Chapter 34
Florence Yost sank back into her chair, resisting the temptation to remove her boots and give her feet a good rub. It had been a day full of mixed emotions and one that she hoped none of them would have to experience the likes of again for a very long time. As she looked around the room she was grateful that Hope Valley was in a better position now, where people came together to help each other rather than living with suspicion and fear. How lucky they were to have had Jack Thornton in their lives, evidenced today with the many wonderful stories as they remembered all the good he had done for them. So many unheralded acts of kindness from him came to light as the community joined together to celebrate the life of their Mountie Jack.
Community, she thought. It felt good to use that word once again about the people here and to see how grateful they were to another beloved Mountie and his team for bringing hope back into their lives. Nathan Grant stood up there equal in their love and respect. As the day had progressed Florence had made a mental note to make sure he knew just how much the citizens of Hope Valley appreciated him. She wished they'd told Jack a bit more often.
There had been one moment today when she feared the worst, especially when she saw the look on Molly's face as a single figure approached the cemetery. Eileen Handsworth had not known Jack Thornton so there was no reason for her to be joining in the service unless it was to cause trouble and the woman seemed to be determined to do that of late. Not knowing what to do Florence had looked around in desperation, wondering if anyone else had noticed. Immediately her question was answered as the slightest of nods from Nathan saw two of the Mounties detach themselves from the group and move towards the woman. Taking up a position in front of her Florence could see from their body language that they were adopting a gentle approach, probably enquiring as to what her reason was for being there today.
Slowly more people seemed to notice that something was happening away from the official ceremony but fortunately it was at that moment that Bill stepped forward with the folded flag to present to Charlotte Thornton. With all focus back on the ceremony it was only Florence and Molly who watched the Mounties taking the woman by the elbows to move her away. When it seemed she was about to protest a sole figure moved across from the back and then, after a few moments of quiet conversation with Cecilia Grant, the editor of The Plain Speak turned and walked back towards the town. There had been no doubt in Florence's mind that the woman was there to make trouble and take advantage of their vulnerability in that moment, something she was relieved didn't happen.
How fortunate to have a person like Cecilia in their midst who Florence was sure would have pointed out that the only story today should be about the hero that Jack Thornton had been, told by the people who knew him and not something copied or made up to fill pages. Now as she watched the people milling around the downstairs of The Little Gem she could see Cecilia speaking with a few of the townswomen and when she looked in her direction she gave a small smile before starting to get up from her seat. Immediately the younger woman was by her side, "Stay where you are Florence, I'm ready for a sit down and a chat."
Looking across as Cecilia moved a chair to be beside her Florence couldn't help but marvel at the effect pregnancy had on a woman. Despite the strain it placed on her body there was such a beauty that shone out from a happy and healthy mother to be. She could see it now in Cecilia, the face of a contented woman who loved and was loved. Suddenly the wonderful memories of when she was expecting Paul came rushing back and she had to quickly brush a tear from her eye. "Are you alright Florence?" the sound of Cecilia's gentle voice broke through her thoughts.
Patting her hand as she sat she quickly reassured her that she was fine. "I am good, just seeing you looking so radiant brought back some long forgotten memories of when I was pregnant with my son, when life was full of so much promise and I never imagined anything could go wrong. After the mine disaster I believed I would never be happy again and yet look at me now. How lucky am I to have found two good men to love me." Cecilia reached across to give her a hug, knowing just how difficult life had been for so many of the women here at that time. Widowed with young children, it had taken courage to fight back against the mining company and to move on with their lives. She was proud to know these women who she considered as courageous as any she had ever met.
"I get the feeling there was something else you wanted to speak to me about though and that it may have something to do with Eileen Handsworth?" She left the question out there, waiting for Florence to take up the offer of discussing what had happened out by the cemetery or to choose to talk about something else.
"Well, I did watch her arrival today and noticed that something you said seemed to make her willing to leave quietly rather than create a scene. I just wondered what that was. Molly and I have been very concerned with the opinions she is voicing in some of her articles, particularly towards the poor Chinese people we are all trying to help. Life has been such a challenge for them that we cannot stand by and let her bigotry or prejudice hurt them any more." Cecilia had heard so much about the people of Hope Valley from both Nathan and Allie, in some cases about the change in their attitudes as their views of the world and other people had broadened. She knew that Florence was a prime example of this, someone who had overcome her own narrow-minded beliefs and now embraced everyone with the warmest of hearts. It gave her such delight to know this woman who had travelled the road to understanding and kindness.
"I know what she has written, Florence, and I am as horrified as you by how little empathy she seems to show for the plight of others. But experience has taught me that often it is fear and a lack of knowledge that creates these opinions in people. Sometimes, no matter how abhorrent we find their beliefs, we have to be the ones to extend our hand first and offer to listen to what makes them feel that way. Only then can we explain it from a different perspective and hopefully help them understand that they have nothing to be worried about and that just because someone is different it doesn't make them bad. But first they have to be willing to listen and learn."
From anyone else that age Florence would have been surprised by the depth of wisdom being shown but somehow Cecilia managed to bring with her a worldly experience that gave great profoundness to her words. She had seen things that none of them could imagine and yet she was always so positive towards others no matter how insignificant their problems may appear to be. "As for what I had to say to Mrs Handsworth, I merely pointed out that today's service was very much a personal affair for those who had known Jack Thornton and for members of the Mountie family. I then spoke to her as a fellow journalist and said how much I would like the opportunity to talk about what it took to publish her paper, as being in a small town was a new experience for me. I may have also suggested that I would be very honoured if she would let me write an article for her publication. So we have agreed to meet in a few days and have a good chat."
Florence was stunned. "Rather than turn your back on her you offered the hand of friendship and made her feel your equal and included. Well, that is certainly a wonderful way to show that no matter how much people think one person is better than another, underneath we are all just the same. Human beings trying to do the best with our lives. You are a very clever lady Cecilia Grant and I see more and more why you and Nathan are so perfect for each other."
On the other side of the room Bill had found himself also reflecting on the day, surprised that it had been less emotional than he imagined. Of course there had been moments of sadness but overall Charlotte Thornton had gotten her wish as along with some tears there had been laughter as stories about Jack were told and wonderful memories shared. It came as no surprise to hear members of the community recount tales of how he had helped them in his quiet unassuming way, while others told stories full of laughter as they remembered a man with a sense of humour and a joyous zest for life.
There had been quiet times as well, when no words were needed. As Jack's friends gathered together they all took the opportunity to reflect on what he had meant to them. There would always be sadness at the loss of someone so special but they trusted in God to have had a greater need than them for this man they were grateful to have known. Of course Bill had felt an even closer bond with Jack and so the loss had seemed harder on him than anyone else in Hope Valley, with the exception of Elizabeth. That she was unable to be here today had upset him at first but looking around the room he realised that there had been more to Jack than just being a Mountie or her husband. The biggest tragedy was that he never had the chance to be the wonderful father they all knew he would have been.
When Opal, Emily and some of the other young people who had known him had gathered at the graveside to sing Danny Boy, he thought it was perhaps the most poignant moment of the day. That it had been Allie, with help from Fiona, who arranged this came as no surprise. While she may never have met Jack she had heard so much about him from everyone in Hope Valley and knowing this was his favourite song she got to work arranging the group of singers.
It had certainly been a day of surprises. Seeing Little Jack and Patrick emerge from Lee's car this morning had concerned him at first and he was not sure that he agreed with them being there. However, once Rosemary explained the determination with which the two boys had asked to come he accepted that they had done the right thing. Now as he watched Little Jack sitting at a table surrounded by Mounties, listening intently to the somewhat censored stories of the life his father would have led, he knew that this was just what the young boy needed, the chance to be a part of who Jack was, even if only for a short while. He had noticed earlier how Nathan had taken the boys around the room, introducing them to each of his team and encouraging them to ask the questions that most other men would have found tiring. But the patience he had shown so often towards Allie was evident again and Bill knew that he would keep answering as long as the questions came. The new Grant baby was certainly going to be blessed.
Finally most of those present started to say their goodbyes, all grateful to have had this time to farewell their friend and remind themselves just how important it was to always be there for one another. There were no certainties in life but there was comfort to be taken from sharing the good and bad times with people who were important to you and after what they had been through over recent years today had shown them that.
Allie was sleeping over with Emily and Opal at the Weise's house and after realising Bill and Molly had left with The Gowans Nathan made his way across to where his wife was sitting. "I need to call in at the Mountie Office just to get an update on what has happened today. Even though I told the men to come and get me if there were any breakthroughs or discoveries, I know they will have respected the solemnity of the day and not disturbed me. I will walk you home first and then go back."
Cecilia looked at her husband with amusement, "Why on earth would you want to do that when I can easily come with you. I'm happy to sit out on the boardwalk on such a lovely evening and watch the world go by while you speak to your men. It's been a long day and this little one is telling me he or she has had enough of all this noise so some time of quiet reflection would be welcome."
"Are you sure? I may be a while." Rubbing her back as she rose to her feet, with her husband's arm to support her, she smiled, "You know that as long as there is breath in my body I will wait for you, no matter how long it takes or where it is, my love."
Bill and Molly had walked out with Abigail and Henry, who were staying in Elizabeth's row house for the few days they were in town. Tomorrow, at Julie Thatcher's request, they were going to help sort out the contents of the house, making sure that any items of importance were carefully packed away for Little Jack to get when he was older. The Thatchers had decided that everything else would be donated to the new home for the Chinese people being set up in what was The Tipperary. A little thing, they thought, but at least some good was coming from a bad situation.
Abigail's other task while here was to see Elizabeth. It was Henry who had suggested she do this, knowing that the only way she would be able to move on was to say her own farewell. No matter what had happened between the two women in recent years, there was still so much love felt by Abigail towards the woman she had thought of as a daughter. It would not be an easy goodbye for after today it would be like the closing of a door on that part of her life, but a necessity as far as he was concerned.
The two couples had stopped where their routes parted ways as they continued to discuss the day, sharing a feeling of anticipation that as they all said goodbye to Jack they were also seeing the beginning of a new chapter in the story of Hope Valley. With a final hug and promise from Molly that she would come to help tomorrow they said goodnight. Just as Bill was putting the key in the lock of the front door the sound of running footsteps made them turn and Ed Harter's voice rang out in the darkness. "Mrs Avery, Superintendent Grant sent me to get you. The doctor needs your help at the hospital. The baby is coming and there is a problem!"
It seemed as though the whole town had gathered by the hospital the following morning as word had spread that there was a complication with Dr Carter's baby. Apparently young Master or Miss Walters was wanting to jump feet first into the world rather than coming out the conventional way and of course this presented great danger to both baby and mother. Matthew had spent the night monitoring his wife and then reading through journals and medical books to see if there was anything he had missed that could help her, his experience of obstetrics being quite limited as it was not actually taught in great depth to doctors, with nurses and midwives having fulfilled that role for such a long time. Here in Hope Valley it had been Faith who looked after their pregnant patients and new arrivals. Ironically, in recent discussions about the expansion of the hospital one of their primary decisions had been to hire a midwife now that the town was back on the right track and more people would hopefully choose it as their home. Oh how he wished they had one here now.
Joseph and Minnie were leading the vigil as they prayed for the miracle they so desperately needed at this time. Faith was such a loved and respected member of their community and it had not gone unnoticed that despite her close connection to Jack she had not been at the service that day. Most had assumed there was a need for her at the hospital until in the evening when Nathan and Cecilia had come across a worried Matthew getting some air on the boardwalk outside as they walked towards the Mountie Office. Immediately they had taken control of the situation, calling Molly and Florence to come and assist. It was Cecilia who suggested they call Maggie Parsons in Brookfield. While she hoped things would be sorted by the time the English nurse could get there, after such a stressful time the baby could well need expert hands in the coming days she said.
As soon as the request came through Maggie had made a telephone call herself before quickly heading home to pack a small bag to take, then rushed along to the Mountie office. Aware of the situation after Nathan telephoned him, Gabe had decided that now was probably the right time for him to return to Hope Valley as well. Although short, the break at home with his family had reinvigorated him and so he had offered to do the drive across.
It had been a long night. Faith had remained calm and practical at first, although obviously in some discomfort, as she instructed Matthew as he tried to turn the baby into the right position, but eventually the weariness overwhelmed her and she had to rest. She knew that every minute increased the risk for both herself and the baby and so she was the one who mentioned that a caesarean section may be necessary, to which Matthew immediately said no. Although he had seen the surgery performed once, he had never carried out the procedure himself and the thought of doing it on his wife and child terrified him. As hour after hour passed he realised that he may have no choice and so he turned to his books to make sure that he knew as much as possible about what exactly he had to do. He knew the risk of infection was a major concern and so he asked Molly and Florence to ensure that everything was sterilized and ready should the time for it come.
So, as the townspeople gathered nearby, it was a very concerned looking Nathan who came down the steps when Gabe stopped Bill's car outside the hospital. He was surprised to see Chuck Stewart in the front passenger seat but knew there must be a good reason. "Matthew is in there with Faith, but he is very concerned as he has not had a great deal of experience with this type of labor." Nathan quickly told them, "Both Molly and Florence have been here all night as well and Cecilia would have too had we not sent her home. One pregnancy emergency was enough!"
As he finished speaking he heard his name being called and looking up saw Eileen Handsworth crossing the road waving her arm to draw his attention. "You go straight in Maggie, you know where to find them. Gabe if you head across to the Mountie Office I will join you when I can. The others will bring you up to date on what is happening. Chuck, I'm sure you have a reason for being here so you will know where you need to go for that." All three of the visitors from Brookfield looked across at the woman who was bearing down on them, her left arm raised as she brandished a collection of papers, and quickly made their escape. Interestingly, Nathan noticed that Chuck followed Maggie through the door of the hospital.
He looked back as she continued her march towards him. Why, he wondered, did she have to turn up now? "Mrs Handsworth, this is really not a good time for me to talk to you. Perhaps we could schedule something in the next few days." He spoke clearly, trying to stop her before she got any closer but the woman kept coming, a serious look on her face. "I don't think you are going to want to wait to hear what I have to say Inspector," she called back at him. This was just what he did not need right now and he had to fight the temptation to tell her that it was superintendent, not inspector, and that he was not the least bit interested in her newspaper and whatever story she wanted to write about now.
Finally she stopped in front of him and looking up took a moment to catch her breathe. "I heard that the baby is in the wrong position and becoming quite distressed." Nathan was about to cut her off when she continued, "I can help. Before we moved to Hope Valley I was a midwife. When we arrived here the situation was so bad with all the criminal activity that my husband didn't want me to have to deal with those people and so I decided to start my newspaper instead." Thrusting the papers she had clutched in her hand towards Nathan she quickly finished, "Here are my credentials."
Nathan looked down in surprise at the bundle now in his hand, never having imagined this about the woman who had lately been causing upset to so many people. "Well, if that truly is the case you are very welcome here but as I'm no expert on this you'll need to explain what you have done in the past to Mathew and Maggie. I do hope you are not wasting everyone's time if this is not genuine though."
In the upstairs room of the Mountie Office Bill was busy talking with a small group of the men seated around the main table as they worked out the line of questioning they were going to follow with their three detainees. When Gabe popped his head around the door it was like a weight lifted off his shoulders. He knew that Nathan was in no state to be interrogating anyone today, his concern for Faith and a sleepless night meant that his mind was elsewhere, so to have Gabe back looking refreshed was a relief. "Gabe, this is a most welcome surprise. We're just planning our strategy with the Bouchards and our dear friend Hargreaves, so I'm glad to have you here to be involved. I'm guessing your brief time home with the family gave you what you needed?"
Bill didn't wait for an answer but turned back to the other men. They all knew the importance of preparation if they were to finally get the answers they wanted so this was time well spent before they made a big push to break at least one of them. Because of their history with Andrew Hargreaves, it was felt that neither Nathan nor Bill would probably get anywhere with him and so it was decided that Gabe would tackle the traitorous Mountie. He had studied the file and knew of the lies told about good honest officers which, if nothing else, was all the motivation needed. However, to Gabe this was as much about upholding what was right, for if people didn't feel they could trust The RCMP then lawlessness would win and he was not prepared to allow that.
Greg Aldritt had regained his confidence, the show of support that Nathan had orchestrated having helped him put the incidents of Elizabeth disappearing behind him. Bill had already noticed how much a part of the town the Mountie had become, his growing relationship with so many of the residents clear to see as he walked down Main Street. He had an affable and friendly manner about him, courteous where necessary, yet all the while exuding a feeling of strength and leadership that instilled trust in those around him. As Bill watched him from the window heading towards his own office to prepare it for the interrogation of Helen Bouchard, he realised that perhaps he wouldn't mind breaking in this Mountie to the workings of Hope Valley. At that moment Gabe walked up beside him and as he too followed Greg's progress he quietly spoke, "Something tells me we may be looking at the new Hope Valley Mountie right there."
Across at the hospital there had been much discussion about what was the best way forward to ensure the safety of both Faith and the baby. Matthew felt the tension ease with the realisation that he was not alone in handling the birth of his child and protecting the life of the woman who meant everything to him. Once he and Maggie had questioned Eileen Handsworth and were satisfied that she was in fact who she said she was, he let her take over working on the baby in the hope that they could still avoid having to resort to surgery. There was a skill to the task, something that only came with years of experience and it was clear to all who listened to her speak and watched her as she set to work that she knew exactly what she was doing. Matthew gave a silent word of thanks that God his prayers had been answered.
His initial reaction to seeing Chuck Stewart walk in was one of confusion until he realised that there was great logic in Maggie bringing him. As an experienced rural vet he would have carried out numerous surgeries on the animals under his care and, in an emergency, on some humans if no doctor was available. When Chuck explained that he had successfully performed a caesarean section on a mare a couple of years earlier and that he had also delivered a few of the Brookfield babies before Maggie had arrived in town, Matthew felt the last of his fear dissipate. Looking around he realised that he probably now had as good a team as he could hope for gathered together and when Abigail and Cecilia arrived to relieve the ladies who had been there all night he finally felt in control again.
As the hours passed the crowd outside ebbed and flowed, as people joined in when not having to work. Throughout it all Joseph led the prayers, hoping for the miracle they all so desperately wanted. Minnie kept the coffee coming, along with food for those who needed it, while in The Mercantile Allie had come in to man the telephone exchange, making sure that Matthew had priority as he spoke to a number of his ex-colleagues, now working in larger city hospitals, to get their advice. With each conversation he felt more prepared for what needed to be done so that when Eileen said that despite all her efforts the baby was staying put in that position he knew he was ready.
After that time seemed to stand still for those who waited. Abigail understood that she would have to hold on a bit longer to say her farewell to Elizabeth but that was fine. To be here in the heart of Hope Valley, helping someone very dear to her, was like stepping back in time and for a moment she could forget all the horror that had gone on over recent years and even pretend that her sweet Elizabeth was over at the schoolhouse teaching the children.
Finally after what seemed an eternity the front door of the hospital opened and Matthew stepped out. His expression was serious at first and the assembled crowd feared the worst until a broad smile lit up his face and he announced "Nathan Jack Walters was born just over half an hour ago weighing 8lb 6oz and he is doing fine despite his struggle to get here. My wonderful wife Faith is sleeping now but everything went well with the surgery and I am certain she will make a good recovery. I am so grateful to everyone who was here to help me and for all of you for your thoughts and prayers."
At that moment his voice began to break, the tiredness and emotion of the past 24 hours suddenly catching up with him. Nathan stepped through the door and placing his arm around his friend's shoulder he spoke out to everyone. "This has certainly been an emotional time for all of us in Hope Valley and I for one want to give thanks for the miracle that has happened here today. We have all been truly blessed!"