Elizabeth was inside finishing dinner for her family. As Nathan was leaving for work early, she had already made him something to eat. It was just herself and the kids she had to feed tonight.
The front door opened. As she was expecting Ally and Nathan back shortly, hearing her daughter's voice call to her did not surprise her. Ally's words however did.
"Mama, we have a house guest," Ally called out.
They were not expecting anyone, and Ally's use of 'house guest' led Elizabeth to assume this was not just one of their friends stopping by for a visit. Making sure nothing was in immediate danger of boiling over or burning, Elizabeth stepped away from the stove toward the front door.
When Elizabeth saw her older sister, she froze in surprise. Seeing Viola for the wedding had been a pleasant surprise but Viola had said they were heading back to England following the event. What had happened?
"I thought you were going back to England?"
Elizabeth cringed at the question. Yes, she might want the answer but the words were not very welcoming.
"Not that I am not happy to see you here," Elizabeth rushed on. "I am happy to finally be able to show you Hope Valley."
"I think I've seen most of it," Viola commented. Elizabeth was surprised by the mater-of-fact tone about the words. No trace of the contempt that Viola usually spoke with, when she talked about Elizabeth's choice to come west. "It has a charm about it. The people I have met have been very nice."
Elizabeth smiled. Coming from her older sister, she took those words as high praise.
"Is Sir Lionel with you?" Elizabeth asked.
The answer didn't come from Viola but the little girl next to her.
"Daddy got sick. He went to sleep and did not wake back up."
Elizabeth gasped. She looked up at Viola who simply nodded. She did not see much grief in her sister's expression - simply weariness mixed with a bit of relief. Elizabeth had always thought that Viola's marriage seemed a bit casual from the outside. Yes, Sir Lionel played the part of a perfect gentleman in public but that was just it. She always felt like her sister and brother-in-law were simply playing the part of a married couple. Even Viola's comments about her husband had never struck her as comments coming from a woman in love. Viola had simply done what everyone expected of her - she had married a man of her social status. The union had been beneficial in ways to both families.
Viola nodded her consent to her daughter's words. Knowing that the needed conversation would be best to have without little ears, Elizabeth asked Ally to take Margaret and Jack upstairs to play until dinner was ready. Without protest, and a sympathetic look in her eyes, Ally consented to Elizabeth's instruction.
Nathan and Henry came in carrying a trunk between them. Ally, holding a hand of each child, waited for them to pass before she led the two children slowly up the steps. Elizabeth slipped what she hoped was a comforting hand around her older sister's shoulders and led her in the direction of the kitchen.
"Have a seat," Elizabeth said, removing her arm from Viola's shoulders as then reached the small round table against one wall of the kitchen. "I just need to check on dinner and I will put some tea on."
Viola nodded silently, taking the closest chair. Wanting to be sitting with Viola, Elizabeth stayed quiet as she put water in the tea kettle and checked on dinner. The roast in the oven still needed time to cook and the boiling carrots and potatoes were still hard so she left them over the heat. It was still too early to put the ready biscuit dough into the oven.
"Would you like a glass of water, Vi?" Elizabeth asked.
"I can wait for the tea," Viola replied, weariness in her voice.
Elizabeth nodded and took a seat across from Viola. She reached across the table and took her sister's hand.
"I am sorry to hear about Sir Lionel," Elizabeth told her sister sympathetically while noting that her sister seemed more composed about her husband's death than she had felt after learning about Jack's death. "Do you want to talk about it?"
Viola shrugged, though she held onto Elizabeth's hand. "There is not much to talk about," she told her sister. "Lionel got sick on the train approaching New York City after your wedding. They transferred him right from the train to a hospital in New York. He was diagnosed with the Spanish Flu."
Elizabeth felt a panic at the name of the illness. Even in Hope Valley they were aware of the deaths the illness was causing.
"Do not worry. I did the recommended quarantine from the doctor's before traveling so I didn't spread it to anyone else. Margaret ran a fever for a few days but seemed to recover quickly. I never felt any symptoms. I am not sure why. Lionel had a bad case though. The doctors tried all they knew but after a week of a very high fever he slipped away in his sleep. Do not think me a horrible person please, Elizabeth, because I do feel sorrow for his loss. I have cried some tears, though I will confess I think some of those tears were for me and Margaret and not Lionel. He was a good person, though he had his faults. We all do. I know Lionel's relatives back in England who will miss him quite a bit as well as a few others, but I feel relieved. I felt trapped in my marriage and now I am free."
Elizabeth squeezed the hand she held. "I do not think you are a horrible person, Viola. I just never knew you felt trapped."
"I did not at first," Viola told her sister. "Lionel and I were friends, and the marriage made sense. He treated me well and I did want to give him an heir. I know he wanted a son to pass everything down to and I think that is why he was always a little distant with Margaret. He would have happily left her with a nanny all the time. He never understood why I wanted to have her with me at times."
Viola looked up at her, a small smile on her face. "Despite Julie and your romantic view of marriage, I thought that would be enough. When I saw how Jack's death devastated you, I realized there was something lacking in my marriage. Yes, I have cried a few tears over Lionel's death. I don't hate him nor am I completely unfeeling, despite what Julie might think."
"You and Julie are just polar opposites. It is why you both have a hard time understanding one another. Even Julie knows you love her," Elizabeth told her older sister reassuringly.
"Thank you," Viola said. "It feels good to hear someone say that. Especially when apparently I was not the only one feeling, something was missing in our marriage." Viola paused. "Lionel was seeking the affections of other women, or maybe just one woman. I never had the courage to ask. I had suspected something for a while but a few months ago, I got confirmation. I was out shopping with some friends and we stopped for lunch. I saw Lionel having lunch with another woman. Not wanting to make a scene in the restaurant, I simply told my friends I suddenly was not feeling well and went home. When I asked whom the woman, he had lunch with when he got home, Lionel did not try to talk his way out of it. He confessed his infidelity, asked me to keep it quiet for propriety sake, and wanted to know how he could make it up to me. I told him he could take me to my sister's wedding after all."
"So that was why the three of you suddenly appeared the night before the wedding. I had wondered, as you had said you would not be able to make it," Elizabeth said. "A part of me wondered if you were just protesting me marrying another Mountie," she confessed.
"I have come to realize that I am hardly a person to be judging other people's life choices," Viola said. "Maybe you did not do what was expected of you, but you followed your heart, Elizabeth. There is something to be said for that. You found love, not once but twice. Anyone could see how much you and Nathan love one another. I am happy for you, Elizabeth."
Approaching footsteps kept Elizabeth from responding. Both women looked toward the entrance to the dinning room to see Nathan walk through the doorway.
"I am sorry to interrupt but I need to be heading into work," Nathan apologized as the tea kettle signaled the water was ready. Elizabeth got up to take care of the tea kettle as Nathan addressed Viola. "Henry and I put all the luggage you had with you in one of the guests rooms upstairs. There are enough bedrooms for Margaret to have a room if you do not want her in with you. You and Elizabeth can figure that out."
"Thank you," Viola said. "I hope you do not mind me showing up unexpectedly like this?"
"Family and friends are always welcome in this house," Nathan told her. "You stay as long as you want, no questions asked. Is there anything else I can do for you, Viola?"
Elizabeth continued to listen to the conversation as she checked the vegetables and got two cups of tea ready.
"Would it be too much of an imposition to ask you to call my father and let him know I am here? They think I am still in New York. They know about Sir Lionel's death but I told them I would call them when I made further travel plans. I ended up just starting out for Hope Valley. Just let him know I am here and that I will call him tomorrow when I feel a bit rested from traveling."
"I can do that," Nathan promised.
Walking over to Elizabeth, he kissed his wife good-bye before heading for the front door. Finishing with the tea, Elizabeth turned to carry it over to the table. She paused as she noticed the look that Viola was giving her.
"What?" Elizabeth asked.
"Just feeling a little envious, little sister," Viola told her. "After awhile, Lionel rarely kissed me when he left for the day. I thought friendship and money would be enough to be happy. I was wrong. Even Mother and Father still show one another affection during the day. That was missing in my marriage."
Elizabeth walked over to the table and placed the tea cups down. "I am sorry you have not been happy, Viola," she told her sister sympathetically.
"You have nothing to be sorry for," Viola told her, reaching for the sugar container to add a bit of sugar to the hot liquid. "I made my choice. I chose status over my heart. No one else is to blame except me."
"What are you planning on doing now?" Elizabeth asked as she turned back to the stove to drain the vegetables that were now done. She would cover the bowl and let them sit on top of the oven to stay warm while the roast finished. It was also time to put the biscuits into the oven.
"Right now, I came to you because I am hiding," Viola admitted. "I have informed Lionel's parents of his death and sent my condolences via a letter. Margaret's nanny took the letter with her, as her family is in England. Lionel's family will give him a proper burial but I do not want to go back to England. I do not plan on ruining Lionel's reputation, or my own, by bringing his infidelity to light. He can be buried as the man everyone thought he was. I, however, do not feel like going back to England to play the part of a proper grieving widow. I am afraid father would make me do just that, so I came here. I did not know where else to stay."
Elizabeth returned from the stove and laid a comforting hand on her sister's shoulder. "Like Nathan said, you are welcome here as long as you want. I will even support your choice when it comes to our parents," she told her sister.
"Thank you, Elizabeth," Viola said looking up at her sister.
Leaving Viola's side, Elizabeth sat back down and took a sip of her tea. "While I think it is noble to protect Lionel's reputation in the wake of his death, I do think you should tell Father the truth about Lionel's infidelity. He and mother deserve to know and it will help them understand your choice."
"Do you really think they would understand, Elizabeth?" Viola asked.
Elizabeth nodded. "I think they would," she told her sister. "Maybe at one time they would not have. Even knowing the truth, I think Father may have insisted you follow society's rule but they have grown over the years as well. When I took Nathan and Ally to Hamilton, father admitted he and mother regretted not accepting and supporting my choice to come west and marry Jack. They apologized, and they truly accept Nathan as part of the family. Tell them the whole truth Viola. Do not keep secrets from them. You are going to need their love and support as a single mother. It is not easy but it is rewarding."
"I will consider what you said," Viola replied. A small, wry smile graced her tired features. "Who would have thought my little sister would be giving me advice," she commented.
"There is something to be said for facing hardships in life. They make you a stronger and wiser person."
"Right now I just feel like I am letting people down and do not know what to do next," Viola confessed.
Elizabeth reached a hand out, resting it on the table palm up. She waited for her sister to put her hand in hers before she spoke.
"It is all right to feel that way for a bit," Elizabeth told her. "You may not have loved Lionel like I loved Jack, but you have still suffered a loss. Your life is in upheaval right now. Stay with us. Give yourself time to sort through your emotions before you decide what you want to do next whether that is to return to our parent's home or start over somewhere else. There is no rush."
Viola squeezed her sister's hand.
"Thank you, Elizabeth."
"You are welcome," Elizabeth told her. She held Viola's hand for a little longer before getting to her feet. "Let me finish getting dinner ready and we can sit down and eat. Then perhaps you might want to lie down for a nap. You look exhausted."
"Laying down on a bed that is not moving sounds good," Viola admitted. "What about Margaret?"
"I'll keep an eye on her. The kids and I can bake cookies. I am sure she will enjoy that and Nathan will enjoy the treat when he gets home from work tonight."
Viola nodded. "Is there anything I can do to help?"
Elizabeth nodded as she got to her feet. "You can set the table," she told her sister, following the statement with where the dishes and silverware were located.
Tyler finished the chapter of the book Autumn had brought home from the library. He looked down at the sleepy girl.
"Papa Tyler, would you be offended if I ask Mama to read to me tomorrow?" the girl asked.
"Of course not, Sweetheart," Tyler told the girl. "You can have your Mama read to you in our room and then I will tuck you in tomorrow night. How does that sound?"
"That sounds nice," Autumn said with a smile. "I miss Daddy but I like have a father again. I just hope nothing happens to you. I think I might be cursed."
Tyler felt his heart clenched. "Why would you say that Autumn?"
"Well, Mama said my birth father is in jail because he was a bad man. That is why she took me and moved me to somewhere I would be safe. I do not remember him. Then she met Daddy and Daddy was killed. Mama said she would explain that in more detail when I am older but I still miss him. Now, Mama and I have you. I hope that nothing happens to you because you chose me and Mama."
Tyler settled back against the headboard and lifted Autumn up to lean against him. "Sweetheart, I know you have suffered some loss in your life. More than any child should have to, but none of that stuff has to do with you. You are not cursed. Now, I cannot promise that nothing will happen to me. Life is full of uncertainties. What I can promise is that if something does happen, it is not because I chose your Mama and you. The two of you are a blessing in my life."
Autumn tilted her head to look up at him.
"Are you sure?"
"I am positive," Tyler told her. "You want to know how I know."
Autumn nodded her head.
"My parents were killed in an accident going home after my graduation from the Mountie Academy. For a while, I felt guilty. I felt that if my parents had not come to my graduation that they would still be alive. It took awhile, but I realized that nothing I did had caused that accident. Like a lot of things in life, accidents cannot always be prevented. Yes, they were on that road because of my graduation, but they traveled in a wagon all the time. They could have been on their way from their home to town and an accident could have happened."
"I guess that makes sense," Autumn said.
"Your birth father was not a good man. That is no reflection on your mother or you," Tyler told her. "What happened to your Daddy was terrible but again no ones' fault. Not yours or your Mama, his, or even mine."
"Did you blame yourself for Daddy's death?" Autumn asked. "I know Mounties are supposed to keep people safe. I am sure Daddy knew you would have kept him safe if you could. Even a Mountie cannot be multiple places at once."
Tyler swallowed hard and closed his eyes. Like his parents, he had felt guilty for Gilbert's death. He had felt like there should have been something he could do to save Gilbert. Something he could have done to protect Rachel. However, there wasn't. He had not known about Rachel's past with James. He had not been aware that James was out and therefore a danger to Rachel and her family. If he had, he would have asked to be notified when the man had been released. He would have known to keep an eye out for the danger. Just like he had now. Though it should be many years before James was released after his most recent crimes, if he got paroled or escaped, the Mounties would notify him.
"For a while I did," Tyler admitted, opening his eyes as he felt more in control of his emotions. "But the truth is, I was not aware of the danger. None of us were."
"If you had been aware of the danger, you would have protected all of us. I know that. I am glad you are here to look out for me and Mama now. I am glad you are my Papa."
"I am proud to be your Papa, Autumn," Tyler told her, placing a kiss to the top of her head. "Now, are you ready to get some sleep."
"Yes, Papa Tyler," Autumn said. "Tuck me in, please."
"With pleasure," Tyler replied. He got to his feet as Autumn settled back against the pillow. He then took the sheet and tucked it up around her. He kissed her forehead. "Sweet dreams, Autumn," he told her getting to his feet.
Leaving Autumn's room, he made his way to the room next door. He found Rachel finishing taking her hair down and reaching for the hairbrush.
"Here, let me brush your hair out," Tyler told her, walking forward.
Rachel nodded, as she scooted forward on the bed to give Tyler room between her and the pillow. She handed him the hair brush as he settled behind her.
"That took a little longer than I expected," Rachel commented. "Did Autumn talk you into an extra chapter?"
"Not exactly," Tyler said, as he ran the brush through her long, silky hair. He told her about the conversation he'd had with their daughter.
"I did not think she would make the connection between losing fathers like that," Autumn whispered.
"Children make connections in their own way. There is no anticipating that."
"Do you think I should have told her that it was her birth father that killed Gilbert?"
"No," Tyler said. "I do not think that is something she needs to know at this point," he told her. "Eventually, she will need to know but being honest with her that Gilbert was killed is enough for now I think."
"I have to admit, the thought of James getting out and hurting you has crossed my mind."
"Try not to worry about that," Tyler told her. "James is in jail where he belongs. If he gets out, I will be notified. We will take the appropriate steps for all of us to be safe in that eventuality," he promised her.
"But Gilbert was killed because he fell in love with me."
Tyler put the hairbrush down on the bed beside him and wrapped his arms around Rachel. Gently, he pulled her back close against him, his hand resting on her swollen stomach. "Gilbert was not killed because of you. He was killed because James is an evil person who chose to do bad things. He hurt you before you left him. People like that do not just stop hurting people because they get thrown in jail. You are a victim, Rachel, just like Gilbert was. For now, James is in jail. Let's not give him any more thought."
"If you are notified he is out, you will tell me right?" Rachel asked, her hands resting over top of Tyler's. "Please do not try to protect me by keeping that from me. I did not know he was out the last time and he took me by surprise. I do not want that to happen again."
"If I hear anything about James, I will share the information with you. We will deal with it together if it becomes an issue."
"Thank you," Rachel told him.
Before Tyler could say anything else, he felt a firm push against his one hand. It was something he had never felt before. Even in his surprise he noticed Rachel's intake of breath. "Was that the baby? Does it hurt?"
"It was the baby," Rachel confirmed. "While it may not be the most comfortable sensation, there is also something amazing about knowing my baby is doing well inside of me."
"That is one of the most incredible feelings," Tyler said, his hand still on her stomach. "Hey little one. I would ask you to kick again for me, but I don't want to put your Mama through anymore discomfort than necessary," he said, his head leaning over her shoulder.
Rachel laughed even as the baby kicked again. "I am glad you are willing to share this experience with me," she said, turning her head to kiss Tyler's cheek.
"Thank you for letting me experience it with you," Tyler replied. "I am also glad a piece of Gilbert will live on."
"I sort of want a boy," Rachel admitted. "I know either way, it is still Gilbert's child, but I would like a son that I could name after him."
"Then I hope we get a son," Tyler replied. "Either way, the baby will be loved though," he told her.
"Of that I have no doubt," Rachel replied, not making any move to extricate herself from his embrace.
Tyler was content just to hold her. In his heart he knew that one day soon, Rachel would be ready to return the love he felt for her, Autumn and the little one she carried inside her. Until then, he would just savor what she felt comfortable giving him.
Sitting at her desk, Elizabeth wrote in her journal about her reaction to Viola showing up. For tonight at least, Margaret was sharing the room with her mother. The little girl had not wanted to be alone. Elizabeth had a feeling Viola had been happy with the arrangement herself for now.
Her heart went out for her older sister. Elizabeth could tell that Viola was struggling. Perhaps she was relieved to be out of the marriage, but Elizabeth knew her older sister enough to know that if she could have chosen, Sir Lionel's death would not have been her way out. Life had other plans though.
Finishing her journal entry, Elizabeth put down her pen and looked to the clock. It was past midnight. Nathan should be home soon. Bill was supposed to take over guard duty at midnight. She knew Nathan would not care if she went to sleep before he got home but she wanted to be home to greet him.
Noise outside caught her attention. Getting to her feet, she moved to the window. A bobbing lantern showed her enough to know Nathan was heading to the barn with Newton. Elizabeth let the curtain fall and moved for the front door. Grabbing her shawl, Elizabeth headed outside. By the time she reached the barn, Nathan was removing Newton's saddle.
"Is everything all right?" Nathan asked spotting Elizabeth.
"Relax. Everything is fine. Everyone else is asleep."
"You should be too," Nathan told her, putting the saddle in its place.
"I wanted to be up to greet my husband," Elizabeth told him. "The kids and I baked chocolate chip cookies today. I thought we could have some of them and a glass of milk before we go to bed. Or I could make you a sandwich."
Reaching her, Nathan pressed his lips against hers. Elizabeth returned the kiss. It was the only greeting she needed.
"The sandwich is not necessary," Nathan said when he broke the kiss. "I will not say no to the cookies though."
Elizabeth laughed. "I didn't think you would," she said. "Let me help you get Newton settled so we can go in and enjoy them."
"Sounds like a plan," Nathan replied.
Together, the two went back to the horse. Elizabeth started brushing him while Nathan checked Newton's hooves. Elizabeth knew that moments like these were important to their marriage. Sharing time because they wanted to and not because they had to put a show for society was what really made a marriage.
When she was ready, Elizabeth hoped that Viola might find this kind a marriage for herself.