Chapter Eleven
.
Plans Set in Motion
.
Both Nathan and Allie slept late on Monday morning. Allie was the first to awaken and quietly descended the ladder. Reaching for her clothing, she tip-toed into the parlor of their compartment. She dressed quickly, brushed her hair and teeth and was seated by the window watching the plains when Nathan came in stretching and yawning.
"Good morning, Sweetheart! Thanks for letting me sleep in. I think I needed it!" He yawned and stretched again. "Mmmmm. How long have you been up?"
"Not long, Dad. Just enough time to get dressed. Are you going to get changed so we can get breakfast?" Allie gave her one-eyebrow-raised, crooked-smile-smirk.
Anyone observing Nathan and Allie for long would see how much they looked alike. Both had slender faces and long necks, a dimple in their chin, expressive eyes, the ability to raise only one eyebrow and give a quizzical look and a unique–to-them half smile. Although Nathan's eyes were bluer-than-blue and his hair was a dark black-brown, Allie's hair was a soft dark blonde and her eyes were sparkling brown. Still, they truly looked like a Dad and Daughter.
Nathan responded to Allie's smirk by scrunching his nose and stating, "Give your old man a few minutes, and he'll be ready to escort his lovely, and hungry, young lady to breakfast!" His laughter could be heard through the closing door.
While she waited, Allie packed her new book tote with her art supplies and books, then arranged the basket with the remaining apples, scones, jar of jam and leftover candies. Nathan's guitar was locked in its case and once her dad was finished getting dressed she could add her remaining personal items to her suitcase. By getting everything done early, Allie hoped to enjoy their final hours on the train.
While savoring breakfast the Grants looked out the train's window. Since the scenery had changed to the plains, they marveled at the mist hovering over the vast open spaces. The distance without a tree or town in sight and the beauty of the wide expanse of sky was so different from Hope Valley.
It was often an unspoken competition between them as to who would be the most practical planner to think ahead. Nathan had taught Allie well and this morning it was her suggestion that they order their lunch sandwiches early and eat them in their compartment.
"Excellent idea, Allie-girl. Let me get the menu." Nathan returned with the menu and a fresh cup of coffee for himself and a hot chocolate treat for Allie. "We have to celebrate as much as we can. Why don't you choose what you would like for lunch first?"
Looking over the selections, Allie chose a turkey club sandwich with bacon, lettuce, tomato and mayonnaise. Soda and molasses cookies would top off her lunch.
"You know a club sandwich is really large, so keep the wrapper because you may want to save some of it for later."
Allie giggled as she watched her father. "You are going to order the exact same lunch, aren't you?"
"Well, I was…. Is that a problem?" He looked up innocently. "The power of suggestion, you know…"
"I told you yesterday you are very easy to live with. You let me decide and you just went along with it. Where's your originality, Dad?"
"You should know by now, Sweetheart. I am completely unoriginal when it comes to food. I eat what's put in front of me and I usually enjoy it!"
"Yeah, you do!" Allie agreed but didn't want to hurt her Dad's feelings. "You are very original, very creative in lots of other areas though, Dad."
"Whew! I'm glad I am not completely predicable or boring!"
"Oh, you are never boring, Dad…"
Nathan laughed, not believing a word, but he sipped his coffee. "So what shall we do for our final morning onboard?"
At Allie's suggestion Nathan asked the Steward if they could stand at the end of the caboose and watch the rails disappear behind them.
"Of course, but I will have the Conductor escort you there as it's out of my jurisdiction in dining services." The Steward laughed. "Stay here and I'll get him to help you. It is a treat!"
"I'm excited, Dad! Did you ever stand in the back like that?"
"Long ago I did. I guess the novelty of train travel has worn off with the many Mountie journeys I've had to take." Nathan grinned and winked at his daughter. "I have enjoyed this trip with renewed excitement and interest though, Allie. That's all because of you!"
It was noisy and windy standing on the back platform, so Nathan had Allie stand in front of him and he wrapped his suit jacket around them both, hugging her close. "Is that better now?" He spoke loudly directly into her ear.
Her voice was lost in the wind, but she nodded her head as she cuddled close.
They stood silently watching the rails getting smaller and smaller in the distance until they disappeared. Neither spoke, but both were thinking that Hope Valley was somewhere in that distance. For a while they indulged their grief, remembering the dear ones they had left behind, until the cool wind was too strong.
"Brrrr!" Allie shivered as they stepped back into the Caboose. "I think I could use another hot chocolate to warm up!"
"Sure, let's get two!" Nathan grinned at his daughter, then turned to the Conductor. "Thank you so much, Sir, for the treat! We are not used to the great expanses in this area, so it was a fun introduction to make that memory. I appreciate you allowing us the privilege."
Allie agreed. "Yes, thank you, Sir. It was fun!"
"So glad you asked and happy to oblige. Enjoy the rest of your journey. I'll be assisting the porter with your luggage and I know you'll be anxious to see your horse. If it gets busy when you depart, I wish you all the best when you arrive."
"Mmmm… thank you." Nathan offered and shook the Conductor's hand.
Dad and Daughter ordered two hot chocolates and returned to their cabin to enjoy them and get warm.
While Allie packed her final suitcase, Nathan laid out his uniform in preparation but packed all his other belongings to be ready for their arrival in Regina. As Nathan polished his boots once again, they read, talked and laughed until it was time for lunch. Afterwards, while Allie packed the remnants in their food basket, Nathan changed into his red serge. He opened the door and said "Okay, I'm ready for you."
Allie entered and they began their daily ritual. Nathan buttoned from the bottom while Allie buttoned the middle brass buttons, leaving the top two for him. She handed him his belt and cross-strap, threading it over his shoulder. As he buckled his belt and strap, Allie tugged at the bottom of his tunic, straightening any wrinkles. She walked around him, smoothing across his back and shoulders then, satisfied, returned to facing her dad. She wore a wide smile as she admired her handsome father, then looked into his eyes. This dressing was significant, but since Nathan had already noted that this was his final day in the scarlet uniform, today they each silently opened their arms in a loving hug.
As they sat watching the city come into view after lunch, Nathan took Allie's hand in his. "Let's pray, Honey. This is a whole new adventure for us." They bowed their heads together and Nathan led.
"Thank you, Lord, for this wonderful opportunity you have given to Allie and to me. We are torn when we think of those we left behind in Hope Valley, but we know You orchestrated this move. Thank you for the friends we already love and for the new friends in Regina that we will grow to love.
Help us with all the details of getting settled and making our home here. Help Allie as she enters a new school. May she enjoy Miss Collins and quickly find some kindred spirits among her classmates. Help her in her studies to learn well and to excel. Help her in her relationships to continue to be a blessing to everyone she meets. Thank you for my sweet Allie and for the blessing she is to me. How I love this dear girl!'
Nathan squeezed Allie's hand as she tightened her grip on his. Nathan continued.
'Help me, Lord, to quickly settle-in to life at Depot. May I fit-in and find my place in teaching a larger group than I have in the past. Help me to remember all I need to remember and to be a blessing to the new recruits as well as to fellow staff.
You have a plan and a purpose for us here and we know it is for our good and is far beyond what we could dream! Thank you, Lord, that you are always with us, no matter where we are.
We give you praise and make our requests in your Holy Name.
Amen."
"Amen." Allie looked up at Nathan with tear-filled eyes.
He raised her hand to his lips to kiss it gently. "I believe the friends we've left behind are praying for us, and we'll get through this together, Honey,"
Back in Hope Valley, Bill hunted down Lucas Bouchard, finding him locked in his office late Monday morning. When Lucas answered the door, he stepped out rather than let Bill into his room.
"Is this really where you want to converse, Bouchard?"
"It matters not, but since we are here, what can I do you for you, Judge?"
"I've come to find out how Elizabeth is? And how was she during your shift?"
"Fine earlier this morning, though seemed to sleep fitfully. She wasn't awake when I left so I have no idea how she is now."
"You haven't stopped back to check on her?" Bill questioned.
"No. I've been busy."
"Did you call her parents yet?" Bill was annoyed but trying to keep his voice calm.
"No. I'll get to it eventually." Lucas snipped.
"Bouchard. Elizabeth's breakdown was Saturday. It is now forty-eight hours since. It is past time they were notified."
"As I said, I'll get to it. Now if that is all? I have work to do." Lucas didn't wait for Bill to respond. He turned on his heel and slipped through the hardly opened doorway.
What Bill could see inside appeared to be crates scattered about the room. That is all Bill needed to see, or hear, from Lucas Bouchard!
Knocking lightly at the Infirmary, Molly answered the door and stepped out. Bill wondered at this new way of answering knocks! But he knew in this case there may be good reason to not allow people in. "How is Elizabeth? I haven't heard any update since last night."
Molly filled in the details she knew ending by explaining that Faith had asked Elizabeth who she would like to have visit. "You, Bill, are on the list. So Faith will contact you when she's ready. It may be some hours or days or…? Just be patient."
"Okay. It's hard but I can do that. Has she seen Jack yet?"
Molly shook her head. "Not yet, but he is the first one Faith wants her to see. Faith is going to work on that." Molly sighed. "If only Nathan was here. He would be the perfect one to bring in that sweet little boy."
Bill nodded in agreement. "Or Abigail…"
"Yes, or Abigail. Don't get me wrong, but I sense a hesitancy with Rosemary. She is wonderful with Jack and thank God for her and for Lee, but there is something, some hurdle she has to get over when approaching Elizabeth. I sense that Rosemary prefers to support Elizabeth from a distance and caring for Jack is providing that distance." Molly gulped and put her hand on Bill's arm. "I'm sorry. I probably have said too much. They have been dear friends to each other and I know how close you are to Jack and Elizabeth." Molly blushed, realizing she had been gripping Bill's arm. "Excuse me." She looked down and released her hold.
Bill looked up and realized why she was blushing. "Molly. It's not a problem, sometimes we just need that connection." He coughed slightly. "And I believe your observations are correct." He caught her glance before saying goodbye. "May I bring lunch to you ladies?"
"No thank you, Bill. Minnie sent Joseph with a basket of lunch items."
"Okay. Please tell Faith I plan to be in my office for the remainder of the day, but if not there, check the jail." He waved as he said, "I'll be seeing you."
As Bill walked from the Infirmary, a thought occurred to him and he decided to just ask a couple questions. Bill knocked and entered the NWMP office.
Constable Martin looked up and stood. "Bill! Hello! What can I do for you?" He motioned Bill to the chair in which Bill had sat conversing across that desk for so many years.
"Thanks." His throat worked as he realized this was the first time he had been in the Mountie office since Nathan departed. Bill shook his head, trying to move beyond the memories at that moment. He sat, but remained on the edge of the chair, leaning his arms on his knees. "Paul? I have a few questions. I cannot tell you why I am asking, but hope to in the future. Right now confidentiality is key."
Bill paused, then began in earnest. "Tell me about your family background, Paul? Siblings? Ages, things like that?"
Paul leaned back, not understanding the line of questions because it seemed like business and not someone who was getting to know you personally. He answered. "I am the eldest of four, but two died in infancy. My youngest brother is eighteen years younger than I am."
"And are you close?"
"We are. Not being there as he grows up is the hardest part of living far from my family."
"How old is he now?"
"Philip is four." Paul looked out of the window.
"Hmmmmm. Do you like children? Want to have some one day?"
"I love children, Bill. Your second question is a little personal though, don't you think?"
"It is, but there's a reason." Bill acquiesced and waited.
"I would love to marry and have a family someday, Bill. But as I am just turned twenty-three I am not ready to think about that yet." Paul smiled. "I want to get comfortable in my position first."
"One more question. Do you enjoy interacting with other people's children?"
"Oh, I do! They can be so delightful. As a matter-of-fact I make it a practice to ride by the school house to be available to Laura and the students as they head home. A couple of the younger girls asked if they could call me Mountie Paul and the name has stuck. I believe I have some friends among the students!"
Bill laughed. "Once they name you, you are definitely welcomed into a very elite group!" Bill chuckled as he stood to go. His questions had been answered for now.
