Chapter Four: Apart

For two weeks, each and every night, Bill and Nathan fulfilled their routine nightly shift, sitting with Elizabeth.

Those night shifts had been particularly hard on the Constable, but he never once complained, and no one was more thankful than him for Elizabeth's recovery.

By that time, Carson felt she was doing exceedingly well and was recovered enough to stay on her own. So, the night shifts were stopped, and Little Jack was moved Home permanently, as Elizabeth had only been well enough for lots of visits until that point.

Elizabeth begged Carson to allow her to go back to school.

Finally, Carson relented, feeling it was indeed better for his patient to get into a structured routine and start living her life again.

Hope Valley was about to enter into the new winter month of October, heralded by a decided biting coldness in the air, as well as the uncertainty of whether precipitation was going to be rain or snow!

The Town, however, as a whole, was beginning to feel festive, positive, even upbeat, despite the weather, especially now, looking forward to the coming Holidays.

In fact, they were going to kick off both the Thanksgiving and Christmas Holiday Seasons by throwing a Town Bash, including a Dance, this coming Saturday Evening.

No one spoke of the other reason the Town's spirits were high.

But it could not be discounted, that another very real reason for their happiness was that after five months of mis-courting and another two weeks or so of fighting some unknown, but very serious virus according to their Good Doctor, the town had their teacher back!

They had the old Mrs. Elizabeth Thatcher Thornton back, even in her old clothes, and with her kind and loving personality fully back intact.

And each and everyone could not have been more thrilled!

After her break-up with Mr. Bouchard and subsequent recovery from her illness, Mrs. Thornton had attacked her teaching with a vengeance, pouring her whole self into it, and seeming to thrive on it once again!

Her renewed vigor brought an unparalleled excitement back to her students, who now couldn't wait to go back to school each day!

The parents were thrilled with their children's scholastic achievements, which were coming right and left!

But the highest achiever of all was one Allie Grant, who was tops on whatever was thrown at her. She literally soaked everything up like a sponge, and her teacher was beginning to think she had a photographic memory. It wasn't at all surprising to Elizabeth, because she had already determined the child's uncle had the same, never missing or not remembering a detail, whether inspecting, reading, or helping Allie with a very high level of Math.

Elizabeth had desperately wanted to share Allie's achievements with Nathan each and every time, but now she couldn't per their agreement. So, instead, she kept a list, that, if necessary, she would mail to him at the end of the year, at the same time the reports for all parents were completed.

Although the town didn't know about Nathan's and Elizabeth's agreements, they did notice that the two were always cordial, never cold, although they did somehow manage to keep a formal distance between them.

The teacher's relationship with Mr. Bouchard was pretty much non-existent, except for the occasional greeting when running into each other on the street. It was noticed, however, there was seldom a smile from either of them, just a cordial greeting.

But everyone thought that would improve with time. They were still in the stage of dread when running into each other. But that, too, would pass.

"Dad, don't forget to pick up Auntie Millicent when the Stage gets here, and don't you be late!"

"Yes, Ma'am! Allie, are you excited? She'll be here soon!"

"So excited, Dad. It's going to be so much fun!"

"Don't you forget, no friend visits today. We're coming straight home after school, so we can both take her to Dinner!"

"Yes, Sir! Have a good day, Dad!"

"You have a good day, too, Princess. Study hard and see you soon!"

Nathan hugged and kissed her, at the end of the road, instead of following her all the way to the Front Door of the School.

That was their new routine, now.

Elizabeth, standing outside the Schoolhouse Door, greeting her Students, smiling and waving to Nathan and Allie from the distance, with Nathan smiling back, and tipping his hat. Then Allie would run on to the Front Door greeting Mrs. Thornton on her own. Nathan would watch till he was sure Elizabeth had caught sight of her, then he would turn to leave and go about his day.

At least this way, there were no awkward conversations.

It had been a simple remedy to something both had dreaded.

Today, promptly at 12 Noon, the Stagecoach arrived, with Nathan standing, excitedly ready to meet their guest.

"Millicent, welcome to Hope Valley!"

His face was radiant with joy.

As he opened the coach's door, the most beautiful, tall, statuesque Lady appeared with thick long blonde, curly hair, green eyes, and the most elegant green Travel Ensemble anyone had ever seen. To say nothing of her huge stylish hat! She leaned into Nathan's open arms and embraced him, too, as he assisted her out of the stagecoach, then she kissed each of his cheeks in the old European way.

Nathan returned the same greeting, as the smiles and twinkling eyes on both of their faces told everyone who was watching, these two clearly adored each other!

What Nathan didn't know was that Elizabeth had run into the Mercantile during Lunch for Art Supplies, and she was watching from the right side of the Boardwalk, devastated, heartbroken, and even shocked, while Lucas had just walked out of the Queen of Hearts, and was watching from the left side of the Boardwalk, completely entranced and smitten with this gorgeous Woman, who had just appeared right before his very eyes.

Both Elizabeth and Lucas watched as the beautiful Lady looped her arm through Nathan's and he enclosed his hand over hers.

"Robert, can you see that Miss Bradford's things are brought to our place, now?" and he handed a more than adequate tip to the young man, ensuring that the job would be done expediently.

That is if Robert could tear his eyes off of the beautiful lady!

"Millicent, which do you prefer first, lunch or some time for refreshing yourself from your travels?"

"Oh, Nathan, please, I'd love to freshen up more than anything! I think I'm covered in dust! I promise I don't really look this bad," she laughed and it was lyrical.

She had a million-dollar smile and left a first impression that was impossible to beat.

"You couldn't look more beautiful. It's just so good to see you! But, let's get you cleaned up first. Then Lunch!"

Elizabeth lurked between the buildings, so they wouldn't see her, and after Lucas intently watched Nathan and this new Lady walk away, he set his jaw in determination, then turned to go back to the Saloon.

"I will definitely get to know that beautiful creature! Just because she knows you, Nathan doesn't mean she's yours."

When Elizabeth finally made it back to school, her walk had taken twice the time it should have, because she was walking so slowly, trying to make sense of what she had just seen.

"That lady has to be a relative. She just has to be. That's the only thing that makes sense!"

But as the children filed out after their afternoon classes, she overheard Allie say they had company and she couldn't wait!

"Auntie Millicent is so beautiful and so much fun. I just love her!"

"Is she your real Auntie?"

"No, she's just a family friend!"

And Elizabeth felt her stomach go into knots!

"Mrs. Thornton, you don't look so good," said Opal.

"Mrs. Thornton, are you okay? Maybe you should have a drink of water," suggested Allie.

"I'm…I'm fine, Girls, thank you both, though."

Then when she looked up, there where the road ended, stood Nathan, as he always did, but with the beautiful Millicent once again, draped on his arm. She only left him when she spotted Allie and came running toward her. Beaming at the Child, wrapping her in her arms in a hug full of love!

If Elizabeth could have dug a hole and buried herself in it, she would have!

Obviously, Millicent had taken a refreshing bath and re-dressed herself in an equally gorgeous Blue Outfit with matching Coat and Hat, both trimmed in Fur. She even carried a matching Fur Muff in one hand. And she looked resplendent.

While Elizabeth stood there with paint running down her apron from the Children's Art Class, and although her hair was pulled back into a low chignon, she could feel pieces escaping, but she gathered herself enough to offer a slight smile and wave.

Nathan tipped his hat back and smiled, seeming to sense something was wrong, but never once thinking it could have anything to do with the exquisite Woman on his arm.

She watched as the three took off together arm in arm, and she couldn't get the picture out of her head.

Even though he just couldn't be a couple with her, he just couldn't, they looked absolutely gorgeous together, and everyone who saw them thought so.

And the three of them together looked like the perfect family.

Elizabeth leaned against the Door inside the Schoolhouse and let out a gasp of air, trying to calm herself, trying to center herself.

She put her hands to her head and in doing so, streaked paint from her hands into her hair, but didn't even realize it. She somehow gathered her papers and basket, and although trembling, locked the front door, grabbed hold of the banister to descend the steps, and then slowly walked home with a shocked look on her face the entire way. Again, trying to make sense of it all.

Several days went by, and no one in town seemed to know who the Constable's beautiful lady guest was, but they all agreed on one thing, she was stunning and could very easily be a Silent Film Star.

The entire town was besotted with her, watching for her appearance, checking out her gorgeous clothes which were all new to them, and very high style.

Now, on this stranger, unlike when Elizabeth wore the fancy clothes, they liked them! But Elizabeth was one of them, and they didn't like her putting on airs of any kind. It just wasn't done.

But this Mystery Woman was a different matter.

All the women were a little envious, and all the men, even Joseph, were a little in love.

Both men and women found her to be as kind as she was beautiful!

Hope Valley was completely smitten.

Nathan and Millicent went about their days together.

Mornings she accompanied Nathan and Allie to School, then after, she accompanied Nathan on rounds, and based on her riding skills, everyone could clearly tell she was a great equestrian.

They always had Lunch together, generally at the Café, sometimes at the Saloon.

Afternoons were spent with Millicent at Nathan's rowhouse, mostly puttering around the house, reading a book, or doing her needlepoint, while Nathan worked in his Office, checking in with her frequently.

Florence was sure she was an excellent Cook as well, because about a half-hour before they were due to pick up Allie at School each day, Millicent would run to the Mercantile, pick up the most interesting food combinations for their Evening Meal, and put it on Nathan's Account, of course. She then would meet Nathan at his Office, who would carry the groceries back to his Rowhouse, where they would deposit them, and then head on to School to pick up Allie.

Dinners were usually eaten privately with the three of them together at the Rowhouse, with Millicent insisting on doing all the cooking!

Florence had been right about her cooking abilities, as the Grants were eating quite well during Millicent's visit, indeed!

One thing everyone noticed, even Elizabeth, Nathan seemed happy for the first time in a long time.

How could he not be with Millicent around?

Everyone would call greetings to her wherever she was, and she would always wave back with a huge smile, considerately calling each by their given name!

No one could dispute, Millicent was amazing in every way, and as caring and kind and loving as she was gorgeous.

They, indeed, were all falling in love with her.

Still, no one really knew anything about her, or who she was.

Nathan always introduced her as Millicent Bradford, but he never added a specific qualifier, such as this is my Cousin, or this is my old School Friend, or this is my Pastor's Daughter, or this is my former Girlfriend. Not that he would have, but he only simply used just 'Dear Friend.'

His exact words were "It's my pleasure to introduce our Dear Friend, Millicent Bradford," though always with a radiant smile on his face, whether he realized it or not!

But being as vague as he was, the townspeople still discerned she definitely wasn't Family.

Which was a fact, Elizabeth was doing her best not to dwell on.

For if Nathan had ever felt pangs of jealousy seeing Elizabeth with Lucas, Elizabeth was now feeling those same pangs, but in an incredibly worse way.

Those stabbing pains literally ate away at her constantly, whenever she saw Nathan with the beautiful Millicent or even thought about them together.

When Nathan and Millicent appeared at School this afternoon, Nathan was in casual winter clothes, and Millicent was in chic, long, wool culottes with a casual Fur jacket and matching hat. She was also wearing rubber boots, but, even they looked stylish on her, although she was carrying Allie's tackle box, instead of a fancy bag.

Even dressed casually, she still looked like she belonged on the cover of a magazine.

Millicent was very slender and a bit taller than Elizabeth, but she seemed much taller because of her slim build.

She looked like a model, and with Nathan, well let's just say they cut quite the striking pair.

Elizabeth smiled weakly as Nathan waved and tipped his hat.

But, as she watched them head to the pond, she really was sick and had to go back inside the school, locking the door behind her, sitting down, placing her head in her hands.

"Why, dear God, did I do all those horrible things I did? Why? Why did I hurt this man I love so much? Why did I run? Why didn't I show him my love? Why didn't I shower him with my love?"

"Elizabeth, it's Rosemary, are you in there?"

"Just a minute, Rosemary."

She wiped her tears, and let her best friend in.

"Elizabeth, I was getting worried. Are you okay?"

"She's not family, Rosemary. She's a friend. Probably a girlfriend."

Rosemary sat down beside her.

"Elizabeth, you don't believe that. Not the girlfriend part. Nathan would never do that to you. Not till you two figure things out."

"I know you're right. I've just been going crazy imagining things."

"Dear Elizabeth, you have nothing to worry about. What will be, will be. However, perhaps you need to use this as a learning experience," suggested Rosemary.

"Learning experience? What could you possibly mean?"

"Elizabeth, for five months, Nathan watched you with Lucas. The whole town did. And the two of you weren't subtle. You flaunted your relationship, right in front of Nathan. This gives you a taste of what he felt. Only his was at least a thousand times worse because he had declared his love for you. He has not done that with Millicent."

"Oh, Rosemary, I still can't even fathom how horribly I've hurt him. He could have anyone he wanted, even her."

"Yes, he indeed could. But, think of it this way, apparently, he's known her all his life, and he still wanted you."

That simple comment did more to make Elizabeth understand the love Nathan had for her like she never had before.

"Thank you, Rosemary! You're right," and she grabbed her in a bear hug! "You're absolutely right!"

Then she continued.

"I've just got to be myself, and stop this jealousy. You're right. Nathan would never do to me what I did to him. And I did all that knowing he loved me! I'm just so ashamed."

"Maybe someday, you can tell him that. But you know, if you truly want to make Nathan happy, give him these days of happiness with an old friend. Elizabeth, he needs them so desperately. Don't make him feel an ounce of guilt. Millicent here is obviously a good thing. He hasn't had anyone to talk to, and she strikes me as a good listener. Don't begrudge him that. Think the best of him, not the worst. And be grateful she's helping him and Allie."

"I know you're right. It's just when I see the three of them together, I see this beautiful Family that I once was a part of, or at least I thought I was, and I grieve that we're not like that now."

"Of course, you do. Tell you what. Let's go to the Dress Shoppe. I've gotten several Gowns in that I've been holding back for you to select something to wear Saturday night. You just have to choose which one!"

"Oh, I'm not going, Rosemary. It would just be too awkward between Lucas and Nathan and the entire town watching."

"No, you're going with Lee and me! But you do realize with your agreement, you and Nathan won't be dancing together. So, don't let yourself dream about that."

"Truthfully, that's the real reason I don't want to go."

"Nathan watched you ask Lucas to dance and he saw the dance. I think you need to watch him dance with his Guest. I think it would be good for both of you. And you, my beautiful Sweet, are going to be the most beautiful one at the Ball, anyway, inside and out, because you're going to prove to Nathan you can take what you made him take, leaving all jealousy at home. It will sort of even things out. And that, my Love, is strength along with offering an olive branch!"

Rosemary smiled tenderly.

"I know this is hard, Elizabeth. But you're doing so well. And I'm not trying to be cruel at all. But you're stronger than you think. If you dished it out to Nathan, you should be able to take it, too. Then, after both of you have had similar experiences, both of you can erase all the similar bad ones from your memories. That could go a long way getting you two back to a friendship, at least."

Elizabeth smiled, "When did you get so wise?"

Rosemary just grinned, "Let go try on Gowns!"

"Rosie, she fishes too!" moaned Elizabeth.

"Go, Millicent! Maybe you'll be learning soon!"

Elizabeth grinned and raised her eyebrows, suddenly experiencing a great desire to learn to fish…worms and all!