HOPE VALLEY

Julie spent her first night in Hope Valley getting to know that lay of the land, as it were. Faith and Mei Sou joined her and Fiona for supper that evening. Julie couldn't help but notice that Faith and Mei's eyes were both following Nathan with a spark of interest, while Mei's eyes also seemed to follow Lucas as well. Julie couldn't help but join Mei's appreciation for Lucas because he would have been just the type she went for in the old days. Back before her brother-in-law Jack had a long serious talk with her before she departed Hope Valley after the wedding. It had been life-changing for her, and she made a promise to him that day that she would take his words to heart. When she returned home and word of his death had reached the family, she vowed that she would protect her sister and live up to the promise she made and reach the full potential he had seen in her instead of being just another Hamilton Princess who was on the hunt to be a society matron. Other than Elizabeth, Jack, and Tom, no one else had thought she was good for anything else, but he saw beneath the false veneer that she affected to see the intelligent woman underneath who had a thirst to prove her worth.

She and Tom had ended their… Whatever it was they had between them and now were very close friends. He was now happily co-owner of the Thornton ranch with Charlotte living in Aberdeen. His wife Amanda and their two children were the final step to his becoming truly happy. Julie had accompanied Elizabeth and Jack when they went for Christmas, and they became close with Tom's wife as well. Charlotte and Elizabeth were able to find some healing as well, and Charlotte was the one who truly got her sister to realize that she was not herself and acting irrationally. While the others were afraid to tell Elizabeth the truth, Charlotte Thornton was a woman who didn't hold back. Of course, Elizabeth had gotten mad at first, but Charlotte didn't let it phase her, and finally, her sister had no choice but to truly examine herself and her actions, especially toward Nathan and his daughter Allie.

It started with Charlotte dishing out hard truths over hands of poker using matches as chips. She chuckled as she recalled Charlotte insisted that she join them once Jack was down, and after the first night, Elizabeth was often the one who set up the table while Charlotte enjoyed helping Jack with his bedtime. While her sister got to be good at playing, Charlotte was unbeatable and pretty much dominated the conversations.

Thinking back to last night's supper, Julie replayed it in her mind and mentally made some notes. Things seemed off about both Mei Sou and Faith, but she couldn't put her finger on it. Unfortunately, there hadn't been an opportunity for Julie and Fiona to discuss supper afterward.

She smiled as she recalled Mei's story of riding into town and how she had managed to pull one over on the very handsome Town Mountie. Julie prided herself on how to get people to talk without them even being aware of it. It was something her father taught her growing up. Of course, growing up within the Hamilton Social circle also provided an education that even now came in handy.

"Julie, are you awake?" Fiona called, knocking softly on her door and bringing her out of her thoughts.

"I am, come on in, Fiona," Julie sat up as Fiona walked in. "I was just going over last night in my mind."

"Normally, I wouldn't have bothered you, but Rosemary called and is on her way over with breakfast," Fiona said, her eyes sparkling with humor. "At least we get fed during the inquisition."

Both ladies giggled as an insistent knock was heard, followed by Rosemary calling out, "I'm here," in a sing-song tone.

After they all settled down at Fiona's kitchen table, Rosemary could wait no longer for the details.

"SOOO, how did it go? What did you think of Mei Sou?"

"Honestly, I'm not sure. She is very interesting, and I would love to find out more about her Asian culture. But… there was also something that seemed…. Shady? Secretive, maybe?" Julie replied. "She is definitely interested in Nathan because when he came in with Bill for a beer, she was practically drooling over him."

"She reminds me of how Lucas was when he first arrived in Hope Valley, now that I think about it," Fiona said.

"If I had to hazard a guess, she seems more interested in Nathan than Lucas," Julie noted. "Also, Fiona, did Faith seem a bit nervous to you, or was that my imagination?"

"No, it wasn't your imagination at all. I was picking up on the same thing." Fiona admitted.

"It just seemed like at times when talking about her time in Chicago, she seemed to take some verbal cues from Mei," Julie said. "Not to mention Mei was really keeping a close eye on Faith and would interrupt her occasionally. Elizabeth and Viola used to do that with me when I first made my debut, so I didn't say something I shouldn't."

"I also picked up on that as well," Fiona said. "I think I need to check in with her because something isn't right."

Looking at Rosemary and Fiona, Julie asked, "You don't think that Nathan would be interested in her too, do you? I think you know that at the end of all this, I would love to see my sister happy, and the only way that would be is with Nathan."

"Truthfully, I don't know, Julie," Rosemary said. "He seems lonely, and she knows it."

"Let's put it this way when he was talking with Mike and me about something, and she came down the stairs, he made a beeline for her. And introduced himself." Fiona said. "It wouldn't surprise me if he asked her to supper."

"Then I'll have to get there first and keep him occupied," Julie said with determination.

Nathan sat thinking about his earlier interaction with Mei at the livery. She had made it clear on more than one occasion that she was interested. He had to admit he enjoyed having supper with her the other night though it was meant as a thank you for helping with Newton. He wondered what it would be like if they went out for no other reason than spending time together and exploring the potential for more. But he didn't have those kinds of feelings for her. She was pretty, and he would be lying if he said he didn't feel any attraction to her. But he also felt a similar attraction to Faith and Fiona because they were both beautiful women.

He recalled the day she arrived. He had been on rounds when she came charging into town on horseback. Why would the new pharmacist arrive on horseback? He knew as well that there was a bit of tension between the Yosts and their new pharmacist, but since they hadn't come to him, he let it be.

There was still an air of mystery that clung to her that made her a little exciting though his instincts were telling him to be wary. He couldn't help himself, though, and found himself curious about her. She also seems to have developed a mutual interest in Lucas though he wondered what Elizabeth thought about that. A few times, he had observed Mei acting coquettishly when talking with Lucas, and he was obviously flirting in response.

It's not like Elizabeth was available, Nate thought. She would never consider him as long as Lucas was around. Even if she did, could he really let go of the hurt that he and Allie suffered even to be open to it?

He shut down that last line of thought immediately and decided that it was time to see what other opportunities for love were available in Hope Valley. If nothing else, it would be nice to spend time in the company of a female other than Allie once in a while. Without Allie here, especially, he was lonely. Standing up he resolved to ask Mei for supper that night when the door opened, and Julie Thatcher walked in.

"I'm sorry were you on your way out?" Julie asked.

Nathan cleared his throat and said, "I was, but it's not urgent. Is there something I can help you with, Miss Thatcher?"

"Well, there is, but it's not an emergency or anything," Julie replied. "And please call me Julie. Miss Thatcher reminds me of an old school marm." She giggled, realizing what she had said. "Please don't tell Elizabeth I don't think she would find that joke funny."

Nathan couldn't help it and chuckled, picturing in his mind exactly how she would react to that. Intrigued by what Julie might want, he decided that Mei Sou could wait.

Gesturing to the chair by his desk, he returned to his own and sat down. I have some time now. What exactly can I do for you?" He reached for the pad and pencil he kept on his desk in case he needed to take notes.

"Go on a date with me!" Julie said.

"I beg your pardon?" Nathan stuttered; certain he had heard wrong.

You heard me right. I want you to go on a date with me."

Nathan sat there in silence, unsure of what to say. Even if she hadn't been Elizabeth's sister, she was too young, but how was he going to get himself out of this one?

"Um…." Nathan began nervously rubbing the back of his neck. "I'm flattered, really, but…."

"Oh. I'm sorry, Nathan, let me stop you there. Obviously, you're too old for me but still very handsome."

Nathan sat there, groaning inwardly, wondering if things could get any worse. 'How did he get himself into messes like this?'

"Well, thank you," Nathan said but was interrupted before he could say more.

She explained about Lucas and the whole Dangerous Liaisons being Lucas's favorite book, Elizabeth's misgivings, and finally, the plan they had for exposing his true nature.

Nathan sat stunned as he pondered all that she had told him. 'Could Elizabeth really be seeing the light? What could that mean for them?'

"Why don't I give you a little time to think it over? I know that I just sprung it on you." Julie said as she stood up.

Regardless of what it meant for him and Elizabeth, if there was a chance to get Lucas to reveal his true nature, then he would do it.

"What exactly does your plan entail for me?"

"You just need to show an interest in me. We can eat supper, engage in conversation, that sort of thing. You know all the normal things a man does when he is interested in courting a lady." Julie replied with a giggle.

"I'm good with all of that, but I draw the line at physical affection. Will that work for you?"

"What about kisses on the cheek?"

Nathan shook his head. "I'm sorry, I'm afraid I wouldn't feel comfortable with that."

Julie smiled "That is fine. Would you be opposed to offering your arm from time to time?"

Nathan chuckled. "It was beginning to feel like he was in the middle of a business negotiation than discussing a date.

"I can probably handle that, although maybe not right off. Although you do realize the town will find it strange that I'm trying to romance Elizabeth's baby sister essentially."

"Don't worry about that. There are important people that will know the truth, so neither of our reputations will suffer for it. So do we have a deal?" Julie asked, standing up and holding out her hand.

"Deal!" Nathan said, clasping her hand in his. "When do you want to get started?"

"What about tonight? Maybe at the Saloon?"

"I think I would prefer to start with the café," Nathan replied. He did his best to avoid the Saloon as much as possible outside the scope of his job. It was why whenever he went there, he was in his Serge most of the time. Last night, though, Bill had practically strong-armed him to go for a beer which was something he couldn't do in uniform.

"Okay, then, pick me up at 6? I'm staying with Fiona for now."

"Fiona's?" Nathan asked. "Why not Elizabeth's?"

"Why, Corporal Grant, it's because I'm working undercover, of course," Julie said with a wink just before she went out the door.