Chapter 16
Jack and Elizabeth packed their belongings into their suitcases. They were leaving on the stage coach in the morning to head to Buxton for the Mountie Ball.
"Have you seen my spare serge?" Jack asked as he searched through the wardrobe.
"It's down stairs on the settee, I sent it off to be cleaned so it's ready for you to wear to the Mountie Ball."
"That was thoughtful of you."
"I guess that's what wives are for." She said giving him a smile.
"Well thank you, I appreciate it." He said returning her smile.
"Not that I would entirely know what being a wife entails. My Mother was never an example of the kind of wife I need to be out here on the frontier, and there's not many wives here in Hope Valley."
"You're the perfect wife, you don't need to worry bella." Jack said noticing her worry as she went off on a tangent. He kissed her on the cheek to try and reassure her even further.
"And you're the perfect husband," She said taking his hand and giving him a smile. "but now I need to go downstairs and make sure I haven't burnt dinner."
She reluctantly let go of Jack's hand and headed off downstairs to the kitchen.
Jack finished packing the last of his things and picked up the suitcases and took them downstairs. He placed them down on the floor near the settee where he found his serge.
"I have something for you." Elizabeth said as she made her way over to Jack.
"You do?" He asked surprised and she handed him a gift that was wrapped up in brown paper.
"I've been trying to find a good time to give this to you. We've been so busy since we arrived home from Hamilton, that a suitable time hasn't really presented itself."
"You didn't have to get me anything." Jack said as Elizabeth held the present out to him and he took hold of it as they sat down on the settee.
"I know I didn't, but you've been so wonderful taking me all these places – the cabin for our honeymoon, to Hamilton and now to the Mountie Ball. I wanted to get you something."
"All I need is you Bella." He said as he took her hand in his and placed a kiss on the back of her hand.
"That's sweet Jack, and I feel the same about you." She said. "but I do also enjoy giving you gifts as much as you do me."
They smiled at each other before Jack looked back down at the gift.
"So, are you going to open it?" She eagerly asked.
He grinned at her excitement and pulled back the wrapping paper. He discovered a leather-bound sketch pad. He ran his hand over the cover before opening it and skimming through the pages.
"Thank you, I love it, and I love you." He said, and leaned over and kissed Elizabeth.
"I love you too sweetheart." Elizabeth said as she wrapped an arm over his shoulder and started to play with the hair at the nap of his neck. "I hope you have time to use it, you've been so busy with work and the new house."
"I always find time to draw the things I love." Jack said as he placed the sketch pad down at his side and looked over at Elizabeth and met her gaze.
He took in the features of her face and brought his hand up and played with the tendrils of hair that hung by her cheek before he returned his eyes to hers. Elizabeth lay her arm across the back of his shoulders and pulled him closer as she leant in and kissed him. Their kisses were soft and gentle at first but then became more passionate.
"Forget…supper." Jack said in between kisses.
"It will… go cold."
"We can reheat it later." He said pulling away from the kiss. He looked into her eyes as he ran his hand over her shoulder and down the length of her arm before he proceeded to lean in and kiss her neck.
She felt his warm lips on her skin and she pulled him closer.
"You are… very convincing." She managed to get out, her voice and breathing were ragged.
"Good, that was my intention." He spoke as his lips lingered on her skin.
He pressed his lips back down before pulling back and momentarily creating space between them. "So, are you convinced?" He asked as he pulled her onto his lap.
"I am." She replied as she wrapped her arms around his neck before their lips found each-others again.
Next day in Buxton at the hotel room.
"Sweetheart, could I please get some help?" Elizabeth asked as she put on her dress for the Mountie Ball.
She stood in the long white satin gown with red flowers and a sash that wrapped around her waist. It hung loosely on her body as she held it up. She looked into the mirror in front of her to check over the dress as she waited for Jack's help.
"Just a minute honey." Jack called out from the bathroom. After a moment he exited and came to find her. "You, look gorgeous." He said with a smile.
"You look quite handsome yourself." She said noticing him in his red serge.
"You always see me in this." He said standing behind her as he tried to work on the lacing at the back of her dress.
"Yes, but I always find you extremely attractive in your uniform." She said, and she noticed Jack raise an eyebrow at her in the reflection in the mirror.
She gave him a smile and he winked at her which caused her smile to widen.
"You can pull tighter." She informed him, referring to her dress.
"I don't want to pull too tight, you've got our baby in there now." He said as he wrapped his arm around her waist and gently placed his hand on her stomach.
"It will be fine Jack, this isn't as firm as a corset, and I'm not showing yet." She said as she appreciated his concern.
"Alright." He said, and he pulled and laced up the back of the dress.
"Are you ready to go?" Jack asked once he was done.
"I just need to finish my hair." She informed him.
Half an hour later, downstairs in the hotel's ballroom.
Jack walked Elizabeth into the ballroom as she held firmly onto his arm.
The room was filled with men in red serges and not quite as many women who were all dressed in lovely gowns.
"Constable Thornton." Greeted a young man and he held out his hand to Jack.
"James, it's good to see you." Jack said shaking his hand. "James was under my division in the Northern Territories." He informed Elizabeth as he looked over at her.
"It's nice to meet you." She said to James.
"You must be Constable Thornton's fiancé, Miss Thatcher. Jack told us so much about you."
"Well I am her but…" Elizabeth started before looking over at Jack.
"She's Mrs Thornton now." Jack said proudly as he finished Elizabeth's sentence and he gave her hand a supportive squeeze.
"Well, congratulations to the both of you! You sure didn't wait long after you got home then." James said giving Jack a pat on the back.
"I kept her waiting long enough." Jack said looking at Elizabeth while giving her a smile.
"Well, I will let the two of you enjoy the rest of your evening. It was lovely to meet you Mrs Thornton." James said nodding at Elizabeth.
"It was lovely to meet you too."
"Constable." James said looking at Jack and the two men shook hands and then James made his own way across the room.
"He seems like a nice young man." Elizabeth said.
"He is, it's a shame not all of the men in my division are here tonight."
"I'm sorry Jack." Elizabeth said holding onto his arm tighter.
"We're here to celebrate tonight, I don't want to dwell on that right now."
Elizabeth nodded but also wished Jack was more forthcoming about what went on up in the Northern Territories.
"Can I get you a drink?"
"Yes, thank you." She replied, and they headed across the room to the drinks table.
Elizabeth gazed across the room and watched the couples dancing while Jack spoke with the waiter and got their drinks.
A young man passed Elizabeth and he nodded in greeting to her, she gave him a small smile and he stopped in front of her.
"I am Constable Paul Cornell." He said holding out his hand to Elizabeth and she shook it. "Are you here with Constable Thornton?"
"I am. How is it you happen to know Jack?"
"I met him in Cape Fullerton a few years ago, just before he was placed in Hope Valley I believe."
"Yes, he is in Hope Valley now."
"Would you like to dance? That's if you think Constable Thornton wouldn't mind."
"Well… he may mind." Elizabeth said, feeling uneasy about dancing with a stranger.
"Oh."
"I'd rather save my first dance for him, I'm his wife."
"Oh, I'm terribly sorry Mrs Thornton."
"That's fine, you weren't to know. Jack and I haven't been married long."
"I heard your husband was very successful leading the division in the Northern Territories." Paul informed her, and she smiled.
She had heard the news that Jack's division had been quite successful in the war, but it made her proud to hear someone inform her personally.
She then noticed Jack standing by her side and he offered her a glass. She took it and gave him a smile.
"I see you've met my wife Constable Cornell." Jack said giving his hand a shake.
"I have, and I apologise for trying to steal a dance from you."'
"Well I'm glad to hear some are being saved for me." Jack said.
"It's good to see you Jack. I'm glad to see you made it back from up North."
"You too Paul." Jack said giving him a nod.
"Well, I'll let you two enjoy your dance." Paul replied, and he went on his way.
"So, would you like to dance?" Jack asked as he turned his attention back to Elizabeth.
"I would."
Jack took the drink from her hands and he placed their glasses down on a nearby table.
He took her hand and guided her out onto the dance floor where they held each other in the traditional dance position.
"I'm glad you saved this first dance for me." Jack said as he pulled her a little closer.
"I plan to save all my dances for you." She said whispering, her lips close to his ear.
He looked around the room as he'd noticed Elizabeth's presence had caught the attention of several other Mounties around the room.
"That's good, because it seems you have a few interested suitors."
"I do?" She asked surprised. She looked over Jack's shoulder but didn't notice anyone looking their way.
"I'm glad you haven't noticed."
"You're the only Mountie I'm ever interested in." She said placing a gentle kiss on his lips. "Any possible suitors will realise that soon enough." She said with a smile.
"Good, because I used to tell all the men in my division about you, and I don't think they believed me."
"Well I'm proud to be here with you as your wife, I hope they know that."
"I think they will now." He said giving her a smile as he noticed her full attention was on him.
They continued to dance, and Jack occasionally recognised a few familiar faces and he greeted them with a nod.
Elizabeth noticed a look of concern on Jack's face as they danced.
"Jack what's wrong?" She asked.
"Seeing all the Mounties here reminds me of the one's who aren't, the ones that should be."
"Jack, I'm so sorry you had to go through the experience of seeing a number of men lose their lives. I don't pretend to know how you feel but I'm here if you want to talk. I know there's not anything I can say to make things better but please know that I'm here to listen and support you."
Jack took Elizabeth's hand and they walked off the dance floor and headed across the room to somewhere more private.
"I know I can talk to you sweetheart, and I'm sorry I haven't shared more with you." He said pulling out a seat for her before he sat down himself. "The wedding, honeymoon, Christmas and then our trip to Hamilton, was all a wonderful distraction. I know I've compartmentalized most of what went on up North, but I did it in part because I didn't want it to ruin this special time in our lives. I know at some point though I'm going to have to deal with it."
"And we will, together. I want you to know I'm always here for you Jack, no matter what. Don't feel the need to hide things from me to prevent causing me pain, because if there's things you're not telling me then they're only going to prevent us from being closer."
"I understand, it's just, I don't want to burden you."
"Jack, you could never be a burden on me. I'm your wife, I want you to share everything with me. I know you like to be the one protecting and taking care of me, but sometimes it's alright to let me take care of you. I want to be there for you Jack."
"I know, and I love you for it, but can we talk about this later?"
"Alright." Elizabeth replied, she noticed the pain in his eyes and it made her heart ache. She lifted her hand and rested it on his jawline to try console him, even if just a little.
"How about we go get something to eat?" He suggested, trying to change the subject.
"Sounds good, I just need to go to the powder room first."
Elizabeth leant over and placed a gentle kiss on Jack's cheek before she made her way across the room.
A few minutes later Elizabeth came back out into the ballroom. Her eyes scanned the room as she looked for Jack. The room was full of red serges and she realised it was going to be quite difficult to spot him.
"Are you looking for someone?" A middle-aged man in a red serge asked her.
"Yes, I'm looking for Constable Thornton, do you happen to know him?"
"No I don't, but would you care to join me for a dance while you wait for him?"
"I'm sorry, my dance card is full."
"Well it doesn't seem you have any suitors here right now to fill it." He said, being more insistent this time.
"I'd rather not…" Elizabeth started, and the Mountie took her hand and he tried to guide her onto the dance floor.
She desperately tried to look around the room for Jack, but he was nowhere to be found.
"Just one quick dance." He said as she tried to pull away from his hold.
Across the room James and Jack were talking and James noticed Elizabeth across the room.
"I see Constable Barnes is over there with Elizabeth. You might want to keep an eye on him, he can cause trouble." James informed him.
Jack looked over and noticed the worried look on Elizabeth's face. He hurried across the room in her direction and James followed.
"Elizabeth, are you alright?" Jack said intercepting as he took her hand and pulled her away from Constable Barnes.
"Excuse me, but we were just about to have a dance."
"I believe her dance card is full." Jack informed him.
"So, she told me. It didn't appear so however."
"Well I can ascertain that it is without question." Jack said his voice now sounding stern and unrelenting.
"Well maybe you should let the lady speak for herself."
"She already has, and I know she has no interest dancing with anyone else, especially with the likes of you."
"Jack, maybe we should leave." Elizabeth said quietly in hopes to avoid the altercation. Jack gave her hand a squeeze and then he drew his attention back to Barnes.
"And how would you know?" Barnes asked.
"Because I am her husband."
"Oh, you are, are you? Well where were you a moment ago?"
"Constable Thornton just let him be, he's not worth it." James said trying to intercede.
Jack ignored James and looked back at Barnes.
"We're not up in the Northern Territories now, I'd appreciate it if you didn't behave like this in front of my wife, or the other ladies here for that matter." Jack said as he started to notice they were gaining attention around them.
"You still haven't answered my question."
"The answer is none of your business." Jack insisted as his anger started to rise.
"Jack, be careful." Elizabeth pleaded as she held onto his hand and stood at his side. Jack momentarily looked over at her and noticed her concern.
"I'm making it my business." Barnes insisted, and Jack drew his attention back to him.
Jack let go of Elizabeth's hand and went over and grabbed Barnes by his serge and shoved him back, further away from Elizabeth.
"If you don't remove yourself from the room right now then I will be doing it for you." Jack enforced, his voice sounding authoritative rather than angry.
"We're in a room full of Mounties, you really think you will get far?"
Jack noticed a few familiar Mounties around him from his division.
"This is between you and me, but if it came to what you're implying I think I'd have a good number on my side."
"You think so do you?"
"I lead a division up in the Northern Territories and I know my men here would be more than happy to back me up if need be." Jack said looking back at the familiar face surrounding them.
"Well, let's just keep it between the two of us then huh."
Barnes then pulled himself from Jack's hold and tried to take a swing at him. He missed, and Jack brought his fist up and struck Barnes square in the face. Barnes stumbled back, and Jack stepped away, hoping that was enough to scare him off.
Barnes glared at Jack and wiped his face where Jack made contact before storming off out of the ballroom.
"I'll make sure he leaves." James informed Jack and he hurried off to follow Barnes.
Elizabeth came back over to Jack's side and she took hold of his arm.
The crowd started to disperse now the altercation was over and Jack lead Elizabeth out of the ballroom and headed into the Hotel lobby where it was quieter
"I'm sorry Elizabeth. I shouldn't have let things escalate."
"I think you handled it pretty well, I don't think there's anything you could have done that would have made him back down. I'm just glad you showed up, I'm not sure what I would have done otherwise."
"Don't think about that now, I just want to make sure you're alright."
"I'm fine, it's you I'm worried about." Elizabeth said with concern in her voice.
"Me?" Jack asked confused.
"Yes. The conversation we had earlier and then the confrontation out there, of course I'm worried about you."
"I'm fine Elizabeth, as long as you're alright then I will be."
"I'm glad you're always around to protect me Jack, but nothing happened, I will be fine."
"I saw the way he touched you, it made me feel more than a little possessive and protective of you, especially since you're carrying our child."
"Jack, I can imagine that being a pretty natural reaction to what happened. You don't have to explain yourself, I understand. I'm thankful that you're so protective of me and our baby." She said with tears in her eyes.
"Oh Bella." He said as he wiped a tear from her cheek with his thumb. "I'm sorry."
"Sorry?"
"That you're upset, that this evening has been ruined." Jack said with concern in his voice as he tried to apologise.
"It's not ruined, we did have a nice time for the most part, and it's still early, we could go back in there."
"You still want to?" Jack asked, and she nodded. "Ok, I think they will be serving supper soon and there are some people I wanted to introduce you to."
"Sounds lovely." She said taking her hand and he guided her back into the ballroom.
Later that night back in the hotel room.
"So, you still managed to enjoy yourself tonight?" Jack asked as he undid the back of Elizabeth's dress.
"I did." She replied as her dress loosened and she removed it before turning around to face Jack.
"I was more than a little worried when I saw that Mountie take hold of you tonight." Jack said as he removed his serge and shirt and placed them on a nearby chair before returning to Elizabeth.
"I noticed, I'm glad you showed up."
She looked back up at him and saw the worried expression in his face and knew there was something else going on.
"Did you enjoy yourself tonight?" She asked.
"For the most part, other than being reminded of all the Mounties that should have been there."
"Like Doug?" She queried.
"Yes, amongst others."
She noticed the sadness in his face as tears welled up in his eyes. She wrapped her arms around him and he held onto her as he buried his face into her hair.
"It's alright, you don't need to talk." She said, understanding that now wasn't the time.
He appreciated that she understood, and he loved her all the more for it.
They soon broke apart and she took his hand and guided him over to the bed where they lay down and held each other. Jack played with her hair as he felt her warm breath on his shoulder as she snuggled up to his side.
Jack looked up at the ceiling and thought about his time up North. After some time, he looked down at Elizabeth and his attention was drawn back to her. Her breathing had become shallow and he realised she had fallen asleep. He carefully pulled up the blanket so as not to wake her and placed it over the both of them.
He lay back on the bed and took note of Elizabeth's soft skin on his and it relaxed him, he closed his eyes and thought about how blessed he was to have her as his wife and he soon fell off to sleep himself.