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Choices and Consequences

Chapter Three

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At home, Elizabeth had asked Laura to take Jack on an errand in town so she could have privacy. She didn't know how she had made it through the school day, but was grateful it was now over.

Every moment she could, she had recollected Nathan's questions and statements to her. Still fighting tears, Elizabeth knew she had a letter to write. Maybe even more than one?

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Next door, Lee entered his home with a somber expression.

"Lee! What is it? What's happened?" Rosemary wiped her hands on her apron and met her husband as he crossed the parlor.

"The School Board has invited parents to a meeting at the schoolhouse tonight. Parents have been sharing concerns, maybe complaints, about Elizabeth's behavior."

"Oh, Lee! No! Who has complained? What is…" Rosemary's questions were interrupted by a knock on the front door.

Lee answered, surprised to see Elizabeth standing on the porch. "Ah… Elizabeth! Do you want to come in?"

"No, Lee. I have to run back to Jack. I came to give you this." She handed him an unsealed envelope. "Maybe you can read it at tonight's meeting?"

"Let me read it and see. Ah, thank you I guess?"

Elizabeth only waved and hurried down the steps and home.

"Will you let me read it, Lee?"

"As my wife I will. As the editor of the Valley Voice, absolutely not. You choose."

"I am your wife." Rosemary stated, while pulling Lee to the settee.

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"Oh dear… Is it about Mrs. Thornton, Uncle Nathan? Do you know?"

Nathan had just given thanks for the food and told Allie he had to attend a parents meeting at seven.

"There is no explanation or reason given for the meeting, Honey. Maybe it is about something else?" Nathan shrugged his shoulders.

"You don't believe that do you." It was a statement, not a question.

"No, I don't. Because of Mr. Maxon's fall, getting him to the Infirmary and then tending to his morning chores on the farm, I missed church yesterday. I don't have a feel for what the talk of the town may be, but I do believe the meeting is about Mrs. Thornton."

Neither feeling very hungry, both Nathan and Allie ate slowly.

"Honey, your meatloaf is very tasty. I just don't feel like eating right now. I'm sorry. I'll save my portion to make a sandwich for later or for lunch tomorrow. Thank you for making it though."

Pushing her plate aside, Allie agreed. "I'm not hungry either. Do you want some dessert?"

"No thanks. I'll pass."

With that statement from her uncle, Allie knew exactly how serious this meeting was and how sad her uncle really was. Standing, she went to him and wrapped her arms around him, leaning her face into the crook of his neck. Nathan returned his niece's affection by cradling her head in one hand and clasping her joined hands to his chest.

Huskily, Nathan spoke, "Thanks, Honey." He turned slightly to kiss her cheek.

"I love you, Uncle Nathan."

Nathan could live for days with Allie's endearment echoing within. "Love you more!"

Recently, Allie had begun to respond with a different quip whenever they shared this exchange. Tonight, it was delivered with a giggle, "I don't think so…"

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Together Nathan and Allie washed the dishes and cleaned the kitchen before Allie hugged her uncle and headed upstairs to work on her reading assignment. "I know. I'll be okay while you go, Uncle Nathan. Don't worry about me. Just lock the door, okay?"

"Okay, Honey. See you later."

Nathan sat on the sofa, waiting until it was time to walk to the schoolhouse. His head in his hands and his heart heavy, Nathan was hardly able to form words to even pray.

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Bill Avery slipped out of the schoolhouse after opening a front window ever so slightly. Returning to his office, he waited until seven o'clock before stealthily making his way back to stand below the opened window.

He was correct. He could hear, even though he was uncertain of a few of the voices. He recognized Lee's voice and was grateful that he repeated or summarized what the parents were saying. Bill wondered if that was so that old Miss Ross could take note? Bill remembered that she was the Board's secretary, and now slightly deaf.

After hearing many concerns about Elizabeth Thornton's overnight trip and what a poor testimony that was to her students and the town, Bill perked up, intently listening.

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Nathan's heart pounded in his chest. Should he speak up or not? If he didn't, would anyone? He stood, inhaled and began. "Excuse me? Excuse me?"

Lee motioned for quiet. "The board recognizes Constable Grant. Nathan, you have the floor."

"Thank you. I have a couple of questions. Shouldn't the school board ask Mrs. Thornton for an explanation? Shouldn't she be given an opportunity to explain or apologize or…" He let the sentence remain unfinished, but resumed, his voice clear and easily heard by all.

"Should Mrs. Thornton be granted a probationary period in order to prove her character? Maybe given a second chance? We have all transgressed at some point in our lives so no one of us is beyond needing forgiveness. Is one indiscretion sufficient to let go of a teacher who has done so much for her students and been a respected member of the community for so many years? Can the school board offer grace and a warning?" Nathan took a deep breath. "Even the Lord Jesus offered second chances or, in His case, a brand new start to those who had transgressed. Shouldn't we? Maybe, offer a way to turn this into a teachable moment? No pun intended."

There were a few surprised smiles, but no laughter.

Nathan continued. "As a parent, I have my concerns and have already explained those to my daughter. Hopefully all of us parents will do the same? Since this is the first such conduct from Mrs. Thornton, I would vote as I have suggested with the goal being reconciliation and restoration of her teaching position. My daughter has thrived under Mrs. Thornton's tutelage and I would hate to lose that, as long as the current issue is addressed properly. That's all. Thank you." Nathan sat as the room remained silent.

"Thank you, Constable." Lee was relieved that Nathan had been a voice of calm, caution and common sense. "You make valid points. We need to address this with Mrs. Thornton and find a way forward. I wanted to let everyone voice their opinions this evening before reading a letter to you. I received this an hour or so ago." Lee took a folded letter from his suitcoat pocket and, opening it, began to read.

"To the Hope Valley School Board and parents,

I recognize I have made a grave error in judgement. I recognize that my decision to travel out of town unchaperoned, even with a gentleman, was inappropriate. Please know that we only attended a reading, a reception and dinner. Nevertheless, a dear friend pointed out it was improper for four reasons; as an unmarried woman and a widow, a single parent and a teacher. I would add it was unsuitable as a moral woman as well.

I should have declined the invitation, but I did not. I regret that I did not consider consequences as I ought. I confess my wrongdoing to you and ask for you to accept my apology and my promise to be more careful of my reputation and how what I do reflects on the school, as well as be more careful of my actions as an example to the young people entrusted to my care.

I ask for your advice on how I can restore your faith in me and prove that I am trustworthy? Thank you for your consideration.

With deep regret,
Elizabeth Thatcher Thornton
Schoolmistress,
Jack Thornton School, Hope Valley"

No one moved. Actually, no one inside the classroom moved.

Outside, below the open window, Bill Avery almost clapped his hands in thanks to God. 'First Nathan spoke, and so kindly and wise. He was clear about Elizabeth's behavior but petitioned for grace. Then Elizabeth wrote that letter. What a wonderful idea she had and it was so well-written…'

Bill listened again as Lee spoke.

"As the chairman, I recommend that we act upon Constable Grant's suggestions. The School Board will meet with Mrs. Thornton. We will hear from her and offer our recommendations, one being a probationary period. Two, mutually agreed upon steps to restore our trust in her. Three, a way for her to explain to our children the behavior we expect and why, offering her apology to them as well. Fourth, that we retain Mrs. Thornton as Hope Valley's schoolteacher."

Glancing around the room, Lee concluded. "It is not proper etiquette for an official meeting unless a motion is proposed, seconded and accepted. Anyone?"

Ned Yost raised his hand and stood when recognized. "From the perspective of a School Board member, I motion that we accept the plan as just laid out by Lee Coulter."

Pastor Joseph Canfield raised his hand. When recognized, he spoke, "I second the motion as proposed."

"The motion has been stated and seconded. All in favor say, 'Aye.'" Lee waited as agreement spread around the room.

"Any opposed?" Lee asked and the room was silent. "The motion is approved and passed. Thank you ladies and gentlemen. May I ask that the Board members remain for a few moments after the parents depart so we can plan our next steps? Thank you. The meeting is adjourned."

"Oh! Pastor Joseph?" Lee saw the pastor raise his hand.

Standing, the Pastor said, "I commend all of you for extending grace this evening. I also recommend that all of us keep this as a matter of prayer. Ask God to guide our conversations, to give wisdom, to forgive us as we forgive others, and to shower blessings on our community. May God bless you all."

"Thank you, Pastor, a timely reminder. Good night, everyone." Lee turned to the Board members who were seated in a semi-circle in front. "Let's draw our chairs into a circle, shall we?"

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Outside, Bill motioned to Nathan as he descended the steps and pulled him aside. Whispering in his ear, Bill explained. "The front window on the left side is open a bit. Can you go in and close it?"

Giving Bill an odd glance though pretty certain he knew what Bill had done, Nathan re-entered the classroom, quickly closed the window and began to depart as he said, "Excuse me, folks. Good night."

"Oh, Nathan?" Lee called out, "A moment please?"

Returning to the front again, Nathan asked, "Yes?"

"On behalf of the Board, and personally as well, I want to thank you for your words tonight." Lee stood and extended his hand to Nathan. "Not only did you make our job easier, you offered wise counsel which will preserve our school and help us move beyond this current trial. I kept thinking of Jesus writing in the sand after saying 'Let the one without sin, cast the first stone.' (*2) So, thank you, Nathan. Thank you." Lee began a round of applause.

Blushing, Nathan nodded and, figuring the best way to get away quickly was to avoid explaining that it was his responsibility as a public servant, quietly said, "You're welcome." He waved, adding, "Good night."

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"Nathan!" Bill was still waiting for him beside the front stairs. "Thanks."

"May I assume you do not need a rundown of tonight's meeting?" Nathan raised his eyebrow, questioning Bill.

"Got it all." Bill chuckled. "I wasn't a Mountie Inspector for nothing!"

"I figured." Nathan laughed. "You heading home now?"

"Yeah! Relieved, too… And impressed, Son. The words 'the Wisdom of Solomon' (*3) kept coming to me as I listened. Elizabeth is one blessed woman to have you as an advocate! You sleep well tonight, now, you hear? You deserve it!"

"Good night, my friend. Sleep well yourself."

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(*2) Paraphrase of John 8:7, The Holy Bible.

(*3) The 'Wisdom of Solomon' is another title for the Biblical Book of Proverbs.

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