Chapter 3

Jack arrived back to Hope Valley late the following day with the doctor. Jason required over thirty stitches to repair two large gashes on his forehead and cheek. He also had a large bump on his head. The doctor was worried about the open wounds and with the possibility of infection settling in. After cleaning out the two wounds, which Jason did not appreciate at all, the doctor gave him medicine to help him heal with the strict instructions on how to take the medication.

Jack was exhausted. After arriving in Bantif, he only rested a couple of hours to allow Sergeant time to recover from the rough ride. This allowed him time to rest for an hour after taking water and food to his horse, Sergeant. Afterwards, Jack rested at the room of the doctor. The doctor offered him food and water. Jack only took the water. He wasn't hungry.

The ride back to Hope Valley was a long, slow ride, but he was grateful to have company. Even if the company was a little boring. It kept his mind off his relationship problems.

…

After arriving back at the infirmary and making sure the doctor was set, Jack felt the punishment of riding so hard throughout the night and day. He was tired, dirty, sore, and hungry. He wanted to bathe, sleep, and eat and in no certain order. He slowly made his way to Abagail's café hoping she had a little leftover food for him. Then he would tackle the rest of his needs.

As he walked to the café, he couldn't settle on wanting to see Elizabeth or to eat. They needed to talk about the day before with her and Charles in the schoolhouse, but he was not ready to discuss it. Physically he hurt too much to concentrate. His body was tired and sore from the hard ride. Mentally he was too tired to think clearly. Staying up the whole night riding hard exhausted him. Emotionally he was fragile with the previous day events. Even with several hours of riding alone, he wasn't any closer to understanding everything that happened. The more he thought about what he saw in the schoolhouse, the more he was convinced Elizabeth was going to leave with her new fiancé.

Jack finally decided he wanted to see Elizabeth, but not to discuss anything. He knew they needed to talk, but he wasn't up to the conversation they needed to have. He just wanted to see her. He missed her. His day wasn't official unless he was able to see and speak to her. He was a little surprised how much he depended on her since their declaration of love in the mine a few days ago.

Jack slowly made his way up the steps of Abagail's and opened the front door. As Jack sat down at an open table, Abagail saw her exhausted friend. She knew he must be working on no energy, and he must have had countless questions concerning Elizabeth. She wasn't sure how he was going to handle Elizabeth leaving, especially if he learned it was with Charles.

"Hello Abagail."

"Oh, Jack. You look beyond tired."

"I am. It's been a long night and day."

"I bet."

"Is Elizabeth here?"

Abagail looked at him more than a little confused. He looked exhausted. He played with the cloth napkin sitting beside his plate.

"Let me get you a plate of food and something to drink. I'm sure you haven't eaten too much since you left town yesterday." As she went into the kitchen, she was trying to plan what she wanted to say. She knew he would have questions about why Elizabeth went home. Especially who she went home with on the stagecoach and train. As she was putting some fried chicken and mashed potatoes on a plate, she realized the question Jack asked. Did he just ask if Elizabeth was here?

Abagail placed the plate of food in front of Jack and then sat across the table waiting for him to start asking questions. She was surprised he didn't say anything at first. He simply ate the food. Abagail was becoming a little concerned with Jack's lack of questions concerning Elizabeth.

Halfway through his meal, Jack finally asked, "Have you seen Elizabeth today?" Abagail looked at him confused. Seen her today…np.? She thought. Not after she left on the stagecoach. Those words may have been running through her mind, but nothing was coming out of her mouth. She just stared at Jack with a confused expression on her face.

Jack sat and stared at Abagail. He was waiting for her to respond. He was beginning to wonder if she had heard him. So, he asked again, "Have you seen Elizabeth today?"

"Not since she left town."

Now it was Jack's turn to look confused. "What do you mean left town? Where did she go? Is anything wrong?"

Abagail looked at Jack for several long moments. She finally asked. "You don't know, do you?" Jack shook his head no. "You haven't been by the jail yet? She left you a letter."

"Where did she go?" He asked but didn't give her time to respond. "No, I haven't been by the jail yet. I came straight here after taking the doctor to the infirmary. Is she ok? Did something happen to her mother again?"

"Jack, you need to read her letter."

"She left me a letter?" In Jack's exhaustion, his mind wasn't engaging very quickly.

"I will be here if you want to talk to me after you read it."

To say Jack was confused would have been the greatest understatement. Immediately he left for the jail and the letter that was supposedly waiting for him. His greatest fear was that she left with Mr. Jaw before he was able to talk with her. The short distance to the jail took forever to walk in his mind.

He noticed the letter sitting on his desk. He looked at it from a distance and wondered what the words written on the page will do to his life. Did she tell him goodbye, and he would never see her again? Did he misunderstand the events at the schoolhouse? Was something wrong with her family and it was an emergency that forced her to leave. However, the one simple word that was constantly coming to his mind made him think she was saying goodbye in the letter. She must have left with him.

Jack opened the letter and quickly notice Elizabeth's perfect handwriting. Jack…

…

During their day's travel, Abagail's question was on a constant loop in Elizabeth's mind. Honestly, their entire conversation replayed several times. Elizabeth thought on two different parts of her discussion with Abagail. First, Abagail's statement, "Elizabeth, you must realize that Charles loves you." Yes, they have always been friends. She did enjoy their time together. He was always nice and affectionate toward her, but never to the point where Elizabeth thought it was inappropriate. She did wonder often if he was showing a little too much affection, but she always considered it as friendship. Charles was being Charles. He was nice, kind, affectionate, maybe a little too affectionate at times, but nothing improper that made her feel uncomfortable.

Secondly, the statement, "Do you fully understand what you want and what you are doing?" At first, Elizabeth dismissed that question. She didn't understand why her best friend would ask her that question. Abagail should have known her well enough to know the answer to that question. Then she remembered what Jack said not long after they arrived back from Hamilton after the Tom and Julie fiasco. "Elizabeth, I don't think you want to be here. I don't think you know what you want. You don't know your heart."

Elizabeth knew exactly why she was going back to Hamilton. She was going to Hamilton to speak to her father about her job and life in Hope Valley. She enjoyed her job and her children in school. She felt she was truly making a difference in their lives. They were learning and realizing that there was more than just the sawmill or a mine to work. There was nothing wrong with the sawmill or mine, but it wasn't the only thing they could do. Elizabeth has noticed the conversations between her students have shifted from the mine or mill to maybe growing up to be a teacher, a veterinarian, or a doctor. That was proof she was doing a good job opening her student's minds.

While Elizabeth was feeling good about herself and her accomplishments with her students, she couldn't understand why she had a feeling that something was missing. Then she remembered who she was omitting…Jack. Abagail reminded her that she needed to talk to her father concerning Jack. Why did she always neglect that part of the discussion? She closed her eyes hoping to calm her mind; however, she failed miserably in her attempt to change her thinking. Instead, she saw the words on the note she left for Jack. Not only did she see the words, but she also saw the words she did not write in the letter. She remembered sitting at her desk earlier before she left writing the note.

Jack,

I am so sorry I missed you today. My father has sent for me. He wanted me to come home. I hate the timing of everything. He purchased the trip ticket for today's departure, and you had to leave last night. You will return long after I have left. I wanted to change my ticket so I could leave after you came back to Hope Valley, but my father was expecting me in a couple of days.

I had no choice but to leave when the stagecoach arrived this morning. I will miss you. I am not sure of my return but know you are in my thoughts. Don't worry, father has sent an escort for my protection.

You are in my thoughts.

Elizabeth

As she saw the words in her mind, why did she leave out so much important information? She did not mention Charles at all. Especially the proposal or the fact that he was her escort. She just didn't want Jack to worry and didn't want him to be mad. She knew Charles wasn't his favorite person.

The more she thought about it, the more she questioned why she left out Charles in the note. Would Jack see it as a lie of omission? Would knowing Charles was part of the story cause more trouble? Was she betraying Jack? She was thinking this may have all been a mistake. The leaving with Charles and not telling Jack the entire story. She didn't feel like she was lying, but now she wondered why she didn't tell the whole story. The weird, worrisome feeling in her stomach wouldn't leave.

…

Jack stared at the note after reading it for the third time. He couldn't understand what was going on with Elizabeth. Mr. Thatcher's words began running through his mind, "She will eventually realize she is living a life that is beneath her." After reading the letter again, Abagail walked through the door of the jail without knocking.

"Jack, do you want to talk about it?" She nodded toward the letter.

He did, but he was so tired he didn't know if he could form complete thoughts.

"Abagail, I do but can we wait until morning? I am just too tired to think through things completely."

"Good enough. Take the night to rest and come over in the morning. I will have your usual waiting for you."

"Thank you, Abagail."

Jack just laid in bed unable to fall asleep. He was exhausted and sleep should have come easily, but he just couldn't stop his mind. As he closed his eyes, he read through the note again from memory. Why didn't she mention Mr. Jaw? Why didn't she mention the proposal? Was she just trying to save me heartache by not mentioning any of that? Jack just felt the letter left out so much important information. Was Elizabeth trying to hide something or was she hiding everything? Is this her way of being kind at saying goodbye? He rolled over for the countless time and growled when he jerked at the covers.

…

Early the next morning, Jack meet Ms. Blakely on the way to the café. As she approached, he smiled and stated, "Good morning Ms. Blakely. I hope you are having a great day."

"Good morning, Constable. I would ask if you were having a good day, but I know you must be having a horrible day."

Jack looked at her confused. "What do you mean? Why would I be having a bad day?"

"Well, I know you had an unplanned trip yesterday going to Bantif for the doctor. I also know that Elizabeth left with that man from Hamilton, Mr. Kensington."

Jack tried to slow his breathing. He just couldn't understand why Elizabeth left with Mr. Jaw in the manner she did.

"I heard them discussing leaving on the stagecoach together just before they kissed." She gave Jack a weak smile while waiting for his response.

Jack gritted his teeth together, trying not to show any emotion. "Yes, Ms. Blakely. I know that Elizabeth went to Hamilton." Jack purposefully kept his response short. He just did not want to talk with her about this nor did he want Ms. Blakely to see any emotion.

As he walked into the café, both he and Abagail took deep breaths. She could see the hurt on his face. There were a thousand questions in which she did not have an answer to any of them. Neither one of them was looking forward to this conversation.

…

Charles placed his hand over Elizabeth's hand as they were approaching the train station in Hamilton. This woke her up from her thoughts. "Elizabeth, it is time to grab our bags. Your father should have a car waiting for us at the station." Elizabeth simply smiled at his words. Charles continued, "It will be nice to be back in proper society where they have more than one restaurant and actual shops to visit."

This disrespect toward Hope Valley caught her attention. "Charles, you may not think too much of Hope Valley, but it is a great town to live and work."

Charles caught the look in her eye. He knew that look very well. It meant that you should choose your next words very, very carefully. "I just meant that it would be great to be back home with your family and friends." His smile did not fully change Elizabeth's countenance.

Charles gave her a big smile. "Elizabeth, it will be great to go out on a proper date again." Charles was smiling as he grabbed her bag preparing to leave when the train stopped.

"What are you talking about Charles? We have never been out on a date."

Charles just stared at Elizabeth in disbelief. "How could you think that?" He mentioned in a soft voice. They have been out on many dates over the years. Things may not have been official, but they have certainly gone out as a couple. Charles thought back on all the walks in the park, the dinners they shared, and the parties they have attended together. Not to mention just the times they were together talking about everything and nothing of importance.

"Elizabeth, I know we have not officially courted until now, but we have spent many memorable times together. Remember all the walks through your parent's garden while we talked? What about the time we ate dinner during your last visit while sitting in the floor of your dining room eating fried chicken? You were in that beautiful blue dress that made your blue eyes four shades darker. We had the best time just talking. While you were here last, what about all the times we went out to restaurants together alone and with Violia and Sir Lionel?"

"Charles, those were not dates. We are friends. We went out as friends."

"Elizabeth, friends do not go out as often as we do. Friends do not take intimate walks through the flower garden. Friends do not share their lives together like we have over the years. Remember the dinner party the first time you came home? We sat at the piano for hours playing together. We may not have been official, but we certainly have spent many romantic times together. Now, we can do all those things officially."

While Charles had a huge smile on his face, Elizabeth sat dumbfounded. She didn't know what to think. Did he really think they were courting? What about Jack? She told Charles she was courting Jack. How could she be courting both men at the same time? When she opened her mouth to say something, she heard him say, "We are here. Let's go so we won't be late in sharing our news. When we have our engagement party, I can finally place your ring on your finger."

After taking a few steps, he turned around and looked at Elizabeth. She hasn't even moved from her seat. He reached out and took her hand, "Let's go. I know the driver must be here waiting for us." He stated as he gently pulled her up to stand.

She wanted to speak, but she just didn't have a voice. She did not know what to say.

Walking off the train, they found their bags the porter had delivered. After gathering all their belongings, they didn't see the car her father would have sent. So, they found a bench that was available close to the entrance. They sat in silence sitting beside each other until Elizabeth finally found the words she wanted to say. She wanted to make sure she did not hurt Charles' feelings. They haven't courted. She was certain of that, but they were friends for their entire life; so, she didn't want to hurt their friendship.

"Charles, I think we need to talk. We have not…"

"Elizabeth! Elizabeth! It is so great to see you." Elizabeth heard a familiar voice. A voice that always brought a smile to her face. It was Mrs. P.

…

"So, you knew that Charles proposed and that she left with him on the stagecoach?" Abagail asked shocked. Elizabeth didn't say anything about Jack knowing that Charles was a huge part of the story.

"Yes, Abagail. I saw and heard the entire conversation they had in the schoolhouse. I also heard Elizabeth say yes."

"Jack, are you sure she said yes? She didn't tell me she said yes. She said that she was going back to Hamilton to speak to her father concerning her living and working in Hope Valley." With Jack's knowledge about Charles, Abagail was beginning to be afraid of how this was looking in his eyes.

Jack shook his head in frustration. "Yes. I heard her say yes. Abagail, I know what I heard. I am trained to pay attention to what is happening. She said yes. She certainly didn't say no. Plus, why wouldn't she say anything to me?"

"You left for Bantif. She couldn't tell you because you were gone."

"Abagail" Jack said with a frustrated tone, "She wrote me a letter but didn't mention Mr. Kensington at all. Why wouldn't she say anything about him proposing or leaving town with him? I also heard they kissed."

"Jack, that doesn't sound like Elizabeth. I know she loves you. She told you that just a few days ago."

"Here's the letter Abagail. You can read it yourself."

She took the letter and carefully read it. She also noticed that Elizabeth did not mention Charles or the proposal. After reading the letter the second time, she could see how it looked to Jack because she left out so much information.

"Jack, I don't think they kissed."

"That's the worst part, Abagail. Ms. Blakely saw them with her own eyes. She told me a few days ago that she loved me after I told her how important she is to me and opened my heart to her confessing my true feelings and love for her. Then, she receives a proposal from a friend she kept telling me was only a lifelong friend and nothing else. She kisses him on the front porch of the café and leaves town with him the next day without telling me about it. What else am I supposed to think?" Jack reached his right hand to the back of his neck and began to rub it.

"Jack, I know you have many unanswered questions, but please don't forget Elizabeth's love for you. Things may not be what you think."

"I just don't know what else to think…how does all of this add up and not be that she is planning a wedding right now?" He stood and began walking around the room. "And to make things worse…" Jack hung his head. He stopped because of the pain of a lost opportunity. What would have happened if he beat Mr. Jaw to the schoolhouse that day? Would she be in Hamilton or in Hope Valley planning a wedding? The worst part was that he didn't know if it would have mattered. He wasn't sure what he was to her anymore.

"How can things be worse?" Abagail asked, a little afraid to ask the question.

Jack just sat there. Not sure if he could answer. Honestly, he was not sure if he wanted to answer the question. He had told himself that he would not share that information with anyone. Maybe a little bit due to embarrassment, but mostly due to the hurt of rejection. After sitting back down at the table, he closed his eyes and took a deep breath.

After a few more moments of silence, Jack reached into his pocket and pulled out a small, velvet box. He placed it on the table between Abagail and himself, hiding it from the few people who were in the café finishing up their meal.

"Jack! Is that what I think that is?" At that moment, Abagail was beginning to understand the hurt in Jack's eyes and face.

"Abagail, didn't you wonder why I was wearing the best suit I own to go on a ride? I was going to take Elizabeth to the hilltop to the very spot where we kissed for the first time. I wanted to ask her to marry me there. That's not only the place where we first kissed, but the place where I told her I choose her. That she was the only one for me, not Rosemary or anyone else. I want her in my life as my wife, but she decided to go back to Hamilton with Mr. Jaw."

"Mr. Jaw?" A very confused look appeared on Abagail's face then realized that was Jack's nickname for the man he didn't like very well. At this point, probably hated would be a better expression of his true feelings.

"Sorry. You weren't supposed to hear that name. But yes, I was going to propose to her but…" Jack's voice trailed off as he closed his eyes reliving Charles' words in the schoolhouse to Elizabeth and then her response.

"What?" asked Abagail.

"Mr. Jaw proposed to her when I was on the front steps. I heard every word. Now what am I supposed to do? Abagail, she is my everything."

"Oh, Jack. Don't lose hope. Things are not what you think. Just trust in Elizabeth."

"Abagail, how am I going to do that when she left the way she did?" He stood with a defeated posture. His shoulders were slumped, and he hung his head. "You stopped with Bill when he wasn't upfront with you, and he mislead you about his ex-wife. Elizabeth wasn't completely honest with me…" He trailed off.

Abagail closed her eyes knowing the problem Elizabeth was facing. She wasn't sure if this could be resolved or even if Elizabeth wanted to resolve it.

…

Mrs. P was a fixture in the life of Elizabeth since she was born. Mrs. Pacifio has worked for the Thacher family for about thirty-five years. Elizabeth has always called Mrs. Pacifio Mrs. P. Elizabeth just couldn't pronounce her last name as a toddler. The nickname just stuck. Mrs. P didn't mind at all. Of all three of the Thacher sisters, Elizabeth was always her favorite and the only one who called her Mrs. P. She would make sure Elizabeth had extra cookies or a new book waiting for her in her room before bedtime. Whatever Elizabeth wanted, Mrs. P made sure she had it.

For Elizabeth, Mrs. P was an important person. She was part mom and part grandmother. Elizabeth's mom, Grace, was always a loving mom, but she wasn't always present. Grace spent most of her time planning galas or meeting with a group of ladies for some reason. Mrs. P was her steady rock. Elizabeth thought of Mrs. P as a mother figure with a grandmother's wisdom. She spent countless hours sitting with Mrs. P in her room just talking or listening to her stories. It wasn't uncommon for Elizabeth to spend an entire day following Mrs. P while she did her work. They would talk about nothing and everything all at the same time. Elizabeth cherished every moment she spent with Mrs. P.

When Elizabeth had a crush on a boy in high school, it was Mrs. P who helped her understand what was going on in her mind and her heart. While nothing developed with that boy, Elizabeth knew Mrs. P was always there for her. Mrs. P was a peaceful landing spot in Elizabeth's life no matter what was happening. Elizabeth just thought it was a natural trait for Mrs. P. After all, Pacifio means peaceful.

Once Elizabeth found her in the crowd, she jumped off the bench and went running toward Mrs. P. After an engulfing hug that lasted for several moments, they just stared at each other trying to take in the sight of the other. Mrs. P felt like her child finally arrived home after a long journey. Elizabeth felt like she was home.

"Elizabeth, it is so great to see you again. I know it hasn't been long since you were here last, but I am grateful you are here."

"Mrs. P, I love you so much. Why are you here at the train station?"

"I couldn't wait to see you. But why are you back so soon? I wasn't expecting to see you this soon." Mrs. P just could not take her eyes off Elizabeth or let her go from the hug she was still holding onto. "Is Constable Thornton with you?"

Elizabeth grimaced a little at the question. Before she could answer, Charles stepped up to them.

During this reunion, Charles had made his way to Elizabeth's side with their bags and trunks along with the train's porter.

"She came home with me to discuss our wedding plans and to move back here full time." He stated with a huge smile.

Mrs. P stood perfectly still with a sad expression on her face while Charles spoke. It wasn't that she disliked Charles, but she knew what that meant for Elizabeth. He just wasn't her match…her soulmate. They wanted too many different things. Simply put, they were not a good fit for each other. Plus, she thought Elizabeth and Jack was a perfect fit. They matched in her eyes. She just knew the next time she saw Elizabeth they would be planning a Thacher/Thornton wedding or celebrating their wedding. Now, what was this about a Charles and Elizabeth engagement?

"Charles, I told you…" Elizabeth began until the driver interrupted them. "Ms. Thacher, I will take your bags for you" said Mr. Smith, the family driver as he walked up to the group. "We are parked just around the corner. Your family is waiting for you at home."

Elizabeth smiled. She knew the conversation that needed to be had with her father, and now apparently with Charles, but she was honestly grateful to be home. She has missed Hamilton to a certain extent. She also missed her family.

Elizabeth locks her arm through Mrs. P's arm and began following Mr. Smith to the car. "So, Elizabeth, what's going on?"