Elizabeth managed to hold herself together for hours after Nathan left. She went through her morning routine as normal, readying Jack for the day while Allie dressed for school. School itself passed by slowly. Elizabeth listened to the clock ticking out the minutes, wondering how long it would take for Nathan to get to his destination. She wondered if he would be safe, and she wondered how long he would be required to be away from his family. From her.
She already missed him desperately, and he hadn't been gone a full day.
On her way home from school, Elizabeth stopped at the mercantile. Allie had gone ahead with Opal while Elizabeth gathered some items for dinner. While she was there, a call came in. She thought nothing of it until Florence came to find her, smiling gently. "Nathan is on the line," she said.
Elizabeth gasped and hurried toward the phone. "Hello?" she said. The word was breathless, but she pressed the phone to her ear, needing to hear her husband's voice.
"Elizabeth," he said, relief evident in his tone. "I'm glad I caught you. I won't have access to a phone for some time, but I wanted to let you know I got to Silver Lake safely." He paused. "I'm heading out to start tracking almost immediately."
Her breath hitched. "Be safe," she said automatically. "We miss you already."
"And I miss you," he said. "I wish I could talk longer, sweetheart, but they need me as soon as possible."
"I understand," she said quietly. "Go find that thief. I love you, Nathan."
She could almost see his tender smile through the line. "I love you too, Elizabeth. I'll call again when I can." Silence passed between them for a moment, silence pregnant with emotion. "Goodbye."
"Goodbye." She hung up the phone, suddenly feeling wooden. Tears stung her eyes. Without warning, she burst into sobs, hugging herself around her middle. She missed Nathan more than she could say. Fear wove itself around her heart, making her wonder if he would come back again. Experience had taught her that even the safest of missions could end in disaster.
What if the thief had a gun? What if the arrest went horribly wrong? What if Nathan was caught in the crossfire? What if…?
She felt two arms envelop her in an embrace. Florence's scent filled her nostrils, telling her that the older woman was the one holding her tightly. Elizabeth, grateful for the support, cried against her shoulder for a long time. Florence didn't say a word; she simply rubbed Elizabeth's back and let her cry. Eventually, Elizabeth's tears were spent. She slumped against her friend, letting out a heaving sigh.
Florence pulled back and looked Elizabeth in the eyes. "Ned and I will bring you dinner tonight," she said quietly. When Elizabeth started to protest, Florence held up a hand. "No arguing. Now, would you like company for dinner? We can stay for a bit if you would like."
Relief flooded Elizabeth at the thought of having other adults present while Nathan was gone, even for a short time. "Yes, please," she whispered. "That would be wonderful."
Florence smiled. "Good. We will see you at six o'clock."
"Thank you, Florence," Elizabeth said, hugging the woman once more. "I appreciate the support."
"You're welcome," Florence answered. "We're here for you, Elizabeth. Remember that."
Warmth curled through Elizabeth's heart. She was blessed with wonderful friends. Nathan might be gone for a time, but she wouldn't have to face it alone.
And she didn't. Someone brought dinner each night while Nathan was gone. Sometimes it was Lee and Rosemary, sometimes it was the Canfields. Bill, Carson, and Faith took them to the café on several occasions. Fiona, the Yosts, the Flynns, and Molly took turns eating with them. Several of Elizabeth's students invited her and the kids over. Even Lucas sent a basket of food over one evening. Elizabeth and the children never wanted for food or company. She felt the love from their community like a warm hug. Her days were busy and she managed to stay distracted.
Nighttime, however, was a different story.
Bad dreams plagued Elizabeth for the first three nights of her husband's absence. She missed his warm, comforting presence beside her in their bed. It felt awfully big and lonely without him there.
The first nightmare came four days after Nathan left. It was just like her nightmares during the first few months, but this time it ended with an image of Nathan lying still and pale on the side of the road, a single gunshot wound to his chest, his eyes open and lifeless. Elizabeth woke from the nightmare with a scream, her heart pounding and her fears elevated. The next two nights passed uneventfully, but the following night produced the exact same dream. This time, she couldn't stop screaming. She grasped at her head with her hands, trying to dispel the images running through her mind. She couldn't seem to get the picture of Nathan's lifeless body to go away. It made the memories of her assault fade in comparison.
"Mom?"
She turned abruptly, adrenaline high. Her heart calmed slightly when she saw Allie standing there, wrapped in a robe. Elizabeth swiped the tears streaming down her cheeks, but her daughter saw them anyway.
Allie walked into the room without a word, climbing into the bed and snuggling against Elizabeth. "Did you have a nightmare?" she asked, her arms tight around her mother.
Her nearly-teenaged daughter was perceptive. Elizabeth was tempted to lie to keep Allie's mind at ease, but she knew that would set a poor example.
"Yes," she admitted. "It's the second one since your father's been gone."
Allie hugged her tighter. "I'm sorry, Mom," she whispered. "I wish you didn't have to go through that."
Elizabeth planted a kiss on Allie's forehead, already feeling much better than she had. The innocence Allie displayed combined with her pure love soothed Elizabeth's soul. "Thank you, sweetheart," she said.
She could see Allie's brown eyes looking at her as she asked her next question. "Can I sleep here with you tonight? Maybe it'll help you not have bad dreams."
Allie was thoughtful as well. Elizabeth smiled. "I'd like that, Allie."
"Mama? A'wee?"
Jack's sleepy voice came from the doorway. Elizabeth looked to see her son holding his teddy bear in front of him. She smiled and held out her arms. Jack came hurrying to the bed. Elizabeth lifted him up, settling him next to her and Allie. "You want to sleep in here too?" she asked.
Jack nodded. The three of them settled comfortably on the bed. Elizabeth felt instantly better with her children beside her. She slowly fell back into sleep. This time, it was dreamless.
Another week passed. Elizabeth had two more nightmares, but they felt more manageable than they'd been previously. She realized she had healed more from her trauma than she thought. The knowledge relieved her, though the new aspect of her nightmares reminded her just how scared she was of losing Nathan.
He called once more, letting her know that they still hadn't found the thief. He'd been away for two weeks. Elizabeth's heart throbbed as he once more promised to come home as soon as possible before hanging up. The two minutes they were able to speak hadn't been nearly enough for her aching heart.
The ache in her body was impossible to ignore as well. Over the past week, her stomach had been growing at an alarming rate. Her once-tiny baby bump was expanding each day, getting more and more obvious. Rosemary designed some empire-waist dresses that would keep her pregnancy hidden for a time, but Elizabeth knew people would be suspicious. Her body was filling out, and her face was rounder than usual. She wondered if perhaps it would be best to tell her students about the baby after Nathan got home. That was something they would need to discuss after his return.
One day after school, Elizabeth stopped by the salon to get her hair washed and trimmed. Fiona was happy to see her, keeping up a steady stream of chatter. Since they were the only ones in the salon, Elizabeth happily and freely participated in the conversation. After some time, Fiona went quiet. Elizabeth glanced at her friend in the mirror. Fiona's eyes were glued to Elizabeth's stomach. Sitting had clearly revealed the outline of her torso, complete with the rounded bump where her daughter rested.
Elizabeth's eyes met Fiona's. The other woman looked back at her curiously but without judgement. "You're pregnant."
With a slow nod, Elizabeth acknowledged the fact to be true.
Fiona put down her scissors, going to the door and locking it. She returned, sitting in the chair next to Elizabeth's. "Do you want to talk about it?" she asked, her brown eyes compassionate.
The story came flooding out of Elizabeth. It almost shocked her how willing she was to tell another person what had happened, but Fiona's sympathy and understanding went a long way to reminding Elizabeth that she did indeed have friends in Hope Valley. That had become abundantly clear since she'd been assaulted. There might be some who were unkind and judgmental, but her friends stood by her side and her family's side.
When she finished speaking, Fiona clasped her hand. "Oh, Elizabeth. I'm so sorry," she murmured. "What an awful thing to happen." Her wise eyes regarded her friend. "But something has become clear since you married Nathan." She smiled. "You've fallen in love with him."
Elizabeth's heart danced at the mention of love. "Yes," she admitted. "I love Nathan very much."
"Good," Fiona replied, her eyes twinkling. "I've long thought the two of you would make a smashing couple."
"Smashing?" Elizabeth repeated with a chuckle. "That's not a word you hear every day."
They shared a laugh before Fiona's expression clouded. Elizabeth noticed immediately. "What is it?" she asked.
Fiona licked her lips nervously. Unused to seeing that expression on the young woman, Elizabeth sat up straighter. "Is everything okay?"
"Yes," Fiona said slowly. "It's just...well, this might be surprising...but..." She drew in a deep breath before letting it out in a rush. "I've had feelings for Lucas since he moved to Hope Valley."
Elizabeth blinked, shocked. "You have?" Her mouth dropped. "I had no idea!"
Fiona smiled, though it was dimmer than usual. "I didn't want to say anything because...well, because he started pursuing you almost immediately. When you seemed interested in return, I tried to ignore my attraction to him. I knew you were slowly opening your heart again, and I didn't want to upset you in any way or get in the way of your happiness. But now that you and Nathan are together - I...I wondered if I might have your blessing to pursue Lucas."
"My blessing?" Elizabeth's mouth dropped again. "Fiona, you don't need my blessing. Lucas and I are barely friends at this point. Things didn't end well between us, I'm afraid. It might take some time to build up a friendship again." She paused. "Wait - did you say you're going to pursue Lucas?"
Fiona blushed. "He's been in a rough place lately, throwing himself into his work completely. I think he's sorting through not getting his way on something. He's not used to that." She bit her lip. "He seems to have healed fully, though he doesn't seem interested in pursuing anyone." A determined look filled her face. "He believes in making things happen, and so do I. So maybe I can make this happen. It might go terribly wrong, but I need to try. If it's alright with you."
Elizabeth leaned forward, taking Fiona's hands in hers. "Fiona, if you want to pursue a relationship with Lucas, do it. You have my blessing." She smiled. "In fact, I think the two of you would be perfect together." She leaned back, her brows rising. "I don't know why I didn't see that before." She winked, feeling playful. "I'd say you and Lucas would make a 'smashing' couple as well."
A grin lit Fiona's face. "Thank you, Elizabeth." She studied her friend for a few moments. "Do you think it would be too forward of me to ask him out?"
Elizabeth laughed. "Not at all. That might be exactly what he needs." Her expression turned thoughtful. "Lucas is used to things going smoothly, the way he plans it." She grinned. "I think you might knock him off his pristine lifestyle, in a good way."
They shared a laugh. Fiona looked happier than Elizabeth had seen her in a while. "Good," she said. "I happen to think he could use some shaking up as well." Her smile turned impish. "I'll just have to find the right time to ask him on a date."
"Keep me updated," Elizabeth said. Fiona nodded, then turned her attention back to Elizabeth's hair. For a while, it was quiet in the small salon. Eventually, the happiness on Fiona's face faded. Her motions slowed, and she glanced at Elizabeth in the mirror, a troubled look in her eyes. "Elizabeth, I think there's something you should know."
A shiver worked its way down Elizabeth's spine. Fiona's tone was so somber. "What is it?" she asked.
Fiona pressed her lips together. "I hear a lot of gossip when I'm cutting hair or trimming beards," she said slowly. "This probably won't surprise you, but you and Nathan have been a topic of speculation for months now. From the time you got married, to tell the truth. People were whispering about why you'd married so quickly, and…" She fumbled for her next words, looking at a loss.
Elizabeth placed a hand on Fiona's. "It's alright," she said softly. "You can tell me."
Fiona sighed. "People couldn't understand why you would marry Nathan the day Lucas left. Rumors are flying that you and Nathan had a lover's affair while you were still dating Lucas, an affair that resulted in a pregnancy. They think that's why Lucas left so suddenly and you married Nathan the same day. A few think that Lucas is the baby's father, and that he left because he didn't want the responsibility while Nathan stepped up to protect your indiscretion." She flushed. "I'm sorry to speak so plainly. Most people are of the opinion that Nathan is the father of your child. Though some kind souls simply believe you and Nathan finally admitted you were in love and didn't want to wait any longer to spend your lives together. No one knows for sure that you are pregnant, though there has been a lot of talk about your body looking...fuller."
Elizabeth shook her head, her fears confirmed. "I was worried about that," she admitted. "I knew Nathan was likely to be implicated in wrongdoing when he married me. It would have been nearly impossible to hide the fact that I'm further along than I should be within the timeline of our marriage." She sighed. "I don't want either Nathan or Lucas seen in a bad light because of this baby and the circumstances surrounding her existence. But I also just can't find it in myself to tell the whole town about what happened."
"It's none of their business," Fiona said firmly.
"I know," Elizabeth said quietly. A long pause stretched between them. "At the same time, I wonder if it would be for the best." She sighed again, passing a hand over her eyes. "There's no easy answer."
"Perhaps not," Fiona acknowledged. "I can't imagine what my response would have been in your situation, but I doubt I'd be taking it nearly as well as you seem to be."
Elizabeth was quiet for a few moments. "Honestly, if Nathan hadn't offered to marry me and been bent on showing his love everyday, I don't know that I would have healed as quickly as I have."
Fiona regarded her for a few moments. "Are you healed, Elizabeth?" she asked softly.
"Not fully. It's a process," Elizabeth admitted. "Certain things can still trigger my fear and the memories. I expect that will last for some time. It's been almost six months since I was assaulted. The pain has lessened significantly, but sometimes the memories linger." She hesitated, then decided to confide fully in her friend. "I've been having nightmares periodically since Nathan left. It's always the same. I relive the assault, but then the scene changes and I find Nathan...d-d-dead on the road." She could barely get the final words out. Tears filled her eyes. "I don't know which is worse, Fiona. Remembering the assault or the fear I feel upon waking and believing Nathan to be dead." The tears began falling, slipping in torrents down her cheeks. "I knew my fear of losing him was strong, but I didn't realize how strong until these nightmares began."
Fiona pulled Elizabeth into her arms, letting her cry on her shoulder. "Just take it one day at a time," she whispered. "Nathan is a good Mountie, and he loves you fervently. He will make sure he's safe so he can come home again."
Elizabeth nodded, Fiona's words comforting her slightly. She rested in her friend's arms, drawing in the strength she offered. Elizabeth was thankful she didn't have to be strong on her own. When she fell apart, she had people to catch her.
That was the magic of Hope Valley.
"How are you holding up?"
Yet another week had gone by, and Elizabeth was doing her best to keep herself together. Rosemary's soft question made her sigh.
"Honestly, I feel like I can't wait another day for my husband to return home," she said. "I miss him fiercely. All I want is for him to come back safe and sound and never leave again." She sighed again. "But that's not realistic, is it? Nathan is a Mountie, and that means he will be gone at times. It's just a part of our lives."
Rosemary nodded, a pensive look on her face. The two women were enjoying tea and scones in a rare moment of quiet. Allie was spending the night with Opal, and Jack had been taken on a boy's night with Lee and Bill. Rosemary had insisted on coming over to keep Elizabeth company while her children were away.
Elizabeth was thankful for her presence. She and Rosemary had no secrets from each other. That gave Elizabeth the courage to continue. "How do I face that fear, Rosemary? I was able to ignore it for the first few months of our marriage, but now it's unavoidable. All those months I spent running from Nathan were in reaction to the fear of losing him. I'm not sure I've fully faced that yet. I don't know how."
Rosemary slipped an arm around Elizabeth. "You're doing it each and every day," she said quietly. "You chose to marry Nathan. You chose to love him. That means you're choosing to face your fears. They might never lessen. You might be afraid every time he leaves on a mission. But you aren't running anymore, are you?" She smiled gently, as if to punctuate her words.
The concept of running was no longer an option, nor was it something Elizabeth wanted to do. "No," she said, her voice strong. "The only running I want to do is running straight into my husband's arms."
Rosemary chuckled, patting Elizabeth's back before letting her go. "There, you see? You're facing your fears head on, Elizabeth. You're showing courage and bravery in the face of adversity."
Elizabeth let out a humorless laugh. "I don't feel brave or courageous," she said. "I feel like I'm barely making it through each day."
"Yet you are," Rosemary said firmly. "You are still teaching, still mothering your children, still being a friend. Every day might be a fight, but you're winning the battle. Just hang on a little bit longer. Nathan will be home soon."
Despite herself, Elizabeth felt a smile tug at her lips. "How can you be so sure?"
Rosemary shrugged lightly, taking a sip of her tea. "Call it intuition. It's always served me well."
Elizabeth laughed then, giving her friend a tight hug. "I love you, Rosemary. Thank you for everything."
"My pleasure," Rosemary said, hugging her in return. When they pulled back, Elizabeth felt surprisingly lighter. They went back to their scones. Elizabeth thought the cinnamon-laden treats had never tasted quite so good. They ate in companionable silence for a short time, then Elizabeth turned the conversation.
"Have you heard anything from Lillian and Grace?"
Lee and Rosemary had gone to Brookfield and fallen in love with a little girl named Reagan. The child was two years old and very sweet. There had been a caveat, though - that Reagan not be separated from her brother if at all possible. Danny was only six months old and hadn't yet been brought to New Hope Orphanage. There was some confusion as to whether he would be adopted by his aunt and uncle or not. Why they hadn't wanted Reagan was a mystery to the Coulters.
"Yes," Rosemary said, a shine filling her eyes. "Lillian called me this morning." She paused, unmistakable joy on her face. "Danny was brought to the orphanage just last night. The aunt and uncle waived their claim to both children. They're now available for adoption." She grinned. "Lee and I are going to pick them up next week."
"Rosemary!" Elizabeth squealed, gripping her friend's hand. "That's wonderful news!"
Rosemary laughed, the sound light and happy. "It is, isn't it? I can't wait to meet Danny." She sighed, the sound nearly reverent. "Can you believe it? Lee and I are finally going to be parents."
"No one deserves it more than you," Elizabeth said sincerely. "I couldn't be happier for you, Rosemary. This is incredible news. Congratulations!" She leaned forward. "We'll have to have you and Lee and the children over when you get back."
"That would be lovely," Rosemary said. "I'm sure Reagan and Jack will become good friends."
"They'd better!" Elizabeth exclaimed with a laugh. "It would be so much fun if our children were best friends."
Rosemary nodded. "A dream come true."
Elizabeth couldn't remember being happier for her friend. The glad tidings helped her get through the rest of her day. When Lee and Bill brought Jack back, they shared a simple dinner together before she gave her son a bath and tucked him into her bed. That night, she dreamt of babies and her children and the house that she and Nathan would one day share with their family. She woke feeling rested and restored. For the first time since Nathan left, she felt like she was truly winning the battle against fear.
She silently slipped from the bed, careful not to wake Jack. Since it was Saturday, she was happy to let him sleep in. Making her way to the kitchen, Elizabeth brewed a pot of tea. The babe within kicked firmly, making Elizabeth grunt. She placed a hand over her bump, smiling gently. "What did I tell you about kicking Mama?" she asked, her tone playfully scolding. Her only answer was another, harder kick. She chuckled and shook her head, taking her teacup to the settee. Placing it on the table beside her, she reached for her journal. Morning was one of her favorite times to write down her thoughts in preparation for the day ahead. Before she could begin, a familiar sound reached her ears.
Hoofbeats.
Eyes widening, heart leaping in hope, Elizabeth set her journal aside and raced for the window. Joy exploded inside as she spotted Nathan only a few houses away. In her excitement, she forgot that she was wearing her nightgown and that her feet were bare. Racing for the door, she threw it open and flung herself onto the porch. She didn't stop until she was safely ensconced in her husband's strong arms.
Nathan was utterly spent from over three weeks of traveling and tracking. He was in need of a bath and a change of clothes. With every step Newton took closer to home, Nathan felt more and more tired. He wanted nothing more than to clean up and fall into bed. Even now, his eyes were drooping with exhaustion. Rather than spend one more day away from Elizabeth and his children, he'd ridden through the night to come home to them. The thief had been caught and apprehended late yesterday afternoon. Once all the paperwork was filed and the man safely behind bars, Nathan had gotten on his horse and made his way home.
Maybe it would have been prudent to stay overnight and give his body a chance to rest. There hadn't been much time for that as he tracked the thief. He had to jerk himself awake a few times as he rode. But his desire to be home again eclipsed everything. Even his weariness.
When his rowhouse came into sight, he felt tears of relief sting his eyes. He urged Newton into a trot, ready to see his family. He pulled the horse to a stop and vaulted off as the front door opened. Elizabeth ran out in her nightgown to meet him as he dropped the reins and climbed the porch steps. He tossed his hat to the side and caught her in his arms on the uppermost step, making them nearly eye level.
"I missed you," he whispered huskily, cupping her cheek in his hand.
Elizabeth wasn't even trying to hide her tears. She smiled up at him, her entire face shining. "You came home," she whispered back, relief and joy coloring every word.
"Of course I did," he replied, a small grin tugging at his lips. "You gave me good reason to do so."
She laughed breathily, the sound undoing Nathan. He leaned forward and kissed her the way he'd been longing to for months. All his weariness was forgotten as he experienced the joy of having his wife in his arms, feeling her kissing him just as passionately as he was kissing her. The sensation was indescribable. Nathan pulled her closer, heedless of the fact that they were in full view of anyone who might happen to go by. All that mattered in that moment was Elizabeth.
Something kicked against Nathan's stomach. He paused in his exploration of his wife's lips. The feeling came again. He gradually became aware of the fact that Elizabeth's stomach was flush against him, and it no longer had a miniscule bump. What he felt was bigger than that.
Pulling back, he looked down and his jaw dropped. Elizabeth had a clearly defined baby bump, made obvious by the way her nightdress was clinging to her. He kept one hand on her back while the other moved to the bump, cupping it gently. It was firm and round, and the little girl inside gave another kick as he held his hand there, as if to remind them both that she would soon be joining their family.
He looked back into Elizabeth's eyes, a feeling of awe overtaking him. "How?" he whispered, shocked that she was so clearly showing. "When did this happen?"
She laughed lightly, resting her hands on his shoulders. "I'm not sure. Everything seemed to be going so slowly, and then all of a sudden she began growing like crazy. It's still a relatively small bump, but it's getting to the point of being obvious." She shook her head wryly. "Rosemary has fashioned some dresses for me that will still hide it for a couple more weeks, but the time for secrecy is coming to an end." She chewed her lip a little nervously. "People already suspect, Nathan. We'd better brace ourselves for lots of gossip and judgement."
Nathan came up the final step, his hand moving from her stomach to her waist. "Let them gossip," he said, suddenly not caring what anyone might think. If they couldn't see what a strong, resilient, wonderful woman Elizabeth was, they didn't know her at all. He backed her against the wall of their porch, pinning her gently with his body. "You and I will face whatever comes together. It doesn't bother me what people think of me, but I promise you I will not let you go through this alone. And I will not stay silent if I hear anyone slander you."
Tears of gratitude welled in Elizabeth's eyes. Her hands slid from his shoulders to the back of his neck. "I love you, Nathan Grant. I'm glad you're home."
"I love you too," he whispered, then lowered his head to give her another kiss. They quickly forgot all else as their kiss escalated into a passion that shook Nathan to his core. So absorbed was he in his wife that he didn't pull away even when a rumbling sound told him an automobile was approaching. He hadn't seen Elizabeth in three long weeks, and he wasn't about to apologize to anyone for kissing his wife. He took their kiss deeper and pressed even closer to her. Elizabeth's hands tangled in his hair, her passion fully unlocked.
The sound of the automobile ceased. All was once again quiet. Good, Nathan thought, all his attention returning to Elizabeth. For a few blessed seconds, they were the only creatures in existence. Then the air was rent with the sound of an angry, belligerent man's voice.
"What the blazes is going on here?"
Elizabeth froze. Nathan dropped his forehead against hers briefly, trying to hide his annoyance at being interrupted in their sweet reunion. He drew in a deep breath and turned to face the red-faced man standing by their porch
"Can I help you, sir?" Nathan asked, managing to keep an even tone. All at once, his weariness hit him again full force. He sagged slightly but tried to hide it from the spluttering stranger. Elizabeth's arms tightened around him, keeping him upright. He barely registered the gasp that escaped her lips.
"Yes, you can," the man said, rage clearly his dominant emotion at the moment. "What in the world do you think you're doing, ravishing a young woman like that? In her nightgown, no less!"
If he hadn't been so tired, Nathan might have found the stranger's indignation humorous. Instead, the man's insinuation grated on his nerves. His already thin patience snapped. "I don't see what concern it is of yours what goes on in my own home," he said through his teeth.
The man's face reddened even more. He stepped forward, hands balled at his side. "I don't care whose home it is when it concerns my daughter." He drew himself up to his full height. "Now I'll ask again: what is going on here?"
Daughter?
The fight drained from Nathan as he realized who stood before them. Elizabeth hadn't yet told her family about either her pregnancy or her marriage. Her father's assumptions and accusations were well warranted.
"Mr. Thatcher," he said, finally releasing his wife, though he was gratified to know she stayed close by his side. "I'm Nathan Grant." He paused, knowing the man would be shocked no matter what came next. He opted for the truth. "Elizabeth's husband."