Chapter Thirteen

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Getting Settled and a Bedtime Story

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Nathan had been informed that the Commissioner would arrange for their transport and for that of Newton upon arrival in at Regina's Main Train Station on Monday afternoon, but Nathan was surprised to see him and his wife standing on the platform to welcome them.

He wasn't sure who was more excited and nervous, Mrs. Collins, Allie or himself. As they approached the older couple, Nathan saluted the Commissioner who returned the salute and extended his hand. "We'll save that formality when on campus or at Headquarters, Nathan. Good to see you. You remember my wife, Carol? Carol, you know Nathan, of course." He stepped aside as his wife held out her hand to shake Nathan's. Nathan turned her hand in his and lightly kissed it. "My pleasure as always Mrs. Collins!" Her eyes twinkling, she reached her other hand to pat Nathan's cheek. "So wonderful to see you again, Nathan. Welcome back."

Nathan's eyes twinkled right back as they had shared many conversations and dances at formal Mountie events in the past. "Mrs. Collins? Please let me introduce my daughter, Allison, who we call Allie. Allie? Mrs. Collins. And you know Commissioner Collins whom you met at the Inquiry in Hope Valley, right?"

Allie had been leaning against her dad with one foot crossed over the other and her head tilted shyly, her Dad's arm loosely draped around her shoulders. But as Mrs. Collins was introduced and opened her arms for a hug, Allie stood straight and allowed herself to be embraced by the warm woman, only speaking a muffled, "Hello." Allie then shook the Commissioner's hand, saying, "Pleased to meet you again, Sir."

"Allie? We are excited to have you here in Regina! I hope we will soon become adopted grandparents to you and look forward to getting to know you now with you living so close by!" Peter Collins was without guile and had decided to be honest about his intentions with the Grants. "The porter is collecting your belongings and I've arranged for Newton to be ridden to Depot. I'm guessing the poor horse will be very grateful for some exercise and companionship. Would you like to see him right now before we depart?"

Nathan agreed immediately. "Yes, please." The foursome turned to walk down the platform and await Newton's unloading. "So he will be boarded at Depot?"

"You'll be using him there so I advise we let him board at Depot. We have cadets assigned to the stables, so Newton will be well-cared for. You can see him or ride him anytime. I would suggest that you eventually get an automobile, but initially you can travel to and from school and work with me." Peter Collins pointed ahead. "Is that Newton?"

Nathan hurried ahead to reunite with his partner and didn't even hear the question.

Peter Collins laughed, leaned down and confided in Allie. "I guess so, eh?"

"Oh, yes. Newton and Dad are very close!" She giggled. "We didn't get to see him on the train because the stable-hand discouraged interaction to avoid upsetting the horse when we left again. Poor Newton was probably very confused and lonely."

Allie ran the remaining distance to catch up with her Dad who had Newton's majestic head draped over his shoulder while Nathan hugged him and scratched his neck. Seeing Allie, Newton shook his head and whinnied. "Hey, Newton!" Allie reached up to pat his nose and Newton was a very happy horse at that moment.

Mr. and Mrs. Collins looked at each other, impressed. Peter voiced his opinion. "She is a smart one! Good vocabulary. Polite and sweet as can be!"


Arriving at their home, Peter and Carol Collins, happily showing Nathan and Allie the property and the Cottage.

"This is so pretty! I like the style if the Cottage." Allie enthused.

"It is attractive. The style is Carpenter Gothic and this has board and batten siding which is a favorite of mine. It is simple, not too much bric-a brac and I like the white house with dark green shutters."

Pleased, Mrs. Collins exclaimed. "Oh wait until you see the inside, Allie!" Looking up at Nathan she disclosed. "I tried to have the movers place the furniture where I thought it might fit, Nathan, but we can have our hired man help you rearrange it to your liking. I did not open any of the crates knowing you would want to do that, but I did get your beds made-up with fresh linens, and gave you towels and other items you might need right away. You can return them when you find your own things!"

They were standing in the parlor as she conitnued. "Also, I'm sorry it's old, but there is a coffee pot that Peter used to use on campouts so that will allow you to get some coffee in the morning. I have stocked the icebox and kitchen to get you started, but tonight I hope you will accept our invitation to dine with us in our home? I would also like to get you familiar with our house so you know you are always welcome!"

"This is far more than I expected! Thank you for all you have done." Nathan looked at Allie grinning and continued. "We will gladly accept your invitation to dinner. Thank you. At what time?"

"We'll let you begin to settle and say, half-past-six, okay?"

"Wonderful. I appreciate your thoughtfulness!"

"Oh! Here is the truck with your luggage unloaded from the train. I'll let you direct its placement and we'll see you for dinner." Peter Collins had a second thought. "Oh, and the barn is over there. We don't ride very often, so we only have two horses stabled there, but you are welcome to ride them anytime. I assume you ride, Allie?"

"I do, but I know Dad wouldn't want me to ride a new horse without him." She looked up at her father.

"You are correct, Allie-girl. But we'll find some time to saddle-up and explore soon, okay?" Nathan turned from Allie to the Collins couple. "Thank you and we'll see you later."

Mrs. Collins added, "Come to the back entrance through the sunporch, my dears!"

"Okay. We will!" Nathan nodded to the approaching truck as Allie waved goodbye to the Collins's.


After the additional luggage had been delivered, Nathan and Allie stood amidst the crates and suitcases and looked around. "It's really charming, Dad, even though it is small. I mean compared to the train compartment we have lots of space!" She giggled.

"Good way to look at it, Sweetheart! I must say it looked bigger when it was empty, but we'll make it work. Maybe we can store some crates in the barn if we can't fit everything in, eh?" Nathan ran his fingers through his hair. "Let's explore the bedrooms and kitchen now."

He added. "I don't know which room they chose for the beds, but you let me know if we need to change it and we can do so tomorrow."

The green room had Allie's bed and she was delighted. "I like the color, Dad, and we can keep this as my room if it's okay with you? They just don't have my bookcase in here though."

"If you are okay, that's great. A bookcase will be easy to find and move!" Together they looked out the tall windows, grateful for the shades that would cover at night until they could hang curtains. "That's a pretty view of their garden, Allie. Let's look at the blue room now."

Nathan's bedroom was painted a very appealing grey-blue and his view was similar to Allie's, with the addition of windows on two walls as it was a corner room. Allie's bookcase was in his bedroom so that was on the list to move tomorrow.

The bathroom along the back of the house was surprisingly large and they determined that it may have once been a small bedroom or nursery. Allie was especially excited to see the claw-foot tub for bubble baths while Nathan was grateful for a hanging shower even though he would have to duck to have the water above his head!

The kitchen was also on the back of the house and the view was a grassy lawn that might lead to a babbling brook. Nathan and Allie both took note of the food supplies and were grateful for the head start. Returning to the parlor, they searched out the windows and noticed that since it spanned the width of the home, they could see the garden from one end and the brook from the other. A porch overlooked the garden side and they could easily fit a couple chairs and a small table to enjoy the outdoors.

"Dad? I take it back. This little house isn't just charming…" Allie giggled as she watched Nathan's facial expression head towards panic. "Really, it is beautiful and welcoming and comforting and adorable. I love it!"

"Whew! Glad to hear it, but I will sum it all up in one word. Maybe two? Perfectly charming." He scrunched his nose at Allie and opened his arms for a hug. In each other's arms, he prayed a benediction.

"Dear Lord, Thank you for this lovely little home. May you protect and keep us and bless us here. May this be a home filled with love and joy and peace, and may we even be a source of blessing to others here. Be present here at all times, Lord. With gratefulness we say," Together they agreed. "Amen."


A gravel path was lined on one side with a low, nicely trimmed Emerald Mound Honeysuckle hedge. Nathan had a feeling that the purpose would be revealed with winter winds and snowdrifts. The path from the Cottage met another, with one section heading to the barn and the other towards the sunporch. At half-past-six Nathan and Allie followed the path to the sunporch. Opening the door, Allie immediately exclaimed how she loved the wicker chairs, tables and settee. "Can't you imagine spending time out here in the summer, Dad? It's beautiful."

Nathan agreed as he knocked on the door. Mrs. Collins bustled to the door in her apron. "Welcome! Come in. Come in! Excuse my appearance. The woman who cooks for us doesn't work on Monday, so I had to step-in for this evening." She called into the house. "Peter? They're here!"

"Here is a small token from some of the excellent Hope Valley cooks." Nathan handed two jam jars to Mrs. Collins. "One is raspberry jam and the other apple-butter. We know they are delicious, so we hope you enjoy them."

"Thank you, Nathan. But this is the last hostess gift for you to bring. We never expect such things within a family right?" She smiled and winked at Nathan and at Allie. "I'll be right back."

"Come in! Let me show you around. You have seen our home, Nathan, but Miss Allie needs the full tour, right?" Mr. Collins offered his arm to Allie and Nathan followed behind.

The house was large, with a wing of three extremely over-sized bedrooms. A better floorplan would have given four to five bedrooms, large by most people's standards, but the Collins's had inherited the home and it was not built according to their own needs. An enormous entryway, formal parlor and connected dining room stretched across the front of the home. On the back side was a comfortable sitting room with a large fireplace and a large eat-in kitchen. The sunporch opened to a hallway that opened to both the kitchen and sitting room, and ended in the front entryway.

"Please have a seat here in the sitting room? It's not quite chilly enough for a full fire, but this small one makes it comfortable. May I get you something to drink?" Mr. Collins offered.

"Maybe milk for Allie and just water for me, thank you." Nathan responded.

"Off campus you are welcome to a beer, Nathan. Even during prohibition!"

"Thank you, Sir. Water, apple cider, coffee and tea are my beverages of choice. I only rarely drink beer."

"Good for you, Nathan." The commissioner admitted. "We have them all, plus hot chocolate for you, Allie!"

Allie giggled as she confessed. "I've had it twice already today on the train!"

"Well! Maybe we won't keep track for today, eh?" Peter Collins chuckled.

They enjoyed a delicious, very homey meal of chicken pot pie, Waldorf salad on lettuce greens and a cinnamon apple cake for dessert. Conversation topics varied, but a very important topic was what they should call each other. "Would you consider calling me Carol, Nathan? Peter and I are not formal unless required by the location or event and, as far as I am concerned, you may call me Carol at any time."

"If you wish, I will, Carol. Thank you." Nathan replied.

"And Allie? You may refer to me as Gramma Carol? Would that be okay? And Peter?"

"Grampa Pete is fine with me. Would you like that?" Grinning at Allie, Peter continued. "I mean if we think of your father as our Son, we can't get all mixed up in the Aunt and Uncle titles, right?"

Allie looked at her father. "May I, Dad? It will be like having family here in Regina."

"I have no problem with that if you all are in agreement. Thank you for welcoming us with open arms." Nathan was touched and grateful.

After helping to clear the table and enjoying tea with their cake, the Grants were ready to go home and get some sleep. They would collect their uniforms from each Academy tomorrow, and dedicate the remainder of the day to unpacking and settling their new home. They wanted an early start.


Bill instructed young Jack to knock on the Infirmary door and they were welcomed in by Faith.

"Hello, Jack! May I shake your hand? You remember me? Dr. Faith?"

Jack nodded silently, but shook her hand even while gripping his Uncle Bill's neck.

"Hi, Bill. Come in."

As Bill lowered Jack to the floor, Faith squatted down and spoke to the little boy. "Now, your Mommy isn't feeling very well, Jack, but she wants to see you. Are you ready to see your Mommy?" As Jack nodded, she stood and took his hand in hers, leading him around the curtain.

As soon as Jack saw his mother he let go and ran to the side of the bed, climbing up as best he could. Bill quickly assisted him and Elizabeth engulfed her little boy in her open arms.

Elizabeth spoke softly. "Oh, my sweet boy. My sweet Jack. My sweet boy." She tightened her hug until Jack squirmed.

"Too tight, Mommy. Too tight." He leaned back and put both hands on either side of his mother's face, observing her soberly. "You're sick?"

Elizabeth's eyes filled with tears and she could only nod in agreement.

"That's okay, Mommy. We brought a book to read to make you feel better." Jack maneuvered in his mother's arms to lean back against her as Bill handed him the book. He opened to the first page. "Read?"

"Maybe Uncle Bill could read to both of us?"

"I can do that." Bill pushed the chair beside the bed so he could read over Elizabeth and Jack's shoulder. "Ready?"

Jack nodded, but kept his focus on the page.

Bill read the story, using voices and exaggerated inflections to keep Jack's interest. "The End." Bill declared.

"You read good, Uncle Bill. Do it again."

Glancing at Elizabeth who barely nodded, Bill read through the book again. "And that is really the end, Jack. Maybe we need to kiss Mommy goodnight now? It's time to go to Aunt Rosemary's and Uncle Lee's and go to bed. Mommy's probably tired now."

Jack handed the book to Bill and turned in his mother's embrace to face her. He placed his hands on each side of her face once again and, although not their tradition, Jack lightly kissed her lips. "Night, Mommy. Feel better!"

Elizabeth hugged Jack and whispered. "Night, night."

Bill lifted Jack into his arms, but the little boy reached for the book. "Leave book for Mommy. She wants to read it again."

"Sure. Here, Elizabeth." Looking down at Jack, he kissed the top of his head and whispered, "That's very thoughtful, Buddy. Wave night, night!"

"As he passed Faith on his way to the door, Bill whispered, "It's a start! Good night, now."

Having locked the door, Faith came around the curtain, adjusted the chair and sat beside Elizabeth, silently.

Elizabeth's head was back against the pillow and her eyes were closed, but a few tears escaped and fell to the pillow behind her. She remained quiet but her mind was in turmoil. Thoughts of her husband who never knew his own son swirled around, mixed with memories of how Nathan had showed Jack attention and love, mixed with visions of red swimming around the images of two Mountie men. She shook her head to try and dislodge the memories and shake them away.

"I'm right here, Elizabeth, if you want to talk." Faith offered softly.

Without a word, Elizabeth shook her head in response. Eventually, Elizabeth moved to get up and prepare for sleep, so Faith stepped back to allow her privacy. When Elizabeth climbed back into bed, she had washed the tears from her face and only said, "I'm tired."

Faith adjusted the blankets over her patient and whispered. "Molly is sleeping here overnight, so if you need me, she can call. Good night, Elizabeth."

Elizabeth, nodded without engaging, then slowly turned away remaining quiet.