Author's Note and Apology!

Hello friends! I have some housekeeping to do. Inadvertantly I missed posting a chapter after 71, so have now adjusted accordingly. If you haven't done so, please go back and read the revised Chapter 72 entitled 'Catching Up.' It is an important chapter for continuity and I can't believe I missed posting it last time. I have adjusted the subsequent chapters so, if you have been keeping up with the story, you have actually read chapters 73 - 75. So sorry for the confusion, but please read 72?! Thank you.

Please note that this chapter, 76, is new. I have some additional chapters in the editing stage and hope to post in the next day or so, knowing how you are ready for the story to progress! I am as well!

To my anxious readers: Please do not be nervous about the outcome. I cannot keep reassuring you individually, but please know that this story will have a joyful result for Nathan, Elizabeth, Allie and Jack. We are on our way...

As always, thank you for reading and I will try to keep my chapters straight going forward since they are often packed with important details! LOL

Eilie


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Chapter Seventy-six

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Making Plans

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As the choir was donning their robes in the choir room in preparation for the morning service at church, Nathan overheard Ardis Ross talking about the piano concert. She was explaining that Rachel would be going early since the pianist was her personal friend, and that Claire had invited her to join Dan and her to attend so she wouldn't have to go alone. "I really don't want to keep being the third wheel. Claire and Dan are very kind, but they deserve some time alone."


During the pastoral prayer, Nathan prayed for assurance as he felt it was the right thing to do, especially since he had intended to take Allie to the concert. So, after the service ended, Nathan approached Ardis and motioned her over to the side aisle to speak privately.

"Ardis? I overheard your desire to attend the piano concert on the twenty-seventh. I was hoping to take Allie and wonder if you would like to join us? I would be delighted to have you and since Allie and I are not a couple, you wouldn't be a third wheel!" Nathan chuckled, admitting quietly, "I have played that part and it is rather uncomfortable. I believe you probably deserve a treat."

Ardis could hardly believe what she was hearing! With pink-tinged cheeks she looked into Nathan's eyes. "Oh, Nathan! Really? I would love that and count it a privilege. I actually have four tickets that Claire gave me, so we can use three of those."

"Well, that's not what I had in mind. I wanted to treat you, but how about we use those tickets and then you join us for dessert somewhere afterwards? Would you like that?"

"I would love that, Nathan. Thank you so much for your thoughtfulness. I appreciate it and I know I will enjoy spending time with you and sweet Allie. We always have a lot of artsy things to discuss and she has told me all about her mother's paintings, so I would also enjoy extra time with her."

"Good! It's a date." Nathan hesitated briefly. "Actually, would you prefer to go to dinner before the concert? That might be better so I don't have to keep Allie out so late. Could you keep that as a possibility and let me talk to Allie? I can let you know at rehearsal on Thursday?"

"Well, hello, Nathan." Rachel sidled up to him, interrupting and inquiring, "What are you two discussing over here?"

Slightly annoyed, Nathan controlled his voice but it lacked the friendliness he usually exuded. "Excuse me, Rachel." He looked at Ardis who had ducked her chin, appearing uncomfortable. Wanting to reassure Ardis, he reached his hand to lightly touch her forearm and said quietly, "Ardis, we will finish our conversation on Thursday, okay? I hope you enjoy your week."

Responding softly, Ardis looked back at Nathan, grateful for the kindness she saw on his face. "Thank you and enjoy your week as well." Kindly, but firmly, she turned to leave, saying to Rachel. "Excuse me, Rachel."

Rachel Bell was confused. Nathan's tone had surprised her and then Ardis turned and left? "Did I interrupt something I shouldn't have, Nathan? I'm sorry."

"You did, Rachel. Apology accepted but you may want to apologize to Rachel too." Nathan glanced up and saw Allie approaching. "You wanted to speak to me? What can I do for you?"

Rachel gulped, still confused, but glad she had said she was sorry. She would have to talk to Ardis to see what she was sorry for! Noticing Allie, Rachel quickly handed a piece of sheet music to Nathan. "Ahh… I found this carol and wondered if you and Allie could sing this as a duet? It would be less well-known than Silent Night and I think will fit nicely with the guitar. Do you need me to play the melody for you right now?"

Nathan took the music and opened it. "Oh, I know this, Rachel." As Allie was at his elbow, Nathan showed her the piece and began to sing. "While by my sheep we watched at night, Glad tidings brought an angel bright. How great our joy…"

Allie echoed, "Great our joy."

Nathan continued, "Joy, joy, joy."

Allie sang again, "Joy, joy, joy!" Then continued. "Praise to the Lord in heav'n on high."

As Nathan motioned his hand and looked at Allie, together they sang in harmony, "Praise to the Lord in heav'n on high." (*26) On the final note, Nathan changed it from a minor chord to a major and it was beautiful. Simple, but beautiful.

Smiling, Nathan looked at Rachel. "I think we know it! This would be great with guitar too."

"Hi, Miss Rachel." Allie addressed her teacher. "Is this the one for Dad and me to sing on Christmas Eve?"

"Yes, Allie. Is it okay?"

"Sure. It's a pretty one." Turning to her father she nudged his arm. "I think we should be going, Dad. The Samuels already left."

"Right! Come with me while I hang up my robe." Nathan held up the music and to Rachel said, "This will be lovely and we'd be happy to sing it. Thank you, Rachel. Have a good week!"

"Ahh… You too…" As Rachel watched Nathan and Allie disappear down the hallway, she was not sure what had just happened, but somehow everything had gone very differently than she had expected.


At two o'clock Bill and Constable Paul arrived at The Hope Hotel to attend the Open House opening celebration.

They filled their small plates at the food-laden table and took their delicious-looking treats and punch to a table in the back corner of Hickam's Restaurant. Without Elizabeth, Lee and Rosemary or the Thatcher's, Bill was feeling like a third wheel so avoided the table where Molly and the new teacher, Ian McNutt, were seated with the Yost's. Faith and Dr. Ben Marshall had joined them after exploring the newly redecorated facility and collecting their food.

Bill and Paul ducked their heads to confer about tomorrow's arrest. Saturdays in the Mercantile were too busy, so Ned had advised that he would leave a note for Mrs. Bouchard for the Hotel staff to deliver to her room later this evening. Paul and Bill planned to watch from the RCMP office on Monday morning as Helen headed to the Mercantile to collect her package, then Bill would follow her in while Paul and one of the Mounties that had driven into the town with Bill would enter through the back door. They didn't expect a problem, but were being cautious as they suspected the woman was armed, so the additional Mountie would remain outside the RCMP keeping watch.

Seeing the woman descend the Hotel stairs and search the dining room, Bill and Paul watched slyly. It appeared she was looking for someone, and Bill was certain it was Elizabeth. The well-dressed woman chose some food and headed to a table where Henry Gowen was conversing with Fiona and asked if she could join them, saying she thought she had met Henry when she was previously visiting Hope Valley.

Not remembering, Henry stood, kindly gave his name, introduced Fiona and asked the woman's name. When she stated Mrs. Helen Bouchard, Henry's face became inflamed, even as his voice became icy. "Excuse me. Fiona? Shall we continue our conversation outside?"

As they departed hurriedly, Helen Bouchard was insulted and shook her head. She had never liked this town where her son had settled for the past few years and the perceived rudeness of the townspeople was proving her assessment had been correct. Finishing her plate of food, she rose and approached Clara who she recognized from the Café. "Excuse me. May I ask you a couple of questions in private?" As she motioned for Clara to follow her to a quiet corner, she turned, surprised that Jesse had come right along with her. "I thought I could speak to you alone." She sneered at Jesse.

"If you need to speak to my wife, Ma'am, you can do so in my presence. What did you wish to ask?" Jesse said calmly.

"Oh. I'm sorry, I didn't know." Adjusting her expression, she asked. "I have been looking for Mrs. Elizabeth Thornton for the past couple days and expected she would be here at a town celebration. Is she ill or?"

Clara cleared her throat, grateful that Bill had informed her of the identity of this stranger. She answered truthfully. "Elizabeth is out-of-town with her family. I don't know when they will return."

"Isn't she teaching school tomorrow? Shouldn't she be back by then?" Helen queried.

"Elizabeth is not teaching this week, so we don't know when she will return. If you are just passing through, my husband and I can give her a message if you wish?" Clara offered, not willing to divulge any more.

"Uh, I'm not sure about that. If I decide I cannot wait, I will bring a message to you at the Café. Excuse me." Helen nodded to Clara and Jesse and with a final glance around the room, headed up the stairs to her room.


Sitting in her locked hotel room, Helen Bouchard stewed. Annoyed at the noises of guests traipsing up and down the hallways while touring the open rooms as well as the fact that her plans had gone awry. Knocks on her door only served to anger her further as she could hear voices comment that this room mustn't be open to view.

Helen couldn't wait until tomorrow. She had spent the last few days wandering around town, visiting the Library, the Mercantile and spending time in the Café. She had had enough now. Tomorrow, she would inquire about the package once again and if it had arrived, she might just forget about waiting around for Mrs. Thornton and depart. She packed her luggage, leaving only one outfit hanging in the closet, just in case.


In the dining room downstairs, the citizens of Hope Valley circulated around the tables changing groups and chatting with neighbors they didn't see regularly except at church. Many thanked and complimented the Hickam's on the beautiful renovations, happily exclaiming how the remnants of the old Saloon had completely disappeared and the light paint color brightened that space so nicely. Quite a few mentioned it was now a family establishment and it was nice to have a place for their visiting family members to lodge.

Fiona had popped in the door and, after being certain Helen Bouchard was gone, waved Henry back in with her. When Clara caught her eye, she motioned for them to join their table and once seated the discussion centered round Helen Bouchard's presence in town and how unwelcome she was.

Having observed Henry's earlier reaction Bill pulled up a chair beside him when Paul headed to chat with Laura Campbell and Katy Yost. "You looked as though you would explode, Henry!" Bill chuckled.

"The nerve of that woman to show her face in town after the rushed deal her son worked through for the oil business. He hardly gave us enough time to arrange for investors before insisting on the closing date for the sale." Henry shared heatedly. "In the end, I acquiesced just to get him out of town. Good riddance as far as I'm concerned. And, although I am not the sole proprietor, I again hold the majority shares in the company that bears my name. Finally!"


Nathan had dropped off Allie and her friends at church, so while she was at Youth Group, Nathan opened the envelope of photographs they had received from Adeli. Spread out on the dining room table, he organized them, making a list of which photo was promised to whom and which were gifts. Tomorrow he would double check with Allie.

For tonight, Nathan decided to compose a letter to Gabriel Kinslow and his bride that could be read at his wedding or reception. He was disappointed to miss this momentous occasion in his dear friend's life, but was determined to express his appreciation and support in words at least.

A page later, Nathan stretched his legs the length of the sofa and leaned his head on a throw pillow, beginning to pray for his friends and loved ones. When Allie put the key in the lock, she startled him awake. "Oh! Allie! I must have fallen asleep!" Nathan straightened and placed his feet on the floor again. "How was your meeting?"

Allie giggled. "Really good, Dad." She hung her coat on the rack and came to sit next to her father. "You must be tired, to fall asleep out here. Everything okay?"

Nathan ran his hands through his hair, actually making it more unruly. "I'm fine. I guess these past weeks are catching up with your old Dad! Do you want something to eat or drink before you go to bed?"

"No thank you. We had some refreshments at church. What have you been doing, besides sleeping?" She glanced around the room. "Oh! Sorting the photographs?"

"I did, but we can go over them tomorrow. Are you ready for bed because I think I am!" Nathan patted her knee, then rose to bank the fire and turn out the lights. "Call me when you are ready for prayers, okay?"


Gathered in the sitting room of the Queen's Hotel suite, William, Grace, Elizabeth, Rosemary and Lee sipped their herbal tea as they discussed when to return to Hope Valley. Hudson had read a bedtime story to Jack and then retreated to his room.

"With Patrick's imminent arrival, Rosie and I will travel back early tomorrow. A brief getaway before we become parents was a delight, but I am ready to get ready for the little fella's arrival!"

"I am anxious to get home as well, Sweetheart! Maybe we should call it a night and tuck in now so we can be on the road early?" Rosemary suggested.

"Yes. Let's say our goodbyes now and we will be off before you awaken!" Lee stood and held his hand out for his wife. "Thank you for this surprise and most enjoyable weekend. It was fun!"

Once the Coulters hugged everyone and headed to their room, Elizabeth and her parents sat with their tea once again.

"I plan to call David in the morning and ask him to get the latest from Bill or Paul. I hesitate to call them just in case they are dealing with Helen Bouchard." William explained. "If she has departed we can head home tomorrow, if not we may have to return on Tuesday and just have you stay in hiding and under guard, Bessie. I just don't want that woman anywhere near you!"

"Let's see what tomorrow brings, Dad. If I have to hide for a few days, so be it. But, I may have another idea that would get me out-of-town..."

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(*26) While By My Sheep (The Echo Carol) Traditional German by Nach Friedrich von Spee, 1623, Translated by Theodore Baker.

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