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Chapter Sixty-six
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An Afternoon With William
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As Nathan pulled into the drive, Allie pointed over William's shoulder. "That's where Grampa Pete and Gramma Carol live and that…" She pointed to the white, board-and-batten Cottage with green shutters and a Gothic window at the roof's peak. "That's us!"
"What a charming home and property!" William glanced at Nathan, but asked Allie. "Will you give me a tour?"
"Of course! That's always my job."
Inside the Cottage, William was indeed charmed. He tried to take mental notes of everything, knowing Elizabeth would want a full report when he returned. William took special note of all the oil paintings, appreciative of the sentiment attached and of the artist's talent and family connection. He also noted the comfortable furniture and how many books were stored in each room! 'The Grants like to read!' he admitted to himself. Beside a long white feather and a tiny bottle of perfume was a beautiful jewelry box on Allie's bureau near the doorway.
"Isn't that lovely, Allie!" He commented, never expecting the young woman's response.
"Dad made that for me for my birthday a couple of weeks ago. Isn't it beautiful? Dad is an excellent woodworker!"
William glanced at Nathan who was leaning with his arms crossed in the doorway. "Another insight into Nathan Grant! She's right, Nathan. It is beautiful and I didn't know woodcarving was one of your many talents!"
Nathan chuckled. "Well, there is nothing like a daughter to make sure everyone knows everything, eventually! Allie-girl, did you show Mr. Thatcher your drawings? Maybe you could bring your sketchbook into the front room while I fix our meal?"
It was Nathan's chance to be surprised when William offered to help!
Nathan replied. "Ahhh, thank you, Sir, but the kitchen is rather small. If you and Allie want to sit at the table, I don't mind."
And so it was that the very wealthy owner of one of Canada's most lucrative businesses enjoyed a simple, though delicious, Sunday brunch of apple pancakes with maple syrup, cranberry, apple, raisin and cinnamon compote, eggs and sausage with the Grants. Allie had set the table with her mother's linen tablecloth, good china and silverware and placed the ironstone pitcher of bittersweet as a centerpiece. She also added a basket of scones, butter and preserves on the table and sprinkled chopped walnuts as a garnish on the pancakes which impressed William!
The meal and setting were simple, artistic and delicious! The Grants were welcoming hosts and William knew he would have to remember everything to tell Elizabeth! Enjoying every moment, William asked many questions as he pieced together a portrait of this remarkable man and his daughter.
"Dad? After the dishes may I go write to Mrs. Thornton? I want her to know everything that's happened!"
"Allie-girl, you may." Nathan hesitating, glanced at William, then back at Allie. "Will you respond to her letter as well?"
"I've been thinking about that, Dad. I think I will." Allie waved and turned towards her bedroom, shutting the door behind herself.
Having not forgotten the unanswered question from the previous day, when Nathan and William settled in front of the fire, Nathan asked again. "William? Please explain why you have placed orders of protection on Allie and me?"
"Oh that." William looked up sheepishly. "I had hoped you had forgotten."
"I may forget some things, but others are much too important to forget. So?" Nathan's voice was kind, but curious.
"I uhhh… This is embarrassing as I don't usually take much stock in match-making. But, Nathan, Elizabeth has mentioned you so often in the past couple years, I have had a gut feeling that you've had her heart for a long time. I admit my trust in my instincts was shaken when she wrote that she was courting Bouchard. Nothing seemed right about that." William sighed. "So I had him and you, Nathan, investigated privately. I have enough connections to do that without throwing any suspicion on either of you. You, Son, passed with flying colors. Bouchard did not."
Nathan raised one eyebrow but remained quiet. He wanted the answer to his question before he asked another.
"Because of Elizabeth's interest and what I learned about Bouchard, I wanted my daughter and grandson protected. However, I also realized the man had no respect for the law and sensed he might go after you or your daughter. So, in the interest of a possible future for you and Elizabeth, I placed the orders for all four of you. I did intend to tell you, Nathan. I just didn't get to it before he showed up."
"I see. Well, I can't say I've ever had an order placed to protect me, nor been investigated to be honest, except for a background investigation before I completed Mountie training. I guess I understand your concern, though I still don't know about your reasoning, especially given my lack of relationship with Elizabeth at the moment. Nevertheless, thank you for your concern."
A William nodded, he added. "Thank you for understanding."
"Now, another question has arisen. What did you discover about Lucas Bouchard?" Nathan was curious if there was more that he and Bill had not uncovered.
William shook his head in disgust. "The man is dishonest and greedy, out for a quick fortune, but not willing to work for it. He thrives on risks and has manipulated some women to gain access to their funds, all with charm and unbeknownst to the women themselves. He presents as one of Society's favored bachelors but Society doesn't know he exists. Well, they do now, but his reputation is tarnished in Montreal and a few other larger cities in Canada. I understand he speaks fluent French. Bouchard is a swindler, a gambler, Nathan, and a cheater. Owning a saloon allows him a lot of free time, opportunities and control. That's what he has done with his money after he has acquired it by courting the unsuspecting, particularly in the United States. He purchases a gambling establishment to hide his income and intentions. His partner is a woman named Janette and once she scouts a potential target, he moves in to win them. He was always one step ahead of law enforcement and although all these infractions have been noted, he has avoided getting caught." William held Nathan's gaze. "Have you not known all this?"
"The Judge and I have had suspicions but no, we have not known everything. A request for information in the United States is slow to come to a tiny frontier town in western Canada as everything else is a priority! Although Lucas has disappeared for long stretches many times, he never returned with anyone or anything suspicious after his first few weeks in Town so we've just kept an eye on him." Nathan looked out the window, thinking before asking another question. "Any idea why he is in Regina or stalking me?"
"My guess is Elizabeth's rejection and reaction to your departure? He may be jealous as well as greedy and a liar and out for revenge? Don't all those sins go together?"
Nodding, Nathan made his request. "Could you forward your investigator's findings to me, or directly to the Regina RCMP office? I can notify them that the information is coming."
"I can do one better. In the papers that my assistant and I brought with us, we have that information sealed. I didn't want to leave it in Hamilton or Hope Valley so brought it with us for safekeeping. Shall I have David drop it off for you tomorrow?"
"Yes. Can you have him hand it, in person, to Commissioner Collins? I can retrieve it from him, and might even go over it with him."
"I can do that and ask David to call you once it is delivered."
"Thank you, William. Oh, and when you return to Hope Valley please share all this with Judge Bill Avery? If you can obtain another copy all the better. Bill needs to know."
William decided to share his observations on another subject. "You and Allie seem to miss Hope Valley very much, Nathan. Are you considering returning for a visit? Maybe for a vacation?"
"Part of me would like to visit, yes. Allie and I have very dear friends there. Plus, living here on the plains has us longing for the forests, hills and distant mountain vistas. It might still be difficult though..." Nathan's voice trailed off. "We would have to encroach on someone's hospitality because I would not allow Allie to stay above a Saloon even though I understand the name has changed! That would probably limit a visit. Unless I decided to build a small vacation cabin for the two of us… you know similar to the hunting cabins sprinkled around the territory." He suddenly realized he was talking to William Thatcher. "Excuse me. You are probably not familiar with those! They are small, but it might be fun…"
William was taking mental notes and intended to use this information when he returned to talk to his daughter in Hope Valley. "
"Dad?" Allie's plaintive voice sounded from down the hallway. "Dad?"
"Excuse me, William? Feel free to peruse the bookcase while I tend to Allie?" Nathan disappeared and William heard a door close softly.
William stood to examine the titles. Finding a book by R.W. Emerson, William remembered that he was one of Elizabeth's favorite authors. He also noticed a book by George MacDonald that had multiple slips of paper sticking up and reached for that, putting Emerson back on the shelf. Maybe he could learn even more about Nathan by reading a book that obviously meant something to him.
Back in Allie's bedroom, Nathan took a seat on her bed. "What is it, Honey?"
"I want to tell Mrs. Thornton everything that's happened, but can I say anything about Uncle Zach or Grandmom's and Grandpa's visit?"
"Umm… why don't you concentrate on your friends and St. Anne's and youth group and the Collins's? I think it is best to not mention Uncle Zach yet, okay? You can mention your grandparents visit, just not why they came, please?"
"Okay. I'll do that. I guess it will be a pretty long letter anyway! It's just Uncle Zach is one of the most important things that has happened!" Allie smiled. "But I won't say anything, I promise."
"Thank you, Allie-girl."
"Is everything okay, Nathan?" William searched his face as he closed the book when Nathan returned.
"Yes. Allie is just trying to figure out what to tell Elizabeth. We have had very full lives since moving here." Nathan chuckled as he sat in the armchair across from William. Nodding to the book he had just set on the table, Nathan inquired. "Are you familiar with George MacDonald?"
"Can't say that I am, although if you recommend him, maybe I better become acquainted." William adjusted in his seat. "Nathan, I want to tell you something about your books."
Nathan and William enjoyed conversing throughout the afternoon after William shared how profoundly his life was changed by the two poems his secretary had introduced to him. William then explained how he had confessed his regrets to Elizabeth and how their relationship was growing sweeter every day. Retrieving Nathan's books from his briefcase, William opened to a bookmarked page.
"Nathan, this poem, 'Hope.' Let me read it?"
Closing his eyes, Nathan listened. He had never heard his words spoken aloud, read back to him.
"'Hope
'The earth shakes with thunderous heart beats,
rattling and roaring, spewing forth fire, heat and molten rock.
Liquefied land pours down the slope as smoke and ash and darkness rises
to shadow the sun then falls to choke the earth,
ruining, burning, smothering, destroying life.
The sun is seen no more—but the sun is...
The land is seen no more—but the land is...
Life is seen no more—but life is...
behind, underneath, within...
The Life-giver gives again and the sun shines.
The land softens and the surface breaks
as a tiny, green shoot—life—pushes its way up, reaching for light and beauty!
One green leaf—HOPE.'" (EMH)
"All your poems have layers of depth, but what inspired this one? I know you wrote and published this volume before you came to Hope Valley, so it wasn't the town. Can you tell me?"
Nathan smiled as he opened his eyes. "You will not be impressed by that one. I had attended a lecture by an author whose name I cannot even remember! But he had spoken about how one word might be all we needed to be inspired, to see God at work in the world. He challenged everyone attending to choose one of the words he wrote on a chalkboard and go home and write about it. I chose 'Hope' and that poem was the result."
"Wow… How long did it take to compose that piece?"
"I don't know, maybe an hour?"
"An hour? And there is so much to it? So many lessons! It gives the reader hope that no matter how bleak the situation, God is at work below the surface and will bring new life, new hope, new joy again."
Nathan chuckled. "Well that interpretation itself is God at work! I wrote it as a literal description until there was a secondary, undercover so to speak, meaning in the final section!"
"That's what is amazing to me. There is a literal level, but also a life lesson or an encouragement or meaning below the surface." William flipped to another bookmarked page and began to read.
"'Concentric Rings
Every year another ring encircles the past
establishing maturity, expanding breadth and height,
intensifying depth and beauty of pattern, testifying to temperament and tenacity.
Surrounding circles, ever-widening, spreading and growing ever stronger
to resist the pain of a choking vine or a twig snapped on a windy night,
steadfast to meet the broken branches thrown with hurricane force
and perhaps survive a lightning strike.
Sculpted by dents and scars, but standing firm as another year, like an all-encompassing hug,
closes around the joys and sorrows written in the history of the seasons
and marks the end—the beginning of another year
of life.'" (EMH)
"How did that poem come about?" William inquired.
"There is a story to that one. On the ranch the manager and I felled a tree and, pushing it beside the fence we planned to retrieve it the following day. Colleen had heard the sounds and the thud as the tree fell and came to investigate. She, of course, was in tears. You see Colleen loved trees. She was aware that they were needed for warmth and furniture and even to build shelter, but it pained her to see the tree brought down. We had used a two-man saw, so the cut was clean and flat and Colleen withdrew her sketchbook and pencils and sat down then and there to record the tree's rings. The manager and I moved on to another tree, leaving her to her artwork but, while sawing the next tree we had marked, I had an idea. After Colleen had left, we came back to that tree and sawed a slice off the bottom of the trunk."
"I brought it home, trimmed off the rough bark, rounded and finished the edge, sanded and polished the round slice. I built a tall stand for it, to make it either a plant stand or an old-fashioned candle stand and gave it to Colleen for Christmas that year. It turned out well and she was thrilled. It was while I was laboriously sanding that slice to a honed shine that I composed that poem. I gave it to Colleen along with the table as an encouragement."
"What a beautiful and touching story, Nathan. You and your sister must have been very close."
"We were very close. Our home was a distance from town, plus we shouldered a lot of responsibility even though young. In addition, our family circumstances forced us to face life together. I miss her still and she's been gone many years now."
Although William had learned a lot about Nathan's family background when he'd had him investigated over a year ago, he still wanted to see what Nathan would share. "What were the family circumstances, Nathan? Your book dedication alludes to financial struggles?"
Nathan looked intently at William as he decided what to share. Finally, he determined it would be best to be forthright since Elizabeth may have already shared what she knew. Plus, William had confessed his struggles when he shared how he first encountered Nathan's books.
Nathan leaned forward, elbows on his knees and hands loosely clasped. He spoke quietly. "I don't know how much you know, William, but my father struggled with gambling which led to theft which led to prison. He was imprisoned on and off for much of my youth and my mother, sister and I had to fend for ourselves. No," Nathan shook his head. "That's not the right way to say that. God provided for us, although not supported by my father, but we had to work hard as well."
"Dad had a powerful encounter with God during his last incarceration and he has become a new man. A changed, humbled, repentant, spiritual man. He is now the Godly father I missed having growing up. Anyway, those circumstances forced Colleen and me together when, for one thing, we had to face the taunting of schoolmates when they talked and teased about Dad's arrests. That poem's deeper meaning alludes to the storms of life we weathered."
An observer would have thought Nathan would be teary-eyed to share all this painful history, but he wasn't. William was the one whose eyes glistened and that didn't happen very often.
The men were quiet until William broke the silence. "Thank you for trusting me with your family history, Nathan. That means a lot. Plus, I feel I know you better and can see how God has worked his character in you, making you into the man you have become. Your life story is precious, Nathan." William gazed at Nathan until the younger man returned his gaze. "Does Elizabeth know all this?"
Nathan broke his gaze. "Not all of it." Nathan looked pained, but wanted to be honest. "I am sorry to say this, but Elizabeth did meet my father and even encouraged me to give him a second chance, but she doesn't know more than the bare facts about Colleen and my childhood, or even what Colleen was like. She never seemed interested. I'm sure she had other things on her mind though…"
"You needn't make excuses for her, Nathan. She has confessed to her mother and me her regrets about how she behaved towards you, and both actions and withholding actions are part of that. I am sorry you have been hurt by her, Son, but I am praying God will heal your relationship." William cleared his throat. "Now, although I could spend a week asking you about and discussing every poem in your book, could I ask about one more today?"
When Nathan nodded his head, William opened the page to read.
"'Autumn Blaze
Teasing, twirling, spinning, swirling, floating, falling leaves
—like living flames of fire—
dance across my path.
At the bend in the road, I step into a palette of blazing colors
so brilliant, so intense they paint the familiar
like a foreign land.
Wide-eyed and dazzled, I gasp and smile.
Unable to contain the beauty, my heart pounds, expanding
as if to burst, pressing against the confines of my chest.
My eyes smile with tears. I want to touch, grasp, hold,
capture and keep the moment.
Reverently absorbing the vibrant atmosphere,
I worship the Lord as I search for words
to bring me back to this time, this place, this burst of glory, this fleeting joy,
this "glimpse of eternity," this presence in the holy of holies.
Touched, I feel, yet cannot hold.
Burning with longing, I reach for fire to find it gone, leaving
only a wisp of smoky fragrance. . .
Yet I remember and am ruined.'" (EMH)
"This is beautiful and I can see, hear, feel it all. Your choice of words is perfect, painterly even. But I have a question." William held Nathan's gaze. "What do you mean? 'I remember and I am ruined?' I have tried to, but I don't understand."
Nathan smiled, knowing that phrase was probably confusing for many, yet he knew if someone had understood it, it was because they had also experienced God in that manner. Clearing his throat, Nathan began to explain. "Have you ever been in a worship service where you felt you had touched the heart of God? Met Him there? Felt His presence beyond any doubt?" Pausing Nathan added, "It might be in at the sound of a melodic descant or the reverberations of the lowest notes of a pipe organ that you can feel in your feet planted on the stone floor, or even in a hushed silence. God was present."
Seeing William wasn't responding, he continued. "I have experienced that. Not often, but a few times. I felt as though I had entered into the Holy of Holies where God dwelt. It has been my experience with music, although it has happened in a stone edifice and in a simple country church, as well as out in the middle of a field while on my rounds. It happened one time as I rode through a wooded area as golden autumn leaves fell, just as I described in that poem." Nathan looked intently at William. "The thing is, once you have been in the Lord's presence in that way, you are ruined 'for anything less.' I didn't add those words, but they were in my heart when I wrote the poem. Everything pales in comparison to an encounter like that." He looked at William, noticing his eyes glistening. "Dare I ask if you understand? Even a little?
"I have never experienced that, Nathan, but the longing is there. I can imagine how I would feel…and maybe pray I can meet God like that someday?"
"I guess you can pray for that, but it is not the experience or the feeling you seek or long for… It's the Lord Himself. His presence…"
Each engaged in their own thoughts, the two men remained quiet for some moments. Noticing that the fire needed another log, Nathan rose, smiling as he added a log and stirred the embers into a blaze. No one had ever asked him this before and Nathan knew he might not be able to explain this to just anyone, but he felt a connection to William Thatcher that he couldn't explain.
William watched Nathan work, then stared at the growing flames, commenting quietly. "Thank you for sharing, Son."
It was as William called him 'Son' that Nathan understood that connection though he didn't put it into words at that moment. William had.
"Nathan, I recognize this is premature, but I want you to know that you are the man I want for my Bessie. When you two decide that your love is ready for the next step, you already have my blessing. I will be honored to have you as my son. I just want you to know that." William broke his gaze from the flames and looked at Nathan's surprised expression. "I mean every word. If I could have chosen a son it would be you."
"I'm afraid I don't know what to say." Nathan's voice was barely audible.
"You don't have to say anything. Just correspond with Elizabeth and keep praying." William remembered he had wanted to ask about this very thing. "Will I be bringing a couple letters to Hope Valley, Nathan?"
"I hope so. I began to gather some thoughts these last two days, so tonight I will try to compose a letter." Nathan responded. "It is not easy to revisit things for which Elizabeth is apologizing now. Having forgiven her, it would be easier to not address them, but I recognize she needs to confess these things in order to move beyond them."
"I am sorry, Nathan."
Nathan nodded then, glancing at the mantle clock, Nathan questioned. "Would you like to join Allie and me for a quick, and simple, supper before I take her to Youth Group? I was planning melted cheese sandwiches with tomato soup. Sorry, it is canned, not made from scratch!" Nathan chuckled. "Probably not what you are used to!"
William laughed. "Oh you'd be surprised! I have had canned tomato soup a couple of times since arriving in Hope Valley! And, yes, I would love to join you." William rose and followed Nathan into the kitchen. "Shall I open the can and prepare the soup? I think my culinary skills extend that far at least!"
Allie heard the noise of pans in the kitchen and came down the hallway. "Oh good! I was hoping we'd eat soon!" Allie giggled. "I'm not necessarily hungry, just don't want to be late. Did you have a good conversation?"
William glanced at Nathan, then responded, "We sure did, Miss Allie. Your father has given me a lot to think about!"
"Oh? What did you discuss… or is it private?" Allie questioned as she washed her hands and began to collect the dishes. Placing the bowls and plates beside the stovetop, she got out the silverware and napkins, waiting at the doorway for the answer to her question.
"We were discussing your father's wonderful poetry for one thing." William asked as he stirred the soup while Nathan prepared a pot of tea. "How did you fare on your letter-writing?"
"I think I finished, but I want to show Dad before I give it to you. Will we see you tomorrow?"
William looked at Nathan with a questioning glance before answering. "I have meetings in the morning, but I could meet you for lunch or both of you for dinner, Nathan, if you can spare the time? I owe you an uninterrupted dinner!"
Nathan looked at Allie who nodded and spoke up. "I know I would like that, Mr. Thatcher, but we wouldn't have to go to a fancy place again. A regular restaurant would do." Allie nodded hopefully to her father. "Dad?"
"That's very generous, William. I think I would suggest dinner so that I can work on my response to Elizabeth during my lunchtime if I don't finish tonight. Do you want me to ask around for suggestions? I had coffee at Victoria's Café on Saturday morning, but I don't know their hours. I can find out though."
"Let me investigate, Nathan, but dinner will be great. Thank you."
"Thank you, William! Let me know where to meet you? I'll have to come home to pick-up Allie so any time after half-past five will work." Turning to Allie, he reminded her. "The table, Honey? We are ready to serve."
(EMH) "Hope," Concentric Rings" and "Autumn Blaze" Original poetry by E.M. Hunter, Self-published in "Illuminations," Copyright 2014, Out-of-print
