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Chapter Sixty-two
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A Never-expected Visitor
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Busy working on the writing projects, Nathan was alone in his office when the telephone ran on Thursday afternoon. "Good afternoon. Sergeant Grant here."
"Nathan? It's Zach."
"Zach! Oh, I am so glad to hear from you. Are you okay?" Nathan was concerned. "How are you after yesterday's exercise?"
"I'm okay. I felt embarrassed, but this morning Sergeant Maxon told me you were concerned and offered me this telephone in the stables office to call you. He reassured me that in my circumstances it was understandable that a wave of grief almost knocked me to my knees. Thanks for checking up on me."
"Of course. I asked the Sergeant about you yesterday afternoon and having not heard anything about those that were affected, I was reassured you must be okay. I imagine it's hard to remember the loss of your mother in that situation. Well, I assume that's what moved you?"
"It was and it is difficult. I confess I mourned again last night when I could finally lie down. I miss Mother."
"I know you do, Brother. She was taken from you very early." Nathan commented softly.
"I didn't expect the comparison that caused my emotions yesterday. I guess I am more vulnerable than I thought."
"My first funeral, it was an actual funeral, was about ten months after Colleen passed and I had a similar surprising wave of grief. For me it was seeing the casket, but I can say that the second funeral was easier. Not that I didn't think of Colleen, but it didn't affect me as much."
"Oh! How many funerals have you attended or participated in?" Zach confessed. "I didn't expect it would be very frequent."
"I never counted, Zach. But with the skirmishes in the Northern Territories funerals were frequent. I was stationed at various forts, therefore participating was common." Explained Nathan. "So are you feeling better today? I prayed for you on the Square and last night as well as this morning."
"Really? Thank you, Nathan. That means a lot. I am more at peace today I think." Zach added. "I hate that I can't just come over and see you anytime though. February can't come soon enough, you know?"
"I have already felt that too! This training time is really dedicated though, and almost like a slice out of your life. But, it will be worth it and you are building friendships within your Troop, right?"
"I am, slowly. Trusting someone with my past isn't easy and I'm not going to even mention my recent past with you and Dad! Or Mom and Allie either."
"Yeah. It's good to wait on that. Choose your friends carefully, Zach. But you may find you have one for life amongst the men training with you. The Mountie Brotherhood is forged in adversity and shared experiences." Nathan shared. "I have one friend who I will always be close to, even if only by telephone call or letter. By the way, you can always write me, remember! Letters are allowed any time."
"I just might do that. I am in the midst of a letter to Dad and Mom. I have to go now though. But thank you for your concern and prayers, Nathan. Say hi to Allie please?"
"I will. She doesn't know about yesterday, but you have my frequent prayers, Zachary. God bless you."
"You too, Nathan. Good bye for now." Zachary closed the call and Nathan sat back and prayed even before returning to his writing.
Elizabeth answered the quiet knock while Jack was napping. Alone in the house, Elizabeth had planned to read more of Nathan's poetry, but welcomed a visitor.
"Abigail!" Elizabeth let a small squeal escape! "I can't believe you've been in town for so many days and we just couldn't get together! Can you stay?" Elizabeth took Abigail's coat and hung it as she spoke.
"Yes. Finally, I have an afternoon free!" Abigail followed Elizabeth into the kitchen with a basket. "Here. These are for you. A peace offering since I have been so delayed in visiting!"
"Oooo… Let me set the kettle to boil again then I will investigate!" As Elizabeth got out the dishes, she continued to ask Abigail. "Tell me what has had you so busy since you got here?"
Laughing, Abigail confessed. "Looking back now, I can't even tell you everything, but in part I have been dealing with an estate issue that came up with my mother. Bill has been helping me with that. Plus, I've helped a lot at the Café since the Hotel and restaurant haven't opened yet. It was Providential that I arrived when I did! I've been trying to connect with old friends, plus Cody is preparing to enter college and I have been helping with paperwork and… Elizabeth there is just too much to report!"
Abigail took the napkins and silverware and followed Elizabeth to the dining table. "What I want to know is how you are, my friend. You stopped writing for a while and I was worried. Bill has filled me in, as have various other people in town... You know Hope Valley! But they don't seem to know a lot except for surface facts, like seeing you in town, or at church… I want more than that from you, dear girl!"
Seated with tea and cookies, Elizabeth shared about her life since she had stopped writing, which she realized coincided with beginning to date Lucas.
It was a difficult conversation because Abigail would not let Elizabeth skim over important details. Watching Elizabeth closely, Abigail saw the depth of feeling Elizabeth showed when she spoke of Nathan and his niece, now daughter. She also wanted the truth about what had happened with Lucas. Abigail felt that if she had been here she could have spared Elizabeth that painful episode in her life, but was grateful the breakdown seems to have helped her friend awaken to truth.
Elizabeth bared her soul to Abigail, knowing she would forgive and try to understand, but when Elizabeth had brought her up-to-date and would be ready to share about Nathan and their couple of letters, she hesitated. In that moment, Elizabeth realized that she needed to keep her current relationship and hopes to herself. She also added another item to her continuing list of things to ask Nathan's forgiveness for, as she recalled how she had shared too much about Nathan with Lucas in the past. If she hoped for a future with Nathan, she needed to keep some things confidential, even though she had been an open book with Joseph and Dr. Ben. Things needed to change now.
In the context of her confessions to Abigail, Elizabeth asked forgiveness from her friend and by the time Jack made his way downstairs and into Aunt Abigail's open arms, it was as if the friends had never been apart, either physically or by silence.
Nathan and Allie enjoyed a quick supper of an omelet with chopped vegetables and cubed ham. While Nathan had prepared the omelet, Allie had made biscuits so everything was ready at once. As they enjoyed their meal, Nathan commented about how he could eat an entire pan of biscuits when they were fresh from the oven, dripping with melting butter!
"Daaad! You would definitely have a stomach ache after that! Plus, you need to save room to breathe tonight at choir practice, remember?"
Nathan sighed. "Yeah, I guess you are right… When did you become so practical, Allie-girl?" He scrunched his nose at the restrictive advice. "I would rather just eat as much as I want!"
Laughing, Allie offered a suggestion. "How about you have another one with some honey or jam on it and call it dessert? Would that make you happy?"
Nathan chuckled. "And now you are the negotiating parent! Okay… I say both. You know, one of each…" He watched for Allie's raised eyebrow and was rewarded with that and a half-smile.
"You are the one who has to sing the solo, Dad, not me!"
"I'll compromise. One biscuit. One half with honey and the other half with jam. Is that okay?" Nathan teased. "You want to join me?"
"Sure." Allie grinned. "I guess I have room for one more!" She lowered her voice to a whisper, adding, "Just don't tell my Dad!"
Nathan threw his head back, laughing as he stood to retrieve the jars from the shelf. "It will be our little secret." As he set the jars on the table, he tweaked Allie's nose and made her giggle.
"So what are you bringing to read while I'm practicing tonight?"
"I will read ahead on my literature assignment, I think. I want to pay attention to the music too, so if I don't get far, it will be okay."
"All your other homework is completed" Nathan slathered jam on his biscuit and chuckled low. "I probably don't even need to ask that, do I?"
"No, Dad, you don't. But yes, I am all ready for tomorrow and even somewhat ready for next Monday. I'm getting used to being ahead with all the visitors and events lately. I don't want to miss out on anything!"
Nathan laughed. "You never did want to miss out, Allie! I can remember you opening your bedroom door so you could listen to conversations in the living room. I had to be very cautious about what I said, especially if discussing Mountie business!"
"I did have an education that most children don't get!" Allie laughed. "I think I'm turning out alright though, don't you?"
"I think you are turning out amazing, Allie-girl. I think a lot of others think that as well." Nathan stood to collect the dishes. "Now let's get these cleaned up so we can be on our way to church, eh?"
When Nathan and Allie walked in to the sanctuary, Rachel motioned for them to follow her to a front row. A choir robe was draped over the pew and she held it up for Nathan to try on. "We found a longer robe for you, Nathan. Please try it on and see how it fits? It will be very full, as they all are, I just didn't want you to look as though you were wearing a child's robe or one you have grown out of!" Rachel laughed as she watched Nathan button the front. "Allie? You can tell me what you think as well, please? The length and the length of the sleeves?"
"I guess it's okay." Allie offered. "I would really need to compare it with everyone else's though."
"You know, you are right. Well, Nathan? Let's okay this for this Sunday and remind me to compare you with others when we are all in our robes, alright?"
"Sure. I think it will be fine. But we can double check Sunday." Nathan unbuttoned the robe and carefully laid it back over the pew.
"I'll put it in the choir room closet with a note on the hanger that it is yours, Nathan."
"Thank you so much. Again, my apologies for missing last week. My parents' visit was by necessity a last minute trip."
Rachel laughed. "Of all people, Nathan, for you it was no problem. You hardly need the practice, but I am depending on you leading the way for those who do!" She lowered her voice. "We have some enthusiastic singers that need some direction if you know what I mean!"
Nathan just smiled and found his music folio. As he was turning, Rachel placed her hand on his forearm. "I was actually going to ask you if you could go out for coffee sometime and discuss some ideas I have for the choir? Would that be okay with you?"
Nathan looked down at her hand, then back into her face. "I'm not sure I have much to offer, but I guess we could do that sometime. Sure."
Rachel's cheeks got a bit pink as she removed her hand. "Good. Thank you. Maybe we can talk about it after rehearsal?"
"If it's not too late. I have to get Allie home a good hour tonight." Nathan gave a noncommittal smile figuring now was not the time to talk as there were many eyes watching them. He turned and stepped into place beside Josiah and waited for the practice to begin.
Rachel didn't care. She had a coffee date with Nathan Grant and nothing would dissuade her from enjoying that thought! Tonight though, she had to work hard to concentrate on the music before her.
"Excuse me, Sergeant Grant?" Nathan looked from the chalkboard to the doorway of the classroom where he was instructing as a guest speaker. "A moment please?"
"Please continue reading over last night's assignment, Gentlemen?" Nathan turned from the class and approached the Constable at the door. "Yes?"
"Sir. You have been summoned to the Commissioner's Office. Evidently you have an important visitor. I've been instructed to take over your class immediately unless Sergeant Dunne was present."
"Oh? Commissioner Collins? Well then. Gentleman, please continue the question on which we were working with Sergeant Dunne. I don't know how long I will be, but I can add my contribution to this lesson at a later date. Sergeant Dunne, if you would take over for me, please?" Nathan shrugged his shoulders, then added softly. "Thank you." Nathan grabbed his forage cap off of the hook by the door and exited the classroom, following the young Constable.
Arriving at the secretary's desk, Nathan held his forage cap in his hand and was immediately escorted into Peter Collins's office to see the Commissioner and a well-dressed older gentleman rise to greet him. The man had a familiar look to him, but Nathan knew they had never met. He looked from one to the other with curiosity as Nathan saluted the Commissioner. He waited.
"At ease, Sergeant. Please let me introduce Mr. William T. Thatcher, of Thatcher Shipping and Transport. Mr. Thatcher, Staff Sergeant Major Nathan Grant."
A feather could have toppled Nathan he suddenly felt so unsteady on his feet. His face betrayed his surprise as his thoughts tumbled over each other. 'William Thatcher? Here? Is Elizabeth…'
Nathan blinked away his disbelief, cleared his throat and accepted the hand offered to him. Both men gripped hands firmly, although William recognized fear in the younger man's clear blue eyes. As Nathan spoke, William happily recognized the reason.
"Sir? Pardon my surprise, but is Elizabeth okay? And young Jack? Please tell me nothing has happened to them?"
"They are fine, Sergeant, although something has happened to them. Please don't panic. I would like to talk to you in private as I bring you some news." William looked at the Commissioner. "Please direct us to the room you offered, Peter? Thank you."
"Certainly, Sir." Peter Collins lifted his phone and asked for Constable Richards. "Thank you. Yes, right away please."
Peter hung up the receiver and addressed Nathan. "Sergeant? I am relieving you of duties for the remainder of the day. A substitute has been assigned." He nodded at Nathan.
As the office door opened, he continued. "Gentlemen? Constable Richards will accompany you to the Conference Room and arrange for coffee or tea as you wish. Constable? Please meet Mr. William Thatcher and Sergeant Grant, whom you know."
As Constable Richards and Nathan exchanged salutes, Commissioner Collins extended his hand to William, then to Nathan and spoke a final word. "Enjoy your conversation, Sirs." He hoped that by using the same salutation to both men that Nathan would realize they were both just gentlemen, of equal worth and value. Peter was uncertain as to why William Thatcher was here to speak to Nathan, but he didn't want Nathan to be intimidated by the older and extremely wealthy businessman.
Upon entering the Conference Room, William declined the seat at the head of the long table and instead chose to sit on the side, directly across from Nathan. His choice was deliberate.
Having taken their preferences for an afternoon beverage, Constable Richards excused himself with a promise to return with coffee and some refreshments.
As the latch clicked, William leaned forward, his elbows on the table and fingers steepled. He gave Nathan a small but warm smile, asking, "May I call you Nathan?"
"If you wish, Sir." Nathan replied with Mountie calm and a guarded expression.
"Having spent some weeks in Hope Valley I notice the ease with which the generations there interact, Nathan. Would you please call me William?"
"I'm not certain that is appropriate, Sir." Nathan glanced down then looked into William's eyes as he continued. "You are Elizabeth's father after all."
"Ummm hmmm." William couldn't help but be impressed and smiled. "True. And for that very reason, I should not be Mr. or Sir to you. Please call me William?"
"Okay. I will… William." Nathan almost stumbled over the name, but added a genuine, though small, half-mile of his own.
"I know you are wondering why I am here, so let me tell you immediately. There are a few reasons, but the most important is that I have come to meet the man my daughter, Elizabeth, loves."
At Nathan's widened eyes and sudden movement back against the chair, William continued. "That shouldn't surprise you, Nathan. I understand Elizabeth already declared that she loves you, correct?"
"Sir! That was long ago and there were other statements that followed which negated that one." Nathan frowned, uncertain what this was about.
"So I heard. But recent events have negated those. Her loving you still stands."
Nathan was silent and still. He waited.
"Are you aware of what happened the afternoon you departed Hope Valley? With Elizabeth?"
"I know she had some sort of breakdown and people have been trying to help her heal. My friends only tell me a few things, so there may be more I don't know. Are you here to tell me more?"
A light knock sounded on the door and William spoke loudly enough to be heard. "Please come in." As the Constable set a tray on the table, William dismissed him, saying, "Thank you. I'll take it from here." As the Constable retreated and closed the door, William opened the carafe, poured and offered Nathan a cup of steaming coffee, a napkin and the plate of finger sandwiches.
Accepting the cup, Nathan quietly replied. "Thank you."
Picking up the story, William shared. "I understand that when you told Elizabeth that you were leaving, her reaction was loud and violent. Essentially she snapped… Went into shock. For days she refused to speak or interact with all but a couple people, barely eating or drinking." William watched Nathan's face, noting that Bill Avery had spared him some details.
"By the time my wife and I arrived, Elizabeth had recovered enough to accept sustenance and speak a few words with a few chosen people. I brought a Psychiatrist from Hamilton who has been working with her, along with Pastor Joseph Canfield. She is now able to speak freely, is writing in her journal and her progress has been remarkable, although she is on leave from teaching for the foreseeable future. In the beginning she was hesitant to see Jack but the transformation in their relationship is incredible. She is vastly improved over those first days when she was being watched twenty-four hours a day. We all are grateful to God for the miracle." William sipped his tea and took a deep breath.
"Last week, the Psychiatrist invited me into a session with Bessie's permission." He held Nathan's gaze. "She had previously confessed her love for you to her mother and I. But, Nathan, what she told me in that session was that what she had feared had happened, she had lost the two men she loved. The day you left she realized she had lost Jack AND she had lost you. That realization put her into shock."
With tears in his eyes, Nathan looked at the ceiling, willing himself to control his emotions. "But what about Bouchard. They were courting at the time. Where does he fit in to her life now that he has left Hope Valley?"
"Yes, you see Elizabeth is not with Mr. Bouchard any longer. It is my understanding that he couldn't handle the responsibility for Elizabeth in this condition, or for Jack. Elizabeth broke their courtship while in the Infirmary. Mr. Bouchard stayed until shortly after Grace and I arrived and departed Hope Valley the day following the sale of his share in the oil business. He is not in her life any longer."
Nathan caught his breath as anger rose in his protective heart. 'What kind of man abandons the woman he is supposed to love? The woman who he is preparing to marry?'
William observed the tightening set of Nathan's jaw in addition to how his eyes squinted. Within a few moments, Nathan had control again and softly inquired. "How did Elizabeth react to his departure?"
"She told me she was, she is, relieved. Her explanation is that she ran from you in fear. She threw herself into a relationship with Mr. Bouchard as an escape, a replacement, trying to substitute something else for the love you offered. I'm sorry Nathan. This is not information a man usually discusses with the father of a woman he loves."
Nathan lifted his eyes to William. He had no words. He had left Hope Valley behind and now all of this had followed him here to Regina, just when he was trying to start anew. To heal. To put the rejection and betrayal behind him. To forget and work to move on, for Allie's sake and for his own. This… This was not what he expected or wanted… Was it?
Silence descended on the two men until Nathan whispered. "Tell me how she is right now? Please?"
"She is growing stronger, Nathan. She has asked many people for forgiveness and is repairing the relationships she neglected for the past couple years. Bessie confided in her mother and me and I can't tell you what a joy that is to me. When I first heard about her collapse, I was flooded with regrets. When my daughter departed for the Frontier, I was not supportive. I was worried for her safety and her willfulness to proceed without my blessing. I understand you have a teenage daughter, Nathan, so I am hoping you can understand a measure of my fear for her?"
"When she learned that I had hired…" William gulped to think of admitting it. "By way of a sizable contribution I arranged for Jack Thornton to accompany Elizabeth to Hope Valley and to remain there to protect her… Elizabeth was not happy… not happy at all. In turn, I was not happy when I learned they were falling in love and Jack was accepting assignments outside of Hope Valley. Jack and I eventually came to an understanding and I participated in their wedding, but our relationship was always strained. Elizabeth eventually accepted everything as she was head-over-heals in love with Jack and wasn't going to let anything or anyone stand in her way of happiness with him."
"Now? She has accepted Jack's death. As I understand she wrote a final letter to Jack and took it to the cemetery. Dr. Ben Marshall and the Pastor have been working with her almost daily up until this week and she is a new person." William sipped his tea. "Elizabeth told me of your involvement in Fort Clay and of your reasoning for moving to Hope Valley. She explained she was annoyed with your assumption of that protective role, but now wonders if she completely missed the nobility of that action on your part." William set the coffee cup on the table and clasped his hands before him. "I believe she is reevaluating everything right now and trying to see it from the perspective of others beyond herself."
"Nathan? She admitted to her mother and me verbally that she mistreated you and your daughter and she's not sure how to make up for that or repair the damage, but she is hopeful."
Nathan leaned forward, elbows on his knees and head in his hands. He ran his fingers through his hair before clasping his hands low, in front of his knees. "Is that all?" Nathan paused. "This is why you have come? To tell me all this?"
"In part, yes, but I also came to meet you and see for myself the truth of what I have heard about you. So far, it all lines up and I am relieved and impressed. Before I depart I would like to meet your daughter and take back to Elizabeth a report on how she is fairing here in Regina, away from Hope Valley." William offered. "I know this has come out of the blue to you, Nathan, and you may need time to adjust to these revelations. I understand that, so I will remain in Regina for a few days and hope that, before I depart, I can take you and your daughter to dinner?"
"I have to think about that, Sir… Sorry, William. My first priority is to protect Allie, from past and future hurts."
"I agree, Nathan, and I admire that protectiveness as I recognize it in myself. Unfortunately for me, I didn't continue the close father-daughter relationship that allowed for that protective side to be respected or appreciated. That is entirely my fault. I let business dealings come before my relationships with my family. It is my understanding that your daughter is fully aware of the high regard you hold for her and the depth of your love and care. That is admirable, Nathan."
Nathan looked up and held William's gaze for some moments, trying to assess his sincerity. He found William was speaking honestly, so quietly answered. "Thank you."
"There is something else. I have been given the task of delivering two letters. One to you and the other for you to give to your daughter when you feel the time is right." William extracted two envelopes from the inner pocket of his suitcoat and set them on the table, pushing them towards Nathan.
Nathan stared at them for a few moments, pondering. 'Am I ready to read more of Elizabeth's words to me? To read her explanations or questions or…?' He looked from the envelopes to William as he reached for them. "I will take them, but make no promises as to when I will read them." He handled the envelopes, turning them over in his hands when he suddenly stopped. Surprised, he looked up at William again. "They are not sealed." He stated.
"Elizabeth chose not to seal them as she had nothing to hide from me. She wanted me to read them. I confess I chose not to. These are from her to you and I need not get in the middle between you. I know enough to trust my daughter now and I have seen enough today to trust you with her heart, Nathan. I know you will treat it gently, even as you did for the past three or more years." William smiled his encouragement, praying silently that Nathan would accept his words before he continued. "In the same way as she invited me to read her letters, she is inviting you to read what she has written to your daughter. She told me that she expects and hopes you will do that."
William swigged the last of his now cold coffee and set the cup and saucer on the tray. "Elizabeth expects no immediate response, although she is hoping I will return with something in hand. From you that is, not from your daughter. I will be glad to be the courier of that response if you are prepared to write something, Nathan."
Nathan remained silent, overwhelmed actually, with a hefty dose of uncertainty regarding the paper in his hands. He toyed with the envelopes nervously, as he felt anxiety rise within.
William glanced at his wristwatch. "There is something else, Nathan. I want to share with you what your books have meant to me. Specifically a couple of your poems. I greatly admire your work and God has used your words in my life. I also have a few questions regarding the meaning of a couple of the poems and, I confess, I am also hoping for you to sign the volumes before I depart."
Again, Nathan was stunned. 'William Thatcher has read and appreciated my books? How…?'
"I have taken a good part of your afternoon, Nathan, and I don't want to encroach on your time with your daughter now. Tomorrow is Saturday, so do you want to meet then or shall I give you until Sunday afternoon before requesting dinner together?"
"I am uncertain about tomorrow and will need to talk to Allie. Where are you staying?"
"We have rooms at the Gentleman's Club downtown."
"We? Is your wife with you on this trip?"
William laughed. "No, my assistant and I traveled together as I have a Thatcher Shipping meeting on Monday morning. Grace is with Elizabeth and Jack in Hope Valley. Could we set a time for the Sunday evening meal?"
Nathan looked up suddenly. "I am sorry, but that is not possible, William. Allie is a part of a youth group that is becoming very special to her and they meet on Sunday evenings. If we cannot meet tomorrow, maybe we could adjust our plans for mid-day dinner after church? We could meet you at your lodging or at the restaurant of your choosing?" With William's revelation about his poetry Nathan had made a quick decision to meet with him.
"That would be wonderful. What church do you attend?"
"Knox Presbyterian on most Sundays. They are a fine group of people and we have made some dear friends."
"Excellent. Maybe I will see you there? Let me talk to a couple people to determine where it would be best to dine and I will send word to you. I understand that your home is on the property of Commissioner Collins?"
"Yes. It is."
"Okay. I will have my assistant leave a message for you there." William pushed his chair away from the table and rose as Nathan did the same. He came around the table and extended his hand to Nathan, who took it but was surprised that William Thatcher placed his other hand over top of them both.
Letting go William coughed and, suddenly hoarse, spoke a quiet, "Good day, Nathan. Until tomorrow or Sunday."
"Yes, Sir. Let me give you my telephone number at the Cottage? I will get a message to you at the Club if tomorrow is better for a meal with Allie. Until then." Though hesitant Nathan smiled. He retrieved a paper from the sideboard in the conference room, wrote his number and handed it to William. Allowing William to depart from the room, Nathan then sat heavily in his chair, staring at the envelopes in his hands.
