A/N This story is a rewrite of the S7 Episode 07 trip to Union City and submission for the heart Story prompt for May 2023.
"May I come in, Elizabeth?" Lee asked. She was surprised to see him on her doorstep because Rosemary had only left a short time ago.
"Sure," Elizabeth said, stepping back so he could enter. "Is everything okay?"
"Actually, I don't think so," Lee said. "Can we sit down and talk?"
Elizabeth nodded and headed towards the settee. "What's wrong?"
"Elizabeth, you are like my sister, and Jack was my best friend. I normally don't interfere with other people's lives and leave that up to Rosie, but I'm afraid I have to disagree with the advice you were given and the trip to Union City."
Elizabeth was startled momentarily, knowing that if he felt strongly enough to be on the opposite side as Rosemary, she couldn't overlook it. Reaching for his hand, she said, "Lee, I will listen to whatever you wish to say because, to be honest, I'm not sure about what I'm doing either right now. I'm kind of surprised that the others I talked to, Molly, Florence, and even Bill, seemed to go along with it. Not to mention I feel like, somehow, I am betraying Nathan by sneaking behind his back, although there isn't anything between us. It's just…
"He matters to you?" Lee said softly.
"I think he does, but whether that's romantic or other, I don't know," Elizabeth said. "But it should be a red flag for me agreeing to go to Union City. Though you know that we are only going as friends, I don't consider it a date."
"Elizabeth, I'm a guy, and I know how men like Lucas work. Trust me when I say that to him, it is a date. You have to remember that Lucas is a successful gambler and can hide his emotions behind a mask. Lucas has spoken of living by the philosophy of being the master of his destiny and making things happen. May I ask what made you agree because, from what I could tell, you were pretty reluctant at first?"
"The book reading," Elizabeth said. "If it had been anything else, I would have said no as soon as he asked. I had checked around even to see if I could get tickets since she would be so close to me, but they were sold out. How Lucas got his hands on some, I have no idea."
"Let's put Lucas aside and focus on another big issue, I perceive. You are a teacher with a moral conduct clause. You, as a teacher, have to lead by example with your students. How do you think the students or parents will perceive this overnight trip to Union City?" Lee asked firmly, not pulling punches.
"Oh! I hadn't even thought about that. Oh, Lee, what am I going to do?" Elizabeth said, mortified that she messed up. Before he could answer, there was a soft knock on the door.
"Come in," Lee called softly.
The door opened, and Bill walked in. "Hey, sweet girl."
"Bill?" Elizabeth said.
"After talking with Lee, I got to work on a solution because he is right, and you shouldn't go, at least not without a chaperone. I'm not sure you realize how much support you have behind you as a Mountie widow, especially Jack's widow. Anyway, I called Patrick and arranged for you to stay with them while there. Henry will tell Lucas that his car doesn't run and that you must take the train. I will take the morning train with you and return the same day after we get you settled in the O'Reilly's. Patrick and his wife have tickets to the book reading that were given out to certain members of the Mounties, so they said you may go with them. Normally I wouldn't have interfered, but I sensed you were uneasy, and I also know you were excited to go, and it has been a while since you were. Since I promised Jack I would always look out for you, and you are like my daughter, I had to."
"I understand Bill, and normally I would be mad, but now I'm grateful."
"Patrick also took the liberty of looking into Lucas' reservations, and you should know there is a private dining room reserved for you and that they have you listed as Elizabeth Bouchard and not Thornton, although, in his defense, there were two rooms reserved which makes me think that the venue and hotel have the impression that it's a romantic dinner." Bill continued. "Patrick thought it would be best if he didn't stay in the same place as you, or they would have offered a room for Lucas as well. Patrick will provide transportation for you and Lucas, so there is no way there could be a hint of impropriety."
"It's brilliant, Bill," Elizabeth said. "Now I can look forward to going,"
"You could even take Jack, and there would be sitters provided," Bill replied, but Lee jumped in.
"You can't do that. If Rosie catches wind of it,I'll be in big trouble, so I need us to watch Jack," Lee said, desperation in his tone.
"It's why I made all the arrangements and not him," Bill added. Elizabeth giggled and promised to keep it a secret from Rosemary.
Elizabeth's eyes glistened as she stood to hug Bill, who was like a father, and then leaned over to embrace Lee. "I am one lucky girl to have the two of you watching out for me and Jack."
"Well, we consider ourselves just as lucky, Elizabeth, to be a part of your family," Lee said, returning the hug.
The next day a disgruntled Lucas showed up and revealed they would have to take the train. Elizabeth didn't tell him any other plans because she recalled how Billy Hamilton had been and decided a test was in order. They arrived in their compartment, and he was shocked to see that Bill was seated in the last available bench seat, and they would have to sit with him. He had checked and found out that there weren't any private compartments open.
The ride-up was tense, and Lucas pouted the entire time, even when she continued to try and draw him out into discussions. When he refused to be drawn in and only gave short answers, she spent a pleasant trip talking with Bill about memories of Jack, upcoming events in town, and her in-laws. Before the train pulled into the station, she asked him about Nathan and if he had heard anything. Lucas glowered as the train pulled into the station, and his disposition didn't improve as she told Lucas the arrangements made to protect her reputation.
He perked up a bit after hearing that Bill would travel back after dealing with a few things with Headquarters. Little did he know, but he had already revealed his hand to multiple people and would be highly disappointed in the trip. Patrick had been busy with more than just investigating Lucas.
The book signing had been incredible. Though disappointed, Lucas had arranged for another table placed a distance away from theirs for the O'Reilly's to dine while still affording privacy for them. He figured the train ride home would give him ample time to be alone with Elizabeth.
"May I show you the wine list, sir?" The young waiter that had escorted them to their table asked. Elizabeth listened as Lucas ordered champagne for them and could tell that he preferred the finer things in life and was from a similar background as hers. It reminded her of the evenings when she would be out with her friends in Hamilton, especially Charles.
"What did you think of everything?" Lucas asked.
"Of her book? Oh, I liked it very much. Her writing style is unique, and I think she has a bright future."
"Me too."
"And this book felt very different from her short stories. The unusual narrative perspectives, the dream states, the excitement of youth, and the fear of death. Sorry, I didn't mean to get so carried away."
"No. I want to hear your thoughts," Lucas said, hoping she wouldn't ask his.
"What did you think of the ending?" Elizabeth asked, flipping the conversation back to him.
"Honestly, I haven't gotten that far," Lucas admitted.
"Oh. How far did you get?"
"I only read the first chapter—last night," Lucas said sheepishly.
Oh. I take it you're a bigger fan of her short stories, then?" Elizabeth queried.
"No. Not particularly."
"So you bought the tickets just because..." Elizabeth asked, leaving room for him to fill in the blank. But she could already see through his ruse.
"Yes. Just because." Lucas said. The waiter approached with the bottle of champagne and presented it to Lucas. "Perfect." Elizabeth made eye contact with Patrick, and he nodded to her that they were taking cues from her.
"I don't think it is, Lucas."
"I can get something else…"
"No, I'm not referring to the champagne. I'm referring to us as a couple. You said that you weren't in a hurry for a family, but I come with one already. As a single mother, I can't afford to date Lucas. I have a responsibility as a mother to raise my son properly, and part of that involves protecting him and includes any male influences that could potentially be a father figure to him. Looking back at things you have said and actions, such as teaching the card trick to Allie and your philosophy on living by taking chances and being master of your destiny, are major differences for me." Elizabeth said. "So, as of now, I want to be clear that the only relationship I offer you is friendship. This will be the first and last private dinner that we will attend, and I hope that you will respect my decision and stop pressuring me for more."
"I see," Lucas said. "Would you mind if we skipped dinner tonight Elizabeth? Suddenly I am not hungry."
"Not at all; I shall meet you at the train station in the morning," Elizabeth said, standing. Patrick and Carol also stood and approached, and she noticed that Lucas had taken the bottle with him.
The following day Elizabeth settled into the seat, and Lucas joined her a few minutes later. He looked a bit rumpled and sullen. She sighed, pulled out a copy of the book from the previous evening, and settled to read when she sensed someone approaching. Just as they reached her, she caught the scent of Pine and cedar and, looking up, saw Nathan smiling down at her. "Is this seat taken?"
"Of course not, please," Elizabeth said, moving over so he could sit down. "What are you doing here.?"
"Headquarters had me come through here for an escort detail on my way home to Hope Valley. I arrived late last night from Cape Fullerton and stayed at the barracks. Imagine my surprise when I find out that you are my assignment."
"Ah! The advantqages of being a part of the Mountie family!"
They spent the rest of the trip discussing the Virginia Woolf book that Nathan had also read, which led to other books. By the time they arrived in Hope Valley, Elizabeth and Nathan had decided to pursue the deep connection they both felt, all while Lucas watched. The train had barely stopped before he was up and practically running for the exit. As they waited for Lee, Elizabeth explained everything that had taken place, grateful that it turned out the way it did and knowing that if it had been as initially planned, Nathan would have been deeply hurt. She was struck with the sudden knowledge that Nathan mattered to her very much, and he was in her heart, but instead of fear, she felt nothing but peace. The next evening, they went on their first dinner date, and it was immediately apparent that love was definitely in the air. Neither could wait to see what life had in store.
