Chapter 4: The Damsel is Distressed
"How's is coming sweetheart?" Lee asked with a yawn, as he stood up from his desk. Rosemary, who was typing furiously at the desk across the room did not look up right away, her brow furrowed tensely as she pounded at the keys of the typewriter. "Sweetheart?" Lee repeated, a little more loudly. Rosemary finally sat back and sighed. "Oh Lee!" she moaned. "There's so much to write about and not enough time in the day to write about it! How am I supposed to produce a newspaper if I can't meet my deadlines?" Lee nodded understandingly. "I could see how that would be very frustrating for you" he admitted. "But if you don't take a break every once and awhile, you'll burn yourself out. Any journalist will tell you that." Rosemary rested her chin gloomily against her elbows as she leaned against the desk. "So many things happened this week" she sighed. "Every time I start to write about one, I think of another that I need to add. Take Elizabeth's book for instance" she said, jumping up suddenly and starting to pace the floor. "There's going to be a book sale and signing in the library on Saturday. But as I was writing about that, I remembered that I also needed to talk about Kurt Lawson's livestock auction, which is going to be happening on the same day! And I know that the Founder's Day Festival won't be happening for another few months, but wouldn't it be best to let people know ahead of time so that it doesn't get forgotten about like it did this year? What am I supposed to do?" With as dramatic sigh, Rosemary fell limping into Lee's chair, her face troubled and completely dejected. Lee rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "Well…" he pondered thoughtfully. "If I, were you, I would focus on the stories that are the most important. You know, the one's that people need to hear about." Rosemary clapped her hands excitedly. "Yes!" she exclaimed. "They need to hear about what really matters! You know what they say? I need to 'write things worth the reading!' Yes sweetheart, you are right. I want the Valley Voice to be full of front page news!"
Lee nodded brightly. "That's the spirit!" he laughed, then added in a more serious tone. "I think we both know what will be on the front page though." Rosemary nodded. "Yes, that mob the other day" she finished for him. "That man Wyman Walden is a scoundrel! It's no wonder those men got so angry!" Lee crossed his arms doubtfully. "That may be" he admitted. "But they had no right to gang up on Walden like that, and Nathan could have been badly hurt." Rosemary shrugged. "I guess you're right" she sighed. "Still, I'll never feel completely at ease until Wyman Walden is permanently behind bars. I talked with Jesse earlier today, and he's convinced Walden has plans to swindle anyone in Hope Valley that he can." Lee shook his head. "There isn't any clear evidence to prove that he's guilty" he pointed out. "No one can lay a hand on him right now. The key at this point is to watch and wait. Have you interviewed Nathan about the situation?" "Well, no" Rosemary confessed. "He's got his hands full lately, especially with all the new arrivals in Hope Valley." Lee frowned faintly. "You're right…" he said. "He has been working around the clock these days. I hope he doesn't run himself ragged. Speaking of running yourself ragged" he added, holding out the crook of his arm. "What do you say we go and get some dinner at the café? My treat." Rosemary smiled and took his arm eagerly. "How could I resist such an offer from my handsome husband?' she asked playfully.
Nathan had been working around the clock since the day the mob had gathered in front of the Saloon. The growing tension was something that could not be ignored, and because of that, he had spent the week trying to map out a new route to extend his rounds all the way to the outskirts of Hope Valley's regional lines, which had recently been expanded by government mandate. Every day now, rounds had taken him twice as long and were twice as taxing, since not a day went by where Nathan did not have to handle some sort of dispute or situation. By the time Friday evening rolled around, he was exhausted and sore from being in the saddle all day. Knowing Allie had already gone to Opal's for a sleepover that night, he limped stiffly back to the Mountie office after hitching up Newton in the livery for the night. Nathan had just sat down to a cup of coffee and was about to finish an incident report when there was a slight knock on the door. Nathan looked up in surprise. "Come in" he called. Timidly, Faith opened the door and peeped in. Nathan stood up quickly. "Faith!" he exclaimed in surprise. "Please, come in." Faith entered with a sheepish smile, and quietly closed the door behind her. "I hope I'm not disturbing you" she said apologetically. Nathan shook his head, still a little confused by her visit. "No, not at all" he reassured her. "Is everything alright?" Faith nodded affirmatively. "I am perfectly fine" she smiled. "But I saw you coming back this evening and I came to see how you were doing. That was a pretty hard blow to the face you took the other day, and I hadn't seen you all week, so I wanted to make sure that you were alright." Nathan smiled gratefully. "That's very kind of you" he said. "My nose may be a little worse for wear, but I think I'll survive." Faith laughed momentarily, then suddenly grew serious and eyed Nathan a little guiltily. "Nathan" she murmured shyly, taking the seat across from his desk. "I must confess that wasn't the only reason I came to see you tonight." Nathan, unable to think of what she was about to say, sat down blankly and a little fearfully. Faith continued sadly. "The other day I happened to overhear Elizabeth and Rosemary having a conversation as they passed the infirmary. They were talking about you. I heard Elizabeth say that she… that she turned you down." She paused for a moment, and when Nathan didn't respond, she went on. "I'm so sorry Nathan" she breathed, a slight tremor in her voice. "I can't imagine what you must be going through right now. We all know how much you cared for her." She laid her hand on the desk. "I just want you to know" she said seriously, "that I am always here if you ever need a friend. I don't want you to suffer through it alone, because I know how much it hurts." Nathan felt a freeing sense of relief in the fact that Faith knew his secret struggle. However, it was equally difficult for him to be reminded of Elizabeth's words. He managed to give Faith a faint but deeply grateful smile. "Thank you" he murmured. "You're a good friend Faith." He wanted to say more, but he was so overwhelmed by the overflow of grief and relief that Faith's confession had stirred up in him that the words just wouldn't come. Faith however, seemed to understand, and a compassionate smile spread across her face. "Well, I'd better get going" she said, standing up. "I have Fiona coming over for tea tonight, and I still haven't made anything to eat. Good night Nathan." Nathan nodded appreciatively. "Good night" he replied. "And thank you… for coming to check on me." Faith smiled shyly and with a quick nod, was out the door.
With a sigh, Nathan sat back in the leather chair and shut his eyes. There were times when he couldn't help feeling betrayed or deceived by Elizabeth. Sometimes he even felt angry with her for hurting him. But he knew that he could never hate her. He loved her too much for that. But somehow, some of the virtue and goodness he had seen in her previously was starting to fade away. True, Elizabeth was a wonderful person, but maybe she wasn't everything he had believed her to be. The thought was both reassuring and disheartening: reassuring because now he knew there was more to her rejection than that he simply "wasn't good enough," yet disheartening because only now he was beginning to see her flaws. His love for her had blinded him to them before. Now they were beginning to become clearer and clearer. Because Elizabeth had only looked to find Jack in him, she never really got to know him. And maybe he had never really known her either… until now, that is. Elizabeth's absence from his life didn't make Nathan's heart grow fonder, but wiser. Becoming wiser was painful, but he hoped it was for the best.
"Nathan! Wake up!" Bill's voice woke Nathan with such a start that he almost tipped the leather chair backwards. "Were you here all night?" Bill asked, frustrated. Nathan groggily eyed the cold cup of coffee on his desk and shook his head to wake himself up. "I guess so" he muttered in a raspy voice. "What time is it?" Bill, whose back was to Nathan as he poured himself a fresh up of coffee to take to his office, glanced at his watch. "It's almost ten o'clock" he reported gruffly. "You'd better hurry if you want to get you rounds done before the second watch hour." Nathan sighed and grabbed his hat from the peg near the door. "Please tell me there's some of that left" he asked, pointing to Bill's cup of coffee. Bill frowned. "The early bird gets the worm" he muttered, grabbing his leather briefcase. "If you want more, you're going to have to make it for yourself. The town council is meeting about the new bank and loan enterprise in fifteen minutes, so if you'll excuse me." And with that Bill was out the door with his coffee. Nathan wasn't far behind and rushed through morning rounds as quickly as he could, though the sun was high in the sky by the time he reached the outskirts of Hope Valley.
As Nathan continued to map out a new route, he came upon a quiet farm road lined by brand new homesteads. The lumber used to build each house was still fresh and unpainted, which gave the row of homesteads a rustic, but inviting feel. Nathan took in a deep breath of air and could smell the pine and cedar timbers as he passed. Ahead, he could see a shining lake spreading before him where the dirt road turned off back towards the town. There was some beautiful land here for sure. As he reached the end of the row of homesteads, a loud cry and the shattering of glass suddenly alerted him to some sort of trouble at the last house. Immediately, Nathan gave Newton a light kick and galloped over to the picket fence that surrounded the front of the little house. After glancing around the general area, Nathan let out a gasp. A young woman lay face down on the patch of grass near the front door, which was wide open. Nathan quickly dismounted and rushing to her side, laid a hand on her shoulder. "Ma'am!" he shouted. "Are you alright? Can you hear me?" There was no response. Nathan fumbled with her wrist to check her pulse and was comforted to find that she was alive, and her heartrate was stable. He was about to try and revive her when a noise from inside the house caught his attention. Men's voices… Two of them. Nathan slowly stood up and pulled his pistol from its pouch. Then, aiming it steadily, he made for the door and walked into the entryway. The house was still quite bare, but it was clear that someone had been living in it. A little table decorated by a vase of wildflowers told him that it must belong to the young woman outside. He carefully rounded the corner into the kitchen, and nearly collided with a tall, unshaven man, who jumped back as if Nathan were the plague. "Mounted Police!" Nathan announced, taking a step forward as the man leaped a step back. The other man Nathan had heard earlier was behind the first. Both stared at Nathan as if paralyzed, their eyes bulging in their unkept faces. "Put your weapons down on the floor" Nathan ordered. "Slowly!" The remembrance of their weapons suddenly seemed to spark boldness on both of the men, and the one furthest from Nathan whipped out his gun and quickly fired. Luckily, Nathan saw it coming and jumped back behind the wall from which he had emerged, before firing a warning shot himself. By the time he had edged his way back into the kitchen however, both of the men had fled out the open window. With a helpless, frustrated sigh, Nathan shoved his pistol back into its place on his belt. With the owner of the house unconscious and possibly hurt outside, it would be no use trying to track down the two thugs.
Making his way back to the front of the house, Nathan once again knelt down next to the girl and gently turned her over on her back. Her face, though tanned from the sun, was pale, and her breathing quick. Nathan gave her another little shake, but again with no result. He quickly glanced about the front of the house, look around for some water to revive her. That always worked. He was about to get up to go and see if there was a water pump or a well of some kind out back, when the young woman's eyes fluttered open. She seemed quite thick headed at first, until she saw him. When she did, her eyes widened frantically, and raised her hand and slapped him. "Get off of me!" she cried, jumping up from off the ground. Nathan was so shocked he jumped back too, speechless. They stared warily at each other for a long moment before the woman suddenly gasped. "Oh no" she breathed. "You're a Mountie! I'm so sorry! I thought you were a claim jumper! Oh, what is wrong with me?!" she cried despairingly. Nathan quickly regained his composure. "No, it's my fault… I shouldn't have startled you like that" he apologized quickly. "But those claim jumpers were armed. They could have killed you. Are you sure you're alright Ma'am?" But the woman's mind was already on the damage. "The chickens!" she gasped. "Did those criminals steal the chickens?" Nathan frowned, confused. "I… don't know" he admitted, greatly confused. She sighed in exasperation and ran toward the back yard. Not knowing exactly what to do, Nathan followed. "I really think you should come back to town with me and see a doctor Ma'am" he called after her. "I think you're still in shock." The woman, however, was determined, and quickly made her way over to the small pen that had been set up for about a dozen chickens that walked about pecking at the ground. She let out a deep sigh of relief upon seeing them. "Thank goodness! They're all here" she breathed gratefully. "I bought them today at Mr. Lawson's farm. It would be just my luck if someone stole them on the very first day." Saying this, she turned to Nathan, who was at her side. "I am so sorry for my rude greeting Constable" she said, slightly embarrassed. "Thank you so much for your assistance." Nathan shook his head. "Not at all. It's just part of my job. Although…" he added seriously. "I really think you should come back into town with me and let Dr. Carter look at you." She smiled faintly but was clearly annoyed. "I'll be alright" she reassured him. "It's just a bump on the head. I've survived worse." Nathan shrugged powerlessly. "Is there anyone here to look after you at least?" he asked. "Do you have any family? Are you married?" She shook her head quickly. "No Constable…" she said, crossing her arms. "It's just me. But I can look after myself." Nathan pursed his lips together with growing impatience and sighed. "Listen" he said finally. "I can't leave you here alone. Not after what happened today. Your injury could be a lot worse than you think. And what if the claim jumpers come back? They won't let you off so easily next time." The woman's deep blue eyes met his defiantly. "Like I said before Constable, I am fine" she murmured, a little fiercely. She started to walk away, but Nathan didn't give up. "At least come back with me to give Judge Avery a testimony so that he can file for their arrest" he asked. She stopped in her tracks and after a moment of silent annoyance, turned around slowly. "Fine" she said, shrugging. "You win. But I need to be allowed to return before nightfall." Nathan nodded reluctantly. "Whatever you say, Miss..?" "Lemont" she informed him shortly. "Danielle Lemont." "Okay then, Miss Lemont" Nathan repeated with some irritation as the two of them made their way to where Newton was patiently chewing some dried grass. "Constable Nathan Grant." "Constable Grant…" Danielle replied with forced courtesy.
The two mile ride to Hope Valley was silent and awkward. It was as if both of them wanted to forget that the other existed, even though they were both sharing the same horse. Nathan couldn't imagine why or how anyone could be as stubborn as Miss Lemont was being right now. Why couldn't she comply with a such simple precaution? His frustration only grew when everyone walking the street in Hope Valley stopped and stared as they passed. Even Rosemary's eyes were bright with interest as she looked out the front window of Coulter Enterprises. Nathan set his jaw and urged Newton forward, head down. If only everyone would stop gaping and go back to their own business. Even Danielle seemed to notice the stares and looked around, a little bewildered as Nathan helped her dismount in front of the infirmary. "Why is everyone looking at us?" she asked, a little tensely. Nathan's eyes narrowed with disgust. "Because small towns just can't contain their curiosity" he muttered cynically. He tightened his grip on the dangling reins and turned to face Danielle. "Dr. Faith Carter should be in the infirmary right now. Tell her I sent you and meet me in from of the Mayor's office when you're done." Danielle nodded wordless and started towards the door. Before entering however, she stopped and turned her head. "Thank you, Constable Grant" she said, with the faintest traces of a smile at the corners of her mouth. Nathan saw it and did his best to contain his own smile. "No problem, Miss Lemont" he said, touching his hat.