Chapter 5- Uncertainties
Elizabeth stood there in shock, not knowing what to think. Then she spoke, emotion rising in her voice. "Rosemary, what in the world are you talking about? Lucas is leaving Hope Valley? Where did you hear that?!"
Rosemary took her arm and led her to the couch. Her face serious, she told Elizabeth what she had heard. "It's all over town by now. Apparently, Lucas and his cousin were talking about it Sunday night at the saloon when they were having dinner. Florence and Ned were just finishing up their meal when they heard the conversation. They only heard the beginning of the discussion, but it seems it's true. Lee saw Lucas and John ride out this morning."
Tears filled Elizabeth's eyes as she sat there in unbelief. "Rosemary, Lucas would never move away without at least saying goodbye. What about the saloon? And the oil company? I'm going to see what I can find out when I go to town this morning. I can't believe he just…left."
"That sounds like a good plan. I'm sorry I had to be the one to tell you, Elizabeth. I know you care for him," Rosemary said with compassion, patting Elizabeth's arm.
"More than you know," Elizabeth responded.
Laura knocked on the door and Elizabeth rose to let her in. "I'll see you both later," Elizabeth said, leaning down to give Jack a hug and kiss goodbye, then leaving.
Laura looked at Rosemary, "Is Mrs. Thornton alright? She looked pretty upset."
"She will be just fine. She just got some news that distressed her." Rosemary picked Jack up and hugged him, rubbing noses with him to make him giggle. "I'll see you later little man," she said as she placed him back on the floor, waved at Laura, and walked out the door.
###
Elizabeth went straight to the library, holding in her tears until she got there. She closed and locked the door behind her, then sat down and let the tears flow. Had Lucas been so affected by that hug that he would just up and leave? That certainly didn't sound like the Lucas she had come to know.
And love.
The word came to her in her grief. It was strange how mixed up she was about her feelings after that hug but how distinctly she could see things now at the risk of losing Lucas. He had shown her over and over that he believed her to be his soulmate. He was the kindest and most generous man she had ever known. And she was falling for him.
Had she realized it too late?
Elizabeth wiped her eyes, and caught her breath. She had to go find out what she could. She checked her red eyes in her small mirror and shrugged her shoulders. She wouldn't be able to get any writing done until she knew where Lucas was.
She cleared her throat and left the library, walking over to the saloon. When she entered, she was shocked to see Fiona straightening up the chairs. Fiona looked up and smiled. "Elizabeth, what can I do for you today?"
Elizabeth had trouble getting her thoughts together for a moment, then finally managed, "Fiona, what a surprise. Are you…working here now?"
"My first full day. Are you okay? Is there something I can get you?"
"No. Just some information. I heard Lucas left town this morning. Do you know how long he will be gone?"
"I'm not certain. He and Johnny rode out a little while ago. He said they would be back in a few days. I'm sorry I don't know any more than that," Fiona answered.
Elizabeth exhaled and smiled. "Thank you, Fiona. That's what I needed to know. Congratulations on the job."
"Thank you. Have a nice day," Fiona replied as she went back to work.
Elizabeth walked out into the cool breeze, feeling more relieved than when she had walked in. So, he would be home in a few days. He hadn't just left without a farewell. Elizabeth couldn't believe how happy that news made her. Just yesterday her thoughts were jumbled. Now she realized how much she cared about Lucas.
Except he was going to leave.
Elizabeth certainly couldn't stop him if that was his plan. But she would make sure he knew how she felt before he did. And maybe that would be enough to make him stay.
###
John and Lucas rode side by side, enjoying the sunshine on this cool day. "Lucas, do you remember the rodeo we had that summer we were 18?"
Lucas laughed before responding, "Remember it? You put me on that bucking horse and my hand got stuck in the rope. I not only won the trophy for the longest ride, but ended up with a dislocated shoulder. I still have that trophy."
"You mean that old boot I dug out of Pop's closet and branded with the Circle D brand? I can't believe you kept that. Did you ever tell your parents about the shoulder?" John said, laughing.
"No, I never did. Thank God for your veterinarian that popped it back into place. When the weather is cold, I'm reminded of that injury. And I always think of you," Lucas replied, laughing.
John chuckled, "Good times, cuz. We have a lot of memories to hang our hats on. I'm glad I found you. It's good to be with family again."
"I have certainly missed you over the years. Perhaps we could go look at that land before heading back to Hope Valley in a couple of days. It would be nice to have you living nearby."
"That sounds like a great idea. Let's do that. I'm glad you came with me. This ride would be way too quiet without your company. Did you tell Elizabeth you were leaving town?" John asked.
"I haven't spoken to her since Sunday. She said she needed some time to think so I am giving it to her."
"You have always had a lot more patience than I do. If I had a pretty little thing like that to court, I would be a married man today," John said, then laughed. "Who am I kidding? I don't know if I am meant to ever get married. I had strong feelings for Ona's sister Marie, but I was just a kid. Then we moved. I always compared every other girl in Montana to Marie. Took a long while to get over her."
"What about Fiona? You two have a connection that goes back to childhood," Lucas asked.
John smiled, "Ona is like a little sister to me. I've never had those kinds of feelings towards her."
"But you aren't children anymore. And she is a beautiful woman. Smart too. And available," Lucas encouraged.
John looked over at Lucas, "She is all of that. She will be quite the catch for someone. Who knows what the future may bring? But being a bachelor is all I've ever known."
"Same here, John. But I am ready for married life. I want a wife. Don't you want that someday?"
"Sometimes I do. Sometimes I get lonely and wish I had someone to share my time with. Then other times I think I'm too ornery and set in my ways to get married," John said with a laugh.
"I also want children. Before I'm too old to enjoy them," Lucas replied.
"Even someone else's child?" John asked.
Lucas smiled as he thought of Little Jack. "Yes, even someone else's child. Elizabeth has a son. I knew that from the day I met her. I would love to hear Jack call me Daddy. And I would love to raise him as my son."
John pondered what Lucas just said. "I really hope you get your happily ever after, cuz. No one deserves it more than you."
"Thanks John," Lucas responded. "I'm just not sure if it will work out that way."
"The way I see it," John said, "Is you need to just tell her how you feel. What do you have to lose at this point? You are already concerned she has feelings for the Mountie. You might as well go for it."
Lucas thought for a moment, "I might just do that. Thanks for the advice."
John tilted his head as he looked at Lucas, "I'll race you to that big tree up there."
They both kicked their horses into a run, racing like they did as teenagers.
###
Nathan couldn't stop thinking about Fiona and how she had appeared the day before. He went looking for her and found her in the saloon. He smiled as he walked in and spotted her. "I certainly didn't expect to see you on that side of the bar."
Fiona smiled, "I just started yesterday. What can I get you Constable?"
"I'm on duty, so just some water will do for now." He watched as she filled the glass and brought it back. "Thank you, Fiona."
He took a drink and called her back over, "Uh…Fiona. Can I talk to you for a moment?"
Fiona walked back in his direction. "What can I do for you?"
"I just wanted to make sure you are okay. You looked upset yesterday when I ran into you- or rather when you almost ran into me." Nathan laughed, bringing a genuine smile to her face.
"I got some bad news in a letter from home. It's kind of personal, and I'm not sure how to handle it. But I will figure it out." Fiona seemed nervous as she spoke and that concerned Nathan.
"Fiona, I sense that you need some help with this. Are you in any danger?" Nathan wasn't sure exactly what prompted the question, he just had a strong feeling about it.
Fiona paused for a moment, looking down at the bar. When she made eye contact, Nathan saw the beginning of tears again. She cleared her throat and her voice was strong as she spoke. "Nathan, I appreciate your concern. This is something I need to work out on my own."
Nathan nodded. "Okay. Just know that I am here for you if you need me."
"Thank you. I better get back to work," Fiona said and then walked away.
Nathan finished his water and placed a coin on the bar. Then he walked to the door, turning to look at Fiona once more before leaving.
She was in danger and he had to figure out what to do about it.
###
Albert had just ridden into town after work and stopped in the mercantile for a few things. He was walking to the counter when he suddenly bumped into Molly.
"Oh, pardon me. Are you alright?" he said as he reached out his hand to make sure she didn't fall.
Molly just stood there, speechless, as she made eye contact.
"Ma'am, are you okay?" Albert asked again.
"Oh…uh…yes, yes. I'm just fine. I don't believe we have met. Molly. Molly Sullivan," she said as she backed up and reached out her hand.
"Nice to meet you Molly Molly Sullivan. I'm Albert Johnson. I work for the petroleum company. And the saloon." He gently shook her hand with a smile.
"I work the switchboard. So, if you ever need to make a call, I'm your girl." Molly said with a smile, shocked with herself at the flirtation.
"Well, that's good to know. I'll remember that should I need to make a call. Or should I need to find you. I'll see you later Molly Sullivan," Albert smiled as he tipped his chin and headed to the counter.
Molly stood there and watched him go. Then she looked at her hand, the one he shook.
Florence walked up her mouth opened in surprise. "Why Molly, I do believe you are smitten."
Molly's cheeks colored, "I would like to deny it Florence, but I do believe you are correct."
Molly walked over to the switchboard and sat down. Albert turned to look at her before walking out the door and gave her a wink, bringing more color to her cheeks.
"Molly, get yourself together," she whispered to herself, thinking of those blue eyes that she could have drowned in.
###
Elizabeth was surprised at how much she got typed up. Inspired by love, her writing now flowed out like water. She decided to take a break and walk over to the dress shop and talk to Rosemary.
It was quiet when she came in, then Rosemary walked out of the back room. "Elizabeth, I wasn't expecting to see you today. I will say you look much better than when I saw you this morning."
"Hello Rosemary. I'm just taking a little break from my writing. I was hoping to talk to you if you weren't too busy."
Rosemary gestured around the room, "As you can see, I am the only one here today. Let's take a seat in the front, that way I can see if anyone comes in."
Rosemary led her to a small table and chairs and they both sat down. Elizabeth looked a little nervous before speaking. "Rosemary, I spoke to Bill yesterday. We talked about Lucas and Nathan."
"You have my attention. Please continue," Rosemary said as she leaned forward.
Elizabeth smiled, "Bill helped me to see that my reasons for being confused had to do with Jack. And Nathan being a Mountie. Rosemary, I care about Lucas. For more than just a friend. So, I figured all this out, then you came in and told me he was moving. That is why I was so upset this morning. I went to the saloon and found out he will be back in a few days; he hasn't left for Montana yet. When he comes back, I am going to talk to him."
Rosemary's face lit up. "Elizabeth! I am so glad to hear that." Her face grew serious. "What do you plan to tell him?"
"That the hug was a mistake, and a misunderstanding. That he is the one I want to be with."
"I'm so happy that you now know your true feelings. I did have an inkling that you were falling for Lucas. It's been pretty obvious to almost everyone in town. We were just waiting for you to figure it out yourself. But what about the move to Montana?" Rosemary asked.
Elizabeth's smile faded and her face grew somber. "I know being with family might pull him away from here. I am hoping he will change his mind. That he will stay here. For me. For us."
Rosemary smiled and reached over to take her friend's hand. "I certainly hope he will do that. I am so happy you made a decision. And I pray it all works out for the best. That man is in love with you."
"Thank you, Rosemary," Elizabeth said, standing. "Now, I need a new dress. Do you think you could alter this blue one to fit me?" she said walking over to the window.
"Oh, that one is perfect for you, Elizabeth," Rosemary said, taking the dress out of the display. "It may fit you as is, it's close to your size. Let's go try it on."
"I think it will bring out my eyes. I'm hoping Lucas likes it," Elizabeth said as she walked with Rosemary to the dressing room.
"I'm sure he will love it," Rosemary said with a happy smile.
###
Lucas and John rode into Benson Hills and headed straight for the sheriff's office. John identified the men, then asked the sheriff if they had recovered his stolen horse.
"I'm pretty sure that's your animal over at the livery," the sheriff said with a laugh. "He's not the friendliest horse I've ever seen. Those men in there were glad to get rid of him when we arrested them. Good looking animal though."
John smiled, "Sounds like Outlaw. He's temperamental. He doesn't like anyone except me. But that's because I know how to sweet talk him. And I raised him from a colt. Thank you, Sheriff. I'm glad to get my identification back. Let me know if you need anything else from me and if I need to testify at their trial. I'll be in town until tomorrow then headed back to Hope Valley."
They shook hands with the sheriff and left his office. "The mercantile here has a nice selection of men's clothes. I'm going to go to the bank and then get a few things I couldn't find in Hope Valley," John said to Lucas.
"I'm going to that consultant's office and see when he can come and give me some advice. I'll meet you at the livery in an hour," Lucas responded as they parted ways.
Lucas found the office quickly and went inside to find a man sitting at a desk.
"My name is Lucas Bouchard, I'm looking for a Mr. Smith."
The man stood, "I'm Horace Smith. What can I do for you Mr. Bouchard?"
"I was hoping I could convince you to come to Hope Valley. I just bought Gowen Petroleum and I really don't know that much about the business. I trust you can give me advice on how to proceed."
Mr. Smith nodded, "Yes, I would be happy to do that, it will be a few days though. I will contact you when I get to town."
"Thank you, Mr. Smith. I will be back in Hope Valley by Thursday afternoon. You can reach me either at the petroleum office or the saloon. I look forward to doing business with you." Lucas shook his hand and walked outside.
He looked at his pocket watch and realized he still had some time to kill, so he decided to go to meet John at the mercantile. John was pretty easy to find. As soon as Lucas walked in, he heard a girl giggling and John laughing. He followed the sound to find John telling an old story to a sales girl, much to her enjoyment.
"I promise, it happened just like that," John said, bringing a bright smile of adoration from the young lady. He looked over and saw Lucas, "Hey cuz. I guess you got finished early."
Lucas smiled, "Yes. I thought I would come look around since I was ahead of schedule. Take your time."
Lucas strolled around with nothing in particular in mind. As he walked, he wished Elizabeth was with him. He could picture them shopping together. Lucas hoped that daydreaming about Elizabeth wasn't all that he would have. He had to hold onto the hope that she would realize that she wanted to be with him and not Nathan. He wouldn't really allow his thoughts any further in that direction. It hurt to think of a future without her.
He looked up to see John at the counter paying for his merchandise. It looked like he bought quite a bit. He asked the clerk if he would ship it to Hope Valley for him and pulled out his wallet to pay for everything. Lucas watched him place a small bag from the counter into his pocket.
"Well cuz," John said as Lucas walked up, "What do you say to me buying you lunch? They have a nice little café here."
"That sounds like a great idea. Then we can go see this horse of yours. You named him Outlaw? Was he from the ranch?"
"Yes. You didn't see him when you were there 5 years ago, he was out in the pasture chasing the ladies around," John said and laughed.
"He must be quite a horse," Lucas said.
"You have no idea," John said as they left the store.
###
Fiona closed her door behind her and walked over to the desk. The time flew by her first full day on the job, and she thought she would enjoy working at the saloon. She sat down and picked up the crumpled letter, straightening it out so she could read it once again.
My dear Fiona,
Everyone at home is fine. I am hoping this letter finds you well, but this letter isn't to inquire about your health. I have some information that you will find distressing.
I am sending this as quickly as possible after hearing the news. I didn't want to call, just in case someone might overhear our conversation.
I hate to be the one to tell you, but Anthony Savage is back. No sooner had he come into the city than I was told he was asking about you. Right now, he doesn't know where you are, but you know how determined he can be when he wants something. Or someone…
If you have somebody you can trust, please reach out to them. I hope no harm comes to you. Please be careful. And keep me posted when you can.
I will be praying for you.
All my love,
Maman
Fiona sat there contemplating. She understood why her mother didn't call, a letter was safer. Fiona looked at the date in the corner of the stationary- four weeks ago. It must have been delayed. That was long enough that Savage could already be in Hope Valley. She should have talked to Johnny before he left, but it was too late to think about that now. Right now, she needed to decide whether to tell Nathan, or just wait to see if Savage found her.
Hopefully he wouldn't and Fiona wouldn't have to face him again.
###
Author's Note: We don't know much about Fiona's background. I have tried to create an interesting story with her. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I am enjoying writing it. I did use some imagination and creative license, so bear that in mind as the story goes along.
