Quinn looked out of the train window, watching the countryside pass by. Her mind was in a whirl; so much had happened since she had agreed to Bill's offer.
With Sam's help, she had spent time organising to close up the house in Oakville in readiness to sell it, knowing she would never live there again. Most of her clothing and other personal items were packed up in a wagon to be transported to Hope Valley. The Wagon had departed the same day as them; she wouldn't need those items straight away, so a slight delay wouldn't matter. Quinn had brought those items with sentimental value and some personal things she would need immediately. Everything else was left to be sold with the house. Quinn had arranged for her Horse, Misty Dawn, to travel to Hope Valley on the same Train in a special carriage designed to transport animals and livestock. She was concerned that Misty would fret, but Gabe reassured her that Appollo, his horse, would keep her company and had travelled safely on the Train before.
Documentation regarding the house sale and the estate would be directed to Hope Valley. Quinn was sure she could convince Bill to help her with the paperwork if she had any questions. The sale of her father's business would take a little longer; there were already several interested parties, and each was willing to up their bid to beat their competitors.
Quinn brought her attention back to the train carriage and her travelling companions. She looked at Bill; he appeared to be sleeping, but Quinn doubted he was; his eyes were closed, but she was sure his mind was mulling over all the things he had to do when he returned to Hope Valley, including winning the Mayoral race. Her eyes looked across to Constable Gabe Kinslow, who sat opposite her next to Bill. As she looked at Gabe, she realised he was studying her as well, they both smiled at being caught.
"Will you tell me what you know about Hope Valley and its people Gabe? It would be nice to get an unbiased opinion." As she finished talking, Bill made a sudden noise of protest; Quinn laughed, knowing he would love to say something, but if he did, it would give away the ruse he was asleep. She watched as a smile spread across Gabe's face; he too realised what Bill was doing.
"This will be my first visit to Hope Valley, actually, although the Constable there, Constable Grant and his daughter Allie have visited Brookfield several times. What I know of the Town comes from them, Bill and my Fiance Lillian, she and her sister Grace spent some time there several years ago." Gabe again looked at Bill to see if he wanted to intervene, but he seemed content to remain 'asleep'.
Gabe continued saying, "I know it's a wonderful place to live, with a real sense of community. They come together to offer support to those in need. This also extends to those just travelling through like Lillian. Although it is a small town, it has a lot to offer, there are quite a few shops and businesses in Hope Valley, and I hear the Saloon is the place to go for a good meal." he said, grinning.
Quinn looked over at Bill; Gabe's comments had finally provoked him to wake up and join the conversation. "You know Abigail's cafe is the best place in town to eat", Bill said, opening one eye and glaring at Gabe. "Although you might never find that out, you could be the first person to be banned before they have even sampled the food!"
Quinn and Gabe laughed at Bill, Quinn hoping he was joking, Gabe almost sure he was. Taking advantage of the fact Bill had joined the conversation, she decided to ask him about Hope Valley. "Bill, can you tell me more about Hope Valley, the people I will be living and working with? It sounds like Abigail is someone to get to know?"
Bill took a moment to think about where to start. "I guess I will begin at the Cafe. There is no Abigail anymore. Abigail opened the Cafe several years ago, and after a time, I became her business partner. She left to attend to her sick mother, and while the ownership of the Cafe has changed, the name never has. She keeps in touch with her friends, but I am not sure if or when she will be back."
Quinn sensed more to that story; however, she wanted to know more about the townspeople before following up about Abigail.
Bill continued, "you have heard both Gabe and I refer to Constable Nathan Grant and his daughter Allie. Nathan is a good Mountie; and the best tracker in Canada." Bill was interrupted by a cough from Gabe. "Sorry, one of the best trackers in Canada", he continued with a grin. His daughter Allie is kind, bright, intelligent and a hard worker. She works part-time on the switchboard in Town, she is very mature for her age. I guess that happens when you have lived the life she has."
Quinn frowned; how much of life can she have lived? From what Gabe had said, she assumed Allie was only just a Teenager. Quinn opened her mouth to seek clarification, but Bill continued speaking.
"Leland Coulter runs the local Sawmill, his wife Rosemary has just restarted the local newspaper. Lee is a Good Man, solid and trustworthy. His Sawmill saved the Town after the mining disaster you have heard about from Sam. Rosemary is hard to describe; other than to say she is a force of nature, I think you should meet Rosemary and make up your own mind."
Bill continued to describe the townspeople, The Pastor Joseph Clanfield and his family, The Yost's who ran the Mercantile, Fiona the Town Barber. He talked about Faith Carter Hope Valley's Doctor, Mike Hickham, who worked in the Oil business run by Lucas Bouchard. Bill described Lucas Bouchard, who also ran the local Saloon, and Elizabeth Thornton, the schoolteacher courting him; she was also the widow of the Towns first Mountie. He briefly mentioned a woman named Molly, his face flushing as he said her name.
Quinn let him talk, listening as he said something about each person. Quinn could tell; he was leaving ten things out for everything he told her. Although she listened to Bill, she watched Gabe's reactions to his comments. Interestingly, he smiled when Bill talked about Allie, Molly, Faith, and the other townspeople. He frowned at the names Lucas Bouchard and Elizabeth Thornton. Quinn also noted he said very little about Nathan Grant. Quinn was curious about this, Gabe and Bill were clearly close to Nathan, yet they spoke of him the least.
"It all sounds perfect, Bill, but surely there is something that has happened or is happening that mars the perfection of the place," Quinn said; she made sure her tone was light, making it a joke although she was genuinely curious. "No shady business deals? no small-town scandal?".
Bill and Gabe looked at each other, silently communicating something Quinn couldn't figure out. Bill responded, "no scandal to talk about, but there could be some shady business deals. Something is happening at the moment with a Mr Walden and his Pinkertons, we can't quite work out what, but I will get to the bottom of it."
"Don't you mean the Mountie's will get to the bottom of it?" queried Quinn. Bill shook his head at her, smiling but choosing not to answer; instead, he waved his hand at her in dismissal and closed his eyes. He tilted his head back against the seat and went back to sleep. While no longer a Mountie, Quinn realised Bill was still very much a Mountie at heart. She glanced at Gabe, who was also shaking his head; he smiled but said nothing.
Quinn let her own eye's close, thinking about what she had learned about Hope Valley and what hadn't been said. She was curious to know more about the Town and what Bill and Gabe weren't telling her. She couldn't wait to arrive.
"Quinn, wake up!" said Bill, leaning over, his hand on her shoulder, shaking her softly. "We are just about to pull into the Hope Valley Terminal; you don't want to sleep through your first sight of your new home Town." Bill watched as Quinn stretched, yawned, and, leaning over, looked out the window. "Gabe has gone back to the Horses to get them ready to disembark," he said.
Quinn, now fully awake, smiled at Bill. "Thank you for waking me; I didn't plan to fall asleep, although I haven't been sleeping well of late. Do you think Gabe will need help with the horses? I am more than happy to go and help him if you could manage my luggage." Quinn didn't want to admit it to Bill, but now they were so close to Hope Valley she was feeling very nervous. The magnitude of what she was doing hit her with a rush, and her stomach filled with butterflies.
Bill watched the play of emotions across Quinn's face. He didn't need to use his investigative skills to determine Quinn's feelings. Of course, she was nervous; who could blame her; this was a significant change for her; it would be for anyone. Bill was glad he had organised for Mike Hickam to collect them from the Station instead of Lee Coulter. While Lee would be very welcoming, he might have brought Rosemary along, and she could be 'overwhelming' for someone who didn't know her. No, Mike would be just the person, quiet and calm; he wouldn't overwhelm Quinn in her first moment of arriving in Hope valley. Bill could also question him about his strategies for the Mayoral election.
As the Train slowed then stopped, Quinn got her first glimpse of Hope Valley. She didn't know what to think, except... how disappointing. Quinn had expected it to be small, but the way Bill had spoken, it was quite the thriving Town. "So Bill, can you see your office from here?" Quinn asked.
Bill looked at her strangely, then realisation dawned. "This isn't Hope Valley; this is the Train Depot. We need to drive to the Town. Bill shook his head, his amusement clear on his face, "you should have seen your face, Quinn. A tip for you - never play Poker!"
Quinn's face heated, sorry to have been caught thinking so poorly of the Town Bill was so proud of. But really, he could have explained a little better, she thought. Looking around her seat, she gathered the items she had brought with her on the Train, not wanting to leave anything behind. Quinn watched as Bill did the same for his own things; clearly, Gabe had already taken his own belongings with him when he went to see to the horses.
Bill ushered Quinn out of the Train before him; he paused at the train door, looking around to see if Mike was there, hoping he was on time and waiting for them. There were very few people leaving the Train at Hope Valley, so he spotted Mike quickly; as he made eye contact with him, Mike waved and headed toward Bill. Bill looked around for Quinn and saw her waiting for him a few steps away. He stepped down from the Train onto the platform and offered Quinn his arm. As Mike approached the two of them, Bill said, "Mike, good to see you and thank you for coming."
Mike smiled at Bill "no problem, Bill, anytime," he said as his eyes drifted across to take in Quinn, surprised. Bill had told him that his new assistant was coming to Town with him but hadn't provided any other details; Mike had presumed Bill's assistant would be male. Mike silently berated himself; he shouldn't be thinking that way, considering how many of the Towns businesses were run by Women and run well. Instead of waiting for Bill to introduce the two of them, Mike took the initiative, extending his right hand towards Quinn; he smiled and said, "Hello, my name is Mike Hickam; it's lovely to meet you, please call me Mike or Hickam."
"Quinn Standing, nice to meet you too," she said, returning his shy smile. "Thank you so much for coming to collect us, Mike, and please call me Quinn. Is it a very long trip from Hope Valley?" Quinn was hoping it wasn't; she was a little tired from the travelling and wanted nothing more than to settle Misty Dawn into the Livery, wash up and go to bed.
"Not far at all, Ms Standing, it's just more convenient to bring the car when you might have luggage and other items to carry. Can I take any bags for you?" Mike asked, looking between Quinn and Bill noting only two small bags.
Bill shook his head and spoke before Quinn could respond, "no thanks, Mike, we just have what we are carrying; the rest of Quinn's things will follow in a wagon and should arrive in the next few days. Gabe Kinslow has the remainder of our things; he went to get the horses off the Train." Bill moved away from the station as he spoke, heading towards the car Hickam had arrived in; still holding onto Quinn's arm, he led her towards the parked vehicle.
Quinn settled herself in the car's back seat, leaving the front seat for Bill. She waited as Mike and Bill seated themselves, then Mike drove off slowly, avoiding the other people from the Train who were milling around. As they drove to where Gabe was waiting, Quinn looked at the horses through the car's front window; she checked Misty Dawn over. Her horse seemed to be doing well, with no apparent stress or strain from the trip on the Train. Gabe waited, the horse's tack and other items piled around him, ready for them to collect.
They piled the remaining items into the car, and Gabe assured Quinn it would be no trouble to take Misty to the Livery at the same time as Appollo. Quinn agreed she would visit later after hearing the stables were a short walk from Bill's office and Abigail's Cafe. Bill had arranged for her to stay temporarily at the Cafe, explaining that Jesse and Clara, who usually lived there, were away on an extended trip.
They drove away from the train depot towards Hope Valley. Once again, Quinn studied her surroundings and was excited when, shortly into the trip, she saw a water tower with 'Welcome to Hope Valley' painted on it. Quinn looked at Mike as he peered over his shoulder at her, and she saw him smile.
Babbling, Mike said, "I painted that message a few years ago when the Town changed its name from coal valley. It is a much better name for the Town; it suits us. I hope once you get settled and have the chance to meet more people, start to feel at home you agree with me." Realising how much he had said, he quickly quieted, looking embarrassed. He swallowed and said, "besides, I am sure Bill has filled you in on the Town during your trip here."
Quinn laughed and said, "Mike, I think Bill was quite selective when telling me about the Town, so I will have some work to do to find out everything I need too. I am looking forward to settling in and getting to know the people. I am hoping to make this my home." Quinn once again looked out the window as they headed into Town.
Quinn relaxed back against the seat, content to listen to Mike and Bill, as they took turns providing details about the buildings they passed and information about the people who lived and worked in them.