Chapter 29
Hope for Tomorrow
Page 85
Molly was simply amazed at all the big buildings of Vancouver with the hustle and bustle of the city streets. There was so much to see. From the beach, to shopping in the city, to the port where big ships docked to take lumber and grain to the east side of the United States or to Europe.
Bill realized how excited Molly was and promised her that he would take her to as many places as possible. He was so proud of his wife as he ushered her around the city. There was only one place he wanted to stop by and that was the RCMP office. Bill had been there only once when he was younger Mountie and while looking for it he was stunned to see how it expanded, although he knew the city's population had really grown since the logging industry became their prime industry. Walking inside he saw the Mountie at the desk and walking up to him, asked if a Mountie friend happened to be still working there.
"Hello, I'm Inspector Avery from Hope Valley and my wife and I are here visiting. I was hoping to connect with a David Murphy, is he still working here?"
"Welcome Inspector, yes Inspector David Murphy is still employed here, he is an officer in this building actually. Would you like me to ring him?"
"Yes, please," Bill was anxious to see his long-ago buddy. He looked at Molly and grinned, "I'm so glad to have you with me and show you off." Molly blushed with delight.
As they waited, Bill looked around at the walls and noticed all the photos of the Mounties who worked in Vancouver. There were some who were recognized for their bravery, some who had passed on, some who had died in the line of duty, and some who had retired. The walls were filled with photos in honor of these men.
Walking down the stairs in full uniform came David catching the eye of Bill. Bill's face lit up with a huge smile as they embraced. "Look at you Bill!" David greeted him happily. "How are you?"
"I'm good, really good. I just got married to this lovely lady by my side. David, this is my wife, Molly. Molly, my good friend, David."
David being the gentleman, took Molly's hand and kissed it as he said, "The pleasure is all mine."
Molly a bit embarrassed by David's gesture looked wide-eyed at Bill as if to ask what is this all about, but graciously nodded with a charming smile.
Looking at Bill David asked, "What in the devil are you doing here?"
"We're on our honeymoon! Molly wanted to take a drive to see the fall colors and see the city. She's never been to Vancouver," Bill explained. Putting his arm around Molly he asked David if he would like to go out to lunch with the two of them.
"We have a lot to catch up on, it would be great. Give me an hour and meet me back here," David smiled.
Molly and Bill strolled around the city block peeking in windows of the stores. There were some gift and souvenir shops so they stopped to look for something for Rosaleen. Molly not used to having much money to call her own, was reluctantly glancing about not sure what Bill would consider affordable.
They had never really talked about handling money, so it was a bit awkward for her to ask, "Bill, darling, what would you consider the right amount of money to spend on a gift for Rosaleen?"
Bill avoiding pinpointing a precise amount, simply answered, "If you find something you'd like, it's yours to buy."
"Hmm, that gives me a loose leash Bill," Molly's eyes flashed, "I think you better lead me," she giggled.
The two of them looked around until a small windup musical trinket box caught Molly's eye, "This! This is it, I love it! Please Bill!"
"Let's see that," Bill reached for the trinket box and turned it over. Catching the price, he looked startled, "Oh wow! Molly, it's a bit pricey, but if you want it Red, it's yours," Bill boasted.
"No, Bill, I'll keep looking," Molly sighed. As she walked away, Bill gave the trinket box to the clerk, told her to take off the price tag and put it a small gift box in the bag. Then he slipped her the money and told her to keep the change as he tucked the bag into the inside of his jacket pocket.
Molly found a lovely barrette with gems on it and pointed to it. Bill gave it a good once over, smiled, and said, "All right, this is good," and Molly was content now finally finding a gift for her daughter.
By that time David was ready and walked with them to a corner dinette. It was decorated in fine decor and there was a host who greeted David personally, "Welcome Inspector Murphy, there are three in your party?"
"Yes, Charles."
Charles led them to a table by the window which had Molly glued looking at all the people and buildings. There was so many of both, however, Molly the queen of manners, knew it wasn't polite. She tried to appear interested in what the men were talking about, but it was mainly Mountie stuff. David order wine for all and toasted the two honeymooners.
They ordered their food, compliments of David. Being hungry Bill could eat anything and not gain an ounce while Molly had to watch what she ate. The soup came first, a delicious cup of chicken and rice. They all talked and laughed as each serving followed, salad, ham and Au gratin potatoes. David then asked for the dessert menu. To keep her girly figure, especially now that Bill would be seeing all of it, which when Molly thought of it, it sent a tingle up her spine! But her head stopped that tingle and told her to be careful of what she would select as her dessert.
While the men ordered carrot cake with rich cream cheese frosting, that looked so delicious in the window case at the front of the dinette, Molly quietly sniffed and ordered a cup of lemon gelatin. Bill looked at her as if she were nuts, but he put his arm around her and boasted to David, "I have the most disciplined wife, but just look at her!" Molly was thinking to herself, that's what I have to remember I must keep my figure ugh!
David and Bill talked about coming over to David's house in order to meet his wife. Molly agreed that would be very nice, so they made plans for that Friday night. Meanwhile, David gave them ideas of places to see while there.
As they strolled to the water to watch the ships docking, it was amazing seeing all the lumber being hauled onto the ships bound for a destination unknown to them along with passenger ships with more sightseers just like them.
Bill carefully watched as Molly gazed at the water and was watching the dock activity, thinking, does Hope Valley meet her needs?
"Molly, are you happy in Hope Valley, or would you rather live in the city like this?"
Molly was surprised that Bill would ask such a question. "Oh Bill, this is wonderful here with all the people and so much happening. The stores are such a delight to go through and shop, and the dinette today was exquisite, but truly there's no place like home, and I wouldn't trade it for the world."
Bill leaned towards her and kissed the top of her head, "Red, you have the key to my heart. I do love you!"
Page 86
Molly wanted to make the best impression she could for the dinner at David Murphy's home. Back at their hotel room, Molly asked her husband, "Bill, do you like the blue dress, or the white blouse and green skirt?"
"Either one is just fine, Red, you always look good," Bill replied.
"Bill, that's no help. I would imagine David's wife is dressed magnificently, being in Vancouver and all. I just don't want to look like a frump!"
Bill was in the bathroom shaving and trying to converse with his wife in the bedroom, which meant a bit of yelling back and forth. When Molly joined him in the bathroom, she had on her long pink satin robe that she wore beautifully.
"There now, wear that!" Bill's eyes twinkled, "you look fetching!" Bill placed his razor on the counter and grabbed Molly giving her a hard kiss full of slippery shaving cream.
Pushing him away totally flustered she moaned, "Bill! Oh, now look at me!" Molly couldn't help but start to whimper. "I've got to do my makeup all over again!"
Bill was laughing as he thought she looked so cute. That just made it worse, as he didn't realize she wasn't in the mood for being 'cute'!
Molly grabbed the towel off of Bill's shoulder and wiped her face off. Looking at herself in the mirror, she just about let out a scream, "Look at my hair, that shaving cream is in my hair too! Oh you!" Molly threw the towel at Bill and ran into the bedroom and threw herself on the bed wailing in deep frustration.
Bill stopped laughing, finally realizing this wasn't going over well at all with his wife. He quickly strode over to the bed and putting his arms on either side of her, he bent down and whispered, "I'm sorry Red, you just looked so tantalizing in your robe, I, well, I couldn't control myself!"
Molly turned around pushing herself up and staring up at Bill, she sat up saying, "Bill you have to learn to control yourself, we can't be romancing every minute. Now, I have to start over with my hair and make-up!"
"Red, we still have a half hour before we have to leave. I'm done, you can have the bathroom to yourself," Bill smiled.
"Only a half hour?! Move out of my way!" Molly hissed showing Bill no mercy.
The brick exterior of the Murphy house was formal and neat looking. The landscaping was well tended to and the gated yard was adorned with perennials barely blooming as autumn had settled in. On the porch were gold chrysanthemums on either side of the door. As they knocked with the door knocker, the steam from Molly's ears had gone away, and she took a deep breath as the door opened and smiled.
Welcoming them in David took their light coats. David introduced his wife, Carolyn, who walked in gliding like a dancer in her gorgeous long red dress, heels, and pearls and invited them inside their large living room. Having a seat on the plush sofa, Molly tucked her blue dress under her and marveled at how lovely the room was with it's fireplace glowing and the shelves full of books. Her eye fell on the baby grand piano and it seemed to call to her, but she didn't say a word.
David asked if they'd like a glass of wine and offered red or white. Molly asked for a rose, but Bill asked outright for a beer. David grinned, "That's my choice too."
Just then they heard the knocker again. "I'll get that," Carolyn answered.
Bill looked surprised and shrugged his shoulders when Molly glanced his way. David handed Molly and Bill their drinks and then joined Carolyn welcoming more guests. In walked another Mountie buddy from Bill's days in Vancouver with David. There was Gregory Larkin and his wife! Bill started chuckling and immediately walked over, shook Gregory's hand and then they hugged.
"Long time man, long time!" Bill beamed.
"Yes, it has been a long time. This is my wife, Laura."
"Very nice to meet you!" Motioning to Molly who came over he introduced her to both Gregory and Laura. They were so friendly that Molly felt relaxed.
"How the heck are you?" Bill asked.
"Retired now, and happy. When David called and told me you were in town, I just had to come see you! Heard you just got hitched and wondered who you talked into marrying you," Gregory laughed.
Carolyn invited Laura and Gregory to come into the living room and join them for a drink. "Looks like the men are going to be reminiscing for a while, could I interest you ladies in some hors d'oeuvres?"
Molly and Laura followed Carolyn into the dining room. "There is a table in the corner with plates, napkins, and appetizers. Please help yourselves," Carolyn pointed out.
Molly not taking too many appetizers as always watching her figure, felt a bit out of place as Laura and Carolyn began talking about the upcoming opera. As they talked, they kept Molly in the loop though and tried their best to help her feel part of their conversation. Molly could hear the men laughing and reminiscing about good times all together and decided to try harder to be involved with the ladie's chatting.
Carolyn asked Molly if she ever attended an opera. Molly had never been, so she was embarrassed to admit it. "Oh my, you must go with us tomorrow night! We would love for you to join us. Let me see if David can contact the Fredricks and see if they wouldn't mind giving you their seats. They weren't sure they could make it after all, so this might just work out!"
Laura nodded her head in agreement. Placing her hand on Molly's arm, she said, "My dear, you will be so glad you went. You must go."
Molly smiled but said doubtfully, "I don't think Bill will like going to an opera."
Laura and Carolyn looked at each other and giggled, "Don't say anything, but neither will the other two admit it, but secretly we think they do enjoy it."
"Maybe it's the reward they get at home afterwards," Laura boldly winked.
Molly fanned herself and wondered if it was the wine that had her feeling flushed.
"Ah, the men are coming in, I'll have Josephine serve the dinner," Carolyn announced.
Molly was eager to see Bill. Over the dinner, Carolyn shared with the men what they discussed about the Avery's joining them for the opera date the next night. Bill raised his eyebrows at the mention of an opera, but Molly patted his knee under the table. David assured everyone that he would call the Fredricks right after they got done dining. Bill rolled his eyes at Molly, but Molly just gave him a sweet smile.
After dinner they retired to the living room where Molly walked slowly past the baby grand and couldn't resist playfully running her fingers over the ivories. "Do you play?" David asked when he noticed Molly.
"I do."
"Then, go ahead my dear, let us hear some of your talent!"
Now, Molly really felt relaxed, after a few glasses of wine, and a baby grand in front of her, she sat down and treated all to "When Irish Eyes are Smiling", After Your Gone," and "Let Me Call You Sweetheart". Even the men joined in singing.
"That was a wonderful evening Bill! I had a lot of fun!" Molly remarked as they walked into their hotel room.
"Glad you feel better now," he said as he put his arm around Molly.
"Oh, I do, and I will feel even better when we go to the Opera tomorrow! I can't wait!"
Bill dropped his arms, sighed, pulled off his tie, the rest of his clothes and fell into bed.
Hope for Tomorrow
Page 87
Saturday night in Hope Valley was a happening night! The Hopefuls were hosting the moving picture, "Alias Miss Dodd". Most everyone in town was attending. Moving pictures were fairly new to their town and the folk always looked forward to the next one coming. It was a time too where the ladies weren't always having to cook, and they too were treated to fun time off. It was the perfect time for young love for the Hopefuls to be explored, and puppy love for the teenagers to prepare for future romances.
Tonight was no different. Allie had not only received permission to go with Robert, as long as Karen and Harper were going with as a double-date, but Dee told Allie should could invite Robert to dinner before they would go. Nathan, on the other hand, was not too happy about the invitation.
"Dee, what were you thinking, inviting Robert here for dinner?" he asked a bit perturbed.
Dee stopped slicing the vegetables for the soup, to turn and look at Nathan with a questioning gaze. "Why, what's wrong with having Robert here for dinner?" She had never thought he'd be disturbed by it. After all Robert looked up to Nathan as a mentor, especially when considering pursuing his training as a Mountie.
"Nothing is 'wrong' with it, it's just that why are we encouraging those two becoming more than friends?" Nathan crossed his arms and looked with his head tilted to the side to get Dee's attention.
"Oh, Nathan, it's just puppy love. There's nothing wrong with the two of them discovering a little more than only friendship," Dee said wondering if his daughter growing up was affecting him more than anything else.
"Don't you think she's too young to have her heart broken when Robert leaves?" Nathan was very concerned about Allie giving up on her future plans.
"Everyone gets their heart broken, it might as well be while surrounded by her family and is young enough to go onto new things and other boys. Besides, who says she will get her heartbroken?" Dee was becoming defensive as Nathan was just assuming the worst.
"He's going away, Dee. He'll be gone for quite awhile, she'll be here, while he's busy concentrating on his new skills."
"Nathan, Allie said Robert asked if she would write to him when he leaves. He intends to keep in touch with her. Why can't you give him the benefit of the doubt?" Dee was getting frustrated with Nathan's negativity.
"Once he's gone and tasted a new life, he won't bother with Allie. He'll follow his dreams and..." Nathan stopped knowing full well that was exactly what he had done to Dee back in their younger days.
Nathan had left his Ma to tend to the farm with neighbor Jack's help, so he could go off to Mountie schooling. His Ma had encouraged him to not be stuck there on the farm, but he left Dee without saying goodbye. They hadn't been formally courting, but they were very close and they both knew that the other liked them more than just friends.
Dee had gone on to college, studying music and came home after graduating with her degree, but there had been no future in Brook Springs. Working here in Hope Valley was her very first real teaching job. She not only was thrilled to be here teaching, but to be with her first and only true love, Nathan, now expecting a new little one to join them soon.
Dee picked up where Nathan left off, "and leave her alone? Is that what you are so worried about, that Robert might do what you did to me?"
Nathan dropped his head and sighed, "Yes, sweetheart, I was young and foolish. I didn't realize what I was missing. I thought I could fill that empty part of me with work but that was good for only so long. Then, I was determined to have Elizabeth in my life, at first for Jack's sake, but it just wasn't meant to be. Then, when I first saw you last summer in Brook Springs, my heart was in my throat and I knew then and there you were the one, always the one."
Nathan walked over to Dee and wrapped his arms around her, "You, have always been my one true love," Nathan cupped Dee's head up towards his face, stroked her cheek, and then kissed her tenderly.
As the couple parted lips, Nathan held onto Dee a little longer. "I am so happy to be here with you now. You are my everything!"
Dee whispered, "Nathan, try not to worry. Robert seems like an honest young man who will keep his word and write Allie. Besides, we don't know if Allie will find another young man either while he's gone. You know, it could go both ways. Just let Allie and Robert enjoy the night together and see what happens. We can't keep her in a cocoon."
Nathan pulled back and said, "You are right, as usual. That's why I love you!" and places a kiss on her nose.
"I love you too sweetheart," Dee answered with a big hug around his neck.
Dee continued chopping the vegetables. Shortly, Emily woke from her nap and came in to give Dee some relief. I'll get the rest of the dinner, you go put your feet up now, ya?"
"Thank you, Ma! I think Allie is done fixing herself up, call her when you're ready to set the table."
Nathan walked with Dee to the living room and sat on the couch, patting it, indicating for Dee to join him. As she was about to sit next to him, he spoke, "No, Dee put your head on the pillow at the other end, and give me your feet. I'll give them a massage."
"You don't have to ask me twice," Dee said as she did what she was told. The rubbing helped her feet to slowly feel better and helped the swelling go down a bit.
"If I could, I'd give you a back massage too, but you have such an awkward time getting up and down, it might not be worth it. Let me get you a hot water bottle," Nathan offered as Dee closed her eyes. When he came back she was just about asleep, but gladly rolled to her side while he put the warm bottle just in the right spot. Nathan kissed her forehead when she rolled back and resumed his place at the other end rubbing her feet. Sure enough, Dee was letting out a few little snores in just a few minutes.
It wasn't long and Allie came downstairs searching for Dee to tie her bow on the back of her dress and asked for a little bit of lipstick. Dee sent her upstairs and she came down with the lipstick on and a touch of perfume too. Nathan rolled his eyes, but Dee ignored that.
Soon Robert arrived and was very polite, greeting everyone and pulling out Allie's chair at the dining table for her. He complimented how tasty the dinner was and thanked them for the invitation to join them. He was playing his part very well. Nathan was happy that he had manners and realized again that he had grown into a very nice young man. Dee was right, Robert shouldn't be judged by what he had done at his age, Robert was his own young man. Even Emily and Archie seemed to enjoy Robert's company.
The knock on the door meant that Harper and Karen were there. Nathan opened the door and waved to Bob out in his automobile. He was driving the four of them to Billees for the moving picture. As they rode away, Nathan stood on the porch watching the automobile heading to town.
Dee came outside and said, "Don't forget, she's my daughter too, and I love her just as much. Why don't we go inside, the fall nights are much cooler now."
"You're my sweetheart, I've got you, my love, to keep me warm!"