Chapter 200 – Understanding the Reality (long)

Jack got back to the house first. Elizabeth was exactly where he had left her. She still had tears in her eyes, but wasn't sobbing like before. She was staring off in space again. Jack immediately hung up his coat and took off his boots. He didn't know what was going on, but he was scared. The only time he had seen Elizabeth like this before was when she was having nightmares. Jack took a deep breath and went to his wife, he needed to figure out what was going on.

"Elizabeth." Jack said as he sat down.

She just looked at him, but didn't respond. Slowly, Jack wrapped his arm around Elizabeth and pulled her to him. She just let him.

"Please Elizabeth." Jack pleaded. "I hate it when you cry, please just tell me what is going on. I can't help if you don't talk to me."

Before Elizabeth could respond, there was a knock at the door, then Wynn and Elizabeth walked in. Jack just looked at them, then shrugged his shoulders. Aunt Elizabeth quickly went to the kitchen to make some tea and coffee. Wynn motioned for Jack to talk to him over by the back door.

"Jack." Wynn said. "I can see your upset. Take a deep breath and slowly tell me what is going on."

"When I got home." Jack said. "Elizabeth was sitting at her writing desk. She didn't respond when I came in or when I called her name. She was sitting there staring off in to space and crying. This isn't the first time found her like that since we have been married. I am worried that she is regretting her decision. I don't know what to do. She won't talk to me."

"Okay." Wynn said. "Have you had something to eat?"

"No." Jack said.

"Let's see what Beth had ready for supper." Wynn said. "My Elizabeth will try to get through to her. Best thing we can do right now, is just stay in the background until we are needed."

As Wynn and Jack were standing by the door, there was a quite knock and Wynn opened the door, knowing that it would be Dee. After stepping in the house, Dee stood there looking at his father.

"Is she okay?" Dee asked.

"I don't know." Wynn said. "Jack said she was at her writing desk when he first got back."

Dee nodded and headed into the house. Wynn and Dee went to the kitchen where they found the chicken pot pie. They put it in the oven and went about getting a few other things ready for supper. When the water was ready, Wynn made some tea before taking it over to the settee and placing it front of his wife who was quietly talking to Elizabeth. She still wasn't making sense, but at least from what Wynn could see, Beth wasn't crying anymore. When Wynn got back to the kitchen, Jack was sitting at the table with his head in his hands. Wynn put his hand on Jack's shoulder and said a quiet prayer as Jack sat there. Jack was also praying. He just wanted to know what was going on. Just then Dee came over with a stack of papers in his hands.

"Dad." Dee said. "I think you need to see this."

Dee handed his father the stack of papers. Wynn sat down and scanned through the documents. He was surprised with what he read, but he also figured he knew what was going on. He figured that Elizabeth had been in reading the documents and came across the same thing. Dee stood there, looking at his father. Finally Wynn looked at Dee and nodded, an understanding passing between them. Dee knew what the problem was. He went over to Elizabeth and sat down next to her. Just at Jack looked up, he saw Dee take Elizabeth's hand and turn her head to face him. What Jack heard next confused him.

"Sa du pa dokumentene?" Dee asked. (Where you looking at the documents?)

Elizabeth nodded her head.

"What was that?" Jack ask quietly.

"Norwegian." Wynn said. "They use a combination of that and Irish. They have since they were little. They would do when they didn't want others to know. The family, me, my wife and daughter all understood, but no one else."

"How many languages does Elizabeth speak?" Jack asked.

"English, French, Norwegian, Irish and Latin." Wynn said. "So I guess five. Most don't know about the Norwegian and Irish. She also knows bits and pieces of several others."

"Wow." Jack said. "I have so much to learn about Elizabeth."

"She doesn't use the Norwegian and Irish much." Wynn said. "But she will use it to send a message to me or Dee if she wants us to check into something and not have others know what is being said. She also tends to use it more when she is upset. She use to mutter it herself in both, because her governess didn't understand."

Suddenly conversation from the past number of months came back to Jack and things started to make more sense.

"You were the ones that Elizabeth wired when she had trouble with Billy Hamilton?" Jack asked quietly.

"Yes." Wynn said. "Don't be mad."

"I am not." Jack said.

Wynn didn't say anything else, but both him and Jack looked over to where Dee and Elizabeth were having an intense conversation in another language. At one point Aunt Elizabeth got up and came over to the kitchen where Wynn and Jack were sitting.

"Did Dee show you?" Aunt Elizabeth asked.

"Yes." Wynn said.

"What is going on?" Jack asked.

Wynn and his wife shared a look and then looked over to where Elizabeth and Dee were sitting.

"Bor jeg fortelle ham det?" Wynn called. (Should I tell him?)

"Vaer sa snill, jeg kan ikke." Elizabeth said softly. (Please, I can't.)

Dee nodded to his father.

"Dear." Wynn said touching his wife's arm. "Why don't you take Beth upstairs. Dee and I will explain everything to Jack. When she is more herself, bring her back down."

"Sounds like a plan." Aunt Elizabeth said.

She walked over to Elizabeth and said something quietly. Elizabeth stood and went with her aunt up the stairs. Dee came over and sat at the table with Jack and his father.

"You are scaring me." Jack said. "What is going on? Is Elizabeth okay?"

"Slow down." Dee said. "She will be fine. She is in shock. When you found her, she was looking over stack of documents that I gave Dad."

"Remember when I said to ask about the documents her mother gave her?" Wynn asked.

Jack nodded.

"Well." Wynn continued. "Apparently Agatha gave my Elizabeth the same message to give to Beth. That was what Beth was doing when you found her. Now, I don't know how far she got into the documents, but I think she found enough. She is not upset, just shocked. Before we proceed, please keep an open mind and don't get upset."

"I will try." Jack said. "Now just tell me what is going on."

"I need to back up and give you a little background." Wynn said. "Okay, so originally Hamilton Shipping was started by my late father-in-law, Elizabeth's great grandfather. It was him and his sons. They had a decent size shipping company and a few other businesses all under the title of Thatcher Industries. Eventually, Conrad's brothers split and took their businesses with them. William joined his father and added his growing business to his father's company. Before they could properly grow either business, Conrad Thatcher passed away. This was before Elizabeth was born. William and Grace had been married a couple of years. I had just meet my Elizabeth months before Conrad passed away.

Anyway, William and his little brother continued to grow the businesses until they had a falling out. William being the older forced his brother out, taking full control of Hamilton Shipping and Thatcher Industries growing it to what it is today. William also eventually acquired the other businesses that his uncles had. He was angry at them for leaving his father and causing the stress that he felt lead to Conrad's early death. However before Conrad passed away, he wrote an iron clad will. The man knew his laws and how to use them to his advantage.

So, Conrad wrote a provision into his will. Now you need to understand that William and Grace were already married and Conrad assumed that George, the younger brother, would also be married one day. He was about nineteen at the time that Conrad passed away. As a way to preserve his legacy and keep Hamilton Shipping/Thatcher Industries going for years he made it clear that the first Thatcher grandchild to marry could have full control of Hamilton Shipping/Thatcher Industries if they chose. All they would need to do was provide a valid marriage certificate to the board of directors. They could then effectively take control of Hamilton Shipping and Thatcher Industries with two caveats – one they couldn't dismantle the company for five years and two they had to share profits with any siblings or cousins per the will.

The other part of this is that Hamilton Shipping is part of the larger corporation Thatcher Industries. Hamilton Shipping is by far the largest piece of Thatcher Industries. William Thatcher the controlling member of Thatcher Industries. Thatcher Industries has incorporated other companies and other family names. I know that some of Beth's Uncle Henry's companies are part of Thatcher Industries. I also believe that the Kensingtons and Monclairs have a stake in Thatcher Industries. Last that I looked it was over twenty different companies that fell under Thatcher Industries. All members get a portion of the profits based on who is control. So William would get the largest piece. Then Elizabeth and her sisters. My Elizabeth still gets a share as does Dee and Sophie. Those profits go into trust funds that was started by Conrad. When each grandchild was born, they were given a share of the company and a trust fund. William has no say in that. It was part of Conrad's will. When Sophie has her child, he or she will be given a share of the company and a trust fund for future profits. As will any children that you and Elizabeth have. Just as Viola and Julie's children."

"I don't understand." Jack said.

"Jack." Dee said. "If Elizabeth wants it, she can take control of Hamilton Shipping and Thatcher Industries. She would be majority holder getting the large share of profits."

"No." Jack said. "Isn't your sister married?"

"Yes, Sophie is married." Wynn said. "But she wasn't eligible to take over the company."

"I don't …." Jack said. "I am confused. Didn't you say first Thatcher grandchild?"

"Yes." Wynn said. "While Sophie is part Thatcher, her last name was Delaney therefore technically not making her a Thatcher grandchild according to the will. According to the will, the grandchild must bear the name Thatcher on their birth certificate."

Suddenly it dawned on Jack. His eyes got really wide and just stared at Wynn and Dee.

"Yes." Dee said. "By getting married first, Elizabeth has every right to take over her father's company and do as she sees fit with it. Elizabeth and her sisters are the only one that can legally take over the company while William is still alive."

"On top of that." Wynn said. "All she needs to do to access either of her trust funds is present a marriage certificate to the bank or the company that manages them. Otherwise she wouldn't have been able to touch them until she was twenty-five. Now understand, the one that was started by her father, well … he could deny her access if he wanted. We could fight him on it if we wanted, but probably wouldn't be worth it."

"So by getting married." Dee said. "Beth just gained access to millions of dollars and a multi-million dollar company."

Jack started gasping for air. He couldn't believe what he was hearing. He knew that the Thatcher's had money, but he didn't exactly think it was that kind of money. Dee quickly got up and got Jack a glass of water. Slowly Jack was realizing why Elizabeth was so shocked. Before he could speak, Elizabeth came down with her aunt. Elizabeth immediately went to Jack and took his hand. He stood and pulled her into his arms.

"Don't be mad." Elizabeth whispered. "I didn't know."

"It is okay." Jack said. "I believe you."

Jack gave Elizabeth a kiss and then sat back down, pulling Elizabeth into his lap.

"Beth, dear." Wynn said. "How much did you get through? Do you understand what it means?"

Elizabeth looked at her uncle and then looked at Jack. She hung her head and fiddled with her hands.

"No, no this is not happening." Elizabeth muttered.

"Bella." Jack said. "It will be okay."

Jack was rubbing Elizabeth back trying to keep her calm, but he could feel her body tensing up again.

"Jeg lar dem ikke styre livet mitt." Elizabeth muttered. (I am not letting them run my life.)

"What?" Jack asked.

Elizabeth took a couple deep breaths.

"Beth, just because you control the company." Wynn said. "That doesn't mean they will run your life."

"Yes, it will." Elizabeth cried. "I don't want to live in Hamilton."

"Elizabeth." Jack said. "Look at me."

Elizabeth turned to face Jack. He put his hand on her cheek. Wynn and Aunt Elizabeth watched how tender Jack was with Elizabeth. Wynn was glad that Jack was being so patient and tender with Elizabeth.

"I will support you no matter what you choose." Jack said. "But it is your choice. I will live where ever you want as long as I am with you."

Elizabeth smiled at Jack.

"It is not that simple." Elizabeth said. "If I take over the company, we will never have a normal life and you and your family could be in danger."

"I don't understand." Jack said.

"If we attach the Thornton name to Hamilton Shipping or Thatcher Industries." Elizabeth said. "Well, it would be hard."

"I think I understand." Wynn said. "Here let me try to explain."

"Please." Elizabeth said.

"Jack." Wynn said. "There is a reason that Elizabeth and her sisters have almost always traveled with an escort. The Thatcher name is known for money. It could be dangerous, you more then most people understand that there are bad people out there. Elizabeth, her sisters, and mother have faced real threats over the years. There are people that would like nothing more then to get their hands on some of the Thatcher money by any means. Do you see why Beth is worried about attaching the Thornton name? Not to mention people who know my connection to the Thatchers. It makes it dangerous as well. That is why I have worked hard to keep my connection to the Thatchers quiet. It endangers my children as much as William's girls."

"Jack." Elizabeth said. "It could put you in more danger. If criminals knew who you were, they would itching to capture you for ransom. It would be too dangerous to do your job as it is now."

"Unfortunately." Wynn said. "She is right. Your mother and brother would all have to take more precautions when you all travel or even in corresponding with each other. Also given your brother's ability to find trouble and run with questionable people, it would put everyone in a lot more danger. Your mother wouldn't be able to just jump on her horse and take off without telling people where she was going and checking in regularly. Can you see her doing that? It wouldn't mean that you would have to leave the Mounties, but your job would look a lot different then it does now. I would have no choice, because it would mean protecting you and Beth."

"I guess I didn't think of that." Jack said. "There has to be something. It can't be all or nothing. There has to be something. I know you don't care about the money Elizabeth, but there is no way around it – you have money and we will just have to deal with that. Why can't she have what is rightfully hers and we still live the life we want?"

"No, I see what your saying." Dee said. "But it would be risking too much if the Thornton name got out and it was known to be attached to Hamilton Shipping or Thatcher Industries. No matter what Elizabeth decides about the company, it won't change her access to to the trust funds set up at least the one from her grandparents. The other thing that it won't change will be her right to a share of the profits from the company, no matter who is running it."

"I am scared what Father is going do when he finds out I am married." Elizabeth said. "Especially in light of this. He has to know. There is no way that he is going to let this stand. I am afraid to tell them now. I hadn't planned on telling the right away anyway, but now. … I don't know if I want to tell them at all. The money in the trusts can sit there and we can access it if and when we need it.

"I agree there." Jack said. "The trusts can sit there and we can access them if and when we need them. But how would we go about that being all the way out here?"

"You would need a legal copy of your marriage certificate." Wynn said. "You could also name someone else to have access to the accounts and they could wire you money when needed or you can also set up regular monthly payments. The other option is to set up a separate account that those payments go into and you have the checkbook. If you go with that option, I would suggest that maybe a bank in Union City or Benson Hills, but not here in Hope Valley."

"Elizabeth." Jack said. "What are you thinking?"

"Aunt Elizabeth, Uncle Wynn." Elizabeth said. "I know that it is a lot to ask."

"We would be happy to do it, Beth dear." Aunt Elizabeth said. "When you come to Hamilton we will set you up with the company that we use."

"Is there someone that you trust, here in town?" Wynn asked. "We need to draw up some papers and have them signed. We will need at least one witness. I will also wire Buxton and request an official copy of your marriage certificate. Are you wanting monthly payments or just wire when needed?"

"Wire when needed, at least for now." Elizabeth said. "I think it might be a good idea to set up the account. Jack, what about Bill and/or maybe Abigail to sign as witnesses?"

"Both good choices." Jack said. "So how would this work?"

"Right now." Wynn said. "Nothing will change. My Elizabeth and I will file the needed paperwork when we get back. If you need money for something, you send a wire and we wire the bank and you have access to it the next day. We can also work on getting you checks that you can write off that account."

"What about that company?" Jack asked.

"Elizabeth?" Wynn said.

"What happens if I don't want to take over?" Elizabeth asked. "How long to do I have to decide?"

Dee shuffled the papers and started looking over things again. Jack picked up one of the papers and caught a number of one of the trust funds. His eyes got really wide.

"Bella." Jack said. "That is more money then I will make in three lifetimes."

"Don't think about it." Elizabeth said. "We will set our children and grandchildren up with trusts. This money took generations to grow and will last for generations. We will also do good with it, just breath."

Jack closed his eyes and took a couple of deep breaths.

"I have a question." Jack said. "If Elizabeth accesses the trust, wouldn't her father know?"

"Maybe." Wynn said. "I will check into things before I do anything. If it will alert William, we will hold off on things for now. If an emergency pops up, we can always pull money from Dee's trust and Beth can put it back later."

"I have no problem with that." Dee said without looking up from the papers.

"Okay." Jack said. "Then do what you need?"

"Here." Dee said handing a paper to his father.

Wynn read through the paper that Dee handed him.

"Okay." Wynn said. "If I understand this, if Elizabeth doesn't assert her right, nothing happens. If someone else tries to asset the right, Elizabeth can step in at any point and claim what is essentially a birthright. Until someone exercises a right to the company it will run as normal with profits for the grandchildren going into their trusts."

"So that is the second trust." Elizabeth said. "And father can't take it away?"

"Correct." Dee said. "Since it was set up with your Grandfather's will. The other trust, your father can deny assess since he created it. Granted you could fight him in court, but it might not be worth it. If he denies access, the money will sit there. If he doesn't change anything then it will be dealt with when he passes away."

Elizabeth nodded.