Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight or the Canadian West Series. Some of this writing was taken directly from When Calls the Heart.
Chapter Two: Unexpected Feelings
Mary was waiting at the door when we pulled up in front of the house and she ran to meet me as I stepped down from the auto. She pulled me into a warm embrace almost before my feet had a chance to properly settle on the ground. I was glad for the enthusiastic welcome and immediately felt I was with family.
I studied the woman who was Jonathan's wife, my sister-in-law. A wealth of reddish-brown hair was scooped rather casually in a pinned up style. Curly wisps of it teased about her face and neck, giving her a girlish look. Her green eyes sparked with merriment and her full mouth produced the warmest of smiles. I smiled in return.
"Oh, Elizabeth," she exclaimed, 'it is so good to see you!"
"And you, Mary," I returned. "You are just as Jonathan described you."
She hurried me toward the house to meet the children while Jonathan busied himself in gathering up my belongings.
We passed right through the main hall and out a back door to a shaded yard that seemed to be filled with shouting, wiggling small bodies. These were my nieces and nephew. At once they made a dash for me; they were not at all reserved or inhibited. It did appear that they believed the coming of an aunt was a great event.
When Mary had restored order, I was able to meet each one of them in a quieter fashion.
At eight, William, the eldest, looked like Jonathan except that his hair had a reddish tinge which he inherited from Mary.
Sarah, six, was small and dainty; if any of the offspring could have been deemed retiring, Sarah would have been the one.
Kathleen was next. This four-year-old looked like she should have been a boy; mischief sparkled out of her intensely blue eyes, and her pixie face was always fixed in a grin.
Baby Elizabeth, named for my mother, had only recently joined the family and was much too young to take part in the present merry-making. She slept through the whole commotion.
After a quick tour of the house, the evening meal was served, and we gathered around the table. Jonathan believed that the family should share this special time of day, and so the children joined us at the table. As I watched them clamber into chairs, I wondered what mother would have thought of the whole event. In our home, children, even quiet, well-mannered ones, did not join the adults at the table until they had passed their twelfth or at the earliest, tenth birthday.
Jonathan's children proved to be well-behaved in spite of their high spirits, and we adults were able to converse, uninterrupted by childish outbursts. It was obvious that they had been instructed well as to how to conduct themselves. Maybe it is wise to start them young at the family dinner table, I decided as I watched them. I did wonder as I studied Kathleen just how long she would be able to sit primly like a little lady. She looked like a miniature volcano about to erupt.
The meal, served by a maid named Stacy, was absolutely delicious. I was embarrassed at the amount of food I ate. Jonathan assured me that the crisp air affected one's appetite; I was glad to have something to blame it on.
"I'm so glad that you could come a few days early," Mary said. "Now we have an opportunity to get to know you before you commence your teaching duties. We do want to show you around and…" she added with a twinkle in her eye," to show you off."
I smiled at her.
"Indeed," teased Jonathan," I have a whole list of young men waiting to meet you. I finally gave up trying to keep track of who was to be first. I told them that they would just have to stand in line and wait their turn, but I'm afraid…"
My cheeks grew warm and I interrupted Jonathan before he could go on. "I'm quite happy to meet your friends," I announced firmly, "but I do want to make one thing clear: I came west to teach, not to wed. Had I been interested in matrimony, I could have stayed in the East and found an acceptable spouse. Julie, who by the way is our family expert on the subject, assures me that the men of the West are adventurers…undependable, rough and rowdy. I don't know if her research is totally reliable, but I've no intention of finding out. If you want a wife for one of your friends, you'd best bring out Julie. She'll be more willing to consider the possibility. I? Never!"
It was a rather long speech under the circumstances, and the faces of the listeners changed from disbelief, to concern, to amusement. When I finished, I saw Jonathan steal a glance at Mary to see if she considered me serious. She gave him a barely visible nod, and he understood her to mean that I was. He cleared his throat, and then waited a moment.
"I see," he said slowly, "that we shouldn't tease you so. Here we often forget the manners that our mothers tried so hard to instill in us. We tease and jest all the time. It helps the road to smooth out when it might otherwise be rough.
"Of course we have no intention of marrying you off." He then added with great sincerity, "But I could this night, personally, introduce you to a dozen good, clean, mannerly, well-bred gentlemen who would make your Eastern dandies look pale in comparison. But I won't do it," he hurried on, "lest my intentions be misconstrued."
I knew exactly what he was implying and realized with embarrassment that I deserved this mild rebuke for my tactlessness and bad manners. My face was suddenly drained of all color. I knew that I should apologize for my outburst, but somehow I couldn't get the words through my tight throat.
Jonathan chuckled, and the sound of his soft laugh eased the tension around the table. "I promise, little sister," he said with feigned seriousness, "to make no effort to see you married if you have no desire to be so. But, looking at you, I'd say you will have to get that message across yourself to more than one young man."
Mary seemed to agree. She didn't say anything, only smiled, but the warmth of that smile carried with it approval of her sister-in-law's appearance.
My cheeks flushed again, for a different reason this time. I was willing to assume the responsibility of getting that message across, if need be.
"I've had to do it before," I said calmly, "and I'm quite confident I can again."
A small voice broke in. "When I grow up, I'm gonna marry Dee."
Everyone shared in the laughter; even I, who did not have the slightest notion who Dee was.
As Mary wiped the tears of laughter from her eyes, she attempted to enlighten me. "Dee is a very dear friend. He's already close to thirty and as determined as you, my dear, to stay single.
"He's my friend," Kathleen insisted.
"Of course he is, sweetie. Now finish your dinner."
It did appear indeed that Jonathan and Mary were anxious to show me around, and to show me off. Never had I spent such a busy ten days as those that followed my arrival in Calgary. It seemed as though I was constantly changing my dress for the next occasion. But I will admit that it was all exciting, and I'm afraid it threatened to go to my head.
On Monday, Jon and Mary invited Mr. Higgins, the district's school superintendent, for dinner.
I was anxious to meet Mr. Higgins and to find out about my new school, but I was nervous about it too. What if he didn't feel that I could do a proper job? A man with his great responsibility, who was conscientiously searching for just the right teachers for his needy schools, could be extremely fussy about whom he chose to fill those needs.
When Sarah announced that Mr. Higgins had arrived, I hastened to the parlor, pausing at the doorway to compose myself for this important meeting. I was not prepared for what I saw.
At first, I must confess, my eyes searched the room for a third party; I was certain that the gentleman laughing and joking with Jon was not, nor could possibly be, School Superintendent Higgins. But while my gaze traveled round the room, Jon turned and introduced his guest as Mr. Higgins.
The man was rather young…about thirty-five, I guessed. He was not carefully groomed, nor was he dignified or austere. His appearance and his conversation indicated to me that he was sloppy, loud, arrogant, and bold. I didn't like any of those things in a man.
I felt an inner check, quickly reminding myself that one must never make snap judgments based on first impressions. Even so, it was difficult for me to smile politely and extend my hand, but I did. Higgins nearly broke my fingers as he pumped a generous, manly handshake. He boomed out, "How d'ya do? How d'ya do?"
He didn't say that he was pleased to meet me, but I got the feeling that he was, for his eyes carelessly passed over my face and form. He seemed to approve, for he kept right on staring at me. I felt the color creeping into my face. Brother Jon came to my rescue.
"Let's be seated," he said. "I'm sure that Miss Thatcher is anxious to find out all about our school district."
Mentally I thanked Jon for using my formal name. Perhaps that would keep the forward Mr. Higgins at bay.
I voiced agreement with Jon. "Yes, I'm most interested in everything concerning the schools of this area, in particular the one that I will be serving."
"Later!" thundered Higgins. "I never spoil a good dinner by discussing mundane things like work before I eat."
He laughed loudly at what he considered his wit and turned to ask my impression of the West. I could tell by his voice that he felt there was nothing, anywhere that could in any way come near to equaling his West. I replied that I had been in the West such a very short time that I really hadn't had a proper chance for evaluation.
I wasn't sure that he accepted my statement. I sensed that he felt one shouldn't need time to clearly see the West's superiority. But instead of contradicting me, he said something about "showing me around." Jonathan again rescued me by steering the conversation to other subjects, and it wasn't long until Mary announced that dinner was served.
We never did discuss the school system, though it seemed like hours and hours before he finally had sense enough to excuse himself and go home. As he prepared to leave, he asked if he could call again.
"Well," I said, hoping that he would catch my meaning in the tone of my voice, "we do need to talk about the school that I am to teach, and I need to find out what I will require. We haven't found time for that yet."
He guffawed as if I was delightful and squeezed my hand as he shook it. I pulled away.
"I'll see you Wednesday," he said, and he winked. I was shocked at his brazen manner and a little gasp of surprise escaped me. He didn't notice it, and bawled a merry "goodnight" that I was afraid might awaken the sleeping children, and then went whistling down the walk.
"Someone should marry that man and polish him up a bit," Mary said softly.
"I shook my head and said, "It will take more than polish. I would not impose such a task on any woman."
On Tuesday Jon decided that I should be introduced to Calgary's shops, so he drove me downtown and left me while he went to his office.
Jon had promised to meet me for lunch at a nearby hotel, and as twelve o'clock approached I felt hungry. I decided to make my way to the dining room he had pointed out earlier. As I moved down the sidewalk, I was aware of many stares that followed me. I felt a small nervous twisting in my stomach. Perhaps it was unacceptable for a lady to walk alone in Calgary. I would have to ask Jonathan. I hurried my steps.
When I reached the hotel dining room, Jon was already there, ten minutes ahead of the appointed time.
"I didn't want you to arrive before me and have to stand around and wait," he said. I deeply appreciated his thoughtfulness.
As I sat down I could see and feel stares following me. I laid aside my gloves and purse and smiled at my brother. I hoped that pretending to be at ease would make me feel less edgy. It worked at least in part. Jon took over and soon I felt quite relaxed, even in my new surroundings. I was becoming quite attached to my brother. It was no wonder Mother idolized him. I wished that she could see him here, in this town with his lovely wife and well-behaved children, with his prestigious position in the community. She would be so proud. I also felt proud as I sat opposite him, and momentarily I was able to forget the stares.
"By the way," he said cautiously, "your clothes are lovely. Marry thinks so too. But Mary, well, even though she envies you, she, well, she had suggested that I hint, tactfully, that you should maybe have a few things a bit more practical for school teaching. Our classrooms are not all that fancy, and, well, I'm not good at hinting, so…"
I laughed. Jon looked relieved.
"Whew," he said, "I'm glad that you took it that way. I wasn't sure whether you'd be annoyed or hurt. I'm just no good at beating round-the-bush. But Mary is right; your high-fashion clothing looks marvelous, but it's not too practical for our way of living."
Jon's sincerity and sweetness took all sting out of his words. I realized that he and Mary were right; it was love that prompted them to suggest the change in wardrobe.
"I'll see what I can find," I promised, as our food arrived. "By the way, is it improper for a lady to venture out without an escort on Calgary streets?"
"Why? Didn't you meet any ladies this morning?"
"Yes, yes, I did, come to think about it. Several, but…"
Jon frowned.
"Well, I just felt out of place. Wherever I went, people stared."
Jon grinned.
"People, or men?"
I flushed. There was no need to continue the conversation.
After lunch we parted again. I went to search for the type of clothing suitable for a western schoolmarm. He promised to pick me up at three to drive me home.
By the time I was done it was past three. I hurried from the store, concerned that Jon might be waiting.
He was there, just a few steps down the street, his broad back turned to me. I hurried toward him and then noticed that he was in conversation with another man. I hesitated. Should I make my presence known in case Jon was in a hurry to get home, or should I wait until he had finished his conversation?
They shifted their position somewhat. I now could see the gentleman to whom Jon was talking. He was a bit taller than Jon, which made him tall indeed. A broad brimmed hat shadowed his face, not allowing any of the sun to touch his skin. I noticed a strong, though not stubborn jaw, and well-shaped nose. He had a clear, clean-cut look, though one would certainly never consider him a "parlor-gentleman." There was a certain masculine ruggedness about him that suggested confidence and capability.
All of this was not why I could not look away. He was supernaturally pale, and his skin appeared flawless. He stood perfectly still. He was the most gentle, handsome man I had ever laid my eyes upon. There was something strange about him that drew me in. He smiled good-naturedly as he spoke with Jon, and I imagined an easy friendliness and an appreciation for a good joke.
My slight movement must have caught his eye, for his head lifted. This caused Jon to look around.
"Be right with you, Beth," he said, and they shook hands heartily. "Greet Phillip for us," Jon said as he placed a hand on the man's shoulder. In return Jon received a friendly slap on the back; then the man turned to me. He nodded slightly, raising his hat as he did so, allowing me a full look into his eyes. They were a strange gold color. I didn't know it was possible to have eyes the colors of his. There was also a determination in his eyes that I admired. But they gave a glint of humor now, even though his lips did not move. I found myself wishing to see him smile, truly smile, but before I could offer one to encourage him, he turned and strode away gracefully.
I could not understand the strange stirring within me. I suddenly wished that Jon had broken his rule and introduced us. Never before had I seen a man who interested me so much. I stood staring after him like a schoolgirl.
"A…a friend?" I stammered, and then blushed at my foolishness. Surely Jon would think me silly; it would have been apparent to anyone that they were friends.
"Yes."
That was all my brother said no offering of the man's name or where he was from…nothing. I was determined not to pursue the matter.
The next day Mr. Higgins showed up a bit after two o'clock. I was hoping that he was ready to get down to business, but he wanted to take me for a drive instead. I went, reluctantly. The whole thing was annoying, and I was very glad that I had a dinner engagement that evening and could insist that I must be home in plenty of time to prepare it.
I pressed him about the school where I would be teaching, but he said that he was still undecided. I reminded him that I should know soon so that I could make adequate preparations. He continued to be evasive. I noted that there was only a week until classes would commence. He replied heartily that a lot could happen in a week, then exploded in an uproarious laugh. I dropped the subject.
He left me at the door and remarked how quickly the afternoon had passed. He asked if he would see me on Friday. Helplessly, I replied that since it was imperative that I know my future plans, he could. He boldly put a hand on my arm as he shook my hand. "Oh, I do have plans, my dear," he said. "I do have plans for you."
The nerve of him, I thought as I climbed the stairs to my room. Never had I met such an obnoxious man. And to think that I was in a position where he would be my employer! I did hope that our respective duties would rarely bring us into contact with one another.
Suddenly the face of Jon's friend came to mind. What a shame he didn't turn out to be Mr. Higgins, I thought, but immediately scolded myself. How foolish to even think such ridiculous thoughts! But I was amazed at the intensity of my feelings. I had seen the man only once for just a moment. Why should he affect me so? I didn't know, but those golden smiling eyes stayed with me, to haunt me as I opened the door to my room. With a great deal of determination I pushed the image of his face from my mind and concentrated on choosing a gown for the evening ahead.
A/N: Thanks for reading this! This was a longer chapter, but I needed to get some of the boring stuff out of the way. Now the fun can begin!
Reviews are better than slapping Mr. Higgins in the face!
