Chapter Eight
Julie's announcement obviously put an end to the celebration. Nathan hurried to his office, hoping to get more details from Headquarters in Hamilton, while Elizabeth raced home to start packing. Allie was helping her quietly gather things from Jack's room when Lee rushed in and called up the stairs.
"Elizabeth, Charlie Kensington is on the phone for you. He says he has an update on your father."
Lee stayed with the children while Elizabeth ran back next door. Rosemary sat remarkably still, staring at the phone, unusually quiet. She put her hand on Elizabeth's shoulder as she picked up the receiver.
"Charles?" she asked tentatively.
"He's stable," her friend answered immediately. "He's out of surgery and still unconscious, but he's stable."
"Oh thank God," Elizabeth replied, sinking onto the sofa. Rosemary sat beside her.
"I expect Julie didn't actually tell you much, although to be fair, the police really haven't given us all that much to start with."
The Coulters front door opened and Nathan stepped inside. He sat on Elizabeth's other side, pressing a kiss to the top of her head. "Is that Mr. Kensington?" At her nod, he gestured for the phone.
"Charles, Nathan is here and I think he has news."
"Good evening, Mr. Kensington. I am Nathan Grant, the constable here in Hope Valley. I'm glad you called—I have more information about Mr. Thatcher's accident." If Charles had any questions about why Hope Valley's Mountie was better informed than the family in Hamilton, he kept them to himself.
"There will obviously be a thorough investigation, especially considering who Elizabeth's father is, but even with only the preliminary analysis they know there was foul play involved."
"Someone deliberately tried to hurt my father?" Elizabeth uttered in disbelief.
"Unless you can think of a reason he would cut his own brake lines."
Rosemary and Elizabeth gaped in shock, but Nathan continued. "They know the brake lines were tampered with. They believe it was an amateur, someone who thought the damage from the accident would obscure their sabotage, but other than the obvious damage to the front of the vehicle and the windshield, the rest of the car is pristine. Now, I understand that you are Mr. Thatcher's second in command, is that correct?" When Charles confirmed, Nathan went on. "The Mounties will want to question you, likely sooner rather than later. They don't actually suspect you had anything to do with it; your long and very cordial relationship with Mr. Thatcher is well accounted for, but in a situation like this…"
"I understand," Charles assured him, no malice in his tone. "They have to do their job and to them, I appear to have motive. But I should explain that while I am William's second in command, he has not named a successor to the company. As of now, I don't stand to inherit leadership or ownership of Hamilton Shipping. The Board of Directors would have to vote on who would take control of the company, and any of William's current assets would be distributed to Grace and the girls per his will."
"Just be sure to tell the investigators that when they question you. Answer them calmly and politely; don't give them any reason to suspect you and turn their focus away from finding the real culprits." He sighed, drawing Elizabeth closer as he continued. "I should also tell you that headquarters wants Grace and Julie to have guards with them at all times. They will be sending a team to check the Thatcher house and to arrange for protection details. William will be under guard while he remains in the hospital."
"What about Elizabeth and her son?" Charles asked. "Are they going to have an escort for the trip east, or will their detail begin when they arrive in Hamilton?"
Nathan gazed lovingly at Elizabeth as he vowed, "They are going to be watched over very closely the entire trip."
"By someone you trust, I'm sure?"
"I will personally be escorting Elizabeth and Jack to Hamilton," Nathan stated firmly.
"And why would you take such a personal interest in their well-being?" Charles queried.
Elizabeth smiled softly up at Nathan from where she leaned against his side, and it took all of his willpower not to drop the phone and kiss her. "Because a couple of hours ago I was down on one knee, shamelessly using her son to propose to her. Luckily for me, she said yes."
Charles was silent for a moment. "Well I suppose congratulations are in order," he finally said.
"Thank you, Charles," Elizabeth said, taking the phone back. "I will tell you all about it after I see Father. Nathan or I will call when we have our train tickets so you'll know when to expect us."
"That's what else I wanted to talk to you about," Charles hastened to reply. "Your mother doesn't know about it, but your father commissioned a personal train car. He was going to surprise her for their anniversary. He was hoping that if she could go in luxury and privacy, she would accompany him on more of his travels, perhaps even out west to see you."
"Father has a private train car?" Even Elizabeth was surprised. William Thatcher was accustomed to the finest things, but he wasn't one for over-extravagance.
"He does," Charles laughed. "I was as shocked as you are when he first told me about it, but I can't fault his reasoning. With you and Viola out of the house and settled, and Julie off to school, it would be nice if your parents could travel together. It certainly wouldn't hurt your father to take more vacation time. The car is fully furnished, has its own plumbing and heating systems, two bedrooms, and a sitting room. He received word a few days ago that it's finished and waiting in a train yard in Cape Fullerton for delivery instructions."
"Cape Fullerton!" Elizabeth exclaimed. "That's not far from here, at least by train!"
"I know," Charles chuckled. "That's why I already contacted the rail company to have the car loaded to the next available train that passes through Hope Valley. It will be coming through tomorrow morning at 9:05. Can the three of you be ready by then?"
"Four," Elizabeth corrected. "Our daughter Allie will be coming as well."
"Daughter?" Charles asked, more in confusion than actually seeking an explanation. He sighed and gathered himself together. "Alright, so the four of you will catch the train tomorrow morning. I will let Grace know to have rooms prepared for all of you, and I imagine there will be an escort detail meeting you at the station."
"Thank you, Charles," Elizabeth said. "It's very kind of you to step in and take care of my family like this."
"You know you are like family to me," Charles argued. "And any of you would do the same if it were my father in trouble, so there's no reason to fuss over it. The circumstances of your visit aside, it will be good to see you again, Elizabeth, and to meet your children and your new beau."
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The Thornton/Grant party was waiting at the train station by 8:30 the next morning, with quite the crowd gathered to see them off. Thanks to Rosemary, everyone in town knew the circumstances of their sudden departure, and all wanted to wish them well. Bill was covering for Nathan, while Katie Yoest was going to oversee the classroom. Elizabeth had left all of the lesson plans she had prepared, and hoped the children would cooperate. Lee and Rosemary were going to keep an eye on the row houses, and would be the primary contacts for news on Mr. Thatcher and when they would return.
"This is…" Nathan stood in the middle of the parlor, awed by the luxury. "I don't think I've ever been anywhere this fancy. I'm almost afraid to touch anything. Is your house in Hamilton just like this?"
Elizabeth shrugged, dropping her bag on the sofa under the window and turning to take Jack's coat off. "My parents' house is quite luxurious, yes," she admitted. "But it's comfortable, just like this is. Take your coats off. We're going to be here awhile."
Allie looked just as nervous, but hung her coat cautiously on one of the hooks next to the door. "Where should I put this?" she asked, holding up her bag.
"In there," Elizabeth and Nathan both said, each pointing to a different bedroom.
"Girls in one room, boys in the other," Elizabeth explained.
Nathan shook his head. "Elizabeth, you take the first bedroom and the kids can use the other. I'm supposed to be on duty, so I'll sleep out here on one of the sofas." Elizabeth smirked and looked pointedly at both pieces of furniture. There was no way that Nathan's tall frame would be able to recline comfortably. He sighed, rolling his eyes a bit. "Fine, so I'll sleep on the floor. The carpet is new and fairly plush. It can't be worse than sleeping outside in the rain or in the jail."
"You don't have to be 'on guard' every second day and night," Elizabeth argued. "We are in a private car. It's not like the other passengers can just walk in. Even the porter can't get in unless we unbolt the door." She stood in front of him, reaching up to wrap her arms loosely around his neck. "I can't tell you how much it means to me that you were willing to drop everything and accompany me. I am so blessed to have you and Allie with us during this ordeal. But you are allowed to relax a little. We barely got to celebrate our engagement, and now it's just the four of us for the next three days. As worried as I am about Father, I want us to enjoy some time as a family. We can't do that if you're my guard instead of my almost husband."
Nathan opened his mouth to argue, but wisely closed it when she stared at him with pointed brows. He hugged her close for a moment and gave her a gentle kiss before turning back to the children. "Looks like it's you and me, little man," he said, scooping Jack up in one arm while hefting his bag with the other. "What do you say we go check out our room, huh?" Jack laughed, always happy to be anywhere that Nathan was.
They spent most of the day exploring the car. There was an ice box stocked with milk, lemonade, and sandwich makings, and beside that a small pantry filled with crackers, cookies, and rolls, making lunch simple. A small water closet was set into the corner; they quickly learned to keep the door latched, as Jack found the flushing toilet too good a game to pass up. Their explorations also turned up a Victrola tucked behind a folding door in the sitting room, and Nathan pulled Elizabeth into a waltz.
"Where did you learn to dance like that, Dad?" Allie asked, frankly amazed that he could move so gracefully. "You never dance."
"I was just waiting for the right partner," he retorted, winking. "Actually it's your mom's fault. She wanted to learn how to dance, and I got 'volunteered' to be her partner. I didn't appreciate it then, but it definitely has its perks now." He grinned as he and Elizabeth whirled around the confines of the car.
When the song ended, Nathan pulled Allie in to teach her the steps while Elizabeth stood off to the side, holding Jack and swaying to the music. After a couple of songs it was Allie's turn to spin with Jack, while Nathan and Elizabeth danced again. Because it made Jack giggle, Nathan kept spinning Elizabeth out away from him, always pulling her back closer and closer until there was barely any room between them.
"I don't recall the waltz calling for being this close to one's partner," Elizabeth teased as Nathan held her much tighter than the dance called for. Their stance, Elizabeth's head resting on Nathan's chest and his arms both snug around her waist, made stepping to the music difficult, so it was more a gentle rocking.
Their dance was interrupted by a knock on the door. Nathan spun Elizabeth behind him and put a hand on his holstered gun. "Who is it?"
"Arthur Willington, sir, your porter and concierge. I've got your dinner here."
Nathan opened the door a few inches, blocking it with his foot until he was certain of their visitor's identity. Once he'd confirmed it was indeed the porter who had escorted them aboard, and that he carried a large tray of covered plates, he allowed him to enter, bolting the door again behind him.
"Good evening, Mrs. Thornton. Constable, children," he greeted cheerfully, crossing the room to place the tray on the table. "Since you didn't put in orders for dinner, I've brought you tonight's specials. For the boy and the young lady, I've got breaded chicken and roasted potatoes, and for Mrs. Thornton and Mr. Grant, a nice roast beef with asparagus."
Jack had already clamored into a chair and was staring at his plate hungrily, while Allie was eyeing the asparagus. Seeing his daughter's greedy look, Nathan laughed. "I'll give you half of my vegetables if you share half of your potatoes, deal?" Allie grinned, quickly making the trade.
Arthur helped Allie into her seat while Nathan sat Elizabeth, then set about pouring them all drinks and tidying up the car while they ate.
"You don't have to do that," Elizabeth protested.
"Nonsense, ma'am," Arthur replied. "I am happy to help. I will leave tomorrow's menus here on the table for you. If you'd like to give me your breakfast orders while I'm here, I will collect your lunch and dinner selections when I come in the morning. And I want to assure you that the staff onboard are aware of the security concerns surrounding Mrs. Thornton and her family. For that reason, I will be the only person coming to your car. Your guards are taking turns watching from the last seats of the next car…"
"Guards?" Elizabeth asked, puzzled.
Arthur nodded. "Mr. Kensington arranged for two Pinkerton men to accompany you. Not, he assured me, because he has any doubts as to Mr. Grant's ability to protect you, but rather as backup. After all, you have to sleep sometime."
When they were finished eating, he helpfully showed them the bed rail stored in the closet that could be slid under the edge of the mattress to prevent Jack from rolling out of bed, and how to pull both sofas out into sleepers. "Mr. Thatcher must be a tall man himself, as he ordered the beds to be longer than usual. You, sir, will definitely be more comfortable in the bedroom."
Elizabeth blushed and Nathan started to explain, but Arthur waved them off. "I meant no offense, Mrs. Thornton, Mr. Grant. There is nothing improper about a man escorting his fiancé on a long trip, especially under these circumstances, and you will be in far better condition to look after her if you are well rested. There are two bedrooms, and you are being chaperoned by the most observant of guards." He paused, nodding towards the children. "Besides, if you weren't staying in here, one of the Pinkertons would be. I imagine the current arrangements are more comfortable for you and the children."
He finished clearing their dinner plates and waited while they made their selections for breakfast. Allie was immediately taken with the idea of waffles, and Jack wanted whatever she was having, so they pleaded for the Belgian waffles with fruit and cream. Nathan asked for a simple eggs, sausage, and toast plate, while Elizabeth was looking forward to her quiche.
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"I have a confession to make."
They were relaxing in the parlor when Nathan spoke up. Allie was helping Jack make a get-well card for his 'Grampa Wi-yum' while Nathan and Elizabeth sat on the sofa under the window, seemingly watching the stars fly by.
"I actually finished my investigation several days ago," he admitted. "I took some personal time for a little trip of my own. I went to see Charlotte, in Aberdeen."
"Charlotte? As in my mother-in-law, Charlotte?"
Nathan changed into civilian clothes before riding out to the Thornton ranch. He figured Mrs. Thornton had had enough surprises from the NWMP, and he wanted this to be a friendly visit.
"Can I help you?"
Nathan turned from where he stood on the porch, about to knock on the door, to find a tall woman in men's pants and a hat staring at him.
"Charlotte Thornton?" he asked politely. "I'm Nathan Grant. I'm…"
"The man looking to raise my grandson," she finished for him. "You might as well come in and tell me about Elizabeth and young Jack."
She ushered him into a small but clean parlor, disappearing into the kitchen and returning a few moments later with a couple glasses of water and a plate of cookies. "I don't keep anything fancy for entertaining guests," she said with a shrug. "Hope some cool water and fresh ginger cookies are enough hospitality for you."
Nathan smiled, genuinely thankful for any refreshment after his long ride. "That sounds perfect, Mrs. Thornton. Thank you."
"Call me Charlotte," she declared. "It seems we're going to be family of sorts. That is why you're here, isn't it? To talk about Elizabeth?"
"It is but more importantly, I came to express my deepest condolences for your son and your husband. No family should have to face the loss that you have." When she nodded her thanks he continued. "I also wanted to introduce myself. I'm afraid Tom and I didn't get off to the best start. Elizabeth told me you were supportive of our growing relationship, so I didn't realize he was unaware of it until he saw us together in Hope Valley. We made our peace, and I wanted to find the same with you."
"Do you love Lizzie?" Charlotte asked bluntly.
"I do," Nathan vowed, meeting her steady gaze. "I fell the moment I laid eyes on her, but I knew she needed more time to work through her grief."
"And her Jack…you love him, too, even though he's not your child?"
"Like he is my own," Nathan smiled. "But I promise you, I have no intention of trying to take your son's place in Little Jack's life. I might be the one to raise him, but he will always be Jack Thornton's son."
Charlotte was quiet for moment, studying him. "Lizzie tells me you have a girl of your own?"
Nathan couldn't know it, but his eyes lit up as he thought and spoke about Allie. "I have a thirteen year old daughter. My niece, technically, but I adopted her a few months ago. My sister passed away and her husband wasn't interested in being a father, so Allie's been mine for several years now."
"So you've got practice at loving someone else's child."
"I don't think it's a matter of practice so much as just trying every day to give them the best you can. It doesn't matter who or where they came from, you just love them."
"So are you here to ask my permission to marry Lizzie?"
Nathan shook his head. "You and I both know that Elizabeth doesn't need anyone's permission to live her life the way she sees fit, and she would be furious at the suggestion. I do want your blessing, though. Like yours, her dreams were shattered when Jack died. She and her son lost so much. I want to make her new dreams come true, give them the kind of life they deserve."
"Well, I don't see how I can argue with that," Charlotte declared after a moment of quiet contemplation. "If you promise me you're going to be good to them, to love them the way my son would have, you have my blessing, Nate."
"I will. Thank you, ma'am," Nathan said sincerely. "Is there any chance we'll get you to Hope Valley soon? You are always welcome at the Thornton-Grant house." At Charlotte's surprised look, he explained. "Her son will always be a Thornton. When he's older, if he wants to take my name as well, I'll be honored, but I will never take his father's name away from him, and I think Elizabeth should continue to carry it. Jack was an important part of her life, and that should never be forgotten."
"It didn't seem right for me to marry a woman she considers a daughter without giving her the chance to interrogate me a bit," he explained.
"And did she give you her blessing?" Elizabeth asked hopefully.
"She did," he confirmed, hugging her close. "And without the interrogation. I could see that she appreciated how much I love you and Jack, but I think I won her over when I suggested you be 'Mrs. Thornton-Grant' after we get married."
"That will be a mouthful in the classroom," she sighed. "Maybe I should take a hint from Charlotte and just go by 'Mrs. Lizzie'…"
"I should probably also admit that I've been in contact with your father," Nathan added hesitantly, studying her face carefully. "I wrote to him after we started courting. I wanted to introduce myself and give as much background on me and my family as I could before he started digging for it. We've been exchanging letters and even spoke on the phone a couple of times. I asked his blessing before I proposed, too."
"Blessing, or permission?"
"We don't need his permission, either, but our lives will be much better with his love and acceptance in it. I had to at least try."
"And what did my father say?" Elizabeth asked. "He never really accepted Jack."
"You can ask him yourself when we get to Hamilton."
Elizabeth stared out the window unseeing for moment. "What if we're too late?" she asked quietly.
Nathan pulled her into his arms, hugging her close as sobs wracked her body. "Shhh," he soothed, rubbing her back and kissing the top of her head. "You can't think like that. I called your parents' house this morning before we left and Julie said your father was awake. He was still fuzzy on the details of what happened, but he was awake and talking to your mother. He is going to get through this, Elizabeth. You have to believe that."
Elizabeth sniffed and nodded, but tears continued to fall. Nathan shifted so he could recline a bit, grateful now that Arthur had explained how the sofas folded out. His legs still dangled off the end of the mattress, clearly not meant to accommodate someone over six feet tall, but it was more comfortable for both of them to be able to put their feet up. Elizabeth kicked her shoes off and curled against him, her tears continuing to dampen his shirt as she cried silently, but eventually the sound of his heart beating beneath her cheek lulled her to sleep. Nathan watched her for several minutes before he dozed off as well.