"She is beautiful," Elizabeth whispered as Tess led the deep brown mare toward her. She waited until Tess stopped walking before stepping forward, and at Tess's nod of approval, she raised her hand and stroked the side of the horse's face. She let her hand fall from the horse's muzzle and slide slowly and gently over the horse's warm neck beneath her mahogany brown mane. "What's her name," she asked Tess, her voice reverent.
"She has the name we registered her with, 'Cocoa Stewart' but that's just for business records. Whoever buys her gets to decide if it's her forever name."
Elizabeth nodded, pleased at the idea. "What happens now?" Elizabeth asked, "To determine if we are the right fit?"
Tess looked at the young woman before her, the look of adoration in her eyes, and knew she was taking Cocoa home to Coal Valley with her. There was no doubt in Tess's mind that her horse would be well cared for. She knew that as a Mountie, Nathan would respect any horse in his care and help Elizabeth learn to care for the animal.
"We ask her if she wants to go home with you," Tess said, keeping her face neutral. Leaning toward the animal, she whispered something to her Elizabeth couldn't hear. The horse responded to Tess's words, tossing her head up and down.
Nathan laughed at his wife's wide-eyed delight at the horse's response. He would never tell Elizabeth he had seen Tess jiggle the horse's lead rope, knowing she had been the cause of the gentle head toss. Nathan caught Tess's eye and smiled his thanks to her. While he didn't agree with Tess's treatment of Lillian and Grace, he would interact with her if it meant Elizabeth could take her horse home.
"Well, it appears she has made her choice; it looks like you have yourself a horse if, after you ride her, you agree, and we can settle on terms", Tess said with a brief smile.
"Why don't you get to know your horse? Elizabeth. Saddle her up, and Nathan and I can work out the details," Tess suggested.
Elizabeth stood before the horse, introducing herself as she gently held her reins. She couldn't wait to ride her. "Come on, Cocoa, let's get you saddled."
Nathan and Tess glanced at each other, eyebrows raised, "You're keeping the name Cocoa?" Nathan queried.
"Yes, it suits her don't you think?"
Robert Pearce closed the Infirmary door behind him and Faith as they strolled to the Cafe for dinner.
"You're quiet," Faith commented. "I know we don't know each other well, but you are usually more talkative than this."
Faith looked at the tall man walking beside her, noting the frown on his face, and realised he hadn't heard her. Despite his distraction, he walked with his head held high, his stride confident, and his presence demanding attention. Faith struggled to keep up with his long-legged stride.
"Robert?" Faith queried again, louder this time, and watched as he blinked and returned to the present.
"I'm so sorry, Faith. I was a million miles away." Robert looked down at the woman beside him and slowed his pace.
"That's okay. I know how you feel." Faith assured him, "I've spent the day trying to think of a way to help Colleen, but given her diagnosis, I haven't had any success."
"That's just it, Faith, the diagnosis. I am not looking for a way to help her deal with it. I am trying to understand if it is correct."
"Dr Palmer is eminent and very well respected in his field," Faith objected weakly.
"I agree. In his field." Robert replied, emphasising his second sentence. "I believe that sometimes that makes him reluctant to see what else is out there, to consider ideas he wasn't taught in medical school; however, many years ago, he went."
Faith pursed her lips, not wanting to contradict Robert or criticise Dr Palmer. She had to concede he had a point, as she had seen Doctor's exactly like Robert described when she worked in Benson Hills. Some of the older practitioners hadn't liked to listen to others, especially not the newly trained, younger Doctors and certainly not the nurses.
Faith considered what Robert told her about his experiences dealing with old-fashioned ways, outdated information, and the reluctance to look at innovations and discoveries. Faith had spoken to her colleagues and knew Robert had spent considerable time and energy trying to introduce new ways of thinking and treatments, only to be snubbed by the medical fraternity. Along with his rejections, Faith had heard about his successes and the many people he had helped and would do anything if he could manage the same for Colleen.
"What can I do to help you, Robert?" Faith asked sincerely, "helping Colleen is more important than anything or anyone else in this situation."
Nodding, Robert smiled at Faith, "let me tell you about my thoughts over our meal," he said as they continued toward Abigail's.
Julie Thatcher looked up as the door to the Cafe opened, and her eyes widened at the sight of Dr Pearce and Faith entering. She had been hoping for an excuse to see him again without Colleen being present. She wanted to ask so many questions but couldn't in front of her friend, scared of what the answer might be. She had walked Colleen and Allie home after the appointment earlier and left when Rosemary and Lee called to visit, eager to hear the outcome of her appointment. She took the opportunity while they were occupied to go for a walk, needing time to process what had happened during the visit with Dr Pearce.
Julie caught Faith's eye and watched as she turned toward Dr Pearce, saying something she couldn't hear. Julie focused on Dr Pearce's face and saw him react to whatever Faith had murmured. She watched as his eyes flicked up, finding hers, his gaze penetrating and inscrutable. He really was handsome, she thought, instantly annoyed with herself for thinking so and her body for reacting to his presence. She knew she wasn't the only one who admired his good looks and physique; Dr Robert Pearce was the talk of the women of Coal Valley. His dark blonde hair was longer than most men wore their hair, and it swept back from his forehead in soft waves. The sun had darkened his olive complexion, accentuating his dark chocolate brown eyes surrounded by long dark lashes. Dr Pearce's full lips and the dimples that flashed when he smiled combined to make him strikingly handsome.
Julie had wanted to believe he was all dashing good looks and no substance, but she had seen another side to Robert Pearce. The side of him that spoke to Colleen gently and sincerely, carefully drawing out information about her condition, her symptoms, and how long she had been experiencing them. He had talked to Julie, too, never allowing his words or body language to reference their previous humiliating encounter. She had felt herself warming to him, despite her vow to never speak to him again. His behaviour toward Allie was what had changed her mind.
Dr Pearce had knelt before the little girl as she clung to her mother's hand, reluctant to let her go. As she pressed her face into the folds of Colleen's skirt, he was patient and gentle, his voice low as he explained what she could expect from the visit. He had been kind. He included Allie when he spoke to Colleen, his eyes travelling back and forth between them. When it was time for Dr Pearce to examine Colleen, Allie was happy to wait outside with Julie, smiling shyly at the Doctor as he lifted her off the Infirmary bed.
Julie smiled hesitantly at Dr Pearce and Faith as they approached her table. Faith must have suggested joining her. She resisted the urge to straighten her hair, not wanting to remind him of the first disastrous meeting. Faith greeted her first, following it with a request to join her. Julie acknowledged the greeting and agreed before turning her gaze to Robert Pearce. She stared up at him, where he stood beside Faith, waiting to pull out the chair for her.
"I'm so glad the two of you are here," Julie said brightly. "I have so many questions for you, things I didn't know whether to ask in front of Colleen."
"I'm not sure we will be able to answer them for you; besides having to respect Doctor and Patient confidentiality, there isn't much to tell," Faith responded, glancing at Dr Pearce.
"Of course, I understand, and I would never want to intrude on Coleen's privacy. I..." Julie trailed off, eyes dropping to her hands folded on the table. Julie raised her eyes and focused on Dr Pearce, "You are the only one who has offered any chance for her."
Robert stared at the woman before him and saw her blink back the tears in her eyes. He had seen this before; this desperate desire for answers, for something...anything to give some hope. Robert believed in honesty and would never hide behind platitudes or falsehoods when dealing with patients and their families. Looking into Julie Thatcher's deep green eyes was the first time he was tempted to say something to take away her pain and fear.
"Julie," Robert said, speaking her name gently, "I don't want you to think I am here to provide a miracle cure; it's too soon to know if there is anything we can do." Robert paused when he saw Julie's eyes drop again, and he pressed his lips together to stop himself. "I'm not giving up, Julie. I am not even close to giving up. I have only just started."
Robert reached out his hand, placing it over Julie's where they rested on the table, clasped tightly together. He had intended to provide comfort, show his support, and reinforce his determination to find some way to help her friend; he hadn't expected to feel a jolt of electricity and for butterflies to swarm in his stomach. There was no doubt Julie Thatcher was a beautiful woman. He had considered her attractive when he saw her surrounded by dirt and filth, and when he saw her again in the Infirmary, he realised he was wrong; she was stunningly beautiful.
Robert had to revise his thoughts about her appearance and then adjust his opinion of her personality. He had expected to be meeting two Hamilton princesses out of their comfort zone stuck in a frontier town. Instead, he found Colleen Parkes, a wonderful woman who was the furthest thing from spoiled he could imagine. All Colleen wanted was to get better so she could raise her daughter. Julie Thatcher was a Hamilton princess who had come to Coal Valley to save her sister from a marriage below her status but instead found a second family she loved with all her heart, a family she would do anything for.
Robert watched as Julie's deep green eyes widened slightly at this soft touch, knowing she felt the same jolt he did. Their eyes locked, and he saw confusion flit across her face, and he smiled quickly, pleased when he saw her brief smile in return.
"I had planned to talk to Faith about some ideas I have during dinner; if you have the time, I would be happy to share them with you too."
Julie quickly agreed, eager to hear anything that might help Colleen. After ordering their food, Julie settled back in her seat, fascinated by Robert Pearce and the information he was sharing about his time with the Cree. Robert had spent months living with various groups of Cree, learning their language and the Shaman's treatment methods for various ailments. He understood the connection between their traditional methods and how they could complement the education he had received.
Faith looked at Julie Thatcher, seated across from her, her face a picture of concentration as she listened to Robert. She knew her face showed the same level of fascination. His explanation of how he came to know the Cree, to work with their Shaman, was like no story she had ever heard. His discussion of their treatment methods fascinated her, and she couldn't wait to hear more about the illnesses he had seen them treat. As she listened to Robert, she knew Julie had done the right thing by seeking a second opinion. Despite her earlier misgivings, she would support Robert completely in his attempts to help Colleen. She didn't know how long he planned to stay in Coal Valley, but she would take every opportunity to learn from him while he was there.
"Can I offer you a lift home?" Robert asked Faith and Julie when they finished their meals.
"I can walk; it isn't far," Faith smiled at the offer, knowing it wasn't really intended for her. She had spent some time since her arrival in Town fixing up the accommodation above the Infirmary and was pleased with her cosy living space.
"Let me drive you home, Julie; it's too late to be walking home." Robert stood as the women rose from their seats and glanced at Julie, wondering whether she would accept his offer.
"Thank you, Robert, that would be much appreciated. I feel a little tired, and Colleen will chastise me if she finds out I walked home alone in the dark." Julie grinned, "she is used to living in a much bigger place, with people with bad intentions."
"So, she should," Faith lectured her. "You can never be too careful, Julie. Coal Valley might be small, but strangers often travel this road; you must take your safety seriously. I'm sure Nathan and Elizabeth would also have something to say about it."
Julie smiled at Faith, "I'm only teasing. I don't walk home alone in the dark, I'm not that irresponsible, and I don't need a lecture from anyone."
Robert and Julie watched until Faith entered her apartment; when the door closed behind her, Robert turned to her and said, "I'm curious to meet Nathan and Elizabeth; I've heard a lot about them from several people. Its clear Colleen adores them both," Robert commented.
"I think you will like them too, everyone loves them, and for a good reason," Julie assured him and then laughed, "My sister is nothing like me; she is capable, dependable, and responsible. Nathan is all those things, too, which is to be expected from a Mountie. They will fight with all they have to protect and care for those around them. They are two of the best people I have ever met."
Robert frowned at Julie, "You don't consider yourself capable, dependable and responsible?" Leaning against the car, he stood beside her, "I think your description of them suits you just as easily."
Robert watched as Julie shook her head and laughed, "I clearly have you fooled," she said. "I'm the Thatcher sister who shops and attends parties. I haven't married someone suitable or left my wealth behind for a noble calling."
"You reached out to me. You reached out to many people. You were tenacious and determined. You convinced me to travel for days to examine your friend." Robert said as he stared at her, watching the smile fall, and she became serious. "Don't belittle yourself because you aren't what you think others want you to be. Be proud of being your own person."
"Is that what you do?" she asked, her voice low.
"Yes. I couldn't have accomplished or learned what I have if I followed someone else's path or let criticism change who I am." Robert smiled at her and said, "Sometimes you have to rebel."
"Well, I don't think you had too much trouble filling that role," Julie said. "From what I hear, you quite enjoy it."
"Oh, I can assure you I do!" Robert winked as he smiled at her, eyes bright with laughter. Leaning away from the car, reaching to open her door, he said, "I better get you home before Colleen and the others send out a search party."
He could feel Julie Thatcher's eyes following him as we walked around the vehicle to the driver's side. He would have to be careful around her; she was intelligent, funny, and kind. And captivating and beautiful... and dangerous for someone like him who didn't want to become romantically attached to anyone. It wouldn't take much for Julie Thatcher to enthral him.
Can you believe we are going home tomorrow," Elizabeth said, her disappointment evident in her voice. "These days in Brookfield have flown."
"We managed to get a lot done in a short time," Nathan replied. "But, like you, I wish it wasn't over." Rolling over onto his left side, he plumped the pillow beneath his neck and looked into Elizabeth's eyes. "I promise this won't be the last time we take time for ourselves, and next time, I will plan something special for you."
"It doesn't matter who plans it; maybe we should plan something together," Elizabeth assured him.
"Are you suggesting I might not get it right," Nathan asked, pretending offence.
"Of course not," She laughed at him, "I am sure whatever you planned would be perfect, but planning a trip together might be fun. Next time, we should plan to go somewhere we can take the horses; we could ride out of Town and camp for a few days." Elizabeth had been delighted with her ride on Cocoa, and it had only taken a few moments to realise they were perfect for each other. Tess had offered to bring Cocoa to Town in the morning to save them detouring out of their way to collect her. Elizabeth planned to spend some of the trip riding her and the rest in the Wagon with Nathan.
Camp? Elizabeth Thatcher camping?" Nathan laughed, "I can't see it."
"Nathan, I would be fine camping; how hard can it be?"
"Let's leave that trip for summer," Nathan said wisely, choosing to change the subject. "What shall we do for our last full day in Brookfield?"
Elizabeth closed her eyes momentarily, trying to hide her disappointment over their trip ending, not wanting to ruin their day. "I would like to spend the whole day with you," she said sincerely. Over the last two days, they had spent time apart: Nathan with Gabriel, looking for the thief still stealing food from homesteads, Elizabeth with Lillian, and Grace at the Orphanage. Despite her best efforts, there still needed to be a conversation between Gabriel and Lillian. Elizabeth's plan for Gabriel to speak to her when they visited after seeing Tess Stewart had failed, as Gabriel was called away immediately to deal with another reported theft.
Gabriel and Nathan had discussed their concerns about why the person remained near Brookfield. Were they waiting for someone? Were they planning something they needed more people for? Could they be entirely off base, and it was a person down on their luck, struggling to support themselves and too ashamed to ask? Until they found the person, they would never know. Gabriel had spent days riding the outskirts of Town looking for them; Sam Tremblay had no luck either.
"I agree, Elizabeth; I don't want to be separated from you either," Nathan said, leaning forward to kiss her. The moment their lips met; desire flared inside him as it always did when he was close to her. He deepened the kiss as he drew his wife close to him. Nathan groaned as he felt Elizabeth slide her arm around his waist and press her soft curves against him. He stroked his hand softly down her body, his hand resting on the curve of her hip. Nathan rolled over, taking Elizabeth with him until she lay beneath him; breaking their kiss, he looked down into her face, her cheeks flushed, her eyes dark with passion, a smile on her lips.
"We are going to be late for breakfast again, aren't we?" Elizabeth asked huskily.
"And maybe lunch," Nathan teased, winking as he grinned down at her.
