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