Chapter Three
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Shopping and Sharing
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Happily, Nathan directed the wagon towards the Mercantile. Jed had been grateful for the extra work and pay, promising to care for the farm animals both mornings and evenings for the next two weeks. He also agreed to ask Mrs. Sterk if there were other things to be done at the farm.
In the back of the wagon, Allie had tied together a few picture books she no longer read along with another bag of cookies, in hopes that the Sterk children would enjoy them. Rosemary's basket of Shepherd's Pie and muffins was tucked into the front corner and Lee had sent an empty basket with payment and a request for apples from the Sterk orchard as soon as they had them ready to sell. More ideas of how to assist the Sterks were forming in Nathan's mind until he hopped down from the wagon and waved as Faith entered the store. All other thoughts were put on hold as he excitedly climbed the steps.
"Good morning, Nathan!" Ned greeted him jovially as the bell over the door rang. "It is a beautiful August day, eh?"
"Good morning, Ned, and yes it is. Trust you are well. We are early, so if you'll excuse us, the good doctor and I are collecting groceries for the Sterk's out on West Road. Hans has injured his leg and we are offering what assistance we can." Nathan smiled at Faith who watched him from between the shelves.
"Oh really? In that case, let me give you a discount. Get all you need and let me know if I can help find anything."
"That is kind, Ned, thank you. What we might need is some crates to transport the goods. I can return them once we get things unpacked at the farm."
"No problem." Ned bent behind the counter and lifted three wooden crates. "I will set a few on this back counter here so you may fill them as you go. I have more if needed."
Nathan nodded, then moving close to Faith's side, whispered, "Good morning, Faith. You are a ray of sunshine!"
Blushing and smiling, Faith looked into Nathan's clear blue eyes but kept her thoughts to herself.
"Hello, Nathan! Do you have a list?" Waving a paper, she continued, "I jotted down a few things. I didn't ask, but do you think the family has chickens? Should we get eggs?"
"I didn't see a coop but I wasn't looking at night, so let's wait and we can bring some later today if we need to. Let's start with breakfast and get some oatmeal, brown sugar, coffee and tea…"
When Molly entered the Mercantile she immediately went to her boss and the Constable. "Good morning, Nathan, Faith." She was slightly out of breath. "Whew! I just read your note and hoped I would catch you here. I ran to the Café and here are some scones to bring with you. Maybe they will enjoy something freshly baked as I am sure Nellie didn't bake this morning!" Molly patted Faith's arm. "Now don't worry about the office. Dorcas and I will handle everything and it is mostly routine check-ups this morning anyway. We'll sanitize the items from yesterday as well." Molly was ready to turn then quickly added, "If you are back in time, I hoped we might share lunch together at the Café? We haven't done that in a while. Shall we?"
"Sure, Molly. That would be lovely." Faith smiled fondly at her fiery, copper-haired assistant. "Thank you for taking care of the Office today since Dorcas is still getting to know the townspeople. I am more comfortable with you there too!"
Having filled four cartons with staples and canned goods, Faith added some additional gauze, paper and crayons. "Treating the whole person, I see? Let me add a game of Dominoes. That is a quiet and fun activity, but can help with math!" Nathan winked at Faith, knowing she was thinking as was he. The Sterk children could learn apart from school for now.
Ned helped Nathan load the wagon, tucking a bag of candy between the crates when no one was looking. Standing behind Faith and placing his hands on her waist, Nathan said, "Let me steady you." He almost lifted her onto the wagon seat and the motion that wouldn't have affected either of them with anyone else, today resulted in rosy cheeks for both of them.
Untethering the horse, Nathan climbed onto the wagon and lifted the reins. Huskily he asked, "Ready?"
"I think so." Faith glanced around the street, grateful that the town was still awakening and no one would have seen their close proximity. A part of her wanted to shout from the rooftops that she and Nathan were beginning to date, but she knew that would happen soon enough. Today was a workday. They just happened to be working together.
"So, how did you sleep last night, Nathan? I'm afraid you didn't get much time since we were so late getting back."
"Well, Doctor, you might be surprised. I was asleep before I finished my nighttime prayer!" Displaying his endearing half-smile, Nathan added. "Must have been the pleasant company I shared with you last evening!"
"I am grateful to hear that, Nathan, both as your physician and your friend." She slid a little closer on the seat so leaning slightly she could nudge his shoulder with hers. Well, actually nudge his arm with her shoulder. He sat much taller in the seat that she did.
Nathan grinned down at her, admiring the golden highlights of her blonde curls shining in the sunlight. "You really are a ray of golden sunshine, Faith."
"Thank you, Nathan." Faith was quiet for a bit, just enjoying that they were together on this beautiful morning. Eventually she broke their silence, "What is our plan? Or do we even need a plan?"
"Since we have breakfast supplies for them, let's offer those first and assure them we will unpack everything and store it if the girls can tell us where everything goes. That way, we can put the kettle on for boiling water and take care of Hans as soon as we unpack. Does that sound like a good approach? Once the children have eaten and the medical needs are completed, maybe we can introduce the books and game?"
"You are a planner aren't you?" Faith observed. "Is that by natural inclination or parenthood or by Mountie training and experience?"
Nathan chuckled. "All of the above! I am a list-maker and working as a Mountie only enhances my tendency to organize! You can't lead a troop of men into the wilderness without a plan."
"Have you done that? Led a troop?"
"I have led men while tracking criminals, so yes. I don't have an officer's rank, but I have served in that capacity when a knowledgeable leader was required for tracking." Nathan shared.
"Do you aspire to advance in the RCMP? What would be your next step?"
"Originally I was tapped for officer training, but the instability of those assignments caused me to withdraw when Allie came to live with me. I needed to care for her and personal advancement no longer held any allure. Allie became my top priority and you know? I don't regret it, Faith. Allie is blossoming into a lovely young lady and although I cannot take credit for that, I have had a part to play. God has been good to us."
"Why am I so often inclined to disagree with you, Nathan? I think you put yourself down too much." Unintentionally, Faith placed her hand on Nathan's forearm. "You can take credit for who Allie is and is becoming. It was your sacrifice and your love and parental guidance that helped form her character. Her concern for the Sterks? That wasn't out of the blue. She learned compassion and care for others from you, Nathan. She has watched you, her father, and you've taught lessons by your attitudes and behavior, by thoughtfulness, and by your willingness to take her in. She is smart, Nathan. She knows you sacrificed on her behalf."
Suddenly hoarse, Nathan could only cough as he thought to himself. 'This support and encouragement? This acknowledgment? I've never had this before…' His rumination was cut short by the need to turn into the lane to the Sterk farmhouse, so Nathan quickly placed his hand over Faith's and quietly stated, "Thank you."
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"Good morning, friends! We come bearing breakfast." Nathan followed Faith into the house as Nellie stood holding the door open, shocked.
Giggles and happy hoorays accompanied Nathan as he carried the first crate into the kitchen. As Faith followed with the basket of dinner, Nellie exclaimed her amazement. "When you said groceries I thought maybe a few things in a basket. We cannot repay all of this right now. Can you return it?"
"We cannot. Nor can you." Faith assured the worried woman. "Gifts do not get returned and these items are gifts! My assistant sent the scones knowing you wouldn't have had time to bake today while caring for your husband. Nathan's neighbor had his daughter for dinner last evening and together they made a Shepherd's Pie for your dinner today. Again, they know you have your hands full. The groceries are in part given by the owner of the Mercantile because we all are in need of assistance at some time in our lives. So, you see, Nellie, you must accept these gifts as if from God above! Now, let's get the kettle on so I can take care of Hans. How is he today?"
Nellie accepted the offerings as she observed how many staples and long-lasting foods had been provided. She could make all of this last for weeks! "Marit? Anna? Could you help find places for these items in the pantry and the cabinets? Thank you." Nellie turned to Faith and to Nathan who was carrying in another crate. "Thank you both and please give our appreciation to those whom you have mentioned. I am overwhelmed, but very grateful." Tears shown in Nellie's eyes.
"You are welcome and we are glad to come alongside. With both of your menfolk disabled at the moment, you need your community." Nathan explained as he departed for another load.
"Have you had breakfast yet? I am no great cook, but I can prepare porridge and you have the scones…and somewhere in here is a new jar of jam." Faith dug into a box. "Ah ha! Strawberry! Anyone like strawberry?"
"I can make the porridge, but maybe we should just have the scones for now?" Nellie offered. "I want to be with you when you treat Hans again."
"Let's get you and the children your breakfast and then Nathan and I can work with Hans, okay?" Faith lifted the bag of oats onto the counter. "There you go."
"Okay. Nathan, could you carry-in the milk pail again?" Nellie explained, "Marit milked the cow a short time ago and it will save time and loss if you carry it rather than us having to scoop out small portions to gradually transfer it to the house."
"Of course. I'll be right back. Oh, Jed Richards will be coming to care for the animals each morning and evening for a couple weeks. That way Hans needn't have any worries about the farm. Jed will gladly carry the milk and I've also asked him to check with you about other things that you need to have done. Maybe chopping wood, moving hay, assessing the harvest…? Let me get the milk and we can talk more." Nathan disappeared out the kitchen door.
Now the tears overflowed and Nellie plopped into a kitchen chair and wept into her apron.
"Your emotions are all over the place, Nellie, but that is normal remember. Plus, with all the other concerns and lack of sleep, it is not surprising you are overwhelmed. By the way, I brought you some Black Strap Molasses and I want you to have a tablespoon of it morning and night. You need the extra iron and vitamins. It is good mixed in with your oats by the way. I always like that!"
Faith stirred the oatmeal and turned the burner low under the kettle, just to keep it slightly boiling. "Oh good, here is Nathan. Children? How about you sit at the table with your mother and you can eat together while the Constable and I take care of your Dad. I'll check your ankle afterwards, Pieter, okay?" Faith patted his shoulder as she brought two bowls to the table.
Washing his hands in the sink, Nathan asked. "Shall I pour the milk and make a pot of tea?"
"Thank you, Constable. It is very strange to be served in your own kitchen." Nellie sniffled.
"We will be out of your way as soon as we can be, Nellie. Did you get much sleep last night?" Nathan inquired as he brought the teapot to the table.
"Thank you." She patted the top of the teapot. "Some. Off and on."
"I was thinking as I walked out to the barn. Do you have chickens and eggs?" Nathan questioned.
"We did, but an animal got in and those not killed escaped to who knows where. That's why Hans was setting traps. We need to get the coop repaired and start again, especially with winter coming…"
"Ah ha. I will get on that right away then. I know just who to ask to help me repair or build a coop for you and I'm sure Ned will know of someone who may be able to spare some chickens as well." Nathan took out his paper and pencil to add to his list. "I will chop some wood while the doctor is examining Pieter here. If I do some and Jed does some more, we should get you better prepared before the upcoming changes in weather."
"Nathan? Are you ready to carry in the basin of water and assist me?" Faith nodded at the family. "You folks take your time and finish your breakfast, okay?"
…
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