Chapter Fourteen
Good Morning and Good News
A chilly autumn morning greeted Nathan when he awakened. It would take some days to adjust his sleeping schedule to the timing of the sunrise in Regina, but he was grateful for a peaceful night's sleep in his own bed. He laid with the quilt pulled up to his chin and, in the first light of a new day, he listened to the new sounds.
The Cottage was close enough to hear the meandering waters of the brook in the morning stillness and Nathan heard a few birds singing in spite of the cool temperatures. Nathan gave thanks for the day and for God's provision. He prayed a quick prayer of blessing on Allie, his parents, the Collins family and his Hope Valley friends. On this morning he wondered how Elizabeth was faring and prayed for God to protect her and do His work in her life and that of dear young Jack, ending with the request that God's will be done.
Shivering, he quickly pulled his robe from his suitcase and donned a pair of socks before padding his way into the front room. Nathan busied himself building a roaring fire and then prepared coffee in the old pot on the stovetop. He decided to make hot oatmeal to warm them and was just pouring his coffee when Allie arrived in the doorway.
"Hi Dad." Allie yawned.
"Good morning, Sweet girl! How did you sleep?"
"I don't think I moved all night, although in the beginning I missed the rocking of the train. But I slept really well. How about you?"
"There is nothing, I mean nothing like sleeping in your own bed!" He grinned. "I slept great! Are you ready for some oatmeal? I thought we would keep it simple this morning so we can start unpacking right away. Would you like some milk tea to warm you?"
Allie giggled. "Dad, I'm not sick!" Her father's version of milk tea was mostly milk with a hint of tea. Actually she needed to talk to him about allowing her to have tea with a little milk, but this was not that morning.
"No, but it would be good to have something to warm your insides. Have you noticed how much cooler it is here than when we left Hope Valley?" Nathan prepared the milk tea for Allie and she came to the stove to spoon the oatmeal into the bowls.
Apologizing, Nathan commented. "I'm afraid I don't have any honey to add, but how about a little nutmeg and a pat of butter?"
Remembering that was the way her grandmother liked her oatmeal, Allie readily agreed. "Okay!"
"Let's eat in front of the fire this morning, eh?" Nathan carried the two mugs, along with napkins and spoons, following Allie with the bowls of oatmeal.
Dad and Daughter settled on the sofa, prayed a blessing on the food and the day and began to plan their Tuesday.
Bill hurried to the Infirmary even before he had his morning coffee. He knocked quietly and waited. When no one came, he sat on the bench, wishing he had gotten his hot wake-up beverage first.
When the door opened he was surprised to see Molly, with two mugs in her hands. "Here. I peeked and saw it was you, so knew coffee would be welcomed! Good morning!" Molly spoke softly.
Bill took a sip. "Good morning! How did you know?"
"Observation. Former Mounties aren't the only ones with skills." She turned up her nose, smirked, then laughed.
"How is our patient?" Bill whispered. "How did it go after Jack and I left?"
Molly reported. "Faith said, 'silence and quiet tears.' I guess Elizabeth appeared to be struggling with something but shared nothing. I relieved Faith a little after nine o'clock and Elizabeth slept soon after. I confess, I enjoyed the early night after a few interrupted overnight shifts over the weekend!"
"When do you expect Faith?"
"Between eight and nine. Do you want me to have her call you?"
"Please?" Bill responded.
They sat in companionable silence as they watched Hope Valley awaken to the day. Having drained his mug, Bill stood. "Thanks, Molly. Tell Faith I'll be in my office. I am expecting a call this morning."
Molly waved and returned inside, quickly set down the mugs and rubbed her arms to warm up on the outside.
The telephone was ringing as Bill entered his office. "Yes? Judge Avery here."
"Bill? William Thatcher. Our train departs at nine o'clock this morning, so we should arrive mid-day Saturday. How is Elizabeth?"
Bill brought William up-to-date and explained she had seen Jack briefly last evening.
"It's a start I guess. What's happening with Bouchard?"
"Nothing yet. We have an idea that we hope our pastor is agreeable to. We think it wise that Elizabeth write a brief note to break their engagement, thereby freeing her to heal without the burden of that relationship. We don't want Bouchard to skip town and her be left with uncertainty. You can pray about that as we hope for that today."
"Sound's wise. We will pray." William was pleased. "Thank you for thinking of that."
"Oh, it is a group effort here on our end. But we are doing all we can."
"I'm sure you are, Bill. Our butler and a psychiatrist are driving cross-country and departed a few hours ago to get a head start. My assistant is traveling with me, but if there is any news, please contact my office secretary? She will be in contact with my assistant along the way, so I'll get the update. You have her telephone numbers, correct?"
"I do and I will. Safe travels, William."
"Right. Thank you. Till Saturday then."
Bill bowed his head and silently thanked God that Elizabeth's parents were on their way. Jack would finally get to know his grandparents and hopefully they would fall in love with that sweet little boy. Maybe God was working in this beyond would he could imagine?
Across the country William and Grace Thatcher hurriedly navigated their way through Hamilton, Ontario's monumental railroad station to board the nine o'clock train destined for Hope Valley, British Columbia.
Amazed that they had succeeded in declining myriad meetings and social events, Grace and William fell back against the sofa in their first-class railway compartment. Grace had overseen the packing of their luggage for both autumn and winter seasons, while William had speedily made arrangements for his business. He was grateful his assistant, David Wright, was onboard in another compartment which they would use as an office during this travel week.
He only hoped the reasons for their quick departure were believed by their Hamilton business associates and society friends. He and Grace had decided it was best to say that a business issue had arisen which needed immediate and potentially long-term oversight and since their daughter and grandson lived out west, they had decided to travel together. William intended to have numerous business meetings to support his statement.
"Whew… We're on our way." Grace whispered. "And I sure hope we can sleep on the train because I am exhausted."
William agreed, but was too tired to move to their sleeping quarters, so he laid his head against the sofa and closed his eyes. It wasn't long before both Thatchers were asleep and it was a few hours later that a knock awakened them. Wiping the sleep from his eyes, William stood, stretched his back, straightened his waistcoat and tie and answered the door.
"Good morning, Sir. Pardon the interruption, but would you like to reserve a table in the dining car or have me deliver your luncheon menu selections to you here?"
Without even looking at his wife, William vouched for both of today's meals to be delivered to their compartment. Knowing Grace's preferences after all these years, he ordered soup and a sandwich for lunch and the baked chicken and accompanying side dishes for dinner. William thanked the Steward and closed the door. "I think I will freshen up, Grace. But no need to change for our meals, unless you want to get more comfortable, as it is just the two of us! I'll go to David's compartment to check-in on business after lunch. Let's relax on this trip, because we don't know what awaits us at our destination."
Pastor Joseph had agreed to discuss the issue of Elizabeth's relationship with Lucas as he saw the potential damage if Lucas left town without a clean and clear breakup. Even if it was temporary it needed to happen, but Joseph had been praying for this very thing ever since Elizabeth's breakdown last Saturday. Only to himself would he admit his many concerns about that relationship, their many bold and public kisses and some changes he had observed ever since Elizabeth Thornton had begun to court Lucas Bouchard. He had prayed for God's will to be done, but had humbly petitioned God for their separation. As he approached the Infirmary this morning, he prayed for moment-by-moment wisdom.
Joseph knocked on the door of the Infirmary, a basket of food from the Café in hand. Joseph had been informed by Bill that Bill had brought Jack to see Elizabeth, although he was concerned with her reported lack of interaction or interest in her son. Evidently hugs and endearments were all Elizabeth had offered.
"Good morning, Faith. Are we ready for our day?" Joseph asked as he stepped inside.
"I hope so, Joseph. Good morning. Molly is working for Bill this morning and I am here. Elizabeth and I are ready and waiting for some breakfast!" Faith locked the door behind her and followed Joseph around the curtain.
"Good morning, Elizabeth? It is a beautiful, sunny day. Just a hint of autumn in the air! I brought some breakfast compliments of Minnie." Joseph and Faith began to unpack the basket onto the table beside the bed. "Smell that? Those are Minnie's buttercream-iced cinnamon rolls! I can vouch for them." He patted his stomach with a grin. "Delicious!"
Faith and Joseph sat, one on either side of Elizabeth's bed. After Faith served each one a huge roll and a cup of coffee, Joseph led in a prayer of thanks and each one took a bite.
"Oh, Joseph! Tell Minnie these are the best! There's something different in them, but I like it!" Faith exclaimed.
"Ahhh! A discerning palate. Minnie makes these with an old Swedish recipe so she adds cardamom. Personally I love it, the fragrance and the taste."
Between bites, Joseph and Faith conversed, including Elizabeth but not expecting any contributions from her. She surprised them by finishing the entire roll and commenting. "That was delicious…"
"We are all in agreement on that then. I will tell Minnie! By the way Laura brought Jack into the Café yesterday and he also approved. Although Minnie said half of his was on his hands and face!" Joseph chuckled and was glad to see Elizabeth offer a small smile. "Minnie said he gave her a very sticky thumbs up!"
Joseph commented. "You know, Elizabeth, that little boy is a treasure. He is so smart and friendly and polite. And he always remembers all my family's names too! Mr. Coop and Miz Angel. That's my favorite! You are raising him well, Elizabeth. You are to be commended."
Joseph saw a tear escape the corner of Elizabeth's eye and kept on the subject. "You are blessed to have Rosemary and Lee as back-up too. Those two love that little fella to pieces. Has Lucas been getting to know him too?" By observation Joseph was fairly certian he knew the answer but wanted to hear what Elizabeth might say.
She answered with one word, "No," although more tears escaped.
"No?" Joseph asked quietly and waited patiently. He could see that Elizabeth was thinking, considering what to say. After some moments of silence Joseph asked another question. "Is your engagement moving forward to setting a date for marriage, Elizabeth? Shouldn't this be the time when Lucas spends time with Jack and they begin to bond as a father and son?"
Eyes filled with tears, Elizabeth gulped then whispered. "He doesn't seem to like him or even care."
That was more than Joseph expected but he silently thanked God for her admission and prayed for guidance. "Lucas doesn't seem to care about your son, knowing he is engaged to you, his mother?"
Elizabeth shook her head. "No. He only wants to spend time with me. Never with Jack."
"And how does that make you feel about Lucas? Can you see a future with him when he dismisses your son like this?"
Joseph identified fear in Elizabeth's eyes. She gasped and then covered her face with her hands. He could hardly hear her response, but was fairly certain she said, "No."
Motioning to Faith to reach out and touch Elizabeth, Joseph questioned quietly. "Elizabeth? Have you broken your engagement with Lucas?"
She shook her head, but remained silent.
"Do you want to, need to, break it off with him?"
This time she nodded and whispered "Yes."
"What is holding you back from doing what you want to do, Elizabeth?"
"He's going to be angry."
"But, if you know you need to do that, break the engagement that is, what difference does it make if he gets angry?"
"I'm afraid."
"Afraid? Has he been angry at you before?"
Elizabeth nodded. "Yes. When I talked about Jack… I mean my husband, Jack, and about Nathan." Elizabeth was quiet for a minute before adding. "He thinks I care more about Nathan than I do about him."
Joseph decided that was a conversation for another time so he returned to the engagement issue. The Pastor leaned forward, elbows on his knees. "Elizabeth? I am going to offer you some advice. I believe you need to end your relationship with Lucas. I understand you are afraid, but what if you write a brief note stating you are ending your engagement and you wish him well. No explanations needed. Just that he should accept this note as your final decision. If you want to write it now, I will deliver it for you."
Elizabeth was quiet as she blinked back tears, looking from Joseph to Faith and back again. "Can I?" She barely whispered. "Would you?"
"Yes, you can and yes, I will. Faith? Some paper and a pen, please?" He pointed to the bottom of the breakfast basket at her feet and Faith handed the writing materials to Elizabeth, retrieving the clip board from the bottom of her bed.
Faith and Joseph looked at each other, instinctively knowing they were both praying.
A short time later, Elizabeth handed the note to Joseph. "Here. Read it, please?"
"Are you sure?"
"Yes. Someone needs to see what I wrote."
Joseph read the few sentences noticing she had written according to his suggestions, but added she was sorry and to please forgive her. Joseph nodded. He folded the paper and placed it in the envelope that Faith handed him. "Do you want to give me your engagement ring? We can add it to the envelope and that will give it finality. You need not see him or discuss it further."
Elizabeth's voice was small as she admitted, "He never gave me one."
Joseph sputtered and coughed. "Wait. What? Probably the wealthiest man in town and he didn't give you a ring?" Joseph gulped as conviction hit his conscience. "I'm sorry… Lord, forgive me? That was uncalled for." Joseph took a deep breath. "I do believe you have done the right thing, Elizabeth."
The troubled woman had an expression of relief as she laid her head against the pillow behind her. "Could you sing something?"
"Ah sure." Joseph thought for a few moments then began to sing.
"God moves in a mysterious way His wonders to perform.
He plants his footsteps on the sea and rides upon the storm.
You fearful saints fresh courage take the clouds you so much dread
Are big with mercy and shall break in blessings on your head.
His purposes will ripen fast unfolding ev'ry hour
The bud may have a bitter taste but sweet will be the flow'r.
Blind unbelief is sure to err and scan his work in vain.
God is his own interpreter and he will make it plain." (*5 See note.)
Elizabeth had closed her eyes, but whispered, "Thank you."
"You're welcome." Joseph nodded. "You get some rest now and I'll go deliver this."
.
(*5) "Light Shining out of Darkness" by William Cowper, 1774, Public Domain
I have chosen this beloved hymn because the author, although a well-known and admired poet of his time, was institutionalized for insanity in the 1700s. He came to faith, though not without doubts, and due to his association with John Newton (Author of Amazing Grace) wrote poems and hymns for which he is best known. (Note: Source of biographical information is Wikipedia) Elsewhere, I have also read Mr. Cowper suffered from depression.
