Chapter one hundred and one
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A Departure to Hasten a Return
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Breakfast together in the Cottage was a strange mixture of overwhelming happiness and devastating sadness. Nathan and Elizabeth glowed, yet tears were not far from them for most of the meal.
Immediately, Allie had known that something special had happened. When she heard the front door close and Mrs. Thornton sing "Good morning, dear ones!" Allie exited her bedroom with her book tote and blazer. From the kitchen doorway, Allie caught Mrs. Thornton go to her father and give him a quick kiss, then whisper "Hi."
Allie's involuntary gasp caused them to turn towards her with wide smiles, but they were unapologetic and remained in each other's arms. "I guess you'll have to get used to this now, Allie-girl." Nathan stated matter-of-factly, but his face belied his even tone. Nathan's eyes sparkled and he wore that sweet, Grant half-smile that would not leave his face in spite of the morning's discussions of leaving and train travel and distance and letters…
Hurrying across the kitchen to envelop them in her embrace, Allie commented, "I was going to say 'good morning' but I see it already is. I am so happy for you two… and for me and Jack too!" She squeezed them tightly and they moved their arms apart to include her in their hug.
"We are still courting, Sweetheart, but we are taking new steps in that now." Her father admitted. "I hate the idea of saying farewell so soon, but as Mrs. Thornton reminded me last evening, the sooner she departs, the sooner she returns. So we will all ask God for strength today and trust the timing to Him." Nathan bent to kiss the top of Allie's head. "Are you ready for some breakfast?"
As Allie stepped back, Nathan and Elizabeth gave each other a quick kiss and separated to serve breakfast as Nathan apologized. "I am sorry this is not a notable, special breakfast, but I was up rather late last night and well… this is what we have."
"Porridge is fine, Nathan. Adding the apples and cinnamon to the oatmeal is special." Elizabeth reassured him. Plus you just made scones and warm-from-the-oven is my favorite way to enjoy baked goods if you remember, Sergeant!"
"Oh, I remember. Please be seated Honey and start slathering on that butter!" Nathan grinned at Elizabeth and winked at Allie. "I believe we will have to take turns as to who gets to enjoy their hot scones first! Today we defer to you, Lisbeth."
Allie spoke up, "Why don't I pray this morning?" Closing her eyes she didn't wait for permission. "Dear God, Thank you for answering our prayers. Especially my prayers. So far all the specific ones are just as I hoped. Protect Mrs. Thornton and Mrs. Thatcher on the train and I hope they have a happy reunion with Jack and Mr. Thatcher. You know my next prayer, God, is to bring them back here quickly! Right now though, thank you for the food and for all the love that is filling our hearts. Amen."
Each one squeezed the hands they held as they spoke in unison, "Amen."
Elizabeth immediately popped her first half-scone in her mouth and uttered moans of appreciation.
Nathan was next, mimicking the same, then Allie joined. Amidst giggles and chuckles they enjoyed their warm scones before beginning their oatmeal.
"Mmmm. I should do this more often, eh, Allie? The apples do make it special!" Nathan declared before taking another spoonful. "Did you enjoy your time with Mrs. Thatcher last evening?"
"I did. We finished wrapping gifts, then we had hot chocolate, cuddled on the sofa and just talked. It was nice. She told me stories of Mrs. Thornton when she was young and I told her about the different forts where we lived and then about Hope Valley."
With glistening eyes, Elizabeth looked at Nathan. "I am happy to hear this, Allie. I'll have to ask Mother about this on the train." Catching Allie's glance, Elizabeth explained. "Not for her to tell me what you said, just to know what stories she shared about me…that is if she is willing to tell me!" Elizabeth winked.
"Oh, okay. So, how was the restaurant last night? What did you eat? Did you like the décor? Did they have music playing? What did you eat for dessert? Where did you sit? What…" Allie stopped as her father raised his hand to stem the river of words.
"Whoa, Allie-girl. One question at a time!" Laughing he opened his hand as an invitation for Elizabeth to respond.
"It was a lovely restaurant and a harpist played while we ate, then a pianist played while we danced…" Elizabeth's word drifted off as she held Nathan's gaze.
Waiting for a while, Allie asked another question. "What did you eat?"
Nathan responded with their menu choices so Elizabeth could continue to enjoy her porridge. "And, we sat exactly where we sat with Mr. Thatcher. It was lovely."
"Ohhh…that sounds so nice." Allie commented. "Dad? Is Grampa Peter bringing me to school this morning?"
"He is Sweetheart. You have another half-hour though so don't rush. Did you finish wrapping all the things you wanted to send back to Hope Valley," Queried Nathan. "Did you include the photo we discussed?"
"I did, Dad. We are all set. I tagged each gift too since we won't be there to distribute them. Are you sure you packed everything you are sending to Hope Valley, Dad?" She noted Nathan's nod and turned to Elizabeth. "Thank you so much for bringing back our gifts. We sent Uncle Bill home with a few things, but this saves us having to mail the other things we added since then. Plus, gifts for you and Jack, and your parents are in the tote too!"
Elizabeth nodded. "I am happy to be 'Thatcher Shipping' to you and your Dad, Allie! Especially if I might be a recipient!" She patted Allie's hand. "Thank you for whatever you are sending my way. There are some gifts hidden at the Collins's so you can add them under your tree on Christmas Eve, okay? Gramma Carol knows where they are."
"Ohhhh!" Allie perked up. "Something to look forward too! Thank you!" Yet, within seconds, Allie's countenance fell. "I'm going to miss you though. I kind of got used to you being here."
"I'll miss you too, Sweet girl." Elizabeth placed her hand on the young girl's forearm. "We will all just have to keep busy and try to remember the reason we celebrate the Christmas season, right? Is there anything you are especially looking forward to in the next few weeks?"
Allie thought for some moments before responding. "More singing, and Dad and I singing on Christmas Eve. Uncle Bill coming. At Youth Group we are all bringing a song or poem or artwork to share in our final group before Christmas. I thought I would bring one of your poems, Dad. Plus, I will show them a picture I drew. Not sure which one yet. Oh, and I can't wait for Dad to open his gift." Allie grinned at her father then looked at Elizabeth whispering. "You know the one you saw…"
"Oh yes! Right. I wish I could be here to see him open that present." Elizabeth smiled at Allie, then teasingly at Nathan.
"If you are trying to tempt me to quiz you or search the house, you are going to fail. Remember Mounties are used to keeping secrets and tempering our inquisitive natures. In other words I can be patient and wait." Nathan smirked at Allie, then at Elizabeth.
"Oh? Good to know, Nathan. That means if I decide to change my mind, Carol can take back my purchase and well… you won't miss not getting a gift from me, will you?" Elizabeth teased.
"I will be satisfied with what you have already given me, my Love."
Looking from one to the other since both were locked in each other's gaze, Allie questioned. "What did you get, Dad? Can I see it or are you just talking about love and kisses?"
Without breaking his gaze, Nathan responded. "There is a particular ornament on our Christmas tree, in addition to the most wonderful gift of all-the love and now the kisses."
"You two are besotted! You didn't even look at me when you just answered…" Allie feigned disgust, but had anyone looked they would have seen a wide grin. "May I be excused, please?"
"Sure, Allie." Nathan broke from Elizabeth and glanced at the clock. "Do you want to speak to Mrs. Thornton privately for a few minutes after you are ready to go?"
As she placed her dishes in the kitchen sink, Allie smiled. "Sure, Dad." Allie liked this idea.
Nathan busied himself in the kitchen while Allie spoke to Elizabeth. As it turned out, they didn't share anything private beyond their happiness and love for each other and for Nathan. Allie reminded Elizabeth to give hugs when she got home. "Please hug Jack and Uncle Bill and Mr. Thatcher… Oh and Aunt Rosie and Uncle Lee and little Patrick-though he doesn't know me he knows my toy dog-and Opal and Emily and Angela and…" Allie's list included most of the town and at that point, Nathan came towards them.
"I think you need to go up to meet Grampa Pete, Honey. It's time to give Mrs. Thornton your own hug."
Everyone blinked back tears as they shared hugs, waved and blew kisses as Allie hurried towards the car.
Grampa Peter was waiting to open the door for her and waved himself, calling "Godspeed, Elizabeth, and we'll see you in a few weeks! Oh, and Merry Christmas too!"
Closing the door, Nathan looked into Elizabeth's face. "I'll go pack the car and come back for you, but let me do this now, just in case we are hurried later." Nathan leaned down to caress Elizabeth's lips with his own, then as they had done the previous night, they pressed into each other, lips longing to extend every kiss and arms wrapped around one another.
Different than previous kisses though, both Nathan and Elizabeth felt wet tears against their cheeks and their kisses became at once both salty and sweet. Slowly Nathan kissed away the tears from his Lisbeth's face, savoring each one.
Elizabeth melted into him and his sweet caresses made her weep even more. Finally, she backed away slightly. "Nathan, my dearest Love. Thank you for loving me. For loving me so gently and sweetly and tenderly. I am so thankful for you…"
"Oh, Lisbeth. You are welcome to all my love, for all of it is yours. I will cherish you as long as I live and maybe even beyond that… You are my delight and, remember, you hold the key to my heart." Nathan bent to place another gentle kiss on her upturned lips.
This time, the kiss was momentary and they embraced, drawing strength from each other and the Lord. Nathan whispered, "Oh Lord, I place my dear Lisbeth into your loving hands. Go before her, with her and behind her. Protect her, and Grace of course, as only You can for You love her dearly. May the journey be safe and swift to bring them home to little Jack and to William. Help Elizabeth as she plans and executes the packing, the move and all the goodbyes. Help people to understand, support and be happy for her, for us. Bring my Love back to me soon, please… Bless her and make her a blessing to many. I thank you for Lisbeth, for our love and for our future. In Your Great Name I pray, Amen."
Elizabeth spoke softly. "Amen to Nathan's prayer, Lord, but I must add my own. Keep Nathan and Allie safe and well and keep a song in their hearts throughout this time we are apart. I am grateful this is a joy-filled season so they will not miss me too much. Just enough, but not too much!" Elizabeth giggled. "Thank you for Nathan's constant love, his patience and kindness to me, though oft undeserved. Thank you for His forgiveness and for Your own forgiveness, Lord. Make our paths straight as we acknowledge You. I give you praise, Amen."
"Amen." Nathan squeezed her before breaking apart. "I better get the luggage packed."
"Let me come with you, Honey? Why spend any moment apart right now?"
While Grace said farewell to Carol, Elizabeth and Nathan returned to the Cottage hand-in-hand. Nathan gathered his swagger stick and forage cap, double checking his desk to be certain he had not missed anything to be packed in Elizabeth's tote. Finding nothing, Nathan turned and opened his arms to hold her again. He whispered into her hair, "Lisbeth? In the tote that contains Allie's and my Christmas gifts and birthday gifts for Jack, you will find a packet of letters, tied with one of Allie's blue ribbons. I have written them for you to read, one each day. There should be enough to allow you to read every day between now and when my first letter will arrive in the Hope Valley post, okay? You may begin with one after you are settled on the train today."
"Oh, Nathan! Thank you. That is so wonderful to look forward to. Allie slipped a couple letters from me to you under your pillow. I didn't write as many as I should have maybe? Especially since I will be so busy packing, but just know I love you with all my heart and I'll look forward to talking to you on Thursday at supper time. I remember I must call before you leave for practice, don't worry." Elizabeth patted Nathan's cheek, then stood on tip-toes to kiss the exact same spot. "I love you, Honey." Looking into his eyes, she slowly closed hers, hoping for another kiss.
Nathan moved quickly to meet her lips with his own, but didn't linger. "We have to go, Honey."
"Mmmm... Okay."
At the Regina train station, Nathan hailed a porter to bring a luggage trolley to the back of the car. Soon joined by David Wright, the three men unloaded the suitcases and totes. With a tip and instructions for the train destined to Hope Valley, the porter turned with David to lead the way to the station. He pointed to the window to confirm the reservation and pick-up the tickets, promising to wait until David returned.
The Porter and David loaded the Thatcher-Thornton belongings into William's private quarters and, returning to the platform, the Porter saluted Nathan, thanking the Sergeant for the tip. The Conductor informed the ladies that he would assist them as soon as they were ready to board.
Grace gave Nathan a hug and kissed his cheek. "You take care of my girl, Allie, Nathan, and take care of yourself. The two of you have a happy Christmas, remembering that Elizabeth will soon be back with you. We'll take good care of her and assist all we can in her preparations to move. Don't you worry, Son. William has it all under control! Probably he has thought of things neither of us would think of! Now, you go and sing your heart out with Allie." Holding Nathan's gaze, Grace continued. "I love you like the son I never had, Nathan, and I thank God for you every day." Grace kissed his cheek again. "Now you go say your farewell to Elizabeth. I will meet her onboard."
"Godspeed, Grace. Thank you for everything, prayers, support, love… all of it. Merry Christmas to you and yes, I will see you before the year ends!"
Elizabeth had sidled up to Nathan as he spoke to her mother. When Grace headed towards the waiting Conductor, Nathan wrapped his arm around Elizabeth, drawing her to himself. Not trusting his voice, he could only bend to kiss his Elizabeth once again.
Slowly they parted and, with his arm around her shoulders, Nathan walked Elizabeth the remaining distance to the train. After one, final, quick kiss he practically lifted her up the step and into the train. Turning she blew a kiss to him and disappeared into the railcar.
Stepping back, Nathan scanned the windows, hoping she would be there to wave. He saw Grace first who waved, then pointed a couple windows further forward. There she was, Elizabeth had the packet of letters in her hand and was blowing kisses and smiling. Nathan waved and returned a few kisses, then stepped back and adopted the Mountie at-ease position. After all he was in uniform!
On the train, Elizabeth and Grace had settled into the private compartment, while David had the attached, but separate, single-bunk compartment. The ladies awaited their order of a pot of tea.
Elizabeth didn't waste a moment, before she extracted the top letter from the ribbon and slid her finger under the flap. With a handkerchief in hand, Elizabeth read.
"My dearest, Elizabeth,
You are reading this because we are now apart. Still, know that you are with me in heart even as I am with you. Truly, we cannot be separated as we have been in the past. Our hearts and our future are joined as one. We know each other now and know that as soon as possible we will be together again.
Thank you for coming, for your patience as I worked through your arrival and initial letters. Those were not always easy times, but now I feel so at ease with you that they were worth it. I enjoy your humor and our teasing moments even as I enjoy our connection, the feel of your hug, your hand in mine and you leaning on my shoulder.
I am already missing you, my Love, but trusting God to bring you back to me soon.
Know my love for you is for always, Your Nathan"
Gently rubbing her finger across his handsome script, Elizabeth let her eyes lose their focus. Finally remembering where she was as she heard the knock on the door, she touched her fingers to her lips.
Once the train was out of sight, Nathan turned away. Lifting his face to heaven to avoid making eye contact with anyone, he hurried to his car, praying. Nathan gave thanks and asked God to help him and to be with Elizabeth. Safely inside the vehicle, he leaned his arms and his head on the steering wheel, reiterating his prayers from this morning.
Between Wes sharing about his weekend with Ardis and listening to Nathan share about the special time with Elizabeth, neither Mountie had a productive morning for the RCMP. Yet, a Mountie was also a man who needed to know the support of his Mountie brother, so in reality, no Senior Mountie would have found fault with these two excellent men. When needed Nathan and Wes had given their all and, if called upon, they would do it again. For now, having shared with each other, they could anticipate a productive afternoon.
On his way home, Nathan decided that he and Allie would have Welsh Rarebit, since he always had ingredients for that in the pantry. Tired, he hoped Allie would understand the simple supper and that he needed an early night. With all the activities, though they filled him with joy, Nathan was spent and needed to catch up on sleep for a night or two.
Upon arriving in the main house, Allie came hurrying down the hallway into her father's arms. "Hi Dad…" She hugged him tightly. "How are you?" Leaning back she searched his face. Happy that he didn't show signs of tears, she released him as she awaited his answer.
"I am fine, Sweetheart. Just tired. We have had such a busy few days, haven't we?" Nathan tweaked her nose. "Early to bed-for me anyway! How are you?"
"A part of me is dreadfully sad and missing Mrs. Thornton and part is deliriously happy. It's weird, but I really feel both! Are you going to talk to Gramma or are you ready to go home?"
"I'm ready to go, but while you gather your things, I'll stop in for a quick 'hello.'"
"Nathan! Oh, my boy. You must be exhausted! Talk about burning the candle at both ends! You have been busy most of this week." Carol approached him from the dining room. "Am I correct in guessing you just want to relax at the Cottage tonight?"
"You guess correctly on all counts. I am exhausted. As Allie just mentioned, I am also experiencing conflicting emotions. Missing Elizabeth terribly and yet dreamily remembering what a wonderful week we have shared. I may need a couple nights of going to bed early to try and catch-up on sleep!"
"May I give you a container of roasted vegetables and a tin of cookies? Allie helped me bake cranberry cookie bars a while ago."
"I will not say no to those cookies and if you have extra vegetables, they sound delicious. Our supper will be simple and those will make our meal even simpler. Thank you." Nathan followed Carol into the kitchen. "Peter isn't home yet?"
"No. He'll be late as he had a meeting with some subordinates in the Ottawa office who came to help pack additional records to move." Carol handed a covered glass dish to Nathan and the tin to Allie. "Enjoy your quiet evening, you dears." With a sudden thought, she smiled, adding, "And sweet dreams!"
Rather than set the table, Nathan prepared a tray with beverages and plates of vegetables, bread cubes and the cheese sauce, carrying everything into the living room to eat before the tree and the crackling fire. Allie had brought the silverware and napkins. After giving thanks and, again, praying for a safe trip for Elizabeth, father and daughter relaxed in silence as they ate.
Allie was the first to break the quiet. "Dad? I was thinking this afternoon. Remember when you said all my friends in Hope Valley might be missing me more than I was missing them? You said when I left, I left a hole in their lives, whereas I didn't miss them as much because I was beginning an exciting new adventure. Well, I think we are the ones left with a hole in our lives right now, at least until Mrs. Thornton returns with Jack. I miss her a lot."
"You know? You are right, Allie-girl." Nathan agreed. "We have an empty place in our Regina lives right now. But we'll get through, right? Besides rehearsing for our duet, finishing Christmas cards, maybe some baking and making plans for when the Thornton's return, is there anything you would like to do?"
"Yes. Can we make a wreath for the main house to match ours? Also, we have neglected our Hope Valley friends, so we need to write some letters. Maybe we should call Grandmom and Grandpa for a nice long call?" Allie paused thoughtfully. "Maybe call Uncle Gabe since we'll miss his wedding?"
"Excellent ideas, Honey. I planned to call Uncle Gabe, but if you want to talk to him as well, I'll call from here. Maybe we can call Brookfield tomorrow before dinner? Anything else?"
"Yes. I was thinking about how wonderful Grampa Peter and Gramma Carol are to us and I wondered if we could invite them for dinner? Maybe take them out to dinner too? Could we afford that? Maybe we could go to The King's Restaurant? If we give them a card with the invitations inside, then they could choose the best date for themselves? We could add a promissory note for a dinner here too. We just need warning so we can prepare. I thought I could ask Mrs. Evens, at school, for an easy but different meal idea? Ours are delicious, but not very fancy. It would be fun to serve them something fancy."
"Well, Allie! You have given this a lot of thought. I think this is a great idea. Do you have a card we could use and write the notes now? That way we could give them the card tomorrow before we head towards our Academies."
"I have just the one. Be right back!" With enthusiasm, Allie ran to her room and collected the card and extra note paper, returning to join Nathan on the sofa once again. Together they composed the two invitations which Allie penned with flourishes and snowflake designs. Nathan wrote the card, expressing Allie and his appreciation for all the Collins's had so generously given them since they arrived. 'Please accept our thank you invitations at your convenience. You both deserve to be treated to a special meal, or in this case, two! We want to express our gratitude and love to you. Love from, Allie and Nathan' Sealing the invitations in with the card, Nathan rose to place it on top of his gloves and swagger stick on his desk to be delivered in the morning.
"I am ready for bed, Sweetheart. Would you mind going into your room to read so I can bank the fire and close up?" Nathan requested.
"I should probably go to sleep soon too, but yes, Dad. Please come in to say goodnight, when you are ready for bed?" Allie requested as she took the mugs back to the kitchen sink and ran a little water in each.
Dressed in his pajamas and robe, Nathan knocked on his daughter's door. "Allie?"
"Come in, Dad. I'm ready."
"It's a little chilly in here, Allie. Are you going to be warm enough? I can bring another blanket from the trunk."
"I think I'll be fine, Dad. It always feels cool in here after we come from the fireplace in the front room." She patted the edge of the bed for Nathan to sit. "You look tired, so let's pray, okay?" She reached out her hand and once Nathan took it, Allie began.
"Dear God, Wow! I am so happy how things are going with Dad and Mrs. Thornton. We have waited a long time, but I think now it was worth waiting for. Thank you for making my Dad so happy! I am happy to see him like this. It's the best! And the fact that Mrs. Thornton will be back in a couple weeks, with Jack too, is grand! Protect them on the train and keep them all safe, and all our Hope Valley family who are too many to name tonight. Bless Grandmom and Grandpa, Uncle Zach and all our Regina family too! Give Dad a good night's sleep and, again, thank you so much! I love you. Amen"
Tightening his grip on Allie's hand, Nathan added. "And Lord? Thank you for my sweet and generous daughter. Thank you for Allie's willingness to forgive and for her support and love. Bless her tonight with your angels watching over her and in the morning may we awaken refreshed and with a song on our hearts. We give you thanks and praise, Amen."
"Good night Sweet girl. I love you." Nathan leaned to kiss Allie's forehead as she hugged him.
"Sweet dreams, Dad, and good night!" Allie giggled then snuggled under her covers.
"I'll be right back with another blanket, Honey. You can keep it at the bottom of your bed just in case."
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