Chapter Twenty-two
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Special Sunday Moments
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Grateful for the automobile God had led them to purchase, Nathan and Allie arrived at the Chapel at Depot Division. Nathan had decided Allie and he would worship there on this first Sunday in Regina. For him it was a place fixed in this memory but he also knew there would be prayers of dedication and protection for the new recruits and secondly he wanted to note those recruits who attended.
The oldest building in Regina, the Chapel was a handsome and striking white-washed structure with a high, wide tower and both sanctuary and tower were topped by bright red roofs. The symbolism of the RCMP red covering the building was not lost on Nathan and the Chapel stood out from the surrounding scenery in its brightness. But as you entered through the arched double doors, you felt a hush. The inside was dark, stained wood strips on the walls and ceiling and the contrast from outside to inside added to your reverence. Allie walked in with her arm linked through her father's, proud to be seen with him and honored to be here. Nathan had trained and worshipped in this very sanctuary so Allie was in awe. This was a rare glimpse into her dad's life before she was born.
Seated in the pew, Allie let her eyes roam although she remained facing forward. The organ played softly and she glanced surreptitiously at her dad. He sat, head bowed, his forage cap in his hands which rested on his lap. Allie knew her dad was praying and she thought she knew what, or rather whom he was praying for on this Sunday morning. She had already prayed for Mrs. Thornton before she rose from bed.
Not wanting to disturb Nathan's meditation Allie began to observe the young cadets. When she spied a young man with short, brown ringlets on top of his head, she gasped involuntarily. Nathan looked over at her, startled and concerned, then followed her gaze. There, just two rows in front of them, was Cadet Robert Wolf ready to be seated. He must have felt her gaze because he glanced towards Allie and stopped. A grin spread across his face and his eyes twinkled. He nodded to Allie, who blushed and gave a shy smile, then nodded to Sergeant Grant who was smiling at him. As he was nudged by the Cadet who was following him into the pew, Robert broke his gaze but his concentration on the morning's service was severely compromised.
Nathan leaned over and whispered into her ear. "I know it's hard but try to pay attention to the service, Sweetheart." He reached his arm around her, lovingly squeezing her shoulders. She looked up, still blushing but knew her dad understood.
During the first hymn, Allie's attention was diverted, noticing side glances, heads turning slightly and stares. As was common, when members of a congregation heard Nathan's beautiful singing, they wondered who it was. Allie used to be embarrassed when churchgoers noticed, but after all these years with her dad, she had grown to appreciate his rich baritone and even enjoyed that he received the attention, although she knew he was oblivious. Often when Nathan sang his eyes were closed as he knew the verses of so many hymns. Totally unaware of the interest around him, Nathan worshipped in the presence of God.
When the service ended and the congregation stood, Nathan stepped into the aisle and allowed Allie to exit and proceed towards the back. What Allie wanted to do was go forward, but she glanced at her dad's face and knew she needed to obey his nod. Numerous Mountie's saluted each other so it took a few minutes to reach the Chapel doors, but when they stepped into the bright sunshine, Nathan guided her over to the side where they could stand and wait. When Robert exited the door he surveyed the lawn and, due to Nathan's height, quickly found the Grants and approached. After saluting smartly, Robert spoke. "Sergeant Grant, Sir. Permission to speak to Allie? Please?"
Nathan smiled and nodded, "Granted, Cadet Wolf," then stepped aside to give them a moment.
"Hi Allie! I didn't expect to see you, but it is so nice. You are a little bit of home and I've been missing Hope Valley something awful this week." Robert spoke quietly. "I've missed you too, but there hasn't been much time to write."
"Hi Robert. You look so grown up in your uniform." Allie blushed to have said that but she was so impressed. She confessed, "I've been homesick myself although the Academy is exciting. Have you made friends yet?"
"I guess the entire Troop become your friends, but it's not easy, Allie. We have so much to learn. I only hope I'll make it." Robert glanced at Nathan. "I admire your father so much more than I ever did before, and I always thought he was great. I want to stay and make it to the end, but it is hard, Allie. Please say a prayer for me?"
"Oh Robert! Of course I can do that, but I believe you will make it just fine." Allie noticed her father step closer. "I think we need to go and probably you do too. Goodbye, Robert."
"Goodbye, Allie and thank you." Robert stood at attention and saluted Nathan Grant again. "Goodbye, Sir."
"Cadet Wolf." Nathan saluted and then smiled. "We need to go Allie." Nathan held out his arm for Allie to take and they departed as Robert allowed his eyes to follow them.
Allie was quiet on the drive home so Nathan spoke first. "Do you want to talk about it?"
She turned to look out the side window then back towards her father. "Was that okay, Dad? Robert won't get into trouble because he spoke to me, will he?"
"No, Allie. He'll be fine. I just didn't want you to be so obvious in the Chapel. As I told you, relationships outside of the Academy are frowned upon, but that brief exchange was fine and I was right beside you. No one will complain if they even noticed." He quickly glanced at her before returning his eyes to the road. "It was a nice surprise, eh?"
"Yes." Allie was quiet again. "Dad, Robert said it's really hard. He's afraid he won't make it. Will he?"
"Mountie training is hard, Allie. Robert will become a man during these months and yes, if he perseveres he can make it. But, no one can do it for him, he has to do it himself. Everyone is discouraged in the beginning but that's part of what the training is for, to instill confidence and to give you the skills you need out in the world."
"Still, your life is not your own and they are very strict with everything you do. Everything you wear is scrutinized, inspected, examined and rejected for a scuff mark or a wrinkle. It's the same with your bed and your drawers and your belongings. They wake you up early and make you do exercises when you are exhausted. They punish any infraction by making the entire Troop do push-ups or laps around the field or extra cleaning duties or any number of other disciplinary measures."
"They are teaching you how to fold your socks, how to make your bed, how to hang your serge, every mundane activity for a purpose. Training you to become a team, to obey and not question or complain, because there are life and death situations where you must work together or follow your leader or you jeopardize the safety of your entire Troop. The training instills respect and dedication. Being a Mountie is an honor, Allie, and serving and protecting others is a privilege."
"Dad!" Allie whispered. "I never heard you talk about all this before. Even when we were at the Forts."
"That's because you were too young for this kind of conversation, Allie. As much as I have dreaded you growing up and my losing my little girl, it is wonderful to be able to talk with you as a young adult." Nathan was thoughtful then admitted. "You know, when I say I love you, Allie, that includes all of this…the little girl I carried in my arms and the young lady I escort on my arm. But the privilege of our discussions is just becoming clearer to me every day and I love our chats."
"Oh Dad… I do too. I don't think other friends have our kind of relationship, you know. I'm very thankful for you, Dad. For us."
"Me too, Sweetheart. You are God's gift to me."
"Oh, Dad…"
During the morning service in Hope Valley, young Jack had been seated on his grandfather's, Uncle Bill's and Uncle Lee's laps. He wasn't acting up or making noise or disobedient, they just all wanted to hold him so he was passed from one to another! If anyone worried that, without a father in his life, Jack Thornton, Jr. would suffer the loss of male influence they just had to look around Hope Valley. Even in the absence of Nathan, Jack now had Mountie Paul and this was as it should be. When a father was absent, the community stepped in.
William Thatcher noticed this and had listened carefully when the men spoke about what they did for Jack. William knew it was the same for Elizabeth. People had stepped in when she was widowed, when she became a single-mother and now while she was sick. William was impressed and genuinely grateful. He even admitted to himself that Elizabeth had been right all along. She had been called to Hope Valley. Yet, how had she become so entangled with the like of Lucas Bouchard? That was a question William Thatcher intended to investigate, but not today.
Bill had offered to bring Sunday dinner to the Infirmary so the Thatcher's, Elizabeth and he could share a meal together while they made some decisions. Rosemary and Lee had agreed to keep Jack for the day and to continue to allow him to sleep over at their home for the next few nights. If Elizabeth went home on Monday, they would need to be certain she could care for him overnight, unless Grace would be willing to sleep at Elizabeth's.
By the end of the meal, a plan was set in place and although quiet throughout the discussion, Elizabeth agreed in the end. Laura would continue as Nanny, caring for Jack in the Thornton home during the days. He needed that familiarity and consistency. Elizabeth would meet with Joseph and eventually with the psychiatrist either in the Thatcher's row house, the church office or Bill's apartment. When Hudson arrived, he would provide transportation with the Thatcher auto, as well as assist with his usual household duties for the Thatchers.
Since the Coulters had agreed to overnight care for Jack into the following week, that gave time for William, Bill, and Lee, along with the help of David Wright who was William's assistant, to clear out the extra bedroom in Elizabeth's house and furnish it for whoever would take the overnight shifts until she was well enough to care of Jack on her own again. Grace gladly offered to begin as soon as there was a bed available, to they made temporary arrangements while other temporary arrangements were set in place! Though complicated, the final plans meant both Elizabeth and Jack were well cared for in the upcoming weeks.
A Sunday afternoon nap was a welcome suggestion for all, so with plans to reconvene for supper later, the family dispersed for their homes.
Elizabeth laid on top of the Infirmary bed, exhausted. Every effort to have a meal or a conversation drained her, yet even while resting, she was unable to sort through her thoughts. 'What will it be like with my parents here in Hope Valley? And now I just learned a Psychiatrist is on his way? For me? Elizabeth Thatcher Thornton? Do I really need a Psychiatrist?' She was ashamed to think that maybe she did. Still she hoped not many people would find out, but knowing Hope Valley she imagined everyone would know sooner or later and that filled her mind with dread.
Trying to change the direction of her thoughts, Elizabeth wondered, 'What would Nathan think if he ever found out? Would he understand?' Somehow even as she posed the question to herself, she knew the answer was yes. Nathan would not judge her. He would understand and want her to get all the care she needed. She also knew Nathan would want her to heal, to recover, and to become the woman with whom he had been friends those few years ago. Just that realization strengthened Elizabeth's resolve to be open, and honest, and to heal.
Nathan and Allie saddled the horses in the Collins' stable, and began their Sunday afternoon ride. The weather was cooler than in Hope Valley, but the air was crisp and clear, the sun bright and the sky that rich blue you only see in autumn. They both relished being outside in the fresh air and headed away from town. Finding an open and quiet road, they raced a few times before settling in to a gentle pace that allowed them to chat as they rode.
"Dad? Is our new automobile a girl or a boy?"
Nathan chuckled. "Ahhh,,, Technically neither! But just like ships I think the car is referred to as a 'she!'
"Good. Then this will work." Slyly Allie looked at her father. "Midnight."
"Uh… Midnight?"
"Yup. That's the car's name."
"Ohhhh… That! It's the color, midnight blue, so I guess that's perfect." Nathan grinned.
"That's not the only reason, Dad. Midnight is when a new day begins, right? Like leaving the old day behind and starting a new one. And this is a new day for us to be living in Regina, to have new schools and friends and have our first automobile. So Midnight is her proper name."
"My! You have given this a lot of thought, eh?"
"I have and Midnight is the perfect name. We'll ride Midnight to school tomorrow, right?"
"Yes, Allie-girl. Midnight will be our ride to school." Nathan couldn't help grinning at his daughter. She was full of surprises, creativity and fun.
They sauntered along quietly, until Nathan queried. "What are your hopes for this week at the Academy, Allie?"
"We start chorus and I'm excited about that. We'll also have Hone Economics and I'm looking forward to see whatever that's all about. Of course, I like Literature class with Miss Collins. I'm not looking forward to Advanced Math though. I'm afraid I can't keep up with the older girls. Geography will be fun, but I hope the History teacher can make it interesting like Mrs. Thornton did, otherwise History is dull! Memorizing dates, you know?"
"I guess it could be boring, but what about this? You tell me what you are studying and I'll try to find some interesting stories or facts to liven up the subject for you. Would that be fun?"
"Wow, Dad. That will be great! I wish you were my school teacher and not just my 'home' teacher!"
"Oh dear! Is that what I am? 'Just your home teacher?'" Nathan threw back his head, laughing. "I need to find some very interesting stories then to try and elevate your estimation of me."
Allie giggled. "Daaaaddd… You know what I mean…"
"I'm afraid I do and that's the problem." Laughing, Nathan eyed Allie and got the expected eye-roll.
