Chapter Twelve

Hurting Hearts

Back in his office, Bill took a deep breath and placed the call to William Thatcher in Hamilton, Ontario.

"Mr. Thatcher?"

"Speaking."

"I am Judge Bill Avery from Hope Valley. You may remember me from Elizabeth and Jack's wedding? I apologize for the tardiness of this call but I just learned that the person who should have contacted you, did not." Bill explained all that had transpired in the past few days.

William listened carefully, asking probing questions, getting all the facts he could. "So as of this moment, she is stable, just not talking much?"

"That is correct. This is a definite improvement over what she was like on Saturday. The doctor is wisely controlling visits so I have yet to see her today, but that is what I'm told." Bill paused. "There is one thing of grave concern to me. Elizabeth has not wanted to see her son. She may be protecting him from seeing her so ill, or he might spark a memory or…? We don't know, but although she has not spent as much time with Jack for a few months now, it still surprises me."

"For a few months?" William questioned. "What have the circumstances been over these few months?"

"When was the last time you spoke to Elizabeth. Sir?"

"A couple months ago." William hesitated as he realized how much time had passed. "She called to tell us that her book had been published and invited us to Hope Valley. She said there was someone she wanted us to meet, although she didn't say who."

He acknowledged, "I am not proud to admit this, but I hired a private investigator to find out who this person might be. Once I learned his name and did a background check on him, I was not ready to face Elizabeth with the information I gleaned. I just hoped she would come to her senses without her father's interference. I also prayed that the Constable would protect Elizabeth and Jack. I don't know how you feel, but I have no intention of giving my blessing to the man she is courting." William huffed in disgust.

Bill made no comment on Lucas Bouchard as he was beyond exasperated by that man.

When Bill asked if William and Elizabeth's mother could come, William's response was immediate. "Of course we will. Is there any apartment available for us? I really don't want my wife to have to stay in a Saloon, it's such an unsavory, not to mention noisy, location. Even a row house would be fine."

"There is one row house recently vacated. It is where the Constable and his daughter used to live."

"Oh? We'll make the best of it then. We can make it our home base even if we stay with Elizabeth and Jack. To whom should I speak to rent it indefinitely? And to what address should I direct our belongings?"

William scribbled all the information Bill was giving him, securing the rental and quickly planning a timeline. "It will take us a few days to delegate my business dealings as well as pack the belongings we'll need for an extended stay. You said there are three bedrooms?" Treating this news as he would any business challenge, William continued to ask questions, using his 'all business' persona and assuring Bill that he would be in touch to let Bill know their travel plans.


When the telephone disconnected, William collapsed back in his chair as a father, a flood of regrets rushing over him. He still held the receiver in his hand until he heard a faint voice. "Excuse me, Sir? Sir? Please place the earpiece back in the holder. Sir?" Finally he did as requested, but he couldn't speak as tears overflowed.

In an instant, the moment Judge Avery had said the words, 'Elizabeth has had a breakdown' William Thatcher became a Daddy to his little girl once again. Thinking about it later, William could hardly fathom he had asked such logical questions and made arrangements at such an emotional time.

Approaching the sunroom to talk to his wife, William Thatcher took a deep breath and tried to stand tall. His strength dissolved when his wife looked at him with concern.

"William, are you all right?" He sank to the sofa beside her and wrapped his arms around her.

"It's Elizabeth. She's had a breakdown or something like that. She's hardly talking or eating or… Grace, we have to go to Hope Valley, right away. We need to pack up and go…"

Grace and William Thatcher sobbed in each other's arms. They wept love, worry, questions and concerns, grief and regrets, until they called their butler, Lloyd Hudson, and together they began to plan.


When the richest businessman in Canada and biggest patron to the Hamilton Medical Center asks you to drop everything and travel to treat a family member? That is what you do. You take a leave of absence, pack your luggage and travel. Dr. Ben Marshall did just that and within a few days would be on his way to Hope Valley, BC in a car driven by Lloyd Hudson, the Thatcher's butler and right-hand man.

Not wasting any time, Dr. Marshall consulted with Dr. Faith Carter, the physician who operated the Infirmary in the town. From her he received a more detailed description of the events that precipitated the shock that Mrs. Thornton was dealing with, as well as an update on her current condition. Dr. Carter asked for advice on how to restore this young mother with her little son. The Psychiatrist wished he could be there to support that, but he knew it was best to go ahead without him. They should do that without further delay. Hudson and Dr. Marshall would be driving cross-country and not arrive for nearly a week.


Faith Carter sent an arrow prayer to God and took a deep breath. She stepped around the curtain to a quiet Elizabeth although she was grateful that Elizabeth made eye contact. Sitting beside her patient, Faith placed her hand on Elizabeth's forearm. "I believe you should see your son, Elizabeth. He's been told his mother is sick, but he needs to see you."

"May I request Bill bring him in later this afternoon?" Suggested Faith. "I could ask Laura, but I think Bill is a better choice. I could have some supper here so you three could eat together as that would take the pressure off of conversation. Or, Bill could bring a favorite book for you to read to Jack or for Bill to read? Which would you prefer?"

"Could Jack be ready for bed and Bill bring a book for a bedtime story?"

"Oh? Sure. I can arrange that." Faith rose to leave. "We'll get you your lunch in a short while."

"No hurry."


Faith nodded to Molly who followed her onto the porch and closed the door. "I don't think we need shifts now, but I don't want to leave her alone. Would you mind sleeping in the extra bed overnight?"

Molly responded, placing an encouraging hand on Faith's shoulder. "I'd be happy to."

"Good. Thanks. Now I need to find Bill to discuss him bringing Jack and a book. Then I need to talk to Rosemary and Lee, or one or the other of them. Can you order supper for Elizabeth and me for five o'clock? I want to be present when Jack comes and for a while thereafter. Maybe you could begin your overnight at nine or so?"

Nodding her agreement, Molly only said, "Okay."

"I don't know what to do about Lucas. I should talk to Bill about that too, so keep the door locked. Elizabeth is adamant about not seeing him. But if Pastor Joseph comes? Let him in, okay?"

As Molly nodded again, Faith thanked her and headed to see Bill Avery.


Bill welcomed Faith into his office and locked the door behind her. "I was hoping we could talk. Is there any update on Elizabeth?" He motioned for her to be seated and sat himself in the second chair in front of his desk.

"Not much improvement, Bill, but she is speaking to me about logistics when I ask. She would like you to bring Jack to see her. She doesn't want to eat supper with him, but suggested Jack be in his pajamas and ready for bed, then bring him along with a book. Either she or you can read a bedtime story to him, so there will be minimal conversation and a limited time." Faith sighed. "It's a start anyway."

"Okaaaay. I can do that." Bill responded. "She chose me though?"

"I only gave her two options and discouraged having Laura bring him. Their relationship needs to stay as it has been since she has Jack every weekday, all day. He needs some stability. I have to talk to the Coulters when I leave here. By the way, aren't they bound to care for Jack should anything happen to Elizabeth?"

"It's a promise made at his baptism, but not legally binding. I don't think they have any problem stepping in for Jack as they love the little fella. Although, like me, I don't think they've been very happy with Elizabeth for a while."

"Many of us fall into that category, Bill. But she is my patient and I just keep trying to remember what she used to be like and pray this will allow the old Elizabeth to return. But a wiser version."

Faith adjusted in her seat as the next subject was uncomfortable. "Related to that, Bill, Elizabethx has clearly stated she does not want to see or be alone with Lucas. She looked afraid when she confessed that. I hate to have to ask around for information, but it would be helpful to know… so here goes. Do you know if Lucas has been abusive to her at all? I'm trying to guess at her reaction, her hesitation."

"I have been negligent in watching over her, I admit. Lucas is not trustworthy in my opinion, but I have been so upset with Elizabeth's choice that I adopted the attitude of letting her suffer the consequences of her decisions. Of course, when I have showed concern she just about showed me to the door. I have been persona non grata for quite a few months." Bill swallowed hard. "Plus I have been on Nathan's side of that entire debacle and angry with her treatment of him. That's why I am surprised she agreed for me to bring Jack." He looked up at Faith. "I have only seen Jack when he has been in Laura's or in the Coulter's care."

"I don't think Lucas has been with Jack enough to be concerned about abuse to him, although neglect is abuse and I would hope that would be addressed before they marry." Faith sighed. "But what about Elizabeth? What have you seen that concerns you?"

"To answer your question directly, I don't know about Lucas abusing her physically. I haven't heard of any grand dates for them for a while but Elizabeth has been surprisingly public in their physical displays. I doubt she would be that free with her reputation if he struck her or… If there was abuse, I would call it manipulation and control. Plus, I doubt he has been honest with her. There is something about him that has always set my teeth on edge." Bill let out a long sigh. "I don't trust him."

Faith put her head in her hands. "That is almost more than I want to know, Bill. But, unfortunately I need to know it I guess. If I am honest, I feel out of my element on this. I am hoping and praying that Joseph will counsel her through this. Oh! I received a call earlier from a Doctor in Hamilton who had questions about Elizabeth's condition. He said her father had contacted him. Do you know who told her parents? Because it wasn't me."

"Let me fill you in on some news on my end. I called Elizabeth's father, William Thatcher. You know who he is, right? He's probably the wealthiest man in Canada and wields tremendous influence. He is also a straight-up man and not to be trifled with. He and Elizabeth's mother are coming here. It may take a week, but they'll be on their way as soon as they can and will stay indefinitely. William has rented the Grant's row house and will have furniture shipped. I don't know all the details, but if anyone can arrange for this, William Thatcher can. I believe he will telephone or send a telegram to let me know dates and particulars as well as get an update before they travel."

"Well, I am relieved someone will be with Elizabeth and maybe help with Jack, but what do I do about Lucas, if anything? Just keep him away from her until further notice? I really don't want to tell Elizabeth that her parents are coming for fear of setting off another episode."

Bill continued. "It is my fervent hope that William will deal with Lucas. He has already had a background check done on him and doesn't like what he's seen. My impression is that William with be a strong gate-keeper to keep Lucas Bouchard from his daughter. We just need to keep him away until help arrives… although that might not be an immediate issue."

"What do you mean?" Faith queried.

"When I stopped to get an update from Lucas a while ago it appears he is packing his office."

"Oh, Bill. No! Elizabeth needs to end this relationship before he disappears. The only way for her to be free and heal is apart from him. I mean not in a relationship with him. Do you think he'll just run? I mean they are engaged!" Faith exclaimed, then threw her hands in the air, then let them fall to her lap. "What a mess!"

"It is a mess." Bill agreed wholeheartedly. "And I am so thankful that Nathan and Allie have left. This would further break what is left of his broken heart. I am hoping he doesn't have to find out for a while too."

"Oh, I agree. Nathan has been through enough."

"Speaking of Nathan, he left some letters behind for people that helped with Allie and counseled with him. He also left a letter for Elizabeth for me to deliver after he departed. I spoke to Joseph and we agree now is not the time for that letter. Nathan left it unsealed so that I could read it before I gave it to her, so when the time comes I plan to do so. But that idea has me thinking… Could you or Joseph encourage Elizabeth to pen a brief note to Bouchard to break their engagement until further notice? If he received that he could run… and good riddance!"

"It's an idea." Faith suggested. "But let's get her through seeing Jack tonight and then maybe Joseph could address that with her tomorrow? After all he is the one witness to what happened in the schoolhouse and he might agree with a note."

Looking to her hands, then up to Bill, Faith confessed. "Bill, I don't feel I can handle another thing right now. Could you ask Joseph about that? He is on Elizabeth's list of people that are okay to visit, although I think he's giving her some space so far today."

"I can do that, Faith. You have enough to deal with her physical presence and welfare right now. We just have to take everything one step at a time, but thankfully none of us are alone." Bill reached out and placed his hands on top of Faith's folded hands resting in her lap. He thought he detected a tear though. "Faith? Do you need to talk yourself?"

"I probably do, but I think I'll talk to Joseph or just share with Fiona. You have plenty on your plate as well, Bill." Faith stood. "I could use a fatherly hug though?"

Bill stood immediately and enveloped Dr. Faith Carter is his arms, thinking how it was as much for him as for her. These were hard times.


Faith and Bill left his office together with Bill headed to see Joseph and Faith to find Rosemary and Lee. Knocking and entering the Coulter's shared office, Faith was grateful they were both present, and alone.

Lee stood. "Hello, Faith. I didn't expect to see you. Is everything alright? Or at least as alright as can be expected." He motioned her to the chair in front of where Rosemary was seated at her desk and came to lean against the front. Lee had some questions to ask, no matter Faith's reason to stop in.

"Rosemary? Lee? I need to talk to you both. First, Elizabeth has agreed to have Bill bring Jack to see her after dinner tonight. She suggested that Jack be in his pajamas and that he bring a book. She or Bill will read the book to him as a bedtime story." Faith paused to see their reaction and caught the couple giving each other a questioning look. "Bill has agreed to do this although he was surprised by Elizabeth's request. Are you okay with this?" When they nodded, Faith continued. "I just came from Bill's office and he has been in touch with Elizabeth's parents. They are coming to stay indefinitely."

Rosemary gasped and both she and Lee's eyes flew open widely. "The Thatchers are coming to Hope Valley?"

"Yes. They have rented Nathan's row house and will be here as soon as they can. It is my recommendation that we do not tell Elizabeth about this until they are here. I hope she will be in a better place to receive this news as I don't know how it will affect her." She looked from one to the other. "Can you tell me why you are so surprised?"

"Her mother has never visited and her father hasn't been back since the wedding. Elizabeth used to want them to visit, but she hasn't mentioned that in a very long time. She hasn't returned to Hamilton either, so they have never met their grandchild…" Rosemary let out a long breath.

All Lee could say was, "Wow."

"Oh my. Elizabeth has so many broken relationships to deal with!" Faith took a deep breath. "This is awkward for me to address. But, Rosemary? You seemed hesitant to return for a shift to stay with Elizabeth. Is there something I should know? You brought her in on Saturday, but I wasn't really paying attention to you as much as to her."

Rosemary looked at Lee who shrugged. "I can't blame this on Lee, although he requested I distance myself from Elizabeth right now, but my friendship with her has been very rocky for a while. She has withdrawn and…" Rosemary gulped. "There is no good way to say this, but she has not been much of a friend to me."

Lee spoke up. "I'll say what Rosie cannot. Elizabeth has been unkind. Cruel really. I am tired of standing by and watching my Rosie get hurt, so I told her I think she needs to step back." Lee paused then barged ahead. "Also, we don't approve of her courtship or engagement to Lucas. He has not been a good influence on her and she has taken advantage of us by shirking her responsibilities as a mother and expecting us to babysit way too frequently. All so that she can spend alone time with Lucas because he shows no interest in spending time with Jack." Lee sighed. "There. I've said it. Sorry, but I've about had it with that man!"

"Okay. I wondered if that was the case. I am probably not the only one who has noticed you all have not been as close as you used to be. Are you okay with taking care of Jack? Is that difficult?"

"We are fine with Jack." Lee answered immediately. "We love that young fella and will always keep our promise to be available to care for him. I confess it is our loyalty to his father that bolsters that promise right now though."

"This brings me to another awkward question. Let me tell you why I'm asking. Elizabeth has made it clear she doesn't want to see Lucas and doesn't want to be alone with him. Do you know why that would be? Has he been abusive to her?"

Rosemary shook her head. "I don't think he's injured her, no. But, he is controlling and selfish. He wants his way and only his way. Although Elizabeth doesn't see it, or hasn't seen it that way."

"Okay. Thank you. There is only one other thing. I hope this doesn't hurt you?" Faith took a fortifying breath. Elizabeth has agreed to have only a couple of visitors. Joseph and Fiona and then Bill to bring Jack. I am so sorry after all you've done for her and are doing for Jack. But, since your relationship is rocky maybe it is probably best for now anyway?"

"I can't believe I am saying this, but I am relieved." Confessed Rosemary. "I've felt guilty today for not stopping-in, but I just didn't feel I could handle it."

"That, Rosemary, is just fine. You should only do what you feel comfortable doing in light of recent history. Elizabeth has some fences to mend and she'll need to initiate that effort when she is ready. It is my hope that this episode will be her wake-up call. Unfortunately, the other person she really needs to make things right with is Nathan. Thankfully he is off the scene now, for his own protection, but… I shouldn't go on. This is my opinion and it is not entirely professional."

Faith stopped speaking and stood. "Thank you for your honesty, for your insights and for your time. I hope Elizabeth eventually understands the blessing she has in the two of you."

"Faith? Thank you for all you are doing for Elizabeth too. It can't be easy." Rosemary stood and quickly circled her desk to hug Faith. "We are grateful for you and we are praying for you during this challenging time."

Lee reached out his hand. "Yes. Thank you, Faith." He decided he had enough answers right now and held the door as Faith departed.


Entering the Infirmary, Faith was grateful that she could hear Joseph was talking to Elizabeth. She plopped heavily in a chair and just looked at Molly.

"You stay there. I'm going to fetch a pot of tea. You look as though you need refreshment." Molly pointed. "Your sandwich is in my basket behind the desk. There's also a soda that Ned dropped off."

"I won't say no, Molly. Thank you so much."