A few days later Elizabeth read the article about Jack in the paper out loud to the class about his heroic rescue. Nate's gang had been wanted for months and Jack had been the one to catch them.

"When Mountie Jack comes back is he going to be courtshiping you?" Gabe asked when she finished. Everyone laughed.

"Courtshiping is not a word Gabe, and also an improper question" Elizabeth corrected him unable to hide her smile

"If he asks you out to dinner again would that be an improper question?" Rachel asked as Kate grinned at her sister turning red.

"Alright, let's get back to out English lesson, take out your readers" Elizabeth said turning away from the class.

"Was is scary?" Laura whispered to Kate as the younger children started to read out loud.

"Yeah, really scary. But then Jack came and saved us." Kate said.

"Do you think your sister loves Mountie Jack?" Laura asked. Kate looked up at Elizabeth watching her for a minute before nodding.

"It's love if I have ever seen it" She smiled and the girls giggled.


"I hate that your leaving" Elizabeth sighed as she and Kate were helping Julie pack that afternoon.

"I feel as thought I have brought quiet enough excitement to this tiny town" Julie said.

"But you'll come back?" Kate asked.

"I promise" Julie smiled at her.

"But for now I am need of modern civilization and the comforts of home" Julie said.

"Like a hot bath." Elizabeth sighed with longing

"And a hair dresser" Julie said.

"And Grandmother's car" Kate added.

"And a maid to clean up after you" Elizabeth smiled.

"And indoor pluming" Kate cried.

"Especially that!" Julie said making the three girls laugh.

"You sure you won't come back with me?" Julie asked as Kate glanced up at Elizabeth.

"I'm sure" She nodded.

"I had to ask" Julie shrugged.

"I know" Elizabeth smiled.

"And what if Jack stays, in Cape Fullerton?" Julie asked.

"Either way, I will still be here" Elizabeth sighed.

"The stage will be here in five minutes" Kate said.

"Come on, we will see you off" Elizabeth said as they each picked up a trunk making they way to the mercantile as the coach pulled up. A women dressed in a red skirt, shirt and hat with blond hair got out looking almost as out of place as Elizabeth and Kate had when they first came. They paid her no mind as they hugged Julie.

"I love you girls" Julie sighed.

"Love you too" Elizabeth smiled.

"You'll write when you get home?" Kate asked.

"Only if you promise to keep me filled in on everything around here." Julie told her making Kate giggle as she pinky swore.

"Have a good trip, send everyone our love" Elizabeth called and they waved as Julie road away.

"Umm excuse me, this is Coal Valley?" The women in red asked as they turned to her.

"Yes it is" Elizabeth gave her a warm smile.

"Where's the rest of it?" the women asked raising her eyebrows as she looked up and down the street.

"Your looking at all of it" Kate said smiling.

"Oh, well… charming"

"It can be. I'm Elizabeth Thatcher and this is my sister Kathryn" Elizabeth said offering her hand.

"Rosemary LeVeaux" She said taking Elizabeth's hand and curtseying. Kate smiled, she hadn't seen a proper curtsey in months, maybe this women would be a wonderful new friend.

"What brings you here?" Elizabeth asked clearly thinking the same thing.

My fiancé" Rosemary beamed.

"Congratulations, what's his name perhaps we know him" Elizabeth asked. Suddenly over Rosemary's shoulder Kate saw Jack ride into town on Sergeant. Kate reached out tugging on Elizabeth sleeve but she had already seen him as she and Jack smiled at each other across the street.

"Jack" She whispered grinning as Rosemary turned.

"Oh there he is now! Jack!" Rosemary cried waving to him. Jack's smile disappeared as Kate felt her mouth drop open looking between the three of them. Jack rode over, sliding off Sergeant as Rosemary went over to him.

"Jack I'm here!" She said happily giving him a hug as Elizabeth stood watching in shock. Kate wanted to slap someone but she wasn't sure if it was Rosemary or Jack.

"Look at you, more handsome the ever" Rosemary said running a gloved hand over his cheek.

"And you look awfully, healthy" Jack said looking at Elizabeth before turning back to Rosemary.

"You cut your hair, I can see you have been doing it yourself. Lucky for you I brought mine to fix it" Rosemary said reaching up to brush back his hair.

"Alright, well I will let you two catch up" Elizabeth said pulling Kate with her as she turned walking back to the cafe.

"No Elizabeth! Elizabeth wait!" Jack called after her.

"What just happened?" Kate asked as Elizabeth dragged her across the street and she looked back at Jack shooting him daggers.

"Oh, was it something I said?" Rosemary asked.

"What are you doing here?" Jack asked.

"I found out where you were stationed and I just had to see you" Rosemary said giving him a smile.

"I thought you were in New York"

"It turns out a life of theater is quiet empty without you" Rosemary said softly.

"That's not what you said the last time we spoke" Jack frowned.

"Dearest Jack, I never should have broken things off with you."

"But you did" Jack said firmly.

"And I have regretted it everyday since, but I am here now!" Rosemary said

"Rosemary you can not expect that after two years things would stay the same."

"Two years, two hours, it's just time" Rosemary shrugged him off.

"It's a life time" Jack said looking down the road where Elizabeth had disappeared.

"Of course some living has happened since then, but my feelings have not changed. And if your's have… well then I will just have to do whatever it takes to win them back." Rosemary agreed softly Jack still frowning at her.


Across the street Abigail, Elizabeth and Kate were watching them from the window.

"I can't believe it, how could he not tell me he was engaged" Elizabeth fumed.

"I will admit I am as surprised as you" Abigail said softly.

"I didn't know what to say. Jack has been gone taking Nate's gang to justice and then she arrives and he arrives and.. the way she jumped into his arms it was as though they were already married." Elizabeth told Abigail.

"Jack wouldn't do this would he?" Kate asked.

"I have to agree, Jack has always been honorable, perhaps things are not as they seem" Abigail offered.

"She's not even that pretty" Kate said making a face as they continued to watch them through the window.

"Yes she is" Elizabeth sighed.

"I have seen much prettier" Abigail nodded to Kate.

"Your a good friend but a bad lier" Elizabeth turned to her.

"Would a hot biscuit make you feel better?" Abigail asked.

"No, but ten might" Elizabeth sighed as they left the window walking into the kitchen.

"alright, I will just be in my room eating" Elizabeth sighed.

"And if Jack should come calling?" Kate asked

"As we know he will" Abigail added handing Elizabeth a plate of biscuits.

"You tell him I don't wish to be disturbed" Elizabeth said giving them both a firm look climbing the stairs.


That night Kate was in bed reading while Elizabeth got ready for bed when they heard a voice outside coming through the open window.

"Elizabeth!" It called softly. Kate looked at her sister who froze brushing out her hair.

"I don't know if you can hear me but please let me explain" Jack said.

"Oh Elizabeth go!" Kate whispered as Elizabeth got up going to the open window Kate stood on her bed looking out the other one as Rosemary walked up to Jack in the road outside. Jack had been yelling up to the window where he knew their room was.

"Jack, come get a drink at the saloon" She giggled wrapping herself around his arm. Elizabeth slammed the window shut so quickly Kate was surprised it didn't break as Jack looked up hopeless.

"Go to bed" Elizabeth said going back to their dressing table. Kate watched as Jack looked back and Rosemary pulled him back down the road.

"Kathryn I said bed now!" Elizabeth said loudly.

"You don't have to yell at me just because your mad at Jack" Kate shot back sitting back on the bed frowning.

"I don't understand, he made his intentions perfectly clear! He asked me to dinner, he said it was courting, he told me he cared and he was coming back for me" Elizabeth frowned putting the brush down.

"I don't think he's doing what you think he is, truly Elizabeth maybe you should just hear him out"

"How do you explain this Katie!"

"Well I don't know I'm not the one who asked you to dinner when I was engaged!" Kate muttered.

"I'm sorry" Elizabeth sighed.

"Do you want another biscuit?" Kate asked making Elizabeth smile.

"No, I'm afraid my dresses won't fit tomorrow"

"Promise you will try to listen to Jack"

"Why do you care so much?"

"Because, I like Jack, and I think he likes you too."

"Just go to sleep." Elizabeth sighed slipping into the bed next to Kate. Kate sighed crossing her arms as Elizabeth blew out the candle.

"For the life of me I don't understand how you can both be so thick headed" Kate muttered.

"Sleep!" Elizabeth said firmly. Kate huffed rolling over closing her eyes.


The next morning Kate was playing outside with Laura and Anna before school as Jack walked up.

"She doesn't want to see you." Kate said frowning at him.

"I just need to explain" Jack said softly.

"Well, good luck" Kate sighed as he went into the saloon. Elizabeth was writing on the board and she didn't notice him until he was just steps away from her.

"You can't avoid me forever" Jack said softly making her turn to frown at him.

"No, just until you finally take your new posting at Cape Fullerton." Elizabeth said coldly.

"I'm not going to Cape Fullerton. Oriley is taking the post there and his family is joining him" Jack said as Elizabeth looked at him with surprised eyes.

"I am staying here in Coal Valley, this is where I belong." Jack said gently as Elizabeth's face was still hard.

"School is about to begin so…" Elizabeth started trying to get rid of him.

"So I will speak fast. I was engaged once, from where I stands that seems like another life. So much has changed since then. I have changed. And part of the reason I have changed is you." Jack said trying to keep his voice soft against her hard face.

"Yet in all our conversations, you failed to mention you were engaged even once." Elizabeth said.

"I was engaged, not anymore. I should have told you, I guess I just didn't want to open an old wound." Jack said.

"So she wounded you? Not the other way around?" Elizabeth asked, her face losing some of its hardness and her eyes softening at she looked at him now. Jack nodded as Elizabeth let out a huff.

"I didn't ask her to come." Jack said.

"Yet here she is" Elizabeth snapped.

"Only until she realizes there is no point to it." Jack insisted.

"she didn't seem to realize that last night, nor did you."

"You mean when you slammed your window shut?" Jack asked. They were both getting harsh with each other again.

"I was cold" Elizabeth sighed.

"Getting cold I sense." Jack said referring to her attitude towards him.

"I just can't help but think what else you have not told me."

"Well, aren't there things in your life you haven't told me?" Jack asked.

"I am certain my life is far less dramatic." Elizabeth told him. Jack took a pause to look at her before he spoke again.

"Elizabeth, I know you lost some faith in me. But I hope, overtime you will see that my heart is true." Jack said. He watched the emotion fill her eyes and she was about to speak when the door opened and the children came in. Elizabeth forced a smile onto her face as she greeted them happily. Jack turned leaving as they settled in and Kate glanced up at Elizabeth.

"They were fighting again." She sighed as Laura and Gabe sat on either said of her at the table they shared.

"Maybe they aren't meant to be like your cousin says." Gabe shrugged.

"Its that new lady who came to town isn't it?" Laura asked.

"I don't like her." Kate frowned.

"I hope she leaves soon." Laura agreed.


After school Kate walked with Elizabeth to the mercantile.

"We need the things on our list and Abigail asked us to pick up some flour" Elizabeth said handing Kate the empty basket for groceries.

"Do you think Abigail can show us how to make her special cookies tonight?" Kate asked.

"I'm sure she can be persuaded if she has time." Elizabeth smiled opening the door. Both sisters stopped short when they saw Rosemary walking to Dottie, the Mayer's wife. Elizabeth pursued her lips quickly stepping to the side to hide behind a shelf but it was to late.

"Oh Miss Thatcher, have you met the charming Rosemary LaVeaux?" Dottie asked.

"I have had the pleasure" Elizabeth nodded with a polite smile.

"Miss Thatcher and I share a common interest, he looks good in red" Rosemary said to Dottie.

"Oh my, are you talking about the constable?" Dottie asked raising her eyebrows.

"Are we Miss Thatcher?" Rosemary asked.

"I believe you are the only one speaking Miss LaVeaux." Elizabeth said. Kate shot Rosemary a dirty look narrowing her eyes as Rosemary just smiled at Elizabeth who was far to polite to tell her what she deserved to hear in Kate's opinion.

"Your so right, I do seem to have a lot to say." Rosemary laughed.

"Oh it's so entertaining! I simply can not believe you are not married yet Rosemary." Dottie said. Elizabeth rolled her eyes pushing Kate behind a shelf of things they didn't need trying to hide them both.

"Well I do hope to change that, sooner rather then later." Rosemary said.

"Forgive me, I should not be talking about this in front of you." Rosemary turned to Elizabeth.

"Feel free to say whatever you wish in front of me." Elizabeth said lightly.

"Likewise, or behind my back if you prefer, as an actress I am used to both." Rosemary laughed as Elizabeth moved to another shelf.

"How can that be possible?" Dottie asked.

"Thank you Dottie, Oh Miss Thatcher, how well do you know our Jack?" Rosemary asked. Kate wanted to pick up a can of beans and throw it at her head.

"Not as well as I thought" Elizabeth said.

"We have know each other forever just about. Our fathers were mounties together. You know Jack didn't always want to be a mountie, he wanted to be a painter" Rosemary told Dottie though she made sure Elizabeth was listening.

"Jack?" Elizabeth asked surprised unable to stop herself.

"Yes, of course you have only know each other a short while." Rosemary said with a shrug as Elizabeth made her way to the counter where Mr Yost was standing.

"Oh pencils, soap, string, my you have a busy day planed" Rosemary read off Elizabeth's list.

"Yes" Elizabeth nodded.

"Are you hungry Rosemary?" Dottie asked.

"Oh I could eat a horse, although that would not be very lady like would it?" Rosemary asked with a fake little giggle that drove Kate mad.

"Then you can come with me to the cafe" Dottie smiled as she and Rosemary walked out together

"You should have slapped her" Kate said as Mr Yost took the list from her to fill it.

"Now what would that have solved?" Elizabeth sighed.

"It would have made you feel better I bet" Kate said.

"Violence never solves anything" Elizabeth said firmly.

"Well It would have made me feel better" Kate muttered as Mr Yost gave them their things.

"Oh, you ladies have a letter" He said taking it from the mailbox and handing it to Kate.

"It's from Grandmother" Kate read the return address.

"Thank you Mr Yost" Elizabeth said as they both gave him a smile heading home, sure to slip into the back door by the kitchen so as not to run into Rosemary again.

"What does Grandmother say?" Kate asked as Elizabeth sat at the table opening the letter.

"Julie told Uncle about our run in with Nate's gang. Grandmother is insisting we go back to Hamilton. She said Brier Cliff Academy offered me a prestigious position, I would be the first women to join the staff." Elizabeth said scanning the letter.

"We're leaving?" Kate asked her eyes growing wide.

"I don't know Kate…"

"But Grandmother said…"

"Grandmother is not in charge of us. I am a grow women and I can make a choice."

"Elizabeth what are you going to do?"

"I don't know. Do me a favor keep this to yourself for now please. I have to think about it." Elizabeth sighed.

"Will you tell me before you decide?"

"I promise Kate, you and I will talk this over and decide what is best for both of us." Elizabeth said gently.

"Ok" Kate nodded, she wasn't sure what she wanted, but she trusted Elizabeth to make the choice. Elizabeth was folding the letter back up as Abigail came in, Rosemary's laugh carrying through the doorway from the cafe with her.

"I would offer to help but I don't think I can bare it" Elizabeth said as Abigail gave her a smile.

"I'll help!" Kate cried.

"And she should not be out there unsupervised, knowing Kate she will serve them food she has spit in" Elizabeth said quickly as Abigail laughed.

"They are my only customers and just wanted a pot of tea, no work necessary. How are you doing?" Abigail asked.

"Truth is I am ashamed of my jealousy, She just takes over every room she is in." Elizabeth sighed.

"She is a shiny new object. She will tarnish" Abigail said pouring them a cup of tea.

"That could take a long time" Elizabeth sighed.

"Or not, Elizabeth her qualities could blow away in the wind. Yours are stead fast, your good hearted, loyal…"

"Like a dog, or a boring school teacher who buys pencils and string" Elizabeth sighed.

"I doubt Jack would agree." Abigail said firmly

"Besides he left her" Kate said

"Actually, she left him" Elizabeth sighed.

"Oh" Abigail said softly.

"Kate, why don't you go start some homework." Elizabeth asked. Kate nodded climbing the stairs, Elizabeth watched that she was gone before turning back to Abigail.

"I think that's what has me so shaken, the knowledge that she broke his heart. And if she could do that once, couldn't she win it back again?" Elizabeth asked.

"What does Jack say?" Abigail asked.

"That is is all in the past, but somehow they look very much in the present."

"Elizabeth, he did come back for you. He did choose you over Cape Fullerton. And now that he is staying in Coal Valley you will have a chance to rebuild your trust." Abigail said. Elizabeth looked down at her feet before looking back at Abigail.

"What is it?" Abigail asked.

"I got a letter from home, Grandmother heard what happened when Julie was here, she's insisting we go back. I was offered a job at a very prestigious prep school in Hamilton. I would be the first women teacher on their staff, it's a huge honer" Elizabeth said softly.

"I see, will you take it?" Abigail asked sounding like she was afraid of the answer.

"A few days ago I would have said no."

"And now?" Abigail asked.

"I am a little less certain" Elizabeth sighed.

"What about Kate?" Abigail asked.

"Well we knew this wasn't a forever place. We always planed on going back, I suppose I didn't expect her to fit in so well here. But maybe its better. Her school work has already been interrupted for almost 6 months, I try to keep her up but, it's different here. I thought this would be a good place for us but…is it possible I misread my calling in coming here?" Elizabeth asked.

"I can only tell you to follow your heart." Abigail said softly.

"It was my heart that lead me to Coal Valley." Elizabeth said with a little smile.

"Then I hope if keeps you here" Abigail said kindly. Neither of them saw Rosemary standing by the doorway listening to everything.


"We're going to be late" Kate said watching Elizabeth pull at her red blouse again.

"We're not. Go put your shoes on" Elizabeth said fixing her hair again.

"Did you decide about if we're leaving or not?" Kate asked.

"Not yet" Elizabeth sighed fixing her hair again. Kate sighed turning to go down the stairs before turning back to her sister.

"Elizabeth, your much prettier then Rosemary" Kate said softly. Elizabeth gave her a kind smile leaving her hair and following her down the stairs. Winter was coming and they wore their gloves and shawls to church which Cat still held in the grove but they all knew soon it would be to cold. Kate liked church, especially church outside instead of the stuffy cathedral she had grown up going to. People were more relaxed here, and Cat talked about a God Kate could understand instead of fear the way Grandmothers priest yelled from his pulpit overlooking everyone with harsh eyes. When Cat ended wishing them all a good week everyone stood up chatting.

"All the women in town seem to be wearing red" Rosemary said raising an eyebrow as she and Dottie walked past Elizabeth.

"Well, it seems you started a trend" Dottie said Rosemary still wearing the all red dress, hat and coat she had road into town with.

"How flattering" Rosemary smiled. Elizabeth frowned pulling her white shawl tighter around her to cover her shirt as a mountie rode up.

"Pardon my interruption I am looking for Jack Thornton" He said.

"Can I help you?" Jack asked stepping forward.

"On behalf of the governor and general, I have here a reward for your service and the take down of Nate Tallaver and his gang from the north west banking association" The mountie said handing Jack an envelope. Kate and Elizabeth smiled at each other proud of Jack.

"Just doing my job" Jack said humbly as everyone in the crowed clapped and he turned to them blushing a little. People started home congratulation Jack as they walked by. Rosemary opened her mouth to say something but Jack walked by her stepping up to Elizabeth.

"Elizabeth, I don't think I have ever seen you in red before" He said giving her a smile.

"Oh you won't ever again" Elizabeth said pulling her shawl tighter around her.

"Doesn't she look nice?" Kate asked.

"I was going to go with lovely, it suits you, but then again just about everything suits you" Jack said making Elizabeth smile.

"that is very kind of you" she said.

"It's the truth" Jack said with a shrug.

"Congratulations on your reward, you deserve it" Elizabeth said changing the subject.

"You do, you saved us that night Jack." Kate said.

"I would save you again for no reward every time." Jack said putting a hand on Kate's shoulder but looking at Elizabeth. Suddenly Rosemary came up to them ruining it.

"Jack, How wonderful a reward!" She said loudly demanding all his attention.

"You could put it towards the ranch you always dreamed of having" Rosemary said.

"Well, that was a long time ago" Jack told her his voice not as soft as when he was speaking to Elizabeth.

"It wasn't so long ago, remember those sunset rides we used to take imagining where we would be all those years. Well who would have thought it would be here" Rosemary laughed as Elizabeth forced a smile. Kate didn't bother.

"Well I suppose I should start my rounds, excuse me ladies" Jack said giving them a nod and heading towards Sergeant. Rosemary gave Elizabeth a smile before going after him.

"Jack wait up!" She said and gracefully jumped onto the back of Sergeant behind Jack. Jack looked horrified as Elizabeth quickly turned heading back home. Kate frowned shaking her head following her sister home.


Kate stared out the window that afternoon watching Rosemary out in the field outside shooting cans with Jack.

"She doesn't miss" Kate sighed as Rosemary blew another can off the table with a loud bang.

"There is more to a women then shooting a gun" Abigail said cooking in the kitchen.

"Do you think Jack likes her more because she shoots a gun like him? I don't think Elizabeth would even dare touch a gun." Kate said.

"I think Jack likes that about your sister even more." Abigail told her looking up from the pan she was cooking in.

"Why did Rosemary had to come now, they were going to get along perfect it was all going to work out!" Kate huffed turning away from the window.

"God has a funny way of doing things, There has to be a reason Rosemary appeared when she did, we just don't know it yet."

"Well I don't understand God." Kate whispered.

"Kate, it's Sunday" Abigail said in a tone that was slightly less gentle then her usual one.

"Sorry, I just feel so bad. Elizabeth was so happy with Jack, and then he left and she was so sad. And then he came back and they were supposed to be so happy but she showed up" Kate sighed.

"I understand your frustration. You just want your sister to be happy, I can understand that." Abigail nodded.

"What if Elizabeth takes this new job and we don't stay in time for her and Jack to make up?" Kate asked.

"Then it wasn't meant to be."

"But what if it is meant to be" Kate sighed and Abigail just smiled.

"What do you think about Elizabeth taking the new job?" Abigail asked turning to her.

"A few months ago I would have been so happy and begging her to take it. I would give anything to go back to my home and friends and everything else."

"and now?"

"Now I feel like we have a new home and I have new friends. I miss everyone in Hamilton, but if we go back to Hamilton I will miss everyone in Coal Valley." Kate sighed.

"I suppose you can't have both." Abigail agreed.

"I trust Elizabeth to make the right decision, maybe the academy is better, she went to collage to teach she could do amazing things, but she does great things here too." Kate shrugged.

"Well, just know that no matter where you end up in your life, you will always have a home here no matter how long you are gone. You girls are my family and you will always have a place with me no matter what." Abigail said offering her a smile. Kate returned it giving her a warm hug as Abigail held her tight.

"Your the best friend we ever had Abigail" Kate smiled.