Sunday afternoon after church Billy took Elizabeth for a ride in a borrowed buckboard. Kate helped Abigail with Carla who was growing increasingly uncomfortable.
"Let's put this laundry out before it gets to late in the day" Abigail said as Kate followed her out with the basket.
"Do you think Carla will have her baby soon?" Kate asked.
"Well babies tend to come when they want, not when we expect them. But I assume this one will be here sooner rather then later." Abigail said.
"I have never held a baby before" Kate said.
"I think that can be arranged once there is actually a baby here" Abigail smiled at her handing her a sheet to hang up.
"Hello Mrs Stanton!" A voice called.
"Over here" Abigail called and Jack appeared from behind a sheet.
"Oh Constable what can I do for you?" Abigail asked.
"There has been another robbery, I am advising everyone to lock their doors and windows" Jack said.
"Thank you for the warning, we will be sure to do that" Abigail said. Jack hesitated for a minute before turning to leave.
"Is there something else on your mind?" Abigail asked. Jack turned back to her glancing at Kate.
"Any advice on getting a women to listen to me?" Jack asked and Kate smirked knowing who he was talking about.
"I take it we are talking about Elizabeth, and my advice would be make sure you are saying something important" Abigail said giving him a knowing smile.
"I am! I am concerned about her consorting with a man of low character but she won't listen to me" Jack said sounding annoyed.
"Well the say you catch more flies with honey then you do with vinegar" Abigail said.
"I should not have to play some sort of game when I am trying to be the good guy here. And I…" Jack started but Abigail put her finger to his lips silencing him with a look as Kate giggled.
"Honey, Jack" Abigail said.
"Yes Ma'am." Jack sighed.
"I have a fantastic idea, why don't you take Kate down to the lake and teach her how to fish. That's something you wanted to learn right Kate?" Abigail asked.
"Yes but today?" Kate asked confused.
I bet if you take the road east to the lake you might just run into some flies out for a ride" Abigail smiled at them as Jack and Kate realized what she was saying.
"You up for some fishing?" Jack asked Kate.
"Yup" Kate smiled running inside to change her dress.
twenty minutes later Kate was holding onto Jack's back as they road Sergeant on the east road to the lake.
"There they are" Kate whispered seeing the wagon pulling to the side to allow them to pass.
"Afternoon Constable, and little miss" Billy said.
"What are you doing?" Elizabeth asked surprised to see Kate with Jack.
"Thought I would teach Kate to fish today, I didn't realize you guys were coming this way, I would have invited you to come along" Jack said smiling.
"Well we were just discussing Geology" Billy said the word slowly as if he didn't expect Jack to understand it. Kate felt her blood boil but Jack just smiled.
"No finer classroom in the world for it" Jack nodded.
"Did you catch anything?" Elizabeth asked.
"No but we had fun huh? And it hardly matters on a beautiful day like today" Jack said glancing back at Kate who nodded with a smile
"Kate does Abigail need help?" Elizabeth asked.
"Nope, I helped her with the laundry and she was going to do some knitting while Carla was resting." Kate said.
"Good, do you need a ride back?" Elizabeth asked.
"Oh she looks fine with the Constable, no safer hands am I right?" Billy asked.
"I'm good with Jack." Kate said when Elizabeth continued to watch her
"Well I should get her home anyway, winters coming, to chilly to have her out all day, enjoy your ride." Jack said giving Sergeant a nudge as they rode off.
"Well done Jack" Kate smiled as Jack chuckled.
Elizabeth looked behind her watching them ride away.
"He was so pleasant." She said confused.
"He must be up to something, and why does he have your young sister with him?" Billy asked flicking the reigns and the horses started again.
"Oh Kate adore him, he looked out for her one day when I couldn't and they have been very close since. He's probably the only person I trust enough to let him put her on the back of his horse" Elizabeth smiled.
"Strange" Billy said with a frown.
"I would like for you to spend some time with Kate, maybe next time she could come along? She means so much to me and I think it's important you get to know each other if we are going to be spending more time together." Elizabeth said.
"Of course, maybe next Sunday the three of us can take a short ride and then you and I can take a long one" Billy gave her a smile. Elizabeth returned it gently, that wasn't exactly what she meant but it was a start.
"Here" Kate smiled at Carla sweetly, placing a bowl of Abigail's soup in front of her.
"Thank you child, but I don't think there is room for anything else in my stomach" Carla sighed.
"It will keep your strength up, have just a bit." Abigail said gently as Kate sat down to her own bowl just as Elizabeth came hurrying in.
"It's here, the book. Dr Cranes medicine and recipes" Elizabeth said placing a package on the table and unwrapping it.
"What is it?" Abigail asked.
"I remember reading about it in my Aunt's journals. I telegrammed my Grandmother and she send this, it's full of advice on how to birth a child. It's practical a midwife in a book." Elizabeth said as Abigail smiled taking it to look over.
"I don't want a midwife in a book, I want a real midwife. Or the company doctor, when will he be back in town?" Carla asked.
"I'm sure any day now" Abigail said.
"What if I go into labor before he gets back?"
"Carla I don't want you to worry about that ok? Cat and I have delivered babies before it will be fine" Abigail said firmly. Carla just nodded with a sigh.
"Abigail I saw a sign for the minors games next Saturday, what's that?" Kate asked.
"Oh it's a wonderful day, the men of the town compete in tug of war, foot races, all kinds of things. And the women bake pies and cakes to be auctioned off. Theres good food and music, I think you girls will enjoy it" Abigail said as Kate smiled.
"Can we go Elizabeth?"
"Sounds like fun." Elizabeth smiled.
That night Kate lay in bed under the big quilt to ward off the cold. Elizabeth sat at the small desk writing for a bit before blowing out the candle and crawling into the bed.
"Are you awake?" Elizabeth asked.
"yes" Kate whispered.
"Abigail isn't going to go Saturday, she doesn't want to leave Carla"
"That's to bad, maybe we should go the morning and then come home and she can go in the afternoon" Kate said.
"I offered but she wouldn't hear of it. She says she has been to plenty and we should enjoy ourselves for the day."
"She's so kind" Kate smiled.
"Katie?"
"Yes?"
"What do you think about me inviting Billy to come to the games with us?" Elizabeth asked. Kate hesitated and bit her lip.
"I just thought, maybe you two could get to know each other." Elizabeth went on to fill the silence.
"I don't think he likes me" Kate said.
"Oh Kate what's not to like? He is a single man he just doesn't know how to act around a child. I bet if you two spent some time together you would like him. He's very friendly and smart."
"Alright" Kate nodded.
"Thank you Katie, that really means a lot to me." Elizabeth gave her a smile.
"Of course." Kate nodded.
"Elizabeth!" Kate called glancing up from her homework the next day seeing smoke coming out of the stove.
"Oh no!" Elizabeth jumped up putting rags on her hands and pulling out a burnt cake in the pan. Kate quickly opened the back door and Elizabeth tossed the burnt cake out into the yard.
"Oh dear? Was that your cake for Saturday?" Abigail asked coming into the kitchen
"Yes" Elizabeth sighed setting the pan on the table.
"Baking take practice" Abigail said.
"Great, she will be ready for the cake auction in two years" Kate smiled.
"Oh, well your not wrong" Elizabeth sighed.
"Now now, you wouldn't let your students quit and I am not going to let you quit" Abigail said.
"Why don't you and Kate go to the minor games and I will stay with Carla" Elizabeth sighed picking up the mixing bowl again.
"Because you have never been before, besides you need to stop hiding from Jack" Abigail said
"Oh is that what your doing?" Kate cried suddenly realizing why Elizabeth had been acting strange whenever they were in town the past few days.
"Off to bed!" Elizabeth told her giving her a stern look. Kate closed her book with a sigh and climbed the stairs after a hug from Abigail and shooting Elizabeth a dirty look.
"I am not hiding from Jack" Elizabeth said when Kate was out of earshot.
"Elizabeth anyone can see you two have feelings for each other." Abigail said reaching into the ice box and pulling out the pitcher of milk.
"Jack and I are just friends, besides he is a confirmed bachelor" Elizabeth said.
"No he's a confirmed mountie, duty and honer… until the right women comes along" Abigail said measuring out the milk for her.
'I don't know about that, though he has been acting strange lately, one minute he's integrating me the next he's.. I don't even know"
"Sweet like honey?" Abigail asked with a grin.
"Yes, how did you know?" Elizabeth asked.
"Oh never mind that. All I know is I would be flattered to have someone going to extra lengths to look after me, and a small child in my life" Abigail said handing Elizabeth an egg.
"Gently on the rim of the bowl"
"I am not a complete beginner" Elizabeth sighed cracking the egg on the side when it shattered the shells all falling into the bowl.
"Oh" Elizabeth sighed glancing at Abigail and they both started laughing.
Saturday morning Kate grinned as she and Elizabeth walked into town.
"Can I have a funnel cake? And a honey stick and pooppcorn?" Kate asked.
"Oh my I have a feeling you will be sick by lunch" Elizabeth laughed carrying her cake.
"Elizabeth, can we bring a treat home to Abigail and Carla?" Kate asked.
"That's a lovely thought, we will pick out something they will love"
"Hey Kate want to do the three legged race with me?" Laura asked as they came to the crowed of people.
"I'm going to bring my cake into the saloon, you girls have fun" Elizabeth smiled
"I will be there in time to see the auction!" Kate called to Elizabeth as they ran off.
Kate hurried with Laura and Anna into the back of the Saloon just as Cat was starting the auction. They clapped wildly when Mrs Blakly's cake when for a whole .85 cents.
"And now our newest addition this year our teacher Miss Thatcher" Cat said. Elizabeth hesitated for a minute before pulling off the cover to her very flat chocolate cake. There were a few chuckles around the room and Kate shot the men laughing a death glare. Elizabeth had been up half the night on that cake and it wasn't even a bit burnt!
"One dollar" Came a voice, Kate turned in shock to see Billy stand up.
"Oh you don't have to…" Elizabeth started.
"I.25" Jack called.
"Go Jack!" Kate whispered as people around the room gasped.
"1.35" Billy said.
"1.50" Jack yelled.
"I have never seen a cake sell for so much" Laura whispered surprised.
"It's not the cake they are buying" Anna giggled.
"Shh Jack's going to win" Kate silenced them as they were up to 2.50 now and Jack called it out.
"3.00" Billy shouted.
"Oh my!" Anna said.
Jack looked helpless not having three dollars on him.
"Oh my three dollars the cake is sold" Cat smiled as everyone clapped and grinned except Elizabeth as she walked around the table.
May I have a word with you please?" Elizabeth asked Billy as she handed him the cake. She looked as Jack nodding her head toward the door and both men followed her out.
"She's mad" Kate whispered knowing the look on her sister's face.
'Why? her cake just sold for three dollars, thats a record." Laura said.
"I don't know. But at least she is mad at both of them now" Kate shrugged.
"Come on let's go watch the egg toss" Anna said and the girls hurried out as Elizabeth stepped outside with Jack and Billy.
"Why were you fighting over my pathetic cake? you completely embarrassed me" Elizabeth said crossing her arms at the two men in front of her.
"We were supporting you" Jack said.
"Raising funds for a good cause, I hear the money went to the school" Billy nodded. Elizabeth frowned at both of them not saying anything.
"I am sorry for embarrassing you, But I think you are underestimating your cake. It looks delicious" Billy said quickly
"Stop lying" Elizabeth said through gritted teeth.
"Yes Ma'am" Billy said walking away solemnly. Jack watched him grinning.
"And you, stop with all the smiling, what are you playing as Jack?" Elizabeth asked turning to him.
"Just doing my job, protect and serve" Jack said.
"By bidding on a cake?"
"Whatever it takes" Jack told her.
Later in the afternoon Kate pulled Elizabeth down the road.
"Come on they are starting" She said pulling her into the crowd.
"What is starting?" Elizabeth asked.
"Tug of war. Oh look Jack is doing it!" Kate smiled as Jack stood on one side. She glanced at the other side seeing Billy standing among the other men. Elizabeth held her basket in her elbow watching straight faced.
"Go Jack!" Kate yelled as Jack gave her a grin.
"Go!" A man shouted and suddenly the road was filled with people cheering and clapping.
"Go Jack! Pull!" Kate yelled. Even Elizabeth was clapping and cheering as the two teams pulled with all their might. After a few minutes a few men behind Jack lost their footing sending them to the ground. Jack's team lost their lead and Billy's team pulled them over the line winning.
"Ohhh man" Kate sighed but clapped for them anyway as Jack helped his friends up still laughing. Elizabeth went over to talk to Billy as Kate sat down on the porch next to Jack.
"Good try Jack" She sighed.
"So much for honey" Jack shrugged.
"You can still win Jack" Kate said frowning at Elizabeth and Billy across the road.
"Elizabeth, I'm going to walk home with Mrs Montgomery, I'm tired." Kate said finding her later as the sun was going down.
"Oh we will walk with you." Elizabeth said brushing stay hair from Kate's face.
"Oh, I was hoping for you to watch the arm wrestling with me" Billy said gently from beside her. Elizabeth glanced at him then back at Kate.
"It's ok, you stay, I will go bring Abigail her treats and help with dinner for Carla" Kate said.
"Alright, your sure you don't want to stay and watch?"
"No, I'm tired" Kate shrugged glancing at Billy who was not looking over her at the crowed gathering
"Ok Sweetie go right home and rest" Elizabeth said gently as Kate hurried off to walk with Cat and her children.
"I think she had a sugar crash, to many sweets and to much excitement." Elisabeth smiled.
"It happens with children, come, I want to show you the best minor arm wrestler I have ever met" Billy said escorting Elizabeth over to the crowed.
"Do you miss home?" Billy asked as Elizabeth walked back to the row house with him.
"Sometimes, but on a day like today how could I?" Elizabeth smiled.
"Well wherever you are, wether it's out there exploring or somewhere filling young hearts and minds, I hope to be with you, in your life."Billy said.
"Me too" Elizabeth agreed.
"But I want you to know, I never considered myself the marrying type until now. You are the kind of women I can see myself settling down with. Starting a family with. And we can move as fast or as slowly as you would like."
"Thank you" Elizabeth said with a smile turning to the row house sure she had just heard the sweetest words ever spoken to her.
"Well I won't overstay my welcome." Billy said
"Oh no, I wasn't chasing you away, I am sure Abigail has a pot of tea brewing, and Kate should be home I would love for you to get to know her." Elizabeth said gently.
"No, I will be a better gentlemen then I have been all day. I want to treat you with the most respect and take you out for tea next time. And so I will say good evening" Billy said taking off his hat and bowing to her. Elizabeth smiled as he said good bye before climbing the stairs and going inside.
Later that night Elizabeth sat up writing in her journal again as Kate was sleeping. Elizabeth felt a little bad, she had expected to spend a day with her sister but had ended up spending more time with Billy while Kate was with her friends. Elizabeth knew Kate was getting older and wanted to be with her friends more, she understood that and was glad Kate had made so many good friends. But a part of her felt that she hadn't spent any real time with her sister in a few weeks now. Suddenly there was yelling and the sound of fighting outside and Kate jumped awake as Elizabeth jumped up.
"What is it?" Kate asked.
"Get your shawl, come!" Elizabeth said hurrying downstairs with Kate as Abigail was already at the door they hurried outside two houses down to where the yelling was louder outside Cat's house.
"What's going on?" Abigail asked.
"The Constable had me set a trap for the thief so he could catch him. Jack thinks Billy Hamilton has been the thief all along" Cat said as Elizabeth and Kate ran over and there were clearly two men fighting in the shadows between two houses.
"What?" Elizabeth gasped before quickly shielding Kate's face from the fighting as Jack punched the other man. Jack threw him to the ground into the light.
"That is not Billy" Abigail said.
"Thank you for you help Mrs. Montgomery" Jack said as he pulled out his handcuffs securing him around his wrists.
"You thought I was Billy Hamilton, that's a joke" The man said as Jack pulled him to his feet.
"Shut up" Jack said.
"You really think that little of him, of me?" Elizabeth asked tears gathering in her eyes as Jack walked by them. Jack didn't say anything as Kate peered up at him from where she was pressed into Elizabeth's side.
"And you say he's not the man I think he is" Elizabeth whispered pulling Kate away as Abigail followed closely shooting Jack a sorry look.
"Let's go" Jack said gruffly pushing the man to walk towards the jail.
"Elizabeth" Kate whispered.
"Not now" Elizabeth said as they walked to the house just as Carla was standing in the doorway.
"Carla you shouldn't be up" Elizabeth said letting Kate go.
"Carla honey everything is alright go back inside" Abigail said gently.
"No its not, my water broke" Carla said. Elizabeth and Abigail glanced at each other as Kate watched them. She could tell by the look on their faces that was not good.
Cat came over soon after to help Abigail. Elizabeth sent Kate back up to bed but she could hear everything that was happening downstairs and eventually gave up on sleeping and Elizabeth didn't try to make her. Her sister seemed to be putting everything with Jack to the side for now and just helping Abigail and Cat with Carla. Kate had never seen a women anywhere near her time before and neither had Elizabeth but Abigail was calm and that was calming for Kate. The sun came up the next morning and Kate was glad they at least had daylight as Carla continued to labor in the room.
"Kate fetch more water please" Abigail asked. Kate nodded going to fill the bucket by the water pump outside and then trying to busy herself in the kitchen as Elizabeth helped make the bed before coming out to help Kate.
"Elizabeth, are you going to have a baby some day?" Kate asked.
"God willing yes, I would like a family." Elizabeth said as Carla let out a moan making Kate cringe and Elizabeth gave her a weak smile.
"I don't want you too, it sounds awful" Kate said.
"Well this part yes, but it's short lived and then you have a beautiful child made from love for the rest of your life. It's beautiful Kate, it's just rough getting there" Elizabeth said gently.
"Mother died when I was born. It's scary" Kate whispered.
"It's a natural thing Katie, We could go whenever God calls us. But I believe it is worth whatever risk. A baby is a blessing, you are my blessing. It's alright to be afraid of something, but we can't let it consume us to where we can't see the positive, do you understand that?" Elizabeth asked. Kate nodded.
"Abigail and Cat have it all under control, they are not worried so there is no reason to be worried, alright?"
"Ok" Kate nodded and Elizabeth pulled her in for a hug feeling Kate relax into her.
"I love you, I miss you. I feel like I have hardly seen you the past few days."
"You have been busy." Kate shrugged not wanting to bring up Jack or Billy
"I am never to busy for you, after this baby comes you and I will go for a nice walk alright?"
"Ok" Kate smiled as there was a knock on the door. Elizabeth nodded in the direction of it as she brought Abigail more towels.
"Hi Jack" Kate said softly opening the back door Jack had knocked on.
"Hey little shadow, how's it going?" He asked
"Still no baby" Kate shrugged
"I hope it comes soon." Jack sighed as Elizabeth stepped behind Kate pulling the door open more.
"What are you doing here?" She asked sharply as Kate glanced up at her.
"I was wondering if I could talk to you." Jack said his voice gentle
"fine, Kate go help, no. outside" Elizabeth said firmly as Jack started to step inside. Kate gave Jack a sad smile as Elizabeth closed the door joining him on the back porch.
"You have the worst sense of timing, in many ways" Elizabeth said crossing her arms.
"I was wrong, about Billy being the thief"
"Let's not dwell on the obvious" Elizabeth muttered.
"You have to understand even more then finding the thief, my main goal was to make sure you didn't get hurt and I did the opposite." Jack said softly. Elizabeth's face had softened but she didn't say anything.
"I regret that more then you know, what with you and your sister being the people I care about most. I hope you can forgive me" Jack said then turning and walking away as Elizabeth watched him go.
"Hello" Kate said opening the front door a few minutes later to Billy standing on the front porch. She wanted to shoo him away with everything she had what with Jack just being here.
"Hello Kate, is Elizabeth home?" He asked.
"Elizabeth" Kate called over her shoulder as Elizabeth wrapped her shawl around her stepping outside. She gave Kate a smile closing the door behind her. Kate watched as she and Billy made their way down the porch sitting on a log in the field across the street talking.
"Still no baby?" Billy asked.
"No, Abigail is starting to worry and Kate is worried, I'm about to send her away for the day. I don't know if I am cut out for this life. The challenges these ladies face, I don't know if I will ever have the courage they have." Elizabeth sighed.
"You must miss your family and your life back home. Your Grandmother Rose" Billy said.
"How did you know my grandmother's name? I never call her by her first name." Elizabeth asked frowning a little.
"Sure you did, you must have." Billy said. Elizabeth watched him closely, she hardly ever talked about Grandmother, and she only ever called her Grandmother. Even Abigail didn't know her first name. Elizabeth's mind was racing.
"May I tell you a secret?" She asked.
"I wish you would" Billy said taking her hand.
"My Grandmother was so against me becoming a teacher that she disinherited me, she cut me off from the family money and I have no contact with them" Elizabeth said.
"I had no idea" Billy said shaking his head.
"It doesn't matter, I won't let that hold me back. But my dream, the one I wouldn't tell you about before, is to travel north where it's completely wild. Or to start a mission school in the far east, live among the poor and raise them up through education." Elizabeth said. Billy looked stricken for a minute.
"Well if that is your dream then it is mine too" he said.
"You would go with me? Knowing I would never be rich?" Elizabeth asked.
"Of course" Billy said.
"Then we will go, I just have to pack our things and find a teacher to replace me" Elizabeth said trying to sound excited.
"I will wait as long as you need" Billy said and she pulled him into a hug holding back tears.
"Abigail!" Elizabeth called opening the door quickly and rushing inside. Kate looked up as Abigail came out of the bedroom.
"I need to go talk to Jack. It's an urgent unless you need me to stay?"
"No, go ahead Molly and Cat are plenty of help." Abigail nodded.
"Thank you, come Kate." Elizabeth waved her over as Kate quickly put on her shawl following Elizabeth out of the house.
"What's going on? Why do you need Jack?" Kate asked chasing Elizabeth down the path.
"Billy, he lied, I need to tell Jack, I think he is up to something." Elizabeth said.
"Jack was right?" Kate asked.
"Yes, Jack was right" Elizabeth nodded.
"What tipped you off" Jack asked. He and Elizabeth were sitting on the porch outside his office drinking tea, the sun had just disappeared into the ground for the night. Kate sat on the steps by them listening.
"He knew Grandmother's name. I never told him her name. And then your words came back to me, that he might not be all that he says he is" Elizabeth sighed pulling her shawl tighter around her. Kate knew her sister was hurting and she got up going to join her in her chair putting her head on her shoulder.
"I just wish I knew sooner" Elizabeth sighed. Jack opened his mouth to say something when Ned Yost the mercantile owner came running over.
"Jack, I don't know what's happening but I think there's another thief in my livery" He said. Jack stood quickly running to the building around the corner. Elizabeth followed pulling Kate with her, staying in the shadows.
Jack turned the corner greeted by Billy riding a horse out of the livery.
"It's a little late for a ride isn't it?" Jack asked.
"Oh I am just looking at the stars" Billy said.
"Are you sure your not stealing the horse? Trying to hightail it out of town?" Jack asked.
"Oh no mountie I bought this horse, he's mine fair and square."
"Hamilton you haven't done a thing fair and square since you got to this town. Especially with the way you treated Elizabeth" Jack said.
"There is nothing wrong with courting a pretty girl"
"How about courting a pretty rich girl for her family's money?" Jack asked.
"Well she would have to be rich for you to say something like that, and she's not" Billy spat.
"Really, I am not so sure, in fact why don't you ask her" Jacks said as Elizabeth stepped out from behind the shadows by the building Kate stayed behind watching in the dark. Billy glanced at Elizabeth
"It's over Billy, give it up" Jack said firmly his face more gruff then Kate had ever seen. Billy kicked the house into a gallop towards Jack and Elizabeth gasped as Kate rushed to her side hiding her face in her skirts for the second time in two nights. Jack pulled Billy from the horse easily and they fought for seconds before Jack punched him knocking him out and Billy fell to the ground. Jack looked up at Elizabeth as she sighed with relief.
Jack put Billy in the jail making sure Elizabeth didn't hear a word he said as he tried to defend himself. They settled into the porch again talking, Elizabeth felt to worked up to go home right away. Kate fell asleep with her head on her shoulder after not sleeping for a whole night.
"I should get her home, there has been little sleep the past few nights" Elizabeth sighed.
"Let me, I want to walk you anyway" Jack said lifting Kate into his arms. Kate put her arms around his neck and her head on his shoulder draped over him still sleeping soundly.
"Thank you Jack" Elizabeth said tucking the blanket tighter around Kate as they started their walk.
"Can I tell you the thing that bothered me most about Billy?" Elizabeth asked as they started walking
"Of course" Jack nodded.
"Even if all this hadn't happened, if he was a regular man, I could have never had anything serious with him" Elizabeth said quietly.
"Why is that?"
"Kate, he never paid her any attention. I know our predicament is unusual but… If I were to ever marry I need a man who would accept her just as much as me. She's still just such a little girl sometimes" Elizabeth smiled watching Kate sleep on Jack.
"She's a good girl, how could anyone not like her?"
"Well Billy never even wanted to know her. I know it's unusual but she's the most important person in my life right now, maybe if she were older it would be different, but she's so young still. I don't want to force her to grow up, and I am certainly not going to ship her back to Grandmother's so I can court a man." Elizabeth said.
"You are a good sister you know that? You both have been fitting in so well here, it's amazing to watch." Jack said as they stopped in front of the row house and Elizabeth heard the cry of an infant she smiled.
"Sounds like you will be getting some sleep tonight" Jack smiled as Abigail opened the door.
Oh Jack! Elizabeth! Carla had twins! Two boys they are all healthy" Abigail said grinning.
"Praise the lord" Elizabeth laughed.
"What a blessing" Jack agreed.
"Do you need help?" Elizabeth asked.
"no, they are settled and resting comfortable, you two get some sleep we will need you tomorrow when there are two babies awake" Abigail smiled.
"Oh and Jack, it's good to see you around here" She grinned as Jack before going back to the kitchen as Jack and Elizabeth glanced at each other.
"Here I can take her" Elizabeth said holding out her arms and Jack expertly slid Kate into them. Elizabeth felt Kate wrap around her in her sleep holding her close.
"I will come by tomorrow afternoon to check on you." Jack said.
"Thank you, but truly we are ok" Elizabeth whispered. Jack reached out brushing hair from Kate's face gently.
"See you tomorrow" He said softly turning to leave as Elizabeth went inside climbing the stairs and laying Kate on the bed before changing and laying down herself.
"They are so tiny, they are like china dolls" Jack smiled looking down at the baby he held in his arms as Kate peered into the blanket the next afternoon.
"They are small, we are lucky they are doing so well given how early they are." Elizabeth nodded entering the kitchen with another twin in her arms.
"Just think, in a few years they will be sitting in your classroom" Jack smiled.
"I do hope I can tell them apart by then, do you remember which is which?" Elizabeth asked cooing to the baby who gave a little cry in her arms.
"The yellow hat is Luke" Jack said.
"Ahh then this must be Rolland" Elizabeth smiled at the baby as he grabbed her finger.
"Can I hold one now?" Kate asked.
"Alright sit down on the couch" Elizabeth said. Kate hurried to the couch sitting down and holding her arms out.
"Mind his head, keep him wrapped up, there you are, wonderful" Elizabeth gently placed the baby in her arms as Kate grinned.
"Wow look at you" Jack smiled at Kate as Elizabeth walked over to him.
"How are you doing today?" Jack asked stepping out of earshot of Kate. The baby in his arms gave a cry and he slipped him to Elizabeth who bounced the baby expertly calming him quickly.
"More embarrassed then wounded. I send a discreet telegram early this morning to my cousin Julie in Hamilton and asked her to do some research. She wrote back right away, turns out Billy was doing some work in the shipping port my family owns. My father used to run it, my uncle does now. Turns out Billy was fired" Elizabeth sighed.
"When?" Jack asked.
"Right around the time the society pages were reporting that I was coming here. Rich heiress moved to frontier town." Elizabeth sighed.
"Well what he didn't count on was that heiress being much smarter then he was" Jack said giving her a smile.
"Jack I…" Elizabeth started.
"Shhh, its ok" Jack told her cutting off her apology giving her a smile. Elizabeth returned it sweetly.
