CHAPTER 14

Nathan had decided to camp overnight. It was a glorious starry night; the moon was high.

It wasn't truly dark.

His six months away had given him time to regroup, think and plan. He had kept himself busy doing repairs around the orphanage, he had rounded up cattle at the ranch and found a lovely fishing spot. He felt 100% better tonight than he had that day 6 months ago when he left Hope Valley.

Now the test was to come, it was one thing moving on when you weren't reminded daily of things, he hoped that he was now strong enough to cope with all of that. He would never forget the pain, at least now it wasn't a constant in his life.

Having risen early, packed everything up he and Newton hit the trail again just after 6. He thought he would be back around noon.

As he drew nearer and the roads and trails became familiar again, he felt good to be heading home. He had missed Hope Valley.

As soon as he hit the main street word started to spread about his return, everyone was glad to see "their "trusted Mountie and friend back.

He headed straight for the jail-house. The sooner he spoke to Gabe the sooner he could be on his way. Lillian had been so excited at the thought of him returning Nathan didn't want to hold him up.

Gabe had kept a daily record, as had Nathan, so that would inform them both of any happenings. Nathan had nothing major to report, but Gabe had a few run-ins with the Pinkerton's. Bill knew all about those though and would tell Nathan the stories.

After 30 minutes or so everything that needed to be done was complete.

"You get on your way Gabe, have a good journey, and telephone me when you get a chance."

"Will do, you take care. Let me know how things are going."

"Nathan offered his hand, thank you for this Gabe, I needed the time away."

Gabe shook his friends' hand, "I think we both saved each other Nathan,"

"Maybe we did. Now get away back to that lovely young woman of yours."

"I forgot about that, though how on earth I did I don't know. Hope Valley has a rather unique visitor at the moment, she is causing quite a stir. I won't spoil the surprise."

Nathan watched as his friend rode off then went back inside. He poured a coffee and started reading the reports Gabe had left. If he caught up on those today then he could get back into a routine tomorrow.

Just after six, he did the evening rounds, it did feel good to be back. Having stabled Newton for the night he headed back to his little row-house. It would be good to sleep in his own bed again.

Bea decided to lie low for a couple of days, her leg wasn't at its best, and she did need to write some letters, she also wanted time to think, to plan really.

She had dropped the magazine off for Lee and had been talked into doing an interview for the local newspaper which Rosemary published, it isn't every day we have someone so rare as you come to town Rosemary had said.

Every morning she took Hero out, still just walking and trotting on his lunge. After 3 days though Bea had decided that tomorrow, they would head off out, just a short ride, see how Hero did, but she also needed to check how her leg would hold up. She hoped that after a couple of day's rest the pain would ease. It wasn't constant but was crippling when it hit. Dr. Wilson had warned her she may get flare-ups or pain like this as the muscles tightened, the cramps too. If it didn't ease then she may have to have a word with Faith, that was the last resort. Bea didn't like telling that story at all, it was one she would keep to herself if she could.

Nathan had soon fallen back into his routine, with all the new buildings on the outskirts of town his morning rounds did take longer, the town would soon be filling with new residents, he was in for a busy time.

Everyone had welcomed him back, many calling in the jail to do so. Bill had updated him on the Pinkerton and Wyman situation, just needed to keep an eye on that one he thought.

For the first time since getting back Nathan had decided to head to the saloon tonight, he felt like a night out.

It was quite busy, busier than he remembered it being before he left. He did say that to Lee when he came over to talk to him.

"Carla and Jesse are doing a great job; the whole thing seems to be working well."

"So, who owns the place now?"

"The four of us, myself, Bill, Henry and Carla, well and Jesse, they bought in together."

"Well, whatever you have done, it looks on the up."

"They are indeed, and you know Rosemary, she is busy organising all kinds of events. The first one is going to be a dance next week. I am surprised at how well it has been received, I think it will be a great night. You will have to come."

"Not sure if I am ready for that one yet Lee, see how it goes."

"Of course, I never thought about that actually, sorry."

Nathan just smiled; a dance was maybe a step too far just yet. He had stuck by that plan implanted in his brain by heaven knows who or what "One step at a time..." and it had stood him in good stead until now, he wasn't going to ruin it by rushing headlong into situations he didn't think he could handle yet.

Carla appeared carrying some plates of food which she delivered to the table. On her way back Lee stopped her.

"Carla, Rosemary, and I were wondering if Bea is OK, we have only seen her in passing these last couple of days, she appears to be hiding away."

"Just tired she says Lee. I think that long journey may have caught up with her. She has been out walking Hero every day, mind I did notice her limping, when I asked if she had hurt herself, she said it was just an old injury playing up."

"As long as she seems fine, let us know if you think otherwise Carla will you? "

"I will Lee, I was concerned myself at first that is why I asked her."

"Would this be the mystery visitor everyone is talking about?"

"Oh, have you not met her Nathan, I guess you did arrive back around the same time we are talking about. Wait until you do, no one seems to be able to put into words the impact she has on them, she is a very charming, clever young woman, isn't she Carla?"

"Amazing is the word I would use, I have never met anyone like her before, not sure if I ever will."

"I am sure you will have the pleasure soon Nathan."

As he walked home that night, he had to admit he was a bit curious, so many of the locals had mentioned her, all of them of the same opinion as Lee.

When he turned in for the night, he did realise that for the first time since leaving Hope Valley all those months ago another woman, other than Elizabeth had entered his thoughts. Now that was progress.

He thanked his mystery voice as he had done every night since hearing her and fell asleep in a positive mood.