Chapter Six
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Fond Farewells to the Grants
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Nathan left the Infirmary as Doctor Faith Carter was ready to head towards the schoolhouse. Nathan had explained everything he could, ending with the promise to pray for everyone involved.
"Thank you, Nathan. Safe travels and know you'll be missed." Faith opened her arms to give Nathan a quick hug. As she started walking away, she turned and added, "This is not your fault, Nathan. Not your fault."
As she hurried to the schoolhouse, Faith wiped a tear from her eyes. She would really miss Nathan Grant being in Hope Valley. He was such a kind, gentle man and had become more of a friend to her after Carson had left. Faith knew she would miss their occasional conversations. They had both suffered pain and loss around the same time and it had been nice to check-in on one another, especially during those early weeks.
Faith let her mind wander to the woman in need of her attention now in the schoolhouse. Elizabeth Thornton had been acting out of character for over a year now. From the sidelines, Faith attributed Elizabeth's personality change to her choice to court Lucas Bouchard. She had previously been kind, thoughtful, friendly, and helpful, although she had a tendency to offer unsolicited opinions to whomever would be listening. Still, Faith was not surprised to learn of an emotional break. Elizabeth had been hanging on by a thread for months now.
Nathan paused at the edge of the street, sending an arrow prayer to heaven for God to heal Elizabeth, give wisdom to Joseph, Faith and Rosemary and to help Allie and himself in this approaching departure. He took a deep breath and entered the Mercantile to find Ned Yost, behind the counter, filling-in a ledger. "Hello, Ned. How are you this afternoon? Glad for a weekend?"
"Oh! Nathan. I am well, thank you." Ned chuckled. "I guess so. All the new folks in town with the foundry have increased business a great deal. Florence and I are looking to hire a full-time store manager." Ned closed the ledger to give Nathan his full attention. "You are leaving today right? I can't say enough about how sorry I am about that, Nathan. I will miss you."
"Thank you, Ned. Leaving is bittersweet, but I know it is the right time and the right opportunity. God-ordained really." Nathan explained.
"Well! How can I help you today?"
"Ned, I have come to give you and Florence my forwarding address. For the time being, please forward or direct people to send mail to the Academy? Once I am certain about the home address I will let you know. Don't misunderstand! We have a home we are moving into upon arrival, I am just not certain if that is the place to direct mail. Here is the Academy address." Nathan handed Ned the paper and pointed to the rank. "I apologize for the length of the new title, but as I am new and it is a large facility with ever-changing classes of recruits, the entire title is required in order to ensure mail gets to me!" Nathan blushed slightly.
"It is impressive, Nathan, and well-deserved I might add. Staff Sergeant Major!" Ned seemed slightly star-struck. "I think we can all say 'We knew you when...!'"
Nathan laughed, embarrassed but extending his hand. "God bless you, Ned. All the best to you and Florence. Please tell her goodbye once more?"
Ned shook Nathan's hand with a sheen in his eyes. He really would miss Hope Valley's Nathan Grant.
"Hey, Allie-girl! Have you said all your farewells?" Nathan walked into the Library and up to Allie, placing his hand on her shoulder. "Are you ready to go?"
Allie looked up at her Dad, eyes glistening. "I don't know, Dad. Now that the time is actually here, I'm feeling sad. I am really going to miss Uncle Bill, Aunt Rosemary and Uncle Lee, Mr. and Mrs. Yost, Miss Fiona and Doctor Faith, Mr. Henry and Mr. Mike, Pastor Joseph and Mrs. Minnie, Mrs. Clara and Mr. Jesse… they've all been so nice to me." Tears now spilled down Allie's cheeks.
Nathan opened his arms to her and Allie stood, finding solace in her Dad's embrace. "It is bittersweet isn't it? If I wasn't so certain of all the God-ordained circumstances that brought this about, I would be tempted to stay. But I know this is God's plan for us right now." Nathan squeezed Allie tightly. "I also know all the dear ones you mentioned will still be our dear friends no matter where we live. Maybe someday we can return for a visit? In the meantime, we'll have lots of letters to write, eh?"
"I guess so. Should we get some more stationery at the Mercantile so I can write on the train?" Allie looked up hopefully.
"Good idea." Nathan looked at his watch. "If you get the stationery, I'll get the sandwiches and Henry can meet us at the Mercantile. Go, Honey! Hurry!"
The Grants split up to run their final errands in Hope Valley and met up with Henry as he was getting into his automobile.
"Thank you so much for transporting us, Henry. We could have walked, but I just don't want to have that much time to think about who and what we are leaving behind today. We'll face our feelings on the train."
"It's my pleasure, Nathan. Miss Allie. Although that's not the correct choice of word. I am honored to drive you, not happy to do so. I will miss you." Henry checked his mirror before continuing. "Thank you again, Nathan, for helping salvage my reputation with that oil purity issue a couple years ago. I owe my company to you. In spite of the ups and downs of the business, that issue would have brought a swift demise."
"I was glad to help and as it turned out, it was Mountie business after all. We uncovered criminal activity that day." Nathan responded as he remembered his original hesitancy to get involved. "Glad we did, too."
"Mmmm." Henry responded. Turning his attention to his backseat passenger, Henry inquired. "So, Miss Allie, are you excited?"
"Yes and no, Mr. Henry. Right now it is hard to leave." Allie's voice was tearful.
Henry glanced over at Nathan who gave Henry a look of understanding. "The planning was one thing. The actual enacting of the plan is another." Turning his face to the back seat, Nathan addressed Allie. "We have each other, right Sweetheart?"
Allie sniffled, but manage to say, "Mmmm Hmmm."
"Well, now! What have we here?" Henry asked as Nathan turned to face out the front window again. "Looks like a fond farewell for the two of you!"
Nathan and Allie gasped in unison, startled by the number of people waving flags and handkerchiefs before them. A large banner stretched across the platform and read, "Come back soon, Nathan & Allie! We miss you already!" Hearts were drawn all over the empty places in the banner and the applause and shouts were loud as the Grants exited the vehicle.
Henry retrieved the luggage from the back and handed it to Nathan, who handed Allie her book tote and their basket of food. Nathan tucked one suitcase under his arm while holding the other in his hand. That freed his other hand to guide Allie's shoulder through the crowd and to wave.
As the Grants arrived at the front edge of the platform, there stood Bill with Nathan's replacement, Constable Paul Martin. Bill was holding a wrapped gift while the Constable motioned to Mike Hickam.
As Hope Valley's Mayor Hickam stepped forward, he tried to still the crowd. Finally able to be heard, he spoke loudly. "Nathan and Allie Grant, we present to you a small token of our love and appreciation as you depart today. We wish you were staying, but we rejoice in the new opportunity before you. Please return some day, with enough notice for us to throw you a party? This send-off is not sufficient to show you our gratitude for all you have done for and meant to this community. Reluctantly we say Godspeed, but pray all the best for you both. Three cheers for the Grants. Hoorah! Hoorah! Hoorah!"
Loud applause rang out again from the crowd of citizens and families, peppered with shouts of 'We love you.' 'God bless you.' 'We'll miss you.' and 'Traveling mercies!'
Lee stepped forward and motioned for Nathan to bend his ear. "Rosemary wanted to be here. This send-off was actually planned by her, Joseph and Bill. You know why she is not present, but know in her heart this is where she wants to be. Take this with you, Nathan, and don't be a stranger." Lee handed Nathan an envelope before engulfing him in a hug. "I'll watch over your luggage here."
"Thank you, Lee." Nathan's voice was husky with emotion.
He accepted the wrapped gift from Bill with one hand while hugging him with his other arm. "Thank you, Bill." He whispered into Bill's ear. "I believe I will miss you the most."
"Of course you will, Son! But you go make me proud at Depot and come home as soon as you can!" Bill whispered back. "And don't forget to write!"
Meanwhile, Allie had been enveloped in warm hugs by many of Hope Valley's ladies and schoolgirls. Tears flowed freely from most of them and many of the handkerchiefs were no longer waved about, but were soaked with salty tears.
The train whistle broke through the noise as the train rumbled into the station amidst a cloud of steam and a screech of brakes.
The stationmaster emerged from the office to assist the conductor and Constable Martin with crowd control as the passengers arriving were confused by all the hubbub. After order was restored, the stationmaster approached Nathan, extending an envelope and his hand. "Sir? Your tickets were changed by the NWMP Commissioner, so this is your compartment now. Safe travels and thank you for all your service to Hope Valley." He shook Nathan's hand, then added, "Your luggage is being boarded by the Conductor and Mr. Coulter. Don't worry about a thing. And Newton is being boarded right now. You can see him down there." The Stationmaster pointed, turned to go, then turned back. "And might I suggest you not wear your uniform until you are ready to depart in Regina? I've been instructed that you and your daughter need some privacy!"
"Oh? Thank you, Sir." Nathan tipped his hat, then turned as Joseph tapped him on the shoulder.
Nathan took a quick breath, ready to question Joseph.
"Nathan. I couldn't miss this! We got Elizabeth to the Infirmary and Faith and Rosemary are with her there. We'll all take care of her and Jack, so don't you worry yourself about any of that. Go in the strength of the Lord and know He is always with you, behind and before, to your left and to your right. He is making your way clear and He has a plan for you and your girl. We'll miss you both, but we will meet again of that I am certain."
Joseph reached up to hug Nathan again, then turned to whisper to Allie and hug her as well.
A whistle sounded, startling everyone, and the Conductor called out, "All Aboard!"
Nathan saluted Constable Martin who returned the salute to his superior. "Godspeed, Sir."
Nathan nodded as he and Allie moved to the steps. Bill lifted her up the first tall step, then patted Nathan's shoulder once again. They exchanged a glance before Nathan followed Allie onto the train. Father and daughter both turned and waved until the Conductor directed them to their compartment. Once they entered they set down their gifts, basket and tote and quickly went to the window to lift it and wave. As the train began to move, they both let out a sob and wrapped an arm around each other, letting the tears flow as they waved until Hope Valley was no longer in view.
Nathan and Allie collapsed into a seat, still holding each other closely until Allie's sobs had stilled and the moving train caused the compartment to cool with the air from the open window. Nathan stood to close and lock the glass, then surveyed their compartment. The Conductor and porter had arranged the majority of their luggage at one end of the cabin, while the recently packed suitcases were tucked into the closet space.
As Allie wiped her eyes and looked around, she began a running commentary of all the nice things she saw. "Look, Dad. We have this table and two seats. That sofa is pretty big too. Oooo! We have a bunk for me and a big bed for you… Oh, and a WC of our own! This is really nice, Dad. Thank you!"
"I'm afraid I am not the one to be thanked. The Stationmaster told me the Commissioner arranged for this compartment for us. We have another thing we must thank him for! It's quite luxurious compared to the way I usually travel so let's enjoy it while we can, eh?" Nathan laughed. "I think my first order of business is to change into more comfortable clothing. Let me find some and I'll use the bedroom to do that." While he searched for his grey suit, and blue shirt, he continued talking to Allie. "Are you hungry now, Honey? Or would you like to take a walk through the other cars first? We do need to get some beverages."
"Let's take a short walk then we can eat, okay? I'll set out our meal now while you change."
"Sounds good. Be back shortly."
After walking to the dining car, collecting two sodas and ordering milk and tea to be delivered later, they returned to their car, hungry for their supper. Clara had packed chicken sandwiches on thick slices of sour dough, a small salad of greens and apple pie. Plus she had added molasses cookies and apples for snacks, and scones for snacks or breakfast. After giving thanks, Nathan and Allie ate their delicious meal while discussing their surprise send-off.
"I missed Aunt Rosemary. Did Uncle Lee tell you why she wasn't there?"
"He did. Mrs. Thornton wasn't feeling well so Aunt Rosemary and Dr. Faith stayed with her in the Infirmary."
"Oh? Is she okay?"
"She will be. She is going through some hard things right now, Allie. Sometimes how we feel emotionally affects our physical health as well. I think that's what is going on with Mrs. Thornton right now. She has people to care for her though, so we don't need to worry. We can just pray for her."
"I'm glad she does." Allie ate thoughtfully. "Will we have people to care for us where we are going? I kind of got used to that in Hope Valley."
"Actually, we will. You'll love Mr. and Mrs. Collins and their niece, your teacher, and her fiancé are delightful. I think you will have another Grandma and Grandpa and another Aunt right away. I am sure they will help us get settled and help us as we have need, Allie. I already know that Mrs. Collins will care for you after school, so that will be a comfort to you."
"Will I make friends though, Dad?" Allie seemed worried.
"Allie-girl, you made wonderful friends in Hope Valley, so I can't imagine you won't do the same in Regina. It will be different because St. Anne's is an all-girls school, but we'll find ways for you to make friends with boys too if you want. I think they share social activities with a local boy's school."
"But what if my clothes don't look as good as the other girls? Regina is a big city and I don't want to be teased or not fit in."
"Well you'll wear a uniform to school." Nathan stopped suddenly. "Oops! Didn't I mention that? Sorry, Sweetheart. Mrs. Collins says that uniforms make fitting-in easier for girls. She evidently knew this would be a concern so she also promised to look through your wardrobe and take you shopping if you need to supplement your other outfits. See? I told you we'll have people to care for us!"
"You didn't mention the uniform, Dad. That's pretty important." Allie chided her father for forgetting such an enormously important fact. "What does it look like? What color is it? When will I get one?"
"I'm sorry I can't answer that, Allie. Please forgive me for not asking and for forgetting to tell you? I realize now that is important to you, but I just never thought of it when I was there a couple weeks ago. School wasn't in session when I toured it, so I didn't see any students." Nathan paused, closed his eyes and put up a finger. "Wait. I think I saw a photograph in a hallway. The uniform was a dark skirt and blazer with a white blouse. Maybe a dark ribbon around the collar? Sorry, that's all I can tell you."
"Okay. I guess that doesn't sound too bad if everyone is wearing the same. It's okay Dad. It's not like you could do anything about it until we get there. I just want to be prepared. That's all."
"Whew! Dad is forgiven!" Nathan chuckled as he watched his maturing daughter. "I have to remember that clothing is becoming more important to you now. I really am sorry, Allie."
"You've had a lot on your mind, Dad. I get it. It's okay." Allie reached out and patted her Dad's arm. "So do you get a new uniform with your new promotion?"
"Do I!" Nathan exclaimed. "Wait until you see the new uniform! The breeches are the same but I won't wear a red serge any longer! The serge is dark blue. Nice, eh?"
Allie's mouth had dropped open as she tried to process this news. "No more red serge, Dad?"
"Not for me. I will be differentiated by the blue serge, stripes on the sleeve, new patches, and the new forage cap. They measured me when I was in Regina, so the uniforms will be waiting for me upon arrival." Nathan paused thoughtfully. "When we disembark in Regina it will be my final time to wear the red serge. It will be a bittersweet moment to leave that behind, you know?"
Surprising her father, Allie had tears in her eyes. "I'll miss that, Dad. I mean it's all I've ever known!" She wiped her eyes. "I mean you'll be incredibly handsome in the blue, Dad."
Nathan blushed but secretly enjoyed his daughter's praise.
"It's just the red is so striking and… I don't know… You were always so easy to find!" Allie laughed. "You've always stood out in a crowd, but now I'll just have to look for the tallest Mountie!" She grinned as Nathan laughed.
"Well, there is that! Or just look for Newton, eh?" Nathan shrugged his shoulders.
"Will you teach in a classroom or on Newton?"
"Both I believe. There will be classroom sessions, but I'll work with horses a lot. Newton and I will be busy showing how to mount, dismount, to ride properly for weather conditions and tracking as well as practice formations for formal parades. There will be more of those formal events as each new group of recruits must pass drills and participate in a Sergeant Major's Parade when they graduate. I learned all this many years ago when I attended the Academy, so my immediate challenge will be to remember all I have to teach. So much becomes automatic that I don't even think about it anymore!"
"You'll do great, Dad. We already know your tracking skills are recognized and I can't imagine you not impressing everyone on a horse. You are always so at ease with Newton. It's like ballet to watch you mount, sit tall and take off, then dismount so smoothly. Miss Fiona described it as one fluid motion really!"
"My goodness, Allie! You have really been watching me and discussing this? I didn't realize I had such an attentive audience and with such extensive descriptive abilities!"
"Dad! Lots of people in Hope Valley watched you with Newton! Men and women alike would pay attention when you rode by. You make a handsome sight!" Allie grinned. "I am always proud that you are my Dad though, not just someone everyone admires."
Nathan blushed. "Surely you exaggerate, Allie. No one had time to watch me on a horse. I..."
"Now there you are wrong, Dad. Lots of ladies, old, young and in-between, stopped their conversations to watch you ride by. You are admired. It's okay you don't notice it though. I wouldn't want it to go to your head!" Allie giggled. "Then your hat wouldn't fit!"
"Funny girl!" Nathan chuckled though he wondered if there really was truth to Allie's assessments.
"So now that we are finished our delicious supper, how about opening the gifts and envelopes. I'm curious! How about you?" Nathan rubbed his hands together, then rose to retrieve the box that Bill had given him, the tote of wrapped items Allie had been given and the envelope as well. Returning all to the table that Allie had just cleared. "You first, Allie."
Allie dug into the tote and produced a long package tied with a short rectangular one. "Oh! New pencils and an eraser. Wonderful and always needed. Okay, you're next Dad."
"Oh? Okay. Let's look in the envelope Lee gave me first." Nathan opened the envelope and pulled out sheets of paper folded around something hard. He unfolded them to reveal a beautiful and large, black skeleton key with fancy scroll work on the handle. It was tied with a bright red ribbon so it could hang on a wall. "That's a lovely key. Let's see what the letter says. 'To Nathan T. Grant, our revered NWMP Constable from 1916 to 1920. Please accept this key to the Town of Hope Valley, Province of British Columbia, Canada, as a token of our appreciation for your excellent service to our community and to each person therein. You are always welcome to come home!' Isn't that thoughtful? It's signed by the office-holders and proprietors in the town. We'll have to hang that in a special place." Nathan was truly touched by this appreciation gift. "Your turn again, Allie."
"Wait, Dad. I don't understand. What is that key for?"
"It's symbolic, Honey. There isn't any door that this opens, it's just a sign of gratitude and that we'll always be welcomed back!"
"Oh." Allie remained unconvinced, but wanted to continue with her basket. She closed her eyes and reached for a gift. Opening them again, Allie found a set of hair combs and a pale blue ribbon. "Sweet!"
"Shall I open this gift box now?" Nathan pulled the box towards himself, curious. "Wonder what this could be?"
Allie stood and hung over the table.
Carefully unwrapping the box and lifting out wads of newsprint, Nathan felt around before he lifted out a heavy object. Slowly Allie and he unfolded layers of paper to reveal a beautiful wooden mantle clock.
"How lovely! We will find a special place for this gift and remember Hope Valley all the time!"
Allie rolled her eyes, "Hahaha, Dad. All the time, eh?"
Nathan snickered. "I didn't even think of that at the time I said it." Grinning, he waited and the eye roll appeared again.
"I think it's time to stop with the clock jokes, Dad." Now it was Allie who waited.
Nathan rolled his eyes at the ceiling and the two of them dissolved into much needed laughter.
