Chapter Forty-Four
"If you don't like something change it;
if you can't change it,
change the way you think about it."
~Mary Engelbreit
"Abigail, that rabbit pie was delicious!" Ann complimented as she, Elizabeth, Jack, Bill, and Abigail finished supper that evening. "Whenever Jack or his father brought home rabbits, I'd just make a stew. I never thought of making a pie."
Abigail smiled demurely. "Oh, thank you, Ann! My aunt showed me how to make it using apples and bacon. It was always one of my Peter's favorites."
"That was rabbit?" Elizabeth asked, clearly surprised as her hand flew to her throat. "Really?"
Abigail nodded, an amused expression on her face.
"I don't believe I've ever had rabbit before. I thought it was chicken or turkey," she said. She looked down at her plate, which held a couple of more bites, and she appeared to be uncertain whether to continue eating.
"Well," Jack interjected, "I didn't care for mine at all!" he declared as he wiped his plate with his last bite of biscuit and then popped it in his mouth.
Everyone, except for Bill, laughed at Jack's joke. Bill seemed to be tuned out from the conversation as he stared at his plate.
Abigail told them, "Well, when you see Adam Miller, be sure to thank him for sharing his rabbits with us. Laurel brought them in this morning and asked if I would like some as Adam caught more than she could use."
"That was so nice of them," Elizabeth added. "You know, I've been wondering about Mr. Miller's progress with the church and school." She looked to Jack. "I haven't been out there in awhile. Has he said when it might be complete?"
Jack wiped his mouth and set his napkin on the table before he answered."I think he's getting close. Maybe we could go check on it tomorrow afternoon."
Elizabeth smiled. "Oh, I'd like that very much!"
Jack nodded and returned her smile. "Okay, it's a date," he told her. She smiled shyly before she looked back down at her plate and hesitantly picked up her fork to try another bite. Jack glanced at Abigail and raised his eyebrows. Abigail nodded to Jack before she turned to Bill. "And what is weighing down your thoughts tonight?"
Bill's head jerked up. He'd finished his supper before the others but had been sitting in silence. "What?" he asked, unsure of Abigail's meaning.
"You seem lost in your thoughts," she answered. "Why so pensive?"
"Oh! No, no... not really," he answered. "Just enjoying your delicious dinner," he added, though not very convincingly.
Abigail studied Bill's face before continuing, "I missed you at lunch. I thought you said you'd be back."
"Ah, yeah. I'm sorry, Abigail. I got busy with work," he replied.
Jack looked at Bill, clearly confused by his statement.
Bill quickly added, "I hope you weren't waiting for me."
She shook her head. "It's okay. Apology accepted," she assured him with a smile. Bill returned her smile and they held each other's gaze for a moment. When Abigail became aware that the others were watching them, she looked away and offered, "Would anyone care for some blueberry pie?"
"Definitely," Bill answered.
"Yes, please," Jack replied.
Abigail turned to Elizabeth and Ann, her hands extended and her expression telling them she was waiting for their answers.
Elizabeth nodded, "Sure, your pies are always so delicious!"
Ann nodded, as well. "Thank you!"
Abigail smiled and pushed back from the table to stand. Jack watched her head to the kitchen and when she was out of earshot he asked Bill, "What are you working on? Where did you go today?"
"Out to the mine," Bill responded, whispering.
Jack's eyebrows lowered, a look of bewilderment on his face. "Why?"
Bill hesitated for a moment before answering, "I just want to be sure that Gowen isn't falling back into old habits of ignoring safety procedures."
Jack's eyes narrowed slightly as he studied Bill. Something about Bill's answer raised his suspicion. However, he decided it would be best not to pursue questioning Bill further tonight in front of Abigail. He made a mental note to speak with Bill about it later.
Abigail returned to the dining room with a tray filled with slices of pie on small plates. "Oh, Elizabeth, I almost forgot to tell you!" she exclaimed as she passed out the plates. "Bo Grady was in here this afternoon having tea and cookies with Mary Alice Calhoun."
"Really?" Elizabeth asked, a bit surprised.
Abigail began to answer but Jack interjected, "Bo asked her to tea after he stopped her from beating the stew out of Allen." He scooped a big piece of pie into his mouth.
"She hit him?" Elizabeth inquired, shocked.
Jack nodded as he cut a bite of pie with his fork.
"Why was she beating Allen?" Elizabeth asked. "I mean, he certainly deserved a beating, but why did Mary Alice want to hurt him?"
"Well, it seems he led her on..." Jack began.
"I did see them talking at the Mercantile before he caused all the trouble," Abigail interjected. "He did seem to be trying very hard to impress her."
Jack continued, "Yes, well, it turns out he left her waiting for him the day he took the school hostage. She came to have her say before he left town and then she became really upset when he asked her to wait for him."
"Wait for him?!" Elizabeth repeated, incredulous. "While he's in jail? Well, I don't blame her for thrashing him!"
"Well, I don't know about that, but she and Bo were having quite a serious conversation this afternoon. But, by the time they left, they were smiling and holding hands," Abigail informed them before she took a bite of pie.
"Oh good!" Elizabeth said. "You know, now that I think about it, he seemed very distracted earlier this week when I tutored him. However, this evening he was focused and smiling a lot. Well, I guess that explains the change in his demeanor."
"That's a good thing," Abigail observed.
Elizabeth nodded. "It's a very good thing."
They all enjoyed their pie for a few minutes until Ann turned to Elizabeth. "So, you were tutoring again this afternoon? Even after all that's happened this week?" Ann asked, a tinge of disapproval in her voice.
Elizabeth looked at Ann and sighed, concerned that they were taking steps backwards. Before she could reply, Jack turned to his mother and answered, "Yes, she did, Ma. And when I went to meet her to walk her back to town tonight, Mrs. Grady told me what a great job Elizabeth is doing to help Bo prepare for normal school." He reached for Elizabeth's hand and clasped it in his. "He's almost ready to make his application!"
Ann's eyes widened with surprise. "He wants to attend normal school? He wants to be a teacher?"
Elizabeth pulled her eyes away from Jack's hand holding hers. She looked at Ann and nodded. "Yes. He very much wants to be a teacher," she answered.
"That is so wonderful, Elizabeth!" Abigail broke in. "That mine didn't swallow Bo." She turned to Bill and informed him, "Did you know that Bo couldn't read before Elizabeth began working with him a few months ago?"
Bill looked up from his dessert, his attention finally drawn to the conversation. "Oh, is that so? Well, that is wonderful, Elizabeth! Well done!" he complimented before retreating back to his thoughts. His withdrawal from the discussion was duly noted by Abigail.
"Oh, thank you, but Bo deserves all the compliments for his hard work," Elizabeth humbly replied.
Ann studied Elizabeth for a few minutes. "Well done, indeed," she commended Elizabeth in a low, serious voice.
Elizabeth looked at Ann, her eyes wide with surprise. After a moment of shocked silence, she replied, "Thank you."
Jack's gaze shifted between Elizabeth and his mother. When Elizabeth's eyes met his, a very happy smile filled his face, deepening his dimples. Elizabeth's smile widened to match his.
Ann watched the exchange between her son and Elizabeth. Moved by their obvious happiness, her faced relaxed into a smile. After watching them for several moments, she turned back to her pie, as did Jack and Elizabeth, eventually. All five enjoyed their desserts in silence.
After she finished her pie, Ann set down her fork and wiped her mouth with her napkin. She sat up straight in her chair and broke the silence, "Jack, when does the stagecoach come back through Coal Valley?"
Everyone stopped and stared at Ann. Jack swallowed hard and replied, "Uh... well, it'll be back here on Wednesday." He looked at his mother, disappointment in his eyes.
"Okay," Ann responded. "That gives me five more days to visit."
Jack shook his head, "But, Ma, you can stay longer. Maybe another week?" he asked, hopefully.
Noting Jack's disappointment and sadness with his mother's announcement, Elizabeth broke in, "After all, you still have several more of Jack's favorite foods that you need to teach me how to make!" She smiled widely at Ann.
Ann looked at Elizabeth, her mouth pulling into a warm grin. She reached over and placed her hand on Elizabeth's forearm. "Perhaps I'll dictate my recipes to a friend and then send them to you," she offered with a laugh.
Elizabeth nodded. "That's probably best. That way I can cook them once Abigail has finally been able to teach me to cook. Which hopefully will be sometime this century!" she said with a laugh.
"Oh, Elizabeth, with your determination, I'm sure that will be sooner rather than later," Ann told her sincerely.
Elizabeth laughed, pleasantly surprised by Ann's kindness. "We'll see. But, thank you!"
"Ma, are you sure you won't stay?" Jack asked.
Ann shook her head. "I have so much to do back home to get ready to move back East. I really should get back."
Jack nodded, his expression still quite sad. "I wish I could help you," he said, his eyes moving as rapidly as his thoughts. Then, his eyes seemed to light up as he made a decision. He reached for his mother's hand and told her, "I'm going to request a leave so I can help you prepare for your move. I'll send a telegram to Depot first thing tomorrow."
Elizabeth shot a stunned look at Jack.
"Oh, Jack, no!" Ann told him firmly. She shook her head. "No!"
"Ma, let me help you," he entreated. "You can't pack everything yourself. There's so much to do."
"I'll get some help," she told him.
He gave her a skeptical look.
"I will!" she assured him. "You have work to do here. I remember how it works with the Force." She gave him a look that said she wouldn't hear any more arguments before she added, "There's so much for you here. You need to stay and see where it takes you."
Elizabeth seemed to be holding her breath, waiting for Jack's reply.
Jack opened his mouth to protest again but she stopped him. "Now, I don't want to hear any more about it. Let's enjoy the next five days." She nodded her head firmly and gave Jack an intense look that quieted him. "It was a delicious supper. Thank you, Abigail! I think I shall excuse myself and head back to my room."
"Okay, I'll walk you..." Jack began to offer when Bill interrupted him. "I can walk her back to the saloon, Jack. I need to head back to my room to check on some work."
Jack was surprised at Bill's offer. "You sure?"
Bill nodded as he looked at Abigail, who was also surprised at Bill's sudden departure. "I hate to leave such wonderful company, but there's some work I need to do," he explained.
Abigail smiled, though she was clearly disappointed. "Well, good night, then."
Bill leaned over and took Abigail's hands in his. "I'll see you in the morning," he told her as he gave her hands a gentle squeeze.
Abigail nodded. "Okay," she replied in a low voice.
Bill gave her a wink before releasing her hands. He pushed away from the table crossed over to Ann, who had moved closer to the door. He extended his arm to her. "To the saloon, Mrs. Thornton?" he asked in a mildly teasing voice.
Ann gave him a pointed look. "Don't be fresh," she admonished mildly before taking his arm. "Good night, Jack! Abigail, I'll be back to help with breakfast. And good night, Elizabeth! I'll see you in the morning when we make apple cake!" she called back as she and Bill left the cafe.
Jack, Elizabeth, and Abigail remained silent for a long time, shocked at the events of the last several minutes. Finally, Abigail began picking up dishes from the table.
"Oh, let me help you," Elizabeth offered as she stood and began picking up plates and silverware.
Jack, too, stood and helped. He saw Abigail stifle a yawn as she reached for a large bowl. "Abigail, let Elizabeth and I clean up. After all, you worked so hard preparing dinner. It's only fair that we do the dishes now." He looked to Elizabeth to back him up.
Elizabeth nodded. "Yes, Abigail, you head on up to bed. Jack and I will take care of all this. Don't you worry!" She smiled at Abigail, hoping to convince her friend to agree.
Abigail looked between her two young friends. "Are you sure?" she asked, punctuating the question with a yawn that refused to be suppressed.
"Go get some sleep," Elizabeth ordered with a laugh.
Abigail finally conceded. "Okay. I'll place these in the kitchen and head upstairs. I'll see you both tomorrow. Thank you!" she told them before she headed to the kitchen with her dishes.
Jack and Elizabeth heard Abigail ascend the stairs while they gathered the remaining dishes. Elizabeth headed to the kitchen first while Jack piled dish upon dish, creating a teetering tower in his hands. He followed Elizabeth to the kitchen, concentrating on keeping all of the dishes from falling. He rounded the corner and was surprised by Elizabeth returning to the dining room. Elizabeth was equally shocked to see him, especially with so many dishes piled up in his hands.
"Jack" she gasped. Then, she saw that the top three dishes from Jack's dish tower start tumbling toward the floor.
"No!" Jack bellowed, fearing the worst for the dishes he'd dropped. However, Elizabeth deftly caught all three dishes and saved them from disaster. She and Jack looked at each, their eyes wide with amazement at what had just happened. Then, they both broke into laughter.
Jack said, "That was absolutely..."
"...unbelievable," Elizabeth finished.
They continued to laugh, their eyes locked, for several moments until the remaining dishes in Jack's arms shifted, again. This time, though, he managed to keep all of them in his hands. "I better get these... "
"Yeah, get them to the table before they all fall!" she completed his thought as he moved around her and headed into the kitchen.
She followed and set the dishes she'd caught next to his piles of dishes. She moved around him to the dishwashing tub. "I'll start washing if you'll bring the rest of the dishes in."
"Okay," Jack agreed and headed back to the dining room. He threw an amused glance back at Elizabeth as she picked up a plate to wash before he continued to the table. After he scooped up the rest of the dishes, he walked back into the kitchen and saw Elizabeth continuing to wash dishes. He set down the dishes next to the others and stood close to her, just watching her as she worked.
After several minutes, she turned around, suddenly aware of his presence. "What are you doing, Jack?"
Jack's eyebrows raised, flashing her a look of innocence, as he answered, "Enjoying the view." His dimples deepened as his mouth went into a smirk.
Elizabeth's mouth flew open in mock shock. "Constable Thornton, I thought you were an honorable gentleman!"
"I am," he countered. "But you, Miss Thatcher, tempt me so."
Her mouth shifted into a pout. Then, she reached for a dishtowel on the table. "Time for you to get to work!" she directed as she tossed the dishtowel at him.
The towel flew into Jack's face before he caught in. "Yes, ma'am," he answered as he moved next to her.
For the next several minutes they washed and dried the dishes, working together in silence. As Jack finished drying the last pot, he looked back at Elizabeth, who was drying her hands on her apron. His face filled with a smile as he moved closer. He wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her into an embrace. She looked up at him, questioning. Before she could ask anything, he leaned in and kissed her gently. She slid her arms around his neck and their kiss deepened. Finally, needing to catch her breath, Elizabeth broke the kiss and slid her face against Jack's chest. Jack, too was breathing rapidly. He kissed her hair and held her close.
"Do we have a date tomorrow?" he whispered into her hair. "Maybe a picnic and a walk?"
His voice was so close to her ear, it sent shivers down her spine. She forced herself to stay focused on his question. "Ummm, yes, that sounds very nice," she answered into his chest. "You promised a walk to the new church and school," she reminded him.
Jack smiled and he nodded. "Yes, I did," he answered, amusement in his voice.
Elizabeth looked up at him suddenly, "What?" she asked.
Jack looked at her, confused. "What what?"
"Your voice changed. Like something was funny. What's going on?" she inquired, watching his face intently.
His mouth opened, as though he was going to answer, but then closed. After another moment, he leaned in and kissed her again. When his lips parted from hers, he assured her, "The only thing going on is that I enjoy kissing you." He hesitated a moment before adding, "Very much."
She smiled. "The feeling is mutual, Jack," she told him through a smile.
They continued kissing until Jack pulled away. "Uhhh... I think it's time for me to say goodnight," he told her.
"Yeah, you probably should," she agreed, somewhat reluctantly. "Okay... I'll make us some sandwiches and lemonade for our picnic," she shared.
"Sounds good," he said, still holding her close.
After continuing to gaze at each other for a few moments more, he leaned in and kissed her cheek. "Sweet dreams, Elizabeth." He moved away from her towards the door. She turned back to the table and saw the dish tub. She quickly whirled back around as she called, "Jack?"
He had already opened the door, but turned to face her, his hand on the doorknob. He raised his eyebrows in question.
"Umm," she stammered for a moment. "Would you mind throwing out the dishwater for me? That tub is so heavy! I usually end up wearing most of that nasty water when I try to do it."
Jack smiled. "Of course," he replied moving back to the table. "I guess you'll keep me around to do all the heavy lifting," he teased as he hoisted the tub from the table.
She popped his arm with her fingers. He yelped as though it hurt, but she pulled her hand back and cradled it with her other hand as she groaned in pain.
"That's what happens when you try to assault a lawman," he teased her before he leaned over and kissed her injured fingers. He took the tub onto the porch and tossed the water. After he returned the tub to the table, he noticed she was still rubbing her fingers. "Are they that sore?" he asked, concerned.
She shook her head. "No, they're fine." She held her hand up and wiggled her fingers at him.
He smiled and kissed her cheek, again. "Night, Elizabeth."
"Good night, Jack," she replied. She watched him close the door, then she moved to the window to observe him walk back to the jailhouse. As he passed out of sight, she exhaled a happy sigh and a wide smile filled her face. She turned around and began turning down the lamps in the dining room, humming a happy tune.
Author's Notes: Okay, about the rabbit pie... I realize this might not be many people's favorite foods list. However, when I researched Canadian foods, it seemed to be a quite popular dish back in the day. Bacon and apple in rabbit pie? Yes, that was the recipe that I found. Looked intriguing! And it looked like something Abigail might cook. If you want the recipe, let me know! ;)
Hope you enjoyed this chapter! I think it's one of the, if not the, longest chapter so far! Let me know what you thought. Thanks!