A few days later Kate and Elizabeth were settling into life in their old house. Grandmother still had spells of feeling faint and sick and the doctor was still unsure what was causing it. Elizabeth didn't want to leave until they were sure Grandmother would be alright. Kate was finding she was remembering to put shoes on before leaving her bedroom, that dresses with frills and lace were made for nothing but sitting or slowly walking and hair was to be kept down and in neat curls at all waking hours. Charles came by again whisking Elizabeth away for an afternoon walk and Kate wrote a long letter to Abigail telling her all about the city. But mostly their time was spent together as it always had been. Grandmother had almost up and left the room when Elizabeth firmly turned down her hiring Kate a tutor instead opting to continue to teach her herself. Grandmother often insisted on sitting in on her lessons and Kate spent most of her days buried in books of Latin and French, studying art and in front of the piano. She longed to be outside, at school with her friends, riding Sergeant with Jack or helping Abigail in the kitchen.
"If we were in Coal Valley we would be watching the weather or studying the fish in the lake." Kate sighed.
"An important life skill is learning to adapt to where we are, that was Coal Valley, this is Hamilton and different lessons apply" Elizabeth said softly.
"I miss Laura and Anna" Kate shrugged. Elizabeth sighed, Grandmother had been having a bad day and hardly left her bed all afternoon. Kate was missing their life in Coal Valley and Elizabeth kept finding her mind drifting back to Abigail and her students, and Jack if she was being completely honest.
"What do you say you and I head down to the park for the afternoon?" Elizabeth asked.
"Yes!" Kate cried.
"Shhhh, go change your clothes, quickly before anyone comes to find us." Elizabeth smiled
"We should plant a weeping willow tree near the cafe, they are so pretty." Kate said reaching up to run her hand through the dangling leaves as they walked through the park. Kate had put on her dress Abigail had made her for her birthday a few weeks ago, the one she wore most often at Coal Valley. Even Elizabeth had put on her more plain skirt and shirt hoping for a chance to sit in the shade in the grass away from judging eyes. She hadn't realized how dearly they had both missed the freedom of nature until they were alone walking through the park. Kate had already climbed to the top a a tree, a trick Jack had most recently taught her and Elizabeth found herself with a handful of wildflowers she had picked.
"I'm not sure how well they would do in Coal Valley, besides we wont be living at Abigail's forever. Eventually we should see about getting our own house." Elizabeth said.
"And planting a willow tree there?"
"Sure, we can try it." Elizabeth smiled.
"I miss Abigail, right now we would just be coming back from school and the kitchen would smell amazing and there would be cookies on a plate for us on the table." Kate sighed.
"I can practically smell them now" Elizabeth chuckled.
"I tried to go into the kitchen yesterday, I wanted to ask cook if she had any treats. Aunt Agatha saw me and just about chased me out of the house for going into the kitchen." Kate frowned.
"Well, you do know you don't belong in there. It isn't right" Elizabeth said gently.
"I just wanted to see it. How can a person live in a house practically their whole lives and never go into the kitchen?" Kate asked.
"You forget, not all that long ago we were very used to this life" Elizabeth pointed out.
"I suppose a person can get used to anything if they spend long enough in a place." Kate agreed.
"Though I am pretty sure I could never get used to living on a ship. Remember last summer right before Coal Valley when we went to London with Grandmother? I was seasick for two whole weeks." Elizabeth sighed.
"I remember, you hardly left the bed, Julie was constantly making eyes at the first mate, I thought Viola's head was going to explode when she saw them coming out of the crows nest together" Kate laughed making Elizabeth smile.
"Don't you miss our cousins when we are in Coal Valley?" Elizabeth asked.
"I miss Julie, I wish she could come visit more."
"I think Uncle would be afraid she would stay as well." Elizabeth sighed.
It was just before dinner when Elizabeth and Kate slipped back into the house glancing around quietly.
"Go upstairs and change for dinner" Elizabeth whispered hearing voices from the parlor, they slipped past making a rush for the stairs just as Viola and Julie came out of the drawing room.
"Kathryn! What in heavens is she wearing!?" Viola cried as Kate tried to slip past them up the stairs.
"That's what they wear in Coal Valley." Julie said as Kate stopped dead knowing she was caught.
"I didn't want to get my good dresses dirty" Kate said quickly.
"Well what on earth would you be doing to get a dress dirty? Honestly Kathryn you look like your wearing a flour sack." Viola turned up her nose.
"Viola" Elizabeth hissed.
"You take that back! Abigail made this dress and it's beautiful!" Kate yelled before Elizabeth could stop her.
"Kate go up stairs!" Elizabeth said firmly but before Kate could start the climb Grandmother appeared at the top of the stairs.
"Kathryn… Elizabeth!" Grandmother seemed to not know what to say.
"Grandmother, Kate is going to change right now." Elizabeth said quickly.
"She was out of the house like this? She left the house wearing this disaster?" Rose Thatcher hissed.
"Grandmother please, come sit down" Viola said as the older women came down the stairs.
"Young lady do you know what you have done?" Rose said. Kate was silent looking at her boots.
"Grandmother it is my fault I allowed her…" Elizabeth started but Rose held up her hand silencing her.
"Kathryn are you to young to dress yourself?" Rose asked narrowing her eyes at Kate.
"Well!" She boomed when Kate said nothing.
"No Ma'am" Kate whispered.
"Cleary you are, from now on you may not leave this house again and you are not allowed to leave your bedroom unless I have approved of your attire do you understand me?"
"Yes Ma'am" Kate nodded.
"Go to your room, no dinner, I do not want to see you for the rest of the day" Rose said. Kate climbed the steps quickly.
"Grandmother truly she didn't…" Elizabeth started but her Grandmother turned to her clearly still upset.
"Don't think you are to old to be sent to your room either. You may let her do as she pleases in the wild west, but when she is in my home she will have respect and dignity, and you will enforce it. Are we understood?"
"Of course" Elizabeth nodded.
"The Kingsintons have invited you to dinner. I suggest you change and hurry over least either of you disgrace this family anymore"
"Of course" Elizabeth nodded climbing the stairs to her own bedroom.
Elizabeth slipped into Kate's room after the house had been silent for a while late that night. She had waited for her sister to come to her and was surprised when she didn't.
"Katie its me, let's talk." Elizabeth whispered pushing the door open finding Kate's room dark.
"Come on I know your not asleep, I snuck you in some cookies" Elizabeth whispered sitting on the bed and turning on the lamp. As soon as the room was light Elizabeth knew the bump under the covers wasn't really her sister.
"Katie, Kate come on where are you?" Elizabeth called softly pulling back the blankets seeing just pillows before searching the room.
"Kate come on, if your going to scare me I wont be surprised so just come out" Elizabeth sighed opening the dresser.
"Katheryn this is not funny, if you are in here come one now" Elizabeth said firmly putting her hands on her hips, the room stayed silent. Elizabeth felt her heart starting to race as she looked around again quickly before hurrying back to her room wondering if she had missed her in there somehow.
"Kate where are you come out now!" Elizabeth called not bothering to keep her voice low anymore as she glanced around her own room. Elizabeth quickly hurried down the hall to the guest room where Julie was staying, opening the door quickly making Julie jump from where she was reading in her bed.
"Have you seen Kate?" Elizabeth asked.
"Not since Grandmother sent her upstairs this afternoon." Julie said closing her book.
"She's not here!" Elizabeth cried.
"She probably just snuck down to the kitchen to get some food" Julie said standing up as Elizabeth ran back to her room quickly putting a plain skirt and her coat on over her night gown.
"Elizabeth she's probably somewhere in the house." Julie said following her not sounding nearly as worried as Elizabeth felt.
"She's not, she's not here. I need to find her." Elizabeth felt her heart racing, she could hear it beating in her ears. This was so unlike Kate, she never did anything like this and she could be anywhere. Her breathing came fast and she was holding back tears as she put on the first pair of shoes she could find.
"Where are you going?" Julie asked as Elizabeth raced down the stairs.
"She's missing she's out in the cold somewhere I have to find her. I need to send a telegram to Jack" Elizabeth said quickly going out into the dark night. Julie following her grabbing her own coat.
"What can Jack do?" Julie asked trailing after her out on the street.
"I don't know, keep an eye out for her in Coal Valley, come here and find her! I just need Jack!" Elizabeth was on the verge of tears.
"Elizabeth it's the middle of the night" Julie said.
"Where would she go?" Elizabeth wondered out loud looking up and down the street. It was cold and dark, a few people were out but most were hurrying home at this hour.
"Go to the constable office, tell them to send a telegram to Jack Thornton in Coal Valley." Elizabeth said.
"Elizabeth what good…"
"If she got on a train someone needs to be looking for her there, Go! Julie now!" Elizabeth yelled and Julie hurried down the street towards the office.
"Kate! Kate where are you!" Elizabeth didn't care that she was yelling. She had no idea where to start, no idea how long Kate had been gone. She could be halfway back to Coal Valley by now, she could be kidnaped, hurt, frozen… Oh this was a terrible idea, she was a terrible sister for leaving her alone so upset. Kate had made it clear how unhappy she was here.
"Kathryn!" Elizabeth yelled again taking off in the direction Julie had gone. She got outside the office as Julie was rushing out.
"Jack answered, he's fast! He said he would be on the next train and that everyone there was alerted to watch for her." Julie said.
"Oh where did she go." Elizabeth sighed sinking onto the bench.
"We don't know that she got onto a train, does she have any money?" Julie asked.
"I don't know, but she was alone all evening she could have gotten some." Elizabeth shook her head.
"Well suppose she didn't get on a train, where would she go?" Julie asked.
"I don't know! Everything is closing except the saloon's. She wouldn't go there. I don't think she would stay, she would just want to go back." Elizabeth shook her head.
"What about where you girls went today? The park, would she go to the park? That's as close to Coal Valley as you get right?" Julie asked.
"The park, yes the park." Elizabeth jumped up racing across the street and down the road as Julie followed her. The gates to the park were closed but the lock was old and Elizabeth was able to shake it open easily.
"Kate! Kate!" She yelled as Julie pulled a flashlight from her coat pocket.
"Kathryn where are you!" Elizabeth yelled. Searching the big open space overlooking the pond.
"Kate!" Julie called walking off a ways down the path.
"Elizabeth?" a voice called as Elizabeth turned in time to see Kate climbing down from a tree above her.
"Katie! on thank the Lord oh Kate!" Elizabeth cried wrapping her arms around her sister holding her tightly to her.
"Don't you ever do that again! You scared the life out of me!" Elizabeth yelled when she let her go holding her at arms length.
"I'm sorry. I'm so sorry" Kate whispered.
"You don't run Kate that is not something you do, do you understand me? I won't have you doing this. Oh Kate I have never been so afraid in my entire life" Elizabeth said pulling Kate into her again as Julie came running over.
"Kate! Thank goodness" Julie cried
"I'm sorry, honest I didn't mean to" Kate said
"You didn't mean to run away? How does that happen accidentally?" Elizabeth asked putting her hands on her hips.
"I just needed to get out, and then it was so nice here so peaceful I couldn't leave. And then it got dark and I was afraid to." Kate sighed.
"Oh Kate, I want to be so angry at you but I am just so glad your ok" Elizabeth sighed as the three girls stood up.
"Grandmother is going to be so mad" Kate sighed.
"Grandmother has no idea you were ever out of your room and I am thinking it should stay that way." Julie said gently.
"You didn't tell anyone?" Kate asked turning to Elizabeth surprised.
"I didn't know where to look, if I thought you were still here I would have woken the entire house to help find you. Truthfully I thought you had gotten on a train back to Coal Valley" Elizabeth said putting her arm around Kate as they started to walk back out of the park.
"I would never leave you here by yourself" Kate said surprised Elizabeth would think other wise.
"Let's add you will never go somewhere on your own without telling me to that list alright" Elizabeth sighed.
"Yes agreed." Kate nodded
"Are you cold? Julie will you walk her home? I have to go to the constables office" Elizabeth said.
"The constable office why?" Kate asked.
"Well I had Julie send a telegram to Jack that you were missing, he was going to take the next train he could." Elizabeth said
"You did?" Kate asked surprised.
"Elizabeth it can probably wait until morning. Jack can't get the stage out until tomorrow afternoon" Julie offered.
"Jack wouldn't wait for the stage" Kate sighed.
"Knowing Jack he's saddling Sergeant up now to be at the train station at dawn and I want to catch him before he goes" Elizabeth said.
"I will go with you" Kate said as the three of them hurried down the road. Elizabeth quickly wrote out a message that Kate was found and they listened as it was typed out.
"Mr. Yost must have a busy night" Kate whispered.
"Jack had alerted the whole town to keep watch for you, they will all be glad you are here and not missing." Elizabeth said softly. They sat in silence for a little while until there was a buzz and tapping and they were handed a piece of paper.
"Jack is glad you are safe, won't be coming but hopes to see us soon. Also said to give you a stern talking to." Elizabeth read letting out a sigh of relief that Jack wasn't already on his way here. Though she would admit now that she knew Kate was safe it would have been so nice to see him.
"Well, since that's out of the way what do you girls say we go home and get some sleep?" Julie asked.
"Good idea" Kate nodded as they got up walking the few blocks home. Now that the adrenaline had worn off Elizabeth was realizing how cold she was and how much her feet hurt from running in her fancy shoes, the first thing she had found to put on. They crept back into the dark house going unseen save for a maid who Elizabeth knew wouldn't rat them out. Julie bid them goodnight going into her room before Elizabeth followed Kate into her room.
"I know, I know, you can yell" Kate sighed taking off her coat and dress to pull on her night gown.
"I just want you to understand how much danger you could have been in tonight. A little girl wondering the streets in the dark is a serious thing" Elizabeth said pulling off her coat and skirt so she was back in her own night gown.
"I know, that's why I didn't leave the park" Kate said.
"Kate it's about you going there in the first place."
"I know."
"I know you miss it but this isn't Coal Valley, you can't go wondering around by yourself, you don't know the people here, and like it or not Jack can't come to our rescue at the drop of a hat." Elizabeth said sitting down on Kate's bed rubbing her feet.
"I know, I wasn't thinking, I just had to get out of here" Kate whispered.
"I understand you are not happy here, but we can't leave yet, I can't send you home on your own, I just need you to hold it together a little longer" Elizabeth sighed.
"I will, promise" Kate nodded climbing onto the bed next to her.
"You gave me the biggest scare of my entire life. I didn't know where you were or if someone had taken you. You are my whole life Katie, you can't do that to me."
"I'm sorry"
"Forgiven, as long as you never do that again"
"I won't" Kate promised.
"Good, lay down and go to sleep" Elizabeth sighed turning off the lamp.
"Are you staying?"
"Oh yeah, I'm not letting you out of my sight again." Elizabeth nodded as they lay down.
"Elizabeth?"
"Yes?"
"There must be forty constables between here and Coal Valley, why telegram Jack?"
"It was all I could think of, I needed him, he would have an idea of where you might have gone. I know he could find you. I just... I was so scared and all I could think of was finding you, and how badly I wanted Jack here."Elizabeth sighed.
"Good morning, I trust everyone had an uneventful night." Julie greeted everyone as she came to the table last for breakfast. Elizabeth avoided eye contact with her as they were served. Kate was wearing a grandmother approved outfit, a big flowing pink dress with more ruffles then Elizabeth could count.
"Quite, although I thought I saw three little brown heads sneaking into the house at a very late hour" Viola said raising an eyebrow at her sister.
"Oh you must have been dreaming, I know I for one turned in very early, as did Elizabeth after her dinner with Charles' family" Julie said. She seemed to know exactly what to say because Grandmother immediately stopped tuning out the sisters squabbling and perked up.
"Yes Elizabeth how was your dinner last night?" Grandmother asked.
"Quite pleasant. It was wonderful to catch up with Charle's mother and father. They send everyone their regards and hope to have you for dinner soon." Elizabeth nodded.
"A lovely family, we must have them over soon" Grandmother nodded as one of the butters came in with a paper on a tray.
"Telegram for you miss" He said leaning it towards Elizabeth.
"Thank you" Elizabeth reached for it quickly skimming the paper.
"It is Jack?" Julie asked.
"No it's Abigail, she is coming on the evening train."
"Abigail is coming?" Kate had to stop herself from yelling.
"Yes, Grandmother might she stay with us? She has been so hospitable to Kate and I, I feel as though we should return the favor."
"Of course, You must insist she stays with us." Grandmother nodded.
"Oh thank you" Elizabeth smiled
"Why is she coming?" Kate asked.
"I am not sure, she didn't say."
"May I please go meet her at the train station Grandmother?" Kate asked.
"Very well but you are to come right back no dawdling and don't even think or changing your outfit."
"Yes Ma'am. Thank you!" Kate beamed at Elizabeth. Both girls were clearly holding back their excitement over seeing their dear friend so soon.
"Ready?" Kate asked.
"Yes, wait wait! Are we sure the feet are in the right place?" Julie asked looking down at the marks she had put on the ground.
"Yes, that's what it says" Kate turned back to the magazine Julie had gotten that was talking about a new dance called the tango Julie was determined to learn.
"Alright, start the music" Julie said. Kate turned place the needle on the record and Julie began moving her feet counting out loud.
"Back, front, left, right, left, right." Kate read to her both of them not noticing Elizabeth and Charles walk into the room until Elizabeth laughed watching Julie.
"What on earth are you doing?" Elizabeth giggled.
"It's a new dance in the magazine" Julie said stopping to turn to them.
"It's called the tango" Kate said sharing a smile with Elizabeth.
"Charles come dance with me!" Julie cried grabbing his hand and pulling him into the room as Elizabeth went to sit by Kate watching them laughing.
"It's easy follow me" Julie said.
"Like this?" Charles asked suddenly leading and Kate laughed at the shocked look on Julie's face.
"Charles!" Julie cried.
"I'm sorry? Am I doing it wrong?" Charles asked raising his eyebrows making her laugh.
"Charles when did you learn to tango?" Elizabeth cried.
"Arn't I allowed to have my secrets? Shall we?" Charles asked dropping Julie's hand and reaching for Elizabeth pulling her off the couch. Kate didn't miss the pout on Julie's lips as Charles left her to pull Elizabeth into the middle of the room. She landed comfortably in his arms as he started leading her around the room. He spun her one way and Elizabeth smiled at the younger girls on the couch raising her eyebrows at them. Suddenly he spun Elizabeth back towards the other way before gathering her in his arms again and dipping her low to the ground. Kate and Julie gasped as Elizabeth looked horrified at the act of intimacy she wasn't expecting. Charles pulled her back to her feet and Elizabeth quickly regained her composer before leaving the room without a word. Kate bit her lip and Julie coughed as both girls tried to cover their giggles.
"What did Charles say when he left?" Kate asked as she and Elizabeth stood in the busy train station that afternoon.
"I can't say I saw him, he went to discuss business with Uncle I believe and then had to get back to work" Elizabeth cleared her throat.
"How did he even learn to…" Kate started but Elizabeth silenced her with a stern look.
"We won't be speaking of that again" she said firmly.
"Of course" Kate cleared her throat to hide her smile over how pink Elizabeth's cheeks got.
"Why did Abigail say she was coming?"
"Her telegram was brief, she said she is looking for someone she thinks might be here" Elizabeth shrugged.
"Well, I hope she finds who she is looking for, but either way it will be so nice to have her in the city with us." Kate smiled as Elizabeth nodded.
"Ahh there she is" Elizabeth said as Abigail came into view her eyes looking all around trying to take in the big train station.
"Abigail!" Kate cried rushing to her.
"Kate! Elizabeth oh it is so good to see you!" Abigail cried dropping her bag to gather both girls into her arms.
"We missed you so much" Elizabeth said as all three of them seemed unwilling to let go for longer then usual. Kate took a deep breath, Abigail's coat smelled of homemade bread, the fireplace and the grove breeze, everything she loved about home.
"How was your trip?" Elizabeth asked when they pulled apart.
"Long, I had no idea we lived in such a big country, though I dear say seeing you girls at the end may have made me a bit impatient." Abigail said making them smile.
"Oh look at you, you look like the day you came to me all fancy and ruffles, and you, young lady I thought we agreed no more getting taller, and whats this I hear of you running away?" Abigail cried looking over them both in her mothering way.
"I'm so glad your here" Kate smiled as Elizabeth picked up Abigail's bag.
"Thank you for letting me stay with you, I truly appreciate it" Abigail said as they made their way out of the busy train station.
"Are you kidding! Abigail as long as you are in Hamilton our home is your home." Elizabeth cried.
"You said it when we moved, we're family and family always stays together" Kate said taking Abigail's familiar hand in her own overjoyed to have her with them.
"I don't want to impose, are you sure there is enough room?" Abigail asked.
"Oh theres room" Kate nodded.
"And we will help you find who your looking for together." Elizabeth assured her
"Good, but my dear do we have a lot to catch up" Abigail sighed as they left.
So what has been going to in Coal Valley?" Kate asked as the three of them sat in the back of one of Grandmother's cars. Abigail was clinging to the side nervously, she and never ridden in an automobile before.
"Well, we live in Hope Valley now" Abigail said.
"What?" Kate asked.
"The mine was closed, the trial that started just before you left? The mine was found at fault, it wasn't safe so all the widows were awarded money and Gowen and the mine were both shut down." Abigail said.
"That's wonderful!" Elizabeth cried. She had not been following the mine trial very closely before they left, she had her own worries about if she should take the new job or not, and then she started spending a lot more time with Jack. But she had heard Abigail and the other women talking about it and knew it was a good thing.
"Hope Valley, I like that" Kate smiled trying out the new name in her mouth
"How does the town profit now?" Elizabeth asked.
"Well Leland Coulter, a new man in town came rolling in, on a motorbike no less, and came to us with plans to set up a saw mill. It's looks promising and he should have it up and running soon. It will create jobs for the town and we have good lumber to be shipping in and out on the railroad." Abigail said.
"That's wonderful!" Elizabeth gasped.
"He seems like a very kind man, generous and willing to give a lot to help out town. He wants to put down roots in Hope Valley so he is looking to improve it, without changing our way of life much. You may be also pleased to hear he has caught the eye of a certain Rosemary. They seems quiet smitten together if you ask me." Abigail said raising her eyes at Elizabeth.
"Good!" Kate said smiling.
"I am glad Rosemary is happy" Elizabeth said politely straightening her skits. It was not entirely truthful, she wanted Rosemary to be happy but also it took her worry off of Rosemary and Jack being together in Hope Valley while she was here. Though she and Jack were moving forward, Rosemary was quite persistent with him before, and with Jack leaving so suddenly she wasn't entirely sure where their relationship stood. Abigail just gave her a knowing smile.
"Who's the person your looking for?" Kate asked.
"Her name is Clara Stanton" Abigail said softly.
"A relative of yours?" Elizabeth asked.
"Apparently she's my daughter in law." Abigail said.
"What!" Kate cried as Elizabeth too turned to her shocked.
"Peter came to Hamilton a few times on errands for Gowen the year before the mine accident. Apparently he met a girl here, Clara. They fell in love and were married a few days before the accident. Peter had just come back, apparently he was going to tell us but he knew Noah and I would be shocked and he wanted us to meet her first and see how kind and sweet she was. His intention was to move her in with him the following week. And then the accident…" Abigail trailed off softly.
"How awful" Kate whispered.
"How did you find out about her?" Elizabeth asked.
"She came to the trial the first day to testify, I mean she is one of the widows after all. She said she would keep in contact but that was almost two weeks ago. She is working here as a house servant and what little she talked about I have the impression it's not good. I want to find her." Abigail said.
"Will she come back to Hope Valley with you?" Kate asked.
"I am hoping so, she is my family after all, you girls would like her, she's your age Elizabeth, soft spoken but brave. I think you would get along wonderfully."
"I am sure, I am so happy for you Abigail, and we will do everything we can to help you find her." Elizabeth said giving Abigail a hug as the car pulled up in front of the house and Kate laughed as Abigail's mouth dropped open.
"Let's have tea" Elizabeth said ushering Abigail into the tea room after they had shown her around the house.
"You girls amaze me, you are so down to earth and you come from all of this" Abigail said still trying to take in the entire Thatcher Estate.
"You had to have missed it" Abigail said as Kate poured the three of them tea.
"No Ma'am" Kate said quickly.
"Sometimes I do, but Hamilton just.. lacks that certain something" Elizabeth sighed.
"Or someone?" Abigail asked raising and eyebrow at her.
"Perhaps" Elizabeth smiled as Kate grinned at her.
"Jack sends his best by the way. Truthfully by the look on his face I know he wanted to say a lot more but you know how he is." Abigail said gently making Elizabeth smile softly at the thought.
"I miss everyone" Kate sighed.
"And they all miss you, Laura asks me everyday If I know when you are coming back. And Jack often asked if I have heard any news, I think he would ask daily too if he thought I wouldn't catch onto him" Abigail said.
"Look what just arrived for you!" Julie cried coming in the room with a large banquet of flowers.
"They are from Charles, he said he enjoyed your walk yesterday afternoon and he hopes to have the pleasure of your company again soon" Julie said.
"Wait you read the card!" Elizabeth frowned.
"Well of course I did" Julie said as if Elizabeth should expect nothing less.
"Who's Charles?" Abigail asked. Julie turned just noticing her with a gasp.
"Mrs. Stanton!" She cried shoving the flowers at Elizabeth so she could give Abigail a hug.
"How wonderful to see you" Julie smiled.
"You too Julie" Abigail hugged her back warmly.
"Grandmother can not wait to meet you, there is just enough time to change before dinner, I would be happy to lend you one of my gowns" Julie offered looking over Abigail's plain clothing. Kate wanted to kick her in the shin as Elizabeth shot her a look.
"Oh, thank you but I will be fine in what I brought" Abigail said.
"ok" Julie nodded smiling turning to Elizabeth who made a face at her. Kate rolled her eyes, Julie would never learn.
"We were very pleased when Elizabeth said you were coming to stay with us. She has told us all about your hospitality back west and we are happy to be able to return the favor" Rose Thatcher said as they gathered in the sitting room an hour later for drinks before dinner. Kate sat silently as she was expected to do trying to will Grandmother with her eyes not to say anything mean to Abigail.
"I know you have been under the weather Mrs. Thatcher and I do hope it's not a burden to have a house guest" Abigail said.
"Oh nonsense, I am practically back to myself again." Grandmother said.
"I heard you have come in search of your daughter in law" Uncle Henry said.
"Yes, I know she works in Hamilton but I am afraid that is all I know, it's not much to go on" Abigail sighed.
"Abigail is worried that Clara may have found herself in some kind of trouble" Elizabeth said.
"My son has connections with the mounties, he will give them a ring and have them put the best man on the case right away." Grandmother said firmly as Uncle Henry nodded.
"Oh I couldn't ask you to do that." Abigail said.
"You didn't ask we are offering." Grandmother said. Kate was glad her grandmother was using her firm tone for something helpful for once.
"Hamilton is a big city, it is no place for a women to go out alone." Uncle added.
"Thank you, I have a photograph if you think it might help." Abigail said.
"It would indeed, if you fetch it now I can send it right away" Uncle Henry said. Abigail nodded and hurried out of the room as Viola and Sir Lionel walked in.
"Sorry we are late" She same grinning harder then Kate had ever seen her.
"On need to worry dear we wouldn't start without you." Aunt Agatha said turning to greet them.
"Good, because Lionel and I have something to tell you all" Viola said.
"Ohh! Your engage! Oh I knew it!" Julie gasped making Elizabeth and Kate giggle.
"Julie you ruined the surprise!" Viola cried frowning.
"Oh it wasn't a surprise at all we knew it was going to happen!" Julie said pulling her big sister into a hug. Elizabeth and Kate rose to hug Viola as well.
"This is wonderful news darling" Grandmother said giving Viola a hug
"Welcome to the family" Uncle Henry said shaking Lionel's hand as Aunt Agatha gave Viola a hug.
"We must have a party to celebrate" Grandmother said.
"Yes, a few close friends, perhaps a lunch tomorrow" Aunt Agatha agreed.
"Are you sure you are up to it?" Uncle Henry asked.
"You take away my parties Henry you take away my will to live" Grandmother said making them all laugh a little.
The next day was busy, Abigail was gone all day in search of Clara and Kate longed to go with her but couldn't leave the house because of the lunch for Viola. Kate couldn't remember the last time they had a meal just their family. It seemed every occasion called for a big party and gathering and she was getting tired of it. Julie had rushed off early after lunch and Elizabeth had been politely making conversation leaving Kate to wonder the grounds for much of the afternoon. The day didn't quiet down until well after dinner when she sat on Elizabeth's bed in her nightgown watching her sister get ready for bed while they talked.
"Do you think Charles loves you?" Kate asked watching Elizabeth braid her long hair off to the side before bed.
"Not as anything more then a friend. As I feel the same. I will always care about him deeply…" Elizabeth trailed off.
"But it's different with Jack?" Kate asked.
"Yes it is" Elizabeth didn't hide the smile that crossed her lips.
"If we had stayed in Hamilton, would it be you getting engaged to Charles tonight?"
"Oh Katie, we have no way of knowing that, besides it doesn't matter."
"Grandmother wants you to marry him." Kate whispered.
"whatever would make you say that?" Elizabeth asked.
"I heard her and Uncle talking, when we first got here. They want you to marry Charles and move back here."
"Well, lucky for me they don't have a say" Elizabeth waved her off as there was a knock on the door and Viola popped her head in.
"I just wanted to return these" She said handing the gloves she had borrowed for dinner back to Elizabeth.
"Thank you" Elizabeth smiled politely taking them from her. Viola turned to go almost out of the room when Elizabeth called to her surprising Kate and Viola both.
"I know we have never been very close, but I just wanted to say I am so happy for you, you and Lionel really make a lovely couple" Elizabeth said softly.
"That is nice of you to say" Viola said smiling sweetly at her, a rare occurrence.
"I can't believe one of us is getting married, it all seems so sudden and grown up." Elizabeth said sitting on her bed next to Kate and Viola even ventured back into the room perching on the end of the bed.
"That's because you are from another world now. In my world it is natural to find a husband, marry and take one's place in society." Viola said.
"But there is more to life then that? Isn't there?" Kate asked softly.
"I suppose there is, for you girls maybe. I have to admit I was always a little jealous of you two" Viola whispered reaching out to smooth Kate's hair.
"What ever for?" Kate asked surprised.
"You always had each other, even after your mother and father died it was clear you would never be alone. And then leaving Grandmothers to go out west. That's the bravest thing I could imagine" Viola said softly.
"Would it make you feel better if I told you I had been so frightened to leave this house I almost turned back five times before we boarded the train" Elizabeth asked.
"It doesn't matter, you still did it. You are one of a kind Elizabeth Thatcher." Viola said making Elizabeth smile. The moment was ruined as Julie came flouncing into the room.
"You will never guess where I have been I…" She started in a sing song voice suddenly cutting herself off when she saw Viola sitting on the bed.
"Where exactly?" Viola asked turning to her.
"No where" Julie said quickly.
"Please Julie I saw you sneak in the side door." Viola said frowning at her as Julie glanced at Elizabeth for help.
"You are always spying on me!" Julie cried.
"Because you seem determined to bring shame to our family!" Viola shot back.
"And you seem determined to make sure I die an old maid" Julie crossed her arms, they are both almost yelling at each other now.
"Alright" Elizabeth said in what Kate always thought of as her teacher voice but now made Viola and Julie both turn to her.
"Let me?" Elizabeth asked Viola who stood up with a frown, Kate was surprised Viola know how to smile with the amount of time she spent frowning.
"Please talk some sense into her" Viola sighed leaving the room as Julie shot dagger eyes at her back.
Elizabeth waved for Julie to close the door behind Viola and Julie did sinking into it as Kate sat up wanting to hear the juicy secrets.
"Where were you?" Kate asked.
"I went dancing with Tom Thornton" Julie sighed laughing.
"Oh how lovely!" Kate sighed.
"Julie that is completely inappropriate and you know it!" Elizabeth cried.
"Nothing inappropriate about being in love" Julie said throwing herself onto the other side of the bed as the three girls lay back against the pillows.
"At least tell me you have a chaperon then?" Elizabeth sighed.
"Why would I need a chaperon?" Julie asked.
"Because you are a young lady and you hardly know him" Elizabeth said as if Julie should know.
"I know him better then you think, this is our second secret meeting" Julie shrugged with a grin. Kate laughed as Elizabeth reached out slapping Julie's arm with the pillow giving her a face.
"You must not tell my mother and father, oh or Grandmother! If she doesn't approve of Jack imagine what she would say about Tom" Julie said. That caught Elizabeth's attention as she sat up more and Kate bit her lip watching her closely.
"What has Grandmother said about Jack?" Elizabeth asked.
"It's not what she said. It's just obvious what she thinks of him. But She doesn't matter. What matters is how you feel" Julie said. Kate watched her sister closely knowing that didn't provide Elizabeth with any comfort as she gave a sigh.
"Julie you should not see Tom again, and you should not let Viola catch you sneaking out again" Elizabeth said firmly.
"Oh Viola." Julie huffed standing up again.
"Just promise me you will be safe?" Elizabeth asked.
"Of course" Julie smiled giving her a wink as she let herself out of Elizabeth's room.
"You knew Grandmother didn't totally approve of Jack right?" Kate asked softly when she was gone.
"I suppose I thought she would come around to it, after meeting him." Elizabeth sighed.
"After Abigail finds Clara can we go home with her?" Kate asked.
"Grandmother is doing better, we will see when Abigail finds her alright, you should go to bed" Elizabeth said gently.
"Ok" Kate sighed sliding off Elizabeth's big bed.
"Katie?" Elizabeth called and Kate turned back to her.
"I hope you know that if you ever feel like Julie does… I hope you never feel like you have to go behind my back with anything. That as long as someone is kind and sweet and treats you right I would never keep you from him. As long as you are protected and happy and safe, nothing else matters. Do you understand what I'm saying?" Elizabeth asked.
"Of course, I tell you everything." Kate said.
"Well, now you do. I just want to make sure nothing changes as you get older." Elizabeth sighed.
"Well, I know that Jack is a good man who is good and keeps you safe and will treat you right. That's all that matters right?"
"That's right" Elizabeth gave her a little smile.
"I miss him."
"Me too, off to bed it's late. I love you"
"Love you too" Kate gave her a smile heading into her own room.
"How long has she been seeing him?" Charles asked as he and Elizabeth made their way through the house into the sitting room.
"About a week, but for Julie it's always love at first sight" Elizabeth said dramatically making Charles chuckle.
"Well there is nothing wrong with being a romantic" Charles said.
"Except that is always with someone disastrous"
"And this Tom fellow is a disaster?" Charles asked?
"Let's just say he had his fair share of troubles" Elizabeth sighed
"But you know his brother quite well"
"They are nothing alike" Elizabeth said quickly.
"It can be hard to tell someone who to fall in love with"
"I just don't want her to make a mistake"
"If you care about her you might have to let her find out these things on her own, sometimes it takes making a mistake or two in order for us to learn." Charles pointed out.
"But what if she gets hurt?" Elizabeth asked.
"Aa long as she has people around her who love her, she will be alright" Charles said gently and Elizabeth got the feeling he wasn't completely talking about Julie.
"Abigail, did you hear anything about Clara?" Elizabeth asked quickly as Abigail and Kate walking in.
"Nothing yet" Abigail sighed.
"If there is anything I can do to help please ask" Charles said.
"Thank you" Abigail gave him a smile.
"I hate to run but duty calls" Charles said turning back to Elizabeth.
"Of course, thank you for the advice, and for lunch" she gave him a smile. Charles nodded leaving the room.
"He is certainly a charming young man" Abigail said settling into a chair by the window. Kate sat on the sofa by her with her needlepoint. She detested needlepoint but she was trying to stay on her grandmothers good side.
"He is one of my favorite people." Elizabeth smiled sitting down next to Kate.
"You make a very handsome couple" Abigail said gently.
"Gosh, you should just like Grandmother" Elizabeth said turning to her surprised.
"I understand how she feels" Abigail sighed.
"About what?" Kate asked looking up at her.
"You have so much life here Elizabeth, so much opportunity for both of you."
"Now you really sound like Grandmother" Kate muttered.
"You can't tell me you have not enjoyed being back home with your family and friends" Abigail said raising an eyebrow at Elizabeth. Kate always marveled at how fast Abigail could go from friend to mothering with Elizabeth.
"I have, honestly besides this one running away I have enjoyed every moment. I'm so glad we were here for Viola's engagement, and seeing Julie again makes me realize how much I miss her when I am gone." Elizabeth smiled softly.
"I can see how close you are" Abigail nodded.
"It's strange, I came here to take care of Grandmother and now it's all so comfortable. It feels wrong to be having such a good time. I should be serious, I should be thinking about my students." Elizabeth whispered as tears gathered in her eyes.
"You should be…missing Jack?" Abigail offered quietly.
"I do miss Jack, I miss him very much" Elizabeth sighed as a stray tear fell down her cheek. Kate sighed grabbing her sister's hand.
"Elizabeth, if you want to stay, it's ok. We can stay" Kate offered. Elizabeth squeezed her hand giving her a weak smile.
Elizabeth was in the parlor watching Kate walk around the gardens outside with Aunt Agatha, lost in throught when the sound of footsteps made her jump and turn around. Charles was standing in the doorway smiling at her. She found she couldn't return the smile and his quickly faded.
"You are leaving, aren't you?" He asked gently.
"I am sorry." Elizabeth nodded.
"don't be, I know your search is not over. I hope you find the answers you are looking for, no matter where it takes you" Charles said gently.
"There is nothing we can do to change your mind?" Uncle Henry frowned as Elizabeth told her later that evening they would be leaving.
"Grandmother is feeling better and school break is almost over. I want to get back to my students" Elizabeth said softly. Next to her Kate was trying not to jump for joy.
"Is it the children you are going back to? Or the mountie?" Grandmother asked.
"I suppose if I am being truthful.. it's both" Elizabeth said. Grandmother nodded her face hard and Uncle swallowed thickly.
"Elizabeth you know I think it is time you consider a change" Uncle Henry said.
"Please Uncle." Elizabeth shook her head.
"The teaching assignment in the west was never meant to be permeant, just a few months to a year. It is time to move onto something better" Grandmother nodded.
"Don't make her stay don't make her stay, I will stay, just let Elizabeth go" Kate whispered under her breath so only Elizabeth could hear her.
"This is what is best for me, best for both of us. Maybe I will feel different once I am there. But I have to go back and find out for myself. Can you at least respect that this is what I need to do?" Elizabeth said firmly leaving no room for argument.
"Yes, we can" Grandmother said surprising them all.
"It's so hard to leave, it means so much to me." Elizabeth said softly.
"Of course" Grandmother nodded.
"Come Kate, we should start packing" Elizabeth said gently and Kate stood giving her grandmother a kind smile when she left the room. As soon as they were out of earshot they raced up the stairs giggling.
"Thank you for driving us to the station" Abigail thanked Charles the next morning as Kate bounced between her and Elizabeth.
"It was the least I could do" Charles said.
"I promise to be back soon" Elizabeth said.
"I will hold you to it, and you, no more growing" He said putting a hand on top of Kate's head.
"I will try" Kate smiled at him.
"So you think Clara is coming?" Elizabeth asked Abigail gently.
"Of course" Abigail nodded firmly when the call of 'all aboard' filled the station.
"That's our train isn't it?" Kate asked
"There she is!" Abigail smiled at a young girl about Elizabeth's age walking into the station.
"Clara" Abigail called to her, Kate watched as Abigail hurried Clara over to them. She had long dark hair, a plain skirt and shirt, She clearly was a worker in Hamilton and not someone from money. She had dark eyes and a kind face, she actually reminded Kate of Abigail with her kind smile.
"We will get a seat I will introduce you on the train" Abigail said.
"We're in first class compartment D" Elizabeth said as Abigail and Clara hurried toward the train tracks.
"Do I need to tell you how.." Charles started but Elizabeth stopped him.
"Some things are better left unspoken" She said gently. Charles just nodded lifting her hand to his lips before Elizabeth gave him a little smile. She turned nodding to the porter who was carrying their bags.
"Come on Katie, let's go home" Elizabeth said softly.
"Home, home home" Kate smiled walking beside her repeating the word. She was sure Home was the nicest word there ever was.
