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Chapter Eighty-four
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Visiting Depot
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Having walked Elizabeth up the path to the main house, Nathan settled on the sofa and withdrew her newest letter from his pocket. Before opening it, he stared at the glowing embers and reflected on the evening. He felt comfortable and content with dinner and their conversation, in spite of the emotionally challenging subject matter for a while. Every step was one they didn't have to take again, so he was grateful God had led them through this first evening together.
Nathan whispered under his breath. "Thank you, Lord, for guiding us and protecting us. Thank you that we connected on a deep level and at least began our honest conversations about hard things. Bless Elizabeth tonight and may she sleep well. Allie and me too! Now, help me read this next letter with an open mind and an open heart. I trust you are in all of this, Lord."
A numeral two was printed on the back flap, which he opened, lifting out Elizabeth's second letter.
'Dear Nathan,
Today I am writing about what I have wanted and some I still want. Does that seem odd to you? I think I need to be honest about this so that I can then actually turn things over to God.
In the past I have wanted security and consistency. I wanted to know people would be there for me and not leave me. It is ironic that in admitting this I realize I denied those desires to be with Lucas! He was not there for me, especially when he was inconvenienced, and he left often, without saying goodbye. Yet, you always were dependable, a person and place of safety and you always informed me when you left. How could I not have recognized that contrast? I do now!
I wanted to have Jack, impossible I know, to help raise my son. Yet, again there is the contrast. I wanted Jack to have and know a father, yet Lucas wasn't that at all and you have always been a father-figure to my son. More than a figure really. You have been a manly example and established a loving relationship with him.
I have wanted a relationship with Allie, yet I sacrificed that due to my own choice. Still, I want for her to be loved and cared for and to have a woman in her life, maybe to fill the void she has been missing since her mother passed? Maybe she wasn't always aware of her loss, but I recall hearing the longing in her voice and we know the times she attempted to arrange for me to fill that role! Now? It is a dream of my heart to do that for her. To be that mother to her. I don't say this lightly, but God's will be done.
As much as I have wanted you to be my friend and to love me, I now admit that I want you to be happy, Nathan. At some point over these past weeks, my focus changed.
I want you to be fulfilled, to know love reciprocated, to have joy and peace and the longings of your heart met. I confess I now am daring to hope and pray that I may be a part of fulfilling that for you? I want you to believe me. To trust me. To be willing to walk forward into a future with me. Forgive my boldness, but you need to know that is my heart's desire for you… and for me. So, I am praying to that end.
You are always in my prayers and on my heart, Nathan.
Elizabeth'
Taking a deep breath, Nathan stared at the embers again, continuing Elizabeth's prayer. "Yes, Lord, I also ask that we would walk into a future together? Help me learn to trust her, to believe her and to see evidence of her faithfulness. Protect all of our hearts, Elizabeth's, Allie's, Jack's and my own…"
Awakening early, Nathan began his day, preparing vegetables and shredding chicken as he hummed, then softly sang a favorite morning hymn.
"We gather together to ask the Lord's blessing'
He chastens and hastens his will to make known'
The wicked oppressing now cease from distressing'
Sing praises to his name; he forgets not his own.
Beside us to guide us, our God with us joining,
whose kingdom call all to the love which endures.
So from the beginning the fight we were winning';
You, Lord, were at our side' all glory be yours!" (*29)
Having prepared the white sauce, made the pie crust and placed the completed pot pie in the icebox, Nathan padded down the hallway since he had not heard Allie stir. Knocking on the door, he called softly, "Allie? Good morning. It's time to get up."
"I'm up, Dad!" Allie's door opened abruptly, startling Nathan. Allie was already dressed and it appeared she had been reading at her desk.
"When did you get up and use the bathroom? I didn't even hear you!"
"That's because you were singing and concentrating, Dad! I didn't want to disturb you, plus you sounded like you were happy." Allie gave her father a hug, then leaned back and scrutinized his face. "Are you happy, Dad?"
Tweaking his daughter's nose, Nathan grinned and responded. "I really am, Honey. I really am."
Nathan was ready to knock on the Collins's back door when Elizabeth opened it. She was already in her overcoat, scarf and gloves. "I'll see you later, Mother, Carol." She called back into the house, then stepped out and closed the door behind her. "Good morning, Nathan." Elizabeth threaded her arm in Nathan's as they walked to the automobile.
"Good morning, Lisbeth. Are you ready for your tour of all things Mountie?"
Laughing, Elizabeth agreed wholeheartedly. "I am ready to see it all!" She patted the tote she held over her shoulder. "I even brought a hat, just in case we are outside for long!"
As she got into the passenger seat, Elizabeth responded to Allie's greeting. "Good morning, Allie! How are you today?"
"I am happy. How are you?"
"Happy? Well, that's good to know. I believe I can truthfully say I am happy too. Very happy!"
As Nathan escorted Elizabeth from the parking lot into the Office Block, he pointed out the Headquarters Building, the stables, the red-roofed Chapel and Parade Square. "The exercises will begin in an hour or so, but if you are too cold, you can observe from my office window. We'll know when they begin when we hear the pipes and drums." He opened the door, holding it for her to enter the office building.
Walking towards them, the Chief Superintendent gestured to Nathan. Stopping to salute, Tim spoke first. "Good morning Ma'am, Nathan. How are you today?"
"Very well, Tim. Let me introduce you to Mrs. Elizabeth Thornton, Jack Thornton's widow? Elizabeth, Chief Superintendent Timothy Stewart, my commanding officer."
"Well! Mrs. Thornton. It is an honor to meet you. I am sorry for your loss, but do hope you are finding renewed happiness these days?" Tim looked from Elizabeth to a blushing Nathan.
Elizabeth followed his gaze to Nathan as she responded. "Oh, I am, Sir. It is a pleasure to meet you." She shook Tim's extended hand.
"Are you showing Mrs. Thornton around Depot today, Nathan? If you wish, you are welcome to join me at lunch in the Officers' Mess. On the house to honor you, Mrs. Thornton. Would you care to join me at twelve noon?"
"Oh? Is that okay, Nathan? Shall we?" Elizabeth turned to question Nathan.
"Of course, Elizabeth. You deserve the royal treatment." Nathan grinned, and extended his hand. "Thank you, Tim. We will look forward to meeting you then."
"I will look forward to our luncheon as well. I will reserve a table, so just tell them you are dining with me should you arrive before I get there?"
"Of course. Thank you, Tim."
"Yes, thank you, Sir." Added Elizabeth.
Nathan directed Elizabeth towards his office, stopping to introduce Elizabeth to Drill Sergeant Maxon and Sergeant Josiah Blake on the way. "We will go find Jon Samuels later, but I want you to meet my officemate before he leaves for his morning meeting." Nodding at the door, Nathan explained. "This is my office."
"Oh! So official!" Elizabeth gently ran her fingers over the engraved brass sign. "Staff Sergeant Major Nathan T. Grant."
"Good morning, Wes! We have a visitor this morning." As Wes and Nathan saluted, Elizabeth looked from one to the other. "Elizabeth, let me introduce, Sergeant and Dr. Wesley Murphy. Wes? Please meet Mrs. Elizabeth Thornton."
"Oh! It is my pleasure, Mrs. Thornton. Nathan did mention you were in Regina! Welcome! May I get you a cup of coffee?"
"So lovely to meet you, Sir. It is nice to know the people with whom Nathan serves."
"Please forget the formality? My name is Wes!"
"Of course, Wes. Elizabeth, please?" Elizabeth smiled warmly. "A cup of coffee would be lovely, although I need my coffee creamy please? No sugar, just cream! I llook forward to wrapping my hands around it!"
"Shall I pick-up some Danish or?" Wes offered.
"Oh! No need, I packed a few cinnamon rolls that Carol baked this morning. I have enough to share with you as well, Wes." Elizabeth patted her tote.
"Umm. You may visit anytime!" Laughing, Wes opened the door. "Back in a few."
As the door closed, Elizabeth looked at Nathan. "What a personable fella, Nathan. Are you becoming friends?"
Nathan chuckled. "Oh, we already are! God has given me a great office-mate!" Nathan motioned to the chair in front of his desk. "Would you like to sit for a bit?"
Grinning, Elizabeth brushed past Nathan and proceeded to sit in Nathan's desk chair, pulling herself close to the desk.
"Ummm… this is nice!" Elizabeth took in the room from Nathan's perspective.
Teasingly, Nathan responded to her action. "You, Dad and Allie have done the exact same thing! Actually, maybe Bill did as well? I should remember that, but the others all wanted to sit in my chair. Let me guess… you want to see what I see?"
"Something like that!" Elizabeth laughed. "This sure is a step up from Hope Valley's jail!"
"A little step up! Here, May I take your coat?"
Elizabeth stood in place, removed her coat and scarf and handed them to Nathan saying,
Thank you." She quickly sat back in Nathan's chair once again with a determined grin.
"Are you planning to be like Bill?" Nathan raised his eyebrow as he hung their coats, then took the seat between his and Wes's desks.
"We'll see!" Elizabeth Thornton batted her eyelashes at Nathan Grant as she unpacked her tote. Setting a few linen napkins on the desk, she unwrapped a package of cinnamon rolls, placing one on each of three napkins and licking her fingers with a flourish. "Mmmmm!"
Nathan just watched enjoying every moment. "Thanks for this! We'll have to thank Carol too! Isn't she the most generous hostess you know? She just cannot be matched."
Reaching to get his roll, Nathan was surprised when a teasing Elizabeth swatted his hand away. "Just wait, Sir. We'll eat when Wes returns with the coffee and not before!"
"Oh? Mrs. Teacher? Is that so?" Nathan chuckled.
Elizabeth, Nathan and Wes enjoyed their aromatic coffee and delicious cinnamon treats while they conversed about Wes and his responsibilities here at Depot. He inquired about her son and shared that Nathan had told him wonderful things about Hope Valley.
When the bagpipes and drums were heard from Parade Square. Elizabeth rose to stand beside Nathan's window as memories flooded back.
Watching her closely, Nathan quietly inquired. "Are you alright, Lisbeth?"
Nodding, she only whispered. "Yes."
Wes stood and excused himself, assuring Elizabeth that he enjoyed getting to know her.
With a quick glance, Elizabeth acknowledged his departure. "Thank you, Wes. Likewise." She turned back to the drills.
Nathan moved to stand beside the window, though not touching Elizabeth. As he stared at the drills praying silently, he asked. "Have you seen these previously?"
"Once at Fort Clay on our honeymoon and then at Jack's funeral. That time was a sea of red serge, black-clad mourners and overwhelming sorrow, so this is different." Elizabeth looked at Nathan, desiring his comfort so she moved to his side and wrapped her hand around his elbow as he automatically crooked his arm. They stood, silently watching with Elizabeth drawing strength and support from Nathan's warmth.
Having called to ask Jake to collect her on his way to pick-up Allie, Elizabeth settled into the passenger seat. "Thank you so much for the ride, Jake. I didn't expect to stay so long!"
"Glad to be of service. We are slightly early so, is there any errand you would like to run?"
"You know, there is. Could we go to the bookstore? I'll make it brief!"
Having collected another journal to match the one she had received from her father, and purchased a few additional miniature animals for Jack, Elizabeth returned to the automobile.
As they drove towards St. Anne's, Elizabeth reflected on her visit to Depot. She had loved meeting Nathan's fellow Instructors and enjoyed the complements they heaped upon Nathan. The luncheon with Superintendent Tim was elegant and delicious, but more so informative about Nathan's first impression with the tracking exercise, the assignment of the manual revisions, the funeral exercises and his declining the offer to take the position of the Chaplain's on-call assistant. These were things that Elizabeth knew Nathan would not admit to, knowing his reticence to share any personal accolades. Elizabeth was grateful for the appreciative and enlightening information, in spite of Nathan's obvious embarrassment. She pondered the comment that Tim had made, 'Now, meeting you, I am grateful that Nathan declined. He needs time for his personal life.' Elizabeth wondered what the Superintendent knew and what he meant.
As Jake held open the back door, Allie slid in, exclaiming, "Oh! Mrs. Thornton! I didn't expect to see you here!"
"Hello, Allie-girl! I spent the day with your father, although I worked quietly in the Library while he accomplished some Mountie business!" Elizabeth laughed. "Since Jake had some time before we met you, I purchased some items downtown and now, here we are!"
"Did you have fun at Depot? What did you see and do? Did you meet a lot of people?"
"Let's see, yes, it was fun. I had a tour, met your Aunt Adeli who sends a hug, by the way. Met some of your father's instructor friends and was treated to a lovely, formal lunch with the Chief Superintendent! We ate in the officer's mess, though it was anything but messy!" Elizabeth laughed and glanced back at Allie.
Laughing, Allie got the point. "Isn't that a crazy name for a dining room? What made it formal?"
"Table linens, fine china, crystal, and a lovely meal! I wasn't positioned to see what others were eating but our food was served with finesse!"
Allie giggled. "Finesse in the Mess!"
Elizabeth and Jake shared a glance as they laughed along with Allie. Jake whispered, "Isn't she a treasure?"
(*29) 'We Gather Together,' Verses one and two. Author Anonymous, 1625, Translated by Theodore Baker, Public Domain.
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