CHAPTER 37

Today was going to be their last full day, they would leave early in the morning. Nathan and Allie were going to go for one last ride, then a family dinner, and an early night.

He had lain awake last night wondering what to do with the free days he had after they left tomorrow. He hadn't even had the chance to ask Bea about heading up into the mountains, he wondered about heading over to Brookfield, see how Gabe was settling back in, then his thoughts suddenly jolted back, the mountains! No, surely she wouldn't go up there on her own, she had promised she wouldn't. Other promises have been broken so why not that one? Why had he not thought of it before, she had asked him to take her up there, he was going to surprise her by asking to do just that. Colin had told him she wanted time alone, up there would be perfect for that. Panic then started to kick in, it was so easy to get lost up there, even locals had done that. Then it was if someone had said "but this is Bea", he remembered her stories of the Mountain Rescue Team, she would have more idea than most. Was he just grasping at straws? Maybe he was but he decided there and then as soon as his visitors were safely on their way he was going to check, he needed to.

As he had closed his eyes and said his prayers he added "If she is up there then please Lord show me where, show me I am right."

As he and Allie were returning from their ride his eyes were drawn to the huge pine-covered peaks, if she was up there would he even find her, was he better just staying put and waiting for her to return, she would have to come down soon. It was Allie who pointed to the object in the sky over to the left of the range,

"Uncle Nathan, what is that? If it is a bird is much be huge, I haven't seen one like it before."

Nathan hadn't either, well not here in Hope Valley, it looked like a big Eagle, what on earth would it be doing here. It seemed to be flying in circles, letting the air current catch its wings and then gilding, it was a magnificent sight.

"I think it is a sea-eagle of some kind, not seen them here before though."

"It is amazing, look at him swooping and gilding, he must be huge. That is very special to see."

Special it was indeed he thought and so was someone else, he would head up that way, had he been given the sign he asked for, he hoped with every inch of his being he had.

As they entered the livery his eyes as always were drawn to the board, the message on there was still the one he had written last Sunday "Bea safe, come back." Allie had asked about the board and had so wanted to see a new message, she thought it was sweet that Uncle Nathan and Bea left messages for each other.

"Can I add something on the board Uncle Nathan, I won't rub your message out?"

"Go on then kiddo"

She picked up the chalk and drew an eagle in the bottom corner.

They needed to call in at the Mercantile, Ned was so pleased to see him.

"Nathan thank the lord, I have been hoping to catch you, you have a telegram from Liverpool."

The strangest feeling passed from his toes upwards, what would Charles have thought of his message.

"Nathan. Thank you. Worry was getting worse. "Hermit" state is fine. She will be back. Regards Charles "

Hermit state? Oh wait he must have guessed, he knows she is alone, she will be back. Well if her Uncle Charles wasn't worried then that was a positive.

"Did your telegram ease his worry Nathan?"

"It has Ned, he seems to think she will be back, let's hope he is right, I guess he knows her better than anyone."

"He must, judging by the letters and telegrams they send back and forth they are very close. I suppose when you think about it he and Bea are very similar to you and Allie, Uncles and nieces, isn't that a coincidence."

"I had never thought of it that way but I guess we are, in more ways than one. Right, I must get back or I will be getting a telling off for being late and ruining dinner. Thanks again Ned, we have eased a worried mind."

Mum had a lovely dinner ready for them when they got back, she had packed everything ready for the morning and had done all of the washing.

Before they headed to bed Nathan gave them the little gifts he had bought, Allie couldn't wait to add the charms to her bracelet. Mum cried son you remembered, "I did Mum, I hope you like it, I found a couple of little photographs to put in it but you may prefer others, I love you Mum, and couldn't have done this without you, this is just a thank you."

Early nights all around were the order of the day, although Nathan knew he would struggle to sleep. The other gift he had bought was still in his drawer, would he ever get to give her it.

The following morning they ate breakfast at Abigail's at Allies request and were now waiting for the stage. Opal, Robert, and a few of the other children had come to wave them off.

"Son, go find her, and tell her, tell her how you feel, how you truly feel. You will regret it all your life if you don't."

"I am going to Mum, I had already decided that. If I am lucky enough to find her then I am not letting her go without a fight."

The stage came, there were hugs and a few tears and then they were on their way.

Within an hour or so with saddlebags packed and loaded, food for a couple of meals, he and Newton hit the trail.

As they started to climb he saw the eagle again, he was going to follow it, as stupid as that seemed he was going to follow its path.