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Chapter One hundred and ten

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Surprises

. .

Grateful that Hudson had taken care of most of the packing in their row house, Grace Thatcher was also thankful that he had kept out a few dishes to use during their final days in town. Pouring the hot water into the teapot Grace then carried the tray to set on the coffee table as Lee Coulter was due to arrive momentarily.

At the knock, William answered the door and welcomed Lee. "Thank you so much for meeting us here, Lee. We really didn't want curious minds seeing us meet with you. May we offer you tea and some scones?"

As Lee nodded and said yes, Grace spoke up. "They are Clara's from the Café and today's jam is Molly's Saskatoon jam." She poured the tea, then asked, "Sugar or milk?"

"A little milk please? Thank you, Grace." Accepting the tea he looked at William Thatcher, curiously. "So what is on your mind, Sir?"

"We are beyond calling each other 'Sir' Lee, even when discussing business. Let me let Grace present her idea first, please? Grace?"

Grace explained her inspiration to fund the building of a library addition to the new school building. "On the day the new building was dedicated, I suggested my idea to William. I am envisioning a door that would open into the school so the students could have access during school hours, and an outside door to allow the public to use the library as well. William agrees that this would be a worthwhile contribution to the town."

Lee sputtered as he had just taken a sip of his tea. "Truly?"

William chuckled. "Yes. We would like to thank Hope Valley for their hospitality to us and acknowledge our appreciation for their care of our daughter and grandson over the years. Is this something you would be amenable to, Lee? Would the town allow us to donate this? We would pay for the building and materials as well as the furnishings, new bookshelves, a card catalog, etcetera. Occasionally we could ship books under Elizabeth's direction and we would pay for a librarian to operate the place. My thought is to sign a librarian for the next five years? We can reassess that contract in the future." Pausing, William noticed that Lee still hadn't sipped his tea again and seemed dazed. "Lee? What are you thinking?"

"I am sure I don't know what to think!" Lee exclaimed. "This is extraordinary for this little town. William! Grace! You are certain about this?"

"We are, Lee. There are a couple requests though? First, we would like you to oversee the plans and construction thereof. If you need to hire an architect to advise on the layout and prepare blueprints, I will arrange for one to come meet with you. I have setup an account in the bank in town and you can withdraw from the account as needed. Whenever you need additional funds, you can notify my office and David will replenish the account." William sipped his tea.

"One stipulation is that no one knows who has donated this library until it is dedicated at which time it should be named the Thornton Grant Community Library." Laughing, William added, "That name cannot be announced until after the expected wedding, of course!"

Lee laughed. "That is a request we can accommodate! I can speak for the town on this, William, we gratefully accept." Lee happily enthused. "I've been wondering what we could do about the current library now that Elizabeth is relocating permanently, but we can reallocate the building funds to pay for Cat Montgomery to continue to serve. This is absolutely wonderful, William. Grace. I cannot thank you enough!"

"We are glad we can do this, Lee. Would Mrs. Montgomery need some training? I would be willing to send her to Union City Public Library to work alongside their librarians for a few weeks so she would feel confident running the Library here in Hope Valley. She could then be awarded a yearly contract and we would pay for the first five years if she is willing and a good fit. Could you investigate that and let me know? My assistant has already broached the idea with someone in the City Library."

"Oh, my goodness! Cat might love that opportunity. I will ask her in confidence and maybe we can find someone else to fill-in temporarily if she decides to accept this offer." Lee was astounded. "You are incredibly generous, William. With you here these last few months I have forgotten how successful a businessman you truly are. I will not forget that again any time soon!"

"I confess it has been refreshing for me to forget it myself, and to find our place in small town life! During these months, I have reassessed my priorities and been blessed, so I am thankful to you good people of Hope Valley for your part in that."

. .

Stopping at the Barbershop, Elizabeth was grateful that there were no customers and Fiona was seated at her desk. "Good morning, Fiona. Do you have a few minutes?"

Glancing at the clock, Fiona stood and responded. "I have about ten minutes before I am expecting anyone. Have a seat, Elizabeth. May I offer you a quick cup of coffee?"

Elizabeth laughed. "I am visiting so many here in town this morning, that I might float away, so no thank you. Feel free to enjoy your own coffee though. I came to give you something as a small farewell token. I am so grateful for your friendship, Fiona, and even more for your kindness and loving care during my stay in the Infirmary." Elizabeth nodded at the package. "Please open it while I speak?"

Fiona slowly unwrapped the gift, but waited to remove the lid of the small box.

"God used you, Fiona, and your beautiful voice! When you sang that Psalm to me in the Infirmary it was a turning point. I can't really put it all into words, but I have thought about it often. Almost like King David singing to Saul in his distress, you sang to me and brought healing with your sweet music. So, thank you for your part in my recovery. That's not to mention your willingness to stay with me and help Faith keep me safe, both physically and from certain unwelcome visitors." Elizabeth reached out to pat Fiona's hand. "I appreciate you, Fiona, and pray God's best for you!" She looked down at the unopened box. "Now, open it please?"

"Oh, Elizabeth! These earrings are beautiful. You didn't have to do this, but thank you so much." Fiona's dark eyes glistened with tears. "And, Elizabeth, it was my privilege to be a part of your recovery. I was happy to do it, though distressed at your condition and the circumstances that caused it. I was grateful to witness your improvement and, now, to see your current happiness. I will always be thankful to have played a small part in that!"

Fiona stood and motioned for Elizabeth to stand as well. "I will miss you, but can't regret your departure knowing the family that you and Jack, Nathan and Allie will become someday. I hope I am not being presumptuous?"

Elizabeth hugged Fiona and whispered assurance into her ear as the door opened and a customer arrived. "I think our blended family is a sure thing, Fiona, and I believe God may have some plans for you too!"

The friends parted, both with giggles and pink cheeks. "Thank you, Fiona. You may read this note in private."

"Thank you, Elizabeth."

. .

Seeing Molly heading towards the Mercantile, Elizabeth called out to join her. As they walked, Elizabeth lifted a small gift and envelope from her basket and handed them to Molly. "This is for you, Molly."

"Oh?" Molly exclaimed with a confused look.

Elizabeth placed her hand on Molly's arm to stop her momentarily. "I am giving these to my many friends here in Hope Valley. There is a more detailed thank you note you may read later, but right now, I want to tell you again how thankful I am for your care some months back. I know caring for a person who is ill is not always easy, but I am so thankful you were willing to stay overnight and be on my care team. I'll be forever grateful, Molly."

"It was my pleasure, Elizabeth. Well, not that you were so ill, but that I could do something to help out." Glancing down at the gift, she added. "You didn't have to give me anything, but thank you!"

Releasing her hold, Elizabeth motioned towards the store. "Now I have a little gift for Florence as well, so maybe you can open them together?"

Talking to Ned while he found the package for the Infirmary, Elizabeth and Molly waited for Florence to be available as Elizabeth explained the revised plan to leave on Saturday. "Leaving is bittersweet… I don't know to whom I already said that, but it is true. Still, I am overjoyed for the gift of Nathan and what God has planned for us. In many ways, I cannot wait!"

"Cannot wait for what?" Florence came around the corner to see her two friends.

"Oh! Well, you know. I am anxious to see Nathan again, and Allie, of course." Elizabeth handed a gift to Florence. "This is for you and Molly has one as well. Will you both open them, please?"

Taken aback, Florence looked from Elizabeth to Molly and back again. "But, what…"

Laughing Elizabeth explained and was happy that both women liked and appreciated their gifts. "Please read the notes later, but let me give you both a hug? As the days are winding down I don't know when it will be the final hug so I will just keep offering them!"

"Thank you so much, Elizabeth. We will remember you each time one of us wears them!" Florence hugged back after Molly. "Ned, do you want to hug her too?"

"Never miss a chance for that." Ned came around the counter. "God bless you, dear girl. I'll miss you… Well we all will miss you!"

. .

Hoping the breakfast rush was over, Elizabeth made her way to the Café, entering through the kitchen door. "Oh good! All three of you are here!" Elizabeth closed the door behind her. "If I help with the dishes could you ladies take a moment for me to give you something?"

Abigail laughed. "We can take a few moments, but washing dishes is not required as payment. Come sit down, Elizabeth. Tea or Coffee?"

"A half a cup of coffee would be nice. It is cold out there!" Elizabeth took a seat on the settee as Minnie joined her and Clara brought a cup of creamy coffee, just the way she knew Elizabeth liked it.

As the four ladies gathered in the parlor, Elizabeth handed each of them a beautifully wrapped gift and notes. "These are a small gift of appreciation for each one of you. You have all played different roles in my life, but all of you are special to me and I wanted to leave behind a token of my love for you. Please open them?"

Watching her friends surprised faces, Elizabeth took a sip of coffee before explaining further. "You will see identical earrings on other friends, so don't be surprised. When in Regina I purchased these for each of you."

"How sweet," Exclaimed Clara. "I have just the necklace to wear with these, so I will wear them often. Thank you, Elizabeth."

"I am honored to be included, Elizabeth. Thank you so much." Minnie confessed as tears formed. "These mean more than you can know."

"Minnie? What is it?"

Wiping tears from her eyes as she willed them to stop, Minnie spoke softly. "I have never encountered such acceptance and inclusion as I have here in Hope Valley. You all mean the world to me and I thank God for you."

"I think I can guess your hidden meaning, Minnie, and I am so sorry you haven't known friends like us before now. It shouldn't be that way, but I am so thankful you and Joseph are a part of Hope Valley. God has used you both in my life and I am grateful for you too." As Minnie was seated next to her on the settee, Elizabeth moved closer and hugged the tearful woman. "You are precious to us and to the Lord, Minnie." Leaning back, Elizabeth laughed softly and diffused the sadness momentarily. "Here am I offering my pastor's wife Spiritual reminders!"

As the ladies joined the laughter, Abigail stood and waved for Elizabeth to stand. She enfolded Elizabeth in a tight hug as she spoke. "When I think back at that scared but determined young woman who came to stay with me after the fire, I am amazed at all you have learned, how you have matured, blessed us all, and become such a special friend. I love you dearly, Elizabeth, and although I know God is leading you forward and your path is away from us, I will always hold you close in my heart and pray for you. God brought Jack to you, and although He took him so young, God blessed you with a baby boy. Then God brought Nathan and Allie to Hope Valley, and although I was absent for some years, God lead each of you to this day. His plans are marvelous in our sight! I am so happy for you that it is selfish to say I will miss you." Abigail released her hold on Elizabeth as she added. "I will miss you though!"

With eyes blurred with tears, Elizabeth whispered. "I will miss you too, all of you. God bless you and thank you for your love and prayers."

Having recovered sufficiently to speak, Minnie asked. "Shall I pray for you?"

"Yes, please." As Elizabeth spoke, Clara and Minnie stood forming a circle with Abigail and Elizabeth and holding hands.

"Dear Heavenly Father,
Sometimes your ways are beyond our understanding, but down the road we see you have been guiding us all along. We recognize your hands in each of our individual lives and the circumstances that have brought us to today. Thank you for your work in each of us, but we especially thank you for all you have done in Elizabeth's life. Thank you for your healing touch and strengthening. Thank you for her growth and recovery."

"Thank you for the sweetness we now see in her and thank you for all the possibilities ahead of her. We rejoice at the prospects of a joined family, giving each of their children the parent they had been missing. You do wonderful things, Lord. Bless Elizabeth and Jack as they travel and take further steps with dear Nathan and sweet Allie. Guide them all and keep them close to you."

"Oh, and thank you for Elizabeth's input in Angela's life and the impact she has made in including Angela in the classroom. Angela's increasing skills at handling Braille are such a blessing to her and to all of us."

"We commit Elizabeth and her son into your loving hands today with thanksgiving and praise, praying in your precious name, Amen."

The other ladies spoke their "Amen" together as a chorus, then broke away and shared another round of hugs before Elizabeth departed, saying a final, "Thank you."

. .

"Hello, Dr. Carter and Dr. Marshall." William Thatcher used their formal titles as he took a seat with them around the table in the Infirmary. "Thank you for meeting with me this morning. I am trying to finish my business dealings with our revised departure date!"

"May I offer you a cup of coffee, Sir?" Faith offered.

"Thank you, but I will decline and get right down to business." William grew serious. "I want to thank you again for the wonderful care you gave my Elizabeth. I would not have expected a small town to accommodate her as you did and you poured your hearts into her care. My wife and I are so grateful. As a token of our appreciation we would like to donate an X-ray machine to your clinic." William waited as the news sank in.

Faith gasped and gripped Ben's hand. "An X-ray machine? Really? You have no idea how I have longed for one. Transporting an injured patient all the way to Union City has been difficult and this would allow us to better treat those for whom we are responsible." Faith took a deep breath. "You are serious about this?"

"Indeed I am. I know that you have been discussing building an addition for your office, Ben, and I would propose we add an additional room to house the X-ray machine as well. You will need to choose the model you want and make the plans for the additions. I will arrange payment for it all, once you give me an estimated cost? Ben, can you assist with that? We might as well meet the standards of the Union City facility, even though this is a smaller clinic."

Wiping tears from the corners of her eyes, Faith stood and went around to hug Elizabeth's father. "Thank you for your generosity, Sir. I am supremely grateful."

"And in that we are alike, Faith, for I am grateful to you!"

. .

Meanwhile Elizabeth stopped into Bill's office to inform him of their early departure. "Will you please join us, Bill? I hate to think of you traveling alone when we can all share a lovely time together on the train. You can be certain that Jack will enjoy having one of his favorite people to experience this exciting journey with him! What do you say?"

"I accept. There is little on the docket and I can make a couple calls to reschedule that. I imagine everyone involved will be thankful for a reprieve until the new year. I better get busy though as I will need to pack as well as make those calls." Bill grinned. "Let me know the time and plans, okay? You can use my vehicle if you need to board your father's car early."

"That is a wonderful idea, Bill. I will tell him and you get busy getting ready to join us!" Elizabeth patted Bill's hand as she stood to exit his office and head to her next stop in town.

. .

"Oh, Father! I didn't expect to meet you here, exiting the Infirmary." Elizabeth examined her father's face as she inquired. "Are you feeling alright?"

William read the concern in his daughter's face and spoke quietly. "I am fine, Bessie. I was just discussing an X-ray machine with the good doctors." Realizing Elizabeth was headed into the Infirmary, he questioned. "Are you feeling okay yourself?"

"Me? I am fine, Dad. I am just going to see if Faith can spare a few moments to chat! I am meeting Rosemary for lunch as I realize there are a couple things I still need to tell her too." Elizabeth smiled, grateful her plan was working out. "Where are you headed right now?"

"To finalize arrangements with the Stationmaster. I want to ship the automobile, and oh! You want to bring Sergeant as well, right? Did you discuss this with Nathan?"

"I didn't even think of it, Dad! Thank you for taking care of all these details. Yes, please arrange for transporting Sergeant for me!" Elizabeth kissed her father's cheek. "Oh, and Bill will travel with us and he offered the use of his car once yours is loaded." Grinning she continued. "I'll meet you back at the row house after lunch so we can go to the cemetery."

. .

"Hi, Faith. You said to stop by and I wondered if now is okay to share a cup of tea?" Elizabeth held up her basket laughing. "I brought Clara's oatmeal cookies, figuring that oatmeal is healthy for breakfast so it must be okay for a morning snack! I wanted to fill you in as I promised."

"Yes, Elizabeth. Come in. I just offered your father some coffee, but if you want tea it won't take long. Have a seat." Faith motioned to the chair William had just vacated.

"Oh, don't trouble yourself." Elizabeth reassured Faith. "I can drink coffee instead."

"If you ladies will excuse me? I need to talk to Brad about something." Ben collected his briefcase and kissed Faith's cheek, patting her shoulder before departing. "Goodbye, Elizabeth."

Bringing two mugs of coffee to the table, Faith joined Elizabeth and gratefully received Elizabeth's farewell gift and note. "Thank you so much, Elizabeth. I will think of you each time I wear these earrings. This is so sweet of you."

Confessing, Elizabeth shared. "You will think of me often, although that was not my original intent." She giggled softly. "I am giving these to many of you friends so you will be reminded as often as they wear their earrings too!"

Faith grinned. "Well we will all enjoy that I know. Now what do you have to share about your days in Regina with Nathan? I know there is a story behind your joy-filled expression!"

Faith listened to Elizabeth retelling her visit with Nathan and Allie. Elizabeth didn't give all the details, but knew Faith deserved to know more than most people after having cared for Elizabeth during her collapse and for weeks thereafter.

Once Elizabeth shared what she felt was necessary, Faith reached out to cover Elizabeth's hand with her own.

With shining eyes, Faith confessed softly. "Elizabeth, I was so uncertain of how to care for you back then. I tried not to show it, but it was a stressful time for me to have your life in my hands. I mean I am trained and used to the physical ailments I encounter, but caring for you was a matter of relying on God and Joseph and our friends in ways I never had to do before. I was relieved when Ben arrived and he could support Joseph and me."

Faith continued. "I think God worked miracles for all of us as a result and I am overjoyed to hear about all God has done for you and your sweet Mountie. Nathan is a wonderful man, Elizabeth, although I don't need to tell you that now. But, he is one in a million, that Nathan. I miss him but it is wonderful to hear what God is doing for him and sweet Allie now. Plus, the four of you will be a precious blended family when the time comes." Faith blushed. "I won't tell anyone else this yet, but I think Ben and I will become family in the coming months as well. That's a secret though, so please don't even hint at that. No one knows."

Elizabeth giggled as she whispered. "I don't think it's much of a secret, Faith. Your joy is written all over your face! Probably just like mine!"

. .

In another office on Main Street, Constable Paul was receiving some surprising news from Laura Campbell. Jack sat contentedly on Paul's lap as he ate his piece of candy, oblivious to the myriad of feelings his nanny and his Mountie friend were facing.

"Saturday? I had no idea they were leaving so soon." Paul wrapped his arm around Jack a little tighter. "I am going to miss you, my Buddy!"

Looking into Laura's eyes, Paul saw the sadness and his tone softened. "This is hard for you, isn't it?"

With teary eyes, Laura nodded. "In more ways than one."

With sudden understanding, Paul whispered. "Maybe we can't always enjoy our visits here, but we will find a way, Laura. I'll walk you home after school some days so we don't only have our Sunday afternoons together. Maybe we can meet for a picnic breakfast at the schoolhouse before the children arrive? We can talk to your father about what he suggests on Sunday, okay?"

Once he was assured that Laura was okay, he redirected his attention to Jack. "Tell me about your trip, Jack. Will you be going by horseback? No?" As Jack shook his head, Paul made another suggestion. "By sailboat?"

Jack giggled and shook his head again. "No…"

"No? Oh! By wagon? By automobile?" Paul tickled Jack's tummy now that he had finished his candy. "No? Are you walking there?"

Shaking with giggles, Jack responded gleefully. "I am taking the train!"

"The train! You don't say." Paul grinned at the adorable little boy. "That sounds exciting!"

Jack nodded. "I will sleep on the train too. In a real bed. And we will eat on the train too."

"Do you think there will be a candy drawer on the train?" Paul questioned.

"Oh, dear. I don't know. I'll have to ask Mommy or Grandaddy or Uncle Huds." Jack looked serious.

"Well, you are going to see Mountie Nathan, right? Maybe he'll have a candy drawer for you? Do you think so?"

Looking much relieved, Jack leaned back. "You are right. Daddy Na'tan will have candy for me." Jack looked imploringly at his friend Paul. "Will you miss me?" Searching Paul's face Jack suggested. "Maybe you can show Patrick your candy drawer and he can be your buddy. Then you won't be lonely."

"Oh Jack! Maybe so, but he won't be you and yes, I will miss you. Maybe you can send me a picture you draw so I can hang it on my wall? Could you do that for me?" Paul pointed to the wall across from his desk.

"Yes. I can do that!" Turning to look at his nanny sheepishly, Jack inquired. "Do you want another candy, Miss Laura?"

Trying not to laugh, Laura and Paul exchanged glances. "Well, I'm not sure. I don't want to ruin my appetite for lunch you know."

"Oh, just a small piece would be okay." Jack assured his nanny. "If you promise to eat all of your sandwich, you can have one more piece. Promise?"

By now, neither Paul nor Laura could keep from laughing at Jack's negotiating skills!

A bit confused, Jack looked from one to the other. Laughter was not what he expected. He actually thought they might get mad and say no!

Paul spoke first. "Because this is your last visit, I think one more small piece will be okay for all of us to have, okay? Do you promise to eat all of your sandwich for lunch?" Paul watched as Jack nodded vigorously.

"I promise." Jack was quick to agree.

"Will you also promise to give me a huge goodbye hug?" Asked Paul.

"I promise." Jack squirmed in Paul's lap and wrapped his arms around Paul's neck. "There!" Jack declared triumphantly.

Paul hugged back, then leaned down to open the drawer. As he withdrew the tin, Paul winked at a smiling Laura. "You can blame it on me! And, you know the drawer will still be here anytime you want to stop by for a sweet moment!"

. .