How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.
…
I love thee with a love I seemed to lose
…
I love thee with the breath,
Smiles, tears of all my life…
-Elizabeth Barrett Browning, "How Do I Love Thee? (Sonnet 43)
Fiona was bored. It was past lunchtime on Saturday, and true to her self-imposed exile, she'd been in her apartment all day. Never a person to stay still for long, she was already beginning to feel a little stir crazy. She'd read Frankenstein until falling asleep last night, and reading again didn't feel like it would be sufficiently diverting. She wanted to get out, breathe the chilly, fresh air, feel the sun on her face even if it wouldn't be very warm in the late October chill.
Surely it wouldn't be too hard to avoid Lucas. A walk around the pond, maybe take the back way to the cafe and sneak into the parlor for a late lunch. Fiona's stomach grumbled at the thought of a hearty meal. There was nothing wrong with oatmeal, canned soup and buttered bread, but given the choice between that and Bill Avery's cooking, Bill would win every time.
Mind made up, Fiona grabbed her coat and prepared to leave.
"Oh!" she squeaked, heart nearly stopping when she found Lucas standing on the other side of the door, fist poised to knock. Thankfully, he looked just as stupefied at her sudden appearance as she was at his.
Between the two, Lucas was the first to recover. He cleared his throat and tugged on his coat sleeves as if straightening them. It was something she'd noticed he did when he was trying not to show any anxiety he might be feeling. It didn't feel like a good omen that he was trying to hide nervousness.
"Fiona, good afternoon," he said.
"Good afternoon, Lucas." She waited, having no idea what to say, her rational sense and speech having fled with his arrival.
"I was coming to ask if you would join me for a cup of coffee at the saloon. I seem to have caught you as you were leaving, so it can wait until you're not busy, of course." Lucas had already been taking a step back when she called for him to wait. He did.
"I wasn't going anywhere in particular. I felt the need to stretch my legs with no set plans to go anywhere, so I'm free to join you." Fiona agreed to go with him before she was consciously aware of doing so, giving her no opportunity to fib (yes, she knew it was rude to fib) and continue avoiding him. An action which would have been for her own peace of mind.
Lucas exhaled in relief and smiled. "Wonderful."
Fiona followed Lucas. She felt that it didn't bode well that neither of them made any attempt at conversation along the way.
Once helping her into her seat, Lucas retreated to the kitchen to personally fetch the promised refreshments. Fiona's anxiety kicked up another notch (or three) when he still didn't speak after pouring the fragrant liquid into cups. He was still quiet after they'd added sugar and cream into their cups. She noted that he preferred two teaspoons of sugar and a generous amount of cream to her one teaspoon and splash. Not that she was filing that information away for any reason. Not at all.
Lucas placed his cup back on the table after taking a sip, then looked straight at her. "I'm sure you're wondering why I asked you here."
"The thought had crossed my mind," she said, then wanted to kick herself. It seemed being witty was how her mind decided to deal with her nerves.
Thankfully, Lucas didn't call her out on her impertinence. If anything, he looked even more nervous than previously. Uh-oh, she thought.
"I know that your skills with a switchboard and installing telephones are stellar, but I was wondering if you have any experience with bookkeeping."
Whatever Fiona might've been thinking Lucas had extended his invitation for, this was assuredly not it. (Not to mention she was very flattered and flustered by his compliment.) Bookkeeping, though, really?
"Uh, yes, I do, actually," she said when her brain finally started fully functioning again. "My eldest brother owns a restaurant, and I helped in the office on weekends before I graduated from high school."
"So you're familiar with taking inventory and how important records are to a business."
Fiona nodded. "Yes. I was better suited to the office work. It was that or constantly needing to replace the dishes I broke trying to be a waitress. I can't stress the trying part enough, to be honest," she said with a laugh when Lucas' eyes widened to an almost comical degree. An alarming thought struck her. "Wait, you're not asking me to be a waitress, are you?" It was her turn to widen her eyes, trepidation filling her as she awaited his answer. Please don't ask me to be a waitress! She would have to resolutely refuse if he did.
Lucas' smile put her at ease. "No, I'm not. I don't know if you've heard yet, but I have taken full ownership of Gowen Petroleum." Fiona shook her head that she hadn't. "Yes, well, it's a…recent development. The problem is that I have no working knowledge of the business. Mike is trying to teach me, but he's already taking over all of Henry's responsibilities in addition to what he was in charge of before. I especially need him at the oil derricks since I have absolutely no idea what to do there yet." He took another sip of coffee. So did she. It really was very good.
"I've found that I need some help, here at the Queen of Hearts and Gowen Petroleum. I need to make sure that the books don't fall behind here and that Gustave has everything he needs for the kitchen, and I would like for a fine-tooth comb look over the expenditures for the oil company to see if there's possibly any expenses that can be reduced or cut altogether until we're in a better position financially. I don't have time to devote the proper attention to either tasks while trying to learn about the oil business.
"I'd heard that you're no longer working for the telephone company. I completely understand why you didn't want to leave Hope Valley, and I'm sorry you were fired for it. I assumed you would be looking for a new job, though, so I was wondering-hoping, more like-that you would want to work for me if you had the experience or the interest."
Fiona was nonplussed. Lucas was offering her a job? She noticed that he grimaced. It was almost imperceptible, but she could see it.
"I probably can't match a wage you're used to yet-"
"Yes," she cut him off.
Lucas looked surprised. "Really?" he asked, almost as if he was afraid to believe she'd accepted his offer.
"Really," she nodded emphatically. "Lucas, I've only been unemployed for a few days and I'm about to lose my mind already. You could've asked me to wash dishes and I probably would've said yes, I'm so bored."
Lucas chuckled. "Well, rest assured, I'm not going to ask you to wash dishes. Gustave is actually fairly adamant about doing the majority of his own dishes, which is quite a novelty among chefs. In my experience, chefs, especially French chefs, prefer to cook only and leave the mess to the unfortunate people who are not gifted in the culinary arts."
Fiona laughed with him after he stated that last part in a wry tone.
"Will Monday be good for you to start? It's fine if you need a few days, though."
"Monday is perfect," she affirmed. "Gowen Petroleum or here first?"
"Here. I'd feel better knowing everything is squared away here before trying to tackle the oil books. Is eight forty-five okay?" he asked.
"I'll be here," she said, smiling.
They shook hands, and Fiona ignored the voice screaming that agreeing to work with Lucas was the exact opposite of avoiding him. It would be a working relationship. Surely it wouldn't be too hard to interact with him as her friend and boss only. How hard could it be, really?
Famous last words…
Oh, how exciting! But Rosemary, don't you think it's a tad premature to begin constructing a dress for Elizabeth already? You said it's not been a week yet they've been courting, they might not move past that stage…
Rosemary dramatically waved her hand dismissively around the dress shop. "Of course they will, Dottie! You haven't seen the way they look at each other. If you didn't know it's only been a few days, you would think they've been courting for months, and were on the verge of exchanging vows." Rosemary almost huffed. Why was it so hard for people to believe she was right about this?
If you're certain, I can begin gathering lace samples, Dottie said, her voice still hesitant.
"I am." Rosemary responded firmly. "I know that you haven't met Nathan, Dottie, but he's the intense sort. He wouldn't court Elizabeth without the intention of marriage. He's also very shy when he's not acting in an official capacity, so it's taken him a long time to finally voice his feelings." Rosemary left out the part that he'd not approached Elizabeth for so long because he felt responsible for Jack's death. It wasn't her place to tell that story.
After what Elizabeth's been through, she wouldn't have entered a courtship lightly, either, Dottie mused.
"Precisely. Elizabeth was also hesitant, but now that she and Nathan are together, they are both all in and for the long haul."
I'm sure you're right. How about alencon and Venetian lace? I could probably find some honiton too, if you'd like.
"Oh, dear, honiton lace! That would be something!" Rosemary exclaimed, already thinking of the possibilities those styles of lace.
The dress Elizabeth wore when she'd married Jack had been a mixture between A-Line and ball gown silhouettes. Rosemary was thinking perhaps an Empire silhouette this time. She also had a feeling that this dress shouldn't have such voluminous skirts. It wasn't that Elizabeth wouldn't want to pull out all the stops due to this being her second marriage, but rather that her and Nathan were content with a more relaxed and simple approach. Rosemary was sure could work within those parameters.
"Thank you, Dottie. I appreciate this, especially with so little notice."
I have a feeling you're right, Rosemary, and the dress will be needed sooner rather than later. It's best to get the materials to you, the sooner the better.
"Exactly."
I'll start getting the laces together today.
"Thank you, Dottie." Rosemary nearly sighed in relief. Finally! Someone understood the urgency of the situation!
We'll talk again soon, Rosemary.
"We will."
The call disconnected.
Rosemary replaced the phone on the counter, and grabbed her sketchbook. It was time to start putting the images in her head on paper. She couldn't wait to see Elizabeth's reaction when she had two or three designs to choose from whenever their engagement would be announced. It would be soon. She was sure of it.
The front door to Elizabeth's house opened and Nathan walked inside, but she didn't stop reading to Jack, even though she was sure he had finally fallen asleep.
"Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night."* Elizabeth closed the book and looked at Nathan, who'd come to stand by the settee, his expression soft as he looked at them.
The savory aroma permeating the room from the basket he held made her mouth water. Allie's sleepover had been extended for another night, and Nathan had spent the morning with her and Little Jack. He'd then taken his shift at the jail during the afternoon and early evening, and Elizabeth had begun preparing her lesson plans for the upcoming week. There were several breaks to play with Jack, of course. They had decided that Nathan would grab a late dinner for the two of them from the cafe on his way home.
"Isn't it a little early for Christmas stories? It's not even November yet."
"Maybe, but when I asked him to pick a book, this is what he pointed at." She shrugged. "Who am I to deny him?" She smiled at her sleeping son indulgently.
"Fair point. I have a hard time telling Allie no too sometimes."
Nathan placed the basket on the coffee table and lifted Jack from her arms, carefully and slowly laying him in the crib. Elizabeth took the basket to the table. She was delighted to find Bill's pot roast, steamed vegetables she knew were seasoned to perfection, and fluffy yeast rolls.
Elizabeth and Nathan went about serving their meal together and began eating after grace was said.
"Is everything still okay at the jail?"
"More or less," Nathan said cryptically. She quirked a brow at him."Bill was there before me, and he was in quite a mood when I arrived."
"Whatever for?" She could only imagine what could cause Bill to be in 'quite a mood.' Not that she would ever say this out loud, but sometimes Bill could be as dramatic as Rosemary. It was usually entertaining when that side of him made an appearance.
"He got a call today letting him know that he's been removed as the presiding judge for Elias and Jenny's trials." Nathan winced. "He's not happy about it."
She could imagine. "Why did they remove him?"
"Because Bill is included in the lives Jenny threatened on Tuesday. We're all considered and I quote, "victims", so it's been deemed a conflict of interest for Bill to determine her punishment, if she's found guilty. Which is pretty much guaranteed by her trying to help a criminal escape custody, holding four Mounties at gunpoint and one of them dying as the end result. I know it was an accident. I don't think she'd intended to actually shoot one of us, but that doesn't negate the fact that she still threatened us with a loaded weapon. Removing Bill is the only way to make sure the judge is neutral in the ruling."
"But Bill would never let his personal feelings interfere with his judgment. If he could be objective in trials involving Henry Gowen with all that bad history between them, he can be objective with anyone!" Elizabeth said, indignant on Bill's behalf.
"I know, but the defense lawyers made enough of a fuss over it that it was just easier to have Bill replaced. It'll also eliminate the possibility of using the same excuse later down the road if the family tried to have the verdict and/or sentences appealed on the grounds that Bill's relationships with the jury members would sway their decision to find them guilty, and then he would be unreasonable with how many years he sentenced them to."
Elizabeth hmphed. "That's just ridiculous." Nathan nodded his agreement. "Well, I can understand why he'd be upset. They're basically calling his character into question. Several of our townspeople, too! Who has replaced him?"
Nathan shook his head back and forth. "I don't know, he didn't say or doesn't know, either. Whoever it is is supposed to be here in the morning." He frowned at his dinner plate. "It's not going to give him much time to familiarize himself with the cases, though. The trial for Elias starts first thing Monday morning."
When Nathan's furrowed brow didn't smooth out, she asked, "What's bothering you, Nathan?"
He looked at her. "Jenny spoke to me yesterday."
"What did she say?" This was a big deal. As far as everyone knew, Jenny O'Rourke had not spoken a word since Tuesday morning. Not even to her brother.
With eyes full of sorrow, Nathan said, "She told me that she never meant to hurt anyone and she asked me to apologize to the Novak family for her." He sighed. "John and I have been doing a little research of our own into their family. Elias has been getting into trouble consistently since his teenage years, and with a constant escalation in the severity of his crimes. He's especially 'gifted' in safecracking. Jenny is almost three years older than Elias, and from what we've been able to gather, she was constantly trying to clean up any messes of his that she could, if she could."
"So you don't think she's an accomplice to his thievery? Just trying to look after him?" Elizabeth asked.
"Yeah," Nathan said, nodding. "I think she was doing what she's always done, and what Elias expected. But I think this was the first time she's ever tried to help him escape custody, though. You should have seen her, Elizabeth. She was as skittish as a newborn calf, so uncertain. I was getting through to her, but Elias kept egging her on, and then she was startled and the gun just went off." He rubbed at his forehead in frustration. "I know it's not my fault, but I still can't help but think that I could've done more. I just wish there was something I could do for her now to help her."
"You can, Nathan," she said, covering his hand with hers. His gaze found hers again. "You can talk to her and you can listen. She needs to talk to someone, and I think that person is you. That's all you can do, Nathan. She has to face the consequences of her actions, there's no question about that. But let her know that God will forgive her. He will grant His forgiveness, she just has to ask Him for it. Let her know that you're praying for her, let her know that she's not completely alone, let her know that there is someone willing to listen to her without judgement or censure."
Nathan turned his hand over to lace their fingers together. "I'll see if she wants to try to talk again tomorrow. I'm not sure if she'll want to talk in front of her brother. Yesterday she waited until he was asleep. I'll try, though."
Her heart went out to him. "That's all you can do. Don't forget that I'm here for you too, Nathan. If you need to talk, or just want to not be alone, I'm here."
"I know, Elizabeth, thank you." He kissed the back of her hand. "I love you."
"I love you, too."
Little Jack eventually woke from his late nap and was ecstatic to see Nathan again. The three of them played with his blocks together, and a tower to rival all wooden block towers everywhere had been built. Jack had then demanded that Nathan read to him when Elizabeth announced it was bedtime. She was amused that Nathan hadn't dared to refuse.
To make it easier for all involved, Elizabeth had Nathan follow her upstairs so she could change Jack into his pajamas first. Once done, Nathan sat in the rocking chair, settling Jack on his lap, and began to read. Elizabeth stood in the doorway, leaning against the doorframe, and just watched, her heart filling with love at the sight.
The amount and strength of love Elizabeth held for Nathan threatened to overwhelm her. She had thought that she'd lost the ability to love a man after Jack died. She was glad to be proven wrong. There were so many ways she loved this man, and she didn't know if she could count all of the ways.
There was his strength of character. His sense of duty, honor, and justice. His bravery and honesty. He loved a child who was not his biologically, yet loved her like his own. He was kind, caring, gentle, and loyal. He was humble and willing to admit when he made mistakes. Nathan was just a good man, and Elizabeth loved him so much, with all of her life. Their lives would be filled with smiles and tears, joy and sadness, good times and bad times, and she wanted it all.
It didn't take long for Nathan's strong, yet quiet, and steady voice to lull her son to sleep. Nathan didn't stop reading right away to make sure Jack stayed asleep. Elizabeth appreciated his patience. There had been many times when Jack would awaken if she stopped reading as soon as she realized he was asleep, so now she made sure to keep reading until he was firmly asleep. She assumed Nathan had learned the same lesson with Allie.
Elizabeth covered Jack up with the blanket after Nathan laid him down. Jack shifted around a few times, but thankfully, he never woke. The two just stood side-by-side, watching the sleeping boy, arms around each, both imagining a night in the future when the crib would be occupied by their toddler. Elizabeth and Nathan both exhaled contented sighs at the thought.
Bill picked up and slammed items back down on his desk at random. He was aware that his behavior was perhaps a bit childish, but it was the only outlet for his frustration that was proving effective after an afternoon spent trying not to think about the news he'd received earlier. He couldn't believe he'd been removed as the presiding judge over the O'Rourke siblings' trials!
Was his judgement seriously being called into question?!? When had he ever given cause for his judgement to not be considered sound?
Okay…so maybe he'd kept his marriage a secret when he first came to Hope Valley. But he and Nora had been separated! Aaaand maybe he'd continued an undercover investigation without permission that'd made him look corrupt. He'd been right, though! And, all right, he might have roughed up a judge, but the guy had deserved it!!!
So maybe he hadn't always seemed like the epitome of upstanding behavior, but Bill was sure he'd proven that he could be objective since he'd been sworn in as a judge. He'd had the chance to basically stick it to Henry twice, but that would've been abusing his power, his oath, and he would never do that. He wouldn't do that now, either. Except there was no reason to worry about abusing his power now that he'd been removed. Bill grumbled again.
Bill wasn't upset so much on his own behalf, but that of Jenny O'Rourke's. (He really didn't have that much sympathy for Elias, though.) If he was honest, and he was, his heart went out to the young woman. His gut was telling him that breaking Elias out of custody either wasn't originally her idea, or if it was, it was because she felt pressured to 'rescue' her brother. He was willing to take that into account. He was also willing to take into account that if Jenny hadn't been startled, and there was some fault of his on that score, she probably wouldn't've pulled the trigger. It was an unfortunate set of circumstances all around, for Jenny at least, and Bill would've kept that in mind when it came time for her sentence. There was little doubt that she, or Elias, would be found guilty.
Now he had to worry about a new judge. Bill wouldn't be able to talk to his replacement from one judge to another. If he tried to recommend to whoever was replacing him-he hadn't been given the name-that Jenny's sentence shouldn't be extremely harsh, it would be considered interference, which was illegal, and Bill could get into trouble for it. His hands were now essentially tied. And he hated it! He could only hope the new judge would take all facts into consideration.
Nathan could still feel the softness of Elizabeth's lips long after their goodnight kiss and he'd settled into bed. It was a good ending to a mostly good day. He was still concerned about Jenny, but there wasn't much more he could do for her at this point. He could listen to her, as Elizabeth had suggested, but that was only if she wanted to talk. He hoped that she would, knowing that Elizabeth was right about Jenny needing to talk to someone.
Only time would tell if he could help her, so Nathan decided to try not to fret any further over the situation, which was easier said than done, of course. He didn't think he'd ever experienced a more difficult case in all the years he'd been a Mountie. Even investigating his father earlier in the year hadn't been this hard. He couldn't help but wonder why he was so affected as he fell asleep.
The next morning, Nathan held Little Jack's hand while Elizabeth held the other as they walked to church with Allie and Opal's family. Numerous glances were thrown their way when Jack crawled into his lap instead of Elizabeth's after they'd all settled onto a pew. There may have also been a few whispers when he made a very public but silent message to everyone that he and Elizabeth were definitely together by placing his arm around her shoulders. She gave him a conspiratorial smile then scooted even closer to him.
People were also looking at Lucas to try to see his reaction, trying to discern if he was visibly upset at the display. Nathan noted that his once rival seemed to be unbothered by any of it. Hopefully that would go a long way in dispelling some of the gossip surrounding them. He painfully remembered how people had walked on eggshells around him when Elizabeth and Lucas went to Union City. All except Bill, of course, which he appreciated more than any behavior meant to 'spare his feelings'. A repeat of people acting strange around him would not be appreciated.
"I guess Allie and her friends aren't the only ones who need a lesson in subtlety," he murmured in Elizabeth's ear. She giggled, earning even more looks.
Nathan was just glad the looks were a mixture mainly of curiosity and happiness for them, rather than judgementental. There didn't seem to be any discontent, as if Elizabeth had made a mistake in her choice. It wouldn't matter even if anyone did feel that way, because it was no one else's business, nor did anyone's opinion have any bearing on what they did.
Rosemary and Lee joined them as they walked into town after church for lunch at the cafe. Jack had decided he didn't want to walk anymore, so Nathan was carrying him as he and Lee talked about woodworking. It turns out Lee liked working with wood despite not having the time to try his hand at the art in many years. Nathan discovered that Lee was just as knowledgeable on the subject as he was. They both skirted around proposing working on some kind of project together. Their friendship was still a little too new for collaborative work just yet.
They were almost to the saloon when Nathan noticed Bill escorting a man he didn't recognize inside. Apparently Elizabeth and Rosemary did, for they both gasped. Nathan swung his gaze to them, who were both staring where Bill and the unknown man had disappeared. It was Lee, though, who explained their reaction.
"Well, we know who's replaced Bill now."
"Who?" Nathan asked.
Lee looked at him. "The man with Bill is Judge Abraham Parker. He presided over the trial between the widows and the mining company."
"But he ruled against the mining company and shut them down here."
"He did, but it was close. He was actually pretty cozy with Henry and the lawyer representing the mining company. He was playing poker with them before the trial," Elizabeth said.
Nathan could hear the consternation in her voice. He couldn't blame her. Judges were not meant to mingle with any lawyers in an unofficial capacity before or during a trial.
"If Clara hadn't come with Peter Stanton's copy of the safety inspection report, I'm certain Judge Parker would've ruled in favor of the mining company," Rosemary said, her tone echoing the dismay she must've felt nearly six years ago now.
Lee spoke next. "I don't think we should worry. I have a feeling Judge Parker learned his lesson about objectivity the last time he was here. Justice will be served and it will be served fairly."
Lee's conviction made Nathan hopeful that he was right. He was a firm believer that justice should be dispensed without bias. Only time would tell if Judge Parker deserved the faith Lee had bestowed upon him.
Notes:
I'm so sorry it's been so long for a chapter to be posted. I've been dealing with ongoing medical issues with two immediate family members that are very serious. I need to shift my focus to help with the constant care that is needed for my family, so I will be taking approximately a three month hiatus from The Time Is Right. I will continue to write, but I need to take some of the pressure off of my shoulders to post chapters in a timely manner for the time being. Please don't be angry with me, but my family will always come first.
One of the oldest and most popular Christmas poems ever, commonly referred to as "Twas The Night Before Christmas," was written in the early 19th century.
Though its author is disputed, with the poem being attributed to both Clement Clarke Moore and Henry Livingston Jr. over the years, it was definitely first published on Dec. 23, 1823 in the Troy Sentinel newspaper in upstate New York.
It is also referred to as "A Visit From St. Nicholas" or "The Night Before Christmas."
Rosemary's reaction to the honiton lace is due to its abundance use on Queen Victoria's wedding dress when she married Prince Albert in 1840. The silk and lace trades in England had been suffering for a number of years, and her choice to use locally made materials caused a resurgence in their popularity, especially honiton lace.