The Thornton Trust
Chapter 9:
The Dinner Party
Author's Note: So sorry that it has taken me so long to update. Life is falling into place for me and I have been uber busy with other aspects of my new adventure. Here is the much anticipated dinner that may or may not surprise my fans. Enjoy!
Jack made his way to his father's study. He took a deep breath and knocked on the door.
"Enter." Tom Thornton called.
Jack walked up to his father, shoulders back and straight as a board. He was determined to go to the dinner party...but he was also determined to show his father the respect he always deserved.
"Father, we were invited to dinner this evening. The whole family is invited." Jack waited for his father to acknowledge him.
"What was that?" Tom Thornton looked up from his paperwork. "Oh, Jack. Did you say dinner? I am not going to be able to as you can see..." Tom Thornton gestured towards the stack of papers on his desk. "Not to mention, that I have chores that I won't be able to attend to until later."
"I understand, father. I guess I'll let them know that we cannot attend." Jack slumped his shoulders slightly.
"Nonsense, son. You and your mother and brother can go in my stead. I'll hold down the fort." Tom Thornton paused and saw his son's expression turn to triumph. "Son? Is there someone special at this dinner?"
Jack blushed and tried to hide his pleased expression.
"No matter." Tom Thornton advised, changing his mind in wanting to know. "Who is the family?" Tom Thornton asked as Jack grabbed the doorknob to his office.
'I hoped he wouldn't ask. He can't know that I like this girl. He can't.' Jack thought inwardly.
"Son?" Tom waited.
"The Thatcher's, sir." Jack turned to gauge his father's reaction.
"That's great son." Tom Thornton's smile widened, showing his deep dimples.
"You really think so?" Jack inquired, a bit shocked. "I thought you wouldn't like that fact." Jack began.
"What? No, of course not. The Thatchers' are practically Hamilton royalty. You must have done something truly remarkable to deem an invitation to their home." Tom Thornton stood and came around his desk. He clapped his sinewy hand on Jack's back then mussed his hair. "I'm proud of you, son."
The dinner party was in the next half hour. Jack had ran from his father's office to get ready. He was waiting for his mother and Tommy so they could head out. Charlotte and Tommy were ready in record time and they headed down the street to The Thatcher residence. Jack was nervous, yet excited to see Elizabeth Thatcher. Charlotte Thornton knocked on the door. The butler, Mr. Simmons greeted them.
"May I help you?" Simmons offered.
"We are here for dinner." Charlotte began.
"Jack! You're here!" Elizabeth walked up and stepped in front of Simmons. "That will be all, Simmons." Elizabeth smiled pleasantly at the butler.
"Very well, Miss." Simmons excused himself.
"Please come in. Father and Mother are on their way. They had to run a few errands before dinner." Elizabeth smiled from Jack to his mother and rested her eyes on Jack.
"I'm sorry, this is my mother, Charlotte and you know Tommy." Jack introduced his mother.
"Pleasure to meet you, Ma'am." Elizabeth curtsied. "Tommy!" Elizabeth smiled at Tommy who seemed enamored with his surroundings.
Tommy smiled back and then tried to pull Jack away. Jack shook his head at his younger brother who had tried to get him to head to the suit of armor in the corner. Tommy was fascinated with the knights of ole. Jack looked to Elizabeth and nodded in apology.
"Oh, of course he can look at the armor." Elizabeth boldly took Jack's hand and pulled him and Tommy to the library off to the left of the entryway.
Charlotte followed as she too, was curious to see this suit of armor. She watched silently as she noticed how boldly the young woman had grabbed Jack's hand and she couldn't help have a small smile.
'Maybe she will be good for him.' Charlotte thought to herself.
Jack let Elizabeth guide him through the house. Tommy had walked back to this mother as Elizabeth led Jack to the wall of books. Jack was shocked that the library was so full of books and yet, Elizabeth still preferred to check out books from his school library. He smiled down at Elizabeth as she pulled out some of her favorites. "Pride and Prejudice"; "Sense and Sensibility"; "Emma". She placed them back on the shelves. Elizabeth took his hand and gave it a squeeze.
"Thank you for coming tonight." Elizabeth blushed. "My mother said she was bringing a friend for me and I am not happy about it." She remaked.
"A friend? Who is that?" Jack inquired, suddenly aware that his mother was watching them. "Do I know this 'friend'?" He turned back to Elizabeth, who seemed suddenly embarrassed.
"Charles Kensington, III." Elizabeth sighed. "Mother knows how he was pushy in trying to get me to come home. She knows that you saved us from a bully, and yet she is insistent that he and I spend as much time together as possible." She explained, still refusing to let go of Jack's hand.
"Well, I guess, she knows what's best." Jack acknowledged. "I'm not really the type of boy that mother's really want around their future debutantes." Jack cringed as he saw a sweep of disappointment come across her face.
'What is he trying to say?' Elizabeth thought, staring into his eyes.
"Elizabeth?" Jack began. He was worried that he said the wrong thing, and dinner hadn't even begun.
"What are you saying, Jack?" Elizabeth boldly inquired, trying to stay calm and not jump to the wrong conclusion.
"I'm the son of a Mountie. I'm not exactly upper-crust like your family are. Definitely not 'Hamilton royalty.'" Jack stated. Regretting the disdainful tone that crept into his voice as he quoted his father.
"Look. I don't share my parents views on this subject." Elizabeth replied. "I would not have invited you, if I did. So, if you would please give us a chance, this evening could be quite enjoyable for the both of us." Elizabeth stated with conviction. She was still holding his hand and then the door bell sounded.
"Elizabeth!" Mr. Thatcher exclaimed as he noticed his daughter's hand in the young boys' hand. "Who is this? I demand to know!"
End of preview.
"Father! Please? I invited them as we discussed. This is Jack Thornton, he is the one who came to Charles' and my defense against that bully." Elizabeth stated.
Charlotte watched the Mr. Thatcher scold his daughter. She thought about interjecting, but then realized that it was not her place. She held Tommy's hand to keep him from running around and Jack stood by Elizabeth. His hand still in hers. He seemed calm, but she knew that he was just masking his nerves with his self made 'Mountie stare' as he had seen his father make when he was thinking about something or working on a case. She smiled to herself at how much her Jack was a young Tom Thornton. It thrilled her to no end. They waited for Mr. Thatcher to respond.
Elizabeth held her breath as she looked from her father to Jack and back to her father. Her resolve was just as firm as her grip on Jack's hand. She glanced at her guests and then challenged her father by giving him her 'Elizabeth stare'. Mr. Thatcher had no other recourse but to accept his beloved daughter's guests. She was indeed determined and he knew that he wouldn't win this argument.
"Very well, young lady." Mr. Thatcher smiled. "I, too, have a guest." Mr. Thatcher beamed as he stepped aside and let the young man emerge from outside.
Elizabeth knew that he was coming, but she still acted surprised and pleased to see him. She was a young lady after all and young lady's do not show their disdain. She kept hold of Jack's hand and smiled at her father's guest.
"Charles." Elizabeth stated, curtsying with a small smile.
"Elizabeth." Charles enthused with quite a bit more vigor than Elizabeth would have liked.
This did not go unnoticed by Jack and he was about to remove his hand from Elizabeth's. She glanced at him and smiled. Mr. Thatcher ushered everyone into the dining room, Charles right on his heels.
Charlotte and Tommy followed Mr. Thatcher. Jack started to follow, but Elizabeth pulled him back.
"Elizabeth?" Jack inquired. "What is it?"
"I'm sorry for father bringing Charles. I know that I didn't invite him. I hope you know that, Jack. I really just wanted your family to be the center of attention. My father and mother need to know what a wonderful new addition to Hamilton, that the Thornton's are." She advised.
"It's alright, Elizabeth. I know we are not in the same class. It's clear, just by standing here in your grand library." Jack stated, nervously. "Besides, this is just a 'thank you' dinner, right?" He smiled.
"I suppose so." Elizabeth's expression fell slightly. "Come along. They are waiting for the guest of honor...or at least they should be waiting." Elizabeth stated with conviction.
Jack smiled at her name for him. 'Guest of honor' right!' He rolled his eyes as he let her lead him into the dining room. His feelings were making themselves known and he wasn't sure what he thought about it. 'Was this where life was leading him? Is this what he wanted? His father found love and married his high school sweetheart. Maybe he could be just as fortunate. Maybe?' Jack stilled his breath as they entered the dining room. 'One step at a time, Jack. One step at a time.' He encouraged himself.
Jack looked at the empty chairs waiting for them. Elizabeth's was by Charles and his was across from hers. He smiled inwardly. He had heard that couples are expected to sit across from each other. He hoped that it was a sign that there was a greater work in their lives to bring them together. He hoped that what he heard was indeed fact and not just an old wives tale. He nodded at his mother who was seated by him and Tommy who was on the other side. Mr. Thatcher and Mrs. Thatcher were on both ends of the table, with Viola and Julie on either side of Mrs. Thatcher.
"Simmons, please have Mrs. Brook, bring the first course." Mrs. Thatcher advised.
"Yes, Ma'am." Simmons quickly disappeared and Mrs. Brook arrived in record time with a couple maids following her with plates in hand.
After everyone was served, Mrs. Thatcher greeted her guests.
"I apologize for my tardiness. I was not able to greet you all at the door. Thank you for accepting my daughter's gracious dinner invitation." Mrs. Thatcher enthused. "I love a good party and tonight shall not disappoint. I understand that Young Jack here has helped Young Master Charles and my daughter with a bully situation? Isn't that so, Elizabeth?"
"Yes, mother." Elizabeth looked over at Jack. "He came just as Charles here needed him the most. She glanced at Charles, who had looked down at his plate, averting his gaze.
'Do we really have to acknowledge his accomplishments?' Charles thought inwardly, jealously. 'It's not like I couldn't handle myself. I had it well in hand...I was just about to...' He lied to himself. Charles looked up at Jack, briefly. 'He didn't even seem to mind the praise.' Charles continued his bitter inner diatribe. He couldn't stand that Jack was getting the attention. He was here to see Elizabeth and garner her favor, but how was he going to accomplish that with her 'savior' here?
Jack noticed that Charles had remained quiet since Mrs. Thatcher had asked Elizabeth to recall the account of a few months ago. Jack continued to listen to her recounting of his 'rescue', but watched Charles reaction to her telling of the ordeal. Charles seemed to be out of sorts, which amused Jack.
Charles looked over at Jack, just as Jack returned his attention to Elizabeth. He smiled at her and laughed when Elizabeth had said something funny. Her story was finished, but she continued to delight her dinner guests. Even Charles seemed to be engaged in her conversation. Jack knew that Charles was jealous, but he couldn't help be a little sorry for him. He knew that Elizabeth didn't feel the same way, but Charles was in the same class as she was and that made Jack's chances, in his eyes, slim to none regardless of their feelings for each other. This saddened Jack, but he kept his emotions in check as his father had taught him.
After dinner, Mr. Thatcher had invited everyone into the small ballroom. This was an intimate dinner party as they had so few guests, so it was only appropriate to use their lesser known ballroom. Mr. Thatcher had ushered Charles to Elizabeth.
"Now, Elizabeth, you have to at least start the dancing with Charles. After all, he did come to see you." Mr. Thatcher demanded.
"Yes, father." Elizabeth acknowledged. She glanced over at Jack who seemed uncomfortable.
Charles took Elizabeth's hand and led her to the dance floor. They circled slowly as Charles rested his hands in the proper position of the lead dancer. Elizabeth stole glances in Jack's direction, which did not escape Charles' notice. He huffed and she heard him.
"Charles!" Elizabeth admonished. "That wasn't very nice." She stated.
"Neither is ignoring your dance partner, Elizabeth." Charles defended.
"I'm sorry." Elizabeth apologized. 'I just don't care to be dancing with you, Charles.' She declared inwardly. 'I'd much prefer to be in someone else' arms.' She stole another glance Jack's way as she thought to herself.
Jack overheard some of their conversation as they circled the dance floor. Jack had been dancing with his mother. Tommy was not taking a turn. Mr. Thatcher and Mrs. Thatcher had been dancing. Charlotte and Tommy then took a seat to watch as it was Jack's turn to dance with Elizabeth.
Jack took her into his arms. 'Thank you, mother for making me learn a few steps.' Jack smiled to himself. '1, 2, 3. 1, 2, 3...' Jack counted under his breath.
Elizabeth smiled at him, shyly. She could tell that he was nervous. So she let him lead her around the room as slowly as he needed to be comfortable. Elizabeth was so thrilled to finally be in Jack's arms. After the dance with Charles, this was truly the better place to be. She never once looked in Charles' direction. Their eyes were locked for the next two dances.
Charlotte noticed that the other young man was not happy to see such public display. But, she was quite proud of Jack for being the gentleman and leading the young Elizabeth around the dance floor.
Charles, at length took his leave. He was putting his coat on as Mr. Thatcher came to the front door.
"Charles. I hope you have had a nice evening." He stated.
"Yes, sir. It was fine." Charles said rather unconvincingly.
"Trust me, Charles. You are the better man. He nodded towards Elizabeth and Jack. Give her time." He clapped Charles' back and excused himself.
Charles stared into the ballroom, hoping to catch Elizabeth's eye. No chance. She was still starry eyed, looking into Jack's lucky eyes. He suddenly felt sick. He needed to get out of there.
Jack and Elizabeth were beginning their fourth dance as Mr. Thatcher came back into the room. He noticed that Charlotte seemed pleased to watch her son dance with his daughter. He was not pleased at all, but he promised Mrs. Thatcher that he would be a gracious host. Mrs. Thatcher was known for having the Mounties over to welcome them or thank them for their various contributions to Hamilton Society and Mr. Thatcher was well aware of this. He decided to interrupt the dance.
"Well, I guess it is time to call it a night. Since your husband couldn't be here, Mrs. Thornton, I hope you and he will be able to join us for lunch, Sunday next." Mr. Thatcher addressed Charlotte.
"Yes, that would be lovely. I'll make sure that Tom is free. Thank you for your hospitality this evening." Charlotte nodded and took Tommy by the hand. "Jack? It is time for us to go, son."
Jack and Elizabeth had stopped dancing and she walked him to the door. Elizabeth held his hand in hers. Jack put on his coat, releasing her hand briefly.
"Thank you for this evening, Elizabeth. I truly had a wonderful time." Jack leaned in and kissed her cheek.
Mr. Thatcher cleared his throat.
Jack and his family thanked him once more and quickly left the Thatcher Manor. Jack was smiling from ear to ear, his dimples firmly set in the side of his face.
Author's Note: Work calls. Hope you like my chapter.