A/N DATE AUGUST 11,1918
Abigail and Clara had arrived two days before, while Samantha Madison and William Thatcher arrived on the stage from Union City yesterday. Jessie and Cody were due to arrive today, and everyone was excited. But it was bittersweet because they also worried for some of their own when news that a huge offensive had been launched against the Germans on August 8th. Many families all over Canada were worried for the sons and daughters who had volunteered or been conscripted into service. The town surrounded the Montgomery family with love, and a prayer vigil was planned for later in the evening for the soldiers, nurses, and their families. Cat was struggling with waiting for news and, as Elizabeth knew firsthand, becoming afraid to see what the next headlines would read. Elizabeth made a point of checking in with her at some point each day. Elizabeth had sought Nathan out and told him about Gabe's letters and her concerns. When she asked him if he could stop by and visit Cat and maybe reassure her, he readily agreed. Seeing Elizabeth as she was interacting with her friends and dealing with the mine had been enlightening to him.
More news came about Lucas and the investors after her father's arrival. Her father's investigation showed that only one of the three investors, Theodore Stanford, was clean and noted for being a good businessman. It was suspected that he could possibly be duped by the other two and Lucas. In fact, Jerome Smith had done business with Baxter on more than one occasion. Her father's investigation also revealed that Lucas was deep in debt and desperate for the deal to be made. In New Orleans, he had been known for shady business deals in the past. They had also uncovered a connection between Arthur Gilchrist and Webster Gabriel, confirming suspicions that they were indeed trying to gain control of the paper. They were grateful that, as far as they could tell, Lucas didn't suspect anything yet. Thankfully, though, he seemed to be keeping his distance and had not made any more attempts to talk to Elizabeth.
DATE: AUG 25,1918
Elizabeth had just left her father home with her son so she could start preparing the school for the new year. It had been two weeks since Samantha, Abigail, and her father had come to Hope Valley, and as of yet, they hadn't been bothered by Lucas. A couple of times in town, though, she had caught the two shady investors talking to him and looking her way. She knew they were beginning to suspect something because Lucas's face would darken. From what her father learned yesterday, Lucas's financial situation was becoming quite desperate, which was why Elizabeth, Bill, and Samantha knew it was time to notify them of the new situation. Sam had gone to Union City last night and was due in on the stage with the cease-and-desist order later today.
It was only a matter of time before he approached her again and violated the order. He had begun to notice that she and Nathan had sorted things out and had resumed their friendship, and she and Faith were also quite friendly. She chuckled as she recalled Lucas coming into the café and the stunned look on his face when the three of them were sitting together enjoying a nice lunch. Since that day, the three of them tried to keep him off his game, enjoying his discomfiture.
She stopped by the café to check in with Abigail before she went to the church. As she drew closer, she saw that Henry, Fiona, and Mike were sitting at an outdoor table, clearly upset by something.
"What's wrong?" Elizabeth asked, sitting in the chair next to Fiona. She could see the unshed tears in the other woman's eyes and looked at Henry.
"Lucas just removed us as managers from the Oil Company. Henry and I have been reduced to working at the derricks with everyone else. Apparently, they don't think we are qualified to run it and are why it's failing now." Mike said, clearly irritated and discouraged.
"I was let go completely because a woman doesn't belong in the oil business. Arthur Gilchrist also seems to have more on his mind than business. Though I have made it clear more than once that I'm not interested." Fiona said glumly.
"What about that idea that you two were working on?" Elizabeth asked. "The one that would have brought in more jobs and more production. Didn't you say you found investors to help with the initial startup?"
"It doesn't matter now because they have completely taken away our authority," Henry said.
"Do you still have the plans? I mean, Lucas doesn't know them or have access to them, does he?" Elizabeth asked, worried about their idea getting stolen from them.
"No, he doesn't," Fiona said proudly. They are safely hidden away, and the only ones who know the details are Mike and me." Fiona and Mike exchanged a tender smile, and Elizabeth wondered if Hope Valley was working its magic.
"Well, I'd better head to my shop. I have some appointments coming in shortly." Fiona said, letting out a sigh as she walked towards the barbershop.
Elizabeth noticed that Henry was looking towards the Saloon in distaste. "What is it, Henry?" Elizabeth said, seeing he was looking at Lucas and Jerome talking with another man.
"That man is from the Bureau of Mines. He is a mining safety inspector, and he has inspected the mine once before." Henry replied, looking back at Elizabeth. "I don't think it is a coincidence that he is here just as we are about to reveal the lawsuit against the mine reopening due to safety concerns."
"Sounds like we need to reveal our hand in the next day or so, then," Elizabeth said. "Have you spoken to Abigail about it?"
"No, not yet. I just noticed him and recognized from when he came to Coal Valley to inspect our mine when we had a minor collapse. For the right price, he can be bought, though, Elizabeth. With those two at the helm, I'm sure he was paid off because that mine is not safe and will never be." Henry said sadly, standing up. "I guess I'm going to need to let Abigail know."
"Why don't you let me get everyone assembled in Bill's office, and we can update them together?" Elizabeth said gently. "Let me ask Abigail to meet us over there while you get Florence and Molly. Mike, would you go tell Nathan we need him as well?"
"Sure, Elizabeth," Mike said, standing up and heading to the Jail.
Before long, Bill, Abigail, Nathan, Elizabeth and Henry were assembled in Bill's office, and Henry explained about the mining Inspector and his concerns. The others had been with a distraught Cat who had received another letter from her son and one from his wife, Rachel. Elizabeth also mentioned to them what Mike and Fiona had said about being let go and Fiona's comments about Gilchrist's unwanted attention.
"I definitely think we will have to present the order without delay. Bill said
"That explains why I saw people near the mine yesterday," Nathan said.
Noticing the time, Elizabeth said, "I'm sorry, but I need to go. Nathan, would you check in on Fiona?"
"I will, Elizabeth. Just as soon as I leave here." Nathan said.
Elizabeth arrived at her house and gazed lovingly at her father and son as she walked in the door. William looked up at her. He was completely disheveled, but his eyes twinkled, showing his pleasure. A quick glance around gave her clues as to why he looked that way. A train set and a complete Mountie Fort, complete with an entire regiment, were set up all over the living room, revealing what activity they had been up to. Elizabeth's smile softened as she took in the sleeping boy cuddled up in his grandfather's arms.
"Father, I'm so sorry I took so long, but there have been some new developments, I fear," Elizabeth said.
"Oh," William queried.
Elizabeth giggled. "Why don't you lay him on the settee and join me in the kitchen? I'll make some coffee and fill you in. I also thought we would have dinner at the cafe later." She said as she set the kettle on the stove.
William nodded and smiled and, after laying a sleeping Jack down, joined her at the table.
"You look like you had a lot of fun today, Father," Elizabeth said, observing his happiness. "If only your Hamilton friends could see you now. It reminds me of when we were little."
"Oh, I tell you, there's nothing like being a grandpa. I mean, don't get me wrong, I love being your father but being a grandpa is a lot more fun," William teased.
"Oh, I'm sure because you don't have to be the bad guy all the time, right? Elizabeth said, giggling.
William chuckled. "You are on to me. It's different too with Jack because I'm used to little girls. However, I see you in his antics. So what's going on in town?"
After Elizabeth explained, he shook his head in disbelief. "Beth, what do you intend to do if they back out of this deal? Because from what I've seen and uncovered about this Bouchard and those investors, he will cut his losses and run. He would likely sell to the highest bidder, and the saloon and the oil company could go to another person with a similar scheme in mind." William mused.
"I've thought about that, and I'm not sure what we can do about it," Elizabeth said worriedly.
"Well, it just so happens I have an idea about that," Williams said with a smile.
"You do?" Elizabeth replied, pleased that her father was trying to help the town.
I do. We could buy it through a private agent I know who can keep our identity a secret from the seller until after the deal is closed. Bouchard would never want to sell it to us knowingly." William replied. "This agent would get an early notice when Lucas starts to fish around for a buyer.
Elizabeth brightened. "Oh, and then we donate to the town so we wouldn't have to worry about a similar situation again." She said, understanding what her father was saying.
"I have all the money still from my book sales that we could use to make the purchase, too," Elizabeth said with a giggle.
"Nonsense, you should save that for something else," William said. "I will put the money up,"
"Oh no, Father, don't you see the irony? I would use the money from the book sales that he, in essence, helped me get published. I can't think of a better use for it. The thought of using it for anything other than Hope Valley is just too much. It's quite a considerable amount. To me, it would be like using the money he gave me to buy him out."
"Beth, with all the new faces in town, has the town discussed building a new school?" William asked.
"Lee, Rosemary, and I have discussed it. The town funds are a bit low at the moment, and the foundry isn't forthcoming with adequate funding to do it. So, Lee and I have joined forces to build one, paying for it out of our own pocket.
"Would it be alright if your mother and I contributed as well?" William asked.
"Yes, indeed it would, Father," Elizabeth said, pleased at her father's offer. "Lee, Bill, and I have plans tomorrow to look at a couple of parcels that would be a good site for it. If you would like, you're welcome to join us in looking at them to give your opinion."
"I would like that very much, Beth," William said, giving her a soft smile. Looking at her, he couldn't help remembering sitting at another table having a tea party. His little girl had grown into a wonderful woman that any man would be proud of. Her care for her students and devotion to this town was admirable, and he could see himself before the considerations of society came and swept that man away. But perhaps it wasn't too late to rescue himself and rediscover his true self like his daughter was doing.
He smiled as another idea formed in his mind that he intended to talk to Abigail and Bill about. It would be nice for the town to rebuild, erase traces of the current issues plaguing them, and maybe even recapture the good from the past. This town was unique in that it had seen more than its share of tragedy but hadn't lost its underlying goodness and sense of family.
Nathan stopped by to see Fiona just as her last client was leaving. "Nathan," Fiona said with a smile. "Finally going to let me give your hair a trim?"
Nathan smirked and said, "Another time, perhaps. But for now, I'm here on official Mountie business."
"Oh? What official business would that be?" Fiona asked. Nathan could see that she was concerned, so he quickly explained. "Elizabeth asked me to stop by and talk to you about Gilchrist. Do you want to talk to me about it?"
"Maybe later, Nathan, though I appreciate you and Elizabeth worrying about me. I know that she has been dealing with some issues with Lucas. I really need to think about what I want to do. When I decide, though, I promise I will come and let you know." Fiona said with a smile.
He started to leave, but she said, "I want to do my job the best I can and be treated with respect. But as I told Elizabeth, he seems to see me more in a romantic light than a professional one."
Nathan stopped and turned to look at her and gave a look of compassion. He nodded and then said. "Well, um, when I have to deal with someone like that, you know, people who stand in my way, especially when doing my job, I find it's best to be direct. When you tell him your expectations keep eye contact and don't be afraid to say no. "
"That's easy for you to say because you carry a gun," Fiona said, pointing to his pistol.
"MMM- Good point. But I don't always carry one." Nathan teased before turning serious. "If he doesn't respect your boundaries, let me know as soon as possible."
He turned to leave again, and she called out, "Wish me luck."
He turned one last time and said, "Why? You don't need it. Fiona, you are a smart woman and deserve to be treated with respect. If someone isn't doing that, speak up for yourself. If they don't listen well, then as I said, I'll be here to help. Just don't let them disregard you or your wishes."
Fiona smiled genuinely and said, "Thanks, Nathan, for reminding me of that. Sometimes I tend to forget it because of old insecurities." Nathan smiled and, after giving her a hat tip, was gone.
Later that evening Elizabeth, her father, and Jack were heading towards the café when the stage arrived with a triumphant Samantha. Seeing Elizabeth, she quickly ran over, and the smile on her face told her they were granted the emergency stay. Elizabeth promptly ushered her into Bill's office while sending her father and Jack to the café to wait. Nathan saw the two women head toward Bill's office and quickly followed.
Once inside, Elizabeth quickly caught Samantha up on the latest developments. Then Samantha explained what happened in Union City and said, "Well, I think it's time to reveal our hand. The judge I'm using is known for his strong ethics, and he will allow us to obtain our own experts. I have just the man too. He is actually someone that would be hard to dispute his findings because of his extensive knowledge and background."
"Shall we inform Mr. Bouchard?" Sam said, looking at Elizabeth with a grin.
"I think that we should," Elizabeth said, eyes twinkling. "I, for one, can't wait to see the look on his face."
"As much as I would enjoy that, I think we should call him and tell him to come here," Bill said. Bill reached for the phone. Lucas, Arthur Gilchrist, Jerome Smith, and another man walked in.
"Judge Avery, we finally meet." Arthur Gilchrist said. "I don't believe I have had the good fortune to meet this young woman, though." Then he turned to Elizabeth and frowned. "I shouldn't be surprised that you are here, Mrs. Thornton. You can't seem to keep your nose out of everyone else's affairs. But you should really take care of whom you let whisper in your ear."
Nathan stepped closer to Elizabeth, bristling at his tone and the looks they were all giving. "Funny, Mr. Gilchrist, I could say the same about you," Elizabeth said, giving a pointed look at Lucas.
"What can I do for you?" Bill asked in irritation.
"I think you know why we are here, Judge Avery, and since it doesn't concern these lovely ladies, I'm sure they wouldn't mind leaving us to handle business," Arthur said. Lucas saw Elizabeth take offense, but she stilled when Nathan placed a hand on her shoulder. It was Lucas' turn to bristle, and both Elizabeth and Nathan smirked.
"If it's about the mine, then I think you gentlemen are quite mistaken," Sam said, stepping forward to address them.
"Oh, and what concern is it of yours, may I ask."
"Allow me to introduce myself. I'm Samantha Madison, the prosecuting attorney of record when Judge Parker shut the mine down. I am also the current attorney engaged by the town, who has chosen a designee to fight the reopening of said mine."
"Who is the designee representative of the town?"
"That would be me," Elizabeth said, standing next to Samantha.
"What qualifies you to do that, Mrs. Thornton?" Jerome Smith sneered.
"Maybe the fact that I actually worked in that mine a few months after the collapse helping the widows clear and retimber the very shaft their husbands died in, Mr. Smith. While you see that mine as a business opportunity, we see it for what it truly is, a death trap."
"Let me make this easy for you, gentleman," Sam said, removing some papers from her briefcase. "This is an emergency stay barring anyone from entering the mine and attempting to reopen it before all the legal challenges have been answered and safety is proven."
"Let me see that," Lucas said as he reached for it. But Samantha turned and handed them to Bill, the district judge.
"Well, this is interesting. It says that the deal will be held in abeyance until all the legal challenges are finished to protect the interests of all the investors."
When the men's eyes turned to Elizabeth, she said. "You picked the wrong town to mess with, gentleman. I assure you that by the time the dust settles on all the legal actions we are going to pursue, the mine will be tied up so tight that it will never be able to be reopened."
Samantha handed the men a copy of what she handed over to Bill. Jerome Smith took it, and the three men stormed out. Lucas paused to cast an annoyed glance at Elizabeth before leaving.
After a few moments of shared smiles and a sigh of relief, Bill escorted Elizabeth and Sam over to the café, and Nathan went home to grab Allie. Needless to say, dinner that evening was a celebratory one.
A/N I wanted to give a little more of the history in regards to the Battle of Amiens and "Canada's Hundred Days" that began on AUGUST 8, 1918.
The Hundred Days Offensive was a series of attacks by the Allied troops at the end of World War I. Starting on August 8, 1918, and ending with the Armistice on November 11, the Offensive led to the defeat of the German Army.
By the Summer of 1918, German attacks in the war had halted. Up and down the Western Front, the initiative depended on the readiness of the Allies, who now had more soldiers, weapons, and materiel than the Germans. French General Ferdinand Foch, commander of all the Allied forces on the Western Front, organized his men to retake the ground lost to the Germans in the Spring and bring a decisive end to the war.
The Allies coordinated attacks across the entire front. Starting on August 8, the British Empire forces attacked in Northern France around the city of Amiens. German General Erich Ludendorff described the battle as "the black day of the German Army." In the middle, the French Army pushed against the German defenses known as the "Hindenburg Line." At the Southern end of the Allied attack, the Americans under General Pershing attacked in mid-September, pushing the Germans to St. Mihiel before beginning a major offensive on September 26 in the Meuse-Argonne.
This coordinated effort forced German defenses to melt away. For the first time, soldiers on the ground coordinated their efforts alongside tanks, planes, and artillery, taking the fight out of the trenches. The trench warfare of the previous four years taught the Allies how to overcome the dug-in German Army, perfecting their expertise in the last days of the Great War. Combat during the Hundred Days became the precursor to the mobile fighting of the Second World War. But the victory did not come without cost. The Allies suffered close to 1,070,000 casualties, and the Germans lost 1,172,075, with many becoming prisoners of war. To this day, the Meuse-Argonne remains the bloodiest battle the United States military has ever fought, with over 26,000 killed and 95,000 wounded. The part played by the soldiers of all the Allied nations helped to bring both sides to the peace table, ending not only the Hundred Days Offensive but the "War to End All Wars" as well.
