Scenario two
"Well, it has certainly been an eventful few days," Rosemary said to her Husband as they sat together, enjoying a final cup of tea before bed. Lily had been asleep for a while; Lee only had to read her one story before she drifted off.
"I'm very jealous you got to witness the reunion between Fiona and Adam," Rosemary said, lightly batting him on the chest before smiling at him.
Lee chuckled at his wife, he knew Rosie hated to miss out on anything exciting, and she was a hopeless romantic.
"I knew Fiona had feelings for him; I am so glad I threw them together," she continued.
"Rosie, I think they would have found each other without you, and besides, you really need to stop interfering in people's lives," Lee admonished his wife gently. Despite having their daughter, Lily, to look after, Rosie still found time to be involved in the Town's happenings. He knew she had thought about returning to work part-time, and he understood her need to, but they had to find a babysitter for Lily. He grinned; he didn't mind admitting it; she was too much of a distraction for him; if she were around, he wouldn't get any work done.
Sam gasped when Joshua finished telling her his news; she couldn't believe what she was hearing.
"Are you sure they are going to drop all charges against Isobel? Why? And why now when they have been so determined to proceed?" Sam continued. While she was ecstatic for her client, she was also suspicious of the Pipers and their Lawyer Mr Franklin who had thrown up reason after reason to delay the hearing.
"Sam, If I tell you this, you must guarantee it goes no further," Joshua said seriously. He had heard the information he was about to share from a Police source, and he didn't want to get him into trouble."
"I will have to tell Bill and Quinn," Sam said, shaking her head, "can you imagine trying to keep this from them."
Joshua hesitated; he knew Sam, Bill Avery, and Quinn Grant had worked tirelessly on Isobel's defence. The three of them deserved to know what had happened.
"Okay, you can share it with them, but please, it can't go further."
"Agreed," Sam said, placing her hand over her heart.
"Mr Piper is facing charges of harassment from their current Nanny," Joshua explained. "He has been accused of making unwanted advances toward her." Joshua smiled when he saw Sam's eyebrows shoot up; he knew this wasn't surprising to her. "Mrs Piper has been accused of perjury and fabricating evidence." Joshua laughed this time as Sam's mouth dropped open; that was a surprise.
"Stop, Joshua, please. You have to let me go and get Bill and Quinn; they are just visiting with Nathan in the Mountie office." Sam ran out of her office without waiting for his reply, leaving a bemused Joshua behind.
Nathan leapt out of his chair as the door burst open, and Sam Madison ran in excitedly.
"Sam, what is it?" Quinn asked as she handed Avery to Bill and rushed to her friend.
"I need you and Bill to come with me quickly. I have an update on Isobel's case; Joshua is waiting in my office." Sam hurried through her explanation, wanting to return as quickly as possible.
Quinn hurried back to Bill, laughing as he tried to get out of his seat, holding both babies.
"Nathan, can you please take Sam? I will carry Avery. Bill, can you take their bag, please?" Quinn quickly set the men to help as Sam waited anxiously in the doorway.
Sam watched as Nathan prepared to go with them back to the office and debated whether to tell him Joshua had agreed only to share the information with the three of them. Shrugging, she realised Nathan could easily investigate the Pipers and find out what happened...let him come.
Joshua looked up as the group crammed into Sam's office. He knew Nathan had a reputation for honesty and integrity; he could trust him with this secret.
"So, Joshua, can you fill everyone in on what you started to tell me?" Sam asked, breathless from the rushed trip to gather everyone and her excitement over the news.
"As I started to tell Sam, all charges against Isobel have been dropped, permanently."
Quinn let out a small cry, overwhelmed at the excellent news. She may have squeezed Avery a little too tight as she gave a little squawk of protest. She rolled her eyes at Nathan, then grinned as he hurriedly took his daughter from her, juggling both babies effortlessly.
"Mr Piper is charged with making unwanted advances, and his wife, perjury and fabricating evidence." Joshua smiled, enjoying repeating those words. "It would appear Mr Piper's current victim reported his behaviour to her brother, a Police Officer, who knew about the Piper's current court matter, and decided to investigate. He didn't like what he discovered and decided to set a trap."
Joshua took a moment to take a sip of tea before continuing, "Mrs Piper became aware her Husband had an unacceptable interest in their current Nanny. As she had previously done in similar situations, she hid jewellery in the Nanny's room and then accused her of theft.
"Well, clearly, this is not the first time she has done this," Quinn said, frowning toward Isobel, "why hasn't this come out before?"
"It appears in previous cases, the person Mrs Piper accused of theft was happy to leave their service to avoid charges. In Isobel's case, Mr Piper insisted on the charges, unaware his wife had planned the whole thing." Joshua smiled broadly, "it seems now she has been caught red-handed. His wife is happily telling anyone who will listen all about what she had to do because of her Husband's poor behaviour."
"Surely, she won't get any sympathy from anyone; she ruined people's lives," Bill said, his face red with anger. "Isobel could have gone to jail for years for something she didn't do."
"I can assure you, Bill, Mrs Piper is getting no sympathy from anyone. I pity Mr Franklin if he tries to mount any defence for either of them." Joshua shook his head, imagining the case coming before his court, "I am a little disappointed I won't be able to preside over their trial and sentencing."
"Does that mean you are staying here in Town?" Quinn asked. She knew Joshua and Faith had been trying to decide where to live now they were getting married. Would they remain in Hope Valley, or would they move away? Faith had spoken to Quinn about it admitting it would be easier for her to relocate, but she didn't want to leave Hope Valley.
"We are going to stay in Hope Valley," Joshua said, smiling broadly. "I have agreed to take the vacant position, but I don't have to reside in Brookfield," Joshua explained. "Sometimes I will need to stay there for short periods, but I can travel when needed and work out of Hope Valley."
"That's wonderful news!" Quinn exclaimed; she would have missed her friend and the Town Doctor. Hope Valley needed Faith.
"Speaking of good news," Sam said. "When can we tell Isobel?"
'Right away, I have the withdrawal of charges information on my desk." Joshua advised. "I imagine there will be quite the celebration tonight."
"Absolutely," Bill agreed, finally able to smile. "Once we let Isobel know, I will speak to Minnie and organise something at the Cafe for tonight."
Isobel burst into tears of relief when Sam told her the news. She dropped into a chair; legs unable to hold her. Sam let her cry, knowing she needed to release the emotions she had been trying to keep in check for so many months.
Sam was surprised that Isobel didn't get angry; she expected it to follow the tears, but it didn't happen. When Isobel finally calmed down, she began to ask questions of Sam, needing to understand how this had come about. Sam and Bill told her what they knew, what Joshua had told them.
Isobel didn't have time to be angry; too many other thoughts were swirling in her mind. It was over; it was finally over. Relief flooded through her, but also fear. What would she do now? Where would she go? She had no family to speak of and couldn't expect to live with Sam indefinitely. She had to find a way to support herself, to create a life where she stood on her own two feet.
Bill decided to leave Sam to talk through what happened next with Isobel, wanting to get to the Cafe and plan for the celebration. He made sure to stop in at the Mercantile and update Florence on the situation; that was the quickest way he knew to get the word out about Isobel's party.
Things quickly came together; Quinn met Allie after school and updated her, asking if she would help Quinn get the children ready for the party. Allie was almost as excited as Quinn; she had been fascinated by Isobel's case, sympathetic for the girl not much older than her who faced the prospect of jail for a crime she didn't commit. She left Nathan with a promise to have everything ready for him to change out of his uniform and clean up when he got home later; he had ridden Newton to Town, leaving the car for her and the twins.
Quinn felt like she was walking on a cloud, delighted at the outcome. This outcome was everything they had been working for, everything they hoped for. It was a dream come true.
Lucas put down the pots he was carrying to knock on the Cafe's back door. Bill had called in and told him about the celebration for Isobel, and he and Gustav had offered to prepare food. Bill had welcomed the assistance; he wasn't clear on how many people would attend, so extra food was always welcome. Like everyone in Hope Valley, Lucas had taken a liking to Isobel and was pleased the truth of her situation had finally come out.
Lucas was glad to be included in the celebration, pleased that the Town had allowed him to redeem himself and become part of the Community. It had taken him and Elizabeth some time to prove themselves and change their reputation with some people in Town. They had behaved appallingly to certain members of Hope Valley, in particular Nathan, Quinn and Allie. Their return to grace had come because of the forgiveness Nathan and Quinn had shown them; without it, he wasn't sure it would have happened so quickly, if at all.
He looked forward to catching up with the Grants when the celebration began, knowing they would not miss it. He hoped Allie would be there; he always had a soft spot for the young girl who was quickly becoming a young woman. When he thought about it, he realised he had a soft spot for all the Grant children, plus Lily Coulter. Lucas shook his head, amazed at the transformation within him; there had been a time when he wasn't comfortable around small children. He had settled into a life with Elizabeth Thornton and her son Jack, and they were moving forward with their lives.
"Quinn!" Rosemary called out, "Isn't this wonderful news? I can hardly believe it."
"Yes, it is Rosemary; I haven't stopped smiling since I heard." Quinn paused in the street to allow Rosemary and Lily to catch up. Quinn bent down and said a quick hello to the baby, who sat in her stroller, taking in her surroundings. Lily Coulter was a very friendly baby and giggled when Quinn lightly tickled her stomach. Lily responded happily to everyone she met, but then she probably hadn't a choice; Rosemary ensured Lily was a part of her activities, so she was used to being around people.
"How is Isobel taking the news? Do you think she would let me do a story?" Rosemary asked eagerly, imagining the headlines.
"You would have to ask her directly, Rosemary," Quinn said. "I'm not sure I know; she has been quiet since she heard; she is feeling overwhelmed, I suppose."
The two women continued toward the Cafe and Isobel's celebration, eager to join her well-wishers.
"Who has Sam and Avery? Nathan or Allie." Rosemary asked, smiling. It was always hard to guess between the two when Nathan was off duty.
"Neither actually." Quinn laughed, "Their Aunties Faith and Fiona have them. They talked me into letting them take the twins for a quick walk before they joined the party."
"Of course, they did. I could return to work if they were available during the day. The only thing stopping me is the shortage of a suitable person to mind Lily."
Quinn didn't have the opportunity to respond as they arrived at the Cafe and began a conversation with others there for the celebration. However, Rosemary's words remained with Quinn, sparking an idea she needed to spend more time thinking about before sharing it.
Isobel was amazed at the number of people who attended the Cafe to wish her well. She felt shy around so many people, unused to being in such large crowds. She searched the room for a familiar face and was relieved to see Quinn and Allie coming toward her, Avery and Sam with them.
"This is quite the turnout, Isobel," Quinn remarked quietly. She could see the strain on her friend's face and wanted to help her feel more comfortable, "would you like to come upstairs with the Twins and me? They certainly need a diaper change and could use a break from all the noise and fuss."
"I would love to help if Allie doesn't mind," she said, smiling at her young friend.
Allie laughed and assured Isobel she didn't mind missing a nappy change; she was pleased that Isobel was there to help Quinn. Allie's friends, having seen how crowded it was inside, had set up out the back of the Cafe, picnic style, and she wanted to join them but hadn't wanted to let Quinn down.
The two women went upstairs into one of the bedrooms and quickly took care of Avery and Sam. Afterwards, they sat in companionable silence, holding a baby each, content to spend some time allowing them to have quiet time.
"Is everything alright, Isobel? I have to admit; I thought you would be more excited."
"I am excited and relieved and grateful," Isobel assured her. "It's just...I am not sure what happens now."
"You live your life." Quinn knew she spoke from her own experience, and not everyone was the same.
"What life?" Isobel exclaimed. "I have no job Quinn, I have nowhere to live, and I am not sure what to do."
Quinn gaped at her friend; sorry she hadn't realised the extent of her distress. "You stay here, Isobel. Hope Valley is your home now if you want it to be. The room full of people downstairs ready to welcome and support you should tell you that."
"I can't keep relying on Sam to support me; I need to be able to support myself."
"I am sure there would be opportunities here for you?"
"What do you mean? What could I do?"
"You could help me, Rosemary, or other Mothers who want or need to return to work but don't have anyone available to care for their children." Quinn hoped Rosemary didn't mind her using her as an example, "I can only speak for myself, but I would be interested in some help?"
"I would be more than interested. That would be the perfect solution." Isobel's face lit up at the thought of it, "do you think people would trust me with their children?"
"In a heartbeat."
Rosemary stuck her head in the doorway of the room Quinn and Isobel were sitting, smiling at the four of them.
"Can Lily and I join you?" she asked as she stepped inside, not waiting for an answer, knowing it would be yes. Placing Lily on the bed, she laughed as the Twins responded to the sight of her; it seemed they recognised each other as Lily started babbling away to them in a language only she understood.
"Well, don't they look excited to see each other!" Rosemary exclaimed. "I am sure they will be great friends growing up."
"I think they will be," agreed Quinn. "I think we need to start organising for them to spend more time together."
Rosemary didn't say anything; she just looked at Isobel thoughtfully. "Ladies, I have been thinking about returning to work part-time, a couple of days a week," Rosemary explained. "The Community has been missing out on important stories since I have been away; stories like yours, Isobel.
Isobel looked at her hands. Quinn had warned her Rosemary might be interested in telling her story, allowing her to tell her side of it. Isobel hesitated; she wanted it all to go away now the charges had been dropped but felt rude refusing Rosemary.
"While I think I should return to work, I don't want to leave Lily full-time," Rosemary continued. "Isobel, would you be willing to come and work for me, minding Lily in the mornings so I can go to the newspaper office?"
"Really?" Isobel said, eyes wide in disbelief; this was like a dream come true for her.
"Really!" Rosemary assured her. "Maybe when Avery and Sam are a little older, they can come and spend time with Lily too."
"That sounds wonderful, Rosemary, but we couldn't expect you to constantly open your home to us." Quinn replied, "Maybe we should look for somewhere suitable in Town where Isobel could mind the children."
After the celebration for Isobel, Rosemary and Quinn met at the Cafe to discuss the possibility of establishing an infant school in Hope Valley. As they sat waiting for Minnie to deliver a piece of her famous chocolate cake, Elizabeth entered with Jack.
"Elizabeth, won't you join us?" Rosemary asked as she scooped Jack up for a hug. "We've only just ordered."
"If you don't mind, I promised Jack a treat if he behaved this morning," Elizabeth explained.
"Is Laura still away?" queried Rosemary, knowing Laura had been out of town, looking into options for attending Teacher's college when the term began.
"Yes," looking to Quinn to include her in the conversation regarding Laura, she said, "she is planning on going to College in Hamilton and boarding with my Aunt."
"I'm sure she will be a big loss to Jack and you," Quinn said.
"I don't know what we will do without her; she has been with us since I went back to work; if it wasn't for Laura, I don't think I could have gone back to teaching, and Jack adores her."
Rosemary and Quinn exchanged glances, smiling before Rosemary said, "Elizabeth, I have an idea I want to run by you."
"This looks like trouble," Fiona teased, looking up from her desk. She only spent a little time in the Mayor's office, but Bill had arranged for a desk to be available for his Deputy Mayor when she needed it for Town business.
Rosemary, Quinn, and Elizabeth laughed as Jack ran to see his Godfather.
"Not trouble, Fiona. I would rather consider us being here a solution to the Town's needs," Rosemary said.
Quinn grinned at Rosemary and shook her head, amused as always by Rosemary.
As Quinn, Nathan, and Allie sat around eating dinner that evening, Quinn updated them on their infant school idea. In the end, Fiona suggested extending the Library, so it was big enough to incorporate an infant school. That way, parents who worked in Town could drop their children in and be close by throughout the day. All they needed now was the labour to build it; Rosemary had already committed Lee to donate the Timber.
"Leave the labour to me," Nathan said. I am handy with a hammer and tools, and I will round some others to help once the Town Council approves."
"That would be wonderful," Quinn said, smiling at her Husband. "What about you, Allie? Do you want to help furnish and decorate?"
"Yes, that would be amazing! But wait," Allie asked, "does this mean Avery and Sam are going to Infant School, and you are going back to work?"
"Not yet." Quinn said, smiling at Nathan, "I'm not ready yet. But it's nice to know the option is there, and it is someone as wonderful as Isobel."