Elizabeth lay beside Nathan, her head resting on his bare chest. He felt the warmth of her hand as she lazily stroked it over his stomach, tracing the muscles over and over.
"It is nice to be home, right?"
Elizabeth smiled at him, knowing he meant the words despite him turning them into a question.
"It is nice to be home to see Colleen looking so well," Elizabeth replied.
Nathan knew she had been as surprised as he was to see the colour in her cheeks and a spring in her step. "Do you think Dr Pearce is right? Could it be something so simple as needing a change of diet?"
"I hope so. Colleen trusts him, and all the evidence so far points to him being right."
"I want to learn more about his diagnosis and talk to Faith about it, too." Nathan frowned and rolled over to face her. "Is it wrong I want to ask Faith instead of trusting the Doctor?"
"No, we have a relationship with Faith. I don't think Dr Pearce will mind; we don't know him; we haven't been here while he's treated, Colleen." Elizabeth gazed up at Nathan, reaching a hand up to smooth out the frown on his forehead. "Colleen and Julie both seem to trust him, Nathan."
"Did you notice something between Julie and the Doctor?" Nathan asked, curious. He had wondered about the energy between them as he settled Elizabeth into his car. Julie, usually excitable, was even more so, as though to make up for the silence of Dr Pearce. Later, as he was leaving the Jail, heading home after accepting Bill's offer to watch the prisoner overnight, he saw Robert Pearce drive back into Town. Bill had used their time together at the Jail to fill Nathan in on what he had missed, so he knew Robert wasn't living in Town. The Doctor had pulled the car up alongside, offering him a ride home. Nathan had hesitated, wanting to stretch his legs but curious about Dr Pearce's motive for the offer.
Robert Pearce had stumbled over his words several times as he spoke to Nathan, starting conversations about the Town, his and Elizabeth's trip to Brookfield, working with Faith and living in Coal Valley. As the car rounded the corner onto the road leading to Nathan's home, he finally raised the topic of Julie Thatcher, asking Nathan if he knew how long she intended to stay in Town and if he knew of her long-term plans.
Nathan had told him what he knew, knowing he wasn't sharing anything private about his sister-in-law. He had taken pity on Robert Pearce, understanding what it was like to be in his shoes. Nathan also cared about Julie; if she felt the same about the Doctor as he seemed to about her, he would do what he could to help their relationship.
"Julie didn't say much after he dropped us off, which is strange," Elizabeth agreed. "She let Colleen do all the talking."
Nathan reached out and grabbed her hand, kissing her palm. "You can find out more tomorrow. I have to go back to work, but you still have the weekend off before you return to School." Grinning at his wife, he shook his head. "It is strange for Julie to be quiet. Luckily, Dr. Pearce isn't as reticent. He told me they are going to dinner tomorrow night."
He was pleased as he watched Elizabeth's mouth drop open in shock at his words; it wasn't often he got to surprise her.
"You knew all this time and didn't tell me," Elizabeth said, whacking him lightly on the shoulder. "What did he say?"
Nathan filled Elizabeth in on his conversation with Robert Pearce, including his interest in her long-term plans. He told her about the blush on his cheeks and how he tripped over his words.
"Do you think Julie was quiet because she does have feelings for him or because she doesn't?" Nathan asked.
"I don't know. A quiet Julie is a new one for me."
"I'll talk to Colleen too; if she has been spending time around the two of them, she may know more."
"I don't know what you are talking about, Elizabeth. Dr Pearce and I are friends, nothing more, Elizabeth."
Elizabeth watched Julie as she widened her eyes and tried to make her face into a picture of innocence. She didn't believe her sister's words or expression, not even a little. The blush on Julie's cheeks and Colleen's eye roll from behind her told her Nathan was right about Julie and Dr Pearce. Elizabeth decided to let it go for now, sitting down to eat the breakfast Colleen insisted on preparing.
"Elizabeth," Colleen called out across the room to her sister-in-law. "You should take Julie to the Saloon after breakfast; she can help you check in on your classroom."
"I would love that, Julie. Would you mind?" Elizabeth begged, knowing she didn't really need her sister's help, but at least they would be alone. "Please."
"Fine, Elizabeth, I will come, but I mean it, there is nothing to say."
Elizabeth pressed her lips together to hide her smile. When Julie turned away from her, she caught Colleen's eye and allowed herself to smile. Her sister-in-law was certainly looking much better.
As the two sisters walked toward the Saloon, Elizabeth peppered Julie with questions about Dr Pearce and his treatment of Colleen. She listened closely as Julie described the initial examination and 'hundreds' of questions from Robert Pearce. Elizabeth was reassured that Faith agreed with his treatment plan for Colleen and was supportive of him in general. Julie was very forthcoming until the questions turned from Colleen to herself. Elizabeth noted the blush on her cheeks and how she avoided looking at her.
"Julie, I know something is happening with you and Dr Pearce; you may as well talk to me about it." Elizabeth teased. As emotions flickered across Julie's face, Elizabeth started to regret her teasing. It wasn't until tears filled her sister's eyes that she realised that whatever was happening between them was hurting Julie.
Elizabeth grabbed Julie by the arm and hurried her along, walking quickly down the side street beside Abigail's Cafe.
"Julie," Elizabeth whispered urgently, "you have to tell me what is wrong! Did Dr. Pearce do something to hurt you or..." she asked the question, not believing it but unable to think of another possibility.
Elizabeth watched Julie swallow back her tears, sniffing as she gathered herself.
"No! Nothing like that. Robert is an incredible man; he is brilliant and kind. He's funny and sweet and a very dedicated doctor. He has worked miracles with Colleen."
"He does sound wonderful." Elizabeth agreed. "So why are you almost in tears talking about him?"
"I'm not the only one thinks that about him."
Elizabeth gaped at her sister, understanding her concerns and tears. Elizabeth couldn't imagine anything worse than being in love with the same person as someone else. She dismissed Lisa Bouchard, and her infatuation with Nathan as quickly as her name popped into her mind. There had been no possibility of anything between them, not with her past and the scam she had been running. Besides, she and Nathan had already been in a relationship. This situation sounded different, like two people were competing for one man. If that were true, it wouldn't end well for anyone.
"Who, Julie?" Elizabeth willed herself to ask, although part of her didn't want to know.
"Colleen," Julie said, her voice ragged with pain and defeat. "He makes her so happy, Elizabeth."
Elizabeth didn't say a word, just wrapped her arms around her sister as she cried quietly.
"What does Dr Pearce feel?" Elizabeth was curious about the Doctor's feelings. She and Nathan had both agreed there was something between him and Julie, but they hadn't seen him with Colleen. Elizabeth knew her sister was loyal to those she cared about; if Colleen had feelings for him, Julie's feelings didn't matter.
"He wants to talk to me. He wants to know if he has done anything to upset me, to make me so cold toward him." Julie said with a shrug.
"He told Nathan you were going to dinner with him tonight."
"I said I would meet him. I am going to tell him he should be with Colleen."
"Oh Julie," Elizabeth cried, staring at her sister, the stubborn expression nothing new to her. Julie stared back at her, chin lifted in defiance and her eyes flashing.
"I will tell him I am going home soon. That isn't a lie."
"Julie, No! I don't want you to go, please. Think about it; wait to hear what he has to say. Talk to Colleen."
"No, Elizabeth. I won't talk to Colleen about this; she can never know of my feelings. It is best for everyone if I leave."
Nathan stood as the door opened, and Faith walked into the Mountie office, followed by Robert Pearce. Nathan had asked Robert to attend the Jail that morning and examine the prisoner, needing to understand if she was physically fit for trial and to determine if there was a medical reason for her continued silence. She hadn't said a word to him or Bill; he was starting to think he imagined he had heard the feminine grunt of pain when he tackled her.
Nathan spoke to Robert, allowing Faith to walk toward the cell and introduce herself to the young woman. Nathan was surprised to hear the young woman mumble an answer to Faith's question, wondering why it was in her she opened up to.
"It's the bag."
"Sorry?" Nathan asked, turning to Robert.
"It's the bag; people see you carrying a medical bag, and they trust it, and, by association, whoever is carrying it. I see it all the time."
Nathan glanced down at Robert's bag resting on his desk and realised the truth in his words; he felt the same about the bag.
"It helps Faith is a young woman," Robert added.
Nathan and Robert made small talk while Faith murmured with her patient before joining them and asking them to speak with her outside.
Closing the door behind him, Nathan turned to the others and waited for Faith to provide her opinion.
"Physically, she is fine; emotionally, she is not. If you want to know if she can face a trial, the answer is yes, but I would prefer someone to hear her story before deciding if charges are necessary."
"She isn't talking to us, Faith. I have nothing to help me or anyone else make that decision."
"She will open up, but I don't think she will open up to you. To a man."
"You?" Nathan asked he would happily have Faith sit in with him if he could get to the bottom of the case.
"I was thinking Abigail, she is older, has children, and is the kindest person I have ever met. She can make anyone comfortable and willing to open up to her. I want to separate her treatment from whatever happens to her."
Nathan smiled, knowing Faith's words were true. "I will ask Abigail to bring the meals from the Cafe herself. I know she's busy, but I am sure she won't mind."
"And wait a day until you start interrogating her; let her become comfortable with Abigail. You never know; she may open up of her own accord."
Nathan briefly stood outside the Mountie office after Robert and Faith left to return to the Infirmary, thinking about their advice. He was sure Abigail could help, and the sooner, the better. He closed his eyes and thought about the young woman waiting inside a cell. He hated seeing her locked behind bars in the cell; something about it didn't feel right, like she didn't deserve to be there. He would be happy when they could deal with her crimes and decide on a reasonable punishment. And get her out of that cell.
Bill called into the Mountie office, and when Nathan asked if he could relieve him so he could speak to Abigail, he offered to do it for him. Nathan hid his grin as he watched the heat flair in Bill's cheeks and gracefully accepted his offer. Abigail's visits had started with breakfast and each time Abigail had brought meals to the Jail, Nathan was the lucky recipient of one too and gladly ate his outside to give the women privacy. As Abigail left for the final time, she whispered a request that he come to the Cafe when he was done so she could fill him on their conversations.
When Bill arrived that evening to spend the night at the Jail, Nathan quickly headed to see Abigail. He had wondered about inviting Elizabeth but decided against it. She had called in on her way back from the Saloon and told him about her conversation with Julie. He knew she wanted to see Julie before her evening with Robert and to catch up with Colleen and Allie. Nathan hoped Elizabeth could talk to his sister about Robert, he hoped they could somehow sort this out without Julie or Colleen getting hurt.
Nathan decided to use the back entrance of the Cafe, knowing Abigail would want privacy for their conversation. He rapped his knuckles against the door frame and quietly opened it, pleased to see Abigail alone in the kitchen.
"Perfect timing, Nathan," Abigail assured him, wiping her hands on a cloth as she headed to the coffee pot. "Take a seat. There is a lull in orders, plus Clara is helping me tonight."
Nathan followed her request, happily accepting her offer of coffee with a muffin to accompany it. He would have to watch himself if Abigail kept supplying meals for him; he would grow out of his serge.
"She says her name is Patricia Wells, and she comes from a small town on the other side of Brookfield. She hasn't told me the name of it yet, but it's small, not as big as Coal Valley or Brookfield."
"Do you think that is her real name?" Nathan was curious why she would reveal her identity but where she lived.
"I don't. She is terrified, Nathan. She is running from someone and was trying to hide so they wouldn't find her."
Nathan watched as Abigail looked down at her coffee cup before she made eye contact again.
"She is very sorry she stole from people, Nathan, but she was desperate."
"Who do you think she is running from? Her family? If it is, and we can find a way for her to make amends and keep her out of jail, what happens to her if she can't go home?"
"Let me talk to her again tomorrow. Let me watch her while you do rounds. That would give us enough time to speak without her worrying about you waiting outside."
Nathan paused, wondering if he should do what she asked. He didn't believe the girl was a flight risk; the fight had gone out of her once he locked her in the cell.
"Okay, Abigail. But I need you to be careful; we know nothing about this girl. Don't forget she is a criminal."
"I won't," Abigail agreed, smiling at him. "Why don't you go home to Elizabeth and the others? Robert has requested a private table for Julie and him and a special meal, which I have to finish preparing; they are due to arrive soon."
Nathan resisted asking what she thought of the Doctor; he was waiting to speak to Faith first and hadn't had a chance yet. Each time he had seen her, the Doctor was with her. Nathan thanked Abigail again for her help, and for the basket of muffins she insisted he take home with him. He knew Coal Valley would be lost without Abigail taking care of them all.
"So, you are not interested in Dr. Pearce romantically, Colleen?" Elizabeth asked, wondering why her question resulted in such hilarity. Elizabeth had never heard her sister-in-law laugh so hard.
"Why on earth would you think that? He is like another brother, a brother who makes me eat disgusting things like liver for breakfast."
"Julie told me you had feelings for him. She said you always laugh with him; you are happy when he is around..." Elizabeth trailed off. Was Julie mistaken?
"I like Robert and feel better than I have in forever, thanks to him. Of course, I am happy when he is around. And, once you get to know him, you will see he is a really nice man." Colleen smiled cheekily at Elizabeth and said, "someone you would be happy to have as a brother-in-law."
"But not someone you would have as a husband?'
"No, there isn't that feeling between us. Julie and Robert are meant for each other."
"Which won't happen unless they can work this out." Elizabeth shook her head, wondering how the conversation would go over dinner. Julie was upstairs getting ready, but the determined expression she had earlier made Elizabeth doubt anything Robert Pearce said would change her mind.
"Let me go and talk to her," Colleen said as she rose and walked toward the stairs, "Let's hope she listens to me."
Elizabeth watched her go; fingers crossed that Julie did listen to her. Relief flooded her when Colleen assured her there was no competition for Robert's affection. Julie had never shown such genuine interest in a man. Her sister had been on many dates and was always the centre of attention at parties, but those had been superficial flirtations; none of them had resulted in feelings this serious. None of them had the power to make Julie so passionate or have the potential to hurt her so deeply.
Julie jumped at the knock on her bedroom door. She had been sitting at her vanity table, staring into the mirror, seeing nothing. Her stomach was churning, and she noticed her hand shaking when she brushed her hair. She did not want to go to dinner with Robert Pearce. She did not want to hear what he had to say. She did not want to have to tell him a lie to save face and protect her relationship with Colleen. She wanted to go home and forget about the handsome Doctor and her hopes for a future with someone like him.
The knock sounded on the door again, and Julie realised she hadn't responded to the knocking.
"Come in."
Julie took a deep breath as the door slowly opened, and she saw it was Colleen who had knocked. Despite her attempts to avoid talking to Colleen she smiled at her friend, pleased to note that she didn't seem out of breath from climbing the stairs. In the first days after arrival in Coal Valley, she would not have been able to make it upstairs without resting.
"You look lovely, Julie."
"Thank you." Julie's cheeks flooded with heat. She knew Colleen was lying; she had deliberately dressed in her plainest outfit and had barely styled her hair. Colleen must be wondering why she was going to dinner with Robert, and she was pleased she hadn't spent any time on her appearance, well, not much time anyway.
"Can we talk, please, Julie?"
"Of course, we can. Come in." Julie said as she swivelled toward her friend, patting her bed, and inviting Colleen to sit down.
"I want to talk about Robert Pearce." Colleen was watching Julie and saw her mouth tighten before she smiled again.
"Of course. I hope you don't mind we are having dinner tonight. I want to talk to him about your treatment and what happens when I go home to Hamilton."
"Why are you going back to Hamilton so soon? I thought you wanted to stay here until I was well and to spend time with Elizabeth."
"Well, yes, but I have to go home eventually, and you seem so much better. I will miss everyone, but I can come back to visit, and Elizabeth and Nathan will come home to see us. You and Allie are welcome to visit, of course. Everyone in Town is welcome."
"Including Robert?"
"Yes," Julie said, her smile slipping a little.
"And in what capacity will he be welcome?"
"Well, as a friend and a respected Doctor...as your friend," Julie said, rushing through her words, her voice enthusiastic. "The two of you are very compatible; you make each other laugh, and you never run out of things to talk about. He is very handsome and smart...he's quite a catch."
Colleen raised an eyebrow and stared at Julie, her lips twitching as she held back laughter.
"That is all true, Julie...but."
"But what?"
"But we are just friends, and that is all we will ever be," Colleen leaned forward and took Julie's hand. "He's like a little brother to me, only less annoying than Nathan was. Everything you said about him is true, but I don't feel anything romantic toward him." Smiling at her friend, Colleen said, "Don't look sad; it's a good thing I don't feel that way about him because he doesn't feel that way about me either."
Julie opened her mouth to speak but couldn't find the words for what she was feeling. As Colleen watched her friend, she saw Julie's eyes fill with tears, spilling over onto her cheeks before she used her free hand to swipe them away.
"Colleen, I..." Julie swallowed and sighed deeply. "I have feelings for Robert. I've been feeling so guilty. All I wanted was for you to be happy, and I thought Robert made you happy and I..."
"He does, as a friend. It's you he cares about Julie. If he didn't, he wouldn't have asked you to dinner to find out what had changed between you."
Julie squeezed Colleen's hands as she asked, "Do you really think so?"
"Yes!"
"I am so glad you talked to me Colleen, I hated having to leave Coal Valley, I do want to stay until I know you are truly well."
"I'm glad we worked this out, too," Colleen said before gently pulling out of Julie's embrace. "I'm going downstairs so you can change into something more suitable for a date. I lied before when I said you looked lovely."
Colleen winked as she said the last words, pleased when Julie laughed at her teasing and when she hurried to her wardrobe to find something more suitable. The light had returned to Julie's eyes, and her smile was genuine once again. Colleen was pleased for her friends. Now, all Julie and Robert had to do was be honest with each other and admit their feelings. How hard could that be?
