Nathan and Quinn stood looking over Hope Valley, where they had stood on their first ride together. Looking down at the Town, Quinn felt a sense of peace settle over her. Quinn leaned back against Nathan's chest as he stood behind her, his arms wrapped loosely around her waist. Quinn was still worried about what would happen when everyone found out about her past, and she knew Nathan was concerned about her. Quinn felt Nathan place a kiss on her head and smiled. Lifting his hand to her lips, she kissed his palm, enjoying the comfort his presence brought to her. After her earlier panic and heightened emotions, she felt better and knew it was because of Nathan's love for her.
Quinn understood it was inevitable the townspeople found out about her past. Elizabeth Thornton had seen to that. Even if Elizabeth didn't spread the information personally, Florence might. Besides, someone digging around in Oakville about her would be enough to reignite the gossip and spread the story to Hope Valley eventually. If Elizabeth knew her history, so did the other Thatchers, that and being involved with the Fielding's guaranteed it; maybe they thought they could use it to get her to sell to the company to them. "I wish we could stay here forever; the only thing missing is Allie," she said dreamily.
Nathan chuckled, and she felt it vibrate through her back, "it's a nice dream. But we'd have to go back one day, and the longer it takes, the harder it is." Turning Quinn to face him, he said, "I will be with you every step of the way, I promised you I would never let you go, and I meant it."
"And Allie, how will she feel when people talk about me?" Quinn asked, frowning at the thought of Allie being teased or taunted by anyone because of her.
"Allie will be fine; we talked about it after you told her what happened to you. Allie understands that people can say things about someone, but it doesn't make it true; she loves you, Quinn; nothing she hears will change that."
"I have a question to ask you about Allie actually," Quinn said, looking at Nathan, "we are going to be spending a lot more time together, I hope," she said, smiling up at him, "and if that is the case, her calling me Miss Standing day and night is too formal."
"Day and night?" Nathan said, raising his eyebrows at her, teasing her for her choice of words.
"You know what I mean, Nathan," she said, swatting him softly on the arm, laughing at his silliness, appreciating him trying to lighten the moment. "I was going to ask how you felt about her calling me something less formal," Quinn asked, a little nervous about how he would take her suggestion. "Allie has told me stories about the orphanage at Brookfield, and the children call their carers Miss Lillian and Miss Grace. Would you be comfortable if Allie called me something similar, like Miss Quinn, or another nickname she thinks up?"
Quinn's waited as Nathan looked at her silently, her nerves growing the longer he took to reply. Biting her lip, she watched his face, unable to perceive what he what thinking. "If it's too much, I understand," Quinn assured him, sorry to have put him on the spot.
"I think it's a great idea, Quinn, I think it will mean the world to Allie, but everyone will know how serious our relationship is? Are you ready for that?" Nathan asked her.
"Smiling shyly at him, she asked, "Are you ready for that, especially now, because I would understand if you wanted to wait?" She offered, allowing him to say no.
"I am more than happy to move forward, Quinn. Let's talk to Allie and see what she thinks; she is the only other person whose opinion I care about right now."
Nathan looked over Hope Valley and asked, "Ready to go?" When Quinn nodded in response to his question, he took her hand, and they walked her over to Misty Dawn; he waited for her to mount but didn't help this time.
"Race you back?" Quinn challenged as he settled himself on Newton. Not waiting for his response, she took off on Misty, laughing as she heard Nathan exclaim in surprise that she hadn't bothered waiting for his answer. Quinn knew Nathan and Newton would outrun her and Misty any day, and her head start wouldn't help, but it couldn't hurt her chances. Racing back to Hope Valley, Quinn found her natural optimism returning; she could face whatever happened to her with Nathan by her side.
Quinn and Misty won the race back to the livery, knowing that Nathan had let them win but not caring. For Quinn, the victory was Nathan telling her he loved her and would stand with her.
As they finished working with the horses, Nathan looked at Quinn, noting she was taking longer than usual to brush Misty. "Do you need a hand, Quinn?" he asked gently.
Quinn looked at him sheepishly, knowing he knew she was stalling for time. "No, thank you, Nathan; I am just trying to put off what I have to do. I know I have to face Florence and Elizabeth, and others will hear the accusations against me, and some might believe it; being here with you feels like a haven right now."
Nathan smiled a sad smile, knowing Quinn was right; it would be a miracle if her past stayed hidden, but, he thought, she had no reason to be ashamed; she wasn't guilty. Nathan's preference would be for Bill to discover what happened before it came out to the whole Town, but time was against them.
Quinn wanted to see Bill, to apologise to him for leaving so abruptly. When Nathan offered to go with her, she declined, she had taken him away from his work long enough that day, and besides, she wanted to ask what had happened with Elizabeth after she left.
"Do you want me to talk to Elizabeth and Florence?" Nathan asked Quinn.
"No, Nathan, I will do it. I will talk to them both and explain my side of the story; I will ask for their discretion and for some time to allow Bill to go and investigate." Shrugging, Quinn said wearily, "everything was going so well; there was no urgency for Bill to investigate; I should have known better."
Nathan studied Quinn, knowing she was determined to do this on her own; over the last couple of months, he had learned she could be stubborn when she made up her mind. He conceded that Quinn could handle it herself, earning a smile from her in return.
Unable to delay any longer, Quinn put away the equipment she was using on Misty and prepared to go back to Town. Nathan grasped her hand as she walked past him, drawing her back to him. He gently kissed her forehead and squeezed her hand without saying a word. His silent support was what she needed to hold her head high as she faced Elizabeth and Florence, and the rest of the Town.
Walking into the Judge's office, Quinn headed straight back to Bill's office, hoping to find him there. Poking her head around his door, she was pleased to see him at his desk. Quinn rapped her knuckles softly against his door, smiling as he looked up. "Hi, I am back; sorry about earlier," she said apologetically. "It was a shock, and I may have overreacted."
"I don't think you did, Quinn; I can't believe Elizabeth did what she did; I hardly recognise her at the moment. I also wanted to apologise, I promised you I would investigate, and I put it off; I didn't see this coming." Bill stood, hands in pockets, looking contrite, "I shouldn't have waited."
"Bill! No, you have a job here, and it's important; we should have been able to wait; this is on Elizabeth and her meddling." Quinn exclaimed. Not having known the 'old' Elizabeth, Quinn didn't know how far she had drifted from the person everyone else knew; she just knew she didn't like this Elizabeth very much. Bill, I might head out to the Mercantile then, see if I can talk to Florence.I will let you know how it goes."
Heart in her mouth, Quinn walked slowly up the stairs to the mercantile; pausing outside the door, she took a deep breath before stepping inside.
Florence looked up, smiling as the door opened, the bell above it announcing her entrance. Florence's smile slipped from her face as she saw it was Quinn entering the Mercantile.
Quinn smiled at Florence, "Hello Florence, can we talk?" she asked nervously, insecure about her reception.
Florence looked around the store, "this may not be the best place, Quinn, we are likely to be interrupted, and people shouldn't hear this conversation." Calling out to Ned to cover the counter, Florence ushered Quinn into the storeroom where shelves held products, and large packages were stacked against the walls.
Quinn took a deep breath and looked at Florence, "you must have so many questions, Florence, and I understand. Would you like me to tell you my story, or would you like to ask your questions instead?".
Florence was surprised Quinn had been so direct; a part of her thought Quinn would try and evade talking about what had happened or deny all knowledge. "I think I would like to ask my questions, Quinn, and then if I think of other things, I can ask those too.
"Of course, Florence," Quinn said, feeling much calmer than she thought she would be; although her hands were clammy, she discreetly wiped them on her skirt.
Sniffing, Florence looked at Quinn and said, "Did you do it?"
"No, I didn't; my father and I rode in the early mornings as often as possible; it was our favourite thing to do together." Shaking her head, Quinn said sadly, "that was one of the only mornings I ever overslept; I was late riding out, and as I was trying to catch up, my Fathers horse came back, riderless and agitated."
"What do you think happened?" Florence asked her tone still cold and her body stiff.
"I don't know; I am sure I heard the sound of a horse's hoofbeats riding away, but I had no proof." Quinn explained, "I told people this, but they didn't believe me for some reason. I can't explain it, Florence, but I know what I heard, and I could never hurt my father; he was my whole world. Sam Madison was my lawyer, and Constable Kinslow from Brookfield was the Mountie who arrested me; neither believed I was guilty." Quinn's throat was dry, but she hurried on, "Bill offered me a fresh start here and said he would investigate to find out the truth. Unfortunately, the trial he is currently involved in went longer than expected; otherwise, he would have already left to investigate, and I would have more to tell you."
Florence looked at Quinn and asked, "did you have anyone else who supported you? I mean, Constable Kinslow did arrest you. I know Sam, but Lawyers do get paid to defend their clients?"
Quinn nodded, "yes, he did, he had no choice, that's his job, and Lawyers do defend guilty clients and get paid for it, but I worked for Sam, doing the same thing I do for Bill, so she knew me and did it for free." Blinking back tears, Quinn said, "I had no one else, Florence, the Fielding's, the people who poisoned the townspeople's minds were like family, I still don't know why they did what they did; I never asked them why. What would have been the point?"
Quinn lowered her head, composing herself while she waited for Florence to ask her next question. The silence stretched on so long Quinn had to look at Florence. As she raised her head and made eye contact, she realised Florence's demeanour had softened, her face kinder.
"I would tell Bill to start his investigation by looking at the Fielding's Quinn; there is something not right there!" Florence said, her tone an order rather than a suggestion.
Quinn sighed in relief; grateful Florence had given her a chance to explain. "Thank you, Florence; I don't know how to tell you what your support means to me," Quinn said, her voice breaking.
Florence patted her hand, "thank you for coming to see me, for letting me satisfy myself about your story. I have come to love Nathan and Allie, and I couldn't risk them being hurt."
Quinn smiled a watery smile at Florence, "I never want to hurt them either; they are both precious to me," she assured her. "Now I have to find Elizabeth and offer her the same as I offered you, my story and a chance for her to question me." Quinn knew her face clearly showed her concern at having to do this, but she couldn't help it. Approaching Elizabeth to convince her to keep the information to herself until Bill could investigate would be one of the most challenging conversations she had ever had.
"Do you know where I can find Elizabeth Florence?" she asked, "I am not sure where to look; I don't even know why she was in town this morning; shouldn't she have been teaching her students?"
"Rosemary was there for the morning, doing a talk on managing the 'Valley Voice'. Elizabeth took the opportunity to head into the Mercantile, pick up supplies, and call her sister," grimacing. "I think you could find her at the school this afternoon after the students leave."
Elizabeth studied Allie, watching the young girl as she collected her books and other items to take home. Elizabeth regretted the loss of the closeness she had with Allie, losing it when she chose to be with Lucas. She had been naive to think nothing would change between the three of them, and she realised now it changed forever before Quinn arrived, she had been in denial, and it had been much easier to blame Quinn for the change.
Elizabeth knew her jealousy of Quinn led her to investigate her; she had been only hoping to find something that would justify her dislike for the woman. What she had found out had shocked her, and she wasn't sure how she felt about it or what to do about it.
As Elizabeth dismissed the class for the weekend and followed the students out into the sunshine, she saw Quinn outside, waiting. As Allie caught sight of Quinn, a smile lit up her face, and she ran to her, throwing her arms around her. As Elizabeth watched, a flicker of concern crossed Allie's face, and she watched Quinn reassure her that her Uncle was okay.
Unable to hear the conversation between the two, it was clear Quinn was assuring Allie everything was okay to go home with Opal as planned as she was here to see her. Elizabeth's heart shrunk a little as Allie looked over her shoulder at her, frowning at the thought of Quinn speaking to her, it was clear her allegiance was with Quinn, and Elizabeth felt a pain in her heart that would take some time to heal.
With a final kiss on Allie's head, Quinn sent her on her way, walking slowly toward Elizabeth. Outwardly calm, Quinn's heart was beating out of her chest; she didn't want to have this conversation but knew she had to if she wanted to continue with her life in Hope Valley. She looked at Elizabeth waiting at the top of the schoolhouse stairs and realised she wasn't looking forward to the conversation either.
Quinn reached the top of the stairs and looked directly at Elizabeth. "Do you have time to speak to me now, Elizabeth, or would you like me to come back?" Quinn did not want to give Elizabeth a chance to decline but knew she might have commitments with Jack that should be the priority.
"I have time now; please come in," Elizabeth said stiffly before turning and walking back into the classroom.
Quinn knew she was stalling again as she slowly followed Elizabeth into the schoolhouse. She noted the difference in how the building looked, like a school instead of the Church; it was a wonderful, shared space for the whole community.
Quinn noted that Elizabeth walked the entire length of the schoolhouse and took a seat behind her desk, facing Quinn, expecting her to sit where the children sat. Quinn refused to place Elizabeth in the position of power, so she decided to stand.
"I have already spoken to Florence, and I gave her the option of asking me questions or telling her my story; I am offering you the same, Elizabeth; what is your preference?" Quinn waited, refusing to be intimidated by how Elizabeth was looking at her. She would wait as long as it took for Elizabeth to decide.
"Will you assure me that you will be honest in your responses to me?" Elizabeth asked haughtily. As the words left her mouth, she knew she was being antagonistic and treating Quinn poorly but couldn't help it.
Quinn's eye's narrowed at the question. Staring at Elizabeth, she nodded in response but refused to dignify her question with a verbal response.
"Did you do what they accused of doing?" Elizabeth asked
"No, I did not," Quinn responded succinctly.
"Why did the Fielding's turn against you?" Elizabeth asked her question almost identical to Florence's.
"I do not know. I never asked. Sam, my lawyer, did but never received a response from Mary Fielding regarding her accusations." Quinn responded but didn't elaborate as she had with Florence.
Looking down at her hands, contemplating whether to ask her next question, she looked at Quinn as she asked, "What was your relationship with Joshua Fielding?"
Quinn frowned, she hadn't expected that question, and she didn't see the relevance, but Quinn sensed Elizabeth would continue asking about Joshua, so she answered, "I thought of him as a brother, nothing more."
"What are you going to do if people find out?" Elizabeth asked, diverted from her questions about Joshua. "Have you considered the damage to not just your reputation but also Nathan and Allie?" Elizabeth demanded, "How are you going to explain this to Allie? She is little more than a child; she may not understand."
"Of course, I have thought about Nathan and Allie; I hoped this wouldn't come out until I could discover what happened and clear my name," Quinn exclaimed, finally showing some emotions, pacing across the classroom. "If you hadn't interfered, I would have had the time to do that, and this wouldn't be happening. I never wanted either of them to suffer because of me." Eyes flashing, Quinn couldn't stop herself and said, "how dare you suggest I am the one who hurt Nathan or Allie."
Quinn stopped pacing and stood in front of Elizabeth, hands on her hips. "Allie is not a child; she is a mature young girl who understands more than you give her credit for. I told her my story, I let her ask all the questions she needed to, and she understands."
"Well, I appreciate you coming to see me, but I am not sure what I will do, Quinn. I don't feel you have been honest with the people of Hope Valley, and you should have been." Elizabeth said, not willing to back down.
Wanting to end the conversation, Quinn said, "Elizabeth, you Bill and Nathan wouldn't trust me if there were any chance I had hurt anyone. You might not like me, but you don't think I did it either, and you know I am not a danger to anyone in Hope Valley," Quinn said her tone calm. "If you want to reveal what you have learned about me, I can't stop you, but before you do so, ask yourself why you're doing it."
Elizabeth stood up, her face indignant, and she opened her mouth to speak.
"Please, Elizabeth," Quinn said, holding up her hand and frowning at the woman in front of her, "it is just the two of us here; we both know what your true motivation would be." Quinn turned to leave and said, "Do what you want, Elizabeth. I can't stop you. I can face the whispers and innuendo until Bill finalises his investigation into what happened. I can face anything that happens, as long as Nathan and Allie are by my side, and they will be."
Quinn walked away, not looking back. She meant what she had said; she could face anything with the support of those who cared about her.