Chapter 139: On Board!
The Grant Family stayed out on the platform till they could see Hope Valley no more.
As Nathan directed his Family safely inside, Elizabeth turned beaming up at him.
Holding Little Jack, he used his free arm to draw her close and kissed his wife.
"Happy Book Tour and Happy Honeymoon, Darling!" he yelled above the roar of the train.
"Happy Honeymoon and Happy Book Tour to you, too, my Love!"
Just a simple sweet moment that was theirs alone, acknowledged by the loving look they gave each other.
The perfect start to their Second Honeymoon.
Allie was first inside.
"I can't believe this. This is unbelievable!"
"Twain, Daddy, Twain!"
"Yes, Jack! We're on the train! Do you like it?"
Little Jack nodded vociferously, as excited as Nathan had ever seen him.
Nathan couldn't help but chuckle!
"Looks like this is the main public area of the car. It's gorgeous, isn't it, Allie?" asked Elizabeth.
"I'll say!"
Everything was done in a blue and cream patterned velvet, both elegant and comfortable!
"This is really perfect! Look, Nathan!"
"Quite fancy!"
"Down! Down!" clapped Little Jack.
"Oh, Baby, do you mind to keep holding him till we finish our tour? I want to make sure everything is safe and Jack gets acclimated to his new surroundings!" begged Elizabeth in a low voice. "I still worry about him going back and forth between the two cars!"
"Of course, Lisbeth," and he reached to kiss her cheek.
Then Nathan winked at Jack.
"Okay, Big Guy, looks like Mama wants us Men to stick together!"
"Okay, Daddy!"
"Besides, Jack, look how much better you can see everything from up here!"
Elizabeth breathed a sigh of relief and whispered.
"Ah, you're good. Very good, Love!"
"I see betta, Awee!"
And just like that Little Jack's preference of wanting to be put down was all forgotten!
Allie did her best to refrain from rolling her eyes, grinning up at her little brother instead.
"Why does he never fuss when it's you?" murmured Elizabeth under her breath.
"We Men have to stick together, Mrs. Grant! Especially in this Family, with two of the strongest women I know!"
"You'd better make that 'four strong women,' Son!" suggested Madelyne who came up and hugged, first Allie and Elizabeth, then her Son and Grandson.
"Mother, that goes without saying. Where do you think they get it?"
"Nice save, Son!" laughed Archie.
"I see my new Son is very diplomatic, too!" bragged Grace.
"What do you expect, Grace? He has to be mindful of how the mind works, especially when working with criminals!"
"William Thatcher, are you implying…"
"Not in the least, Darling! I've been married much too long for that! Well, now that we're all inside, what do you say we all take a tour of our new home away from home?"
"We can't wait, Father! You lead the way," instructed Elizabeth.
"Well, obviously, we're standing in the main sitting area for both Cars," began William.
"And it's perfectly lovely!" chimed in Grace.
"I love the blues, Granda!" agreed Allie.
"It's beautiful, Mother," smiled Elizabeth. "Oh, are these the Dining Tables?"
Elizabeth was looking toward the rear of the Car, at two rather large plush tufted circular Sofas, with each having a table and backless stools in front scooted under to save space to form an aisle for walking in between.
"Yes, they are, Sweetheart. The tables are multi-purpose and can also be used to play games, draw, write, etcetera!"
Bouquets of fresh Blue Peonies and White Roses were scattered everywhere around the Sitting Area and on the Dining Tables, leaving a lovely scent wafting throughout the large area.
"We're going to have a ton of fun, for sure! At least, I know I am!" grinned Archie, ready to get to it!
"Pay, Gran pa?"
"We'll do exactly that Son, in just a bit!" answered Archie, tweaking Jack's chubby cheek.
"It's really ingenious how they came up with all this. They've maximized every single inch of space, haven't they?" asked Madelyne.
"Brilliantly so. I must say, much better than the original plans!" agreed William. "As you can see, the Master Suite is at the front of the Car. We all believe you'll be more than happy with it. But let's save the best for last!"
"I love that idea, Father!"
Elizabeth grabbed her Husband's free hand, and he bent to give her a kiss, which made everyone end up giggling because Little Jack decided to get in on the kiss, too!
"Well, Allie, we're only missing you!" laughed Elizabeth, while Allie blushed at her brother's antics, but Nathan drew her into their hug anyway!
"This is an awful lot of kissing!" smirked Allie, to which all the adults laughed.
"My Darling Child, I have a feeling you and Jack are going to have to get used to lots of those kisses," winked Madelyne.
"Yes, I do agree, they're definitely here to stay, Child!" insisted Grace, with a smile for her granddaughter. "And aren't you and Jack the lucky ones to have a family with so much love!"
"Well, when you put it that way…" admitted Allie, which brought lots more laughter, her included!
"Look, Darling, there are even matching drapes for all the windows to close out the sun!" exclaimed Elizabeth.
"They're quite beautiful, although I can't imagine using them! Not with this glorious view!" insisted Nathan.
"The countryside is absolutely stunning. Are you familiar with this land, Son?" asked Archie.
"Very much so, Dad! Newton and I have traveled over it many times. Let's just call it a favorite perk of my job!"
"I tend to agree about those drapes, Son! Follow me through this passage, and we'll cross over into the main Sleeping Car," urged William.
Everyone followed, including Godfrey.
"Lisbeth, no worries with the passageway. This is as secure as it gets! It's completely enclosed, with no possible way of an exit!"
"Thank goodness I can mark that worry off my list! One huge worry eliminated!"
The second Passenger Car was just as beautiful as the first, but done in shades of Green with Teal accents, coordinating perfectly with the Blues of the first Passenger Car.
"Isn't the décor lovely?" asked Grace.
"Mother, it's all stunning!" agreed Elizabeth. "I love all the oriental rugs and pillows! Father, you did a marvelous job! What a gift this is!"
"Thank you, Sweetheart!" smiled William. "Nothing's too good for my Family, and that includes all of us!"
"That's lovely, William! Archie and I are most grateful to be included! This is all so clever and blends perfectly with the first Car, doesn't it, Grace!" asked Madelyne.
"Yes, it certainly does," smiled Grace, pleased Madelyne was so taken with everything and giving her a hug to show it. "We're going to have such a great time!"
"Yes, we are, and you two are Family as much as any of us here!" insisted William. "So, no thanks necessary, although that all of you seem to like it, is much appreciated! Just so happy this worked out for everyone!"
"We even get a small Bar in this right-hand corner with Sodas, Juices, and Milk for the Children, and more Adult Beverages for us Adults to enjoy!" added William, pointing proudly to the handy nook.
'The small Bar' William mentioned casually, was actually an elegant Coffee Station and Bar Area, with an honest to goodness mini-refrigerator, which was all the latest rage, with a mirrored wall offset by the most elaborate cut crystal decanters and stemmed glassware.
"Yes, Sir! The Train's Butler said there are also snacks which will be replenished several times a day, along with the beverages," explained Godfrey.
"That's very convenient, especially for late evenings, when the Children are thirsty," smiled Nathan.
"Children? What about your old man?" laughed Archie.
"Sorry, but you may have been one of the Children I was referring to, Dad!" teased Nathan.
"Aye, I'm crushed, I am!"
"Yes, you sure look crushed, Arch!" laughed William. "We'll see how crushed when you're ready for a pint of your Irish Beer!"
"Nathan, can you reach to open the refrigerator door? Just want to check what's inside," asked Elizabeth, as she was concerned about what exactly the Children would have access to.
"My favorite Ginger Ale for one. Looks like Milk, Juices, and let's see here…a few Adult Beverages, too, as your Father mentioned."
"Which means if you need anything, Allie, for either you or Jack, ask one of the Adults to reach and get it for you, promise?"
"Yes, Ma'am! Promise, Mama!"
To the left of the little open kitchenette was another sitting area, every bit as lovely as the first Car's, although much smaller, in a cozy sort of way.
"What's this first door, William," asked Grace.
"This is the Children's Suite, the first one behind our Food Station."
William led them into a short aisle, pointing to the mentioned Suite.
"Can I see, please, Granddad!" asked Allie excitedly.
The Children had begun to call William Granddad, his preferred title, to differentiate from Archie's preferred Grandpa. Thankfully, Grandma for Madelyne and Granda for Grace were totally different.
"You most certainly may, my Princess," beamed William, as he opened the door.
"Bunkbeds! I love them!"
Elizabeth peeked in.
"Oh, how charming! This is absolutely perfect! What do you two think, Allie?"
"It's perfect, Mama! Look at our big window!" exclaimed Allie full of excitement to have their own Suite.
The wood-paneled room consisted of two rather large bunks, with built-in steps up to the second bed. There was even a tiny bathroom just inside the door, wedged in prior to where the beds began. The beds were prettily dressed in striped banded velvet duvets of alternating Blue and Green strips, all banded in a wide Teal border.
Blue and Green pillows in a mix of patterns interspersed with solid Teal ones covered the edges of the beds, making them look almost like little sofas!
The far wall consisted of mirrored storage for clothes and toys, as well as a decorative built-in bookcase.
A tiny desk-like table protruded out from under the window, with fancy velvet stools on either side.
Godfrey already had a crystal vase sitting on the table with water, ready to put Allie's roses in.
"There we go, Miss! Lovely, if I do say so myself!"
"These are my first Roses!" mused Allie as she studied them in their new home.
"I'm sure there will be many more to come, Miss!"
To which Nathan loudly cleared his throat, while looking a bit pale, causing Godfrey to offer him a comforting wink!
"Allie, do you mind taking the top since you're oldest?" asked Elizabeth, clearly concerned that her toddler Son just might fall.
"Yes, Ma'am, I'll be happy to!"
"I go to top!" cried Jack.
"Well, Buddy, that might be a problem for Mountie Bear. You see Mountie Bear is afraid of heights, and he'd be awfully upset if he had to sleep down here in this big bed alone! Would you like to accept the Mountie Mission of keeping Mountie Bear safe?" asked Nathan, very seriously.
Little Jack sniffed his tears, while at the same time shaking his head yes.
"Then we have a mission!" and Nathan saluted Jack, who quickly saluted him back.
It took Elizabeth's breath away, but surprisingly, instead of paining her, it seemed the sweetest thing.
After their joint salute, Jack threw his arms around Nathan, and gave him a sloppy kiss!
"I Mountie! Mishen, Awee!"
Elizabeth breathed a sigh of relief and mouthed 'Thank you!' to her Husband, while also letting him know it was safe to let Jack down.
One crisis was averted, due to quick thinking!
"Why don't we let the Children get adjusted to their new Suite, and let the Adults move on to explore the remaining Suites?" suggested Grace.
"That sounds perfect! You two enjoy!" winked Madelyne. "You know, Elizabeth, your Parents insisted Archie and I take the Suite next to Godfrey, to ensure restful sleeping, so they could listen for the Children in case they need them during the night."
Elizabeth was completely taken aback.
Had she just heard Madelyne correctly?
She had never seen her Mother willing to have her sleep disturbed, much less offer to care for Children, especially in the middle of the night!
And the odds were pretty high that her parents would be disturbed, as the Children would be adjusting to an unusual and new environment, practically ensuring unusual dreams, etcetera!
"That's so very nice of you, Father, Mother!" thanked Nathan, although Elizabeth was still shocked that her Parents who had parented via Governesses would have even thought, much less volunteered, to be available for Allie and Jack.
"Will you be okay with Jack, Allie?"
"Yes, Mama, we'll be fine!" she answered excitedly.
"Well, this is Godfrey's Suite on the left, which is obviously across from the Children's Suite. Grace and I will be next door and Madelyne and Archie across from us. So your Children will be well cared for, Lilibet!" using his Childhood name for his Daughter.
Elizabeth reached up and kissed her Father.
"Thank you, Father. I have no doubt they are in good hands!"
Godfrey proudly opened the door to his own Suite so everyone could peek in from his doorway.
"Ah! Godfrey, so well-deserved!" smiled Elizabeth. "Stunning quarters done up in your favorite greens and golden browns!"
"A most happy coincidence, Mrs. G! The wood paneling with the English art makes me feel as though I'm back in England!"
Elizabeth raised her eyebrows, to which Godfrey quickly explained.
"I know I said that I could never call you anything but Miss. But I've been doing a lot of thinking, lately. And I know this is the first time I've used your new title, but Miss somehow no longer seems appropriate. Especially when I so thoroughly approve of your new Gentleman. You'll always be my Miss, too, in my heart, but it seems now, that our Miss Allie rightfully holds your former title!"
Elizabeth reached up to kiss her beloved Butler's cheek.
"That she does! And I think my new title is perfect! As is Allie's. I love you, Godfrey! We all do!"
The man was clearly touched and relieved his Elizabeth approved.
Nathan patted Godfrey's back, not missing the fact that the change in names was made to honor their marriage.
Godfrey nodded in appreciation for Nathan's own gratitude, and then directed them on to the Parents' Suites in the very back of the Car.
"This is ours! A more elegant Suite I've never seen!" declared Archie.
"I could literally live here and just travel all over the country seeing new things!" enthused Madelyne.
"Not a bad idea at all," called William from the hallway. "Don't I wish we could!"
The Senior Grants' Suite used Teal as the primary color, with accents of the same Blues and Greens used throughout the two cars.
No expense had been spared, and the area was truly stunning, with the most magnificent Irish painting hanging over the bed.
"And can you believe this, Son? This is an authentic Festive Irish Tartan pattern in diamonds, the same as my Grandmother, your Great-Grandmother had!"
"Well, I wouldn't have recognized the fabric pattern, but I sure do recognize that's an Irish painting!" noted Nathan.
"Aye, that's by William Henry Bartlett. Don't know the name of this particular painting, or if it even had a name. But I've seen it many times before, back in the old country!" (*109)
"There's something so familial about it, something hopeful, I think," surmised Nathan.
"That's because the two Adults are Parents taking their sick Child to the Seaside to improve his health," explained Elizabeth.
"I blamed William for telling them we're Irish, but he swears he didn't!" nodded Archie.
"Arch, don't you believe in happy coincidences?" called William, still insistent, although the teasing gleam in his eye couldn't be completely discounted!
"Well, however it got here, it's beautiful and we feel at home, and that is all that matters!" decreed Madelyne.
As the party moved to the Thatcher Suite, which was exactly the same size as the Grants, both Nathan and Elizabeth were amazed at the blended uniqueness of both Suites.
"In fact, the entire two Passenger Cars are so full of everything that could possibly be needed. Everything fits perfectly!" complemented Nathan. "This is going to be a most comfortable trip!"
"It's truly amazing!" agreed Elizabeth.
Calming Blue was the predominant color for the Thatcher's Suite, with the Teal and Greens used as accent colors.
Chintz Pillows were on both the bed and small sofa, and the paneled Suite held a bevy of Art.
The feel was more English than Irish, here, although all three Adult Suites had a bit of French thrown in for good measure!
The entire Suite arrangements were beyond what either Nathan or Elizabeth had imagined.
And they hadn't even seen their own Honeymoon Suite, yet…
While Godfrey helped the Children wash up for Breakfast, the Parents accompanied their Adult Children to introduce them to their Honeymoon Suite.
As the Couple got closer, Nathan swooped up a giggling Elizabeth, to carry her over the threshold.
The Couple was excited to see their accommodations, but they were also a bit anxious, as they both were hoping it wasn't too formal or overdone.
Both breathed a collective sigh of relief when William opened the door for them, and Nathan carried his Wife inside.
The Suite was much roomier than the others, having no closed-in feeling whatsoever!
Without a doubt, it was very elegant, but, happily, the overall feeling was one of pure comfort.
The paneling was a lighter Rose Wood with a beige rug and a patterned beige tapestry positioned on the wall behind their bed.
All of which was made to highlight the Royal Blue Velvet Headboard, Chairs, and Ottoman in the rather large room. The bed's duvet was off-white, as was a plain textured sofa.
The room was very tastefully, and very comfortably done.
Nathan was especially pleased with all the large windows that allowed the view to be the most important art in the room.
Instead of drapes, the windows had blinds that could be closed when going through heavily populated towns, for privacy, which Nathan preferred to Draperies, as none of their views were disturbed.
He couldn't help but notice the huge bed, that was more than big enough for him to stretch out on comfortably, which was a rarity when traveling, at least for him!
There was a small desk for journaling, writing letters, or even working on their books.
Even with the Royal Blue Velvet, the room felt light and airy!
Both felt it was certainly a soothing place to be, taking to their new home immediately!
"It's perfect, Darling!" smiled Elizabeth, wrapping her arms around Nathan.
He lovingly placed his hands over hers at his waist.
"I love it, too! Thank you, Father, from both of us for thinking of this. It's wonderful! Thank you all!"
"My pleasure, Nathan! And totally our pleasure together. Just glad that you both love it! You two enjoy it! But for now, we'd better prepare for Breakfast! I think our food is on its way, now…"
As the Family sat down to their full Breakfast, it was a very full and bountiful breakfast indeed!
"My, this is lovely," noted Grace. "But so much food!"
There was Bacon, Ham, Sausages, a choice of Eggs fixed every way an Egg could be fixed, Brown Sugared Oatmeal, Fruit of every kind, as well as Biscuits, Scones, and a huge variety of Pastries, all accompanied by a stellar selection of hand-made jams!
Not to mention the freshly squeezed Juices, as well as the best Coffee in existence.
Although the Train had provided a Butler, Godfrey insisted on serving the meals from several carts that had been brought into the Passenger Car.
One would have thought it was a world-class restaurant!
Needless to say, everything was seamless.
Everyone was chattering away across the two tables, with the Children insisting on using the stools, which had proven a bit of a challenge for Jack due to his short height, but after much tweaking, Godfrey was able to save the day!
"Well, they've most certainly outdone themselves in designing this entire space!" declared William.
"It's incredible for sure!" agreed Archie.
"It's fancy, yet so comfortable. Why I've never had a real bed on a train before!" admitted Madelyne.
"I love that there's so much room for the Children to play!" grinned Archie with a gleam in his eyes, more than ready to do some playing himself!
Suddenly a buzzer sounded, which Godfrey went to answer, the sound crashing through their idyllic breakfast.
He soon led the Conductor into the Family's Dining Area.
"Chief Inspector, we are so sorry to interrupt your Breakfast with your Family, but we need your assistance. The Security Agent that was supposed to come on board at the last stop was ill and unable to join us. We were hoping for no incidents, but I'm afraid, we have an intoxicated man who is causing quite a disturbance. Could we possibly trouble you to help us?"
Nathan was already standing.
"Of course. Do you need me to change into my Uniform?"
"I don't think there's time, Sir!"
Nathan quickly kissed Elizabeth, nodding to his family.
"Excuse me. I should be back soon. You all go ahead with your meal."
"Nathan?"
"Yes, Lisbeth?"
"Be safe!"
"Always, Love!"
As Nathan exited through the passageway, the Family's entire mood was irrevocably altered, and not in a good way.
The adults were naturally worried, trying their best not to show their concern to Allie and Jack, but Allie was experienced and old enough to know.
You could see it in her face…
Without his Serge, Nathan followed the Conductor down the aisle without much attention being thrown his way, but as soon as Nathan had entered the Passenger Car, he could see this was not going to be an easy task.
The man was large, very large, and very belligerent.
"Do you have Choral Hydrate or Phenobarbital? Preferably the first."
"I don't think so, but I'll check."
They walked on, with the Conductor exiting for a few moments leaving Nathan to reach the intoxicated man, alone.
"Sir," Nathan stated loudly. "We need you to take your seat."
The man instead staggered into Nathan, almost knocking him down.
Nathan was doing his best to assess the situation from every angle.
He quickly motioned to the passengers in the front four seats to move elsewhere, as the Train wasn't full.
He then tried to strongarm the drunken man, but the man was strengthened by his drink, which Nathan had seen in some drunk men before. Although more often than not, they were sometimes docile. This clearly was not going to be one of those scenarios.
He finally was able to gather the man's arms and cuff him, but the cuffs could only be placed to the man's front.
Now the hard part was going to be getting him down into a seat.
But before Nathan could grab him, the man lunged for the left-hand door by which the Passengers had entered, and was outside on the platform before he could do anything to stop it.
With a mona, this was the worst possible scenario Nathan could have imagined.
One wrong move and the man would be thrown from the moving Train to most likely meet his death.
Another wrong move, Nathan could meet his own.
The Conductor was back by Nathan's side.
"Sir, unfortunately, there is no Chloral Hydrate of Phenobarbital."
Nathan motioned for him to hold back, while Nathan edged his way to the man, who was more than strong enough to throw Nathan over.
There was no way Nathan could risk the Conductor's life, too, not with just the two of them.
"What's your name," he yelled to the man above the engine's noise.
Miraculously, the shouting seemed to reach the man, at least on some level!
"Rod-er-ick-a!" the man blusteringly answered, but not to Nathan, only out into the cold wind.
"Roderick," Nathan shouted back. "You know it's really cold out here! Why don't we go back inside where it's warm and get you something to eat?"
The man looked at him blankly, with pupils dilated, completely oblivious to his surroundings.
Words were not going to work.
The man's cuffed hands were clenched on the rail.
Nathan's only other option sickened him.
He had to get one handcuffed hand off of the rail, and he had to grab the man's digits, and…
He had to inflict pain. So much pain, that the man would somehow become aware of it. And it had to be significant as the man's pain threshold was already heightened due to the alcohol.
The thought sickened him.
He had only had to use this method once before, also with someone who was horribly inebriated, and then it had been a dislocated shoulder, but there had been no other choice.
"Please God, help me get him back inside!"
And that was when the man passed out, with his upper body hanging over the railing.
The man was now beyond feeling any pain.
So, thankfully, inflicting pain was no longer an option, for which Nathan was most grateful.
Nathan motioned for the Conductor and the Steward who had also come to stand next to him.
"This is what we're going to do. Hold each side as tightly as you can. Whatever you do, don't let loose of him. I'm going to grab his feet and move them back toward the door and hold him with everything I've got. We have to get him back inside. If he wakes up, push him back toward me. Only push toward me! If he falls to the platform backward, that's okay. We can then pull him in."
"Got it!"
But there was nothing.
They were giving it their all, and there was nothing.
Nathan was realizing this man's strength if alerted into action could be deadly.
"Is there anyone else strong enough to help us?"
"There are only two other male passengers, Sir!"
"Then get them too, along with any staff members that can be spared.
Nathan didn't like it, but he had to do it.
His Dad might be smaller built, but he was strong as an ox, after having wrestled wild horses, and William looked strong.
"Is there an official who can get my Father and Father-in-law?"
"Yes, Sir, I can get more employees if that's what we need."
"Then do that. But send for my Father and Father-in-law too. We need their strength to form a human chain. The two male passengers, too! We need a double chain, one from each side."
Within five minutes, every man on the train except the Chief Engineer acting as the driver, was in the Passenger Car listening intently to Nathan's detailed instructions.
"Okay, we now have ten men in addition to myself. That means five on each side. Link arms and don't let loose. The lead person on each side grab his arms, and whatever you do, don't let go. Every single man pull backwards into the train with all your might as I lock and lift his ankles. Any questions?"
"No, we're ready!" and Nathan lined them up in order of apparent strength putting the strongest in the front, next to the inebriated, but now passed out man.
"On the count of three. One. Two. Three. Pull!" ordered Nathan, as he lifted the man's legs.
"Keep pulling, keep pulling, pull harder!"
"One final pull!"
And with that, they had the man face-down inside the train, with the Conductor securing the door so that no one could possibly get out again.
"We'll let him sleep it off on the floor. I need chains to secure…"
But Nathan's sharp eye noticed the Conductor had already deposited them in the corner.
In order to protect the man from others as well as himself, Nathan intricately secured the man to a steel support column adjacent to the opposite door, which had now been totally blocked.
When finished, Nathan sighed in relief, as his Father helped him up from the floor.
"Great job, Son!"
It was the first real heartfelt compliment Nathan could remember his Father ever giving him, and he was touched, realizing this was the moment he had longed for from Childhood.
Exhausted, he wrapped his arm around his Father and followed his Father-in-law back up the aisle.
But Nathan's training had taught him to peruse the faces of every occupant, and without even realizing he was doing it, that's exactly what he did.
Every pair of eyes was on him, and everyone was clapping, but as he passed an elderly woman he noticed her avert her eyes, which caused him to scan the length of her body.
Oddly, her shoes were those a rugged man would wear, in the form of very worn boots.
Perhaps she had a ranch.
Little did Nathan know, that except for that one aversion, hers had been the one pair of eyes that had been glued to him, and had never left him from the moment he entered the Passenger Car…
"Thank God, you all are alright!" shrieked Elizabeth, embracing him as soon as Nathan came through the door of the Passageway, with Grace and Madelyne doing the same with their Husbands.
"We're fine, Darling! I must say though we couldn't have done it without our Fathers' help. Thank you both, immensely!"
"Our pleasure, Son!" both said almost in unison.
"Tell us all about what happened," demanded Grace anxiously, as they all sat down in the sitting area, having abandoned their breakfasts, out of worry.
But as his Family chattered about what had gone down, Nathan was deep in thought.
Something was wrong.
He could feel it.
Instead of feeling relief that they had contained the inebriated man, which in itself had been no small feat, a quell of concern was raging in the pit of his stomach.
The elderly Lady's face.
Something was off.
Her eyes had been covered by thick glasses, which distorted them.
There had been no clear picture into her soul.
But come to think of it, those ranch boots didn't at all match the dressy outfit she was wearing.
Suddenly Nathan remembered the tiny sliver of pant leg he had subconsciously seen.
And with that, he instantly knew!
Automatically, he rose and bent to kiss Elizabeth.
"Stay here everyone. As it turns out, Roderick is the least of our problems. I have to go back."
Instantly, Nathan went to retrieve his second gun.
"No, Nathan! You're exhausted!"
"Elizabeth, I don't have a choice. Secure the door behind me and keep the Children safe."
He stood, hiding the second gun at his waist, under his vest.
"You be safe!" she cried, with every instinct she had telling her this was very serious.
"Always, Love. I'll do my very best."
With one last quick kiss and a nod to the others, in the span of less than a half-hour, Nathan was gone from their Family Honeymoon Quarters for a second time.
And it was as though the light had gone out of both their two Passenger Cars.
"He's my life. Our life. Our light. Please protect him, Dear God. Please keep him safe…"
(*109) William Henry Barlett, British-Irish Artist, March 26, 1809-September 13, 1854, Public Domain