Chapter 19 – Getting Ready

That morning while Aunt Elizabeth was trying to help Elizabeth smooth things over with her mother, Jack had headed to Mountie Headquarters to finish the paperwork that was involved in Tom's case. The paperwork was sent over to William Thatcher for him to sign agreeing to the deal that he had struck with Wynn. Jack also gathered some more information about the Garrison gang and their past movements, hoping that might be able to help him track them when he returned home. Just as he had headed to Wynn's office so that they could leave for the hospital, Wynn received a phone call and Jack heard his name mentioned. He was concerned, but then saw a smile on Wynn's face, so he figured that it might have just been Elizabeth checking on him.

"Ready?" Jack asked. "We have to go see Tom and convince him to get on that train and head to Port McNeil."

"We have to make a quick stop." Wynn said.

Jack didn't know what was going on, but chose to keep his questions to himself. Wynn grabbed the keys and nodded to Jack. The two men headed to the car without saying anything. As they pulled away from Mountie Headquarters, Wynn didn't head for the hospital. Jack realized that whatever Wynn had planned would be first. When they pulled up in front of a suit shop, Jack was confused.

"What are we doing here?" Jack asked.

"You need a black suit for tonight." Wynn said.

"I can't afford a new suit right now." Jack said. "Your wife assured me that my blue suit would be fine tonight. That is why I was relieved that I brought it."

"Well, this is a treat from Mrs Thatcher." Wynn said.

"I am confused." Jack said.

"My Elizabeth took Beth to see her mother this morning." Wynn said. "My Elizabeth wanted to try to talk to Grace again and see if she could make some headway and possibly leave things on a better note. Apparently, she gave Beth something and told her to get a new dress for tonight. When my Elizabeth called, she said that you needed a black suit. She just wanted your measurements, but I said I would bring you. It would be better and they could fit the suit perfectly. My Elizabeth insisted. Best not to argue with the wives."

Jack followed Wynn into the shop and stood there looking around as Wynn spoke to the shop owner. Jack was quickly shown a suit and asked to try it on when they learned who was ordering the suit. Not only was Wynn in uniform, but the mention of the Thatcher name brought the best service. It fit almost perfectly and only needed minor adjustments. The owner promised that it would be delivered to the Delaney residence this afternoon so it would be ready for that evening. Jack was uncomfortable trying on the suit, but then realized that it was nicer than anything he already owned. He also realized that he would do anything for Elizabeth, so a little bit of discomfort at the moment was fine. He was getting excited about their date. He still didn't know what was going on, but if Elizabeth was getting a new dress, he knew that she would be amazing.

Satisfied, Wynn and Jack left the shop and headed for the hospital. Again there wasn't much said, between Jack and Wynn on the drive over. Jack realized that Wynn wasn't one for idle talk and that was fine with Jack. It would be different if they both didn't have things that they were thinking about. They found a parking spot and headed in. Jack led the way to Tom's room. When they reached the second floor, Jack and Wynn approached the nurses desk and Faith looked up to see Jack and another Mountie standing there.

"Morning Jack." Faith said. "How are you today?"

"Hi Faith." Jack said. "I am good. This is …"

"Deputy Commissioner Wynn Delaney." Wynn said, nodding at Jack.

Faith straightened just slightly when she heard Wynn's title. She figured that this had something to do with the fact that one of the Thatcher's were involved. She took a deep breath before speaking.

"How may I help you, Sir?" Faith asked.

"I need to speak with the doctor caring for Tom Thornton." Wynn said. "Then Jack and I will need to speak to him."

"Well the doctor is seeing patients." Faith said. "But I will let him know that you are here. Feel free to head in and talk to Tom. Jack knows where his room is."

Wynn and Jack headed to Tom's room while Faith went to find the doctor. Jack knocked on Tom's door before entering. Tom's eyes brightened when Jack walked in, but instantly fell again when Wynn followed him in. Tom recognized the Mountie uniform and noticed that it was from someone that was obviously a much higher ranking officer then Jack.

"Tom." Jack said, drawing his attention. "This is Deputy Commissioner Wynn Delaney Sr and we need to speak with you."

"I thought you said I wasn't in trouble." Tom huffed.

"I didn't say that you were in trouble." Jack said. "I said that we need to speak to you."

"If this is about Port McNeil, I am not going." Tom said. "And you can't make me."

Jack and Wynn exchanged glances and Jack nodded that maybe Wynn could get through to him. Wynn pulled up a chair and sat near Tom's bedside.

"Listen to what I am about to tell you." Wynn said. "Because the choice that you make in the next few minutes will greatly impact your future."

Tom looked to Jack and then back to Wynn.

"You really have three choices." Wynn said. "One – you can return to your uncle's farm and work with him and your mother for at least the next year and keep out of trouble. But knowing your mother, that may not be the best choice since she is quite upset with you. Two – you can board a train, report to Port McNeil and work in the shipyard and possibly make something of yourself, also staying out of trouble for at least the next year. Or three – stay in Hamilton where you can take your chances with Mr Thatcher and the other trouble that you have gotten into. Please know that if you chose to stay in Hamilton, that your brother will no longer be able to help you. Regardless of your choice, I would highly advise that you steer clear of Julie Thatcher for a while. A long while. Think about what I have said and let us know your choice. The best thing for you is to grow up and make something of yourself."

"Jack." Tom whined. "Are you really going to let him do this?"

"Tom." Jack said. "You have left me no choice. I can't keep running back here to clean up your messes. Your best bet is going to be heading to Port McNeil, because trust me when I say if you head back to Aberdeen, Ma is not going to be happy and you know how she can be when she is unhappy. Besides that, you always hated the farm work. And yes she does know and I wasn't the one that told her. She is growing tired of this routine with you. I would suggest that you listen to us, this is your last chance. You need to get a job and stay out of trouble."

"I think I am still tired." Tom said, pulling the covers up higher.

"Tom." Jack said. "I am leaving tomorrow. If you change your mind about Port McNeil, contact the Mountie station and let Deputy Commissioner Delaney know. He can arrange for your travel or you can take your chances here or with Ma."

Wynn stood and Jack led them from Tom's room. When they approached the nurses desk again, they saw a doctor with Faith.

"Dr Baker." Faith said. "These are the men that wished to speak to you. This Deputy Commissioner Wynn Delaney and Constable Jack Thornton."

"It is Corporal." Jack said. "And yes before you ask yes, Tom is my brother."

"How can I help you gentlemen?" Dr Baker asked.

"Corporal Thornton." Wynn said. "Needs to return to his post tomorrow and was wondering when his brother would be released."

"I can assume that your involvement is due to him nearly killing the Thatcher girl." Dr Baker sneered. "Leave it to William Thatcher …"

"Dr Baker." Wynn said with a warning tone. "I would watch your mouth. I am involved, because one of the Mounties in my command was summoned to Hamilton from a remote posting to see his brother. Now about young Mr Thornton's possible release?"

"Whatever." Dr Baker said. "As far as his release, I suspect that he could be released late this afternoon or tomorrow morning."

"Thank you." Wynn said.

Dr Baker turned and left, returning to his patients. Faith waited until the doctor was out of earshot before she turned to the two Mounties in front of her.

"Sorry about that." Faith said. "I don't really know why, but he really doesn't like the Thatchers or Mounties for that matter. I should have warned you."

"It is okay." Jack said. "I want to thank you for taking care of Tom. Maybe next time that my wife and I are in Hamilton, we can all go out for lunch."

"I would love that." Faith said. "Unfortunately, this is my last week here. I have taken a job at another hospital in another town."

"I wish you the best then." Jack said.

Wynn and Jack turned to leave. Neither looked back or spoke as they walked from the hospital. It wasn't until they were in the car and on the way back to Mountie Headquarters that Wynn finally spoke.

"Do you think Tom will leave town?" Wynn asked.

"I honestly don't know." Jack said. "I hope that he does, but he can be quite hard headed when he wants to be."

"That I understand." Wynn said with a chuckle.

Jack let out a small chuckle as well, when he realized that Wynn was talking about his wife and niece.

"Want to get a light lunch?" Wynn asked. "I know that you have plans for supper tonight, but that is still hours away."

"Sure." Jack said. "I could eat. Besides, I don't even know where I am taking Elizabeth tonight. Your wife was going to handle all the arrangements."

"Then you are in good hands." Wynn said.

Wynn drove to a small cafe that was near headquarters and parked the car in the Mountie lot, letting Jack know that they could walk from there. They walked to the cafe. When Jack entered, it reminded him of Abigail's and he was a little homesick. Jack looked around and saw a number of Mounties sitting at the cafe. Jack figured that since it was close that it was probably easier to get food there then to head to some place farther away. Several Mounties took notice that Wynn had walked in and also the young Mountie that was with him. They wondered who it was that got to have lunch with the Deputy Commissioner. Several thought that they knew the man with Wynn, but no one was quite sure. Wynn and Jack found a place to sit away from most of the crowd and enjoyed a nice lunch, before returning to headquarters. Jack was able to relax and enjoy his lunch even though he knew that most of the other men in the cafe were watching him. He kept reminding himself that he hadn't done anything wrong and they were just jealous.

Aunt Elizabeth and Elizabeth returned home with a beautiful dress for that evening. Aunt Elizabeth insisted that Elizabeth take a bath and wash her hair before her date that night. Before Elizabeth took her bath, Aunt Elizabeth had her get Jack's things and bring them to Sophie's room. Aunt Elizabeth also gathered up all their dirty clothes and planned on sending them home with clean things. While Elizabeth was taking a nice relaxing bath, Aunt Elizabeth started on the laundry. She was interrupted by the knocking at the door. When she answered it, it was the delivery of Jack's suit. She thanked the man and after hanging Jack's suit, she returned to the laundry. She was able to get everything washed and put through the hand crank dryer before hanging them in the back room of the house to dry.

Aunt Elizabeth had also called to remind Wynn to have Jack pick up a corsage for Beth. She let him know that cream or red would be perfect. She then turned to getting something started for supper for Wynn and Dee. Once she had supper in the oven, she went to check on her niece. She knew that the boys would be home soon and hoped that Beth was almost ready. When Aunt Elizabeth walked into the room that Elizabeth was staying in, she saw her sitting at the vanity wrapped in her robe.

"Do you want help with your hair?" Aunt Elizabeth asked.

"No." Elizabeth said. "I am going to leave it down, Jack likes it that way."

"Okay." Aunt Elizabeth said. "Well just let me know if you need help with your dress."

Elizabeth just nodded and turned back to the vanity. Aunt Elizabeth walked into the hallway to see Jack coming toward her. He stopped him, let him know that Elizabeth wasn't ready and that his things were in Sophie's room upstairs if he wanted to start getting ready. He looked at her, but wasn't going to argue. She showed him to Sophie's room and Jack started to get ready. It didn't take him long to wash up and change out of his uniform and into his new suit. He headed downstairs with his uniform and other things in hand. When Aunt Elizabeth saw him coming down, she took his things and headed to the room that Elizabeth was in. She had pinned her hair back on the sides and left it down in the back. Her dark auburn hair cascading down her shoulders and back. Aunt Elizabeth couldn't believe how long Beth's hair was. Then again, she rarely saw it down, but it seemed so much longer than at the wedding a month ago. Aunt Elizabeth helped Beth to put on her necklace and get into her dress.