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Chapter Seventeen

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Discontent

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After completing required reports, Nathan finished a checklist of items to which he could refer when acclimating the new Constable. The list was long as the Constable's responsibilities had grown along with the town of Hope Valley over the years in which Nathan had served. Once satisfied, Nathan quickly swept the floor, straightened the bookcase and prepared the office to be seen by a newcomer.

'Knowing a stranger is coming always makes me see a place through their eyes! It's a good time to clean, but it's never exactly as I would like it to be as I always run out of time.' Nathan chuckled to himself. 'This will have to do today as I have people to see.'

Locking up, Nathan headed to the Saloon to confirm the room he had reserved for the new Mountie. After Lucas's anger the previous day, Nathan wanted to be certain the room was available tomorrow and indefinitely, although he had a plan to discuss with the Constable once he arrived.

Once Gustave confirmed the reservation for him, Nathan next headed to the Mercantile to place an order.

"Hello, Ned. I have a couple requests. First, can you please order a comfortable mattress to fit the frame in the back room of the jail? Thicker and more sturdy than the ones in the cells, please? I'd also like to order an armchair and one of those small fold-top desks with drawers below? Oak is fine, but basic, plain and unadorned is preferred."

"Making overnights more comfortable, Nathan?" Ned inquired as he opened a catalog and found his page. "How about this one?"

"Yes, something like that. It's about time for an upgrade." Nathan chuckled. "That's a good one. Does it have a matching desk chair?" Nathan pointed to the illustration of the desk.

"It is sold separately but matches. What color upholstery on the armchair?" Ned eyed Nathan quizzically.

"Make it dark blue. That matches the uniform. Oh, and can you acquire a matching ottoman? Also, while you're at it, please order a cushion for my desk chair? I should have ordered it years ago!"

"Okay. Is this billed to the RCMP?"

"It is. Thank you. Now on a personal matter, can you obtain a Sears and Roebucks catalog of house plans? I know they sell those, but have never really examined one. I would like to take it home for an extended period of time, so maybe order one for me to keep? You can put that on my account, please?"

"My, Nathan! Curious happenings! I have last year's edition in the back room. You may keep it as long as you want because the newer catalog is here up front. Are you planning to build?"

"Someday!" Nathan grinned. "May I take it with me now?"

"Of course. I'll get on the Mountie order this afternoon and let you know when that furniture arrives."

"Thanks so much. Another topic entirely, have you had any luck finding some chickens for the Sterk family?"

"I have. Both the Browns and Jed Campbell are willing to donate a couple and they'll deliver them to the Sterk's tomorrow. Do you know if they have any feed?"

"I'm afraid I do not. Maybe I could find out tomorrow? Could you set aside a bag, just in case?"

"Gladly. Anything else?"

"I don't think so. Thanks, Ned, and good day!" Nathan tipped his hat, strode down the steps and went to meet with Lee, catalog under his arm.

. .

"May I interrupt you for a few moments, Lee?"

"Never an interruption, Nathan. Especially when you are in uniform! What's up?"

"Only because I brought it to your attention, can you please tell me if you have found out if Elizabeth needs assistance teaching this year? Allie has mentioned that the students who took the advanced class and chorus this summer, appreciated Katy Yost. Any possibility of hiring her as a second teacher?"

Lee pondered as he eyed Nathan. "Those are loaded questions." Leaning back in his chair, Lee toyed with a pencil in his hands. "First, I have a meeting scheduled with Elizabeth and the mayor in an hour. He represents the school board and I just don't want to deal with this without a witness. I intend to request an explanation for the 'tutoring' idea as well as try to understand if she is less invested in teaching, or wants to reduce her hours. I won't tell her, but I've already told Katy that I intend to try to hire a second teacher, so that idea has been in my back pocket for a couple of weeks. It hinges on Elizabeth's performance and/or her request for an assistant."

Leaning forward, elbows on his desk, Lee continued, "When I went to talk to her yesterday, I told Elizabeth that Lucas is not qualified to 'substitute' and I intend to reiterate that again. He is not to be inside the schoolhouse when school is in session. I cannot address his other behaviors in town, but that is within my jurisdiction." Lee sighed. "Ah, Nathan? This is confidential, please? I know you don't spread gossip, but it is important that I keep this quiet until the school board makes any decisions, okay?"

"I understand. I hope you understand that I am concerned for Allie's education? She attends school to learn, from her teacher, and not to teach younger students, at least not for an entire day!" Nathan explained.

"I do understand and I agree."

Nathan added, "If Allie has concerns again, or shares a similar issue as yesterday's, may I send her to talk to you directly? Actually, I don't want her to be a tattle, so might request she bring Anna or Emily along with her if they share the concerns."

"Yes, you may send them." Lee sighed heavily. "Please pray for me, Nathan? Whatever is going on with Elizabeth and Lucas right now is of grave concern to Rosemary and to me, as friends and as citizens. I won't say more as I don't need to burden you, but I would appreciate your prayers."

"You have them, my friend. Now, switching to another subject, I obtained this catalog from Ned and wondered if you have any advice? I won't be purchasing a house from Sears and Roebucks, but I don't know if it would be helpful to purchase plans? Or would it be helpful to pour over floor plans for ideas and begin a list? I want to discuss plans with Allie, but also with Faith, although we are not engaged!" Nathan laughed. "In spite of you catching me looking at rings, I'm not ready yet!"

Grateful for a lighter and happier subject, Lee laughed as well. "Those catalogs are fascinating and I have enjoyed perusing them myself in the past. Go ahead and mark plans you like and even find features you want and begin a list. It is a good place to start. Actually, no promises, but if we can decide on a plan, I'm wondering if we can dig the foundation this fall. It would mean we might get started once the snow melts next spring and not have to wait for the ground to thaw!"

"I like that idea, but let me see what we come up with. Will you need to hire an architect to draw up blueprints or what? This is a first for me!"

"Why don't we see what transpires over the next few weeks? I actually have blueprints for Rosie and myself. If we had a sized and surveyed foundation planned for you, we could finalize floorplans over the winter. Also Shane Cantrell is gifted in designing house plans, as well as construction, so we can work with him. I am grateful he moved back to Hope Valley."

"That sounds exciting! I'll get on it right away, Lee. Thank you and God bless your conversation this afternoon. I'll leave you to it!" Nathan stood and reached out his hand.

Returning a warm handshake, Lee responded. "Sounds good, and thanks, Nathan."

Chuckling as he donned his Stetson, Nathan responded. "Thank you!"

. .

Stowing the catalog in his saddlebag, Nathan mounted Newton and headed out on afternoon rounds. As he rode up to the Sterk farmhouse, he heard sounds of wood-chopping from the back, so headed towards the woodpile first. Nathan had a couple of ideas.

"Hey, Jed! Looks as though you have made some wonderful progress on a winter woodpile! Thanks so much for this. I have other residents for whom I cut wood, and the Doctor would not be happy with me if I added any more woodpiles to my existing list. How is it going here?"

"Excellent! I really like Hans and we've had some good talks. He's much improved too!" Jed motioned towards the barn. "He's in there if you need him."

"I do. Thanks." Entering the barn, Nathan called out. "Hans? Nathan here."

"Hello! Come to check up on me and report back to the Doctor?" Hans grinned as he stood from his seat on a bale of hay and reached out his hand.

Grinning back, and shaking Hans's hand, Nathan quipped, "I guess I could do a little spying to get in the good graces with the Doctor!"

Laughing, Hans responded, "You are already in her good graces, Nathan. No doubt about it!"

"I hope so! Listen, I stopped to tell you that Jed Campbell and Warren Brown will be delivering some chickens to you tomorrow morning. Ned just informed me. He also asked if you need feed?"

"Really? That is great. I'll have to give them some apples although I'm not sure that is a fair exchange. I've got plenty of feed, but thanks for checking."

"You're welcome. I have another question though. If I could send a young, and very gifted and lovely, teacher out here to work with your children would you be open to that? She has some years of experience so I'm certain has taught children to read. I haven't asked her yet, but I will gladly do so if you would allow it?"

"Wow. I would love it, but need to discuss it with Nellika. How much would it cost though?"

"I'm not sure of any price, but you may be able to barter if you want. I don't know her availability or how frequently she could come, but I would recommend her highly. Would you please talk to Nellika and let me know? You may inform Dr. Carter when she comes and I will bring the young woman here to meet you if she is willing."

Excited by this possibility, Hans agreed.

"I'll talk to her tonight. Thank you again, Nathan. I never knew a Mountie would be so concerned for the welfare, and not just the safety, of his townsfolk. Or in our case, farm folk!"

Chuckling, Nathan commented, "Glad to help and my responsibilities are varied! I'll let you get back to your work… What are you doing?"

"Counting stacks of bushel baskets!"

Hans pointed to multiple stacks of baskets against a side wall. I may need to order a few more as I rode out to the orchard with Jed and it looks like a bumper crop this year!"

Nathan raised an eyebrow, "Rode?"

"See? I knew you were a spy! Rode in the wagon, Nathan. Don't go telling the Doctor anything to get me in trouble!"

Laughing, Nathan promised. "Oh, I'll give a glowing report! Glad for the good crop! See you later!"

Nathan tipped his hat and turned to depart.

"Say hello to the good Doctor next time you see her, okay? You know, around town…"

"I will tell her tonight!"

Nathan turned to give a good-natured smile over his shoulder and both men laughed.

. .

After praying their thanksgiving before the meal, Nathan handed Allie's plate to Faith who stood and held the spatula.

"Is this enough to start with, Allie?"

"Give that piece to Dad, please? I'll take a smaller one."

"Thank you, Faith, and Allie. I may still come back for a second helping you know."

Giggling, Allie commented. "Oh, I know! And Miss Faie is learning, right?"

"I am indeed. This looks delicious, Nathan. Whose recipe did you use?" Faith served herself, then blew on a forkful of steaming chicken pot pie.

"It is Mom's recipe that I spiced up a bit. She prefers more bland food, but Allie and I love pepper. Is it okay with you?" Nathan watched Faith's face. "Mom only uses poultry seasonings, you know like sage and rosemary? I prefer less rosemary, more thyme, nutmeg, and extra pepper, along with the sage."

"It's delicious, Nathan. I'll have to watch and see how much you add so I can get it to your liking in the future."

Winking at Allie, she inquired, "Does your father 'doctor' a lot of recipes, Allie?"

"Uh oh! You've caught the Dad-puns from Dad! I'm in real trouble now!" Allie smirked at her father then answered Faith's question. "He does! Sometimes, Grandma would know and sometimes she had no idea. For me, I always ask because I trust his taste."

"'Doctoring' recipes, eh? I'll have to remember that phrase, especially now." Nathan wiggled his eyebrows then addressed Allie, "How was school this afternoon? Were any lessons taught? Did you get your writing pieces returned or...?"

"No papers returned yet. Mrs. Thornton still looked tired, but she taught some science to the older students and had the little ones color and try to trace their names on a page."

"What about having you teach the little ones?"

"She assigned me to Rachel and Tommy to Anna. Emily has Donny and Opal has Lily, while Cooper has Benny. Rachel is the one who doesn't know all her alphabet, so I worked with her on that after the science lesson. She's so cute and so willing to try!"

Nathan raised an eyebrow at Faith, then responded. "Allie? Would you be willing to tell Uncle Lee what you just told us? He needs to know about these classroom changes."

"I guess so. Will I get Mrs. Thornton in trouble though? I want a better teacher, but she used to be good and I don't want to get her in trouble."

"Mrs. Thornton is hired to teach, Honey. The school board needs to know if she is doing that or not, plus I know how you thought school was boring at the end of last year, so we need to find ways for her to interest her pupils. Let's walk down to talk to Uncle Lee after dinner, okay?"

Shrugging, Allie agreed, "Okay."

"I'm expecting the new Constable tomorrow. Do you think we could invite him for dinner tomorrow night? I bought a pork loin and thought we could make that? Does that sound good?"

"It does. Have you ever tried a sauce with pork loin? I have a recipe I learned from Fiona and it is wonderful!" Faith suggested one of her favorites.

"That sounds good. We can have buttered noodles and a green salad? Oh, would we need applesauce if you have your special sauce?"

"Applesauce could be a side. What about dessert? I could make brownies while you go talk to Lee?"

"If you don't mind, I will never say no to brownies. You don't either, eh, Allie-girl?"

"Brownies are a favorite! Plus this way, you aren't tempted to eat the whole pan, Miss Faie!"

"Well, I wouldn't go that far. The temptation will be there, but I will refrain from indulging in deference to your father!"

Laughing, Nathan corrected her. "You need not defer to me or resist seconds as long as there is enough. We can always bake more!"

. .

"Oh! Hello, Nathan, Allie? Come in." Lee looked out on the lane. "Are you alone?"

"Yes, Faith is baking and we have a brief report to give you on this afternoon at school."

"You and a few others." Lee gave a knowing look to Nathan. "What is your report, Honey?"

After Allie explained, Lee thanked her for her update. "I think things should change tomorrow, Allie, but do let me know if you still have problems or questions? You are the third student to share their concerns." Glancing at Nathan he spoke in code. "I had that meeting I told you about, and I am not certain how it was received as we were interrupted. I may have to follow-up tomorrow after tonight's visitors."

"Okay, Lee. Let me know if there is anything I can do?" Nathan waved as Rosemary descended the stairs. "You both have a good evening and I'm praying for you."

"We need it. Thanks, Nathan!" Lee waved as they departed.

Turning to Rosemary, he sighed and commented, "That makes three."

. .

Peeking over Faith's shoulder, Nathan grinned. "Now, that looks good! You'll stick around and taste it tonight, right?"

"Of course! I'm at least as much a fan as you are. Shall we go sit on the porch while it's baking?" Faith placed the pan in the oven and turned to kiss Nathan's cheek.

"Yes. Bring the alarm clock please? I might get distracted and lose track of the time!" Nathan untied her apron, unable to resist placing his arms around her. "You feel so good!"

Faith giggled, touching his face.

Nathan moved so he could kiss her palm, then released her waist and offered his arm. With twinkling eyes, he whispered, "May I escort you, Dr. Carter?"

"You may, Constable Grant!"

Calling upstairs, Nathan let Allie know they would be on the porch.

"Okay, Dad. Please let me know when the Brownies are out of the oven?"

Laughing Nathan agreed, then commented to Faith. "Uh, I wonder if there will be any left to serve the new Constable?"

"I can always take the pan home to keep them safe…"

Settling in the chairs, side-by-side, Nathan responded. "Likely story, my dear… I mean I trust you, but what about Fiona?" He chuckled.

"Good save, Nathe!" She squeezed his hand. "How did it go with Lee?"

Sighing, Nathan explained. "Evidently three students have submitted reports so far. However, I want to talk about something else now…"

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