Chapter Twenty-six
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The Article Circulates
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Thursday's mail brought a note of apology from Rosemary Coulter accompanying a copy of the Valley Voice. Nathan chuckled when he read her note, half apologizing and half defensively explaining why she was justified in what she had written. Nathan was actually surprised Rosemary had been able to wait to publish as long as she had!
Unfolding the newspaper page, Nathan read the article penned by his friend. A deepening pink blush crept up his neck and into his cheeks…. She was so effusive, so complimentary, so…so appreciative. As Nathan gave thanks he was not present in town when this was circulated, he realized in truth, Rosemary was just being supportive and that gave him the permission he needed to let it go and be grateful for Rosemary and Lee's friendship and support. They had included Allie and him in their family and he was appreciative of them in response. 'I wonder what Allie will say when she reads this?'
What Nathan did not know was that Rosemary had sent a copy enclosed with Opal's letter to Allie, along with copies to the Commissioner, the Chief Superintendent at Depot and to Allie's Headmistress! In doing so, Rosemary had done just what Colleen would have done-boldly bragged about her brother!
Nathan had no clue as to why Tim, the Depot Commander, had summoned him to stop by his office between classes, so when he walked in he was unprepared for his supervising officer to stand and applaud him.
Looking behind him to see to whom the applause was offered, he realized it was for him. His brow creased in confusion until a glance at Tim's desk revealed a copy of the Valley Voice. He closed his eyes for a moment, pressing his lips together, and allowed one thought, 'Oh Rosemary, what had you done?'
"Congratulations on a job well-done, Nathan. Have a seat for a moment." Tim sat as Nathan recovered and followed his request.
Tim lifted the Valley Voice and, pointing to the article, grinned. "Now that is an article worth reading, Nathan! What a wonderful tribute. I only wish all Mounties could qualify for such accolades upon moving to another position." He began to read of Nathan's behind-the-scenes assistance to those in town. "This… is exactly what a Mountie should do and now I must figure out how to include this in our training. When Mounties serve it shouldn't just be the exciting protections they offer, but this."
He again pointed to the article. "I'm guessing no one person in town knew all of this and I commend the author, Rosemary Coulter for her investigative skills to expose the truth. And, if you are wondering how I have this newspaper? The editor herself sent it along with a note." Tim reached for the envelope and extracted a small page, reading.
"'Dear Sir, Enclosed is a copy of Hope Valley's newspaper, The Valley Voice. Because I know Nathan will not show this to anyone, I have taken it upon myself to send a copy to the important people in his life. My friend deserves the acknowledgement! Sincerely, Rosemary LeVeaux Coulter, Editor.'"
Tim leaned forward. "Nathan, there is no need to be embarrassed! I can read her sincerity from here and know she is telling the truth. Who is this woman? Anyone special to you?"
"Uh, no, well yes, well… She and her husband, Lee, are dear friends of mine and are, at least by name, Allie's Hope Valley Aunt and Uncle. A few months back, I actually made them Allie's guardians, should anything happen to me. No one in town knows that but the Judge, Bill Avery, and, of course Allie and the Coulters."
"Well, that's another point in your favor, Nathan. The foresight of providing for your daughter in the event of an emergency? Good for you."
"Well, it was a necessity, Sir… I mean, Tim. I needed that in place when I adopted her. Prior to that I had hopes for a mother for Allie, but as that is no longer possible, this was the best route to take. Allie has stayed with them when I've had some overnight assignments."
"Good. Now…" Tim lifted the article and read aloud, "You sing? And what is this about 'a couple volumes of his writings in the Library.' Care to explain?"
Nathan looked down at his hands before answering. "I have written two volumes, one of poetry and brief essays and the other is a daily devotional. They're readily available, but written under a pseudonym."
Tim reached for a piece of paper from his drawer and grabbed a pen. "And that pen name is?"
Nathan spoke quietly. "C. N. Grant. My sister's name was Colleen and since some of the insights are from the many experiences we shared growing up, it seemed a fitting tribute."
"And the titles are?"
"'Wonder' is the poetry volume and 'Ponderings' is the devotional." Nathan sighed.
"And is there a third in the works?" He poised his pen while searching Nathan's face.
"'In the works' is a loose term, so, yes, 'in the works.'" Nathan admitted. "Mostly still in my journal though."
"So do you have a title?"
"Ahh. Let's call it a working title? 'Beyond the Dream.'"
"Interesting. Similar subject matter to your first two books?"
"Similar, yes."
"I look forward to reading these." Tim pointed to his note. "And to the newest book in progress. I'm impressed at your depth, Nathan. I would guess no one here knows?"
"Correct, Tim. Well, Allie does, of course."
"Well, that may change. I will have them ordered immediately. A set for me and a set for the Academy Library. So Peter doesn't know about these?"
"Elizabeth, would you be willing to have me join your session with Dr. Ben this afternoon?" Joseph was entering Bill's apartment with Elizabeth and her mother.
Elizabeth looked from Grace to Joseph. "That would be fine. Any particular reason?" As Elizabeth sat in the chair near the fireplace, she held his gaze, waiting.
"Only that you and I got started over this past week and since he isn't from town, he thought I could prompt you on some things you and I discussed. It will be helpful to be on the same page. If there is any new information you are not comfortable sharing with me, I can step out and sit on the steps and pray."
Elizabeth glanced to her journal in her lap. "Thank you, Joseph, but to you I am an open book, no matter how embarrassing it may be."
Joseph took a seat and continued. "Is there any concern you have realized that you would like me to pray about? How has it been with your parents? Being back home again? Mothering Jack? Regrets or concerns?"
Elizabeth blushed, responding softly. "Maybe all of the above?"
"Oh?" Joseph observed Elizabeth's discomfort. "Let's continue my line of questioning. Can you explain?"
"I need to answer your questions backwards. My greatest concern right now is that, when I began to court Lucas more seriously, he would sometimes be in my home alone with Jack or downstairs alone when I put Jack to bed. I never felt comfortable with my journals so accessible because many entries included so much of my relationship with Nathan, so I tore out some pages. Not that I didn't trust Lucas, but… To keep the pages safe I tucked them in Allie's academic file at the schoolhouse, knowing no one would find them there." Elizabeth gulped.
"I learned last night that, because of what happened Saturday, Lee sent the entire file to Allie's new school and now I don't know where they are." Tears threatened Elizabeth's eyes. "It's embarrassing because I was rather specific about Nathan's feelings for me… and vice versa. Can you pray they are safe and someone is keeping them confidential? I'm afraid they would cause more confusion and hurt if they were shared with Nathan or Allie."
Joseph responded immediately. "I will gladly pray for that. We'll pray at the end of our time together." He paused, uncertain if this was the time or place, but quickly realized that he could at least gauge her reaction. "Are those feelings of love?" He paused. "And maybe regret?"
Elizabeth looked to her hands, tightly gripped in her lap. She began to blush and when she lifted her gaze to meet Joseph's, they were glistening. She remained silent though.
"Ah." Joseph took note and waited, thinking the blush answered the question about love and the tears were regret. After some moments of silence he asked. "What about the other issues? Your parents?"
After a swallowing hard and a deep breath, Elizabeth continued. "They have been surprisingly wonderful and understanding. They've really changed since we last saw each other. I can't account for the change except that maybe they regret they were not supportive of my relationship to Jack? Father gave me away at our wedding and I even heard he helped restore the church the night before. There was a fire, but the town painted and decorated so the wedding could still take place! I heard later that Father helped."
Elizabeth looked down at her hands again, then met Joseph's gaze. "My parents have been influenced by society and privilege and their wealth has usually set them apart from those of lesser means. Not really antagonistic, just supporting charities through high society functions. I guess their hearts are in the right place, but there is a great divide. Neither Mother nor Father were supportive of my move to teach in a coal mining town on the western frontier, so our relationship has been strained for a long time." Elizabeth paused thoughtfully. "Things are different now, and in a situation where I thought I would embarrass them." Shrugging, she added. "Especially when I am so embarrassed myself."
Interjecting, Joseph inquired. "How would you like me to pray about you and your parents?"
"Maybe pray that I have the opportunity to talk to them and ask some questions. Pray they are willing to share with me and tell me what is different now?"
Elizabeth continued to answer Joseph's questions and he was grateful for her openness and willingness to share so much. As they come to the end of their time together, Joseph lifted a prayer for all of Elizabeth's concerns, including prayers for Nathan and Allie, her parents and various relationships in Hope Valley. Promising to return with Dr, Ben, Joseph departed as William Thatcher arrived to share lunch together with Grace, Elizabeth and Bill in the judge's office.
Claire Collins had not slept well and fought her concerns for the majority of the school day. As she pondered the contents of the journal pages, she kept remembering her two dear friends. Both were fellow teachers at the Academy and both loved a Mountie.
Claire was deep in thought. 'Nellie is happily married to her Mountie and expecting their first child, but Meg is still afraid. After Meg learned of that first life-threatening encounter, her fears for her fiancé's safety won and she broke their engagement. So sad… And she is so different…' Claire didn't know how her friend's Mountie was handling it all, but she knew Meg was miserable. Every day that she saw Meg at the Academy, her fellow-teacher looked more distraught yet remained resolved and resistant to any friend's intervention.
'The Mountie and the Teacher. Such potential, but one story gloriously happy and the other just… just sad.'
Claire stopped in the hallway. 'But is there still hope? Can Meg conquer her fears and find joy with her Mountie?' Claire resolved to hold onto hope, both for her friend and for Nathan Grant. 'Maybe his schoolteacher could come around? Maybe Nathan could still find his way to move forward with the woman?' Claire began to walk again. 'I will keep the journal pages and, if I ever meet the woman, I will return them to her.' Decision made, Claire felt more at peace and continued on her way to the office of the Headmistress.
Headmistress Hills motioned for Claire Collins to enter her office. "You may shut the door and have a seat, Claire. What's on your mind?"
"Miss Hills? We received the academic file for Allie Grant, but I have some concerns." Claire hurried to clarify. "No problems with Allie's academics. As a matter of fact, her grades are excellent and all the personal accolades are both sweet and impressive. You may read them in here. There are also two essays she has written that I haven't yet read. I have kept them in my desk and will turn them over to you as soon as I read them. It would be helpful to read examples of her creative writing as well as learn her perspective. Allie is a gifted young woman."
"There is something else though. In her file, pages were included that appear to have been torn from a personal journal, I am thinking from her former teacher. The author reveals very personal conversations between Allie's father and herself. I read them as they were included in the file, but I don't think they are meant for the eyes of others. I will say this. I can't understand why Nathan Grant is still single! I met him over dinner at my Aunt and Uncle's home when he came through a few weeks back and he is a real catch." Claire giggled. "And that is from a happily engaged woman!"
"So you have kept the journal pages sealed and in a safe place at home?"
"I have. Can we please keep this confidential between us? I believe it would be very hurtful if circulated in any way." Claire requested.
"Yes. I agree. If I hear of any inquiry to the pages' whereabouts, I will get the information and maybe you can return them." Miss Hills reached for an envelope on her desk. "Now I have something to show you and it confirms your opinion of Sergeant Grant." The Headmistress handed Claire the Valley Voice, pointing to two articles of interest.
In Calgary, Ruth Grant held an envelope in her hand and glanced at the clock. She was anxious for her husband, Archer, to return home from work but since the envelope was addressed to her, she sat down to open it. Curious as to why the Judge in Hope Valley was writing to her, she unfolded a note wrapped around a newspaper.
'Dear Mrs. Grant,
You may be surprised to hear from me, but Nathan gave me your contact information long ago in case of any emergency. This is NOT an emergency. Nathan and Allie departed as planned and you have probably already spoken with him since arriving in Regina.
When this news article was published a copy was sent to Nathan. I'm guessing he has pocketed it, then tucked it in the back of his desk and will never show it to anyone. Right? That will not do! Of all people you, and Nathan's father of course, need to know what a fine man you have raised and how beloved Nathan is to Hope Valley. He and Allie are missed already!
Really, you deserve congratulations and should be proud.
Enclosed is the most recent edition of the Valley Voice.
God bless,
Bill Avery (Judge and friend!)'
Ruth excitedly unfolded the newspaper, immediately struck by the two handsome photos of her son and granddaughter. She read the articles a dozen times before she allowed her tears to escape and fall. As she wiped her eyes with a hankie in one hand, she held the article over her heart. All she could think or speak was, 'Nathan. My dear boy…'
As soon as Archie entered the front door, Ruth called him to the dining room table and instructed him to sit and read Bill's note. When Archie looked up with a questioning glance, Ruth withdrew the Valley Voice from behind her back, spread it on the table and smoothed the folds. Pointing to the article, she said 'Look!" Ruth placed her hands on Archie's shoulders and reread the article once more.
Commissioner Peter Collins folded the newspaper along with Rosemary Coulter's note, tucked it into his middle desk drawer and leaned back in his chair. He swiveled to look out the window, only minimally aware of the marching commands from the practicing troops in the Square. But Peter wasn't watching the drills. What he saw in his mind were his memories of Nathan Grant.
Peter Collins had been assigned as a temporary constable in Calgary and was the Mountie most often assigned to circulate among the surrounding ranches, trading posts and developing towns. As a Constable, Collins was the one to arrest Archer Grant and send him to prison, leaving his wife, daughter and son to fend for themselves. By then, Peter & Carol Collins had lost two children and knew they would be unable to have any more, so Colleen and Nathan Grant had touched Peter's heart in a way he still couldn't fully understand.
Hating to arrest their father, Peter could not forget the children standing on the porch and watching their father be taken away. If he'd had to do it again, Peter would have made certain the children would not carry that memory. But Peter had bent down and talked to them, explaining about taking money that didn't belong to them and that he would make sure their father was taken care of. To this day, he remembered the whispered 'thank yous' and hugs he had been given by the tearful young Colleen and young Nathan, before he had turned them and pointed them to say their goodbyes to their father while he spoke quietly with their mother.
Even after Peter was transferred out of that Calgary position, he had kept up with the Grants. He knew all of Archer's struggles and kept secrets no one knew. He knew how the children faired in school. He knew when and to whom Colleen married and sorrowed for her choice, even learning when Colleen had a daughter and when her husband deserted her and she died.
Peter knew when Nathan attended the Academy and kept up with his academics and achievements. When Nathan took his niece to raise and withdrew from the officer's training track, the commissioner was disappointed, but understood and admired Nathan's sacrificial choice. Peter also followed all Nathan's assignments and injuries. Even though it was highly unorthodox for the RCMP Commissioner to take the time to participate in and travel to do so, he presided over the prisoner transport inquiry in Hope Valley, then made certain that Nathan's record was restored.
It was Peter who arranged for Nathan's promotion to Staff Sergeant Major and his move to Regina. As Peter pondered the Valley Voice article, he knew he had not made a mistake in investing interest in Nathan Grant. He remained amazed at Nathan's forgiving attitude towards his father and others who had wronged him, but all the behind-the-scene good works the article mentioned were unknown before now. The article didn't surprise him though, but Peter wished other Mounties could know what an exemplary Mountie should be accomplishing on their watch.
Deciding to take the article to show his friend, the Commanding Officer at Depot, the Commissioner took a walk.
"Hello Commissioner! Is the Chief Superintendent expecting you?" Inquired the secretary after standing and saluting.
"No, I'm afraid not. Is he available for a moment though? I should have called, but I confess I was distracted."
"One moment, please?" Replacing the receiver, the secretary ushered Peter into the inner office and closed the door.
After their formal salute, Tim motioned his Commissioner and friend to be seated, then sat down again himself. "To what do I owe the honor of this visit, Peter?"
"I have a newspaper article I think you should see." Peter unfolded the Valley Voice and placed it on Tim's desk, looking up to see a wide smile on Tim's face.
Extracting his own copy, Tim laughed. "It seems a certain editor wanted to make certain the Mountie's were aware of Nathan Grant and his accomplishments!"
"Oh!" Peter joined Tim's laughter. "I guess so. I have met Mrs. Coulter and she is a force to be reckoned with! Did you know her father was Sergeant Etienne LeVeaux? He was killed quite a few years ago."
"Her father's name is familiar although I don't recall meeting him. So, that might explain her desire to inform the Mounties! I'm glad you have a copy, Peter. I am especially impressed with all the seemingly small things Nathan attended to while in Hope Valley. I called him in earlier and since then I've been contemplating ways to spread the story without embarrassing Nathan or causing other Mountie's to feel unrecognized." Tim smiled thoughtfully. "At least I want to incorporate the list into our cadet training to initiate conversation and so that everyone has a better grasp of what it means to serve."
"I was wondering the same. Glad to hear it." Peter's brow creased. "But, if you spoke to Nathan, did he say anything about books he's written? This is news to me."
"I asked him specifically about that. Evidently one volume is poetry and the other a daily devotional. But, he writes under a pseudonym so he keeps a low profile. Here, let me write down what he told me." Tim copied the titles and Nathan's pen name and handed it to Peter. "Full of surprises, and wonderful ones at that. Nathan Grant is an intriguing fella, Peter."
"Thanks for this." Peter waved the note in the air. "Tim, there is a reason for that intrigue which only increases my admiration. Do you know much of Nathan's background?"
"He explained his sister's death and his guardianship and later adoption of his daughter. Is that what you're referring to?" Questioned Tim.
"Oh. That is only part of what makes Nathan the incredible man and Mountie that he is. Since you already are getting to know and appreciate him I will share briefly in confidence. Nathan's father has served time. Multiple times, I should say."
Chief Superintendent Tim Stewart sat with his jaw dropped.
Peter looked at his speechless friend. "Yes. No bitterness at all, but at ten years old, Nathan became the man of the house when his father was imprisoned for theft the first time. Archer Grant has struggled with a gambling addiction for many years and to support that he stole and pawned and dragged his family into debt. He's been in and out of prison until his most recent release a couple years ago. He visited Hope Valley and Nathan actually had to arrest Archer, but later investigated and proved his father innocent at that time. Since then Archer has retained an honest job and seems to have won the battle of addiction, with God's help I understand."
"How do you know all of this?" Tim recovered his voice. "Did Nathan confide in you?"
"Actually, no. And Nathan doesn't know that I know anything. But I have followed his father's activities since his very first arrest, twenty-four years ago." Peter, swallowed hard before confessing. "You see I was there. I was the arresting officer."
Tim sat, still as stone.
Peter glanced at Tim with glistening eyes. "Nathan was ten and I watched as that young boy, with tears streaming down his face, saw his father led away in handcuffs."
The two senior Mounties sat silently for some time.
It was Tim who broke the silence, whispering, "That family shame and paternal criminal activity often causes a hardness and resentfulness that bodes poorly for a son. Yet, Nathan became a Mountie. I wonder why? Who inspired him?"
"I don't know about that. But I do know that Nathan's faith is a big part of who he is." Peter motioned with the slip of paper again. "And that is why I aim to get ahold of his books as soon as possible!"
"I called Canada Drug and Bookstore earlier and have four copies on hold." Tim offered. "Shall I add two more to the list?"
"Oh, yes please!" Peter nodded." I will gladly send a courier to pick them up this afternoon. My treat, Tim."
"Well, thank you. Much appreciated. We'll have to talk more once we delve into these volumes!"
"Agreed!" Peter stood and refolded his copy of the newspaper, tucking it safely in his pocket. As the men shook hands, Peter spoke quietly. "We'll talk soon, Tim."
Commissioner Peter Collins and his wife sat in their parlor after a hurried dinner. He had showed her the Valley Voice articles and, as they ate, Peter had recounted the day's conversations to Carol. Now they sat together anxious to read Nathan's writings. Peter opened 'Wonder,' the book of poetry, and his eyes fell on the dedication page. He gasped. Hardly able to find his voice, he slowly choked out the words on the page.
"Dedicated to the Mountie I met at ten years of age, and to the Mountie who faithfully
sent a monthly contribution to my family. You will never know how much you both mean to me
and how grateful I am. May the Lord richly reward you. N."
Peter and Carol Collins sat, stunned. This was a thank you from their dear Nathan and they had made a difference. They had shared a small part in the making of a man. Before they could read another word, they wrapped their arms around each other and sobbed. They sobbed for the children they lost and for the children they never had. And they wept with love for Nathan, the young man who had always felt like a son to them, even when all they could do was send money to his family and pray for him every day. God had remarkably joined them together and made them family. His family.
