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Chapter One hundred nineteen

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Unexpected Conversations

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Mid-morning, Bill drove Elizabeth and Jack downtown and dropped them off at the employees entrance. "You know the way, Elizabeth?"

"Thank you, Bill, I do. This entrance is not far from the back elevator that opens opposite my parent's apartment. We'll be fine!" Elizabeth reassured him as he handed her the lunch basket and held the hotel's door open for her. "Tell Nathan I say hi, please?"

. .

Bill knocked on Nathan's office door and entered, a basket of lunch in his hand. He was extremely well-dressed in his dark blue tweed, three-piece suit, crisp white shirt and navy tie. "Elizabeth told me to tell you 'hi!'" setting the basket on Nathan's desk, Bill continued. "I come bearing gifts! I know I am early, but I thought I could chat with Wes, or find Tim if you aren't ready for lunch." By way of explanation, Bill added. "I didn't have control of my arrival time."

Nathan motioned for Bill to take the seat between Wes and Nathan's desks. "Didn't have control of your arrival?"

"Yeah. I left Elizabeth and Jack at the Hotel, but ah, I had another errand to make." Bill clamped up and Nathan knew he was hiding something.

"I know you too well, Bill Avery. What is it you are not telling me? Eh?" Nathan grinned as he took his seat now that Bill was seated. "What's up?"

Too excited to keep this a secret a moment longer, Bill leaned forward. "You cannot tell anyone until it's finalized, but I investigated a position as Judge here in the Regina District Court. I just came from an interview!" Bill sat back letting Nathan absorb the news and the ramifications.

Speech eluded him, so Nathan just sat stunned with his jaw dropped.

"I might move here too!" Bill was elated and full of life. "Won't that be wonderful? I can live near all of you, my family! "

Recovering as he observed Bill's hope-filled expression, Nathan exclaimed. "Bill. That would be wonderful! Does Elizabeth know yet?"

"No one knows but you. That's why I am fairly bursting to share the possibility. Judge Brownley is retiring and I learned about his plans through a Union City attorney I was talking to a few weeks ago. When I told him my family had moved to Regina, and the rest of them would probably follow soon, he asked if I wanted to follow them too! He shared about Brownley's impending departure and encouraged me to apply. If I get the position, I'll be in Regina! I am so excited."

"I am as well, Bill, but you have lived in Hope Valley far longer than I have. Are you okay giving up the small town life and judgeship? I imagine work in a city court will be different."

"It will, but I will have law clerks so I won't have to research and deal with paperwork all alone. I will have help!" Bill quieted slightly. "Hope Valley holds a lot of memories, both good and not so good. With Elizabeth and young Jack leaving as well as you and Allie, there is no one for whom I would stay."

Bill explained further. "I mean I am close to Lee and Rosemary, but Abigail will eventually return to Union City. Henry is the other old timer, but you know we have had our moments, so although living peaceably now, we are not best friends! I will miss Ned and Florence, although not the dissemination of information!" Bill chuckled. "The Café is under the Canfield's capable ownership now and is a fine establishment. Molly is dating the new school teacher. Who else? Well, I would miss Clara and my other surrogate daughters, but none of them have been anywhere near as close as you and Allie have been. So, Son, your old friend might not be too far away!"

"I would welcome you, Bill. You know that, right?"

"I do indeed or I wouldn't have pursued this possibility!" Bill sat back, immensely pleased.

"What are your intentions and plans with Adeli, Bill? Do you know? Will she stay in Regina once the skeleton crew relocates to Headquarters in Ottawa?"

"I would like to continue to court her and see what lies ahead for us. We haven't discussed her plans yet, but may begin that talk when she returns after Christmas. So my answer on that subject? I don't know."

Nathan watched Bill closely, trying to assess the direction he planned to take, but Bill's excitement about the judgeship overrode romance at the moment. Glancing at the clock, Nathan inquired, "Are you ready to eat? We can eat anytime as far as I'm concerned."

"Now is fine with me. When does Wes get back? I brought enough for him as well."

"Bill, you are always feeding people! You are so thoughtful and generous." Nathan cleared space on his desk and helped Bill unload the basket. "Thank you for all this!"

"You are welcome. That's what…" Bill was interrupted as the door opened. "Wes Murphy! Good to see you! Will you join us for lunch? I brought plenty."

Bill and Wes shook hands as Wes looked over Nathan's desk. "Mmmmm! Thank you, Bill! Don't mind if I do. Let me draw up my chair!" Wes laughed, "Hey, Nathan," Giving him a quick salute. "We could use a lunch table in this office, eh?"

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Between Hudson and Elizabeth, the Thatcher's apartment kitchen was getting organized and settled. Hudson had made an early trip to the grocers this morning and found an attractive oil cloth which Julie carefully cut to fit the drawers and cabinet shelves for this and Elizabeth's apartment's kitchens. When the Thatcher's would return to Hamilton in a few months, Hudson planned to find additional kitchen and dining items that could be spared to better equip this apartment, but for now they would use the items they had found adequate in Hope Valley.

While Elizabeth and Hudson unloaded the crates, they talked and compared life in Hope Valley to that in Hamilton. Not being from a wealthy family, Hudson was comfortable with the simpler life and admired that Nathan and Elizabeth seemed to keep their values of simplicity, beauty and family. Hudson invited Elizabeth to share her convictions while they worked side-by-side.

"I was proud to share my vast knowledge as I began my teaching in the frontier town of Coal Valley. Bestowing information and training young minds was my goal. However, I quickly became the student! I knew nothing of how to handle household tasks, cooking, laundry, or how to survive without the benefits of city life. I had prepared for my classes, but not for my life. When the stagecoach was robbed, I lost my jewelry and money purse. When the teacher's home burned, I lost the remainder of my clothing and my confidence. Without Abigail's kindness in rescuing this dejected city girl, I would not have survived. She gave me a place to stay, clothing to wear and the confidence that I could help these needy children. God helped me to live up to her expectations and to far exceed those of suspicious parents who wanted to ship me back to Hamilton post haste." Elizabeth laughed as she remembered. "I am laughing now, Hudson, but it was no laughing matter to me then! Abigail taught me what I lacked in household skills, taught me to cook and sew and… Really, Abigail taught me survival skills, to use a Mountie term."

"Looking back now, after what I went through this past autumn, I understand my attitude upon arrival in town was full of pride. I had much wisdom to bestow. Brought to face the loss of all I thought I owned and needed, I realized what I had to offer was just myself, bumbling as I was, myself and my love." Elizabeth paused hugging a serving platter to herself. "Hudson? I did help instill a love for learning and some valuable lessons, learning to read, curiosity and wonder… It was not for naught and I am grateful." As she returned to finding a place for the platter, she mused. "In spite of my personal challenges, my teaching succeeded. Well, at least until the distraction and temptations of a certain gambler in town. I can't believe I even dated a saloon owner. What was I thinking?"

Listening, but offering no comment, Hudson continued their project as he waited.

"I wasn't thinking, Hudson. I was running. Running from God's leading. I thought my way was the way I should go. When I think of the incredible love and joy I have now with Nathan and Allie, I wish I hadn't wasted so much time running away, when this, this is what God had planned all along." A tear escaped and Elizabeth gently wiped it away.

Placing his arm around his little Bess, Hudson whispered. "That was then. This is now. And between the two are God's forbearance, forgiveness and fathomless love. Plus, the many prayers of those who love you, my dear."

Elizabeth looked into Hudson's face. He was a man who had loved her, served her and befriended her from her earliest years. "Did you pray for me, Hudson?"

With a gentle smile and a squeeze of her shoulder, Hudson responded. "Did I ever!" Releasing his sideways hug, he continued to speak. "Mrs. Marjory, Miss Sharpley, Miss Martha and I would pray for you every night at dinner. I know Mrs. Marjory and I prayed even more frequently, dear girl. We are overjoyed at God's provision now!"

"Thank you, dear Huds." Elizabeth kissed his cheek then halted. "Wait. Now? Does Mrs. Marjory know about me now?"

"Of course. I write to Mrs. Marjory a couple times a month. Plus, before I departed, Miss Julie insisted that she eat dinner with us in the kitchen when your parents were out, just like you used to do. So we found out more than we needed to know about the Thatcher's and Hamilton's finest, between Julie and Mrs. Marjory's daughter. You know Deborah? She's the one who cooks for the Kensingtons?"

"Oh! I had no idea. Hamilton seems like a lifetime ago and I admit I was happy to leave the society events and the elite behind when I left." Elizabeth took a deep breath. "I am grateful for all the prayers though. Please greet Mrs. Marjory and the others at home next time you write?"

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William's morning contribution was playing with Jack in the parlor, which allowed the others to accomplish their tasks unhindered. Hudson planned to help William tackle his clothing in the afternoon and tomorrow begin with the crates for the Thatcher Shipping office. When David returned from visiting his Hamilton family for the holidays, David would arrange and fit-in additional files and books he would ship from the Hamilton office. For now, Hudson would help William empty cartons and organize what had been transferred from Hope Valley.

In the Thatcher's bedroom, Julie helped her mother unpack her clothing and sort by season, approving Grace's choices for the upcoming holiday gatherings and church services. With the empty trunks ready to place in storage Julie emptied her mother's suitcase, following her directions for placement in which drawer, while Grace found places for her toiletries.

While they worked, Grace was thankful that Julie wanted to talk about Dr. Bradley Marshall, both the man and Julie's feelings for that man. Grace was beginning to feel tempted, pulled back towards Hamilton to plan for a possible wedding yet knowing that her place right now was to stay here in Regina. For now, she would enjoy the family, the holidays and be available to assist with a Grant wedding that Grace didn't think was too far into the future.

As she listened to Julie's plans for her art students and the foundation she was supporting, Grace considered how much Julie had changed in the past couple of years. Not only had Julie completed her art degree and teaching certificate, she had directed her attention to assisting underprivileged children and was now a beloved teacher. Julie's flighty and flirty tendencies had been tempered with maturity and purpose, even though she occasionally resorted to overly dramatic outbursts to elicit laughter when with the family!

Julie surprised Grace as she shared her hopes for a future with Brad. Grace's mother's intuition had informed her opinion that love was blossoming, but she didn't expect her youngest daughter's admissions. "When I return, Mother, do not worry about propriety, please? I want to respect Brad's position and guard his reputation, so we will only spend time at home when Mrs. Marjory is present. I hope my past flirtations won't scare him away, but I do intend to tell him how many dates I have had." Julie laughed. "Well not a number! My thirst for entertainment and fun means that my dates are too numerous to count!" Observing the look of horror on her mother's face, Julie added. "Don't worry, not all the dates included kisses, although most did!" Julie watched Grace, waiting.

Gasping, Grace clutched her throat, barely eking out the name, "Julie!"

"What? Isn't it acceptable to allow a gentleman to kiss your hand?" Julie giggled as she saw her mother noticeably relax.

"I apologize for assuming the worst, but really, Julie, you are liable to give me heart failure!" Grace breathed a deep sigh of relief, yet her relief was premature when Julie next spoke.

"Back to Brad, Mother." Julie turned serious. "I hope that with confession and honesty he believes me when I assure him that my integrity remains intact and is reserved for my husband and for him alone." Julie glanced at her mother and saw wide-eyed shock.

"Julie! You cannot talk about that!" Grace gulped. "That is just too personal to share."

"Mother, I'm just testing you. Don't worry. That is not an immediate conversation! But as we court and begin to share more of our hopes and dreams I want to assure Brad of my convictions and make sure he agrees with the importance of remaining chaste. I know God's commandments are there for our protection and to guard our future blessings."

Grace had to sit down on the bed, she was so baffled. "You..." Grace asked herself, 'Is this Julie talking to me?'

"What is it, Mother?"

"Well, I never…" Grace couldn't form words.

Julie circled the bed and sat next to Grace who remained frozen. Julie nudged her mother's arm with her own. "Mother, I have lived in the Thatcher home all my life. I have heard your admonitions and Father's lectures. I have heard every sermon in every service we have ever attended. I guess you must think I never listened?"

Grace looked at her daughter with sudden gratitude. She whispered as she took Julie's hand. "I am glad to know you listened and are determined to build a good foundation with Brad. I am glad and grateful, Sweetheart."

Moving to embrace Julie, Grace then sat back and continued. "Still, I am surprised at your forthright plans to discuss things like this." Grace sighed. "You know things were different when I was younger. We stayed pure out of fear of what society would say. Plus, we always had chaperones."

"Yet, look at Elizabeth and Nathan." Grace continued quietly. "They are so cautious with their kisses. I even think Nathan exhibits more self-discipline and control than your sister! He is preserving her honor and is an admirable man. Allie has a wonderful father and example of a man of integrity, a man who can be trusted. As she grows up, she will recognize that the rewards of waiting are pure joy, no shame and no secrets to keep. God blesses those who run from temptation and follow him through it all." Grace patted Julie's arm. "It warms my heart that you are entering your new relationship with the same values, Julie, my dear. You will be greatly blessed."

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Jake Cook came to meet Elizabeth, Jack and Julie at the hotel before collecting Allie at St. Anne's. When Allie saw multiple people in the vehicle she grinned and hurried right over, giving Jake a kiss on the cheek as he held the back door open for her.

"Hello, everyone!" Allie climbed into the back seat, carrying what appeared to be a clothing bag over her arm. Resting it carefully on her lap, she hugged Jack as she continued. "Hi, Mrs. Thornton. Hi, Aunt Julie! What a nice surprise." Pointing to St. Anne's through the window, Allie queried. "Do you like my school, Jack?"

"That's a school?" Jack stared at the red brick edifice. "It's not like Mommy's old school in Hope Valley. This is big! Really big!" Jack's eyes were wide and unblinking as he took it all in.

"Hi Honey!" Elizabeth patted Allie's shoulder, motioning to the garment bag. "If that is what I think it is, you may hide it in my closet to keep it a secret, Honey." Elizabeth nodded knowingly at Allie, who grinned and enthusiastically nodded her 'Yes!"

Directing her attention to Jack again, Elizabeth reached around Jack's waist as he turned and knelt on the seat to peer out the rear window. "It is a big school! I agree, Jack."

"Allie! I am impressed and so happy for the opportunities you must have here at St. Anne's. What a lovely place." Aunt Julie commented as she peered from the front passenger seat window.

Jake Cook interjected his question before putting the auto in gear. "Excuse me ladies, and Jack, Sir, are we heading directly back to the main house or do you want me to take the longer route and show Miss Julie some of Regina?"

Elizabeth was quick to speak up. "Jake, I think we should go directly home to the main house please? I need to help Carol with tonight's dinner. Maybe Hudson and Julie can tour Regina sometime in the next day or two."

"Home we go then!" Jake pulled onto the street as Allie began to share about her day.

"We had two exams which were easy, then Miss Collins explained the composition she wants us to work on over the holiday." Noticing Elizabeth's horror, Allie explained. "We don't have to write it over vacation, we just have to collect ideas and jot down thoughts. She wants to see those the first day we are back, then she will assign the paper and the deadline!" She giggled as she watched her former teacher's face relax.

"Whew! That's a relief." Elizabeth motioned as though to wipe her brow. "I was hoping you could have a true vacation, free from homework assignments! College will be soon enough for encroaching on vacation days with papers and required reading. You deserve a break and, selfishly, I want us to spend time together too!"

"Me too!" Responded Allie, grinning.

"Me too, too!" Jack giggled. It was a comment that drew smiles from everyone.

"Do you have any final artwork to complete, Allie?" Julie asked as she directed her gaze to the back seat.

"We had assignments this month, but mine are all finished. Miss Ross did suggest we look around our homes or at church and study an arrangement so we can draw a still life from memory in January. I already know what I want to draw!"

"Care to share, Allie?" Aunt Julie's interest was piqued.

"I am thinking of the packages under the Christmas tree. You know how they get piled every which way? It will be a challenge to get the correct perspective and to get the bows to look right." She leaned forward to see Aunt Julie's face. "Do you think that is a good idea?"

"It is ambitious, but a great idea. You can always sketch all the gifts, but just focus on highlighting a couple and making them look realistic with your shadowing and highlights. I wish I would be staying long enough to see the completed work, Allie." Aunt Julie responded, adding, "Perhaps after we help with dinner or watching Jack, I can see your notebooks? I would love to see your artwork."