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Chapter Fifty-nine
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Monday Conversations
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Knowing that Elizabeth's father was preparing to travel for a few days, Dr. Ben Marshall had requested a breakfast meeting with William Thatcher on Monday morning.
As the men sipped their coffee and awaited their meal, William questioned. "So, what's on your mind, Ben?"
Clearing his throat, Doctor Ben Marshall began. "Sir, I have come to a decision and I want to discuss it with you. As you know, Elizabeth's recovery has been amazing. Although we'll meet with her at ten o'clock, I no longer have an agenda or a plan for her sessions. She has initiated so much on her own, that I hardly need to guide her now. Except that I know the secret has been incorporating Scripture and prayer, my Hamilton colleagues would not believe her progress. So, this is my thinking. I will meet with her, either with or without Joseph, once a week to check-in. Any questions or concerns she has at that time, we will address. In an emergency Elizabeth or you, her parents, can always call on me. As she is more in contact with Nathan Grant, that may peel back layers that reveal more to discuss, so at that time we can meet more frequently. I confess, I expect, she won't need me even then!"
"Ah ha. You mentioned a decision? Is that what you are referring to? Less sessions because Elizabeth is handling things more on her own?"
"Only, in part, Sir. I have investigated practicing my specialty at Union City General Hospital a couple days per week, while remaining in Hope Valley going forward."
"Oh really? You don't plan to return to Hamilton?" William asked, surprised.
"Ah… no I don't. I will have to return to pack my flat and arrange for my belongings to be shipped here, but I intend to get an apartment here for the short-term. Maybe, eventually purchase or build a home? I realize that is a bit premature. But, here is the thing…" Ben had not made this admission to anyone but the Doctor herself, so he hesitated. "Ah, Dr. Carter, Faith, and I have agreed to court and see what the future might hold for us. I will begin to accept clients through the Hope Valley Infirmary for now. With a few days at Union City General, I will have the income to establish myself here. You see, I am fully trained as a General Practice Physician, with an additional specialty in Psychiatry, so surgery or births or stitches, etc. pose no problem for me. I can assist Faith in the Infirmary and continue to work with Elizabeth as needed." Ben took a deep breath. He had said it. Aloud!
"Congratulations, Ben. Faith Carter is an accomplished young woman, dedicated, gifted, and caring. Plus, she is a lovely person, in appearance and in personality. You too will go well together and Hope Valley will be blessed with the service of both of you." William shared, approvingly. "In these past few months I have been aware that she leads a busy practice here, so I am sure having you available some days will ease her burden considerably. I think the Union City component is a unique solution and wonderful news. When will you start?"
"I will make the trip to Hamilton first," Ben explained. "I will officially begin at the Hospital at the New Year, so there is no rush."
"I have noticed that Elizabeth's needs are not as acute, so your availability as needed would be good timing." William studied the young doctor over the top of his coffee cup. "You remember that I will bring Elizabeth's letter to Nathan and to his daughter? It is my fervent hope and prayer that I will return with a letter, or better yet, with two letters in hand. She may have some things to process at that time."
"When will you depart and return, Sir?"
"I have tickets for Tuesday with my return, God-willing, by the following Thursday or Friday. If I must delay my return, I will notify Grace." Pausing to consider dates, William resumed. "Could you travel to Hamilton in early December?"
"I was thinking that would be a good time to make the journey. I will plan on it and confirm with you upon your return from Regina. Also, since I am spending less time with Elizabeth, I believe you should be paying me less, Sir."
"I intend to honor our agreement, Ben. You left your practice with little warning and I want to make sure you are well-established before stopping your salary. Thank you for your service to my daughter and our family. Don't think anything about the finances. Actually, I should pay your moving expenses so let me know the costs and I will see that you are reimbursed."
"Sir? That is too much!"
"Not at all, Ben. Not at all." William responded. "Our family is in your debt."
"Well, thank you then… Very much!"
In the Cottage on Monday morning, Archie and Ruth joined Nathan and Allie for a breakfast of an apple Dutch baby pancake with bacon and eggs, after saying their farewells and expressing their thanks to Peter and Carol. Carol had provided a basket of snacks and a substantial lunch so they only needed to purchase hot beverages on the train. It was one more in a long list of sweet gestures for which the Grants were grateful to the Collins's.
Nathan's car was packed with their luggage and Nathan was taking Allie to school before returning for his parents.
Tears filled Allie's eyes as she hugged her grandparents goodbye. "I know you cannot come for Christmas, but will you come as soon as the weather clears in February or March?" Holding her grandmother tightly she voiced a longing. "I really wish you could move here so we didn't have to say goodbye for such a long time."
"Grandpa and I will miss you too, Allie-girl, but I think you have so much planned for the coming months that the time will fly by. We'll still have letters and calls sometimes, so we'll be in touch." Ruth stroked her granddaughter's silky hair. "Now you enjoy every minute of all your Christmas celebrations, your school concert, Home Economics classes, the Youth Group events… you'll be very busy!" Ruth kissed Allie's cheek as she was so tall she could no longer kiss the top of her head. "I love you, Honey. Very much."
"I love you too, Grandmom." Allie squeezed her again, then moved to her grandfather to repeat much the same. "I love you, Grandpa. Thank you for coming."
Delivering an unusually quiet Allie to St. Anne's, Nathan parked and circled the car to the passenger side. Opening the door, he also opened his arms to his daughter. "Now, you concentrate on your classes, Honey, and if you need to talk about anything, we will have time together tonight, okay? I thought we might have leftovers, so we'll cozy up by the fire afterwards." Nathan held Allie close. "Are you ready to go in?"
Nodding, Allie's voice was still emotional. "I just don't like to say goodbye."
Whispering, Nathan reassured her. "It's hard isn't it… I love you, dearly, sweet Allie. And remember, I am not going anywhere." He bent to kiss her cheek and Allie returned his kiss with one on his cheek, then took a deep breath and turned to face her day. Nathan watched until she turned to wave when she got to the steps.
After rolling his mother from the Cottage to the automobile, Nathan returned the wheeled chair to the Collins' sunporch and drove his parents to the train station. He had planned that they would be early so he parked a short distance from the platform.
"I'll get you closer when the train is due, but we are early..." Nathan cleared his throat, "…On purpose because I have something to share with you." Nathan adjusted his longs legs so he was slightly turned towards his parents, Ruth in the back seat and Archer in the front. "Mom? Dad? It was Peter and Carol who sent the money every month when I was younger." Nathan paused and watched his parent's startled expressions. "They were our benefactors."
Since Archie and Ruth remained speechless, Nathan continued. "They did not want to tell you while you were here and requested that I wait until you were ready to board. They don't want to make a big deal of it, because they feel they were just obeying God."
Finally, Ruth gasped. "What?" She could form no other word at this moment.
With mount agape, Archie managed to croak out the question, "Why?"
"Peter was assigned to the Calgary area and, Dad, he was the one to arrest you that first time."
Now Archie caught a sharp breath. "I… I didn't recognize him…"
"Peter was afraid you might, so he called me into his office last week and told me. You see, he was so moved to see you, Mom, Colleen and me that he sent a financial gift knowing that we had lost Dad's income. As he explained it, Carol and he found they couldn't have children and then began to send regular gifts. They don't want credit for that as Peter said they sent it from their abundance. As he gained promotions, they always had more than they needed and felt God wanted them to share. Peter also kept track of our needs so that's why some cheques were more than others. He also kept aware of our family's situations so he knew when I entered the Academy, he knew when Colleen died, he knew when I became Allie's guardian, and he always knew where you were, Dad. Peter and Carol have prayed for all of us every day since that day he arrested you. They have felt a part of our family for many, many years."
Nathan watched his father's face. "Dad? Peter doesn't want you to be ashamed or feel indebted in any way. They gave to God and we received from God."
Archie's eyes were filling. "I wish I had known before now. I could have… I don't know… at least thanked them in person." He whispered. "How can I ever…" Archie shook his head. "I can never repay them…."
"Nor do they want you to." Nathan looked from his father to his mother. Her tears were sliding down her cheeks so he fumbled to remove his handkerchief from his coat pocket, handing it back to his mother. "There is more."
"More? What more could there be?" Archie's eyes were wide, although Ruth had closed her eyes and covered them with the handkerchief. They both listened attentively.
"When Peter served with an older Mountie, he learned the gentleman was sending funds to his daughter to support her as she cared for his blind sister. When the Mountie shared his daughter had a child named Zachary Archer Grant, Peter made the connection. Dad, Mom? Peter sent monthly support contributions to Zachary's mother as well." Nathan paused to let that sink in. "Zachary doesn't know this yet, and Peter would like to wait until after graduation for me to tell him. But, the Collins's essentially adopted our family and made contributions until I graduated the Academy and until Zachary's mother died."
The car was silent.
"Are you okay, Mom? You haven't said anything."
Through her tears, Ruth nodded. "I felt a connection to Carol the moment we met. Now I know a part of that was their prayers, generosity and care for us for many, many years." Realization struck Ruth. "It's because of them that we could purchase the ranch, Nathan!"
Nathan nodded his agreement. "Do you remember the Dedication I included in my poetry volume? Peter was my inspiration to join the Mounties, and Zach's too. Isn't that amazing?"
Each of his parents was quiet as they tried to absorb this shocking information. Eventually Ruth admitted. "It all makes sense now…" She was thinking of her conversation with Carol two days ago. "It all fits…"
"Dad? Tell me, what are you thinking?"
Glancing briefly at Nathan, Archie quickly averted his eyes. "I'm not sure what to think. I mean, I am amazed at their generosity. I am sorry their contributions were needed, but I am grateful that such kind people obeyed God's leading. Plus I am grateful you, your sister and your mom were provided for, for all those years… I need to thank them, but is that even enough?"
"I think a thank you letter will be sufficient, Dad. You know they want no recognition."
"I know that's what they want. But I want something different. I have to thank them profusely."
"Why don't we pray together for a few moments before you go?" Nathan suggested and with his parents' agreement, he led in a prayer of gratitude and amazement at God's provision and loving care. He continued as he prayed for his parents' safe trip, blessing and protection as they returned home as well as for Allie at school and Peter and Carol Collins.
The train whistle blew, announcing the locomotive's arrival. When the steam cleared, the passenger cars were visible and Nathan and Archie helped Ruth, strongly supporting both arms, while each carried a piece of luggage. At the steps Archie displayed their tickets while Nathan handed the suitcases to the conductor who instructed a porter with their compartment number.
After tearful hugs and promises to write often, Nathan boosted his mother up the high steps, then stepped back down. Standing on the platform, he waved goodbye to a subdued Archie and Ruth. He watched as they settled in the seats and waited for the train to depart, silently praying for his parents. Then, blowing a kiss as the train hissed, jerked and began to move, Nathan stood and watched until the caboose disappeared out of sight. His thoughts were swirling with amazement and thanksgiving at all that had transpired over these past months. Deep in thought, he made his way back to his car and headed to work.
After work, Nathan remained contemplative. It had been a regular day, yet amazing because he had experienced so few regular, normal days in the past weeks! He knocked on the backdoor, then entered to get Allie and she bounded down the hallway, all smiles and open arms. "Hey, Allie-girl. How are you?"
"Pretty good." She responded. "It was just a regular day though."
Laughing, Nathan tossed his head back. "I was just thinking that on my way home. We've had so few of those! No exciting events in the foreseeable future now, so we get to relax and recuperate." Nathan looked up at Carol who stood in the kitchen doorway. "Hi, Carol."
"Hello, Nathan. I know Allie said you have plans to just be together this evening, but would you mind stepping in to speak to Peter for a few moments? Allie can collect her things and then continue to keep me company in the kitchen."
"Sure. Where is he?"
Peter entered the hallway before Nathan finished his question. "Hello, Son. Could we go back to the bedroom to chat?"
Nathan nodded and followed Peter into the bedroom, taking the chair in which he had been seated a few weeks ago.
"Nathan? I want to know how your parents took the news of Carol and I being their benefactors. You did tell them, right?"
Nathan glanced out of the window. "I did. Mom said she felt an immediate connection with Carol and now thinks it's because of your generosity and prayers. Then she said something about 'It all makes sense now…' She didn't elaborate. Now Dad was flabbergasted-grateful that Mom, Colleen and I were provided for, but still amazed. He wants to find a way to repay you, though he knows the debt is beyond that. I reiterated that you gave to God and God gave to us, reminding him you wanted no recognition and why you admitted your part to me in the first place. I believe he will be sending you a thank you letter."
"Oh, but there is no need. I was just concerned he would be angry or embarrassed or… I just didn't want him to be hurt." Peter explained.
"I think we'll have to wait for him to process all this. I also told them about you assisting Zach's family in the same way, so there is a lot to ponder. I think it was good that I told them before the train ride, so he has some time to clear his mind before he goes to work tomorrow afternoon."
"Ummm." He sighed. "Thank you for doing that, Nathan. Would I have preferred to remain anonymous? Yes. But, better for the truth to come to light when there aren't any suspicions or current problems to color the revelation." Peter looked intently at Nathan. "How are you after all this excitement and emotion? You okay?"
Nathan grinned. "I just confided in Allie that today was the first 'normal' day I've had in a long time! I'm okay, but tired. Emotions, even good ones, take a lot out of you, you know?"
"I do and you've dealt with more than most men do in the course of the past month!" Peter agreed.
"You don't have a second shoe to drop, now, do you?" Nathan quizzed, half joking.
"Well, not exactly, but I have a favor and a question to ask you about the house here?"
"Oh? Do you need help with something?" Nathan sat up straight. "I can handle some wood-working and minor repairs."
"This is more than minor!" Peter laughed. "I will hire a crew to accomplish this, but I'd appreciate your input and advice. You see, Carol and I moved into this place and just made it our own as it was originally designed. But we recognize that the layout is wasting a lot of space. Would you be willing to go through this wing with me to plan a way to make more bedrooms, maybe five, from the existing three. They are too large and I have some ideas, but no experience. I seem to recall that you've done some construction in your youth?"
"Oh! That sounds intriguing. I would be happy to assist. Probably need to take some measurements, maybe on Friday at dinner? Then on Saturday we can then sit down and talk." Nathan looked excited.
"And here you are looking forward to some peace and calm in your life and I am asking something of you! If you can't do this right away, I understand. I was just hoping to have a plan in place and supplies ordered ready to begin after the New Year, since it is all inside work." Chuckling, Peter added, "Let me be clear, this is not a request for you to supervise the project! Just give input on the design."
"Back in Hope Valley, I assisted Lee Coulter, the owner of the lumber business, with a few renovation and expansion projects around town, so I will dust off my notepad! I enjoy design and working with my hands, or at least in this case, planning for it!"
"Thank you, Nathan. This is really appreciated."
Nathan adjusted in the seat, then questioned. "Do you mind me asking why now? Are you expecting visitors in the spring or taking in a large group of family members?"
Laughingly, Peter explained. "This has been planned for a while, but other events have filled these past weeks! Truth is that with Headquarters now relocated to Ottawa, I will have to split my time between there and Regina. I may be gone weeks at a time and don't want to leave it for Carol to oversee. Also, when I am gone, the Cooks will stay here so Carol is not alone in the house or to house-sit when she comes with me. I am thankful you and Allie are on the property, but I don't want to disrupt your family time by asking you to move in! Just you being on the property is a blessing."
"Living here allows Jake to handle the snow removal and I feel safer for him to drive Carol around in the winter months." Pausing to consider his next words, Peter continued. "I want to keep my oars in both locations as long as possible for Carol's sake. We may eventually have to relocate and we'll deal with the house at that time."
"Okay." Nathan accepted the answer as offered.
Grateful, Peter stood to bring the conversation to a close. "Thank you, Son, for everything."
Nathan extended his hand. "I believe I am the one to be thanking you, Peter. Maybe we can begin to discuss your ideas at dinner on Friday? It sounds like fun!"
Carol emerged from the kitchen door with Allie as Nathan approached the hallway. "I know you and Allie are having leftovers tonight, but I made soup for Peter and I and made way too much. I have a pan for you to take, plus two pieces of that delicious apple cake if you would like it?"
"Oh Carol! As always, you shouldn't have, but hot soup sounds good and if you still have some cake left," Nathan chuckled, "I'd be glad to take a piece off your hands!"
Settled in the Cottage's front room after vegetable soup, roast beef leftovers made into hot sandwiches and cake, Nathan and Allie curled up at either end of the sofa. Actually, Allie curled up and Nathan stretched out, his stockinged feet on a cushion on the coffee table. They watched the flames rise and enjoyed the warmth.
"I feel the silence, Dad, and I miss everyone a lot." Allie confessed.
"I do too, Honey. We have had a lot of excitement in our lives lately, eh? Did you enjoy Grandpa and Grandmom's visit?"
"Yeah, while they were here. But I really wish they could move here to live near us. Do you think that will ever be possible?"
"I wish we lived closer too, but for now, Grandpa still needs to stay at his job. He is being recognized and appreciated and I think he still needs to continue to build his reputation. When you remain at a position for some years it is better than a new employer wondering why you are changing jobs or locations frequently. Except in the Mounties, of course!" Nathan chuckled.
"Are we staying in Regina for a while?" Allie had oft wondered, but been hesitant to ask.
"I think so, Allie. Grampa Peter has told me another promotion lies ahead, but I know he is pleased with my work so far and understands you being settled at St. Anne's and with your friends and church. I don't think he plans to move us, just maybe move me up now that I'm learning how things work. If your grandparents relocated here, I think we could make this a long-term home. Why do you ask, Honey? Are you worried or not satisfied?"
"Satisfied? Dad! I love it here. I mean I still miss the people from Hope Valley and the small-town community, but the opportunities here are amazing. Plus, I've made some really good friends." Allie admitted. "How about you? What about Hope Valley? Are you okay with staying here?"
Nathan stared into the crackling, dancing fire. "I would wish for both, the people there and here. I don't think I am missing the town, though I miss the scenery. As far as community? It is different here, but I still feel there is a community of which we are a part. You understand? The Collins' and the Samuels,' your Youth Group, Choir for me, your Academy friends, my Depot friends… we are not alone, that's for certain!"
"So we won't ever return to Hope Valley? To our friends there?"
"Not right now, Honey. Maybe for a vacation visit next year sometime? I mean, God can change anything, but right now, I think this is where God has placed us. It's just a feeling I have."
"Dad?" Allie's voice took on an almost shy tone as she whispered. "What about you and Mrs. Thornton?"
"Oh, Allie. There really isn't a 'me and Mrs. Thornton.' She chose Mr. Bouchard and even though she is not with him now, that doesn't mean she is available to me…" Nathan's voice trailed off.
"So, do you mean you have given up?"
"It's not that simple. I gave Elizabeth to the Lord a long time ago so, in that sense, I've given up. Giving her to God for His will to be done." Nathan looked at his daughter and knew the question she was afraid to ask. "I think you are wondering if I still love her, aren't you."
Allie blushed and nodded her head in response.
"I've admitted the same to Uncle Bill, Allie. I think I will always love her. But she changed and acting on my feelings is another matter. Much as I might wish for it, I don't think it is possible."
"Well…" Suddenly confident, Allie straightened her shoulders and confessed. "I am still praying for it. With God all things are possible. You taught me that, Dad."
Nathan chuckled with his instructions being appropriately applied and parroted back to him. "That's true. If you feel led to pray that way, I won't stop you!" Nathan did not admit to his daughter that he continued to pray that very same way.
While Nathan and Allie discussed Elizabeth Thornton in Regina, Elizabeth was seated on her settee in the row house in Hope Valley. Jack had fallen asleep upstairs while his grandfather had read him a book after their shared family the Thatchers returned to their row house, Elizabeth curled up under a blanket, her letter to Nathan Grant in her hand. It was time to re-read it one final time before sending it to Regina along with her father. Unfolding the pages, she began.
'Dear Nathan,
If you have opened this envelope and begun to read, I beg you to read through to the end? Everything I need to, and want to say, may be out of order but all is equally important…'
Elizabeth paused after each confession and again asked God's forgiveness and His blessing on her words when Nathan read them. Leaning back in her chair and coming to the end, she read,
'Nathan Grant, I love you dearly.
Yours, Elizabeth'
"Is that too much to say so soon?" Tracing her fingers over her penned words, Elizabeth whispered to herself. Praying as she considered her own question, she concluded that it was appropriate to admit this. Nathan and she were past admitting love to each other. She just hoped he would understand that she was no longer withholding her love in fear. "Should I add that I am in love with him? That's what I denied that day in the jail…"
Deciding to add the phrase to be absolutely clear, Elizabeth sat at her desk to write in the extra words. After blotting the end, she re-folded the letter and, placing her hand on it, prayed silently. 'It's in Your hands now, Lord. Though at times it seems impossible, You know my heart. Not my dreams, but Your will, Your plans, Your dreams for us be done, Lord. Amen.'
Elizabeth set the envelope on the rug at the door along with her letter to Allie. Her father had promised to stop by and collect them on his way to the train station.
