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Chapter Twenty-seven
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A New Day
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As midnight came and went, many townspeople gathered around their menfolk and gradually headed to their homes.
Gabriel had assisted the men who rolled up the hoses, but they decided to leave the pumper parked outside the RCMP office in case it was needed again throughout the morning. In the meantime a roster of men volunteered to keep watch, two at a time, and were instructed to ring the bell if there was any hot spot that needed attention.
Having directed the guests, along with Gustave and Lucas, to the schoolhouse for the night Gabriel was grateful that Joseph and Henry had been responsible to rearrange the classroom and set up the canvas cots for the men. Two women had already departed as they were being accommodated at the Cantrell's boarding house, so Gabriel made a quick visit to the schoolhouse, assuring everyone they would have breakfast for them at the Café and then meet back at the school for a discussion of the next steps. `
He didn't tell anyone, but Gabriel was worried about Lucas Bouchard. The man had been whiter than a bedsheet after they had read the roster and everyone was accounted for, but he hadn't spoken much at all. The Constable could tell Elizabeth was worried, but observed that Lucas dismissed her to go home, so Gabriel decided not to interfere.
At least Gustave, who seemed to have a good head on his shoulders, would be in the cot beside Lucas in the schoolhouse. Gabriel only hoped they wouldn't decide to talk and awaken anyone before daylight.
As another thought came to mind, Gabriel lifted a prayer that no one would have any nightmares from this night, including Nathan, Allie, Faith and Calvin. He also prayed for Bill and was grateful when he saw the light go out in Bill's upstairs apartment, meaning that he had departed the Infirmary and the scene on the street.
Once assured that everyone had a place to stay, Gabriel headed to the Infirmary to get an update from Faith. Upon opening the door, Gabe sensed heaviness in the room and looked to Molly questioningly.
Waving her hand, Molly motioned him back onto the porch and followed. Whispering, she explained. "Nathan was injured but didn't tell Faith and she is quite upset that by not telling her, he could have caused himself more harm. Lee drove them home, along with Allie. Dorcas and I are taking this first shift with Cal, then Faith will return at four o'clock, along with Fiona who volunteered to stay with her. I confess I don't know if anyone will really sleep, except maybe Cal. Faith administered a strong pain killer, so he is sleeping soundly."
"Okay. I'm not happy to hear about Nathan and Faith because that means he will probably not sleep at all." Gabriel sighed, knowing his sensitive friend.
"Oh, he should sleep some. Faith gave him a painkiller to take as soon as he got home. By the way, did they cancel school for tomorrow? I doubt anyone will be able to handle a 'normal' day after these past few hours."
With a low chuckle, Gabe corrected Molly. "Tomorrow is already here! Yes, school is cancelled today. Now, we have men on watch outside, so don't be surprised if you hear them pacing on the street. They scheduled two at a time. I am quite concerned for the Grants, so I think I'll head home and try for a couple hours of sleep myself. I may lay on the sofa downstairs, so call if you need anything. Did Nathan say anything about his car? It's out front."
"When Faith refused to let him drive it, he decided to leave it for you. The keys are on my desk. Anything else? I hope that Dorcas is sleeping in the other bed so I don't want to talk inside."
"I think I'm all set. Just get the keys, please? Thanks… and thanks for all your help. "
. .
Nathan slept fitfully, in spite of the pain killer. Although propping up his arm with a pillow to support the splint with the ice bag secured inside the sling, it wasn't just the awkwardness or discomfort in his arm that ached, it was his heart. He lay awake as the sun rose, thinking. 'Faith was understandably upset, but it wasn't the fire or the people injured, it was with me.' Nathan opened his eyes and stared out the window, having forgotten to close his curtains when he collapsed into bed. 'She was worried that I had gone into the Saloon and put myself in danger.' Nathan sighed. 'It's my job! Of course I had to go inside.'
As he revisited the events of last night in his mind, Nathan suddenly realized Faith had mostly been angry that he hadn't admitted he was hurt. 'True, ice earlier would have helped, but Cal was the one needing attention. Actually, I'm not sure if I am as badly injured as she said. My arm isn't broken, it's just sprained. I doubt I will need as long a recovery as Faith estimated. Eight weeks is a lot!'
Nathan heard Allie stirring and was not surprised when she lightly tapped on his bedroom door. "Come in, Allie."
"Hi Da…" Allie stopped, horrified at what she saw. "Dad! The pillow and sheets are black!"
"Are they? Oops! I didn't notice. I just came home and after I took the medicine, I flopped in bed."
"I can see that! Now you need to bathe and I need to strip your bed. Did you even change?"
Lifting the sheet, Nathan saw he was in his underwear and not his pajamas. "I guess not. I'll have to wrap the sheet around me to get up. Sorry, Honey."
Allie entered and gingerly sat on the edge of her father's bed. "It's understandable, Dad. I can't be mad. How did you sleep?"
"Not great… The painkiller must have worn off at some point and it is really uncomfortable to try to keep this arm elevated." Nathan grimaced as he tried to move, so he stopped.
Looking at his daughter, Nathan asked, "How did you sleep?"
"It took me a while to stop my thoughts, but I eventually slept." Hesitating, Allie looked down at her hands before continuing, "I was nervous about you and Miss Faie. You aren't breaking up are you?"
Nathan could see the tears in Allie's eyes. "Oh, Honey. We just had a disagreement. We'll mend it when we can talk. You don't need to worry."
"It's pretty hard not to worry. You didn't speak to each other in the car and didn't kiss goodnight either." Allie took a deep breath. "I'm still nervous."
"I'm sorry, Allie. We both knew we couldn't resolve our disagreement at that moment, but we will. It was a stressful night for everyone, so it will take some time to recover. Did Uncle Gabe come home?"
"I heard him leave really early, but I don't know when he got here. He must have been very quiet. I hope he washed up before he laid down!"
"Oh, my goodness, I hope so. I can't even help with the laundry, so we may have to hire Mrs. Brown for a few weeks. I can't believe that Faith is right about how long my recovery will be, but we'll take it a week or two at a time. Can you let me get up and use the bathroom? I'll shed by clothes when I bathe if you can bring my clean undergarments and bathrobe into the bathroom now, please?"
"Sure, Dad. Give me a minute." Clothing in hand, Allie suddenly turned from the doorway, "How will you manage with your arm like that?"
"Faith said I could remove everything to bathe, then put it on again right afterwards. I wonder if I should take an aspirin before I get up. I'll be moving around a lot." Nathan thought aloud. "I think I will. Can you retrieve a scone or some crackers and leave them outside the bathroom door? Thanks, dear daughter. "
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Having managed to get cleaned up and shave one-handed, Nathan was exhausted with the effort and ready to head downstairs in his flannel bathrobe and pajama bottoms. Lifting his arm into a Henley or trying to don a shirt was too painful, so this casual outfit would have to do, at least until Gabe came to help.
As Nathan descended the steps, he heard Lee talking to Allie and saw Prince hurry to meet him at the bottom step.
"Hey, Nathan!" Lee hurried to the stair and extended his hand to assist Nathan. "Where's your sling?"
"I can't get it on and since I don't think the splint is on right, I decided to wait for help. Can you do it you think?" Nathan headed towards the sofa and sat heavily. Prince following closely, brushing against Nathan's calf then sitting beside him and watching attentively.
"I'm sure I can if someone shows me how. Shall I get Rosie?"
"Sure, if you think she'll know?"
"See you in a few minutes, Allie." Lee grabbed his coat from the desk chair and called out, "I think your Dad might want some coffee and breakfast!"
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"Ladies entering!" Rosemary's singsong voice announced her arrival, accompanied by Faith and Lee. "Good morning! We've come for lessons from our dear doctor because you, my friend, are going to need help!"
"Hi!" Nathan looked shyly at Faith to try to take a read on her attitude towards him.
Faith only nodded and set down her doctor's bag. "Lee said you need help putting on the splint and sling." Moving to sit beside Nathan on his left side, Faith avoided his eyes as she busied herself removing the splint. "Allie, Honey? You want to come watch so there are a few people who know how to do this?"
"Gabe just got out of the car, Faith," Lee saw the red serge as he hung Rosemary and Faith's coats. "Just a minute!"
"Sure. How did you sleep, Nathan?" Still Faith avoided looking at Nathan but slowly moved her hand up his arm, gently pressing the soft tissue.
"I've slept better, but I got a little. I'm struggling to find a comfortable way to keep my arm elevated." Nathan explained as he exclaimed, "Owww!"
"Okay, I'll show you some positions. How is your cough?" Faith finally held his gaze.
"I only coughed before I bathed, but haven't since. I don't think I…"
"You coughed in the night, Dad. I heard you." Allie offered.
Having entered the house in time to hear this exchange, Gabe agreed. "You did! I could hear you from down here!" Assessing his friend and glancing at his uniform, Gabe added. "You do look better than me this morning though."
"Yeah, Allie pointed out that my sheets and clothing are black! I guess I'll have to get Mrs. Brown, so if you want to change and bathe we can have her take all the laundry at once!"
"Good plan. Let's get this class going though, shall we, Doc?" Gabe grinned at Faith.
"Yes, let's do that. First, you want to position his arm like this…" Faith instructed each one as she wrapped the splint once. "Allie? You want to give it a try? Hopefully your dad can stand one more time?"
"Can you, Dad? I want to learn."
"Go ahead. I took an aspirin an hour ago…"
After Allie successfully wrapped Nathan's arm and they all saw how to easily secure the sling, and support his arm with a sofa pillow, Rosemary exclaimed, "Good. Now Lee brought scones for you. How about we all take a few minutes to eat some breakfast and plan?"
As Faith repacked her bag, Nathan spoke softly, "Did you get any sleep last night, Faith?"
Clearing her throat, Faith responded softly, "Not much. I need to try to nap for a few hours this morning while Dorcas and Molly take care of the office. Fiona and Kevin have volunteered to help with Cal, visiting and bringing his meals and books to the office until I can set his cast. I have to be there when we discuss this."
A quick glance at Nathan showed him that Faith was tearful.
"I'm sorry, Faie."
"It's not your fault." Faith spoke softly, but held in her emotions. "I imagine the fire was an accident."
"I'm not talking about the fire. I'm sorry for earlier in the Infirmary." Nathan reached his hand across his arm, supported by numerous pillows, however she didn't respond to his silent request for her touch.
"We'll talk later," was all Faith said before Allie entered with a basket of scones and a plate of sliced apples and pears, closely followed by Rosemary bearing a tray of cream cheese, jam and fragrant cups of coffee.
Faith leaned back, relieved to be served.
With a quick glance at Lee, Nathan requested he pray before they ate and then breakfast began. Knowing Nathan was essentially one-handed now, Allie knelt beside the coffee table and prepared her father's scones the way she knew he liked them.
Gabe gave a report of the fire scene, explaining how he had encountered Lucas earlier as he searched amidst the blackened remains. "He said he needed to find his safe as that held insurance papers and things. I helped him move some timbers and we found it. Henry came by to offer the use of a desk in his office, so Lucas could make calls, so that was kind. I know I am not from here, but I get the impression that Lucas doesn't have many friends."
Gabe took a bite of his scone before continuing. He noticed the looks, but everyone was too kind to say anything. "There isn't much that's salvageable, except for a couple brass vases, I'm afraid. He'll have to get everything carted away and literally start from the ground up."
"The town will have some input on that now," Lee cautioned. "We'll have to meet and discuss what we will allow. Did you check in on Cal?"
"Yes. He probably got better sleep than anyone! He was in remarkably good spirits, don't you think, Faith?"
"I'm afraid it is denial. He is going to be out of commission for a few weeks and will need crutches to get around for many more. I haven't explained it all to him yet. I confess I was too tired, so I will deal with all that later."
"I saw Molly take breakfast to Bill, so I assume that she and Florence have worked out a schedule to help him," explained Gabe. "With Kevin and Fiona helping Cal and you folks, along with Allie, Faith, and me assisting you, Nathan, we'll be fine. Miss Yost said she and her mother were preparing a roster for meals for Cal and for us here. I put in a call to Headquarters informing them of the situation and Commissioner Collins instructed me to remain here. He's sending a temporary Constable to Brookfield today and will try to rush the BCPP to get their men to Brookfield and here as quickly as possible. I'll return home to pack my belongings and say my goodbyes once you are covered here in Hope Valley."
"In some ways, the timing is Providential, isn't it? Over the coming weeks, we aren't totally responsible!" Nathan had a sudden thought, "Oh! Lee, could you ask Ned for a furniture catalog he could lend me? I can choose the furniture for the office while I'm here. We'll need three large desks to start with and I want the desk in the jail moved upstairs as an extra once the BCPP arrive. Sorry, I don't need to bore you with this, just bring a catalog, please?"
"Gladly." Lee looked at Faith. "How soon before our Corporal here can drive or be driven?"
"We'll take one week at a time, so I'm not making any promises. Definitely not this week though!"
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Once Faith excused herself to go nap, Lee headed into town while Rosemary and Allie washed the dishes. "Since you are home today, Honey, would you like to cook together? I've signed up to provide a meal for you folks today. Tell me what your dad might like and I'll make a run to the Mercantile for supplies."
"Oh, can we go together? That would be fun. Thank you," Allie responded happily. "Unless you want to teach me something new, I know how to make scalloped potato and ham casserole. It would be fun to do it with you though." Allie and Rosemary made a grocery list and prepared to go to the Mercantile.
"Anything special we should get for you, Nathan?"
"Yes!" Nathan had a sudden thought. "Could you see if Florence has any pink roses or if she can order them for tomorrow? A bouquet of a dozen plus four single stems, please?"
Grinning to her father and Aunt, Allie, a basket in hand, waved goodbye and followed Rosemary down the steps.
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Plans made, Gabe fed and set out fresh water for Prince who remained laying at Nathan's feet with his nose on his master's slippers. With a reassuring pat on the dog's head, Gabe added a log and stirred the fire then stretched the telephone from the desk to rest on a chair behind the sofa before heading upstairs to bathe and sleep for a few hours. Jesse had agreed to sit in the RCMP office and call Gabe if the need arose and Lee had promised to check-in on Bouchard in the Petroleum Office.
At the row house, Nathan placed the call to Mrs. Brown for her laundry services, explaining that he would pay extra due to the soot stained sheets and garments. He arranged for Mr. Brown to come after his work to pick-up the laundry.
Resting his head back on the sofa, Nathan fell into a restless sleep in the quiet house.
Allie's and Rosemary's return awakened him and, amidst whispered apologies, they decided to cook in Rosemary's kitchen to allow the Grant home to remain quiet.
"Florence ordered the roses for you, Nathan, but she's not sure if they'll be delivered this afternoon or in the morning. She'll give you a call, okay?" Rosemary surveyed the living room. "May I get a carafe of coffee and a tin of cookies for you? You may save some steps if I place the tray there on that end table. It won't take us long."
"Thank you. That would be grand…I seem to have lost all my energy and feel pathetic!"
"Your mind and body suffered a trauma yesterday, so it is understandable. I recall that after that tree hit Lee on the head it took him a few weeks to feel normal again. You take the time you need. No one will fault you for that." Rosemary bustled around the kitchen, grateful this wasn't the first time she had worked at the Grant's.
Digging into the basket she had carried, Allie extracted a book and brought it to her father. "I found this at the Library, Dad, and thought you might like to read it. I know George MacDonald is one of your favorites!"
"Oh, Honey! That is so thoughtful! This is new and has been on my list to acquire, but this is perfect to read right now. It will be like traveling to the old country without having to pack my luggage! Thank you, Allie-girl. You are the best!"
"Isn't she? Allie has your best interests at heart, just as you do hers." Approvingly, Rosemary set the prepared tray on the side table and offered to immediately pour a cup. "By the way, is it okay for Allie to come back here after we prepare dinner? That allows me to go into the paper for a couple of hours. If Faith can come over to spend some time with you, Allie will come right back to my house and you can call when you are finished conversing and ready for dinner. Would you mind if Lee and I join you?"
"All of the above sounds great. I'm hoping to ask Faith if she can leave work a little early to allow us time to talk." Nathan blushed as another gift came to mind. "Thanks for everything."
"It's only what a hero and friend deserves, Nathan."
His color deepening, Nathan motioned his hand as if it was nothing.
Not letting this go, Rosemary stepped in front of the coffee table. "Corporal Nathan Grant? A hero is exactly what you are. All the others that fought so valiantly can wear the title as well, but you made sure an injured man wasn't left behind and for that, in addition to suffering injury yourself, elevates you above the others. Well, except for Constable Cal. He deserves accolades as well."
Finished with her lecture, Rosemary picked up her basket, "I'll give you a day, then I would like an interview for the Valley Voice tomorrow? I have some questions about last night and need to clarify all the RCMP changes and inform the citizens of what to expect."
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"You are pretty brave to talk to Dad like that, Aunt Rosie!" Allie commented as they stepped onto the street. "It's all true, it's just that he doesn't like to hear it or to be noticed."
"Oh, I know that, Sweetheart, and that is exactly why we need to tell him sometimes!" Rosemary giggled. "Your dad told me I remind him of your mother and, knowing that sisters can get away with saying some things, I confess I take advantage of that sometimes." She paused then added, "All for his good, of course!"
"Uh oh…" Allie whispered as they saw Elizabeth determinedly coming towards them.
"I am so glad to see you. How is Nathan? I was just going to visit and see if he needs anything." Elizabeth gushed. "I thought we could have a good chat."
"Excuse me, Mrs. Thornton, but that would not be helpful. Dad is required to rest and sleep as much as possible and is in some pain, so he wouldn't want visitors. Plus, Uncle Gabe, Aunt Rosemary, Miss Faie, and I are in charge of taking care of him," Allie explained, looking at Rosemary for reinforcement.
"Allie is correct. Each injured person, plus Bill, has been assigned a few people to check-in on them and assist as needed. Thanks for your concern, Elizabeth, but you probably need to check-up on your fiancé, right? I would imagine he needs your attention." Rosemary began to walk towards her house again and when Elizabeth didn't follow, Rosemary stopped again and spoke sternly. "Elizabeth? Nathan should not be disturbed. Come now…" Motioning for Elizabeth to turn around and head home, Rosemary waited until Elizabeth retreated and entered her own house again.
Once inside the Coulter's home, Allie set her basket on the table and removed her coat. "Thank you, Aunt Rosemary. Thank you so much."
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Nathan sipped his coffee, chuckling at how much Rosemary reminded him of his sister, Colleen. Nathan gave thanks for the people in his life that had supported him and that turned his thoughts to Florence. He maneuvered in his position to lift the telephone receiver.
"Florence? I have a big favor to ask you. Do you have any boxed chocolates?" Nathan explained his purchase, requested a ribbon and bow, plus delivery to Faith's office. He dictated a brief note and then thanked Florence for her assistance with romantic things.
"I'll take care of it right after lunch, Nathan, and happy to do so. Did Rosemary inform you about the flowers? I requested a rush order, so we'll see how that works!" Florence chuckled happily.
"She did. I would like to hand them out in person though, so could you wrap them together in brown paper so everyone doesn't see them?"
"Of course. Now, anything else, Nathan?"
"Yes, can you put me through to Faith's office, please?"
"Gladly." After learning that Faith was at home for the morning, Florence got back on the line with Nathan. "You'll have to call later, Nathan. Faith isn't in the office this morning."
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Back in the office after a nap and a sandwich, Faith lifted the receiver, "Doctor Faith Carter speaking, may I help you?"
"Oh good, you are back! You may indeed help me, Doctor." Nathan's voice was smooth and low and delightfully winsome. "Will you please depart work as early as you can and find your way to the Grant home? Someone is waiting to talk to you in private and I promise we will be alone. It is all arranged."
In spite of her annoyance with Nathan Grant, Faith smiled at his invitation. "I'll see what I can do, Sir. It is important for me to make regular house calls and follow-up on injured patients remember, so I will schedule an appointment for you." Faith paused, "Uh, does this include dinner?"
"If you can forgive me then, yes, dinner and a couple of sweet treats are included."
"A couple treats? Well, that sounds good!" Faith chuckled.
"Oh, I promise every treat will be sweeter than the one before! Have a good morning, Doctor, and I'll see you soon."
"That you will. Make sure to rest, Corporal! Doctor's orders."
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In the doctor's office, Faith set the telephone on the hook and leaned back in her chair, letting her mind revisit the past hours. 'I hate the way we argued last night. I need to convey how important Nathan is to me and how I want him to be careful and not take unavoidable risks. He saved Cal's life so that was a necessary risk, even a heroic one, but still, Nathan needs to be careful. He has two women who depend on him and who love him very much!'
Faith shook her head, formulating her words for their discussion, 'It's his unwillingness to speak up when he was injured that still makes me angry. If he had mentioned his pain and we had iced it earlier, he would have less swelling and less pain now. How do I get Nathan to confide his injuries to me? We had lots of practice with the car accident, but he needs to advocate for himself and let me, as the professional medical person, triage my patients. In this case another five minutes for Cal to wait wouldn't have been disastrous.' Faith sighed, still frustrated, although she realized she was also frustrated with herself. Here the man she loved had suffered needlessly under her care…
A knock broke Faith from her musings, and as the door opened she was surprised to see Ned Yost with a gift in his hand.
"Special delivery for the Doctor!" With glee, Ned handed the beribboned box to Faith and pointed to the note. "I believe that might answer your questions. Have a great day, Faith, and thank you for all your labors last evening. I am grateful you have brought your expertise to Hope Valley. We all are. Take care." Ned tipped his cap and was out the door before Faith could respond.
"Thank you," Faith called out, yet she had a feeling that Ned was already halfway to the Mercantile.
Grateful for the privacy, since Dorcas and Molly were out on a house call and Cal was sleeping, Faith set the box on her lap. She pulled out the folded note and, although it wasn't in Nathan's script, Faith had no doubt the gift was from him. She read, 'Thank you for your expert care, Doctor Carter, even though we Mounties are mulish and difficult patients. After last evening, you deserve an extra treat today! Please enjoy! Cpl. Grant'
Giggling, Faith pulled the ribbon and lifted the lid.
'When did the Yosts start to carry these chocolates? They are as beautiful as they look delicious!' Faith popped a chocolate confection in her mouth and rolled her eyes with delight!
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