Chapter 2: Always there
Nathan was on his final stretch of his nightly rounds when he decided to take Newton by the schoolhouse to see if Faith needed anything for the makeshift hospital before he put Newton away in the livery for the evening. From a distance, despite the darkness, he could see two figures on the schoolhouse steps in one another's arms. As he drew closer, he could hear the heart-wrenching sobs, and then he saw who the figures were. There in Faith's arms, sobbing, was Elizabeth. It was at that moment of realization that Faith looked up and met Nathan's eyes with her own tear stained face. In that momentary look, Nathan knew what had happened, and Faith simply nodded. Nathan pointed to himself and then to the two of them, and once again, Faith nodded. With that confirmation, Nathan quietly got off of Newton and tethered his reins to the schoolhouse rail. He slowly climbed the few steps that led to the women. With that, Faith pulled away from Elizabeth and spoke.
Elizabeth, I have to go back inside to the others now. Nathan is here. He will stay with you. Is that OK? ", Faith cautiously stated.
In response, Elizabeth simply nodded her head and took the opportunity to wipe her tears with her handkerchief as Nathan transitioned to Faith. They looked at one another again, and Nathan nodded at Faith. Faith took out her own handkerchief, dried her own tears, smoothed out her apron, took a deep breath, climbed the steps, and walked into the schoolhouse once again.
Nathan placed his arm around Elizabeth, and she drew right into his arms and hugged onto him for dear life. Nathan wrapped his other arm around her and placed his chin on her head and simply held her. In this moment, he was reminded of two things. Another time, which seemed so long ago, when they were like this before. And, the promise he made just a month prior, as she thanked him for being there for her and he told her that he'd always be. No matter what happened, Elizabeth was his friend. And, at this very moment, this is exactly what his friend needed. But, it was getting late and the air was becoming more chilly as the evening progressed. Being out in this weather would not be good for either of them. So, he spoke quietly to her as he held her. "Elizabeth, let's get you back to the warmth of your house. We need to keep you well for Little Jack. Is someone with him back home? ", Nathan asked. Elizabeth drew away very slowly and wore a blank look as she answered Nathan. "You're right, we need to get out of this cold. Jack is with Rosemary and Lee tonight," Elizabeth stated as she stared absently at nothing particular. Nathan stood up on the steps and held out his hand to Elizabeth. She stared at it motionless for a moment and then brought herself to her feet, keeping the blanket wrapped tightly around her with one hand as she took Nathan's hand with the other. Nathan gave her the option to ride Newton or walk home, and Elizabeth indicated with a simple nod to continue walking. As they were about to start walking towards the rowhouses, Robert came down the path with some materials for Faith and the makeshift hospital. Nathan asked him once he delivered the items if he could take Newton to the livery for him for the evening. Robert eagerly agreed, and so, Nathan led Elizabeth home to her rowhouse.
As Nathan approached the rowhouse, he could see that Elizabeth was still absently staring at nothing particular. It's like she was in a daze, which did not surprise him. As they entered, Nathan offered to make some tea, and she simply shook her head. "I think I will just get some rest for now," Elizabeth stated as she slowly made her way to the stairs. Nathan went to add some wood to the stove to keep the house warm for her until morning. Elizabeth came out of her daze slightly and turned to Nathan after hearing him with the woods. "Nathan," she spoke out quietly. Nathan turned towards Elizabeth as he heard her say his name. "I want to thank you again... for being here for me. It means a lot, "she said with an attempt at a smile on her sad face. "Always Lizbeth... always", Nathan nodded and gave a sad smile back to her. With that exchange, Elizabeth turned and climbed the stairs. Nathan heard her door close soon after, and then he could hear her sobs from where he was. He finished with the wood and stood up, looking towards the stairs and then up at the ceiling. "Lord, help Elizabeth. Wrap her in your healing arms and see her through this loss. Bring her peace. Amen", he spoke out quietly. And with that, Nathan walked towards the door and stepped out into the cool night to walk to his own rowhouse.