Chapter Twenty-Two

"Apology is a lovely perfume;

it can transform the clumsiest moment

into a gracious gift."

~Margaret Lee Runbeck

After lunch, it was time for the history lesson. Ann had wrestled with whether to change the lesson Elizabeth had planned. She really wasn't too comfortable with the topic of American Presidents. However, she decided that she would stick with Elizabeth's plans as she was substitute teaching in Elizabeth's classroom. "Rachel?" she called.

Rachel was talking with her table mates when Ann called her. She looked up and replied, "Ma'am?"

Ann held up a book. "Would you please write this information on the board?" she asked.

Rachel nodded. "Of course, Mrs. Thornton," she replied as she headed up to the front of the room. She took the book that Ann offered.

Ann pointed to the information she wanted written on the board. "We need this information here, please," Ann told Rachel as she pointed to a section of the page.

Rachel smiled and took the book. "Yes, ma'am," she said as she nodded. She crossed to the chalkboard and began writing the names.

As soon as Rachel finished writing and returned to her seat, Ann began the lesson about the American Presidents. "Who knows who the current President of the United States of America is?" she asked. No student raised a hand as they just stared at Ann.

On the saloon porch outside the classroom, Elizabeth was peeking through the far window, trying to snoop on Ann teaching her lessons. She'd managed to sneak out of the café while Abigail ran to the Mercantile. She had the overwhelming desire to see her students. Of course, she, also, felt compelled to see how things were going with Ann as the substitute teacher.

As she peered through the glass, she could see Ann seated at her desk. Her eyes moved to check on her students. She saw hands being raised and realized that a discussion was taking place. A pang of jealousy washed over her and she unsuccessfully tried to dismiss it.

"Boo!"

Elizabeth nearly fell against the window but managed to stop herself. As soon as she regained her balance, she shifted around and saw Jack. She gave him a fierce, admonishing look.

Jack, who was standing right behind her, raised his eyebrows and tilted his head to the side. "What are you doing here?" he asked, concerned.

Elizabeth stood tall and hesitated for a moment. She opened her mouth to answer, but she was only able to croak out a very rough "just." It was very low and rather hoarse. She continued to try to speak, but no voice came out.

His mouth went into a straight line, clearly worried that she still couldn't talk. "Spying?" he inquired.

She shook her head and her eyes flared.

"Then why aren't you resting back at the café?" he asked.

She emitted an exasperated sigh and threw her hands up in surrender. She turned on heel and started back to the café.

Jack rushed after her. "Elizabeth, wait!" he called. "I'll walk you back."

She turned her head and gave him a sharp look.

He stopped next to her and she looked up at him. He gazed into her eyes for a moment and then suddenly became aware that they were in the middle of Main Street. "May I walk you back to the café? There's something I need to say to you."

Elizabeth nodded and they walked together to Abigail's Cafe. As soon as they were inside, Jack said, "I just want you to know that I'm sorry for my behavior yesterday." He looked at her, his eyes pleading forgiveness.

Elizabeth looked up at him, surprised.

"I just, well, to be honest, I was afraid they you were right about my Mom. Something's not right, Elizabeth. I didn't want to admit it, but it's not. I don't know what it is, but she just does not seem herself," he told her.

Elizabeth looked up at him, her expression softening. She motioned with her hand, asking him what would happen next. He understood her immediately and answered, "When you have your voice back, we'll talk with her about all this."

She brought both her hands together in front of her, rather dramatically, asking Jack another question.

"Together," Jack concurred. "We'll talk with her together."

A small smile curled at the corners of her mouth.

"Now, let's get you resting, again!" Jack told her.

Elizabeth balked, standing still as he pulled her arm. He turned to see why she wouldn't move. She leaned in and hugged him. Jack smiled, returning the hug. "I don't know why my mother is acting like this, but we will figure this out," he said into her hair. He squeezed her tightly and she closed her eyes. After several moments, he released her. "Time for rest!" he told her as he placed his arm around her shoulders and guided her to the couch in the sitting room.

Postscript: Happy Thanksgiving weekend, Hearties! Hope you've enjoyed time with your families and friends- and that you were able to "gobble til you wobble!" Hope you are enjoying the story, so far. Thanks very much for reading! Please consider leaving a review. I'd love to hear your opinion.