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Chapter One hundred and eight

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Introductions to People and Places

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As Elizabeth and Julie stepped back onto the street, Julie commented. "Poor Rosemary doesn't look very happy with you."

"No. I know it is bittersweet. It is difficult to say goodbye and see so many things change. Oh! Look there is Faith and her beau." Elizabeth hurried towards Faith and Ben, just as his twin brother exited the Mercantile to join them. "Hello!" Elizabeth called across the street.

"Hello, Elizabeth!" Faith and Ben chorused as Faith quickly came towards her. After a quick hug, she stepped back and observed her former patient. "You look wonderful! Alive, well, and happy. It was a good visit? I didn't get to speak to you after church."

"I had a marvelous visit, Faith. All the pain was part of God's refining fire, as Nathan said. We couldn't be happier." Remembering her sister was beside her, Elizabeth reintroduced Julie. "Do you remember Julie? Oh, and please let me introduce Doctor Ben Marshall who helped me immensely and is courting Faith. Ben please meet my sister, Julie Thatcher, from Hamilton."

Ben shook Julie's hand even as she looked from him to his brother. "Let me introduce my brother, also a Doctor Marshall! He is Bradley though and an Orthopaedic Surgeon in Hamilton, visiting for the holidays." Ben looked at his brother and wasn't even certain he was listening. "Brad? Bradley? Please meet Mrs. Elizabeth Thornton and her sister, Julie Thatcher."

Bradley Marshall recovered his voice, but his eyes remained locked on this striking redhead before him. "Hello, Ma'am, Miss." Although he said the words, Bradley's hand reached for Julie's and, after a noticeable tingle, he lifted her delicate hand to kiss her knuckles. "Charmed."

As the siblings looked on, smiling, Julie blushed a light peachy-pink and said. "It's a pleasure to meet you. You hail from Hamilton?"

"I do. I am a Surgeon at Hamilton General Hospital while also instructing at McMaster University." Bradley continued. "May I ask you to use my given name, Bradley or Brad? It gets confusing to have two Doctor Marshalls, especially when they are twins!" Brad chuckled.

"Of course, Brad. I am Julie, please?"

Observing her sister, Elizabeth wondered at her quietness. Normally effervescent, Julie seemed subdued, only offering minimal conversation, so Elizabeth spoke up, filling the silence. "My sister is an artist and teaches advanced courses at a few public schools in the less affluent areas of Hamilton. Julie has a passion to bring the joy of art to those children who are often underserved."

"Really? That is fascinating. I often see some of that population when in need of emergency services, you know broken arms and legs and such." Oblivious to the siblings standing nearby, Brad asked. "How is it that our paths have never crossed? Do you ever attend the Hospital fundraisers? I don't believe I could have missed such a striking beauty as you!"

Blushing deeper, Julie dipped her eyes, then raised them as she answered. "My mother is involved in various hospital charities, so I stay in the educational sphere."

"I am sorry to hear that!" Brad spoke sincerely. "I would enjoy getting to know you better, if you would be willing? How long are you visiting Hope Valley?"

With a fleeting glance at Elizabeth who was holding a wordless conversation with Faith and Ben, Julie explained their travel plans, then mentioned her return to Hamilton would be in the week following the New Year.

"Ah ha. May I invite you to the Café or to Hickam's this evening?" Brad added, "Do you have a preference?"

"I would be delighted to accept, Brad, and the Café is fine." Julie answered softly.

"Wonderful! " Brad was hardly able to contain his excitement. "Shall I pick you up at six o'clock? And are you staying with your sister?"

Once arrangements had been made, Elizabeth placed her hand on Faith's arm and whispered, "I'll find you again before I depart!" They exchanged knowing smiles and farewells before Elizabeth motioned for Julie to come with her to meet Fiona.

Ben had to tap Brad's back to get his attention as Brad stood mesmerized, watching Julie walk away.

Chuckling Ben teased, "So, brother, may I assume you want to borrow my vehicle for your date this evening?"

Having compiled a list, Rosemary had not wasted a moment once Elizabeth had left her office earlier in the day. She had found Katie Yost at lunch and arranged a farewell portion of the program after Friday night's production of "A Christmas Carol." Katie offered to introduce the thank you and farewell, suggesting that she could ask her parents for advice on a small token of thanks to present to Elizabeth on behalf of the students.

Thrilled, Rosemary had next approached the Hickams to ask if she could reserve the new private dining room for dinner for thirty on Thursday. Since the room was already decorated for the holiday, that was one item to cross off her list. The Hickams were happy to help and promised to arrange for Christmas hams, with sides that would be reminiscent of the holiday. Rosemary planned to ask Abigail, Clara and Minnie to bake a few pies or a cake and headed to the Café next.

As she was leaving the Café, Rosemary stepped into the street as she consulted her list, almost bumping into Elizabeth. "Oh! Elizabeth!" Rosemary stumbled, but quickly folded her list. "I was distracted! Are you and Julie headed inside for an early lunch?"

"It's okay, Rosemary! Sorry to have startled you." Elizabeth looked at Julie and back. "No, we are lunching at home and then packing more this afternoon. Right now we are completing our tour and heading to the Hotel. I missed the grand opening, so Julie and I are hoping for a quick tour before I leave Hope Valley." She added quietly, "I understand it is unrecognizable so I think I can handle it."

"I am sure you will be fine and the Hickams have accomplished a wonderful transformation. You enjoy your tour! I better go though." Rosemary still appeared flustered, but said a hasty goodbye.

Julie commented, "Rosemary doesn't appear to be angry anymore, but she is a whirlwind of activity and emotions!"

Laughing Elizabeth commented. "Rosie is one of a kind! And a delightful kind too!"

Inside the double doors of the Hope Hotel, Elizabeth gasped. "Oh, my! Nothing is the same. Well, maybe the floor and the staircase, but everything else is new, different… Wow!" Letting her eyes wander, Elizabeth noted the high counter-desk inside the door with a rack of keys between the closest two front windows. Palms softened the counter's protrusion into the room and an evergreen garland was draped across the front, tied with red ribbons. A guest book lay open along with a tray of pens, while a book entitled reservations lay closed beside a fancy glass jar of mints. An arrangement of fresh evergreens and red and white carnations welcomed visitors.

Above every window hung garlands of greens with red ribbons and crisp, white cloths covered every table. Centerpieces of greens and holly surrounded black lanterns containing white candles and tied around with red ribbon. The old bar was gone, and a long counter sat up against the wall in its place. There was no alcohol visible which allowed Elizabeth to sigh with relief. She knew too many fights had caused both Nathan and Jack many a headache when patrons imbibed.

"Hello! May I help you?" A pretty and motherly woman approached to stand behind the front desk, smiling.

"Hello! I am Mrs. Elizabeth Thornton and this is my sister Julie Thatcher. I am the former schoolteacher here in Hope Valley and I was out-of-town when you opened. I was hoping we could have a tour or just look around a little if that is okay? I am amazed at how beautiful it is just standing here!"

Recognizing the name, Dorothy Hickam decided to give the ladies the tour herself. She had just begun to discuss the Thursday dinner plans with her husband and chef and wanted to avoid any revealing conversations. "Lovely to meet you both. I am Dorothy Hickam and I will gladly give you a brief tour. As you see this is the public area of the restaurant. We serve breakfast to our hotel guests, but we are open to the public for lunch and dinner. During this holiday season, reservations are recommended for dinner should you be interested." The proprietor stepped away, mentioning, "Follow me please?"

Elizabeth and Julie admired the Christmas tree tucked into the corner beside the stairs. "This platform is perfectly placed. I always thought it was odd to have the stairway come so far into the room!"

"So you are familiar with the old layout?"

Blushing Elizabeth chose her words carefully. "When I first came to Hope Valley to teach, this was my classroom until the Constable, my late husband, built the school. We have often used this building for community events, moving pictures, dinners and even a wedding, so, I am very familiar with the layout."

"I have heard some of this, but not about your teaching here! That is quite a story to tell, although I am sorry for your loss." Having heard Elizabeth's speech at church, Mrs. Hickam looked at Elizabeth cautiously. "You are no longer teaching though, correct?"

"No, I am not. I'll be moving to Regina next weekend and plan to continue with some writing projects." Elizabeth glanced at her sister who got the hint to say something.

"Mrs. Hickam, I admire your choice of colors." Julie motioned as she spoke. "The lighter shades of taupe and cream brighten the space beautifully. I also like the subtle mix of those colors in the drapes. I imagine the place will now be easily decorated for any season or occasion. Just lovely."

"Thank you! It is a big change from what it once was and it was my intention to have a palette that would be lighter and more versatile. Thank you for noticing, Miss Thatcher!" Waving the ladies over to a new set of French doors, Mrs. Hickam opened them and ushered the women inside. "We also have a private dining room for smaller parties or available to family groups or even couples for a private evening." She laughed as she added, "There are already a few couples who have taken advantage of this space for special evenings!"

"This is a wonderful idea, Mrs. Hickam. I know Hope Valley has needed a place just like this." Elizabeth laughed as well.

"Would you like to go upstairs to see one of the hotel rooms?" Mrs. Hickam offered.

"Yes, please." Elizabeth responded. "And then we will let you get back to your guests."

"Yes, thank you so much for taking your time." Julie added. "I am so happy this is now a family establishment and no one need be ashamed to recommend this accommodation to their friends or families."

Nathan entered the outer office of the Chief Superintendent at Depot whose secretary told Nathan to enter the private office. Opening the door, Nathan saluted and Tim Stewart returned his salute as he walked to the door and locked it. "Hello, Nathan! Our lunches are on this sideboard if you want to help yourself? I ordered some extra items so enjoy them as well."

Nathan and his commanding officer filled their plates and sat at the small conference table which had been set with embossed, leather placemats, silverware and linen napkins. Tim poured the coffee and invited Nathan to give thanks.

"I wasn't expecting all this, but thank you, Tim! Oh, before I forget, Zachary called last evening and told me you arranged for him to share both Christmas Eve and Day with us. I appreciate your generosity in allowing this for him, and actually for all of my family! Thank you."

"My pleasure, Nathan. No classes take place on Christmas Day so as long as he completes his chores, he need not stay around for speeches and a Depot dinner! Cadet Grant deserves to make special memories with his new-found family. Now, speaking of families, how are things with Elizabeth Thornton?"

"Wonderful, except she had to return to Hope Valley. Tim, she is packing her belongings to move here to Regina! I haven't proposed officially yet, but I plan to do so soon. Her father gave me his blessing when he visited back in November, and he has procured apartments in Le Chateaux Qu'Appelle for his family, guests and for a Thatcher Shipping Office!" Nathan paused to take a bite of cabbage-slaw before continuing.

"I'm uncertain if this is necessary at this point, but as my Commanding Officer, may I have your permission to marry?"

Chuckling, Tim answered quickly. "I think we are way beyond that requirement now, Nathan. Permission, and blessing, granted! With pleasure!"

"Thank you, Sir. I might as well tell you this as well. Since Peter will be relocating to Ottawa, we have arranged for me to acquire the house and property. Although I have savings, I learned of an inheritance that allows me to take ownership in the coming weeks! I am still in shock, but it means I don't need to search for a home and we can therefore plan a wedding sooner than I had hoped!"

"You are beaming, Nathan!" Tim chuckled. "I'm very happy for you. I am guessing you have been sworn to secrecy, but I am fairly certain I know the source of that inheritance and how you have 'acquired' the house, to use your careful wording." Tim watched as Nathan blushed slightly. "There are people who don't let their right hand know what their left hand is doing when they give. You have been blessed, Nathan, as I am sure you know."

"Oh, I know. I am amazed at all God has given over these past few months!" Nathan paused, wondering how to begin. "Ah, while determining the longevity of my position here in Regina I had a discussion with Peter a few days ago. He informed me that you and he have spoken and determined the direction you would advise for my future in the RCMP? First, let me say I am humbled and honored that you wish to keep me here at Depot. Your goal for me is beyond what I have ever dreamed and I am not entirely certain I qualify. Still, I would like to know how you see my future in the Mounties and what the Superintendent's job responsibilities will be."

"Yes. Peter informed me that you inquired so you would know how to proceed with housing. We have discussed your future advancement, Nathan, and want to make the best use of your talents, experience, and interests to further the cause of the RCMP." Tim proceeded to describe the plan for Nathan to come alongside Tim and be mentored over the course of a few years to prepare him to replace Tim upon his retirement. Tim explained how he would like Nathan to continue with the manuals and the RCMP history project, no matter what his rank. He also would like Nathan to continue to introduce the funeral procession drills and to think creatively regarding improvements in the Cadet training courses.

"You would attend events and meetings with me or in my place when I am unavailable, so there would be minimal travel involved. You would be in charge here at Depot whenever I must travel and, eventually, you might be required to attend meetings or events in Ottawa, but not for extended lengths of time." Tim explained. "Essentially you would be functioning as my assistant, working closely with me, occasionally taking faculty meetings, handling complaints, welcoming Cadets and participating at graduations and governmental visits alongside me. You might be interacting with the local community as the official RCMP representative. This job description sounds as though it is more than one man can do. It is! However, if we have the other officers doing their jobs, our responsibilities are lessened."

"You seem to have found your place here, Nathan. I don't want to interfere with Providence and it is clear that the Lord orchestrated your move here. The promotion you receive at Depot will allow you to continue to grow, but to be an even greater influence on the staff and the new recruits. For me, it would be a privilege to work together, Nathan."

"I feel the same, Sir." Nathan expressed quietly.

"I can tell you, I really enjoy the position, Nathan, and I will enjoy working alongside you when the time comes. Now, the job is not open at the moment, but I would recommend that you prepare your letter of application as soon as you are comfortable doing so, if possible within the next couple of weeks. We never know when an opening will arise and if you are already interviewed, approved and waiting in line, Peter and I are the ones to promote you right into that position." Tim chuckled. "In your letter, please make certain to include the program changes you have implemented so far. I am assuming you will exceed the qualifications of others interested in the post, although no one has applied to date!"

"So you recommend I submit my letter soon!" Nathan was surprised but then concerned. He knew he had to address something from his past. "Ah, Tim, what about a disciplinary action taken against me many years ago?"

"Nathan?" Tim raised his hand for emphasis. "Please don't mention that again. Peter informed me of the circumstances of that accusation and inquiry when he returned from Hope Valley and those events are no longer included in your personnel file. The officer responsible has been disciplined, demoted, and removed from a position of direct supervision of any RCMP members. He was also assigned to a distant posting in the Northern Territories. He would lose even that position if he ever dared to mention those events again. Please understand? No one will ever read or know about those unfortunate events. Oh, and for the record? I would have made the arrests before the rustlers crossed the border just as you did. You probably saved many lives when you rounded up that criminal gang!" Tim reached over and clapped Nathan's shoulder. "Good job! I am just sorry for what you wrongly suffered."

"As far as the paperwork, submit your letter of application and all the documents you will need to me or my secretary when you are ready." Tim summarized the conversation. "I will then read through your personnel file and schedule a formal interview. Now, did I answer all your questions?"

"I think so, Tim. Thank you for having faith in me. May the Lord help me to live up to your expectations! I will pray about this and discuss this with Elizabeth and maybe with her father as well." Nathan paused, reaching into his inside breast pocket for a piece of paper. "There is something else I would like to discuss if we still have the time?"

"We have the time. Another cup of coffee to go with our pie?" Tim offered, then poured.

"Sure. Thank you. First, I must tell you how this idea came to me." Nathan described Allie's Youth Group visit to the Regina Home for the Aged, mentioning the elderly, retired Mounties who reside there. "Elizabeth and I chatted with one gentleman who perked up when he learned she was a Mountie widow and I was a Staff Sergeant Major."

"As you know, most Mounties serve far from family and wouldn't have many visitors in their declining years. It is a lonely existence to only interact with those who are also elderly, some of whom may not be of sound mind. The residents were thrilled to chat with the young people and that got me thinking."

Nathan was animated. "What if we established a program for individual Cadets to visit twice a month and get to know one of the retired Mounties? They could accumulate points for participation, but more so gain an understanding of what service means, what community care can look like. The Cadets would be a listening ear, hearing of exploits and challenges the elders faced during their years of service. The Cadets would also share about their training and be encouraged by the elders. I was thinking that we could ask faculty or even members of the Regina precinct to be volunteer drivers? Volunteering like this exemplifies the Mountie code of service and we would be a blessing to those dear elderly gentlemen. Maybe there are Mountie widows living there as well!"

"Nathan!" Tim Stewart exclaimed. "Peter told me you had an impressive idea, but I didn't have an inkling of what you have described. Peter is right! Why hasn't anyone thought of this before? This is wonderful…" Tim leaned back in his chair. "Just wonderful and please include this in your letter of application!"

"Should I discuss this with Superintendent Jones?" Nathan inquired. "I could get the program started by getting the names of the residents who we would visit, then I would introduce the plan to the faculty here at Depot and present the need to the local precinct and get volunteers. Actually anyone could facilitate the program if they know what hours the Cadets might be available. Might Superintendent Jones have that information?"

"Ask him and he can acquire it. Nathan, I support this wholeheartedly and you may get it going. Let me think of who I could assign to run the program, please? I would suggest we begin to gradually implement it after the New Year holiday."

Promptly at six o'clock, Dr. Bradley Marshall knocked on the Thornton's row house door.

Opening the door, William and Jack examined the gentleman standing on the front porch. "Good evening. Dr. Marshall?" William motioned the man inside and shut the door behind him.

"Yes, Sir. At least I am one of the Doctor Marshalls." Brad extended his hand. "Doctor Bradley Marshall, Orthopaedic Surgeon at Hamilton General Hospital."

"You most certainly are identical! Hello, Doctor. I am William Thatcher, Elizabeth and Julie's father." The handshakes were firm and strong, yet another point in Brad's favor! "The ladies will be down shortly, so please come and meet my wife? Oh, and this is Jack, Elizabeth's son."

Dr. Brad reached down to shake Jack's hand with a quiet, "Hello there, Jack."

As Dr. Brad moved towards the elegant lady who was rising from her chair, William made the introductions and Brad responded. "So pleased to meet you, Mrs. Thatcher."

"Likewise, Doctor. Please have a seat? I understand you are from Hamilton?" Grace wasted no time in questioning the doctor. "Born and raised or?"

"Born and raised. I lived there for all but a few years when I lived in New York while in medical school at Columbia." Brad replied, though humbly. "When my twin and I decided to pursue medicine, my father wanted us to get the best education available, thus he supported me in New York and Ben in Boston, at Harvard." Brad paused thoughtfully. "He wanted at least someone in the family to be university educated." Brad shrugged his shoulders.

William was glad he didn't follow-up with his next question as Grace got the answer more graciously than he would have.

"May I ask your parents' names, Sir? I am also from Hamilton and wonder if I may know them or have known them from my youth?"

"Oh! Well, I doubt you would, Mrs. Thatcher, but my parents are Mary Roberts Marshall and George Marshall. My father and uncle, well, and now my older brother and cousin, own Marshall Roberts Manufacturing. Are you familiar with them?"

Again, William was grateful for the interruption that prevented him from further contributing to the conversation, for at that moment Elizabeth and Julie descended the stairs and captured everyone's attention.

Immediately standing, Brad fumbled. "Mrs. Thatcher, ah, I mean Thornton and Miss Thatcher! Good evening."

"Hello, Brad. It's Elizabeth, remember?" Elizabeth smiled.

"Ah, yes. Elizabeth. And Julie? You look beauti…" Suddenly realizing her parents were observing, he swallowed his words. Blushing uncomfortably, Brad tried to recover.

Rescued by Julie, she responded happily. "Good evening, Bradley. You have met my parents?"

"I have indeed." Brad could not take his eyes off of the red-haired vision before him and was barely able to voice the question of her readiness to depart.

Once Brad helped Julie with her overcoat and they said their goodbyes, he helped her into the car. Seated inside, he turned to Julie. "You really do look beautiful, Julie. I have never seen a dress that color. What is it called?"

Looking down at the dress that peeked from below her coat, Julie named it. "Bronze. Many might call it brown, but as an artist I like to be exact in my descriptions, so this is bronze." Blushing slightly Julie looked into Brad's admiring face. "Thank you for the compliment."

"You are welcome and it is deserved." Brad started the engine. "Are you ready for dinner?"

Meanwhile, inside the row house, William and Grace exchanged surprised looks which Elizabeth noticed.

"What is it? Do you know something about the Marshalls?"

Grace was the first to speak. "They are self-made and wealthy people. Mary Marshall is very unassuming and I think very uncomfortable when I have met her at charity events. Her husband is a jovial, friendly man who doesn't waste much time on pleasantries. He gets down to business very quickly and therefore is highly successful. You might say a businessman extraordinaire!"

William cleared his throat at that description.

Having joined them in the parlor, Elizabeth questioned, looking at her father. "You don't agree with that assessment, Father?"

"Oh, I agree. I would gladly do business with George, Senior. His nephew is an entirely different matter." William spoke disapprovingly.

"Why do I think there is so much more to your statement, Father? Did you once do business with them or what?" Innocently, Elizabeth asked.

Letting out a deep breath, William confessed quietly. "It was Marcus Roberts, Brad's cousin, who I dismissed from my office the day I was introduced to Nathan's poem."

"Oh…" Elizabeth gasped, pausing before continuing softly. "Well, Dad, this may be an opportunity to bring good out of that. Let's pray to that end, okay?" Glancing at her mother, she added, "By the way the two of them looked at each other tonight, I believe there is a future there for Julie and her doctor!"

Elizabeth stood and went to kneel before her father. "I will be praying for you, and ask Nathan to join me, okay?"

William could only nod, but was grateful for his family's support, no matter what lay ahead.

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