Chapter Fifteen
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Deliveries and Pick-ups
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Joseph felt as though the letter in his hand was a hot potato and he wanted to deliver it as soon as possible so he hurried straight to the Saloon. There were only a couple patrons and no staff in sight so Joseph quickly approached the back office and knocked, praying silently as he waited.

Gustav exited the kitchen, saw Joseph and greeted him in the Canadian manner. "Bon matin, Pastor. Lucas is upstairs. Do you know which room is the apartment?" Gustav nodded to the back stairway. "Deux." He raised two fingers.

"Ah Bonjour, Gustav. Merci!"

"Mais de rien." Gustav replied as he stepped out of the way with a slight bow.

Joseph trudged up the stairs, found Room Two and knocked. A voice from within mumbled, "One moment."

Lucas, sans suit, opened the door and expressed surprise. "Ahhh… Joseph! Excuse my appearance, I have been working on a project…" Lucas stepped through the door quickly and pulled the door closed. "How can I help you?"

In an instant, Joseph took note of Lucas's messy hair, his casual slacks, Henley and rolled up sleeves thinking this was a first. "Good morning, Lucas. Gustav directed me here while I waited outside your office. I have come to deliver a note from Elizabeth."

Lucas was taken aback at this unexpected explanation. "Elizabeth? Is she recovered then?"

"Ah no, Lucas. It will be a long time before Elizabeth is 'recovered,' to use your word." Joseph tried to keep from frowning. "She is eating some and speaking on occasion, but you probably know that?"

"No, Sir. I didn't. Should I go see her then?" Lucas nervously ran his hand through his hair.

"I don't believe that would be helpful or allowed right now. She did send you this though." Joseph felt a sudden compassion fill his heart as this man had no idea what he would be reading when he opened the seal. "Are you okay? I've never seen you disheveled."

"Uh? Oh… Yes." Lucas was opening the envelope and glanced up at Joseph's question. "Like I said I'm knee deep in a project…"

Joseph watched Lucas pale, before an angry blush flooded his face and he blurted out. "How dare she!"

This time it was Joseph who was taken aback. "Excuse me?"

"Elizabeth! She has broken our engagement! With only a note!" He almost growled the comment, "A note! I…"

"I take it you weren't expecting this?" Joseph had stepped back, but was still within conversing distance, although he spoke with a quiet calm.

"Expecting this? How dare she? I was going to…" Lucas stopped suddenly, swallowing his words.

"You were going to what?" Joseph questioned.

Lucas realized he had said too much and had a sinking feeling the pastor knew what he was ready to say.

Joseph made a God-inspired guess. "You were going to break it off yourself?"

Lucas's eyes widened at being found out. He stammered a lame excuse. "I was going to go see her. We could have discussed this." He waved the letter in his hand. "After all I've done for her, this is all I get in return?"

Joseph knew Lucas had just twisted his words to accuse Elizabeth and wouldn't let his pride admit his intentions. Joseph felt prompted to ask another bold question. "Are you preparing to leave town, Lucas?"

As if Joseph had hit a bullseye in the dart board downstairs, his words hit Lucas. His intake of breath was the only answer Lucas gave, but that was enough for Joseph to know the truth.

Joseph spoke softly and made an offer. "Would you like to talk about it, Lucas?"

When Lucas shook his head, Joseph wasn't surprised but decided to make another offer.

"I can't promise when it will be appropriate for Elizabeth to read, but would you like me to deliver a note back to Elizabeth?" Joseph watched as he waited for Lucas to consider this.

"No thanks." All the pride and heat and bravado seemed to have disappeared. Lucas answered quietly. "Not now."

"Okay. When do you plan to depart?" Joseph inquired.

"Within a couple weeks. I'm waiting for an oil business deal to finalize."

"Alright. You know where to find me if you do want to talk, Lucas." Joseph offered his hand which Lucas accepted but with a limp hand and slight nod.

"Good day, then, Lucas."


Nathan and Allie spent the morning hours unpacking their books and kitchen supplies, so gladly accepted the picnic lunch that Carol Collins had prepared. At one o'clock, Peter sent an automobile to take Nathan and Allie to collect their uniforms at each Academy, and drive them around town to introduce them to Regina.

Allie was stunned to see St. Anne's Academy for Girl's campus. She had her arm through her Dad's as they approached an entrance and followed signs to the Office. "Dad? This is amazing…"

Nathan squeezed her arm to his side. "You are going to enjoy this, Allie-girl. Here we are." He held open the door and followed Allie to the counter.

"Hello. I am Nathan Grant and this is my daughter, Allison Grant, a new student. I made arrangements with Miss Hills and need to pick-up Allie's uniform and tentative schedule?"

"Yes, Mr. Grant. Hello Allison. Welcome to St. Anne's. I am Mrs. Ashley. Wait here one moment. Please?"

Allie scanned the office while they waited, noticing a couple landscape paintings, a portrait of a serious-faced woman, dressed in an academic gown, various certificates and framed collages containing photos of students, labeled by the year.

Following Secretary Ashley, a tall, white-haired woman emerged from a back office. She had grey, almost silver eyes which held a kindly expression. Immediately approaching the Grants, the woman extended her hand. "Sergeant Grant! Lovely to see you again. And this must be your daughter."

"Hello again, Miss Hills. Yes, please let me introduce Allison Grant, also known as Allie. Allie? Please meet your Headmistress Miss Hills."

Allie offered a warm smile and shook the woman's hand. "A pleasure to meet you, Miss Hills."

"Welcome to St. Anne's, Allison! This a little larger than your school at home, am I right?" She smiled encouragingly at Allie.

"Oh yes! Much larger. I've been in a one-room schoolhouse for the past few years. I am excited to be here though, Miss Hills."

"Well, we are excited to have you, Allison. Sergeant? I don't believe we have received Allison's school records yet, but by your assessment, we have placed Allison according to the interests and abilities you shared with me. We will confirm when we have the records in hand."

"I apologize, Miss Hills. The Hope Valley teacher had a medical emergency on Saturday and I am uncertain when the records will be forwarded. I can call the Chairman of the School Board and follow-up?" Nathan offered.

"If you could do that, yes, please. Now, Allison! Tomorrow is Orientation for incoming students so we will begin the day with an Assembly in Page Hall, that's our auditorium. An upperclassman will meet you at the front entrance and stay with you on the tour and through the lunch hour, making sure you find your way to your homeroom for the remainder of the afternoon. On the tour there will be tables set-up for you to see the extra-curricular activities that are available. You may sign-up at the tables or inform your teacher, Miss Collins, and she will make sure you are registered. Your father told me you enjoy art, music, singing and literature, correct?"

"Yes, Ma'am." Allie responded as Nathan proudly placed his hand on Allie's shoulder.

"Make sure to consider signing up for chorus. I think you will enjoy that!" Miss Hill smiled with twinkling eyes.

"I also understand you took Latin prior to your time in Hope Valley and you have been in an advanced Mathematics course? We will have to test you in those subjects to properly place you as you may be more advanced than your freshmen classmates." Seeing the look of apprehension on Allie's face, Miss Hills continued. "Now, don't you worry about the test, Allison. It is not graded except to assess your knowledge. Other students will have their own assessments and everyone is not at the same level. We don't want to waste your time, but rather further encourage your abilities!"

"Okay, thank you." Allie was reassured.

"Now, don't let me take any more of your time. Secretary Ashley has a packet of information to take with you and she will walk you to the room to be fitted for your uniforms, okay?" Miss Hills looked from Allie to Nathan. "Do either of you have any questions?"

Allie thought she had a hundred questions but wouldn't know where to start, so she just quietly responded, "No, Ma'am. Not at the moment."

"I believe we have many questions, but we will read the information here and see how tomorrow goes before inquiring." Nathan laughed. "Both Allie and I are beginning the new school year so we both have a lot to learn!" Nathan extended his hand and shook that of the Headmistress. "Thank you so much for your time and I look forward to Allie's year to come."

"My pleasure Sergeant Grant, Allison. Feel free to direct your questions to me or any of the staff. We want you to readily feel at home!" Miss Hills nodded to her Secretary who led the Grants out of the office and down the hallway. As she turned back towards her office, she let out a sigh, catching the eye of her friend, Assistant Principal Adrianna Patterson, who had been observing from her doorway. She winked. "If only I was twenty years younger! Those blue eyes!" Miss Helen Hills giggled like a schoolgirl and was joined with full agreement from her friend.

Mrs. Patterson whispered. "And you said that man is not married?" Principal Patterson rolled her eyes to the ceiling with a love-struck grin and waved her hand as if she had a sudden moment of blushing warmth! "We may have to have more frequent parent-teacher-administrator consultations for the Sergeant!"

"Wait until the rest of the faculty meet him at the Faculty Tea!" Added Miss Hill. Both women laughed again before returning to the work waiting on their desks, but both retained happy smiles!


Nathan and Allie both had their arms full of skirts, sweaters, blouses, stockings and gym uniforms as they walked out to the waiting vehicle. As they loaded the trunk, Nathan declared. "One down and one to go!"

Arriving at Depot, Allie accompanied her father into the Headquarters Building. She observed her father as they were ushered into the Commissioner's office. Nathan didn't have a uniform on, but his presence commanded attention and respect.

Commissioner Collins welcomed them into his inner office. "Miss Allie! What do you think of my office?"

"It is enormous." Allie whispered. "And you have wonderful windows too. Does Dad get an office?"

"He does, although I confess it is not quite as large and he shares it with another instructor. Would you like to see it?"

As Allie nodded her interest, Nathan spoke up. "Sir, if you don't have the time, Allie can see it another day. I just came to collect my uniforms."

"Nonsense. I want to show Miss Allie personally." He winked at Nathan. "Of course, you may tag along as well!"

Peter and Nathan both chuckled as Allie took the Commissioner's offered arm and Nathan followed them down the hallway.

"Wow, Dad! This is a really nice office and you have the large windows too!" Allie let go of the Commissioner's arm and slowly walked around. "That's a nice view for you Dad. You won't feel like you are stuck inside when you are in here!"

Nathan blushed. "Allie! I never said anything about being stuck inside!"

Peter Collins laughed. "It's okay, Nathan. Allie's right. The views help all of us Mounties who miss the open air!"

"Is this your desk, Dad?" When Nathan nodded, Allie pulled out the chair and sat down. "Nice!"

"I am glad we have your approval, Miss Grant." Nathan teased. "Now, look around and tell me where I should hang your mother's painting, okay? I'll ask my officemate if he approves of your placement tomorrow."

"Right there, Dad." Allie pointed. "And we have to get some items for your desk. This is a real desk compared to the one in the jail! Uncle Bill will be jealous. This may be larger than his!"

"We will not measure, Allie-girl. Did you notice my large bookcase?" Nathan chuckled as he winked.

"I guess that's for all your Mountie things? It's probably good to split our books, Dad. You know we have too many to keep them all in our new home!" Allie grinned at Grampa Pete. "We could open a bookstore! Only problem is we want to keep them all, so maybe a library would be better?" She giggled but knew her father agreed.

"Good books are like good friends. You can share them, but you never want to give them away, eh?" Nathan grinned at Allie knowing the two of them were in complete agreement. They both loved books.

Turning to Peter, Nathan suggested. "Are we ready to get the uniforms?"

The Commissioner grinned at Allie's happy personality and their fun banter. "Right. The room is at the end of this hallway on the right. Are you joining us for dinner this evening?"

"I'm not sure. We have to discuss it. We may just want a quiet evening together before our big day tomorrow. Thank you though, Sir." They stepped into the hallway and Nathan offered Allie his arm.

"Bye, Grampa Pete!" Over her shoulder Allie whispered with a grin and sparkling eyes.

The Commissioner gave the hat tip to Allie, then Nathan and returned to his office.


"Dad! We'll both be wearing navy blue uniforms, but mine doesn't have all the brass buttons." Nathan was following the tailor's instructions and trying on his new blue serge jacket. "You look really handsome!"

Nathan smiled at the tailor and admitted quietly. "There is nothing like the opinions of a daughter!"

"She's right though, Sir. You wear this well. It seems to fit perfectly too." The tailor pulled and patted and gave his approval. "Try on the hat, as well please?"


As they departed the Academy grounds, their driver slowed the vehicle to show them the Mountie Chapel, the oldest building in Regina. On their drive around the city, the driver pointed out the Post Office with its famous clock tower, the Saskatchewan Legislative Building, Government House and City Hall which contained a large theatre and concert hall and ballroom.

The R.H. Williams Department Store, with its wonderful window displays, and Canada Drug and Book Store were two places Nathan and Allie knew they would frequent. Nathan took note of St. Paul's Anglican Cathedral, Knox Presbyterian, First Baptist and St. Mary's Catholic Church as well as Victoria Park while Allie marveled at the number of streetcars.

Arriving at home, Nathan spoke to their driver. "Thank you so much for the tour! It is clear that Allie and I will have plenty to explore in such a bustling city." The Grants collected their uniforms from the vehicle and waved goodbye as they headed down the path to their cottage.

"Dad? I'm so impressed. I don't think many of my friends have seen a city like we saw today! I have so much to write home about!" Allie dumped her armload on the sofa, grateful that they had worked so diligently that morning and the front room was cleared of all but three crates. "I guess I better hang up this clothing to prevent wrinkles."

"Yes, please? I'm going to unpack these uniforms to avoid the same!"

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Later while unpacking a few more crates, Nathan began to load another. The house was just small enough to feel crowded with every space filled, so in addition to the crate of books ready to go to his new office at Depot, Nathan set aside Colleen's painting. He also filled a crate with Mountie-related memorabilia, a bronze statue of a horse and his boyhood toy soldiers, as well as a leather desk set he had received from the Coulters for Christmas last year.

Bill's Christmas gift had been a framed photograph of Nathan, Allie and Bill taken after Allie's adoption ceremony and Nathan added that to the crate along with a photograph of each of his parents and one of Allie and himself when she was younger. Only Nathan knew that there was another photograph hidden behind that one. Even though things had not gone as expected with Elizabeth Thornton, he didn't have the heart to destroy the photograph that Carson had taken at the Flynn's wedding. Clara had given it to him when she and Jesse had gone through their wedding album and she had agreed with Carson back then and told Nathan, 'This is a keeper.' Nathan could not throw away a 'keeper.' He laid the frame on top of the crate.

Carol Collins knocked on the front door interrupting Nathan's thoughts. "Hello?" She sang her greeting. "I have dinner for you!"

"Oh, Carol! Please come in. I wasn't expecting this. We were just going to melt some cheese over eggs and call it dinner tonight." Nathan grinned sheepishly accepting the basket of dinner. "You are too kind."

"You both need a hearty meal to sleep on and give you strength for tomorrow's big day. I won't say no for tomorrow night, now. Dinner at our house. We want to hear all about Allie's big day!" She glanced down at the crate and saw the top photograph, bending to lift and examine it up close. "Oh! How adorable! How old was Allie in this photograph?"

"That was taken shortly after we arrived in Hope Valley, so she would have been ten. I can't believe how much she has changed since then." Nathan reached in to the crate to show the adoption day photograph. "This was last year." As Nathan took the other frame from Carol, he balanced it on the edge of the crate while he was preoccupied with the image in her hands. The earlier frame slid to the ground with a jolt that popped off the backboard. Out slid the two photographs and the glass. "Oh!"

As he reached to pick-up the items at his feet Carol saw the 'Keeper' photograph. "Oh, Nathan! What a pretty woman! Why is that photo hidden? Who is she…" Carol looked from the image to Nathan's blushing face. "Oh…"

"That is Allie's former teacher in Hope Valley. It was taken at a wedding some years ago." Nathan was nervously fumbling as he hurriedly tried to get the photos and glass back in the frame.

Carol placed her hand on his arm and he stilled. "Nathan? I believe there is a story there." She searched his face until he glanced at her. "If you want to talk about her at any time, I'm here." She patted his cheek and turned back to the door. "I'll let you continue and please do enjoy the stew. God's blessings on your day tomorrow and as you sleep tonight."

As she disappeared out the door, Carol Collins added lightly, "Sweet dreams!"