CHAPTER 82
In Hamilton, Grace and Willian Thatcher were distraught about Julia Thatcher's escape. That girl was poison.
Julia was consumed by the anger and grief she felt after the death of her boyfriend, Bile Hamilton. She might not have loved that young man, but to think that he had somehow taken an interest in Elizabeth upset her. She couldn't understand how life could be so unfair. In her search for an answer, she began to accuse her sister Elizabeth of somehow being responsible for the tragedy. It was Elizabeth who deserved to be dead and buried. Her grief was overwhelming, and in her suffering, she had to blame someone. Julia believed that her sister had tried to win Bile over, and that he would never lay a finger on her. Julia didn't love him and never would, even though she had to accept that she loved having sex with him, and that their relationships were very hot, but to accept that he had at some point desired Elizabeth, she would never accept that. And it was out of this anger and her desire for revenge against Elizabeth that Julia embarked on this dangerous journey to the frontier town of Hope Valle, to take Elizabeth down with her own hands. And so she set off by train...
Meanwhile, in Hope Valle, when they arrived at Bill's house, they talked to Charlote. Bill told them everything that was happening in the town, and Charlote decided to tell them her whole story, because she thought her children would be horrified, but they were both prepared and told them that they already knew everything, and that they felt useless for not having protected her. Charlote and her children consoled each other and Charlote told them that she would be Elizabeth's back-up.
Elizabeth realized that there were only good people in that room who would protect her from all the danger in the world.
- Family, I have gathered you all here today because there is something important we need to discuss. Charlote is in great danger, because Hargraves is very dangerous and could pose a real threat to her. Bill spoke.
- Oh, my God, Bill! What's happened? I... He... Charlote's voice was breaking.
Everyone in the room saw the pain and dread in Charlote's voice, even though she was pretending to be tough, she was now showing her innermost feelings. Elizabeth sat next to her and hugged her, she knew and understood that feeling.
- The two young mounties who are in the infirmary have already given us all the information, but the main thing is that Hargraves is in charge of all this. And we know, Charlote, what he can do and how strong he is.
Tom went on to say that he wouldn't let this man near his mother.
- This is terrible, Bill! What can we do?
- Our concern now is to ensure Charlote's safety. We'll work together, draw up instructions and keep a close eye on her. The most important thing is that she's safe. Said Bill, looking at everyone.
Bill! I'm scared...
- I know, darling. We'll take care of you and all of us. The mounties are on their way and will help us deal with this situation. Let's stay calm, and with Lee, Henry and Wynn's family, we'll be able to win this battle.
Elizabeth, I wanted to ask you a big favor... said Bill.
- Yes, Dad... go ahead...
- Darling, I want you to learn from Jack and from each of us how to use a gun. He got up and went to the cupboard to get his silver box and looked at her, her eyes wide.
- Dad... Bill... I can't, I don't think I can do it.
- Listen to me, my dear. I have a daughter in you. The most precious thing I've had since the loss of my son, you're my greatest pride in this life, the most important person to me. I know that Jack, as your husband, will protect you with his life if necessary, as I know that I, Frankison and Wynn, would do the same, or any of those who are here. But look now, a war has begun, they are cruel, they killed several young mounties in cold blood in that transfer. If they catch us, they'll finish us off with ease.
- But... Elizabeth went on to say...
- Elizabeth, what I'm saying is that I need you to be a good shot. You can protect and save us, if need be.
She considered the proposal for a moment, reflecting on the importance of learning to shoot. Finally, she realized that this skill could be crucial to saving lives in the future.
In another house nearby, Wynn was talking to Frankison and his wife. He was worried, but he needed to discuss the matter with them.
- Darling, the situation is getting more and more complicated. I think it's crucial that we all pull together to protect ourselves.
Elizabeth Delayne was apprehensive; in addition to her husband and son, she now had her daughter, whom she could still reveal as a mother to the girl, which made her very sad.
- You're right, Wynn, we need to be prepared for whatever comes our way. What should we do?
- Tomorrow we'll sit down with Bill, we'll create a security plan and we'll discuss the measures we can take to keep everyone safe.
Elizabeth Delayne looked at Wynn, she was extremely proud of her husband, but she wanted to know...
- You can ask, my dear...
- When can we tell Elizabeth that she's our daughter?
- Dad, I think it's time we talked to Beth about her true origins," said Frankison;
- I agree, son, but shouldn't we go about this in the wrong way? We don't want to hurt her;
Elizabeth Delayne had already felt like Elizabeth's mother for a long time and now that love has only grown:
- We need to be honest and gentle with her, this story isn't so easy to digest, we're going to tell her the truth about her being our biological daughter, but we're also going to tell her the reasons why we're separated and that we still don't know everything that happened that day, and we're going to hope that she believes that we never abandoned her in that place. I think Jack should also be with Bill and Charlote when we talk, after all, we're all related now.
Wynn agreed with his wife, she was very intelligent and always gave him good reason to admire her.
- Yes, dear. Let's show Elizabeth that this relationship doesn't change anything about our love for her. Let's show her our love and our desire to have her in our family from the start.
And so the Delayne family went to bed, praying to God that in the next few days Beth would accept them as family, where she would be welcomed with much love and affection.
...
...
Inside the café, the night grew hotter... a young couple kissed passionately... their nervous lips met, hungry for passion, while their tongues danced in a symphony of pleasure. Whispered moans echoed in the silence of the night, and their hands explored every inch of desire and intimacy. The world disappeared, leaving only them and the intensity of this moment.
Frank held Abigail's waist, as she entwined her legs around his waist, and holding under her buttocks, he carried her into the bedroom, where clothes were thrown everywhere... hands ran over their bodies, leaving trails of fire. Frank ran his tongue all over Abigail's neck, feeling her skin all the way down to the valley between her breasts. And under the soft light of the room, the two of them indulged in a moment of deep intimacy. Each touch was an expression of love and desire, a bond that connected them more deeply with each shared sigh. Their gazes met as if they could read each other's souls and the world outside disappeared as they lost themselves in each other's arms, in a meeting of hearts and souls. It was a moment of passion and love, where the union of their bodies was a celebration of the unique connection they shared, a silent dance of love and desire that completely enveloped them.
Exhausted, and completely sweaty, they lay on the bed looking for air, when Abigail, getting up on her elbows, with a mischievous smile on her face, spoke:
- Darling, you've really arrived with a passion today! That fire was impressive.
- Ah Abigail! My love... sometimes you really ignite that flame in me.
- Frank, I'd say you were using a blowtorch today. Abigail smiled.
- Maybe I should start buying fire extinguishers for our bedroom, just in case. Frank smiled with satisfaction.
- Well... my love. If things keep getting this hot, maybe you'll need it!
- Abigail... said Frank very seriously. I just hope the roof of the café doesn't catch fire because of my enthusiasm!
- Calm down, man... you can save some of that fire for next night.
Frank, with a passionate, puppy-dog look in his eyes, spoke softly into her ear, before pulling her in for another passionate kiss.
- Oh, my love... I always have a little fire reserved just for you, my beautiful wife.