Chapter Seventeen
"Come to me,
all you who are weary and burdened,
and I will give you rest."
~Matthew 11:28
Jack was fresh from his argument with Elizabeth when he approached the jailhouse and saw his mother sitting on the porch. As he headed back into town, he stopped walking and considered his options. He knew he needed to speak with his mother, as he'd told Elizabeth he would. However, he had a nagging feeling that Elizabeth just might be right about his mother. He'd noticed that his mother had been acting odd since she'd arrived.
As he stood gathering his thoughts, his mother spotted him and waved. He inhaled, preparing himself for the conversation to come, as he resumed his walk to the jailhouse.
"Hi, Ma," he greeted her. "How are you feeling? Better?"
Ann nodded. "Yes. I just needed a little more sleep."
Jack nodded but didn't say anything.
Ann looked at him, wondering if something was wrong. "Shall we have our tea?" she asked.
Jack nodded. "Okay," he agreed.
Several minutes later, they were seated at his desk. Ann was sipping her tea. Jack was just staring at his.
Ann pushed the plate of cookies across the desk toward Jack. "Have one of Abigail's cookies," she urged him.
He reached for a cookie and placed it on the saucer next to his teacup. However, he still didn't drink or speak.
Ann grabbed a cookie and took a bite. She studied Jack as she chewed the cookie. He just stared at his teacup, a sad expression on his face.
"Jack," she sought his attention. "Are you feeling okay?"
Jack, pulled from his thoughts, finally focused on his mother. He nodded. Ann turned back to her tea but Jack interrupted her. "Ma, what do you think of Elizabeth?"
Ann's eyes widened as she looked at Jack. "What?" she asked.
"What do think of Elizabeth? I know you two have spent some time together," he told her. "I just wondered your thoughts about her?" He looked at her expectantly.
Ann looked away, considering her response. "She's certainly a pretty young woman," she said.
Jack nodded. "Yes, she is," he agreed but continued to look at her, expecting more information.
Ann breathed slowly, before adding, "And she's certainly dedicated to her students." She didn't say anymore. She turned back to her tea and cookie.
Jack watched his mother and realized that was all she was going to say about Elizabeth. Sadness washed over his face as he realized Elizabeth had been correct. His mind whirled, trying to decide how to handle the situation.
Ann read Jack's expression. She turned back to her tea and drank it very quickly, burning her tongue. She inhaled sharply as she set down the teacup.
Jack looked at her. "Ma?"
She shook her head. "I just drank too fast and got a velvet tongue."
Jack nodded, but looked away. He was lost in the realization that his mother didn't approve of Elizabeth. And it deeply disturbed him.
Ann studied him for a moment before interrupting his contemplation. "You know," she told him. "I told Abigail I'd help her with some of her baking. I think I'll head over there."
Jack looked at her and nodded, but didn't say anything.
"Will you join us for dinner?" Ann asked.
Jack shook his head. "No, I need to head to the saloon to take care of something. I'll just grab some chili," he told her.
Ann smiled. "Okay, son. I'll see you in the morning? Breakfast at the café?" she asked.
Jack nodded.
"Good night, Jack," Ann told him as she headed out of the jailhouse.
Jack watched the door for several minutes after she left. His face was filled with concern and sadness, trying to decide how to handle the very complicated situation.