Let brotherly love continue. Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourself also in the body. Hebrews 13:1-3 (KJV)
Tuesday, Dec 21, 1920
Later that day, Elizabeth had been going over a final list of things that needed to be done. Allie had brought Jack home and presented him with his very own copy of Brownie's adventures along with the Brownie and Chloe figures. Before they dispersed for the day, Minnie had invited Bill, Elizabeth, Nathan, and the children to supper to discuss the trip to Eagle Creek. Nathan would come by after he finished rounds, and they would go to the Canfields together.
Elizabeth took a little break, sipping her tea as she listened to Allie tell another story from the book.
"Okay, Jack, this one is called "An Early Present."
"Brownie, come here."
"Coming," I wondered what Mama wanted me for as I quickly made my way into the house.
When I got there, I saw Chloe, Mama, and Annie, … and … Robert. He's a family friend.
"Robert is going to Union City for the holidays, so he brought you and Chloe an early Christmas gift," Mama explained.
"Oh, goody!" I cried.
"What is it?" Chloe asked.
"Open it and see," Robert said.
My brain was whirling. What could it be?
I gasped when we opened the box. There in the box laid two pairs of the tiniest ice skates I have ever seen! They fit us perfectly!
The next day, we went down to the pond. We put on our skates and skated around and around the pond.
When we were cold and tired, we went home and made a gingerbread house.
"They got an early present just like you gave me!" Jack said, pointing to the book.
"That's right," Allie said.
Unfortunately, Bill was not able to accept the invitation to the Canfields, so after the meal it was just the Canfields, Elizabeth, and Nathan sitting at the table while the children played in the living room.
"The trip to Eagle Creek by wagon will take about 3 hours one way. I think, since we are adding a service to our plan, we should consider the possibility of staying for one night and coming back early on the 24th." Joseph said. "I know that's Jack's birthday, so I don't know if that changes things for you, Elizabeth."
"I don't see any problem with it," Elizabeth said. We usually don't do anything until the afternoon. I'll get Rosemary to bake Jack's cake and birthday supper. She is always bugging me to let her do that for him."
"Then I guess we are good then. I have already spoken with Harry about the possibility of us staying. He suggested that Elizabeth, Allie, and Jack could stay with Faith in the Doctor's house since it is empty, and Faith is familiar with it since she uses the office portion of the house when she cares for patients there. The parsonage is available for Minnie and I and our children." Joseph explained.
"There are two bunks in the Mountie Quarters that Bill and I can use," Nathan assured Joseph.
We can take food with us and prepare our own meals," Minnie said. "I am more than willing to cook for our group, and we can eat at the Parsonage."
"That is fine, beloved, but we also need to be willing, if offered, to accept the hospitality of the Hennings. I have a feeling they are going to want to feed us while there." Joseph had come to know Harry's family and expected they would receive an invitation from the family.
"Elizabeth, did I understand right that Rosemary was once engaged to Jack?" Minnie asked.
Elizabeth laughed. "She sure was. But they had ended their relationship two years before he came to Coal Valley. My sister Julie was getting on the stage to go home, and Rosemary got off. She then told me she was there to see her fiancé. I asked who, thinking I might know him. She said, 'There he is,' and pointed behind me. Imagine my surprise when I turned and saw Jack coming around the corner, and she was pointing to him."
"Oh, No!"
"It was a surprise in more ways than one because he had been transferred to Cape Fullerton, and Patrick O'Reilly was our Constable. They had just left a few days before after dealing with the Tolliver Gang, who had kidnapped Julie and me."
At their raised eyebrows, she laughed and said, "Another story for another time. But it enabled him to choose to come back to Coal Valley without hurting his career. He was hoping to surprise me, but I don't think that it turned out quite the way he planned." Everyone laughed at that. "It took a while for Jack to finally convince Rosemary that he no longer felt the same for her and was in love with me. Thankfully, about the time we were finished dealing with the mine trial, Lee came, and the rest is history. If you had told me back then that we would be best friends, I would not have believed it."
"That's quite the story."
"This town has a strange effect on people. When I first got here, Henry was running the mine and let's just say, wasn't a nice person. But Abigail, who had every reason to hate him after her son and husband died in the mine explosion, still spoke on his behalf at his trial, which is why he got a lesser sentence and probation." With a laugh at the memory, Elizabeth continued, "She had spoken up for the defense, and Bill was testifying for the prosecution. To make it even better, they had to ride the stagecoach together to Cape Fullerton.
"The year that Jack was home for Christmas, Abigail had also arranged for Henry to serve time in Hope Valley instead of being in a prison Camp. There was a problem, and the train couldn't make it through, so Abigail's daughter Becky would be missing Christmas. Henry snuck off because he knew a shortcut and brought Becky home for Abigail. Bill and Jack were just about to go out and search again when he came riding up with her. Then, as he calmly heads to the jail as if nothing had happened, he asks Bill for some coffee."
Nathan laughed. He had experience with Henry walking into the jail cell, even when he didn't have to be there. "That sounds just like Henry."
"Whatever happened to that peddler that you and Rosemary mentioned?" Joseph asked.
"We never saw him again. As we went to the sumptuous Christmas Feast of Chicken Surprise, he left. But there was just something about him…" Elizabeth said as she recalled the memories from that Christmas. "It may sound crazy, but I really think that he may have been an angel in disguise."
"Why do you say that?"
"I'm not sure I really can explain it because it was a bunch of little things. Jack and I met him in the woods when we were looking for a tree for my rowhouse. I was explaining to Jack that I wanted the perfect tree, and a voice called out, 'There's some good ones over here.' When we followed his voice, he was there with his dog Dasher, standing next to the perfect tree. Then, later, he showed up in town, making Jack suspicious. But Jack let him stay after issuing a warning.
"Several people had interactions with him over the next few days that influenced my belief that he was more than just an ordinary peddler. First, there's Rosemary's story. When Jack asked him why he didn't just say that Rosemary had sold him the broach when Jack accused him of stealing it and put him in jail, he said that then she wouldn't have learned the lesson about being truthful. What peddler would be more interested in teaching a lesson than staying out of jail?
"One of my students had lost her doll in a flash flood and wanted another for Christmas. I had ordered one, but the train didn't come in. But Abigail's son Cody really wanted her to have it, and the peddler just happened to have one. Cody traded his prize baseball, which Lee and Rosemary brought him when they were on their honeymoon, for the doll so she wouldn't be disappointed.
"I had three students who were arguing about who deserved to be Mary, and after talking to the peddler, they backed off and suggested I let another girl have it. Then, just before he left, he ended up giving Abigail the dog because where he was going, Dasher couldn't go or wouldn't be happy. So, Cody got what he wanted for Christmas. Then there was the music box I told you about that he just gave Jack for our Mountie Ball. Oh, and there's Pastor Frank. When Frank was having problems reaching a widow and her son, he was very discouraged. So, as they talked, the peddler pulled out a Bible. But it wasn't just any Bible. It was Frank's old one that he used while he was locked up." By the time she finished, Elizabeth's eyes glistened, her heart still pounding excitedly as she could see they were also in awe of what she had relayed.
"I would have to agree that doesn't sound like an ordinary peddler," Nathan said, awed by all that Elizabeth related about the peddler.
"Well, the Bible does say that we should show love and kindness to all because we never know when we are entertaining an angel unaware," Minnie said reverently.
"I have to admit, it sure sounds like he might have been." Joseph agreed.
"Actually, for a few years, I had that same special feeling after each Christmas. The year after the peddler's visit, we started the Wishing Tree. That was when Robert asked for the crib for his unborn sister. His mother hadn't felt movement in a while, and there were concerns the baby was dead. He felt that if the baby had a crib to come home to, it would be okay."
Elizabeth smiled softly. "We had just finished it when Mary went into labor with Sarah on Christmas Eve. Bill had pulled strings so that Jack could come home for a few days from the Northern territories. Everyone knew that I wished I could spend Christmas with Jack, but I never thought it could happen. I had even mailed his package a few days before. Initially, I hadn't placed the wish on the tree because, with him fighting and the others in danger, it didn't feel right. But Rosemary talked me into it, and just as I was placing it on the tree, I heard, 'I sure hope my name is on that thing,' I turned around, and there was Jack. It was such a special surprise!" She wiped away a tear as the awe of how God worked things out overcame her.
"He was supposed to leave on Christmas Eve. We were saying our goodbyes when we got a telegram that ordered him to stay put until further notice because of bad weather conditions. He told me later that he had placed a wish on the tree to spend Christmas with me.
"Then, the year after that, we had Lillian and Grace come through with the orphans on the way to Brookfield. Their wagon had broken down, and Jesse brought them into town. One of their orphans had snuck her sister out with them. The sister couldn't speak or, actually, wouldn't speak after the death of their parents. The lady from the orphanage showed up to take her back, but the same snowstorm that I delivered Jack in kept them from being able to leave. Miraculously, it was Henry who got her to speak because he reminded them of their father, and she had bonded with him. So, the sisters were allowed to stay together with Lillian and Grace. The Hope Valley children had taken all of their wishes off the tree because they wanted to give the Orphans a Christmas instead."
Tears began to fall as she said, "Then, with Jack gone and Abigail leaving soon after that, the last three Christmases have lacked that same feeling. But now I can feel that same wonderful feeling, and I realized just how much I missed it. I finally feel like things are as they should be, and I can't wait to see what's next." Elizabeth said, looking over at Nathan with all the love she felt for him on display. "Being here and then working with all of you just feels right, and I'm on the right path now. My heart is overflowing with peace and joy. It's like I finally came home after a long journey." She giggled as she wiped the tears away as the emotions overwhelmed her. The others couldn't help but be affected by the stories and feelings she shared.
A short time later, Elizabeth announced that it was time for her to get Jack to bed. After thanking Minnie and Joseph for supper and saying goodnight to Nathan, she went home.
After looking at his watch, Nathan and Allie left a few minutes later. When they got home, Allie went upstairs while he sat down on the settee, needing a moment. Nathan sat there processing everything. His heart still raced, hope growing even stronger recalling the look of love that had been in Elizabeth's eyes. It had been clear as day in her eyes that she felt the same way he did. Then there were her last words. 'Was she saying that being with him was the right path?' He could tell by the knowing look in his friend's eyes as they said goodnight that Joseph certainly believed it. Since Joseph had never steered him wrong, it gave him the confidence to push back against the fear that began creeping up and allow hope to remain strong.
Wednesday, December 22, 1920
The morning dawned cold and wet, but there was excitement in the air as they began to load up the wagons in preparation for an early departure the next morning. They had made room in the livery so that the items would be out of the weather overnight.
Rosemary had been in the mercantile when the Benson Hills butcher had notified Ned that he had 4 roasts to donate to Eagle Creek if someone could pick them up. Of course, Rosemary volunteered herself and Elizabeth to help by going to get them. Minnie had offered to keep an eye on Jack since Allie was currently at their house with Angela and Opal. Goldie remained behind with Lee since he didn't have any pressing business for the day. Molly and Rosaleen offered to act as backup sitters if necessary.
So, midmorning, Elizabeth and Rosemary were off to Benson Hills. When Nathan returned after morning rounds, the weather had turned to a wintery mix, and the wind had picked up as the sky darkened. He had put Newton back in his stall and headed over to the Canfield's to check on Allie. He was surprised to see Jack still there.
"Hey, Jack," Nathan said, giving him a hug. "Where's your Mama?"
"With Aunt Rosie."
Nathan noticed the worried look in Minnie's eyes and pulled her to the side.
"They haven't gotten back yet?" Nathan whispered so the children wouldn't catch onto their concerns.
"No. Joseph is with Bill and Lee at Lee's office." Minnie replied. Nathan wasted no time telling the children that he would see them later and hurried to Bill's office.
"Any news?" he asked as he walked in.
Joseph shook his head.
"I called the butcher, but there was no answer. They should have been home by now." Lee said.
"At least we don't have to worry about one of them going into labor and giving birth in a cabin," Bill said, trying to ease the tension. "I think we need to be more worried that they don't come back with Christmas Salami instead of roast."
Lee chuckled a bit at that. "At least it beats the chicken surprise. Even then, they handled things, but if anything were to happen to Rosie or Elizabeth…"
Bill put his hand on Lee's shoulder. "I know. I feel the same, Lee. But we just have to trust that Rosemary is a good driver, and they are resourceful."
An hour later, it had gotten dark, and now Lee and Nathan paced while Bill tried to reach the butcher again and then the Benson Hill's Mountie office to see if any accidents had been reported. There had been a few reports, but none that involved two women matching their descriptions to their relief. Suddenly, they heard a car come down the street, followed by feminine voices singing. Nathan and Lee were out of the office like a shot, running toward the car as it pulled to a stop in front. Elizabeth had barely gotten out of the car before Nathan swept her in his arms and held on tightly, not saying a word, bringing a sense of déjà vu. Lee had done the same but had already released Rosemary, and now the four of them were watching Elizabeth and Nathan.
"Nathan?" Elizabeth said, her voice muffled.
With a shaky breath, he released her. "I'm sorry, I was so worried something happened to you and I.…"
"I'm okay," Elizabeth said softly, cupping his cheek. "We didn't mean to worry anyone."
"What took you guys so long, sweetheart?" Lee asked.
"Lee? Where's Goldie?" Rosemary asked, ignoring his question.
"Molly and Rosaleen have her at the café," Lee replied.
"Please tell me you guys got the roasts?" Bill pleaded in exasperation.
Elizabeth and Rosemary looked over at each other. Elizabeth headed back to the car while Rosemary looked at Bill. Lee, Joseph, and Nathan had caught the looks the women gave them and knew something was up.
"Well, first, let me explain why we were late," Rosemary said. "We left a little later than intended…"
"Because someone decided they just had to look in all the display windows, and after all that, someone needed to eat before we got back on the road."
Rosemary turned to Elizabeth. "Well, I was feeling peckish and didn't want to drive back in the weather feeling that way. You also enjoyed looking at the displays too, don't forget. Anyway, as the weather got worse, we had to go slower to avoid running off the road."
"But you got the roasts, right?
Well," Rosemary said, drawing the word out as Elizabeth leaned into the car to retrieve something.
"We did get some Christmas Salami!" Elizabeth brandished the package with flair, trying to keep from laughing.
Bill's mouth dropped open, and he threw up his hands. "See, I told you they would be fine, and we should worry about them bringing back Christmas Salami."
Elizabeth lost her battle and busted out laughing as Rosemary pulled out one of the roasts from the back seat and told Bill. "Gotcha!"
While the others laughed, Bill came and hugged Rosie and then hugged Elizabeth.
"I got the salami because it reminds me of Christmas with Abigail," Elizabeth said when he released her. "I'm sorry to have worried you all." She added as she gave a hug to Lee and Joseph.
"It's all right, Elizabeth. We are just glad the two of you are okay." Joseph added, giving her another hug.
Nathan, Elizabeth, and Joseph walked back to his house so Elizabeth could get Jack.
Minnie insisted on feeding them, so they all stayed for dinner. After dinner the adults sat at the table discussing plans for the morning. They also shared with Minnie the joke played on Bill and all laughed once again at his reaction.
"Nathan, will the weather prevent us from going tomorrow?" Elizabeth asked as she sipped her peppermint tea.
"I don't see why it would because we will be going slow enough that ice shouldn't be an issue, and it's supposed to be a mild day temperature-wise."
"I agree," Joseph said. "I do want to go do a final check on the wagons before we go to bed, though. I want to make sure we have everything."
"Why don't we do it now so we can get to bed earlier," Nathan suggested. "I know Allie is not a morning person. She sounds like a grumpy old bear when she is cranky!" He added an imitation of a bear.
"Dad!" Allie said, "I', do not."
Elizabeth chuckled, "Don't worry, Allie. Jack can be the same way."
The men got up to leave. "If I leave before you two get back, I'll see you in the morning."
"See you then," Nathan said, giving her a crooked smile that made her heart race. Then, without another word, he and Joseph were gone.
"Mama, can Allie read me a story before we go?"
"Yes, but we have to leave after I finish my tea, sweet boy."
What is this story called Allie?" Angela asked.
"This is called A Night Adventure," Allie answered.
As they sipped tea, she and Minnie listened as Allie read.
Hello again. Today I'm going to tell you about the time me and my cousin snuck outside in the night. It was dark and scary, but we were not afraid. We knew where we were going.
We walked and walked. All of a sudden, we heard an "awooooo, aw awooooo."
Now we were scared. I am just a cub, and my cousin Chloe is just a kitten. We climbed up a tree to hide until the wolf passed. Finally, it was gone, and we were able to keep going.
Soon, we got to the tree that we wanted and started to climb. "Oh! I almost stepped on a sleeping porcupine! Be careful, Chloe!"
When we had gone quite far up, we reached a hole and crawled in.
There was Mr. Hoo Hoo. "Oh, it's so good to be here! We had a scary trip!" Then I told our friend about the adventure on the way to see him.
Soon, we were eating cake and sipping peppermint tea with our owl friend, Mr. Hoo Hoo.
As the story finished, Elizabeth and Minnie smiled as the kids talked about how yummy the tea and cakes sounded. Since she was still drinking her tea, they poured a little of the leftover peppermint tea from the pot that would be cool enough for Jack. Minnie also had a pound cake that she cut into small slices to go along with it. The kids were thrilled with it and talked about the trip the next day.
As Joseph and Nathan approached the livery, they discovered that Lee and Bill were already there. Everything was ready except for the perishable food that was stored in Bill's icebox.
"It was kind of interesting seeing a role reversal," Bill said nonchalantly as he pretended to tuck in a tarp.
"What do you mean?" Nathan felt his ears turning red.
"Well, usually it is Elizabeth running to you," Bill replied with a smirk.
Lee said, "Oh Yeah, I noticed that! Is there something you would like to tell us, Nathan? Because you know Rosie is going to want to know."
"Not really." The three men stood there looking at Nathan in disbelief. "I was worried, just like you." He said with a shrug.
"But Bill and I didn't run out and almost take the door off the hinges when they arrived." Joseph chuckled.
"It's interesting that you and Lee had the same reaction," Bill added knowingly.
Nathan didn't say anything in the hopes that it would be dropped, But one look at the three of them, and he knew it was no use in denying it. "It's no secret. You all know how I feel about her, and that hasn't changed."
After giving Nathan a long look, Lee asked, "But you're afraid to do something about it? Because you have to know that Elizabeth feels the same way that you do."
"I just don't know how to get past the fear," Nathan said as he rubbed the back of his neck.
"Look, Nathan, I get it. I really do." Lee said. "Elizabeth is having the same issue. The way I see it, you're both in a boat in the middle of the pond with no oars. Sooner or later, one of you is going to have to take the risk and swim for help."
"What does that even mean?" Bill was a bit slow in making the connection.
Lee rolled his eyes and chuckled. "I think it's self-explanatory, but how about this? It's a quote I read once. 'Thinking will not overcome fear, but action will!'"1
"Now that makes sense," Bill said. "You should have just said that."
"Well, I'd better get moving because we have an early start tomorrow," Nathan stepped towards the door while adjusting the scarf that he had loosened while in the shelter of the livery.
"I'll come with you because Rosie is probably wondering where I am," Lee added.
"You coming, Joseph?" Nathan asked.
"Actually, I need to talk with you about something, Joseph," Bill said.
"I'll be there soon. Can you let Minnie know I am with Bill?"
Nathan nodded, and a few minutes later, the men separated, with Joseph staying back to talk to Bill while Nathan and Lee walked home.
"What did you need to talk about?" Joseph asked.
"I wanted to let you know I have everything we need to marry them. That's why I wasn't at dinner yesterday. I drove to Benson Hills for their rings. We're all set! I definitely feel more confident after that hug tonight." Bill said with a huge smile.
Joseph smiled and nodded in agreement "The Lord's ways are a sight to behold."
After making sure the livery was secured for the night, they headed home.
As Lee and Nathan arrived at the rowhouses, Lee turned to Nathan, "I'm not trying to push you into something. It's just that I would really hate to see the two of you miss out on a great love because you're too scared of what-ifs."
Nathan smiled and looked at Elizabeth's house thoughtfully. With a smile, he said, "I know, and I appreciate what you said. The truth is, I've begun to win the battle, but I'm not quite there yet. Goodnight!"
"Night, Nathan. Have a safe trip tomorrow," Lee said before entering his home.
1 Quote by W. Clement Stone