Elizabeth stood in her usual spot in front of the chalkboard looking over her room full of eager faces, "So children, that is your assignment. Think about how similar groups would get together and why."
"You mean like all us kids being together here, to learn?" asked Gabe.
"Exactly!" Elizabeth appreciated Gabe's intelligence, "and that's all for today, you are dismissed. See you tomorrow."
The children scurried out of the classroom and Elizabeth quickly wiped down the chalkboard, grabbed her basket and shawl and headed to the café.
Abigail was busy preparing various dishes for her dinner customers when Elizabeth came in. "I trust you had a good day at school."
"Yes, the children never cease to amaze me," she looked around, "and you as well, you've been very busy today. This all looks incredible."
"I'm glad to hear your enthusiasm; I could use a little help if you don't mind."
"Of course, let me clean up and I'll be right back to help," Elizabeth was happy to lend a hand.
The two ladies labored away, Abigail had Elizabeth rolling out dough for pies and smiled at the way her friend ended up with so much flour all over her.
"I think I'm really getting the hang of this baking now," Elizabeth was pleased with herself and her ability.
"Yes you are. I might have to advance you onto something more difficult," Abigail said.
Elizabeth froze, "Hmm, okay," a hint of nervousness in her response.
"Do you think Jack will be here for dinner?"
"Isn't he always?" Elizabeth smiled. "How about Bill, will he be by?"
"I don't know, he didn't say anything at lunch. He was going back to the mine. I think he really enjoys keeping an eye on Mr. Gowan."
"Mr. Gowan needs an eye kept on him and it's a good idea to keep an eye on those new miners as well, we remember what happened last time new miners were in town."
Abigail was surprised Elizabeth brought the subject up. "I hope this is an honest bunch, skunk free."
"Skunk?" Elizabeth looked puzzled.
"Oh, never mind. Maybe we should even consider having another dance. This time we can have much better dance partners."
"Certainly can." Elizabeth smiled and glanced into the dining room, remembering dancing with Jack on their first dinner date.
As if on cue, there was a knock on the door and in walked Jack. "Ladies," Jack smiled, "something smells delicious, and Abigail I see you have a lovely helper."
Elizabeth smiled and approached Jack, "Hello Jack." To Jack's surprise, she gave him a quick hug and tapped her hands on his back.
"Ahh, did you just slap flour handprints on my back Miss Thatcher?" Jack was on to her.
"Course not, would I do something like that?" She looked over her shoulder at him.
Jack moved quickly to her side, "I'll get you for that."
"Okay you two, how about a little more help and a little less teasing," Abigail said.
Jack removed his jacket laughing as he wiped the handprints off its back, and then lent a hand plating cookies.
After supper, Elizabeth and Jack strolled arm in arm in the cool evening air. "I'm very impressed with all the help you've been giving Abigail and I'm sure she appreciates the hand."
"Okay Jack, you can say it, you really mean you're surprised I haven't scared her customers away."
"No, I was thinking more that you haven't burnt the place down yet," Jack teased.
"Jack!" She tugged gently on his arm.
"You know I'm kidding. Seriously Elizabeth, I am impressed. There may be hope for you yet in the kitchen."
"Well, someday I may need to cook for a family, so the sooner I learn the better," her voice got softer.
Jack stopped and faced her, "And I look forward to enjoying every single meal."
At the cafe, Bill offered to help Abigail finish the dishes, "Sorry I wasn't able to be here earlier."
"It's okay Bill, it wasn't very busy tonight and the people who were here seemed to share coughing and sneezing, not a love of my food." Abigail handed him a towel.
"Really? I'm surprised they would even come here feeling sick."
"Here I thought you might be concerned for me Mr. Avery."
Bill, realizing his blunder, put his hand on Abigail's shoulder, "Oh I assure you, my very first concern is for you. I wouldn't want anything bad happen to you, at any time."
Abigail looked up into his eyes and felt his sincerity. "Thank you Bill."
Jack took Elizabeth's hand, "Let's sit for a minute, I need to talk to you."