Chapter 17 – Return to Grace
Wynn looked up when he heard the clock chime nine. He stood up and walked over to the couch and cleared his throat hoping to get either Jack or Beth's attention. Neither looked up, so he reached out and touched Jack's arm. Jack jumped slightly, but looked up to see Wynn standing there.
"It has been a long couple of days." Wynn said. "I just wanted to let you know that it is getting late and we should all turn in."
Jack looked past Wynn and saw the clock. He nodded his head to Wynn. Wynn nodded in understanding and then turned to walk from the library and to his own room. Jack put his sketchbook aside and wrapped his arms around Elizabeth. He leaned over and kissed her temple. That caused her to look up at him.
"It is getting late, Bella." Jack said. "We should turn in for the night."
Elizabeth looked at the clock and nodded her head. She put the marker back in her book and set it to the side. Jack stood and pulled Elizabeth up and into his arms. He gave her a kiss before leading her to their room. Elizabeth excused herself to the bathroom while Jack changed for the night. When Elizabeth came back into the room, she saw that Jack had already climbed into the bed and was waiting for her. He thought it was cute that Elizabeth was still a little shy when it came to changing in front of him. It wasn't like he hadn't seen her. He wondered if there would ever be a day that she would be comfortable to change in front of him. She even still blushed when he would change his shirt in front of her. Her shyness about being in a state of undress outside of their passionate times, was endearing. Jack hoped that she would be more comfortable with him, but also enjoyed making her blush.
"You know." Jack said. "You could have changed here."
"Sorry." Elizabeth said. "Just right now, it didn't feel comfortable."
"I understand." Jack said. "I just wanted to let you know."
When Elizabeth climbed into bed, Jack pulled her close and they snuggled together before drifting off to sleep. Early the next morning, Jack woke up with a start. He was covered in sweat and was having trouble breathing. He blinked and didn't recognize his surroundings. He looked down and didn't see Elizabeth in his arms. He sat up in bed and looked around. She didn't appear to be in the room. It took him a moment to realize where he was, Jack strained to hear if there was any noise coming from the house and when he didn't hear anything his panic rose. Just as Jack was pulling on his clothes, Elizabeth entered the room. Jack didn't see her right away and she was wondering what he was doing.
"Is everything okay?" Elizabeth asked when she saw Jack reach for his weapon.
Jack breathed a sigh of relief when he heard Elizabeth's voice. He set his gun back in the drawer of the bedside table. He then slipped back out of his over shirt and sat back on the bed. Elizabeth was worried about him and went to sit by him. He pulled her into a warm embrace and she could feel tears fall and hit her cheek. She turned to him even more concerned. She has never seen Jack cry like that.
"I asked if you were okay." Elizabeth said.
"I am now." Jack whispered and pulled her closer to him. "I was so worried when you were gone from the bed. I was afraid that something happened to you. I had a nightmare and then when I woke you were gone."
Elizabeth wrapped her arms tighter around Jack and just sat there for a moment.
"Everything is okay." Elizabeth said. "I am here. I just had to use the bathroom. Want to talk about what happened?"
"Not really." Jack said. "You will think it was silly."
"Jack." Elizabeth said. "You are upset and I have never seen you like this. I am worried. I would never think that it was silly. You have put up with my silliness, so please just talk to me."
Jack sighed and held her close. He took a couple deep breaths before he spoke.
"I dreamt …." Jack said. "I dreamt that your father had you taken from Hope Valley by force while I was gone. When I got back I couldn't find you and no one seemed to know where you had gone. I searched and couldn't find you."
"I am here." Elizabeth said. "I will never leave you."
Elizabeth took a page from Jack, pushed back from him slightly and took his hand, lifted it to her lips and kissed the ring that she had placed there a month before. Jack realized what she was trying to do and cupped her face with his free hand and lowered his lips to hers. It was a soft kiss at first, but quickly grew more passionate as Jack needed her to be close. He wanted her, but knew that he would just have to wait to be with her more.
When Elizabeth pulled back breathless, she leaned her forehead on his shoulder. She wished that she could be closer to him and that they could be together physically, but that wasn't possible at the moment. When she had regained her breath enough, she raised her head and claimed Jack's lips once more. He was the one that pulled away that time, breathless.
"Can we just lay together?" Jack said.
Elizabeth nodded, before getting up and walking around the bed to climb in. Jack swung his legs back into the bed and when they were both under the covers, he pulled Elizabeth as close as he could. She rested her head on his chest and played with the hem of his shirt. Jack ran his hands up and down Elizabeth's arm and tried to continue to calm himself. Elizabeth's fingers dancing across his stomach did anything but calm him. The touch of her fingers was like electricity to his body and made him want her even more.
As Elizabeth's hands quieted on his stomach, he noticed her breathing had evened out and she was quickly asleep. Jack tried to continue to calm himself enough to try and get some more sleep. It was a short time before Jack was able to calm his body and fall back asleep. The next time that Jack opened his eyes, he saw that Elizabeth was standing in front of the wardrobe buttoning her skirt. He tried to be quiet, because he loved to watch her. She straightened her top and smoothed her skirt before she sat down and started brushing her hair. She then pinned it up and she stood, she felt Jack's eyes on her.
"How long have you been watching me?" She teased.
"Since the day we met." Jack teased.
"I can see that you are feeling better." Elizabeth said. "I was just heading to the kitchen to have breakfast. Care to join me. I know that Uncle Wynn and Dee need to leave soon."
"Give me a few minutes and I will be there." Jack said as he climbed from the bed.
Jack quickly went to the bathroom and then dressed in his Mountie uniform. He knew that he would have to spend some time at the station and also wanted to visit Tom. Jack left his room and headed for the kitchen where he found Aunt Elizabeth, Wynn, Dee and Elizabeth. When Aunt Elizabeth saw Jack she stood and retrieved his plate from the oven where she was keeping it warm. She had made pancakes and bacon for everyone. Jack sat and Elizabeth placed the plate in front of him. Jack quickly bowed his head and said a quick prayer before he started to eat the wonderful smelling food in front of him.
"These are great." Jack said. "Don't tell, but they are better than Abigail's. What is that flavor that I am getting a hint of?"
"Cardamom." Aunt Elizabeth said. "It is a spice that is common in foods from Norway and Sweden. It was something that my grandmother had experienced before they came to Canada. When I found some at one of the shops awhile back, I bought some and the shop owner kept it stocked for me. I love the flavor that it adds to pancakes and cookies. If you want, I can write out the recipes and get some cardamom to send back. I am sure that Abigail would be willing to help Beth make some of the wonderful cookies with it."
"Would you please?" Jack said. "It has such a unique flavor, but I really like it. I wouldn't mind having some cookies on a picnic this spring. I don't usually eat that much, granted, I have eaten more sweets since being in Hope Valley. It is Abigail's fault. I love her baking. Ma was never a great cook or baker. We survived, but we usually had the same things over and over. When we moved with my aunt and uncle, she was busy and didn't have a lot of time to make fancy things for the lot of us. I learned a few things because I needed to provide for myself. When I was at Fort Garry, the captain's wife gave us some basic cooking lessons. She wanted to know that we could at least make a few things."
Elizabeth smiled, because she knew exactly what Jack was talking about. Aunt Elizabeth didn't even mind that Jack loved Abigail's cooking. Having spent time with her and in her kitchen, Aunt Elizabeth knew exactly what Jack was talking about. Even she thought that Abigail was a much superior cook to her.
"That was a great idea." Wynn said. "So many of the young men have no idea how to provide for themselves."
"You should do something like that for the young men stationed here." Elizabeth said. "I am sure that they would appreciate it. Maybe you can find some ladies and get something started at the academy. I mean I know I shouldn't talk. I didn't really know anything until Abigail spent time working with me."
"I think that is a great idea." Aunt Elizabeth said. "I think that more young men should learn how to at least do a few basic things in the kitchen. I will get the cardamom when Beth and I are out this morning."
"Where are we going?" Elizabeth asked.
"I thought that we could do some shopping and stuff." Aunt Elizabeth said. "I know that you are heading home tomorrow, but I would like to spend some time with you. The boys have work to take care of this morning. I am sure that Jack also wants to go see Tom, since he is supposed to be released later today."
"Okay." Elizabeth said.
"I will look into what can be done to help the young men in the kitchen." Wynn said.
"I will work on a proposal for the Commissioner." Dee said.
"Thank you." Wynn said.
Everyone finished their breakfast. Jack went with Wynn and Dee when they left for the station. That left the car for Elizabeth and her aunt. Elizabeth Rose had another reason that she wanted to take her niece out. Elizabeth and Wynn had spoken the night before when he came to bed. He was worried about Beth. He wanted her to try and make things better between her and her family, he hoped that she would be able to somewhat repair the relationship before she left, but he didn't see how it was possible. That was when Aunt Elizabeth had formed the plan to take Elizabeth to speak with her mother. Grace had always been one to see reason. Elizabeth hoped that Beth wouldn't be mad at her, but she wanted her to try and talk to her mother again. She hoped that her presence would help to keep the situation calm.
After the guys left for the station, Elizabeth helped her aunt clean up the kitchen. They then got ready to head out. Elizabeth got some of her money that she had brought with her. She really didn't want to spend a lot of it, because she wasn't sure if her father was serious about cutting her off. She wondered if her mother would also cut her off. Her mother had promised that she would always support her no matter what her father felt. As they left in the car, Elizabeth noticed the direction that they were headed and wondered what her aunt was up to. She then noticed when they were in Elizabeth's old neighborhood.
"What are you doing?" Elizabeth asked.
"We are going to stop and speak with your mother." Aunt Elizabeth said. "You can't leave things the way that you have. Please trust me when I say that this needs to happen. Your mother has always been one to see reason, so I was hoping that we could talk to her together. Hopefully if we can talk to her, she can talk to your father. I hope that with time, things will get better with both of them. Please trust me."
"I trust you." Elizabeth said. "I just don't see it making a difference. They are both being so stubborn."
Aunt Elizabeth pulled into the courtyard and stopped the car. She turned the car off and turned to her niece. She nodded and Elizabeth took a deep breath. They exited the car and headed to the house. Aunt Elizabeth rang the bell and waited for a moment. They were quickly greeted by the butler. One of the servants took their coats and led the duo into the drawing room and to Mrs Thatcher. She looked up when the butler entered the room and announced the visitors. Grace stood, but didn't approach her daughter or sister-in-law. She just motioned for them to sit. She rang the bell and had the servant bring tea for the guests.
"Grace." Elizabeth Rose said. "I am sorry to drop in unannounced, but I felt that we needed to talk to you."
Grace didn't say anything, but just looked at them. Elizabeth was trying to read what her mother was thinking, but it was hard.
"Mother, please." Elizabeth said. "You said that you would be there for me and understood why I wanted to be out west and that you understood that I wanted to follow my heart."
Again Grace didn't say anything. They were interrupted by the butler who was there to announce that Agatha was there. Elizabeth stood to greet her aunt. She was given a polite hug as usual. The butler quickly brought another cup of tea for Agatha. Elizabeth Rose looked at her niece and Elizabeth nodded slightly to indicate that she was fine with Agatha joining them. Elizabeth Rose didn't know Agatha that well, but if Beth was okay with it, then she was as well. Once they were all settled again. It was Agatha who was first to speak. She looked directly at her niece.
"I hear that you married that Mountie of yours." Agatha said. "Sorry I missed the wedding, I am sure that it was a lovely affair. Please tell me about it."
Elizabeth felt that Agatha genuinely wanted to hear about the wedding, so Elizabeth took the opportunity to share and then maybe her mother would also understand.
"It was absolutely lovely." Elizabeth said. "I should back up and tell you about the engagement if you want to hear about it."
Elizabeth looked at her Aunt Agatha and saw her nod. Elizabeth also saw a hint of curiosity in her mother's eye, so she continued.
"Well." Elizabeth said. "It all started when I left here to return to Hope Valley. I got there and Jack had built the new schoolhouse and church for me and the town. It was almost finished the day I arrived. When I arrived home, I learned that Jack had been promoted to Corporal and was receiving an award for the work that he had done. There were a number of other Mounties in town for the ceremony. Also to my surprise, Jack's mother was there and she was staying with Mrs Stanton as I was. Between Jack's mother and the ceremony, we didn't have a lot of time together. We didn't get a chance to talk about what happened here. We both got busy with our jobs and it ended up being a couple of weeks before we could really talk. Finally one Sunday after services, Jack took me for a horseback ride. A sudden thunderstorm forced us to take shelter in the old mine. While we were there, we were able to talk, I mean really talk.
While we waited out the storm, Jack and I were able to talk through everything. We talked about our fears about the future and how we could overcome them as long as we were together. He talked about how I was a different person when I was here and I realized that he was right. As much as I like spending time with my family here, I wasn't being honest with you about my feelings and as a result, I wasn't being honest with Jack. I had loved Jack since we had met. We had a connection that neither of us could explain but was obvious to everyone around us before it was even clear to us. We decided that we wanted to face the future together. Jack had planned to do something romantic to propose, but he decided it was more important that he ask me. So he pulled the ring from his vest pocket and proposed right there by the small fire he had built in the mine. When we got back to town, we talked to Abigail and Pastor Hogan. They were concerned we were rushing things at first, but once we talked about it, they understood that with the unpredictable nature of Jack's job, that it would not make sense to have a drawn out courtship or engagement. Then you throw in everything that Father had done to try and pull us apart, we wanted to keep things to ourselves for as long as possible.
With the help of Abigail and Pastor Frank, we planned a Christmas wedding. I wrote to Aunt Elizabeth here, because I knew that she would be much more understanding of the situation. She was able to help me get the things that I needed for my wedding. Uncle Wynn, her and Dee arrived in Hope Valley a few days before the wedding. Once the town learned of the wedding when Aunt Elizabeth here sent things needed, they pulled together and got everything ready. Jack and I were wed on December 23rd and had a wonderful time with our friends. It wasn't that we didn't want you all there, but I knew how Father felt about Jack and I didn't think that you would honestly make the trip. I also didn't know how to tell you without Father knowing. I didn't want him to try and stop the wedding. Jack and I were planning on coming and talking to you, but then this stuff with Julie happened and we came here before we had originally planned."
"Tell her about the rings." Aunt Elizabeth said.
"Oh yes." Elizabeth said. "The engagement ring was Jack's grandmother's ring and his mother also wore it. Our wedding bands come from his great grandparents. His grandparents and parents also wore them. Jack is the fourth generation of Thornton men to wear that ring. They are engraved with 'Love is patient, Love is kind'. Jack hopes one day to pass these rings on to our son. He promised to get me a different ring when that time comes."
"Are you happy?" Grace asked flatly.
"More than you know." Elizabeth said. "Jack is wonderful. We both continue to work. We are currently renting a small house, but Jack plans to build a house this spring. He has already bought the land and talked to the local sawmill owner about the lumber. Many of the men from the community have promised to help Jack build the house."
"Why would they do that without being paid?" Grace asked.
"Because." Elizabeth Rose said. "That town loves both Jack and Beth. Maybe it is their way of repaying Jack for his overwhelming generosity when he donated the money that was needed for the new schoolhouse and church. He then would spend every spare minute helping to build it from what I understand."
"I know Mounties don't make much money." Grace said. "Where would he get the money to do something like that, much less to build Beth a house?"
Elizabeth Rose looked at Beth, who nodded for her to continue.
"The money that Jack donated to build the schoolhouse came from a reward he received for the capture of the Tolliver gang." Elizabeth Rose said. "From what I understand, the money that Jack used to buy the land and has set aside to build the house, comes from another reward that Jack received for the capture of an international art thief. There were two very grateful families in the United States who insisted on giving both Jack and Pastor Hogan a reward for their efforts. There was also a third for a thwarted kidnapping."
"Is it common that Mounties receive rewards?" Agatha asked.
"Sometimes." Aunt Elizabeth said. "The first one was from the Canadian Banking Authority for outstanding work capturing one of the most wanted gang of outlaws. We didn't even know that there was a reward the second and third times. When Jack arrested what he thought to be a simple con man, he sent word to headquarters about transporting him. When headquarters learned of the man in custody, that was what led to his promotion being pushed up. Wynn rushed the paperwork that had previously been submitted. Don't you see that Jack is a good man. He wants to do what is right. He tried to refuse the rewards since he felt he felt he was just doing his job. Wynn insisted that they take them and use them to build a life with Beth.
It wasn't everyday that a Mountie catches one of the United States most wanted. When they learned that Canada would gladly turn the con man over to face the much more serious charges in the States, they wanted to know what led to the capture. Then the two prominent families learned that it was a simple Mountie and a pastor that had captured the wanted man; they insisted on sending each a reward. Wynn even had the pleasure of taking the reward to both Jack and the pastor himself when we went for the wedding. Wynn also brought the reward back for the kidnapping. Jack had tried to return it the first time, but the family wouldn't hear of it. They insisted that Jack have the money and they were most generous from what I hear."
"What Aunt Elizabeth didn't tell you." Elizabeth said. "Was that it was Andrew Russell's granddaughters that Jack rescued. I don't know how much was in the papers, but the mother was in on the plan to kill Andy and take the girls for their trust funds. When Jack was heading back to Hope Valley from here, he saw the girls. He didn't even know that anything was wrong at first. He just saw some weary travelers and offered to help with the girls since they were fussy. It was only later that Jack learned what happened. He worked the railroad and they came up with a plan. A stop was made in Fort Garry and Jack turned the girls over to the Mounties there."
Agatha and Grace looked from Elizabeth Rose to Beth and then at each other. Both took the time to sip their tea and think about all that they had heard before either of them spoke. Elizabeth wasn't sure what more that she could say to her mother and aunt. She wanted them in her life, but she also knew that they had to accept Jack for that to happen. She decided to give them a little time to think about everything that had been said.
