The following day Elizabeth was leaving for school at the same time Rosemary was heading into town. "So, how did everything go last night with Carson and Faith? Should we be expecting Wedding bells in the near future?" Elizabeth teased.
"I thought it went rather well, although Lee disagrees, of course. Do you know he even compared the dinner to an ambush? I mean, really! I don't see what's wrong with wanting to help others find what we have."
Elizabeth chuckled, "While there is nothing wrong with playing matchmaker, I can see where he could make that comparison. Especially since neither knew the other was attending and the word party implies that it would involve multiple people."
"You can think what you want, but I sense they would be a great match," Rosemary said. "How was your dinner?" Elizabeth could see that Rosemary was still focused on Faith and Carson, so she decided to tease her.
"It was nice, and after dinner, Nathan and I pledged our lives to each other, then he and Bill went home. Then, of course, Charlotte and I went to bed."
"That's nice," Rosemary said as they reached town. Elizabeth said goodbye and continued heading to school, waving at Nathan when she spotted him ready to mount Newton.
Rosemary suddenly stopped, turned as Elizabeth's words finally registered, and excitedly, she shouted, "Wait! What! Did I hear that you and Nathan pledged your lives to each other!" Then she ran over to Elizabeth, "Did you really? I think you would make a perfect couple."
"ROSEMARY!" Elizabeth said, her face turning red in embarrassment. "Keep your voice down!" Unfortunately, Nathan and a few others were within hearing distance, and judging by the smirk on his face as he rode by on Newton, he had heard.
"I was kidding." Elizabeth hissed, then shaking her head, added. "Ugh! I have to get to school. But if rumors get started, it will be up to you to correct them."
Rosemary chuckled. "I'm sorry, and don't worry if they start, I'll take care of it. But the two of you would make a nice couple."
Rosemary? We talked about this already. Promise me that you won't play matchmaker with me and Nathan."
"I promise," Rosemary said. She whispered after Elizabeth was far enough away and couldn't be heard. "For now, at least." Then she spotted Faith going into the infirmary and had to know what happened after they left.
She walked in and saw that Faith was alone for now and pounced. "Faith!"
"Rosemary!
"I've been thinking of you. In fact, I couldn't sleep because of it."
"Oh?"
"Well, you and Carson, to be more precise."
"Rosemary, there is no me and Carson except as doctor and nurse."
Now Faith, I always say that where there is a spark, somebody is bound to be carrying a torch. There is definitely a spark between you and Carson. Mother and I saw it for ourselves and agreed that you two are perfect for each other. I bet Carson is already in love with you and scared to act on it."
"Apparently not. But that's okay."
"What does that mean?"
"He said the whole idea of us as a couple was ridiculous," Faith said, still a little hurt by his choice of words. She wasn't even sure why since she genuinely had no romantic interest in him.
"Ridiculous? That's ridiculous." Rosemary said, annoyed that her plans didn't go as she thought.
"It really is okay, but I will call his ridiculous and raise him an out of the question."
"Faith, I find gambling references rarely helpful in matters of the heart.
"Well, that is the end of it as far as I'm concerned. We both agree, and I would like to forget all about last night."
"Never say never, Faith."
"Rosemary, you should let it go."
"I will not let it go. I know I'm right about this, Faith. He just needs to be convinced a little more, that's all."
"So, tell me what happened with Carson after you left my house?" Before Faith could answer, Carson walked in.
"Rosemary! Good morning! Thank you for the wonderful dinner last night."
His sudden appearance flustered Rosemary, but she replied, "Uh, Carson!"
"What brings you by?"
"Well, I am so glad you're here. I'm in so much pain." Rosemary said, holding up her hand.
"Is it the baby? Where are you in pain?
"No, it's just my hand," Rosemary replied, holding it up.
"Why don't you have a seat, we'll take a look at it," Carson replied, trying not to give himself away. "Now, what seems to be the problem?"
"Silly me, I was walking along and just fell."
"Weren't you holding the other hand?" Carson asked with a sly grin.
"Both. Both of them hurt."
"Ah. Let me see. Can you close them?" Rosemary complied.
"Can you open them?" Rosemary opened her hand, her mind scrambling for an idea of how to get out of the predicament she was in.
"That didn't hurt." She added, "They hurt all over, but it's not as bad as it was. Almost like I didn't hurt them at all."
"Ah. Probably not broken. It might be just a sprain." Carson said. "We can wrap them if you like?"
"No, that's not necessary. I'm sure I will be fine."
"If you have any more pain, you come back and see me, okay?" Carson said, "Oh, and thank you again for the wonderful dinner." Then he headed to the medicine cabinet.
"Absolutely. Okay," Rosemary agreed, then whispered to Faith, "So? Tell me what happened last night?"
"Carson and I talked about it and decided it would be best to remain friends."
"What? Why on earth?" Rosemary said in disbelief.
"I have three reasons; first, We work together; second, it's just too complicated and not worth the trouble; third, neither of us has those kinds of feelings for the other."
"Now, you listen to me, Faith Carter. Love is always worth the trouble!" Rosemary said emphatically.
"Nobody said anything about love, which should confirm that there isn't anything there but respect and friendship."
"Perhaps. But I've seen the way you two look at each other. Mark my words; it's love."
"Rosemary, it's best this way," Faith said in exasperation. "Just let it go because it is not going to happen, and you are wasting your time," Faith said firmly.
"Best for whom?" Rosemary asked. When Faith didn't reply, Rosemary sighed and left.
Elizabeth was standing at the bottom of the steps, greeting her students, when she saw Cody and Robert arrive riding their bikes.
"Hey, Timmy," Cody said as he and Robert leaned their bikes against the church.
"Boy, those are some bikes," Timmy said, looking longingly at them.
"Thanks. You can ride mine if you want." Cody offered.
Timmy smiled a little but shook his head. "Thanks, but that's ok."
"Good morning, Mrs. Thornton," Cody and Robert called out simultaneously as they ran up the steps into the church.
"Morning." She called back, keeping her eye on Timmy, who had yet to stop staring at the bikes. She moved to stand next to him. "Well, that was very nice of Cody. You know, school doesn't start for a few minutes if you want to take one of these for a spin."
"I don't know how," Timmy replied sadly. "I tried once before but fell and cut my knee."
"Oh," Elizabeth said, feeling for Timmy. Suddenly she had an idea. "Well, what if at recess I help you learn?"
His eyes lit up. "Would you?"
"Sure, I would. Why don't we get inside and get our day started?" Elizabeth paused as she saw Lee stopping in his car and calling her name. "You go ahead, Timmy, and I will be right in."
"Hey Elizabeth, I know you are getting ready to start school, so I won't keep you long."
"Is everything all right, Lee?"
"Yes, everything is fine, but I need to ask a favor," Lee said.
"Sure, I'll help you any way I can. What do you need?"
"I need you to keep Rosemary and Sophia busy.
Elizabeth laughed. "You want me to babysit your wife?"
"Yes! Bill and I wanted to have a boy's night and maybe play cards with Carson and a few others. I need a break from them, Elizabeth, and I am begging you. If you do this for me, I will owe you one."
"Yes, you will." Elizabeth chuckled, taking pity on him. "I will do it, but if she starts trying to pull some of her tricks with Nathan and me, I expect you to return the favor and stop her."
"I promise." Lee said, "Thank you and mums the word."
"Don't worry; I'll think of something so she won't suspect. But I don't offer any guarantees because you know that Sophia and Rosemary have minds of their own, so the best I can promise is to provide a distraction."
"I'll take it!" Lee said, getting back in his car and heading towards the mill.
THE THORNTON ROWHOUSE
Charlotte had just put Jack down for his nap when there was a knock on the door, followed by Sophia opening it.
"Jack just went down for his nap, so keep your voice down," Charlotte said. "I have the tea ready and some of Lizzie's scones she baked last night."
The two women settled at the table and fixed their tea. They were well acquainted, and neither needed to fill the silence. They had been through too much together for it to be otherwise. Finally, it was Charlotte who broke the silence.
"Sophie, I'm going to have a hard time leaving them," Charlotte said with a heavy sigh.
"I know, but you know I will watch out for them and keep you posted, as will Bill and Rosemary. I sense, however, that you are concerned about someone in particular. Someone that currently owns the Queen of Hearts, perhaps?"
"You know me well. I have seen how he looks at her and watches when he thinks no one notices. I'm not concerned that Lizzie would be interested since she has clarified that she isn't. But you and I know how relentless men like Bouchard can be when they are denied something they want, especially women."
"I do. However, I will promise you that if I see him attempt to move in, I will disabuse him of that notion immediately. He is a charming fellow but not one deserving of our Elizabeth. Now that new Mountie, Nathan Grant, is another story. From what I have seen, I think they would be perfect, although she still has some grieving for Jack to do."
Charlotte chuckled. "I saw them too; though I wish it were otherwise, Jack is gone, and she deserves to be loved as he would have. Something tells me that Nathan would cherish her and Jack the way my son would have."
"How are you holding up being here without Jack, Lottie?" Sophie inquired, reaching over to place a hand on Charlotte's.
"I'll admit it is hard. I've visited with him a few times, both alone and with Lizzie and Jack." Charlotte said, tears welling up in her eyes. Sophia got up, moved around behind Charlotte, and embraced her, offering comfort. Charlotte hugged Sophie's arms close and let the tears fall, finally feeling she could let down her walls and grieve. As she did, Sophia's tears fell for her friend and the man who was taken too soon. Jack had been like a son to her, and the little family he left behind was a blessing. She was grateful that Elizabeth and Rosie were as close as they were even despite their auspicious beginning. How long they stayed that way, they didn't know, but when the last tears fell, and the women collected themselves, it was as if nothing happened, and they were two friends having tea.
As Sophia retook her seat, she squeezed Charlotte's hand. "Don't worry, Lottie; I will guard your treasure. As I said, as much as I like Lucas, he is not for our Elizabeth. I will stay close to Elizabeth and help as she grieves for our boy."
Did Rosie tell you that he was at Fort Clay and was replaced by Jack on that mission? He has carried the burden of guilt for that. Elizabeth and I have tried letting him know it wasn't his fault and that we forgave him though he didn't need it. If you can, I would appreciate it if you could help him there since you are so fond of him." Charlotte teased.
"Oh, that poor boy. I can't imagine what that's been like for him to carry that weight around. You said he is good friends with the Mountie at Brookfield? Is he as handsome as Elizabeth's Mountie?" Sophia's eyes danced with mischief."
"I would say he is. Brookfield is only a three-hour car ride, and he would definitely be worth the trip. Elizabeth and Rosemary are close with him and the ladies at the orphanage. Though one of the sisters who run the orphanage has captured his interest."
"Well, I fear our Elizabeth will have her hands full with competition for Nathan. But when she is ready, I will help pave the way for her Mountie to win her heart though I'm not sure there will be a lot of encouragement needed. Have you noticed how they react to one another? Though they are all beautiful, I fear the other ladies won't hold a candle to her."
"I have seen them, and what's even better is that he has fallen for Jack, too, and vice versa.; it was why Abigail, Bill, and I worked so hard to get him here. I think the fact that she is a Mountie widow will be a hindrance at first. But Lizzie lights up around him, and you can feel the tension between them just like it had been with her and Jack. I wish you could have seen them together. It was much like it is with Lee and Rosie."
"I lucked out in the son-in-law department. Lee looks at my girl like the sun rises and sets on her, and he is so protective now that she is having a baby. He is charming and sweet in his own way, and I know that Alain would have approved of him."
"I think so, too," Charlotte said. "I know Thomas would have loved Lizzie as well. It's hard to imagine that she comes from a very wealthy and prestigious family that is considered Hamilton royalty. But from the moment I met her
"I don't think I have ever heard about when you met her other than Rosie said it was right before their wedding.
"Oh, it was so funny. As I said, it was just before Rosie and Lee got married, so I was here for that. I had heard a lot about her, and back then, Tom was getting into trouble with her baby sister Julie. I decided to surprise him with a visit and give her the once over. I knew Rosie was here too and wanted to get a sense of the lay of the land."
"I arrived late at night just as Jack was getting ready to turn in. It had been raining a lot in the area." The memory began to play in her mind as she described the night she arrived.
Can I help you?
I could use a hot cup of coffee.
Mom!
In the flesh.(1)
"Then, when he found out I rode from Aberdeen on horseback, you can only imagine that lecture. He was just as protective as his father was." The memory continued to play in her mind causing a pang as it did. "This visit was the last one before he passed away because I had fallen off a horse and injured myself too severely to travel back for their wedding."
So you rode all the way from Aberdeen on horseback? Through the bad weather?
Well, it's not like I'd melt.
You know, there's a thing called a "stagecoach" now. Maybe you've heard of it.
You always did like to sass.
I'm just saying, a stage might have been a little safer.
Well, the weather made a mess of the schedule. And besides, it's been way too long since I've seen you, son. So, this is where you live?
It's not so bad.
Mm-hmm. And, uh... where's the young lady you were writing me about?
That's really why you came, isn't it?
Can't a mother miss her son?
And here we go.
What is that supposed to mean?
It's an old trick of yours. Asking a question instead of giving me an answer.
Do I do that?
I surrender. It's getting late. Let's just talk more in the morning.
Just point me toward the hotel.
No, the front desk closes at 10:00, you're staying here for the night. Take my bed. I'm going to bunk in the cell.
It's good to see you, son.
You too, Ma.(2)
"Of course, the next morning, I fussed over him to his annoyance," Charlotte said.
"I remember Jack always had a ready response for you," Sophie said with a fond smile.
"Anyway, I was fussing over him when she walked in," Charlotte said. "Poor Jack looked stunned and at a loss for words."
You've got a loose button. Here. Take that off. Let me sew it for you.
Nah. I'll fix it later.
Jack, how is anyone going to respect you with a loose button?
Well, if I lose their respect over a button, I never had it.
You still got that cowlick.
Ma, I can dress myself without your help.
Well, there's that sass again. (sneezes)
You're not getting sick, are you?
Ahh. You know I don't get sick. It's that dog.
Rip? No. He had a bath yesterday.
Well, he needs another one.
"Hello," Elizabeth said, walking in the jail.
"Hi." Jack had replied, startled.
"Hi?" Elizabeth said, raising a brow in question.
This is my mother, Charlotte Thornton. Ma, Elizabeth Thatcher.
Well, hello.
Mrs. Thornton, it is such a pleasure to meet you. Jack, I can't believe you didn't tell me that your mother was coming for a visit.
Well, I didn't know.
I, uh, like to surprise him, Lizzie. Keeps him on his toes.
It's Elizabeth, Ma.
Oh, that's all right. You can call me whatever you like, Mrs. Thornton. Why don't you both come over to my place for dinner tonight? I'll make shepherd's pie.
You're going to cook…. for my mother?
Is that a problem?
Not at all.
And I'll help.
Oh, but, Ma, you can't cook either.
What do you mean by "either?"
Did I say "either"? I meant often." Neither of you cooks very often, so I thought that I would treat us to dinner at Abigail's."
Charlotte sneezed again, and Elizabeth said, "Bless you."
She thinks she's allergic to Rip.
Someone needs a bath.
"Rip or Jack?" Elizabeth sassed, and Charlotte laughed.
Then surprisingly, she said, "You know what? I have plenty of space at my house. Why don't you come and stay with me?"
Jack blanched and had quickly spoken up. "Oh, no, we wouldn't want to impose."
"It's no imposition," Elizabeth assured him..
"Well, in that case, I'll go get my bags," Charlotte replied.
Hmm...You think I can't cook?
Oh, no. You... you've gotten much better.
Then why would you say that? Now your mother's going to think I can't even prepare a decent meal.
Well, then you'd have that in common. But you don't, because... you're a much better cook than she is. (3)
"I wish you could have seen it, Sophie. He kept putting his foot in his mouth every time he opened it. I could hear them talking about what he said about her cooking and then about the both of us lacking the ability to cook. I thought he was going to have a heart attack when she offered for me to stay with her for the visit, and I accepted." Charlotte said with a chuckle. "I could hear them talking about what he said about her cooking. But then you know Jack was able to sweet talk his way out, and when I looked out, he was kissing her. I must say that it was a bit awkward too."
"I imagine he was, especially since you could talk with her without him around." Sophie chuckled. "I would imagine he didn't sleep much while you visited."
"Your probably right," Charlotte chuckled.
They were interrupted by Jack crying and Rosemary looking for her mother, so while Charlotte tended, Jack, Rosemary, and Sophie went home.
LATER AT RECESS
Nathan finished his rounds and looked at the time. Seeing it was lunchtime, he figured it would be a good time to meet with Elizabeth at the school since the children should be at recess. As he walked down the road, he could see the children playing but paused as he watched Elizabeth helping a student learn to ride from the look of it. She was focused on her student and didn't see him, so he paused to listen.
"What if I fall, Mrs. Thornton?" Timmy asked nervously, sitting astride the bike with Elizbeth holding the back.
"Oh, you won't fall. I'll hold on until you find your balance. That's how everyone learns. Now try peddling." As the bike moved forward, she ran behind it, holding onto the seat. "There you go, Timmy!" She encouraged. "Ooh, you're doing great! Do not steer. Ok, I'm going to let go now."
"Don't let go." The boy said nervously, stopping the bike and placing his feet down.
"All right, I'll hold on until you're ready." She said as he got the bike moving again.
"There we go, you've got it. You've got it." She exclaimed, smiling at his progress. "All right, I'm going to let go now."
"No," Timmy said, taking his feet off the pedals.
"Timmy, you'll have to ride on your own sooner or later." Elizabeth encouraged. Nathan smiled softly as he watched the pair and couldn't help admiring the beautiful woman that would be his niece's teacher. Watching her interact with Timmy gave him a good idea of what a wonderful, kind, and caring woman she was, and he knew that Allie would be safe with her. He looked forward to Allie arriving and couldn't wait for her to meet Elizabeth.
"But I need you to hold on." Timmy pleaded.
"The other children aren't even watching. They're too busy playing. Just try one more time?" Elizabeth said, trying to encourage him to continue.
"You don't need to help anymore, Mrs. Thornton. It's not fun, anyways." Timmy said dejectedly. It was then that she noticed Nathan standing there. She watched Timmy return the bike to where it was before joining the other kids.
"Is this a bad time?" Nathan asked.
"No, it's fine. "There are still 15 minutes left of recess; why don't we go look over Allie's records in case I have questions, and then I'll introduce you really quick to the students when they come in?"
"Sure!" Nathan said, following her inside the school. "Anything for the woman I have pledged my life to," He teased. She looked back at him with a start and blushed.
At the look on her face, Nathan laughed, and she joined him. "I'm so sorry, Nathan; it was meant as a joke to Rosemary. I was trying to see if she was listening or focused on her matchmaking efforts with Faith and Carson."
"It's okay, Lizbeth. I figured something was going on." Nathan assured her.
They settled down at her desk and went through Allie's records. They were in good order, so she only had a few questions. She grabbed her bell and went to call in the children from recess. They all filed in and quickly found their seats.
"Class, I would like to introduce you to our New Mountie. Corporal Nathan Grant. His niece Allie will be joining us very soon."
"Mrs. Thornton has asked me how you should address me, and if it is okay with you, I would like to be Mountie Nathan. Would that be all right?"
Opal raised her hand,
"Yes, Opal?"
"Did you know Mountie Jack?"
"No, I didn't, but the Mounties consider him one of our finest," Nathan replied. "From what I was told, he loved the people of Hope Valley very much. My goal is to honor him by keeping all of you safe."
"Thank you, Constable Grant," Elizabeth said. "Now, children, open your math books and begin working on the problems there while I see our guest out."
Elizabeth thanked him for everything, pleased by his words to the students. It seemed like every time she saw him; he would do something that only made it harder to resist the attraction.
A/N Notes 1,2 and 3 from the transcripts of S3 EP7 HEARTS IN QUESTION