Chapter 10— A Time to Heal
Elizabeth and Rosemary sat drinking tea and watching Little Jack playing with his toys.
Rosemary looked at the clock and Elizabeth spoke. "Rosemary, that is the fifth time you have looked at the clock in the last few minutes."
"I'm just so worried about Fiona. I am hoping the men find her safe and sound very soon."
Elizabeth reached over and placed her hand on Rosemary's arm. "I know you two are close. I'm sure she will be just fine."
Rosemary smiled as she patted Elizabeth's hand. "I have to believe that too," she said as she looked up at the clock once again.
###
The ride back to town was quiet. Fiona was pensive after the ordeal she had gone through and Nathan kept his eye on her as she rode in silence. Most likely she had not had much sleep if any at all; she looked exhausted. She was a strong woman, and he knew she would be fine over time, he just hoped she could put it behind her quickly. At least Savage was dead and couldn't hurt her anymore. It unsettled him how a woman like her could have struggled so much in her life with the troubles the Savage boys had caused. Her strength was one of the things he was drawn to. And the fact she was about the most beautiful lady he had ever laid eyes on. As he thought, he realized how different his feelings were for Fiona than what he thought he felt for Elizabeth.
When he looked at the bruises on her face, it made him want to kill Savage all over again. But he couldn't allow himself to dwell on that. Nathan needed to figure out what he would do with his newly discovered feelings for her. And he wanted to help her get past the trauma of the last few days. He glanced at John and saw that he also was keeping a close watch over Fiona. Nathan didn't know exactly how John and Fiona felt about each other, but they did have a lot of history and seemed very close.
He just hoped it went no further than friendship.
###
As the group rode into town, Florence saw them through the window of the mercantile. She watched as they went by, seeing the bruises on Fiona's face. Florence went quickly to the switchboard and called Rosemary's house.
"Rosemary, they are back."
"Is Fiona with them? Is she alright?"
"She is with them. She has some bruises. They are headed to the infirmary."
"Thank you, Florence. We are coming that way."
Elizabeth was very impatient, "What did she say? How is Fiona?"
Rosemary hung up the phone with tears in her eyes. "They are going to the infirmary. She is bruised. That's all I know."
"Let me call Lucas, then we can go. Laura said I could drop Jack off at her house if I needed to," Elizabeth said then called the office and told Lucas what little she knew. She then picked up Jack and walked to the door.
Rosemary closed the door behind them as they quickly went to drop Jack off and headed to check on Fiona. They didn't speak, both praying quietly for their friend. They saw several horses as they arrived, then walked in.
Nathan and John were both standing in the waiting area and looked at them as they entered.
"How is she?" Elizabeth asked immediately, looking at Nathan.
"She is bruised up and exhausted. Carson is looking her over," he answered, and then began pacing. Elizabeth watched him for a second then looked at Rosemary, puzzled at his behavior.
"Was anyone else hurt?" Rosemary asked.
"Only the man who took her. He won't hurt her anymore," John answered. "The judge took his accomplice to the jail."
The ladies nodded at the information.
Carson walked in and motioned for Rosemary and Elizabeth to come with him, "She heard your voices and wants to see you."
They went with Carson and saw Fiona sitting on the edge of the bed. They tried not to react as they saw her bruised face. Tears filled Fiona's eyes and she smiled when they walked in. "Last night I didn't know if I would ever see you two again," she said, her voice full of emotion.
"How are you feeling, sweetie?" Rosemary asked as she sat on one side of Fiona and gently placed her arm around her friend. Elizabeth sat on her other side and held her hand.
"Carson said I will heal up and shouldn't have any scars on my face. I'm not hurt anywhere else, just tired and hungry."
Rosemary gave her a sympathetic smile. "You are coming home with me to recuperate. No arguments. I want to keep you close for a bit. You can stay in our extra room."
"That is very kind Rosemary. I didn't really want to be alone right now," Fiona responded.
"Good. Then it's settled," Rosemary said.
"Fiona, I can go back to your hotel room with you and help you gather some things. That way Rosemary can go get her house prepared," Elizabeth offered.
"I would appreciate that," Fiona replied.
Rosemary left quickly to ready Fiona's room.
Carson had waited until they were finished speaking, then interjected. "Fiona, I want you to get a good meal and plenty of liquids and then sleep as long as you need to. Get some rest the next few days. Your body has a lot of healing to do. And I am here to talk, anytime you need to."
Fiona nodded, "Thank you, Carson. I appreciate it."
Elizabeth walked slowly with Fiona as they entered the waiting area. Both men were still there looking anxious. "I am going to be just fine. I'm going to stay with Rosemary for a while," Fiona said with a slight smile. "You two look like a couple of worry warts."
"I'm just concerned about you, Ona. I'm glad you will be alright. Please let me know if you need anything. Good day, Elizabeth," John said as he tipped his chin, looked at Nathan, and left the infirmary.
"Fiona, I'm glad you will be staying with the Coulter's," Nathan said, keeping eye contact with her. "I am always here for you, don't forget that."
"Thank you, Nathan. And thank you for rescuing me," Fiona responded.
"I'll come check on you soon, if that's alright," Nathan said.
"Of course. See you later," Fiona replied.
"Elizabeth," Nathan said with a nod and left.
"I think we may have a lot to talk about when we get to Rosemary's house," Elizabeth said after watching the interaction.
"I…Elizabeth, I'm sorry. I know you and Nathan…" Fiona tried to speak and couldn't get her thoughts together as they walked out the door.
Lucas was just walking up as they came outside. "Fiona, I am so glad to see that you are okay. I spoke to John and he said he would cover for you at the saloon while you heal. Take as long as you need." He then looked at Elizabeth and smiled, still speaking to Fiona, "Looks like you are in good hands."
"Thank you, Lucas. I have wonderful friends," Fiona replied.
"I'll see you later, Elizabeth," Lucas said, bringing a bright smile from the woman he loved.
"I'm looking forward to it," Elizabeth replied, then watched Lucas walk away.
It was Fiona's turn to be curious, "I think you are right, Elizabeth. We do have a lot to talk about."
Elizabeth laughed and put her arm around Fiona's shoulder as they walked. "Much has happened in the last few days, my dear friend. We will get all caught up shortly."
###
Nathan walked over to Opal's house to let Allie know he was back home. He had gone to the jail briefly and started on the paperwork they had to fill out on the kidnapping and Savage's death, but he found he couldn't concentrate and decided to do it later. Homer Sneed was being transferred tomorrow. Nathan was glad it was almost over and wanted a hug from his niece.
Opal opened the door when he knocked and invited him in. "Allie, your uncle is here," she said as he walked in.
"Hi Uncle Nathan," Allie said from the couch, her wrapped foot propped up on a pillow.
"What happened to you? Are you okay?" Nathan asked as he walked over to the couch and leaned down to give her a hug.
"We had an adventure," Opal exclaimed.
"What kind of adventure?" Nathan asked curiously.
"We went to the old oak tree to look for something to do. I twisted my ankle when I rolled down the hill. Dr. Shepherd said it should be better in a week or so," Allie said.
"And I was scared because I couldn't help her back up the hill," Opal declared. "So, I came running back to town and found Mr. Bouchard."
"Mr…. Bouchard?" Nathan asked.
"Yes. He asked me to keep his watch for him and he rode out and brought Allie back to town."
"He's a hero. You should have seen him Uncle Nathan. He got his suit all muddy coming down the hill, and then he tore his shirt to wrap my foot up. He gave me a piggy-back ride up the hill and we rode home on his horse. And he didn't even mind that his suit got messed up. He said my foot was more important than his clothes," Allie stated proudly.
"They looked pretty funny when they came into the infirmary. They were all muddy," Opal added with a giggle.
Nathan stood there silently for a moment. "What did Carson say about your foot?"
"Oh, it's just a sprain," Allie responded.
"Well, that's good. I'm glad it wasn't worse. I'll come back in a couple of hours and take you home."
Opal's mother walked in just before he spoke. "Constable Grant, I would be happy to keep her here a few more days. The girls are getting along quite well. That way she wouldn't be alone while you work. If you don't mind, of course."
"Please Uncle Nathan," Allie begged.
Nathan smiled at Opal's mother, "Thank you. That sounds like a great idea." Then he looked at Allie, "I'll come check on you tomorrow. You stay off of that foot." He leaned down and kissed her cheek, giving her another hug as she wrapped her arms around his neck.
"Bye Uncle Nathan."
"I'll see you all tomorrow," he said as he walked out and closed the door.
Nathan stood on the porch for a moment, just thinking about what Allie had told him about Bouchard. Then he decided he needed to talk to Bill.
###
Elizabeth and Fiona knocked on Rosemary's door. "Come in," she said as she opened it, motioning them with her hand.
She led Fiona to the table, where she had laid out a bowl of soup and a sandwich. "Oh, thank you so much, Rosemary. I am famished," Fiona said as she took a bite of her sandwich.
"And here is a nice hot cup of tea to go with it. There is more soup if you want a second helping. After you eat, you can have a nice hot bath before you settle in for a good long rest," Rosemary replied. "Elizabeth, do you want anything?"
"Rosemary you stuffed me right before Fiona got back. Thank you, though."
Elizabeth and Rosemary sat down at the table with Fiona. They let her eat some before they began a conversation.
"I thought perhaps I should let you know what is going on," Elizabeth stated. "Last night, Lucas and I…began a relationship."
Fiona's eyes grew wide. "Really? Lucas? I mean…I knew he was in love with you, but after the hug…I thought maybe you and Nathan…"
Elizabeth smiled. "That hug was nothing more than thinking about my late husband. It took a few days to figure that out. I love Lucas. And he loves me."
The relief on Fiona's face was apparent to Elizabeth. "I am so happy for you, Elizabeth. For both of you."
"Isn't it awesome? We have a new romance in Hope Valley," Rosemary exclaimed.
"Well, I personally think it's pretty great, but then again it's me," Elizabeth teased. "Fiona, I am wondering something. If it's none of my business, just tell me. Do you have feelings for Nathan?"
Fiona looked a little hesitant, "What makes you ask that?"
"Because of your reaction at the infirmary. Like you were concerned that Nathan and I might be a couple."
Fiona took a deep breath. "I haven't told anyone this, but I have been crazy about Nathan since he came to town. He has never shown any interest in me…well, honestly because he was pursuing you, Elizabeth. And maybe I'm just not his type."
"Fiona, I had no idea. And I don't think Nathan knows either. What can I do?" Rosemary asked.
Elizabeth thought for a moment, "Fiona, look at you. You are classy, stylish and beautiful. Nathan would be crazy not to notice you. How did he act when he found you today? If you don't mind talking about what happened."
Fiona told them the whole story, from the letter she received from her mother to leaving with Savage last night to the rescue. "When Nathan shot Anthony, I ran to Johnny. After he checked on Savage, Nathan came to see how I was and as I thanked him, I wrapped my arms around his neck in gratitude."
Fiona's eyes looked dreamy as she recalled that moment.
"How did Nathan react to that?" Elizabeth asked.
"He embraced me and held me. I didn't want him to let go. I've never been hugged like that before- it was so different than Johnny's hug. It felt very…intimate. There were a couple of times we made eye contact today that I thought maybe…but I believed you and he were an item, or about to be." Fiona covered her mouth as she yawned.
Elizabeth and Rosemary looked at each other. "I think possibly Nathan may be realizing what he felt for me was nothing more than friendship. We will talk more later Fiona. I need to go get Jack and I have beef stew to make. Lucas is coming for dinner. And you need to get some rest."
Elizabeth stood and leaned down to hug Fiona. "I am so glad you are safe."
She said good-bye to both of them and left.
"Rosemary, do you mind if I call my mother and let her know I am alright? I'm sure she has been worried half sick since she sent the letter," Fiona said.
"Of course, let's take care of that right now," Rosemary responded as she picked up the phone and got Florence to make the call. Fiona took the receiver and waited until she was connected.
"Maman? It's Fiona… I'm okay. Savage was here, but he can't hurt me anymore. I'm with friends that are taking good care of me…We will talk soon…I love you too, goodbye." Fiona hung up the telephone and smiled at Rosemary. "Thank you so much," she said as she yawned once again.
"Come on. Let's get that bath started and get you to bed. We will chat more later, or tomorrow if you sleep through," Rosemary said as she helped Fiona to her feet and up the stairs.
###
Nathan had a lot to think about as he walked back to the office. When he entered, Bill looked up. "Your face says you need a cup of coffee. I could use one myself. Let's go." Nathan nodded as they left and was contemplative as they walked over to the café. Bill got them some coffee, and they sat down at a table. The café was mostly empty this time of the day.
Bill took a sip and set his cup down. "I'm all ears. That shooting today is a lot to process. What's going through your mind?"
Nathan gave a slight smile before speaking, "I haven't even gotten to that yet. I've been thinking a lot about what we discussed before I left town the other day."
"Elizabeth."
Nathan nodded, "Yes, Elizabeth. I never thought I would say this, but you were right. I'm not in love with her."
Bill raised his eyebrow. "I see. Go on."
Nathan cleared his throat, "In fact, I…think…I have feelings for Fiona."
Bill raised both eyebrows this time. Then he nodded his head. "Well, that would explain your concern for her before you left. Are you sure this isn't another 'damsel in distress' situation? You thought Elizabeth needed protection from Bouchard, and now this kidnapping with Fiona. You are a Mountie after all, and rescue is part of the job."
"I have to admit, I want to protect her. But not in the same way as I thought Elizabeth needed protecting. I thought Bouchard was like my father and I didn't want him to hurt Elizabeth like my mother was hurt. It wasn't a protection born out of love, but concern for her welfare. But with Fiona its…different. I did a lot of thinking when I was alone. I realized that I rarely thought of Elizabeth when I was out of town. I didn't miss her either. That realization reinforced what you said- that I wasn't in love with her. But the last few weeks, even before this Savage incident, I have been thinking of Fiona a lot. Her smile. Her beauty. Her personality. And when I was honest with myself about Elizabeth, I found that my feelings towards Fiona were something else altogether."
Bill smiled. "If that hug that she gave you earlier is any indication, I'd say she likes you too."
Nathan looked uncertain. "Then apparently you didn't see who she ran to first. It wasn't me."
"I saw. I'm not sure it means anything other than she needed comfort. They grew up together. He's a good friend. Maybe even like a brother. I wouldn't let that hug hold you back. Hugs don't always mean romantic love," Bill said with a smirk.
Nathan smiled at the reference. "Well, we both know that's true," he said, then grew quiet.
"Is there something else you wanted to discuss?" Bill asked.
"Allie sprained her ankle while I was gone. Apparently, Bouchard rescued her. He ruined a shirt when he tore it to wrap her foot. And didn't hesitate to get his good clothes muddy. That definitely isn't who I thought he was."
"We both were suspicious of him when he first came to town. I think your history with your father clouded your vision, and I was just mad that he bought the saloon out from under me. But he has done a lot for Hope Valley. And he seems to adore Elizabeth."
Nathan nodded again. "I think I owe him and Elizabeth an apology. That is hard to admit."
"And yet you just did. That's a good first step," Bill said, smiling.
###
Elizabeth was excited to make her first meal for Lucas. The stew was cooking and smelled wonderful. She had also baked a chocolate cake- because, who doesn't like chocolate cake? Jack was playing quietly with his toys. She went and checked her reflection in the mirror just as she heard a knock on the door. When she opened it, Lucas stood there with a single white rose. He broke out into a huge smile when he saw her.
"Good evening, Elizabeth," he said as she invited him in. "A lovely rose for a lovely lady." He leaned in and kissed her cheek.
"Thank you, it's beautiful. Jack look who is here. Lucas came to visit you," Elizabeth said as she took the rose and breathed in its aroma.
Jack jumped up from playing with his toys and ran to hug Lucas' leg, surprising both Lucas and Elizabeth. "Well, hello little man. What are you playing with today?" Lucas said as he softly rubbed Jack's head.
"He's really into books these days so don't be surprised if he asks you to read him one," Elizabeth said, pleased to see that Jack wasn't shy around Lucas. "Do you mind watching him a moment while I check on dinner?"
"Of course not. We will get along just fine," Lucas responded as Jack took his hand and led him to his toys. Elizabeth smiled and went back to the kitchen. She had fed Jack early tonight, just before Lucas got here. As she stood there, she couldn't help but observe them together, thinking that indeed she had made a great choice not only for herself, but for Little Jack. She watched as Jack held up a book and Lucas carefully picked him up and carried him to the couch. He sat down and placed Jack on his lap. She stepped a bit closer so she could eavesdrop on their conversation.
"Ok, Jack. What book are we reading today?" Lucas asked.
"Pea Wabbit," Jack replied.
"That is a great choice, Jack. Peter Rabbit is one of my favorites." Lucas opened the book exclaiming over the first illustration. "Wow! Look at that! Look at all the colors, Jack. Do you know your colors?"
Elizabeth stood there staring at the two she loved most in the world. Her eyes welled up as she realized what a great father Lucas would be to Jack should they get married. Then she went back to her cooking.
