Second Chances for Nathan Chapter 15, Part 2, Page 95
Now that Superintendent Landis approved the curriculum of the Jack Thornton school, Elizabeth and Dee continued with their lessons. During recess, Dee had a chance to fill Elizabeth in on her visit and lesson at Brookfield. Hoping maybe to get help from the orphanage Dee told Elizabeth that they had a piano and that Lillian offered to help teach out there, so Dee wanted to ask Mr. Landis about giving Lillian a stipend. She knew Lillian would really appreciate any financial help.
Dee also shared how great Nathan was in asking for help from any soldiers that were in the military band. Luckily, John had been in the band. The hard part was working around his schedule since he was working for Henry and they needed to have the pipeline dug as soon as possible before winter set in. Henry knew what was being discussed and Dee hoped he would work with her so John could be free earlier in the afternoon on a Wednesday or Friday.
"Great news!" Elizabeth said as she walked to the door to check on the children. "I'm sure we will get you more help here."
"Yes, I'm not worried about the children here in Hope Valley, as both Bill and Nathan offered to help with guitar lessons also. It's the children in Brookfield I'm most concerned about. I'm going to write a letter to Mr. Landis tonight and tell him how the first lesson went and my concerns and thoughts."
"Well, good luck with that Dee, I mean it. He can be a tough nut to crack!" Elizabeth laughed.
Nathan came home to check on his Ma and have some lunch. Naturally, Emily had already baked some oatmeal cookies and was working on fixing him a sandwich when he walked in.
"Something smells mighty fine in here Ma!" Nathan said as he gave her a kiss on the cheek. "I knew I was close to home when that sweet aroma hit the air and drifted to me!"
"Ya, you're just sweetening up your old Ma." Emily laughed. "Set yourself down and I'll bring you your lunch plate, and pour you some apple cider."
"Ah, ah, ah, first your pray, then you eat!" she scowled at him with a twinkle in her eye.
"Are you finding everything you need?" Nathan checked.
"Some, yes. I have a list and I need to go to the mercantile. So, after lunch I'd appreciate it if you would head me in the right direction." Emily answered.
"Ma, I can pick up anything you want." Nathan offered.
"No, I want specific things and I'd just as soon see the town a bit more. If you want a decent meal, I have to make sure what to order, don't ya know?"
"There's no point arguing with you. Do you want a ride on Newton?" he teased.
"Does Newton have 4 legs?" Emily teased right back. "I can walk, but if you would bring the bags home for me, I'll let you do the honor."
After a while and a full stomach, Nathan left for town. "I'll meet you at the Mercantile in about an hour. Thanks for lunch Ma!" With that Ella and Ginger watched him leave and barking at Newton.
Rosemary was talking to Lee about all the children being back to school and if he thought she could help with a play or arts and crafts, just something to tap their creative juices. She had enjoyed the talent show during the summer so much and wanted to keep events continuing so that Billees would bring people back and they would get used to it being a family gathering place.
"There's been a few birthday parties, celebrations and the like, but I think we need another town event." Rosemary piped up.
"Honey, we just had the back-to-school potluck that you did such a nice job on. So you can take it easy for a little while, don't you think?" Lee countered.
"Well that's easy for you to say, but the dress shop with the sewing circle is nice and all, but it doesn't really allow me to flourish!" Rosemary moaned. "Besides, with Dottie coming back, I'm not sure how much I'll be needed, she didn't explain if it was a visit or for good."
"Whatever you decide, you will do it in a grand style." Lee gave up.
Just then Rosemary stopped, I've got it! I'll organize a Hope Valley Thanksgiving Dinner gathering! It's not for a few weeks, so I'll write up a list of food and ideas for the children to make an arts and crafts project, and maybe a skit! Oh this is going to be so much fun!"
"Whoa, that's a lot in a short time!" Lee rolled his eyes.
"Oh hush Lee, I'm going to discuss this with Elizabeth and Dee. I'm sure they'll agree this will be a fun, wonderful learning event! Wouldn't you love to be dressed up like a pilgrim? I can get the sewing cir..."
"All right, you can plan this event at Billees if Bill agrees, although he doesn't have much choice" Lee mumbled. "Talk to the ladies and leave me out of the pilgrim idea please. Now, I have to get back to work." Lee ended the discussion.
"All right then, I'll head out to the school house and talk to the ladies." she informed Lee as she walked out the door and Joseph Canfield walked in.