Inquiry. I don't want to give Hargraves or Collins anything else to torture Nathan over. He has been through enough. "You know, if you don't mind, I'm going to call Charlotte before it gets too late because I think we need to circle the wagons," Elizabeth said.

"Well, between you, Charlotte, Henry, and your uncle, not to mention Abigail, Bill, and the rest of Hope Valley, Hargraves is going to wish he had never heard of Jack Thornton and Nathan Grant," Rosemary said with a smirk.

"Uncle Wynn has probably called my father by now as well, and it wouldn't surprise me if he showed up either. What bothers me the most is that Nathan has borne this in silence for so long with no one to turn to. What if he hadn't come to Hope Valley Rosemary? Can you imagine how heavy that weight must have been?"

"I can't imagine. What are you going to do about Lucas and his giving assistance to Hargraves.?"

"Oh, that will be dealt with as soon as I see my son and get everyone settled," Elizabeth said with fire in her eyes. "I'm going to set the record straight in a way that he will have no doubt as to where he stands with me. Then I will have a conversation with Collins when this is done. He is going to explain to me why he has kept me so much in the dark. That's why I want Charlotte there with me. I'll be right back." Rosemary watched her walk out the door and felt a bit sorry for the men about to face the fire that was Elizabeth Thornton. She was a general that was gathering her considerable troops for war. Rosemary couldn't wait to see it all play out. She was happy for Nathan, Elizabeth, Jack, and Allie because she could see what a wonderful family they would be. She chuckled as she recalled Lee telling her how Allie asked if he could call her Aunt Elizabeth and Nathan's reaction. They hadn't told Allie yet, but Rosemary knew the girl would be over the moon when they did.

Elizabeth went downstairs to the drawing room and called Charlotte. "Hello Thornton Residence"

"Charlotte, it's Lizzie; how are you?"

"I'm fine, Lizzie. Are you all right?" Charlotte asked, sensing something in Elizabeth's voice.

"Unfortunately, no, it's not. Jack and I are fine, but an inquiry will be happening in Hope Valley in three days. Charlotte, I was made aware of some disturbing news about Jack. Were you aware that he is accused of being careless with men and was blamed for the deaths of all those that died with him? That his service has been characterized as dishonorable?" Elizabeth asked.

"What? Are you serious?" Charlotte asked. "How did you find that out?"

"A man named Hargraves told me and presented me a newspaper article which detailed it. He was waiting for me at Jack's grave. It's why I never received his pension, and the Mounties that came had fought by his side. His service wasn't considered worthy of honors. It's also why Bill gave the eulogy instead of someone higher up like Collins."

"I can't believe it. Have you talked to him?"

"I haven't, but when I get back to Hope Valley and get the inquiry behind us, I fully intend to. But my uncle has."

"Your uncle?" Charlotte asked, confused.

"Charlotte, Jack never knew, but I have an uncle pretty high in the Mountie chain of command. I never told him because I knew how he struggled with my family's wealth. So if he knew about my uncle, he would think any promotions or awards were because of special treatment, not that he earned them."

"You're right; he probably would have." Charlotte agreed. "But who is your uncle Lizzie?"

"Wynn Delaney."

"Wynn Delaney, is your uncle?" Charlotte asked.

"Yes, his wife is my father's sister, and they are my godparents. Collins has appointed him to represent both Jack and Nathan Grant, who is our new Mountie. Anyway, can you please come to Hope Valley? I think we should face this head-on together. You can stay with me and spend time with Jack while you are here. There's more to explain, but I can fill you in the rest when you get here. Oh, and come straight to the row house because I don't want to lose the element of surprise. I've got a few things in store for that man and the saloon owner that helped him."

"You better believe I'll be there, Lizzie. I can't wait to meet your family. I like getting the element of surprise myself because truth has a way of coming out easier. I'm assuming that your uncle will need to meet with us and that we will be in attendance at the Inquiry?"

"Yes, it's not going to be until that morning that he knows Nathan and Jack have representation. I love you, and be safe."

"I love you too, Lizzie; see you soon," Charlotte said. Finally, feeling that all the pieces were gathered and a solid plan formed, Elizabeth went upstairs and finished packing. Both she and Rosemary fell asleep quickly, looking forward to seeing their loved ones.

Her uncle explained the plan and chuckled when she informed him that Charlotte Thornton would also be arriving on the evening train and would stay with her.

"Beth, we could have used you when fighting in the territories. With us staying with Rosemary and Charlotte staying with you, we can plan accordingly without alerting anyone. Hargraves won't be aware that there is representation until that morning. It's why I am not wearing my serge and won't until the day of the Inquiry. I'm looking forward to seeing Nathan again as well."

"I can't wait to get my hands on that precious little nephew of mine." Her aunt said.

"Well, you better get in as much as you can because I have a feeling when Charlotte comes, you'll have to pry him out of her hands."

"It will be nice to catch up with Nathan. I bet he was surprised we were family, wasn't he?"

"You could say that," Elizabeth said with a chuckle. "Uncle, after the ruling is made on the Inquiry, you're going to bring Charges against him right then, correct?"

"I sure am, honey. What he has done and the accusations he has made will end his career, and from a few things we know, he will probably see some jail time."

"I can't wait until he realizes that he messed with the wrong person," Rosemary said.

"Would it be safe for me to see Nathan if we don't go out in public?" Elizabeth asked.

"Unfortunately, you will have to be very careful because we don't want him to make things tougher for Nathan. But I don't see an issue, especially since his child is your student. I'm sure she struggles with her schoolwork because of stress." He answered with a wink.

"Oh, I told your father about everything, and he will also be coming. He will get here the day it all starts but with us here and everything happening, and you will need to figure out a place for him."

"I imagine Julie will be accompanying him as well," Elizabeth said.

"Well, Beth, look at it this way once you finally make the announcement, your courting Nathan can get the hard part done in one swoop. However, have no fear, sweetheart, because I'll handle my brother if he gets out of line. But what do you think Charlotte will say?" her aunt asked.

"I thought I would let her meet him and then find some private time alone and talk to her," Elizabeth replied.