Chapter 33
The afternoon sun shone down on Hope Valley as Elizabeth walked into town. The grasp of her daughter's small little hand in hers was all that was keeping her together. Jack had only left for Cape Fullerton the previous day, and she was desperately missing him already.
Tilly hadn't grasped the fact that her Father would be gone for so long, as she happily walked along with Elizabeth. She let go of her Mother's hand and toddled up ahead in the direction of town, only stopping to find something new to explore. She picked up a flower that was growing amongst the green spring grass and then waited for her Mother to catch up to her.
"Ma Ma." Tilly called, while holding up the flower.
"Thank you, my sweet girl." Elizabeth said, as Tilly handed her the flower.
Tilly watched her Mother smell the flower and give her a smile, before running up ahead once more.
As they entered town, Elizabeth took hold of her daughter's hand and they headed towards the Café.
"Da Da?" Tilly asked as she pointed towards the direction of the jail.
"Daddy's not there today Tilly, he's gone away for a while remember."
Tilly looked at Elizabeth curiously.
"We're going to stay at Aunty Abigail's tonight."
Tilly's face beamed as she heard Elizabeth, and she happily continued her walk to the Cafe with her Mother.
"Here's two of my favourite girls." Abigail said, as she saw Elizabeth and Tilly enter through the kitchen door.
Elizabeth smiled as best she could as she closed the door behind her.
"You're missing Jack?" Abigail asked as she noticed the solemn look on her friend's face.
"I am." Elizabeth said as she put down her overnight bag, and Abigail wrapped her arms around her and gave her a hug.
"How's the little one holding up?"
"She's fine, she has been asking for Jack but doesn't appear to be too upset. I don't think she understands what's going on." Elizabeth informed her.
Abigail nodded.
"Can I give you a hand with anything?" Elizabeth asked, hoping she could keep herself busy to distract her thoughts, while also being helpful to Abigail.
"Sure, could you just give that stew on the stove a stir while I work on kneading this dough here."
"Of course." Elizabeth headed over to the stove and started stirring the pot as she watched Tilly make herself comfortable at the back of the café with the few toys Abigail always left out for her.
"I heard Rosemary covered your day at the school yesterday." Abigail said.
"Yes, I couldn't bring myself to go in the same day Jack left. She's offered to take over my one day a week until Jack returns, but I will see how it goes. In some ways I'd like to have the distraction of being at the school, but I'll see how Tilly handles Jack being away. I want to be with her if she needs me."
"That's understandable."
Elizabeth looked down as she felt Tilly tugging at her skirt as she started to cry.
"Oh Tilly, I think you need a nap." Elizabeth said sympathetically, as she picked her daughter up.
Tilly shook her head as she continued to cry, and Elizabeth gave her a kiss on the cheek.
"How about we go set up your room? Then she can take a nap." Abigail suggested.
"That would be a great Abigail, thank you."
Abigail picked up Elizabeth's bag and the two women headed up stairs to Elizabeth's old bedroom.
"I have to say it's a little strange being back here after all this time." Elizabeth said looking around her old room.
"I can imagine. Especially as you now have this little Angel with you." Abigail said as she looked over at Tilly who was still in Elizabeth's arms.
"Oh Abigail, you even have a crib." Elizabeth said as she noticed a crib set up in the corner of the room.
"It was Peter's old crib. It's still very strong and sturdy, so I thought it would be perfect."
"It will be, thank you so much."
Tilly wriggled herself in Elizabeth's arms and Elizabeth placed her down on the ground. She wandered around the unfamiliar room and looked into everything of interest as Abigail and Elizabeth set up the room.
Early morning the following day
Elizabeth sat Tilly down on the bed and brushed her shoulder length auburn curls and tied them up in pink bows to match her dress. Just as she finished she heard a knock on the door.
"Come in."
"If you girls are ready, I have some breakfast prepared." Abigail said giving Elizabeth and Tilly a smile.
"Oh thank you Abigail, that's so sweet of you. I'm sorry we weren't down earlier."
"It's my pleasure, just make your way down when you're ready."
"We will be there soon." Elizabeth replied, and Abigail left and shut the door behind her.
"Well Tilly, I'll fix my own hair and then we can go downstairs for breakfast."
"Da Da?" Tilly asked, and Elizabeth felt like her heart was breaking.
"I'm sorry sweetheart, Daddy is still away. He's going to be gone for a few weeks yet, but he loves you very much and he's coming home soon."
Tilly didn't understand everything her Mother had said but she understood enough to know that she wasn't going to see her Father for another day. She started to cry, and Elizabeth pulled her onto her lap.
Elizabeth held Tilly in her arms and rocked her as her daughter cried into her chest. Elizabeth tried to hold back her own tears, but felt a few run down her cheeks and she wiped them away so Tilly wouldn't see. After allowing her to cry for a few minutes she decided it may be best to start the day, the distraction may be was best for her daughter for now.
"How about we go downstairs for breakfast. I'm sure Aunty Abigail has made you some of your favourite pancakes."
Tilly looked up at her Mother and gave her a small smile through her tears.
Elizabeth got up off the bed and Tilly followed her and they held hands as they headed downstairs to the kitchen.
Later that morning
Elizabeth and Abigail took a break from their cooking for the café and sat in the sitting room and watched Tilly play with her toys.
There was then a knock on the kitchen door and Abigail got up and went to see who it was.
"Rosemary, I didn't expect to see you here. I thought you were at the school today." She said stepping back to allow Rosemary to enter.
"Well I came and brought a few visitors, I thought Elizabeth and Tilly may need some cheering up." Rosemary replied.
"Oh well certainly, come in." Abigail said.
Elizabeth noticed Rosemary enter through the kitchen door along with Cody, Robert, Harper, Timmy, Philip, Hattie, Anna, Laura, Maggie, Ruby, Emily and Opal.
"Oh my goodness, what are you all doing here?" Elizabeth asked surprised as she stood up from the settee, as all the children filed in.
"We wanted to come visit you, we miss you Mrs Thornton." Emily said as all the children gathered around her near the settee.
Tilly got up from where she was playing with her toys and was glad to have the attention of the older girls who she'd grown to know so well.
"That is just so sweet of you children." Elizabeth said.
"We thought you and Tilly would be missing Mountie Jack, so we wanted to come cheer you up." Opal said.
"We'll you're right, we do, and you have cheered me up." Elizabeth exclaimed, feeling a little overwhelmed but extremely pleased to see all the children.
Opal then came over and gave her a hug and the rest of the children followed suit.
Tilly then started to cry, as she got drowned by all the taller children. The children slowly backed away while Elizabeth found her amongst the sea of children and picked her up.
"It's so sweet of you to all come out here." Elizabeth exclaimed as she thanked them again.
"I have some hot cookies fresh out of the oven, if anyone would like some?" Abigail suggested to everyone.
All the children became enthusiastically animated and Abigail encourage them to all take a seat down on the floor rug in front of the settee.
Elizabeth and Rosemary took a seat on the settee while Tilly climbed off Elizabeth's lap and sat down on the floor amongst the older girls.
Abigail handed out a cookie to each of them, and the children went relatively quiet while they were all busy eating.
"We miss you Mrs Thornton, when will you be coming back to teach?" Cody asked, breaking the silence.
"Oh Cody, I was just staying her at your house last night." She exclaimed while giving him a smile. "I miss all of you children, and I will return to teach on Monday's again as soon as Mountie Jack returns home."
"When will that be?" Laura asked.
"Hopefully in a few weeks."
"Hopefully? So you don't know exactly when?" Laura asked, sounding disappointed.
"No, I don't know when exactly, but I do know Mountie Jack's not going to be gone for six months, like he was last time."
Rosemary wrapped her arm around Elizabeth and gave her a gentle hug for reassurance. She noticed all the sad faces on the children and decided she needed to say something.
"Now Mountie Jack will be home as soon as he possibly can. We know that, don't we children, and then Mrs Thornton will be back at the school house." Rosemary exclaimed, as she tried to cheer everyone up.
"We've all brought something for you Miss Thatch… Mrs Thornton." Philip said shyly. "For you and Tilly."
"So you all have." Rosemary said, and she went searching through her basket.
She handed a large piece of coloured cardboard over to Elizabeth.
"Oh this is gorgeous." Elizabeth exclaimed as she opened the cardboard card the children had made for her.
"We've all signed our names in there Mrs Thornton. We hope you like it." Anna exclaimed.
"I do, I love it." Elizabeth replied, as Tilly climbed onto her lap to take a look. "And it seems Tilly likes it too." She said as Tilly grabbed for the card and tried to stick it in her mouth.
All the children giggled as they watched Tilly, while Elizabeth pried the card from her daughter's hands.
"Well children, I'm sure Mrs Thornton and Mrs Stanton have lots to get back to, and we need to get back to our lessons." Rosemary said standing up.
All the children whined as they made their way to their feet.
"Thank you so much for coming children. I loved seeing each and every one of you" Elizabeth said, and the children stopped their complaining and smiles returned to their faces.
They all made their way towards the kitchen door and said their goodbyes, and Rosemary started to usher them out the door.
"Thank you so much for bringing them all here Rosemary, it was very sweet of you." Elizabeth told her.
"You're more than welcome, anything to help cheer you and Tilly up." Rosemary said as she gently pat Elizabeth's arm on her way out.
Elizabeth nodded, and gave her a smile.
"And don't make yourself a stranger, our doors always open. Lee and I are more than happy for you to come by whenever you like."
"Thank you Rosemary, I really appreciate that. I will stop by sometime during the week."
"Good." Rosemary replied, sounding pleased. She let go of Elizabeth's arm and then hurried out the door to catch up with the children.
"It was very kind of them to all stop by." Elizabeth exclaimed to Abigail as she placed Tilly back down on the ground.
"It was, those children really care about you, and so does Rosemary Coulter." Abigail informed her, giving her a smile.
Elizabeth smiled, and it was genuine. It had been hard having Jack away and worrying about what sort of danger he could be in, but as she thought about the people in her life, her friends and all the children in Hope Valley, she felt a sense of care and appreciation from them, and it made her feel less alone.
"Will you be staying with us for another night?" Abigail asked.
"I feel I need to go home tonight Abigail." Elizabeth said, she felt closer to Jack at home and longed to be back there.
"I understand, please don't stay away too long though."
"I won't, we will be back to visit tomorrow, and Tilly and I will be back to stay another night sometime." Elizabeth promised.
"That poor girl of yours is looking a little sleepy." Abigail said as she nodded over in Tilly's direction.
"Oh dear." Elizabeth exclaimed as she noticed Tilly had fallen asleep on the rug in front of the toys.
Elizabeth went over and picked up the blanket off the back of the settee. Not wanting to disturb Tilly she placed the blanket over her and left her there to sleep on the rug.
"I think I'll go pack up our things while she's sleeping." Elizabeth said.
"Go ahead, I'll keep an eye on her." Abigail offered, and Elizabeth headed off upstairs.
Later that evening
Elizabeth had put Matilda to bed for the night, and she headed downstairs. She made her way into the library and noticed the dark wooden bookcases which were lined with all her books, and on one side of the room was her desk that perfectly matched the wooden bookcases, all of which Jack had built. On the other side of the room was her old desk that Jack used for painting and sketching whenever he managed to find the time . She rarely got to spend much time in the library herself these days, but she did appreciate what little time she did get.
Elizabeth made her way over to her desk and sat down. She had had every intention of writing to Jack every night, but this would be his second night away from her, but only the first chance she'd been able to find the time to write. She checked the nib on her pen before starting to write.
Dear Jack,
Hope Valley is continuing on well, although sometimes I believe in my mind this isn't so without you here. I've often thought how hard it is to imagine what it's like living in this town without you, but then when you are gone, I realise how life does continue to move along. I want to let you know that I am keeping myself busy, I secretly made a promise to you and our daughter that I wasn't going to mope around while missing you. I do so dearly miss you, but Tilly and I are continuing on with our normal life here. I have stopped working my one day a week at the school however as I feel it will take it's toll more on Tilly than myself. She's starting to realise your absence and I'll admit it does worry me. I continue to frequently remind her about you, how much you love her, and how you're coming home to us soon.
We stayed at Abigail's last night, but I believe it unsettled Tilly more than anything, and I admit I also dearly missed being in our home. Being here at home helps me to feel closer to you, and I believe that's also what Tilly needs. I know you wanted us to be staying most nights in town with Abigail - and we will be at times - but I plan to spend most of our nights at home. Please don't worry about us however as we are daily checking in with Abigail, and frequently with Rosemary and Lee.
While at Abigail's today, Rosemary bought all the school children by. They made me a beautiful card and told me how much they missed me, and their Constable as well. It reminded me of the support I have from the community here and I felt less alone.
I am looking forward to the day when you can come home to us. The days and nights seem extra long without you here. I miss you dearly Jack, and I pray you are safe and well.
With all my love,
Elizabeth.
Elizabeth placed down her pen and read over the letter once more before folding it up and placing it in an envelope. She noticed the tears in her eyes that she previously hadn't taken note of while she'd been writing. She sighed and realised how heavy her heart felt in this moment, and wished that she could just go upstairs and lay in Jack's arms and fall asleep, just as she had every night since they had been married, except the past two nights.
She put the envelope down on her desk, thinking how she would take it into the Mercantile in the morning, and then headed upstairs and made her way to bed.
The following week
Jack had been gone eight days now and Elizabeth noticed the effects on her daughter. Tilly had been exceptionally grizzly and out of sorts over the past week. It made her job more difficult, but she only sympathised for her daughter.
Elizabeth entered the Mercantile, taking Tilly's hand with one hand, and her basket with the other. She picked up a few groceries for the evening meal before she noticed Katie Yost at her side.
"I have something for you." Katie said handing Elizabeth an envelope.
"Thank you Katie." Elizabeth said smiling, knowing exactly who the envelope would be from.
Katie then made her way back around the counter and continued her work.
Elizabeth looked down at the envelope, she recognised Jack's hand writing instantly, and then turned the envelope over to see the sender's details which entailed Jack's name and the Mountie Headquarters address in Cape Fullerton.
Eager to read her letter she quickly grabbed the few things she needed, paid for her items and headed out of the Mercantile with Tilly.
Elizabeth had planned to head over to the Café to see Abigail, but she wanted somewhere more private to read her letter. Knowing the jail would be empty she decided to head over there.
Tilly who was walking by her side started to get excited as they headed up the porch steps of the jail.
"Da Da!"
"Oh baby, Daddy isn't here. Remember he's still away."
Tilly cried, and Elizabeth picked her up and carried her into the jail.
"Come, lets sit down, Daddy has written us a letter."
She said going over to Jack's desk and sitting down with Tilly on her lap.
Rip whined and slowly made his way over and sat down at Elizabeth's feet. Tilly became distracted from her crying as she looked down at him.
"It looks like Cody has been taking good care of you." Elizabeth said to Rip.
He howled and lay down at Elizabeth's feet.
"I know, he's not Jack though is he." Elizabeth said, knowing that even Rip was missing Jack.
Elizabeth found a letter opener in one of Jack's desk drawers and opened the envelope.
She unfolded the paper and noticed that Jack had included a sketch.
"Da Da!" Tilly exclaimed excitedly as she saw a drawing of Jack, Elizabeth and herself.
"Yes, Daddy drew a picture of all of us." Elizabeth said happily as she looked over the picture Jack had drawn for them. She loved that Jack had taken the time to draw something for them, especially because she knew he would have known a drawing would be more meaningful to their daughter than a letter.
Elizabeth read through the letter as Tilly continued to look over the drawing.
Dear Elizabeth,
I have been here in Cape Fullerton five days now. The work hours are long and strenuous but not as dangerous as my time in the Northern Territories. I pray this gives you some comfort, as the danger doesn't seem so real.
I hope you and Matilda are both doing well, I pray every day for the both of you.
Elizabeth, I never dreamed anything could be harder than the six months I left you when in the Northern Territories, but I admit that I am surprised to find that this time around it is even more difficult. I have two girls to miss now, and not only that, this time you're my wife. Being married has made me realise more of what I am missing out on while not being with you. While I do miss the physical intimacies of marriage, it's not that that I am alluding to, it is so much more. I miss not being your husband and all that that entails, and miss being a Father to our daughter. It breaks my heart to not be with you both. Please don't let these words make you sad, I want you to take from them the fact that you and Tilly are very much loved and missed.
Remind Tilly I love her, and that I promise to be home soon. What I would do to hear her sweet little voice, and kiss her rosy red cheeks. I know that day will not be too far away however. That I can promise you.
I anticipate the day I can be home with the both of you, and will let you know as soon as I am relieved of my duties here.
With all of my heart,
Jack.
Two weeks later.
It was a warm Spring day and Elizabeth walked with Tilly in her arms as they made the trip into town.
Elizabeth entered through the kitchen door of the Café and found Abigail just as she was descending the stairs.
"I'm so glad you're here, I was just starting to wonder where the both of you were today." Abigail said feeling relieved as she liked to keep an eye on Elizabeth and Tilly while Jack was away. "And how is this gorgeous girl?" She asked looking down at Tilly, and Elizabeth handed Tilly over to Abigail.
"She's been missing her Dad, but otherwise wonderful."
"Oh you poor little Angel." Abigail said giving Tilly a kiss on the cheek. "And I know you're missing Jack too." Abigail said as she wrapped an arm around Elizabeth to try comfort her.
"I really am Abigail." Elizabeth said, looking somber.
Abigail looked over at her friend and realised she didn't seem her normal self, even considering the last couple of weeks events with Jack away.
"Oh Elizabeth, you're looking a little under the weather, maybe you should come sit down." Abigail said, as she noticed the sweat on her brow and her face looking quite pale.
Elizabeth decided she wasn't up for protesting after the long walk with Tilly in her arms and she went and sat down on the settee with Abigail.
Tilly climbed off Abigail's lap and went to find the toys, and the two women sat back on the settee and relaxed.
"Elizabeth, maybe you should consider staying here permanently until Jack returns." Abigail suggested as she started to feel worried about Elizabeth.
"I will be fine Abigail. Plus who would look after the house, and the horses." Elizabeth said, sounding worried.
"We could arrange to put the horses in the livery, and as for the rest of the property, I'm sure a few of the men wouldn't mind helping out. After all, Jack will hopefully be home within another two weeks." Abigail suggested.
Elizabeth sighed.
"I would really rather be home Abigail, Tilly also is more settled at home. She hasn't been asking for Jack as often and I'm worried that she's either getting used to him being gone, or she's starting to forget him." Elizabeth's voice broke as she finished her sentence and she started to cry.
"Oh Elizabeth." Abigail exclaimed as she wrapped an arm around her friend. "I'm sure Tilly hasn't forgotten him, I know it isn't much of a consolation, but I am so sorry that the both of you have to go through this."
"I don't know what is worse Abigail, hearing Tilly cry for Jack, or the fact that she's stopped asking for him because she's forgetting."
Abigail hugged her friend, knowing that there weren't any words that could console her at this time. She knew the only thing that could give her any peace would be Jack being here with her.
"I miss him so much Abigail, and what makes it worse is that it's not just about me anymore, it's also about Tilly."
"I know, and you also know that once Jack returns, then everything will be back to normal. Tilly will recognise him when he's back, I have no doubt about that. That man of yours is a wonderful Father and there's no way Tilly is going to forget that."
"I know you're right Abigail, it's just hard to stay strong in the meantime."
"What are you talking about Elizabeth, you have been so strong. I've seen you holding things together for that daughter of yours since Jack's been away, but Elizabeth, the fact is you don't need to always be strong, it's ok to cry sometimes."
Elizabeth nodded her head as the tears continued to flow down her cheeks.
"Abigail there's also something else…" Elizabeth said between sobs, and Abigail wrapped an arm around her.
"What is it Elizabeth?" Abigail asked, sounding concerned.
"I'm quite certain that I'm pregnant."
"Oh Elizabeth." Abigail exclaimed, and she pulled Elizabeth in for a hug.
"I didn't want to tell anyone until I'd told Jack, but I don't think I can keep it to myself any longer."
"How long have you known?" Abigail asked.
"About two weeks. I wanted Jack to be the first to know, but I'm just finding it too hard to manage now, especially with the morning sickness and taking care of Tilly by myself."
"Elizabeth Thornton, I want you to listen to me, and I say this with the kindest intentions. I know how stubborn and independent you like to be, especially when Jack isn't with you, but you need to accept some help. You need to go home, pack your bags and come stay with me. I know you feel you and Tilly need to be in your home, but you need help Elizabeth."
"I know you're right Abigail. It just seems that being away from home is another hurdle to overcome."
"I understand, and if I didn't have Cody and the Café to run, I would come stay with you in a heartbeat, but please Elizabeth, if you can't do this for yourself then do it for Tilly and this new baby, and because you know it's what that husband of yours would want."
Elizabeth nodded in agreement as Abigail took hold of her hands and gave them a squeeze.
"If you think you're up for the walk, why don't you head home and go pack up somethings while Tilly is still napping?" Abigail suggested.
"I think I will Abigail. Thank you for being such a good friend."
"You're such a good friend to me Elizabeth, there isn't anything I wouldn't do for you and your family."
The two friends shared a smile and then Elizabeth made her way home.
A/N For those of you Hearties who find it hard to handle the drama. Please do not stress! Jack will be home soon, I promise!
So did this one make you cry too? I seemed to get a few reviews and PM's regarding how sad the previous chapter was.