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Chapter 4

"Thank you for lunch," Nathan said, nodding at Elizabeth and Laura. "It was wonderful, but I think Betsy and I have imposed long enough."

"You can't go yet," Elizabeth entreated. "We haven't talked about school."

"Oh, of course. That is why we're here, isn't it?" He smiled at his niece, who seemed much more at ease after finishing her dessert.

In fact, Betsy still held her spoon, even though she'd scraped her bowl clean.

"Would you like seconds, dear?" Elizabeth asked, giving a questioning look to Laura, who nodded that there was plenty more.

"Yes, please," Betsy replied with a shy smile.

"How about you, constable?" She took in his tall, thin frame and thought he could use a little more meat on his bones.

"No, I couldn't possibly," he said. "I had my fill, and then some — unlike some people." He grinned, directing his blue-eyed gaze at Betsy, who giggled.

Elizabeth laughed along with her. "Seconds on dessert is fine — once. But next time we have you over for a meal, you must clean your plate. Agreed?"

"Yes, ma'am." Betsy smiled.

"Good. I think you and I are going to get along just fine. Now, I'll get your dessert, and Laura, would you collect my book bag from the shelf so we can go over some of the class's current lessons?"

"Yes, Mrs. Thornton." Laura scooted out her chair and stopped. "It sounds like little Jack is awake. May I bring him down?"

"Yes, please, and I'll prepare him a bottle. It'll just take a moment," she told her guests.

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"Mrs. Thornton is nice," Betsy said, after Elizabeth brought her seconds on cobbler and returned to the kitchen to get the bottle ready.

"Indeed, she is," Nathan agreed. "She may be the nicest person I've met in Hope Valley."

"Where is her husband, little Jack's father?"

Nathan put a finger to his lips and answered in a hushed voice. "He was a Mountie, and he died in an accident last year."

"What kind of accident?" Her eyes signaled alarm. "What if you have an accident, Uncle Nathan?"

Her eyes were drawn to Nathan's side. His injury — and the reason for it — was still foremost in her mind. She slid her hand across the table and touched his.

He tenderly clasped it in both of his. "No need to worry, Betsy. I have a feeling we'll both be safe here — together."

"Predicting the future again, constable?" Elizabeth said cheerfully from the bottom of the staircase, where she collected Jack from Laura's arms. "Let's move into the sitting area where we'll be more comfortable. Jack can take his bottle as we talk."

Laura completed the task she'd been assigned before going upstairs, stacking a few books and papers on a small table in front of them, and then sat near Elizabeth on the sofa, poised to assist as needed.

"We're studying English history," Elizabeth paused as Laura pulled a familiar book from the stack. "Betsy, would you like to sit between us for a better look?"

Nathan abruptly stood up from his upholstered armchair. "Pardon me, ladies. As Betsy is happily occupied — and if you don't mind my dashing off so soon — I would like check in at the sheriff's office."

"Oh, of course. You have your duties to attend to, and we have ours. But I'd like a word with you before you go. Let me walk you out."

Elizabeth shifted Jack and his bottle into Laura's ready arms.

He nodded, following her to the door. "I won't be long, Betsy. Are you sure you'll be all right?"

"Yes, Uncle Nathan," Betsy said, happily cooing at little Jack, who rewarded her with a smile.

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"Is there something on your mind?" Nathan asked when they were out on the front stoop. He moved down two steps so they would be closer to eye level.

"Yes. It's about Betsy. Nathan, I was thinking …"

"I'm Nathan, finally?" he said with a smile.

She flushed. "I'm sorry. Constable."

"Nathan is fine." His smile widened, revealing a fine row of white teeth. "Please continue."

"The saloon isn't a proper dwelling place for a little girl," she began.

"I'm in complete agreement, but there don't seem to be any other options."

"Let her stay with me."

"Move in with you?" He visibly reacted to the suggestion. "That would be even less appropriate than living above a saloon, Mrs. Thornton." He emphasized her name.

If Elizabeth's face was flushed before, it was beet-red now. "I mean Betsy — Betsy alone."

His own face reddened at his misunderstanding.

"I'm sorry, but if her grandmother got wind of such a thing — if I were to give up guardianship of her …"

"And what do you think will happen if her grandmother gets wind of the saloon?" she challenged.

Caught between a rock and a hard place, he had no choice but to listen.

"You wouldn't be giving her up," Elizabeth clarified. "She would be my houseguest — sleeping in my home and walking to school with me — but in your care the rest of the time, unless you're on assignment. It would also solve your need to find a sitter or nanny for her when you're on duty."

He leaned against the porch post, deep in thought.

Elizabeth finally broke the silence. "This is her first night in Hope Valley. It will set the tone for her entire stay. You have the rest of the afternoon to think about it — to pray about it — and decide what's best."

"Thank you, but I don't see how we could take you up on such a generous offer," he said reluctantly.

"Little Jack and I would be delighted to have the company. But you know your niece better than I do. If she needs the security of having her uncle close by, I understand. I'd just like to make your lives easier and ensure that my newest student is able to join us in class on Monday, happy and well rested — and that she stays that way until you can find more suitable lodging."

"You make a compelling case, Mrs. Thornton," he said. "Are you sure you're a teacher and not an attorney?"

She laughed sweetly. "I have been known to put my skill at persuasion to use from time to time. Is it working?"

"I'm almost convinced. But as you said, I need to give it serious thought."

"I await your decision, and I won't breathe a word to her about our discussion."

"Thank you." He tipped his hat. "I'll return in a few hours with an answer. You have my promise."

"One more thing, constable? If you do decide the two of you should stay at the saloon, and if at any time you feel it isn't working out, come to me. My offer will remain open."

"Thank you," he said, quickly turning to go. After a taking a step, he looked back and said again, "I sincerely thank you."

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See Chapter 5

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Thank you to all who have offered enthusiastic reviews of my story!

My heart goes out to those who prefer to read stories about Elizabeth and Jack.

I know that his loss will forever be felt.

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If you enjoyed this story, please check out my fan fiction about "Chesapeake Shores."

Search fanfiction . net for writer "Annette Zoaps"

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