The next day
Elizabeth journal Sometimes we forget, how precious life is. Douglas Anthony died a hero. Jack rode out for the funeral today. I know he hurts inside... but it's more than that. Even though this is all part of a plan greater than all of us, I worry that jack blames himself for Doug's death... and it breaks my hearts to watch him carry that burden.
I offered to go to the funeral with jack, but he said he wanted to be alone. Elizabeth said
Sometimes, I think it's harder for men to grieve than it is for women. Abigail said
Doug was so young. It really isn't fair. Elizabeth said
Miss thatcher? Steven said
Good morning, mr. Craig. Elizabeth said
I wanted to thank you for letting my boy study with the rest of the kids after school. He took it pretty hard when mr. Reid's expelled him. Steven said
Mr. Reid's made a mistake. Elizabeth said
I sure wish you were teaching in that classroom again. Philip misses being there with all the kids. Steven said
I do, too, but we'll see the two of you at the music recital? Elizabeth said
We'll be there. Steven said
What is it? Abigail said
I feel like I'm drifting away. Elizabeth said
How so? Abigail said
(Sighing) it isn't the same, being a tutor and not a teacher. I'm just a volunteer who works with the kids for a couple of hours after school. Elizabeth said
But you're still making a difference. Abigail said
I'm helping them with their studies, but that's one small piece of what a teacher really does. Elizabeth said
I know. Corey misses you so much. But it won't be like this forever. Abigail said
What if it is? Elizabeth said
Elizabeth, you will get your job back. Just be patient. Abigail said
Hmm. It isn't easy . Elizabeth said
And an on known location (military drums beating)
It means so much to me that you're here, jack. Doug's mother said
Anything for you and Doug. Jack said
Corporal Douglas Anthony was a true hero. He served his country with honor and dignity. As Mounties, we swear an oath to live up to that highest ideal, no matter the personal sacrifice, and Doug paid the ultimate sacrifice, but he did so valiantly and bravely. He led the life he was born to lead. He followed his destiny I know life can be better lived than that. Sam Collins said
Bullet. Salute! Present arm. Fire! Reload. (Chambers loading) Present. Fire! Reload Present. Fire! Order arms. (Begins playing "the Last Post") An officer said
Meanwhile in valley spring
Jack. Is there anything I can do? Elizabeth said
That hug was a good start. I can't believe Doug's gone. Jack said
You were a good friend to him. Elizabeth said
I could have done more. Should've done more. Jack said
(Footsteps) on the planks that lining the fronts of the building along Main Street.
Oh, jack. I'm so sorry to hear about what happened. I can't imagine what you must be feeling. Rosemary said
I appreciate that, Rosie. Jack said
Well, i didn't mean to interrupt, but there are for you. I hope the little urchins like apple pie. I was debating between apple and cherry, but cherry stains are so difficult to get out, but then I thought — rosemary said
Don't worry, rosemary. I'm sure they'll love it. Thank you. I have tutoring, I'll see you later? Elizabeth said
Sure. None of my teachers ever brought me pie. Jack said
(Chuckles) it's for her math lesson. You know Elizabeth always finding new ways to stimulate those eager young minds. I've never met anyone so devoted to their work. Rosemary said
I know just what you mean. Jack said
It isn't just a job for her, is it? Something she lives and breathes. Rosemary said
At the saloon
Who is ready for fractions? Elizabeth said
I don't understand them at all! Robert said
Well, fractions are everywhere you look. Robert ... could you please pass these out? Ta-dah! Elizabeth said
I think I'm going like fractions. Corey said
There are eight of you so I am going to cut this pie into eight equal sections. If I remove one piece ... how many "eights" do we have left? Elizabeth
Seven. Timmy said
That's right! Eight-eighths minus one-eighth equals... ? Seven-eighths that's right! You just learned how to subtract fractions, and it was easy as pie! Elizabeth said
Do we all get to have some? Robert said
Yes,you all get to have some. Um... Corey... you may serve every. Elizabeth said
I see you're tutoring the children. Mr. Reid's said
They asked for my help. Elizabeth said
It seems to be... working. Mr Reid's said
I'm glad you noticed. Elizabeth said
Yes. Even mr. Craig, seems to be doing better. Mr Reid's said
I was thinking, if I can catch him up on his reading and writing, maybe you could let him back into school. Elizabeth said
I'm afraid that would take a miracle. Mr Reid's said
I believe in miracles. Elizabeth said
Good day, miss thatcher. Mr Reid's said
(Piano brings to play)
Have you decided what you're going to play for the recital, Timmy? Elizabeth said
"Danny Boy." Timmy said
Did you know that's officer jack's favorite song? Elizabeth said
My dad's, too, but I can't play unless you sing with me. You promised. Timmy said
Don't you worry. I will be there. Elizabeth said
Outside the saloon
Once we get the depot built, we'll start laying track right away. Ryan said
Shouldn't be a problem. Bill said
I'm in the mood for a drink. You want to join me ? Ryan said
Oh, dear I'm afraid that won't be possible. Not today, anyway. Or any afternoon this week or next. Rosemary said
Why not? Ryan said
The saloon is closed until 4:00 o'clock, after Elizabeth is done work with the children, which won't be for another, uh, 40 minutes. Rosemary said
Miss thatcher is teaching in the saloon? Ryan said
Well, she is a teacher. Rosemary said
She was dismissed! Ryan said
Oh, goodness . There's no reason to get so upset. She's simply helping the children prepare for a test. Rosemary said
That's Mr Reid's job. Ryan said
Yes, it is, but apparently, he isn't doing it very well at all. Good day, Mr. wainwright. Mr. Avenue. Rosemary said
Did you know about this? Ryan said
No. But I did warn you that firing Elizabeth Letcher wouldn't be popular with a lot of people. Bill said
I don't care how people feel. I don't want that woman teaching anymore, anywhere. Ryan said
Later that night at jailhouse
It's getting late. I thought you might like something to eat. Elizabeth said
I'm not hungry. Thanks. Jack said
Jack... I don't pretend to know how you feel, but I'm here, if you want to talk. Elizabeth said
(Knocking at the door)
I hope I'm not interrupting. Sam said
No, sir. Jack said
I'm escorting mrs. Anthony back home, and she asked to see you. Sam said
Please. Jack said
Thank you, jack. Doug's mother said
Oh, no need. I'll wait outside. Sam said (Door opens)
I'm Elizabeth Letcher, mrs. Anthony, and I am so very sorry for your loss. Elizabeth said
Douglas wrote about meeting you. He said that you were very kind to him. Helena said
I'll leave you two alone. Elizabeth said
Oh, no. I'd like you to stay. Helena said
Of course. Elizabeth said
Jack... I have something for you. Helena said
The saint Christopher medal I gave Doug the day he graduated. Jack said
Douglas was an only child. He came to think of jack as his big brother, and I think of you as my second son, which is why I know he would want you to have this. Helena said
Wouldn't be right. Jack said
It couldn't be more said
I should've been there, Helena. Doug went in my place. Please forgive me. Jack said
Oh... my Doug's death isn't your fault. He wanted to lead those men. Helena said
If I'd gone, he'd... he might still be alive. Jack said
God has a plan for us. I don't understand it, but I know my Doug was happy because god called him to do what he was doing, and that... that brings me peace. Jack... I pray you are granted peace too, jack. Helena said
Meanwhile in gowen Office
Can you explain why the thatcher woman is working with the children after school? Ryan said
Yes. She is helping the ones who are behind in their studies. The regional exams are in a few days. Mr. Reid's said
Forgive me for stating the obvious, mr. Reid's, but isn't that your job? Martin said
It is, but I see no harm in miss— Reid's said
Elizabeth Letcher is trying to cause trouble for the railroad. I don't want to see her near those children again. You find a way to teach them so they don't need her, or I'll find someone who can. Ryan said
Meanwhile at the saloon
We have to talk. Sam said
Yes, sir, we do. Jack said
The next morning at the jailhouse
Is it really so bad up north that you have to go? Lee said
It's worse. The syndicates, the gangs, they're not going away. Jack said
Did you tell Elizabeth? Lee said
No. Not yet. (Sighs heartily) not until I make a final decision. Jack said
We all have a code, jack ... you have to do what's right for you. Lee said
Meanwhile at the saloon
what is this? Elizabeth said
Don't be mad, miss thatcher, but we didn't do our homework. Corey said
I'm not mad, i just hope you have a very good reason. Elizabeth said
We wrote letters instead! Emily said
What kind of letters? Elizabeth said
Good letters because we heard a bad letter is why you can't be our teacher anymore. Robert said
Every kid in school wrote one. We want to tell the mayor how much we need you back. Corey said
I don't know what to say. Elizabeth said
And if the letters don't work, the parents have decided to start our own school and pay your salary ourselves. It'll be like when you first come to town. You can have your classes here. Abigail said
I can't tell you how much that means to me, and how flattered I am. Elizabeth said
So you'll do it? Abigail said
I wish I could, but I can't. Elizabeth said
What? Why not? Corey said
Well, even if we start our own school, it won't clear my name. Elizabeth said
But you'd still be teaching the children. Abigail said
And nothing would mean more to me, nothing in the whole world wide world, but you're going to grow up and when you move on, then where will I be? The new families won't know me. I know I was born to make a difference in the lives of the children here in Valley Spring... not just today, but tomorrow, and the next day. I can't live without it. Elizabeth said
But what if we we can't live without you? Philip said
Of course you can. You have your dad to take care of you. And, in the meantime, I need to fight to take back what was taken from me. No matter how long it takes, or where it takes me. Elizabeth said
How long will that be? Timmy said
I don't know, sweetheart, but I won't leave until after your exams, and after the recital. And I'll be back... I promise. Elizabeth said
We still want you to read these. Corey said
Oh, thank you. Oh! oh! (Elizabeth laughs)said (as all the children hug her) (I will let him know later at her rental house )
"Miss thatcher says I can be anything I want. I wanted to be a bear doctor, but now I want to be a teacher who's as special as she is." Elizabeth said
Well, this one's my favorite. Jack said
From Philip. "Miss thatcher thinks I'm smart so I think I'm smart, too." Elizabeth said
You've made a real difference in his life. In all of their lives. Jack said
It's what I'm meant to do. Elizabeth said
Elizabeth... what happened to Doug... it's made me think about what I'm meant to do. Jack said
And? Elizabeth said
Collins has asked me to lead a new division in the Northern Territories. Jack said
Jack, no. No, it's too dangerous. Elizabeth said
You said teaching is a part of who you are. Jack said
Mm-hmm. Elizabeth said
Fighting the good fight ... is who I am. Jack said
(Knocking at the door)
Coming. Francisco ? Elizabeth said
I have a little later in Mayor gowen's office
I know I should have come sooner, but ... at least I'm here now. Francisco said
Everything miss Ryan says confirms what I told you about Thomas Timothy. Elizabeth said
Which means you have to reinstate Elizabeth as our school's teacher. Abigail said
Can we all just slow down? As a benefactor of the new school, I don't see why we should believe this woman. Ryan said
Because she's telling the truth. Elizabeth said
She's offered no proof to support her claim that mr. Timothy harassed her. Gowen said
Here's your proof. Timothy would leave these on my desk. You can read for yourself what he was suggesting. I think, if you compare the handwriting to the writing on the letter in Elizabeth's file, you'll find they are the same. Francisco said
You either do the right thing, Martin, or you'll face a recall election. I'll make sure of it. Abigail said
Well, given this new evidence that's been brought to light... miss thatcher, you're reinstated as teacher. Martin said
But if there's any further corroboration of Thomas Timothy claims against you– - Ryan said
Mr. Wainwright it's over... so drop it. Thank you, Francisco. Abigail said
Later that day right before the stage coach came in at the station upon the mail
Where will you go from here? Elizabeth said
I'm not sure. I do know that I won't work for the railroad again. Any man who treats teachers the way wainwright treated you is not someone I want to work for. Reid's said
I'm sorry about what happened. Elizabeth said
Don't be. I've always thought of life as as an opportunity to learn and you've taught me a great deal. Reid's said
Such as? Elizabeth said
You've shown me that children need more than just discipline and repetition that they're special we need more teachers like you I wish you all the best, Miss thatcher. Reid's said
Thank you. Elizabeth said
Thank you. Reid's said
I guess this is goodbye. Francisco said
It was so brave of you to come all this way. Elizabeth said
But I didn't do it right away, and I should have. Francisco said
What made you change your mind? Elizabeth said
This. Francisco said (as she hands Elizabeth And envelope with a photographer)
(Elizabeth Chuckles) Where did you get this? Elizabeth said
Didn't you said it? Francisco said
No. Elizabeth said
Well, somebody did, and when I signed the happiness in your eyes, and the faces of those sweet children... but it was the inscription on the back that really spoke to my heart. Francisco said
"Bad things happened if good people do nothing." Elizabeth said
It was time for me to do some good. Francisco said
Thank you. Elizabeth said
As the stage lèves Abigail comes towards the café
You sent the photograph didn't you? Elizabeth said
As soon as you said Francisco was angry when you told her what Timothy had done I knew there was more to her story. Abigail said
You're the best friend in the world. Elizabeth said
Well you are in the best teacher in the world. Abigail said
(Both chuckling)
Meanwhile at the church/school house
At Doug's funeral ️, Sam Collins said every person has to live their life there were born to lead. Every man has to live his destiny. It was like he was speaking to my soul. Jack said
Well then you have to listen. Frank said
I have. I just have to pray for strength. Jack said
It's here. You just have to ask for it. Frank said
It's not for me... it's for Elizabeth. She doesn't want me to go, but I don't have a choice, Frank. I'm being called to serve a greater purpose. Jack said
There is a time for every purpose, my friend. Frank said
Then it's that time for me. I've decided to take the assignment. Jack said
Jack. Elizabeth said
I'll leave you two alone. Frank said
I didn't know that you had made up your mind about going north. Elizabeth said
I started to tell you before. Jack said
I don't want you to go. Elizabeth said
Elizabeth, I... jack said
It's too dangerous. Elizabeth said
But it's the right things to do. You have to have faith that it'll— jack said
How can you ask me to have faith after what happened to Doug? Elizabeth said
Listen to me. The same god that has called you to teach... to change these children's lives... has called me to serve my country. Jack said
What about us? Elizabeth said
I'll come back. This is where my home is. It's where my heart is. But you know as well as I do, that bad things happened if good people do nothing. Jack said
All right, then I will go will you. Elizabeth said
You can't. Jack said
Why not? Elizabeth said
For a million reasons. Jack said
Name one. Elizabeth said
You're needed here. Your destiny is to teach these children, to change their lives. I can't take you away from that, not even for a day. Jack said
How long will you be gone? Elizabeth said
I don't know. It's an indefinite posting. Elizabeth! (as they both go out upon the steps on the school house) Jack said
Let me go! Jack. Elizabeth said
Just let me finish! You're my life, you're everything to me. Jack said
Jack, please, just leave me alone. Elizabeth said
That evening around closing of the café Elizabeth asks Abigail to talk over some tea . You've always known that jack isn't the kind of man who can look the other way when something needs to be done, no matter what the sacrifice. Abigail said
It's one of the reasons I love him so much. But it doesn't make his leaving any easier. Elizabeth said
Of course it doesn't. Abigail said
I guess I knew this might happen. Ever since Doug died, I've seen how it's torn him apart. Elizabeth said
I've seen it, too. He's not the same. Abigail said
He says he doesn't want to go, but that he has to go. Elizabeth said
Jack didn't choose this. He was chosen to fight the good fight. Abigail said
(Deflating sigh) I have to go talk to him. Elizabeth said
Jack came by earlier, before you got here. He wanted me to give you this. Abigail said
"Take a walk with me." Elizabeth said (As she opens the café to leave there's candles and rose petals making a path to the school)
Is there a reason for this walk? Elizabeth said
There is. Elizabeth... from the very first moment we Re-meet, hear in valley spring . I knew heaven had sent an angel into my life. I don't know when I'm coming back, so I don't know if it's fair to ask you to wait for me. Jack said
Jack ... I would want an eternity for you. Elizabeth said
(As jack he got down on one knee) Elizabeth Letcher... will you marry me? Jack said
(Laughs) of course, I will! Yes! Elizabeth said
I love you. Jack said
I love you. Elizabeth said
A little later in that evening at the saloon
Oh, Elizabeth! I'm just so happy for you and jack. The two of you are adorable together. Rosemary said
That's very sweet of you. Elizabeth said
I should have known this was going to happen, from the moment you caught the bouquet at my wedding. It was meant to be! I just can't believe he has to leave first thing in the morning. Can't you convince him to stay a little while longer so that I can throw you a proper engagement party? Rosemary said
Um... he doesn't have a choice, Rosemary. Superintendent Collins needs him as soon as he can pack. Elizabeth said
Oh, you poor dear. This must be so hard on you. Rosemary said
It isn't easy. Elizabeth said
But, on the bright side, there'll be a wedding to plan. Abigail said
Oh, my word. That's right! You'll need someone to take charge and make sure it is the wedding of the century. Say no more. Of course, I will do it! Rosemary said
Uh, rosemary, why don't we give Elizabeth a moment to let everything to sink in? She's dealing with so much right now. Abigail said
Yes. Of course. Rosemary said
A cross the saloon
I know it wasn't an easy decision, Jack. I respect you for it. Bill said
We all do. Lee said
I don't know when they're gonna send another Mountie. Could be a while. Jack said
Wouldn't surprise me. Bill said
I'd like to appoint you acting sheriff while I'm gone. Jack said
Glad to do it. Bill said
Well, valley spring in good hands, then. Lee said
Well, I think it is time for a toast. Abigail said
Great idea. Bill said
Everyone? Can I get your attention, please? I would like to propose a toast to the happy couple. Never in my life have I met two people more in love than jack Thorsten and Elizabeth Letcher. To honor ... to faith... to true love. Abigail said
Hear, hear. Bill said
I don't want this to end. Elizabeth said
Neither do I... but i have to start packing. I'll find you later. Jack said
Mm-hmm. Elizabeth said
Oh, Elizabeth Abigail said
I don't know if I should be happy or sad. Elizabeth said
I think it's safe to say both. It's okay. Abigail said
Meanwhile at the jailhouse
Time has come, my friend. Bill's gonna look after you till I get back, but there are a few things I'll need you to keep an eye on for me. Firstly, there's Corey. Now, he's a good kid, but he's gonna need help with that new dog of his. And then there's Elizabeth... (sighs) she is the sun and the moon and the stars. Never forget that. I'm gonna miss you, old buddy. Rip jack said
Meanwhile at the county house
Rosie? Sweetheart? What's wrong? Lee said
I can't sleep. I was thinking about jack. And Elizabeth. Rosemary said
You're not the only one. Lee said
What is she gonna do when he's gone? What are we gonna do? I'm really gonna miss him. Rosemary said
We all will. But we'll be fine. And so will Elizabeth. Lee said
Valley Springwon't be the same until he's back. Rosemary said
No. No. It won't. Lee said
Everything changes. I know that. But does it have to change so fast? It's a little scary. Rosemary said
Well, that's what I'm here for... to make sure that you're never afraid. And you're wrong, you know? Lee said
I am? Rosemary said
Mm-hmm. Lee said
About what? Rosemary said
Not everything changes. Some things never do and never will. Lee said
Name one. Rosemary said
How much I love you. Lee said
(Chuckles) do you promise? Rosemary said
See I already did. (As he gently ground her hand in his and showed off the wedding band on her hand) Lee said
Meanwhile at the church/schoolhouse (Had fallen asleep to the candlelight inn much school how was church just as the sun came up)
It's time. Jack said I had a whispering softly nicely
As the sun comes over in the valley at the jail house
It's been an honor to serve with you, jack. Come home soon. Bill said
You are such a blessing, Abigail said
Oh, jack. (Sobs)Abigail said
Now, you take care of her. Jack said
We're gonna miss you. Abigail said
I have to go. Jack said
(As she hands him the reins to Sarge) I know. Elizabeth said
As little Corey, salutes him you were salutes back as here Ryan's on Main Street yet he runs out of town Elizabeth runs after him
Jack! Elizabeth (sobs) I have him jumps off Sarge kiss her one last time before leaving
Later on that night on the Fridays that Jack left what became an annual fall recital
Oh, dear. I do hope she comes. Rosemary said
Maybe we should get started, just in case. Abigail said
Um... ladies and gentlemen, may I have your attention? Everyone, take a seat, please we're about to begin. Rosemary said
Come on children seat. Abigail said
Now it looks like miss thatcher might not be able to make it, but we have a wonderful recital planned for you. The program will begin with our very own Bill Avenu. (Applauding) oh! And friends! Rosemary said
🎼🎶This little light of mine 🎶I'm gonna let it shine 🎶 Bill, Opal, Corey, Emily, Robert, Philip said
Where's miss thatcher? Timmy said
She's feeling under the weather, dear. Rosemary said
But we were supposed to do this together. Timmy said
I know. But she'd want you to play anyway. She really would. Rosemary said
🎼🎶 let it shine let, it shine, let it shine. 🎶 One more!🎶 🎶 let it shine let, it shine, let it shine.🎶 Bill, Opal, Corey, Emily, Robert, Philip said(quietly) way to go! Very good. Bill said (all applauding)
Wasn't that lovely? Oh, thank you, bill, and friends! And now our next performer is Timmy liberty. Rosemary said
I can't. Timmy said
Of course, you can, sweetheart. Everyone here is your friend. Rosemary said
No, I can't. Miss thatcher promised she'd sing while I played the piano. Timmy said
And I never break a promise. Come on. Elizabeth said
But I'm scared. Timmy said
Do it for Mountie jack. It's his favorite, remember? 🎼🎶 oh, Danny Boy 🎶 🎶the pipes the pipes are calling 🎶🎶 From glen to glen🎶🎶And down the mountainside 🎶 🎶the summer's gone 🎶 🎶 and all the flowers are dying 🎶 🎶 it's you 🎶 🎶 it's you 🎶 🎶 must go 🎶 🎶 and I must bide 🎶 🎶 but come ye back 🎶🎶 we summer's in the meadow 🎶🎶 Or when the Valley 🎶🎶 is hushed and white with snow 🎶 🎶 and I'll be here 🎶🎶 in sunshine 🎶🎶 or in shadow 🎶 🎶 oh, Danny Boy 🎶 🎶 oh, Danny Boy 🎶 🎶 I love you so 🎶 🎶 Elizabeth said (Applauding) will all the kids hug her
The next day Valley Spring was as bright and happy as ever with the children playing the after School, with people coming and leaving Abigail's cafe, Mr. Yost sending off yet another satisfied customer from the mercantile, and Rosemary county talking with her husband inside his office about plans for the future. Elizabeth Letcher soon to be miss Thorsten. She let her mind wander over memories that she'd had with her fiance, Constable Jack Thorsten. From school days gone by to wine the first day they met of years of being apart to when he had saved her and her sister from the Tolls gang, to helping her on the homestead, to him telling her he loved her for the first time since they were kids, to when he proposed, and then her heart got heavy when she remembered when he kissed her goodbye before he got back up on his horse and rode for the Northern Territory.
Please Note you can read what happens in the Northern Territory in a book Called: Life in the Northern Territories By ineruetemili032
