Stepping from the master bedroom onto the balcony, Nathan placed the tray containing the two cups of tea, his mug of hot chocolate, and a plate of sugar cookies on the table. He and Ally had prepared the hot drinks and treat while Elizabeth and Viola were putting the two younger kids in bed. Ally had taken her hot chocolate and cookies to her room to read. Reaching for the chairs, he rearranged them so that three of them were at the small round table. He then sat down in the chair furthest from the door and picked up his mug of hot chocolate.
Coming home, they had discovered Viola asleep on the settee, with Margaret asleep in her arms. Viola's face still showed stains of her tears, while Margaret's dress was dirty and there was a small tear near the hem. Seeing Elizabeth's worried expression, he had suggested she wake her sleeping sister. Doing so, they had found out about Margaret wandering off and the work crew from next door, searching for her.
"I didn't even think to ask the name of the man who brought Margaret back," Viola had exclaimed at the end of the story. It had been clear that it was something that had just occurred to her.
"I can make some inquiries for you," Nathan had assured her.
The next surprise had been when he had inquired about how the wash tubs got emptied. Viola had said she had not even finished her washing but all the clothing had been washed and hung and the wash tubs emptied. At Viola's confusion of who would do something like that, Elizabeth had informed her sister proudly that 'seeing a need and fulfilling it' was what Hope Valley was all about.
Nathan knew that Viola was feeling adrift right now. Who wouldn't be? First she had found out a trust had been breeched with her husband's infidelity. Then her husband had passed leaving her a single mother in a country that was not her own. Perhaps her marriage had not been based on love, but there had been some familiarity between the two. Nathan had seen that even in Spruce Grove after the trouble. Viola and Lionel had cared about one another on some level. Though it was not the heartbreak that Elizabeth had experienced with Jack, Viola would still feel the lost of Lionel's presence in her life. It was impossible for her not to.
Two sets of soft footsteps signaled the approach of Elizabeth and Viola. Nathan took another sip of his hot chocolate as the two women stepped onto the balcony. Elizabeth motioned her sister to the chair closest to the door before taking the chair closest to Nathan. As Elizabeth reached for a cup of tea, Viola glanced toward the door she had just come through.
"What if Margaret wakes up? She might not know where to find me or she might wander outside."
"She will not get outside," Elizabeth assured her sister. "She would not be able to reach the latch. Nathan made sure that Ally could reach the latch but she had to reach up herself. Being out here alone, I was worried about Jack wandering around at night. Besides, she would need to get past the gate on the stairs to even get downstairs."
"Are we sure the gate is in place and the front door latched?" Viola asked, looking first at Elizabeth and then at Nathan.
Nathan gave her a reassuring smile as he put his mug down and reached for the second cup of tea. "I double checked the front door before coming upstairs and the gate is at the top of the stairs," he assured her, holding the cup of tea out across the table. He waited for Viola to reach for it before continuing. "I made you chamomile tea. I thought you could use something to soothe your nerves after the day you have had."
In the light from the lamp, Viola's cheeks took on a pinkish hue. "Y must think I am acting like a silly child who can't even take care of herself let alone be a single mother," she said softly as she took the tea cup from Nathan.
"I think you are a loving mother who experienced any parent's worst fear today," Nathan told her. "Ally wandered off on me when she was five. I was chopping wood and had set Allie up with some toys on a blanket far enough away that there was no chance of her being hurt. One moment she was there with her toys and the next she was nowhere to be seen. In that moment, all my training left me. I hurried off in search of her just letting my feet pick a direction. I was frantically asking neighbors if they saw her. I am sure they had a few laughs at the town Mountie's panicked response to his missing child that night, especially as Allie was located curled up in one of the porch chairs. She had gotten tired and climbed in one to take a nap. In my panic I had not even bothered searching the immediate area."
Though she did not voice it, Nathan saw the skepticism in Viola's face.
"Even all the training that we go through with the Mounties, in search and rescue, can be easily forgotten when it is your child missing," Nathan told her. "Nothing can prepare you for that fear. Being a single parent is not easy, but in some ways you are never alone. Even when you do not have family to help you out, you will find others willing to give you a hand. Just like you discovered today."
Viola looked across the table at Nathan. "Until I sent her home to England with Lionel's body, Victoria had been there from day one to help me with Margaret. Yes, I took care of my child more than Lionel would have liked. In his family the governess always took primary responsibility for the children. I wanted Margaret to know me, but there was something reassuring about knowing that her care was not completely on my shoulders. It is now. Victoria offered to stay, but her family is in England. I am not sure if I will ever return to England now and I could not keep her so far from her family."
"You are not alone, Viola," Elizabeth told her, reaching out a hand to rest on her sister's arm. "You have family. Nathan and I, here in Hope Valley and our parents and Julie in Hamilton. You know our parents will always welcome you home and you can stay here with Nathan and me for as long as you want. There is plenty of room in the house."
"Thank you," Viola said. There was a pause before she asked, "why don't you tell me about your day? It might take my mind of the fright I had."
"I would rather stay home with you, Mama," Autumn said as she sat in front of Rachel on the bed as her mother did her hair for church.
Tyler remained quiet as he stood in the doorway of the room watching his wife and daughter. Behind him, he heard a few clattering of dishes as Faith cleaned the breakfast dishes. He had been about to do them when the doctor told him to go be with his family. Faith was staying with Rachel today, both while he took Autumn to church and then while he did a set of rounds before spelling Kevin, one of three men temporarily deputized by Bill to help with guard duty at the jail. The extra people to take watch was helping everyone's schedule.
"And I would rather be going to church with you, my dear, so I want you to go to church with Papa Tyler so you can tell me all about it," Rachel told her daughter.
"All right, Mama," Autumn said resignedly.
"Good. Listen to what Pastor Zeke has to say so you can tell me."
"What if I don't understand what he says?" Autumn asked. "Pastor Zeke sometimes uses words I do not understand."
Both Tyler and Rachel smiled at that admission.
"I have had pastors use words I do not understand," Tyler replied, getting Autumn's attention. "We are never too old to add new words to our vocabulary, so if any of those words are ones that neither of us knows, we will look them up together. Deal?"
Autumn smiled. "Deal," she said. "After Papa Tyler and I understand we can explain it to you Mama."
Tyler bit his lower lip to keep from chuckling at the seriousness of his daughter's pronouncement.
"That sound like a good plan," Rachel replied easily, finishing with her daughter's French braid and securing the bottom. She placed a kiss to the newly braided hair. "I love you," she told her daughter.
Autumn turned on the bed and hugged her mama. "I love you too," she told her.
After the embrace, Rachel sent her daughter to get her bible. Autumn scurried off and Tyler came into the room and sat down on the bed facing Rachel.
"I know being stuck in bed can be hard, but it is what is best for you and that unborn child right now," Tyler said, taking one of Rachel's hands in his. His hand seemed to dwarf her smaller one, igniting familiar protective feelings inside. He had seen things go wrong during childbirth in his years with the Mounties. He had seen mothers die. He had seen the infant die and on one occasion he and the doctor he had been assisting had lost both. He tried to push those thoughts aside. He refused to believe that God would have brought him into Rachel's life just for that outcome.
"What would you know about being stuck in bed?" Rachel asked, the question curious, not condemning.
"My first posting out of the academy was in a ranching area. My training officer and I were helping a rancher round up some stray cattle. Neither my mount nor I felt comfortable being around so many cattle. My nerves definitely did not help. Long story short, I fell off the horse into the pack of cattle being driven back to the pasture. My training officer's quick action kept me from more than just a broken leg, but as it had been broken in two places, I was on bed rest for four weeks before I was even allowed to get up in a chair. And now you know about my less then stellar start with the Mounties," Tyler told her.
Rachel smiled back at him. "I suppose that I can endure bed rest for the sake of my child. While giving birth may be more painful than a broken leg, I am sure it does not linger as long as the pain from that injury must have. I think what I am missing most is just fellowship. I know someone is here with me constantly and I am grateful for their help, but it is not the same as just being with someone for the sole purpose of chatting."
Though he did not say anything, Tyler planned on checking with Faith to see if having some of the ladies of Hope Valley stopped by for a tea party would be okay for Rachel. He wanted what was best for both Rachel and the baby, and Rachel missing fellowship with those around her would not be good for her mental health.
"The baby is due at the beginning of August at the latest," Tyler said, trying to sound reassuring. "Just hang in there."
"I will try," Rachel said. Leaning forward, she gently pressed her lips against his.
The movement took Tyler by surprise. The touch of Rachel's lips was feather soft, but felt silky against his. He felt little tingling sensations move out from where her lips touched his. He might not have been expecting this, but he was enjoying the feeling. As she pulled back, he knew he would savor even that brief connection.
"Thank you for caring for and loving me, Tyler," she told him softly before sitting back again.
"It is my pleasure," Tyler told her before they heard quick footsteps hurrying back.
"I am ready, Papa Tyler," Autumn said as she bounced into the room, a bible in one hand.
"All right," Tyler said getting to his feet. He placed a kiss to Rachel's head. "We'll be home soon. I plan on eating with the two of you before heading out on rounds."
"Thank you," Rachel said.
While Autumn moved in to hug and kiss her mom good-bye, Tyler slipped out into the next room to have a quick chat with Faith. As he left the cabin with one of Autumn's hands tucked safely in his, Tyler had the doctor's blessing to see about arranging a tea party with a few ladies for Rachel.
As Zeke's final prayer came to an end, Elizabeth whispered Amen and lifted her head. Her eyes fell on the back of Nathan's head, as he Jack, Ally and Dylan had sat in the pew in front of Margaret, Viola and her. Nathan's search for who had found Margaret the day before had not had to be started, as Viola had recognized Dylan when he joined them at the beginning of the church service. When Viola had asked if he knew who had finished the laundry the day before, Dylan had looked down at his shoes as he admitted to it. Though Elizabeth did not doubt Nathan's description of the man as he had known him, it was also clear to her that his experiences over the years truly had changed him.
Zeke dismissed the congregation and the hum of voices and sounds of people getting to their feet around her filled the little church. Elizabeth got to her feet. Next to her, Viola did as well. Her sister hand not let go of her daughter's hand since they had left the house. Elizabeth did not say anything about it, knowing that if Jack had been the one to disappear that she might be acting exactly the same way.
As Nathan stepped into the aisle and turned toward her, Elizabeth moved to stand by his side. Ally, with Jack by the hand, stepped into the aisle behind Nathan with Dylan behind them. Elizabeth and Nathan let Viola and Margaret in front of them and then their little group followed the others toward the door, where Zeke was standing to say good day to his parishioners. Pair by pair, their group said a few words to Zeke until Dylan reached him alone.
"I am happy to have you worshiping with us," Zeke said to Dylan as the man reached him. "You have been disappearing before I could say anything to you."
"I will confess I am still a little uneasy in a church," Dylan told him.
"Well I hope you are getting more comfortable. Could I stop by some evening this week, just to talk and get to know you better?"
"After work I am always free," Dylan replied.
"Let's have dinner on Tuesday then," Zeke replied. "Stop by my little cabin at five."
"I will be there, Pastor."
"Wonderful," Zeke replied. "Have a good day and remember, my door is always open to my parishioners, the permanent ones and those who may just be passing through."
"Good day to you, Pastor," Elizabeth heard Dylan say as she and Nathan stepped to the side of the steps. Dylan was soon joining the group.
Before Nathan could suggest they head to the wagon, Tyler was approaching them.
"Elizabeth, I was hoping I could talk to you for a moment before you leave," the Mountie said, having left Autumn chatting with Ivy.
Elizabeth looked up at Nathan. "I will get the children in the wagon," her husband told her.
"Thank you," Elizabeth replied.
Nathan, Dylan and Viola all headed toward the Grant's wagon with the three children in tow.
"Has Rachel been feeling all right?" Elizabeth asked Tyler, concern for her new friend.
"Physically, she's bee fine," Tyler said. "I did not mean to alarm you. However, this morning she was saying that she missed being able to chat with the ladies without them being at the house to help her. I was wondering if perhaps you could arrange an afternoon tea party with a few of the ladies at the house. I can pay for whatever food you ladies want to eat, and there are plenty of different teas already at the house."
Elizabeth smiled. It was nice that Rachel had someone like Tyler looking out for her now. "I am sure I can arrange something. I can introduce Viola to Rachel and some other ladies as well. How about Wednesday afternoon?"
Tyler nodded his consent.
"Let's not say anything to Rachel. The surprise might make it more of a treat for her."
"I won't say a thing to her. If you need my help with anything, just let me know."
"I will," Elizabeth assured him. "I will let you know more specifics as I get them settled."
"Thank you, Elizabeth," Tyler told her.
The two said their farewells and Elizabeth headed toward the wagon. Dylan and Viola were sitting in the back with the children. Elizabeth noticed that Ally was already chatting with her birth father, which made her happy. Though she did not want to lose Ally as their daughter, for both Nathan and her own sake, she knew having a connection with Dylan was important as long as that relationship could be a positive one.
"What was that about?" Nathan asked, from where he was standing next to the wagon.
"Tyler wants me to arrange a tea party with some of the ladies with Rachel, who is feeling a little lonely. I am planning on Wednesday," Elizabeth informed him.
"That sounds like fun for all of you," Nathan said, holding out a hand to help Elizabeth climb onto the wagon seat. "I am off that afternoon, so I am willing to watch Margaret and Jack. If we add any more though I may need an extra pair of hands."
"Thank you," Elizabeth said as she settled on the wagon seat. "I will see which children need to be watched and we'll see what arrangements need to be made."
"Perhaps I should skip tea and just stay with Margaret," Viola spoke up from the back as Nathan walked around to the other side of the wagon.
"Margaret will be fine with me," Nathan said. "You should get to know some of the ladies around here," he told his sister-in-law as he sat down on the wagon seat next to Elizabeth. Looking over his shoulder, he looked down at Margaret. "You want to spend the afternoon with Uncle Nathan, right Margaret?"
"Can you read a story with voices?" Margaret asked, a bright smile on her face. Like both Jack and Ally, Margaret enjoyed the different voices that Nathan used when he read Jack's story books.
"I sure can," Nathan assured her.
"That would be fun," Margaret declared.
Viola smiled. She was glad her daughter was making connections with her sisters family. Margaret and Jack got along very well.
"I guess I am going to tea then," Viola said.
"Good," Elizabeth said. "The fellowship will be just as good for you as it will be for Rachel," she stated as Nathan gave the horse the signal to start moving. In her mind, she was making a mental list of other ladies to speak with the following day.