Chapter 27
Hi Hearties,
Sorry if I worried some of you with some of the drama in the last chapter. I am not good at writing action scenes (I don't do shoot outs 😉 ), so I normally only write temporary dramatic moments to be able to create an emotional or romantic response (kinda like Jack and Elizabeth in the S3 finale!) I do have some drama in upcoming chapters, but they will be resolved relatively quickly, so don't worry too much! I'm guessing it may be easier to handle a little drama once we've all watched The Christmas Wishing Tree 😊
Thank you all for reading.
Hamilton Train Station
Jack and Elizabeth had decided it was about time they made another visit to Hamilton. Due to Grace's poor health, Elizabeth's parents had been unable to visit Hope Valley, so this would be the first time the Thatcher's would get to meet their granddaughter.
Elizabeth was thankful that Matilda had slept through most of the train ride. The stage coach ride had been a different story however. The bumpy ride had kept her awake, and by the time they got to the train station she was exhausted. Jack held her through her exhausted cries and eventually she lay her head down on his shoulder and the rhythm of the train sent her off to sleep.
Now that they had arrived at Hamilton train station, Jack and Elizabeth headed out to the footpath near the street and waited for William Thatcher to pick them up.
Matilda looked around quizzically from Elizabeth's arms. She was eleven months old now and it was her first trip outside of Hope Valley. She tightly held onto her Mother, and Elizabeth noticed her daughter was finding the busyness of the city unnerving. Elizabeth held Tilly close, and Tilly buried her face into Elizabeth's chest to try hide from the overwhelming hustle and bustle of the city.
"It won't be long now, and we'll be at your Grandparents. It will be much quieter there." Elizabeth told Tilly as she kissed the top of the little girl's head, and continued talking to her to try give her some reassurance.
Elizabeth looked over at Jack who was somewhat concerned as he noticed his daughter's reaction to the unfamiliar sights.
Just then William Thatcher pulled up his car on the side of the street. Jack picked up their luggage and they headed over to the vehicle.
Mr Thatcher hurried out of the vehicle and came over to greet them.
"So, this is my Granddaughter." William said as he embraced Elizabeth, while being mindful of his granddaughter in her arms.
Tilly gave him a shy glance as she lay her head back down on Elizabeth's chest.
"I'm sure she'll warm up once we get to the house." Elizabeth told him, and he nodded.
"Jack, it's good to see you." William said as they shook hands.
"You too Mr Thatcher."
"What's this "Mr Thatcher" business? I thought we were long past that, you can call me Father."
"Sorry, Father." Jack said, paying attention to his words. It had been a long time since he had called anyone by that name.
Mr Thatcher helped Jack load the luggage into the back of the vehicle and then they all got in and headed off.
Thatcher residence.
Jack and Elizabeth entered through the front door of the Mansion and Julie came rushing up to them.
"I'm so glad you're here!" Julie exclaimed excitedly as she pulled Elizabeth and her niece in for a hug. "And I'm so glad to see you Tilly." She said, as Tilly retreated into Elizabeth's arms, unsure of her Aunt's presence.
"You remember Auntie Julie. You just saw her at Christmas time." Elizabeth told her daughter.
Mr Thatcher and Jack headed up the stairs with the luggage and Elizabeth and Julie followed them.
The men placed the luggage down in Elizabeth's room just as the two women entered.
"Supper is at the usual time, although I'm sure your Mother will want to see you before then. She's thrilled at the idea of finally being able to meet Matilda, and to see the both of you of course." Mr Thatcher said as he looked at Jack and Elizabeth. He gave them a small smile and then made his way out of the room.
"Mother and I have been shopping for Matilda, but she would kill me if I showed you what we bought without her." Julie exclaimed. "I should also let you settle in though, you've had a busy day." Julie understood that she should give Elizabeth, Jack and Matilda some time to adjust after their long trip.
"Sounds wonderful, I can't wait to see what you've bought. We will see you downstairs later." Elizabeth replied.
The sisters smiled at each other, and then Julie made her way out the door and closed it behind her.
Elizabeth sat down on the bed, as Matilda still held onto her.
"This is Mummy's old bedroom." Elizabeth told her.
Matilda cautiously made her way off Elizabeth's lap and sat down close by on the bed as she quietly took in the new surroundings.
Elizabeth lay back on the bed exhausted as Jack sat down by her side.
"You look tired." He said as he ran his fingers through her hair.
"I am. As much as I want to see my family, I wish we could just lock ourselves in here until the morning."
"That does sound tempting." Jack said as Tilly climbed onto his lap and started copying him as she ran her fingers through Elizabeth's hair. Elizabeth looked up at her daughter and gave he a smile.
"It does, but we couldn't do that to Mother. She's already waited so long to meet Tilly."
Jack nodded understandingly as he noticed Tilly's fingers start to tangle in Elizabeth's long hair and he carefully removed Tilly's little hands.
Elizabeth momentarily closed her eyes until she felt little hands on her stomach. She opened her eyes and Tilly climbed onto her and rest her head on her chest.
"I think someone needs you." Jack said with a smile.
"I'm not surprised, she seems a bit unsettled and clingy. I'll nurse her and then we'll go downstairs and find Mother." Elizabeth suggested. Jack nodded, and he placed a kiss on Elizabeth's cheek.
Twenty minutes later Jack and Elizabeth headed out of the bedroom and down the hallway. Tilly who had regained some confidence, wiggled out of Jack's arms and insisted on trying to walk. Jack and Elizabeth held her hands as they walked down the hallway. Once they got to the staircase, Jack scooped Tilly back up into his arms, the idea of letting his daughter navigate the staircase was unnerving.
"I have a surprise for you." Jack said to Elizabeth as they made their way down the stairs.
"You do?" Elizabeth asked, and Jack smiled as he noticed her excitement.
"Your Father said he'd leave it in the lobby for us."
Elizabeth thought it strange that something would be left in the lobby, and she started to think what it could possibly be.
Jack held Tilly in one arm and took Elizabeth's hand with the other.
As they reached the bottom of the stairs Elizabeth spotted a baby carriage near the front door.
"You got a baby carriage?!" Elizabeth asked as she looked over at the carriage. It had a white body with a white steel frame with elegant curving's. She pulled back the hood and noticed it had a large body, with plenty of room for Tilly to sleep in.
"You like it?" Jack asked, unsure of what she would think.
"I love it! Thank you." She said looking back at him, before giving him a brief kiss on the lips.
"These things aren't exactly built for the streets in Hope Valley, but I thought you'd appreciate having one here." He told her.
"I will. I just hope Tilly likes it."
Jack placed Tilly inside the baby carriage and she sat up and looked around. She clapped her hands and looked quite pleased with herself.
"She seems to." Jack said with a smile.
Tilly then raised her arms to be picked up and Jack got her out of the carriage.
"Maybe we should go find Mother." Elizabeth suggested.
"I think we should."
Jack and Elizabeth made their way into the parlour where they found Grace sitting on the sofa in front of the fire.
"Mother." Elizabeth called out as she made her way over.
Mrs Thatcher stood, and Elizabeth embraced her Mother.
"Oh, it's so good to see you Elizabeth. Where is this baby of yours? I can't wait to meet her." Grace said. She noticed Jack heading over with Tilly in his arms. "Oh, Elizabeth she's gorgeous. She looks just like you did at this age." Grace said as she reached out and gently took hold of Tilly's hand.
Tilly gave her a shy look before laying her head down on Jack's chest.
"She's a little unsettled since arriving in the city, but I think she'll warm up soon." Elizabeth told her.
They all found a seat and in time Tilly climbed off Jack's lap and crawled across the floor and sat down on the floor rug and looked around.
"Julie and I have been shopping for Matilda. Maybe she'd like some toys?" Grace suggested.
"You didn't need to do that Mother." Elizabeth said.
"I know I didn't need to, but I wanted to. She is my first Grandchild after all."
Just then Julie entered the parlour.
"Isn't she just the cutest little doll Mother." Julie said as she found a seat.
"She certainly is." Grace said with a smile.
Tilly crawled across the floor and made her way over to Julie. She pulled herself up on the side of the sofa and looked up at her Aunt.
"So, you do remember me from Christmas." Julie said feeling quite pleased, and she picked Tilly up and place her on her lap.
"Did you find the nursery I decorated Elizabeth?" Grace asked.
"No, I wasn't aware there was one." Elizabeth stated rather surprised.
"Julie can show you later, it's the room next to yours. I thought you'd want her close by, especially since you don't have a Nanny."
"Oh, well, we planned to have Matilda in with us."
"You do?" Grace asked surprised. "I don't know how you manage without a Nanny Elizabeth, but to have her in the room with you. Where does she sleep at home?"
"She's recently moved into her own room next to ours, but we can easily hear her there."
"Well maybe she'll stay in the nursery here. Julie and I spent a lot of time working on it, it looks lovely."
"I'm sure it does Mother, but Tilly's in a new environment. I'm not going to leave her in a strange room by herself, she would be scared. She will be staying with Jack and I." Elizabeth said as Jack took her hand and gave it a gentle squeeze to try offer her some support.
"You're doing things so differently than how I raised you girls. I don't know how you do it Elizabeth." Grace told her.
"I realise that, and I know my way of parenting is somewhat foreign to you. We do however appreciate what you've done for us Mother, but I know my own daughter and what's best for her, so while she's this young she won't be sleeping in the nursery here."
"Alright, if you're sure."
"We're sure." Jack said, as he affirmed Elizabeth's decision, knowing too well that their daughter would not take to sleeping in an unfamiliar room by herself.
Julie sat quietly and listened to the interactions as she played with Tilly who sat on her lap.
"Maybe you'd like to see what Julie and I got for you?" Grace said changing the subject as she noticed the slight tension in the room.
"That would be wonderful Mother." Elizabeth replied.
"I'll get the gifts." Julie said as she got up. She placed Tilly on Elizabeth's lap and she exited the parlour.
"How has Viola been?" Elizabeth enquired.
"She's seen better days. You may see her pop her head out from time to time."
"She doesn't make much of an appearance?" Elizabeth asked, feeling concerned about her older sister.
"Since she returned home after leaving that day with Charles, she hasn't been the same."
"You think something happened?"
"Oh no, she's just not happy with your Father and I. She's out of the house most of the time, but when she's here, it's like she's in hiding."
"Well I hope you all sort things out."
"I hope so too, and thankfully we haven't seen Charles since that day you escorted him off our property Jack." Grace said looking over at Jack.
"I'm glad he hasn't caused any further trouble."
Tilly stood up on Elizabeth's lap and bounced on her knees. She caught the attention of everyone in the room and they all forgot what they were talking about. She placed her little hand on Elizabeth's cheek and she stopped bouncing. Elizabeth gave her a smile before placing a kiss on her nose and Tilly giggled and started to bounce on her knees again.
"She's an adorable little girl you both have." Grace stated.
"She really is." Elizabeth replied as she gave Tilly a smile. "Would you like a hold Mother?"
"Of course, I would love to."
Elizabeth went over to her Mother and placed Tilly in her arms.
Tilly looked up at her Grandmother and smiled, and the dimples showed in her rosy cheeks.
"She's such a happy child, and gosh, she certainly has your hair Elizabeth." Grace said as she gently touched her granddaughter's auburn locks.
"She's certainly taken on Elizabeth's looks." Jack said as he placed an arm around Elizabeth's shoulders.
"She has, but I also see a little bit of you." Grace told him.
Elizabeth noticed Jack's act of affection towards her, and knew he had likely done it instinctively. She appreciated his affection towards her, but wondered what her Mother would be thinking. Public displays of affection were not something that was seen in Hamilton. She didn't let her Mother's possible concern bother her however and she leaned into Jack and looked over and gave him a small smile.
Tilly wriggled out of Grace's arms and crawled across the floor and over to her parents. She grasped Elizabeth's skirt with her little hand and pulled herself up onto her feet. Jack picked her up, but she reached over for Elizabeth who took hold of her.
Julie then returned to the parlour with a large number of shopping bags.
"Oh my goodness Julie. You and Mother must have been shopping for days!" Elizabeth exclaimed.
"This isn't all of it yet." Julie exclaimed.
"How are we even going to get all of this back to Hope Valley?"
"Don't you worry about that dear. I'll get your Father to sort it out." Grace informed her.
"Thank you." Jack said. "You really didn't need to get all this."
"I know I didn't, and don't worry, I didn't buy it for the two of you. It's for Matilda." Grace said, and Jack gave her an understanding nod. He knew she wasn't interested in stepping on his feet and feeling she was the one who had to provide for his daughter.
Tilly buried her head into Elizabeth chest and clung onto her dress as she started to cry.
"Mother, I'm sorry but I'm going to have to nurse Tilly."
"Oh… well you can take a look at all these later. I'm sure Jack will take them up to the room for you."
"I will."
"We'll be back down for supper soon." Elizabeth said as she stood, and Jack took hold of some of the bags.
"I am looking forward to it." Grace said as she gave them a smile.
Elizabeth's bedroom.
"There's likely a crib in the nursery. I could bring it in here if you like?" Jack asked as he noticed Tilly had fallen asleep in Elizabeth's arms.
"That would be wonderful. Maybe ask Julie, I'm sure she'd help you." Elizabeth suggested, and Jack headed out of the room in search of Julie and the nursery.
Jack found his sister in law and they headed off into the nursery. It was a large room, not unlike Elizabeth's. It had pink walls and a large white sleigh crib, and a matching white bookcase which was filled with books and toys.
"You and your Mother really went all out in here. Especially since we don't spend much time in Hamilton."
"It was mostly Mother, I think she's hoping that Viola or I will give her more grandchildren."
"Uh, I see." Jack said. He thought about Tom and how he couldn't imagine him spending much time in this house. He wondered whether he should press Julie on her relationship status with Tom but decided it best not too.
"So, you and that sister of mine looked pretty cosy in the parlour." Julie teased.
Jack gave her an inquiring look and she continued.
"Don't worry, I think it's adorable. It's just that Mother isn't used to that sort of thing." Julie informed him.
"Oh, I will have to try to remember." Jack said, feeling a bit self-conscious.
"I'm sorry Jack, that's not what I meant to suggest. Ignore Mother, I think she secretly likes it anyway."
"Likes it?" He queried.
"That you're so good to Elizabeth." She replied as she headed over to the crib and Jack followed her. "Mother knows you think the world of Elizabeth, and while she finds public displays of affection unusual, I think she's happy and appreciates that Elizabeth has found someone who loves and cares for her so much."
Jack's cheeks slightly reddened. He had become more comfortable with Julie over the years, but he still found it uncomfortable to hear someone discuss his affections and feelings for Elizabeth.
"Don't be so embarrassed Jack." Julie teased. "It's beautiful."
Jack kept quite and looked over the crib to figure out how he would plan to move it.
"You think you can lift this with me?" He asked, and Julie hid her grin as she was aware of him changing the subject.
"Sure." She said.
They each lifted an end of the crib and made their way across the room. Jack was glad the doorways were wide, as they maneuvered it through the doorway and out to the hallway. He placed the crib down for Julie to have a break and went over and opened the door to Elizabeth's room. They then carried the crib in and found a place for it over by the far wall.
Elizabeth carefully placed her daughter down into the crib, Tilly stirred but stayed asleep, and Jack placed a blanket over her.
"Looks like we might be stuck in here for the night." Elizabeth told Jack and they shared a knowing smile between themselves.
Julie noticed their exchange but chose to keep it to herself.
"I'll let Mother know you may not be down tonight." Julie told them.
"Thank you Julie." Elizabeth said. "It's been a long day, we should get to spend more time together tomorrow." Julie nodded.
"Shall I get one of the servants to send some supper up?" Julie asked.
"That would be wonderful." Elizabeth replied.
"Thank you Julie." Jack added.
"I'll see you both in the morning then" Julie said, and she headed out of the room and shut the door behind her.
Elizabeth sat down on the bed and removed her shoes before laying back on the bed, while Jack removed his jacket before checking on Tilly who was still fast asleep. He returned to Elizabeth's side and he lay down on the bed next to her.
"It was quite convenient that Tilly went to sleep so early tonight." He said as he leant on his elbow and looked down at Elizabeth.
"It was." She said, giving him a smile.
"So, what are we going to do for the rest of the evening then?" He asked suggestively.
"I was thinking of doing some writing."
"Oh, you were?" He asked, somewhat disappointed in her answer. He noticed her trying to hold back a smile, and it finally registered with him that she was teasing. "Elizabeth Thornton!"
"What?" She said feigning innocence.
"I know what you're doing."
"Whatever do you mean?" She said continuing, and she got up on her elbow and met him eye to eye.
"You know exactly what I mean."
Elizabeth looked into Jack's eyes and took note of his long lashes that she loved, she knew she could get lost in those eyes of his. He noticed her eyes appearing hazy, and realised her mind was elsewhere. He then saw her eyes travel down to his lips and he knew she was about to kiss him. As she leant in, he decided to surprise her by backing away from her. She was snapped out of her reverie as she realised Jack had put distance between them, but before she had time to think or respond, Jack lay right back on the bed and pulled her down with him. His hands went up into her hair and he brought her down till their lips met. Their kisses became more passionate until Elizabeth realised she needed to say something.
"Jack…" She said between kisses.
"Hmm." He said as he continued to kiss her, not wanting to let the need of a possible discussion get in the way.
"The servants…" She started, and he pulled back from the kiss upon hearing her words. "…will be here soon." She looked down at him as she felt the rise and fall of his chest from his laboured breathing.
Tendrils of her hair hung down the sides of her face and onto his cheeks and he brushed them back behind her shoulders before gently turning on his side and sliding her off his chest.
"Sorry." She said.
"You don't need to apologise."
"Maybe we could continue this later?" She suggested, and they shared a smile and she ran her hand through his hair.
"We could take a look at all those presents from your Mother and Julie."
"I forgot all about them."
Jack smiled at her enthusiasm as she sat up on the bed and pulled at his arm to encourage him to sit up. He sat up and Elizabeth went over and retrieved the bags full of gifts, and brought them over to the bed.
She searched through the bags, and pulled out children's books, diapers, bottles, blocks in a wooden wagon, a teddy bear, a pink babies blanket, a number of bonnets, and numerous dresses and girls clothes. Many of the dresses were gorgeous, but certainly weren't suitable for wearing around Hope Valley.
"Mother's really gone overboard. I don't know what we're going to do with a lot this." Elizabeth exclaimed as she continued to look through the pretty items of clothing.
"I'm sure if Tilly doesn't use them, they could get used on our other babies." Jack suggested.
"Other babies?" She asked with a grin on her face.
"Yeah, I thought we always thought three or four was a good number."
"We did, it's just… you want more now?" Elizabeth asked.
"I do, but I think the question is whether you're ready." Jack stated honestly.
"I think I am. I mean if it happened I'd be over the moon, but I've just gone back to teaching once a week."
Jack shifted his weight as he tried to avoid looking into Elizabeth's eyes, she still however noticed the disappointment in his face.
"Jack… sweetheart…" She said, encouraging him to look up at her. He looked up and she saw the sadness in his eyes. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to…"
"It's alright Elizabeth, I understand." He said interrupting.
"I'm not sure if I understand myself." She started, and Jack gave her a puzzled look. "For years I've felt God call me to teach, and now I feel like I'm stuck between two worlds, being called to teach and being a Mother." She said, and Jack nodded. "But Jack, I'd have ten children with you if you wanted me to."
"Ten?" He asked surprised and she nodded.
"I honestly would, because being your wife, and the Mother of our children is what's most important to me. I do however sometimes feel that pull to return to teaching as it was once such a big part of me, but now I have something bigger, and that's you and Tilly."
Jack gave her a smile as he wrapped an arm around her and pulled her closer.
"And those nine other children?" He quipped.
"You really want nine more?" She asked, somewhat seriously but with a smile on her face. "Because if that is really what you wanted, I would give them to you."
"I know you would Elizabeth, and I love you for it, but my heart is so full, even now with you and Tilly. I certainly wouldn't expect us to have ten children."
"Surely you were hoping for more?" She asked, as she certainly knew she wanted more herself.
"Well maybe another one or two would be nice." Jack suggested.
"I think so too." She admitted as she smiled at him.
"Maybe you should start working on that writing of yours, before we get working on another baby." He said, and her smile widened.
Just then they heard a knock at the door.
"That must be the servants." Elizabeth remembered.
Jack got up from the bed and answered the door. One of the servants handed him a tray of food and he took it and thanked them before returning to the bed.
He carefully placed the tray down on the bed before offering Elizabeth one of the plates.
"I actually don't feel that hungry." She said as she picked at the food on her plate.
"Well I am, and this is amazing."
"Better than my cooking huh?"
"Your cooking isn't so bad these days." Jack admitted.
"So Bad? These days?" She asked.
Jack swallowed his roast beef and shook his head at her before speaking.
"You know what I mean. You've definitely improved over the years."
"Hmm." She replied, not entirely convinced.
"You have Elizabeth, I don't have issues with your cooking."
"No, you just put up with it." She said feeling slightly dejected and self-conscious.
Jack put his plate aside as he noticed her concern and he moved across the bed and sat next to her.
"Elizabeth, I don't just "put up with it". Sure, your cooking isn't up to Hamilton standards, or Abigail's, most peoples isn't, but I love what you cook for us. Please don't doubt yourself sweetheart, you've accomplished some much with your cooking, and I'm so proud of you." Jack said as he wrapped an arm around her and placed a kiss on her temple.
He noticed her look up at him and give him a small smile. He placed his lips on hers and tried to reassure her with his kisses rather than his words.
"That was pretty convincing." She said breathlessly.
"I could convince you some more…" He said suggestively.
"Now? I thought you were too interested in your food."
"Elizabeth, right now, and always, you're what I'm most interested in."
Elizabeth wrapped her arms around Jack's neck and he pulled her onto his lap as they sat on the bed.
"I love you so much Jack Thornton." She whispered as she placed her lips against his ear.
He held onto her slender waist and encouraged her to sit back so he could look into her eyes.
"Maybe you could show me how much." He said, and she silently nodded in agreement.
He lay back on the bed and pulled her down with him. She went to kiss him, and he placed a finger on her bottom lip to stop her.
"I love you Bella." He whispered back into her ear.
He then wrapped his arms around her and kissed her passionately.
A/N I hope you're still enjoying this fic. I'm sure you're all very excited as The Christmas Wishing Tree is FINALLY so close to airing! It's almost Christmas Day now here in Australia. I'm disappointed I have to wait another day or two to watch it though :(
I'm not sure when I'll post my next chapter yet as I'm guessing the Christmas movie may distract my mind from this fic ,but I'll see how I go. I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas and have fun watching The Christmas Wishing Tree :)
PS I'm also considering writing another fic where Jack and Elizabeth are still courting. I started this fic from post Season 4 so I've never actually written them prior to their engagement, and most of this story has consisted of them being married. I just thought it might be interesting to write them in their courtship. Maybe something that would fit in the timeline of early S4. Anyway, if you think you'd be interested in reading some thing like that from me let me know.