Chapter 6:
Thornton's Trust
Author's Note: This is a universal truth that trust is earned. Or at least it is a truth in my circle. This chapter is describing the plot, two fold. I hope you like it. I'm enjoying opening up my netbook and seeing what my brain will come with next. Please read and review, but more importantly, Enjoy, #Hearties!
Tom Thornton had the documents needed to pursue his case against Constable Houston. He had spent the last several months, earning the man's trust. He had finally accomplished this goal, just as the constable had lost Tom Thornton's trust and respect. Tom Thornton knew that behind all this deceit, that Clive Houston was behind all this. He found it hard to listen to the man when they were in meetings regarding the case and he found even more difficult to trust that he was safe under his watchful eye. Tom knew that he was being scrutinized, that his decisions were being questioned at every turn. Tom must put a stop to whatever web of lies that Clive Houston had concocted. Tom knew after reading the documents that the man had given him, it was Clive Houston who had approached all those families with the promise of wealth and land. Wealth that could save their homes or help them relocate to a better home. These widows and some widowers were in fact at his mercy and he chose to take advantage of them instead of doing his lawful duty to protect and serve. This fact alone made Tom Thornton truly sick to his stomach. He had to put a stop to Constable Houston's charade and soon.
Today was the day that The Kensington's had deemed it necessary to bestow new books to the school where the Thornton's young boys attended. Truly being altruistic, Mr. Kensington had dubbed his son as the one who would speak on behalf of his family. Charles Kensington felt that this was more than his duty, but that it was an honor. He was so proud that Elizabeth had agreed to accompany him. Charles Kensington was arriving at Elizabeth's house to walk her to school. His father dropped him off as he instructed him to show Elizabeth that he was independent.
Elizabeth answered the door, hoping against hope that it was actually Jack who had come to take her to school. She only accepted Charles' invitation on the behest of her mother. She didn't completely dislike Charles, it was just that she didn't know him very well. He was increasingly growing fond of her and she didn't know what to do or say to dissuade his affections.
Just on the other side of the door stood Charles, looking so smug, hauty. He was dressed in a very fine Italian suit. It was dark blue with vanishing pinstripes. He looked resplendent, refined even, but he was not the boy whom Elizabeth had wished was at the door. She glanced towards his house a few blocks down and sighed.
"Hello, Elizabeth." Charles greeted, noticing her sigh, but choosing to ignore it.
"Hello, Charles." Elizabeth responded.
They soon set out for the school. Elizabeth took the arm that Charles had offered. She kept looking back towards the Thornton's house. She hoped to see Jack and Tom walk out and maybe join them seeing as this was their school that was being presented with new books.
Jack and Tom had been running a little late. He pulled Tom's hand and ran down the stairs. He spotted the girl. She looked very pretty. She had her hair tucked behind her ears as it cascaded down her left shoulder. He was mesmerized by her beautiful cream satin dress with a pinkish sash wrapped around her waist. He imagined himself offering her his arm and she accepting it.
'Get a hold of yourself, Thornton!' He admonished himself inwardly. 'You turned her affections down. You put your foot in your mouth one too many times.'
Jack sighed as he continued to walk behind them. He wasn't sure he should follow, so he pulled Tom across the street to a back way behind the school. He walked slowly in hopes that he could see them from time to time between the allyways that separated them.
"What are we doing, Jack? I want to get a good seat." Tom complained. "We'll miss the whole ceremony if we keep walking at this pace."
"Hush, Tom." Jack admonished. "They won't start without that boy over there." Jack thought inwardly. 'The lucky boy, escorting the lovliest girl in Hamilton. I wish I could get up the courage to ask her her name. Stop it, Thornton! It's no use.'
Elizabeth felt that they were being watched as she and Chalres made their way to the school. Charles laughed it off and told her that she was worrying about nothing. She feigned a smile, but deep down, she was sure that she had seen a boy follow her. She glanced back and there he was, a few steps behind them. He grinned at her and she quickly turned away, quickening her pace.
"Come on, Charles. Lets get there before they start." Elizabeth encouraged.
"They won't start without me, Elizabeth." Charles protested.
"I'm nervous, Charles." Elizabeth began. "I think that someone..." She paused as she shook the thought from her head. 'Maybe I'm just being overly anxious. The boy is probably just going to the school.' She thought to herself, as she continued walking with Charles.
At the assembly, Charles gave a stilted speech. He was arrogant and business like. He had told Elizabeth that his speech would be admired and he would win the respect of his classmates. Elizabeth found this highly unlikely after he had finished and sat down next to her in the front row. She scanned the audience often if only to catch a glimpse of Jack. She saw Tom sitting with his class. Jack was sitting off to the side, where his class had been assigned. Elizabeth wasn't sure why Charles and she got to sit together. He was three years older than her. She assessed that it must be due to his families ties to the school and the community. She sighed dejectedly as she sat next to him, wishing that Jack was by her side instead.
Jack and Tom made it out of the assembly first as they made their way home. He had waited briefly for a chance to see the girl who made him feel as he had never before. She was kind to others and she was not afraid to speak her mind. Jack was lost in thought as he envisioned her walking beside him. He even entertained the idea of holding her little hand in his bigger one.
"Jack! Jack? Did you hear that?" Tom tugged on his big brother's arm for the third time.
"Hear what?" Jack froze. That's when he heard it. The scream that sent shivers up his spine. He grabbed hold of Tom's hand tightly and pulled him back in the direction of the scream.
Jack's heart was beating out of his chest for fear who the scream was coming from. He made it to the corner by where he had first waited for the girl and that pretentious snob, Charles Kensington. Charles was being hit in the face by an older classmate. The girl was wringing her hands in fear as she Charles get punched, one after another.
Jack approached Charles' assailant with a few quick strides. He pulled the kid off of Charles and pushed him to the ground. The kid righted himself and squared his shoulders.
"What do you want?" The kid barked.
"I want you to leave this boy alone." Jack replied, seething.
"What's he to you?" The kid retorted.
"Nothing really. I just don't like seeing defenseless kids get bullied." Jack shot back.
The girl leaned over Charles, trying to help him up. Charles accepted her help. He stood and dusted himself off, trying to pull Elizabeth along with him. She helped him with his hat and then wouldn't budge, as she turned to see what Jack was going to do.
"Let's go." Charles tried to pull her along.
"No. We have to stay and help if we can." She protested. "He saved you. It's the least you can do, Charles." She responded looking back at Jack and the kid.
"Fine. You stay. I'm leaving." Charles didn't wait a moment longer as he looked back at Elizabeth who seemed determined to help this boy, Jack. 'What does she see in him, anyway?' Charles thought begrudgingly, completely oblivious to the service that Jack had just provided him.
The kid swore as he turned away from Jack's stare. He didn't want to mess with a Thornton. He ran in the opposite direction before the boy decided to take a swing.
Jack's hands was clenched at his sides, but suddenly loosened as he felt the girls hands wrap around his. He didn't know what to do. Her touch was so calming. He didn't want her to let go of his hands.
"Jack. Thank you for helping us." The girl thanked him, looking up into his face.
"You're welcome." Jack turned to look down at the lovliest girl in Hamilton.
"I'm sorry for how Charles had acted. I don't understand why he has to look down on people." The girl stated.
"It's a sad fact." Jack replied. "Well, I better..." Jack began. 'What is your name anyway?' Jack asked inwardly. He wanted to know, but he couldn't find the audible words. He was tongue tied whenever she was near.
"Will you please walk me home?" The girl suddenly asked not letting go of Jack's hand.
"Yes." Was all Jack could say in reply as she squeezed his hand and he began walking her back to her house.
His heart was filled with that same warmth he felt the first time they had spoken to each other. He loved the feeling of her hand in his. 'Surely I can ask her name, now?' He thought. 'No, Thornton. She's too good for you. She is just shaken up from the bully ordeal.'
Jack walked her back to her house, his thoughts at war with each other. The girl remained silent, as she held tightly to his hand. 'I must not tell him my name. If I do...well, I just can't.'
"Can be friends, Jack?" The girl questioned, her voice full of hope.
'You can't ask me that, now.' Jack thought inwardly. 'This is not fair. She looks so hopeful. Can we be friends? She can trust me, but can I trust myself?' He sighed aloud.
"Forget it, Jack." The girl huffed. "I just thought that we could be friends after what happened with that boy." She started to walk away.
"Wait!" Jack reached out for her hand.
Her breath caught at his touch. She slowly turned to face him. His eyes were searching hers. She held her breath as he ran his hands up her arms. She smiled tentatively.
"We can be friends. Seeing as I just protected you, it's only fair that I at least know your name. Right?" Jack asked, still holding onto her arms.
'I suppose.' The girl smiled. 'It doesn't have to be my full name.' She could feel the warmth of his hands resting on her arm.
Jack waited patiently. He could hold her like this forever. He just wanted to know her name so he could put a name to the girl he dreamed about at night. Jack had to know her name. He searched her eyes. His dimpled smile stretched across his face as he saw the affect he had on her. Her blush deepened.
"Anne." She whispered. "My name is Anne." Elizabeth lied. She couldn't tell him her name. She knew that as a Thatcher, most boys had turned and ran away. This way she could be known to the one boy, who she wanted to know her truly, without fear of him knowing the powerful family she was apart of.
"Anne." Jack expressed in a breathy tone. "Nice to finally meet you, Anne." Jack bowed his head and took her hand in his, kissing her knuckles.
Elizabeth sighed deeply and didn't want this moment to end. Her father was not welcoming to the Mountie and his family, but maybe her mother would want to meet him. This boy who rescued her from a bully.
"Would you come to tea?" Elizabeth asked resting her hand in his for as long as possible.
"I have to get back home. Tom and I have chores." Jack ended lamely. He regretted admitting that as he saw her expression sadden. 'Great. Now she's sad. I hate seeing her sad.' Jack thought quickly, maybe we can go on a walk this evening? "Anne?" He asked.
"Yes?" She replied, suddenly hopeful that he could come to tea.
"Would you take a walk with me this evening?" Jack inquired, rubbing her knuckles with his thumbs.
"If my sister comes with me. I can't be alone with a..." She trailed off.
"My brother, Tom can come along too. Then you don't have to be worried, Anne." Jack offered.
"I'm not worried, Jack. I trust you." Elizabeth paused. "It's my parent's who would be worried." She acknowledged.
Jack beamed at the fact that she felt that she could trust him. He suddenly realized that they were the only two on the street. He looked back to where he left Tom. 'He must have gone home without me.' Jack thought as he turned back to face the prettiest girl in Hamilton.
"I'm glad." Jack responded. "I suppose I should see you to your door." Jack offered her his arm. She took it and they continued to her home.
"Thank you for what you did back there, Jack." Elizabeth expressed.
"You're welcome, Anne." Jack enthused.
The name didn't sound right. Elizabeth wanted to tell him her name, but she didn't want to risk him turning away. She just knew that this boy was special. He was the one she had dreamt about. She didn't want to lie to him, but what else could she do?
They were at the front door. He smiled at her and she smiled back. Jack didn't want this moment to end. He wanted to ask her to come play with him and his brother. But his ma made it clear that their families could never be friends. This made him freeze. He wanted to kiss her cheek, but would it scare her off? He couldn't risk that. He was finally getting to spend time with her. Jack was still holding her hand, not wanting to let it go.
Elizabeth, taking him by surprise, raised to her tiptoes and kissed Jack's cheek. Her lips were soft, warm. He was speechless as she stepped back and quickly ran into her house. Jack was stunned. He couldn't move. He didn't want to move. He looked at the door that she had just entered. He hoped she would come back out. At length, he knew that she wouldn't. He pressed his hand to his cheek as if he were trying to rub the kiss into his skin, into his heart, into his soul.
Tom Thornton made his way to his hotel room. He was ready for this case to be over. He gathered the documents from his informant and had the testimonies of all the families who Constable Houston had duped. He was sure that his superiors would want to know what Houston had been up to. He was ready to report him. He just had to get back to the Mounted Police, Hamilton Division. He wanted to see his family. He missed his Charlotte and his boys. He had two more days of travel. He couldn't wait to be back with them.
Charlotte waited for Jack to return home. Tom came in a few hours ago. Once Jack came in, Charlotte confronted him.
"Where have you been, young man?" She questioned.
"I was walking a girl home. It wasn't safe for her to be alone." Jack defended.
"I see. Well, we've always said to not let a day go by without serving someone else." Charlotte smiled.
Jack smiled back and went to his room. He laid down on the bed thinking about the girl who had kissed his cheek. This girl sure was something. He couldn't stop thinking about her and what she had said earlier.
"I'm not worried, Jack. I trust you." The girl explained.
"I'm glad." Jack expressed.
He recalled their conversation and he couldn't help his dimpled smile from spreading across his face he envisioned her face, as she leaned up and kissed his cheek. He was truly enamored with this girl. Anne. Jack said a prayer for their future as he closed his eyes, dreaming of his 'Anne girl!'
Elizabeth laid down on her bed. She couldn't meet him that evening for another walk, but she had their walk home to remember. She recalled their conversation.
"I'm not worried, Jack. I trust you." The girl explained.
"I'm glad." Jack expressed.
She was so happy to finally have their friendship on the right path. She just hoped that he wouldn't push her away again. She didn't think he would, but if he ever found out who she really was, she couldn't bare to lose him. Elizabeth prayed silently for their future.
Author's Note: I hope you enjoyed chapter 6! I look forward to writing more. Until then, have a blessed day!
Author's Note: