Chapter 45 – Rain and More Rain (long)

Jack stepped out of the mercantile and looked toward Lee's office. He didn't see Lee, but there were lights on so he headed that way. When he got to Lee's office, Hickum let Jack know that Lee was over with the railroad people. Hickum let Jack know that they were close to reaching an agreement on laying the spur line and even talked about maybe getting a main line through the valley. There was talk of taking the line that ended in Union City and running all the way to the ocean. Jack knew that Hope Valley was near one of the passes that went through the mountains, so it would be easy to run it through the valley and keep going. There were many things that needed to be worked out before that happened. Jack knew that the railroad had already agreed to lay track from Union City to Buxton that spring. Jack really hoped that they would bring it all the way through the valley, but he didn't want to get his hopes up. Jack let Hickum know that he would talk to Lee later, then turned and looked at Hickum.

"On second thought." Jack said. "Maybe you could help me."

"If I can." Hickum said.

"I was out riding near the river yesterday." Jack said. "I haven't heard Lee talk about it, but I was wondering if there is another bridge over the river heading into the mountains that is closer than several miles north? Bill and I want to be able to ride on the other side of the river and check for things blocking the flow of water."

"You're in luck." Hickum said. "Here look at this map."

Hickum pulled out a map and pointed to something.

"I think this is what you are looking for." Hickum said. "It is the road that leads up to the Silverton mine. The company put a natural bridge in and the water flows through here."

"Yes." Jack said. "I know about that road, but it is prone to wash out and once you get up there, you can't access the river without going out of the way. It would be similar as if I were to ride north."

"Sorry." Hickum said. "That is all that I can think of that is close. I will let Lee know that you asked."

"It is okay." Jack said. "I knew that it was a long shot, but I had to try."

The rain had started to let up by the time that Jack left Lee's office. It was still raining, but it was a more gentle rain. Jack hoped that it would stop all together, but looking at the sky, he wasn't sure. Jack looked over toward the infirmary. He wanted to talk to Faith, but he saw that there were a few people waiting so instead, he headed toward the livery. Jack saddled Sergeant and added his saddlebags. He then stopped over at the jail and grabbed a rifle and extra ammo. He also grabbed the lantern before heading out. There were a few things that he wanted to check and he also wanted to swing by the river and see how much difference the rain had made. He left a note for Bill and headed out. He rode north first because he wanted to check on a few of the farmers. Jack made quick work of his ride. He talked to the people that he needed to and then headed for the river. There was much more standing water in areas then there had been dry just the day before. Jack was concerned, but he hoped that it wasn't as bad as he thought. There really wasn't much that he could do, other than be ready for when something happened.

When Jack got back to town, he checked in at the mercantile for any messages and there were some from both up and down river. Jack thanked Katie and then went to the livery. He took care of Sergeant's needs then headed to the jail. Jack shed his outer slicker and then pulled the messages out. The news wasn't good. There was lots of water still to come from up the river and it sounded like down river had its share of standing water already. Jack pulled out the log, made some notes and then he packed up to head home. Just as he was getting ready to leave, there was a knock at the door. When Jack opened it, Lee was standing there. Jack invited him in and they talked for a few minutes. Lee didn't have any more information than Hickum had already given Jack. Lee asked if the river really was that bad. Jack let him know that it was worse and showed him the messages from up river. Lee shook his head and let Jack know that they would do whatever they could. Hope Valley wasn't in danger, but they were the closest place that people in danger would come to. Jack let Lee know that he had to get home since Elizabeth still wasn't feeling good and had stayed home from school. Lee told him to go home and if anything happened that he would send for him there. Jack was glad that Lee was there and he could count on him to help wherever it was needed. He was also glad that Lee had agreed to be in charge if anything happened to both him and Bill. Jack said a quick prayer that they never needed to use that part of the plan, but was also glad that they had it. Jack also said a quick prayer that Lee had suggested his foreman as the second person in charge since he had the respect of the lumberjacks and was used to dealing with crowds of people and directing them.

Jack and Lee both stepped out onto the porch of the jail. Lee headed back to his office. Jack was headed for the cafe and then would be heading home. When Jack got to the cafe, Abigail had the bread ready. She had also included some more soup for Elizabeth and some cookies for Jack. Abigail tried to get Jack to sit down and eat something hot at the cafe, but Jack said that he needed to get home since it was getting past lunchtime and he hadn't planned on being gone as long as he had. Abigail made him wait until she could add a second helping of soup. Jack took the basket from Abigail and thanked her. He promised to eat when he got home. Jack did head right home. By the time that Jack got to the house, it had all but quit raining. The sun wasn't out per say, but at least it wasn't pouring rain.

When Jack got inside, Elizabeth got up from the couch and took the basket from him that Abigail had sent. She let Jack know that the groceries had been delivered. Jack asked if she had eaten and when she said she hadn't, he let her know that there was soup in the basket. He wasn't sure how hot it was, but Abigail had sent enough for both of them. Elizabeth told Jack that while he dried off, she would heat up soup for both of them to eat. Jack sat, pulled his boots off and then headed up stairs to change his pants that were wet. His shirt had been kept dry by his jacket. Jack ended up changing both his pants and socks. When he got back downstairs, Elizabeth had lunch ready. They sat and ate. Jack asked how she was feeling. Elizabeth said that she was still tired, but that she planned on going back to school the next day. If things got bad again, she would work through it. She promised to take some crackers in her basket along with her lunch. Jack didn't like that she would go back to work before she felt one hundred percent, but he also knew that there was no telling Elizabeth anything when her mind was made up.

It was like Elizabeth could see the concern on Jack's face. She made a point of letting him know that she would be okay. They sat and ate. Elizabeth was worried that Jack was pushing himself too hard, but she really couldn't say anything. She knew that he took his job as a Mountie very seriously and that he felt responsible if something happened. Try as he might, Jack could not change Mother Nature and he was not responsible for what she did, but he made it seem that way. Jack was also worried about everything that could happen if the rains continued to come and the river really came out of its banks. Jack knew that Hope Valley wasn't in danger, but there were farmers and the settlement that could be affected and if that happened, they would come to Hope Valley seeking help. When they were done eating, Jack rinsed the dishes, but left them for later. He then convinced Elizabeth to head upstairs and take a nap. He had been up early after a short night, so he was tired. Jack also knew that riding out in the rain had taken a lot out of him. Elizabeth followed Jack upstairs. They crawled under the covers and it wasn't long before Elizabeth was asleep. Jack dozed some, but didn't really sleep.

Finally at one point, Jack was just frustrated. He saw that Elizabeth was asleep, so he slipped from the bed. He made sure that she was still asleep before he headed downstairs. He sat on the couch and picked up his book. Jack hadn't gotten far when there was a knock at the door. When he answered it, it was Cat wondering how Elizabeth was doing. Jack let her know that she would be back in the classroom the next day. So Cat handed Jack the lesson plans and a note about what had happened that day at school. She also let Jack know that if Elizabeth had any questions, she could just ask. Jack thanked Cat and said he would let Elizabeth know. After Cat left, Jack put the lesson plans and notes on Elizabeth's writing desk. He didn't look at it, but he knew that by leaving it on the desk, that Elizabeth would find it.

Jack then settled back on the couch to read some more. He read about a chapter and a half before his eyes got heavy. He ended up falling asleep on the couch. That was where Elizabeth found him when she got up. She had gotten up when she realized that Jack was no longer in bed with her. She let Jack rest and set about making something for supper. She decided to slice up the potatoes that Jack had cooked the night before and fry them up. She also put some of the roast in the pan to heat. The smell was what woke Jack up. He insisted on taking over cooking when, but Elizabeth started to protest. He relented and just set the table. When the food was ready they ate. They really didn't talk while they ate. When they were done eating, Elizabeth insisted on doing up the dishes. Jack did help her put the food away. Since they had eaten later then they normally did, they agreed to head back upstairs when Elizabeth was finished with the dishes. Each had brought a book to bed to read. Neither got very far before they both turned the lights down and snuggled under the covers. Jack had set the alarm and reminded Elizabeth that he was leaving early in the morning for rounds. She said that it was okay. She really didn't want him to leave that early in the morning, but after insisting that she was okay, she didn't want to say anything so she left it be.

The next morning, Jack was up with his alarm. He reset the alarm for Elizabeth, so she could get another hour and half of sleep. Elizabeth was so tired that she barely stirred when Jack's alarm went off. Jack got dressed and headed downstairs. He made himself some breakfast and then packed himself a lunch. Jack moved the lesson plans and notes from Cat to the table so Elizabeth would see them, then left his own note for Elizabeth and left the house. When Jack stepped outside, it wasn't raining, but he could tell that it was set to be another overcast day. Light was just breaking the horizon when Jack got to the livery. He saddled Sergeant and got things ready. He stopped at the jail and picked up his rifle. He then rode out. He needed to do rounds, but he also needed/wanted to check the river. He really hoped that the rain would hold off.

When Elizabeth's alarm went off, she rolled over and it took her a minute to remember that Jack had already left. She started to sit up but felt sick to her stomach, so she laid back down. She reached over and opened the tin of crackers that she had remembered to bring up. She ate a couple of them and slowly sat up. She still didn't feel one hundred percent but it was better. She got dressed and headed downstairs. She made herself some ginger tea and toast. By the time that she had eaten, she was feeling much better. Elizabeth was wondering if Abigail had been right. She didn't think it was possible because Faith hadn't said anything. Then again, she didn't remember talking to Faith and probably didn't tell her everything. Elizabeth knew that it would be a wait and see. She had thought about it before Abigail had said anything. Elizabeth still didn't feel it because there was nothing else other than the upset stomach. She got things ready for school. Jack had let her know that Cat had dropped things off, but she hadn't looked at them. She read through the note that Cat had sent about the previous day. It seemed that she had gotten through all that Elizabeth needed her to, also let her know that the children had turned in their homework and it was on the desk at school.

Elizabeth made her lunch and packed extra crackers. Once she had everything ready, she took one more look around the house. She felt like she was forgetting something. That was when she saw Jack's note. Elizabeth also smiled at the note that Jack had left, letting her know that he loved her and he had made his own lunch. When she picked it up to read what else he wrote, she realized what she was forgetting – the umbrella just in case. Elizabeth picked up the umbrella and her basket before heading out for school. It was a little early, but she wanted to get the stove going to take the chill off and she also figured that she could work on grading the homework that had been turned in the day before. Elizabeth was glad that it wasn't raining, but it was overcast and there was a slight chill still in the air. She made good time into town. She went straight to the school and got the stove going. She then got things ready. She wrote some math problems on the board before she sat and started grading the papers. Before Elizabeth knew it, the alarm was going off and the children would be there soon. She took an extra minute to gather herself before grabbing her bell and heading to the back of the schoolhouse.

It didn't take long and all the children were in their seats. They had many questions why Elizabeth hadn't been there the day before. Despite Cat telling them that she wasn't feeling well, they wanted to hear it from her. It took Elizabeth nearly twenty minutes to get through all the questions and regain some control of the children. She got them working on their math right away. She also reminded them that they would still be having a spelling test on Friday and she knew that Cat had given them their words. Once she got the children working on their math, Elizabeth sat down and finished grading the spelling from the previous week. When she was done the children were almost done with their math. She then had them start in on their reading. She wanted to get through quite a bit before lunch, because she wasn't sure how much energy she would have after and it would be easier to let the children work on projects then. Elizabeth also hoped that the rain would hold off and she could maybe send the children out for recess. She was worried that they would play in the mud, but she wasn't sure if she would be able to handle it if they didn't run off some of their energy. As they were reading she saw more than a few children fidget in their seats. If she had been honest with herself she probably could have seen it from the start when they were asking so many questions.

With the extra ride along the river and the need to slow down because of mud, it was just after lunch time when Jack rode back into town. He went to the livery and took care of Sergeant before he headed to the jail to do his report and eat something. First thing that he did was stoke the stove and put some coffee on. He hadn't had as much coffee in a couple of days and he could tell. Normally he made it at home, but he knew that the smell could bother people when they didn't feel good and he didn't want to upset Elizabeth, especially if he was thinking that he knew what was wrong with Elizabeth. While the coffee was getting hot, Jack headed over to the mercantile to check for any messages. When he got there, Ned let Jack know that he had just sent a wagon of supplies up to the Silverton mine. They were worried that rain would wash out the road like years before so they had picked up stuff for two weeks instead of one per instructions from the superintendent up there. That made Jack feel a little better, but he also didn't want to short the town. Ned could see the concern and he quickly let Jack know that he had planned on the extra for the mine and that the supply wagons for the town would be there the next day.

Ned let Jack know that there were four full wagons coming in between what he had ordered and what Abigail had added. Jack let Ned know to direct his wagon right to the old Gowen house and it would be unloaded there. Ned agreed that would be a good idea since it was a separate order from his order. There were no messages for Jack, but Ned let him know that he had dropped a couple off with Bill earlier. Jack nodded and thanked Ned. He double checked what time the wagons were due the next day before he headed back to the jail. Jack hoped that the town wouldn't need the supplies that he had ordered, but he had learned that it was better to be prepared then not to be. Jack really hoped that the rain would stop and things would get better, but he knew that in reality that it was going to get worse before it would get better.

When Jack got back to the jail, Bill was there. Jack poured himself a cup of coffee and pulled out his lunch. He then turned to Bill and asked about the messages. Bill pulled out the log and handed it to Jack. Bill let him know that it was just messages about river levels up and down the river. Jack wasn't mad, he just hadn't pulled the log yet otherwise he would have found them. Jack set the log on his desk. He ate one of his sandwiches before he started on his report. Jack ate the other while he worked. Bill didn't say much, the two men usually worked in silence unless they needed to talk. Since there wasn't much that they could do at this point but sit and wait to see what happened, neither felt it necessary to talk. They didn't want to talk about what could happen and both already knew what they had done to get ready. Also neither felt the need to talk to just talk. They also didn't like sitting and waiting, but both knew that was what they had to do at that point. As much as Jack was trying to focus on his work, he couldn't help but let his thoughts drift to Elizabeth and he was really hoping that they were going to be starting a family.

At one point while Jack was working on reports, Bill had gone out and brought in some more wood to dry off so they could keep the stove going. The tarp helped, but it didn't keep the wood completely dry. Jack wondered if it would be worth getting another tarp for the office. He had done the one at the house differently and that worked great. When Jack had finished the report about rounds and made notes about the river, he pulled his coat on and headed next door to the infirmary. Jack was glad that no one was waiting. He knocked and Faith let him in right away. Jack could see that she was upset. He didn't want to be rude, but he also didn't want to further upset her so he just asked if she was okay. Faith shook her head and Jack took that as a chance to ask more. Faith explained that she had gotten a message that her fiance had come back early and was upset that she wasn't there. When he learned that she had come out to Hope Valley, he let her know that he was coming to get her and he would be on the afternoon stage. Jack was taken aback, he reminded Faith that she could do what she wanted and that she was needed there. Jack also reminded her that was where the hospital had sent her. Faith told Jack that it didn't matter to Adam, he had certain ideas about things and he wanted things his way. Jack didn't know what to say, so he just let Faith know that he would support her in whatever she wanted to do. Jack was turning to leave when Faith stopped him.

"Was there something that you needed?" Faith asked.

"I was just going to check how things were going." Jack said. "Also to let you know that the last of the supply wagons would be coming tomorrow. The river is high and I think if it keeps raining, things are going to get bad soon. So far people aren't in danger, but the ground is very wet and can't take much more. I saw lots of standing water in places that don't normally have standing water. I also wanted to say thank you for all your help. I wish that you could stay for good, but I understand you have to do what you have to do. It has been a relief having you here. If there is anything else that you need, please let me know."

"Well, thank you." Faith said. "There isn't much coming in that can't go to the house. I think that things are better stored there. Everything around here is pretty full. Also I have enjoyed my time here. I wouldn't mind staying, but Adam wouldn't like it."

"Thank you for all your help." Jack said. "See you later."

Jack didn't wait for Faith to respond, he just walked out and headed back to the jail. He really didn't want Faith to leave. He had hoped to convince her to stay there for good. Jack wondered if he could talk to Adam. Jack also didn't like the way Faith had talked about him, he wondered if there was something more to the story. Jack checked his watch and saw that he had a couple hours before the stagecoach was due. Jack decided that he would talk to Bill and maybe between the two of them, they could convince Faith to stay in Hope Valley. Her services were needed. Jack hoped for a doctor, but would take a nurse to start, especially one with advanced training like Faith. Jack stopped in front of the door to the jail and realized that he didn't ask Faith what he had wanted. He looked back at the infirmary and shook his head. There was too much going on, it would just have to wait.

Jack was a jumble of thoughts and emotions and he needed some time to think things through but there was just too much else going on. Jack needed to think about how to protect the town, but Elizabeth was always first in his thoughts. He loved the thought that she may be pregnant and that they may be having a child, but there were so many things that could go wrong and that was all Jack could think about. He knew that he could be wrong, but why else would she have asked for crackers and ginger tea. He knew that was common for pregnant women. He was excited, but he tried to contain his excitement until she officially told him. He wondered what she was waiting for and then realized that there was a ton going on. Then Jack thought that maybe she was planning a surprise, so he wouldn't spoil that for her. Jack had to stop for a second and focus. He said a quick prayer about the weather and all that could happen. He also said a prayer for Elizabeth and her safety, he echoed the prayer that he had said before that he would trust in God's timing for their family and then asked for patience and protection for him in all that he was facing in work. Jack also asked for protection for Bill and other people of Hope Valley.

Jack got back to the jail and went through the lists of things that had arrived and things that had been ordered that were supposed to arrive the next day. Jack hoped that everything that he had ordered would arrive. Jack really hoped that the extra medical supplies that he ordered would arrive. He knew that if there was a mudslide that things could be bad. He really wished that there was a doctor but at that point, he would settle for a nurse in Faith. He just had to convince her fiance to let her stay to finish setting up the infirmary and find a replacement. The town needed a full time nurse. Jack wished that they had a full time doctor, but a full time nurse with the traveling doctor would have to do at the moment. Jack planned to talk to Bill, but he went out for a ride. Jack wondered what Bill was up to. It wasn't like Bill to just take off. Jack wondered if Bill had been pulled back into some Mountie business. Just because he was retired, Wynn had warned him that he may still use him for his forensic knowledge. It hadn't happened yet, but that didn't mean that it couldn't. One thing that bugged Jack was that Bill didn't let him in on what he was doing most of the time.

As Jack was sitting there, he was also wondering if the town could afford a full-time nurse. Jack made a note to talk to Abigail about. He thought about mentioning something to Elizabeth, but the last thing that he wanted was for her to spend more of her own money or that of her Aunt and Uncle to provide the town with something that they needed. He wouldn't turn down the help, but he also didn't think that it was Elizabeth's responsibility to provide things. Her and her family had been more than generous with giving to the town, despite the way that her father treated her. Jack also realized that it was more Elizabeth's mother and aunt than anything, but he also knew that it was unfair to keep asking them for things. There had to be a way to get funding without it coming from Elizabeth's family. He didn't want it getting out what her family had done, mainly because he didn't want people to treat them differently. But more than that, he didn't want it spread that Elizabeth had access to money, because he knew that could bring more trouble.