Chapter 175 – Worry Surfaces
Elizabeth Rose and Patty got back to town and headed to the cafe. Neither wanted to sit in the saloon hotel and it was just easier to keep busy. They knew that Abigail needed the help, but hated asking for it. Elizabeth was also worried about her family and it was easier to just keep her hands busy than to think that that could happen. She figured that if Abigail didn't need help, she could pick up her needlepoint that she had left there. She was making something for her grandson's baptism which was going to be held in May and she also knew that she was going to have to get busy making things for Jack and Beth's baby. She knew that she wanted to make a Celtic quilt for the little one to honor the Irish heritage on both sides.
Last year, Elizabeth Rose had written to a friend who was traveling to Ireland and asked if she could find some tartan patterns for her. She received the package several weeks ago and was trying to decide if she wanted to make something for their anniversary or their first little one, not knowing they were expecting she decided to have a special blanket made with the material for their first baby. She knew that Jack and Elizabeth would love it. It would also be something special. Elizabeth Rose wasn't sure how much of his family history that Jack knew, but her friend was able to find a little about the meaning of the name Thornton and Elizabeth Rose decided to include that on a blanket as well as a little about Elizabeth's Irish side.
Overall, it was a quiet afternoon. The ladies stayed busy at the cafe and the guys were busy working at the office. The townspeople were working at finding a new normal routine, especially the people that had stayed in Hope Valley. It wasn't easy as there were still lots of questions, but at least everyone was settled in housing. It turned out that there were four additional apartments that they were able to fix up and get the last four ladies into as their husbands had gone back to work in Rock Creek. They were expecting the men from Rock Creek in the next day or so for their first return visit home since going back to work. The apartments were sparsely furnished, but at least they had an icebox, stove, table and a couple chairs. The men that had come were helping Adam Miller make more chairs for the apartments and they were using cots until beds could be made or purchased. The biggest things were that the people that wanted to stay were in housing and the men that wanted to go back to work had been able to. There were even a few ladies that were looking for jobs in Hope Valley. They realized that it was a much more progressive town then they had thought, especially with a woman mayor and married teacher. People quickly realized that there were a lot of women who worked and it wasn't frowned upon, even those with children. The ladies that didn't work had no problem helping to keep an eye on little ones.
At least they were in a place, even if they didn't have everything that they needed. They knew that it would come with time. Everyone that had stayed in Hope Valley was grateful for all that the town and surrounding area had done for them. Wynn had made the same offer to Abigail for those four apartments. After figuring out the full amount, he wrote a check to the town. Abigail was still surprised that he would do that, but he explained that he and Elizabeth Rose had plenty of money in the trust that she received and it was not shorting them anything and most of all it was helping everyone get back on their feet.
After Will left the office, the guys dove more into the paperwork and ledgers. They lost track of time until Patty came over and knocked on the door. When Jacobs got up to answer the door, he realized what time it was.
"Was there something that you needed?" Jacobs asked.
"We were just wondering if you were coming over for supper." Patty said. "We are past the rush and Charlotte is chomping at the bit to go over to Jack and Elizabeth's. We had told her to leave them alone until you went out."
"We are coming." Wynn said. "Give us five minutes."
"We will be ready for you." Patty said.
Jacobs shut the door and quickly helped the guys pick everything up, put the fire out and lock the door. They headed to the cafe for supper. They sat in the dining room and Charlotte joined them. She had a ton of questions for Jacobs about Jack and what was going on. He tried his best to upbeat, but he also knew that Jack had a long road back.
After the guys ate, they plus Charlotte headed out to Jack and Elizabeth's house. When they got there, they were surprised to see Jack downstairs sitting at the table sipping a cup of tea.
"Please tell me you didn't take those stairs alone." Jacobs said.
"No." Jack said.
"Patty and Aunt Elizabeth helped him downstairs when they were here." Elizabeth said.
"Okay." Jacobs said. "Until you feel stronger, I don't want you doing those stairs alone. I don't want you to fall and I don't feel comfortable with Elizabeth helping you alone."
"I understand." Elizabeth said. "I would have gotten one of the guards. I already figured out that I wouldn't be able to help Jack alone."
"I am glad that you understand." Jacobs said.
"That reminds me." Elizabeth said. "Faith said she wanted to see Jack at the infirmary tomorrow. I moved my appointment with her to tomorrow as well so Jack can be there. It is at one tomorrow afternoon. I will stay and eat lunch at school."
"I will make sure that he is brought in." Jacobs said. "Thank you for telling me. You might want to remind the guards in the morning."
"I will." Elizabeth said.
Dee got the water set up for Jack as Charlotte and Wynn sat down at the table. Charlotte was peppering Jack with questions and he was trying his best to answer. Finally, Wynn put his hand on Charlotte's arm as he saw Jack struggling. Dee set the steaming bowl in front of Jack and he immediately leaned over as Dee draped the towel over him. Charlotte asked what they were doing and Wynn explained as best as he could. Charlotte wanted to jump in and help, but Wynn kept her seated.
"Jacobs and Dee know what they are doing." Wynn said. "Please don't get in their way. This is hard enough on Jack and the sooner we get it done, the better for everyone."
Jacobs sat down near Jack.
"Jack." Jacobs said. "Is the pain better?"
"A little." Jack rasped. "Still bad, but not as bad as right away this morning."
"I have a feeling that mornings are going to be the worst." Jacobs said.
Jack nodded.
"With your appointment tomorrow." Jacobs said. "I want to try doing this just in the morning and then after supper. You can still steam as often as you want every couple hours between."
Again Jack nodded.
"Are you sure about that?" Charlotte asked.
"Yes." Jacobs said. "He was sounding much better. I am more worried about him resting, especially tomorrow with him having to go see Faith. She knows what I am doing and I have been keeping her updated. She was glad that I felt he sounded better, but she still wanted to see him herself. That is why she went and spoke to Elizabeth at the schoolhouse this morning. I have no problem with Faith double checking things. She is a nurse, but I know what I am doing and have proven that to her."
"Ma." Jack rasped. "I trust him."
"Fine." Charlotte huffed. "You still should have told me."
"Like Abigail said." Wynn said. "We didn't know where you went. I had to drag it out of Bill that he knew where you were, but he refused to tell us."
"Well, this is different." Charlotte said.
"We didn't even tell Bill how bad Jack is." Jacobs said. "We figured the fewer people that knew the better. Besides, Bill is dealing with other things."
"On top of that." Wynn said. "Jack deserves some privacy. He doesn't need everyone knowing his business. They know that he is recovering and that he will have good days and bad days, so we just asked people to pray for him. We will update people when Jack says he wants to share things."
After Jack finished with the steam, Jacobs started with the other treatment. Charlotte had a hard time watching, especially as Jack coughed and sputtered getting sick. Wynn kept his hand on her shoulder to keep her seated. When Jacobs was done, Jack sat back in the chair. He looked spent. He closed his eyes and tilted his head back. He tried to take a couple deep breaths and it led to a coughing spell that caused him to be sick again. After Jack had rested for a few minutes, Jacobs listened to his lungs.
"Better." Jacobs said. "Ready for the rest."
"What else is there?" Charlotte asked.
"We need to change the wrapping around his ribs." Jacobs said. "We will undo it, check the bruising, add more Vicks and wrap him back up."
"I need a moment." Jack rasped.
Jacobs nodded as he and Dee set about getting the items that they needed.
"Ma." Jack said.
"What do you need?" Charlotte asked, getting to her feet.
"Some space." Jack said.
Jacobs looked at Jack and could read the look in his eyes.
"I agree." Jacobs said. "You don't need to see this and I think we can do this and give Jack some privacy."
Charlotte went to argue.
"I think I am going to head up as well." Elizabeth said. "Please help Jack up when you are done. It has been a long day and we have another one tomorrow, so I think turning in early is good."
"Thank you." Jack said.
Elizabeth said her goodnights to her uncle and cousin. She thanked Jacobs for his help and then went upstairs.
"Ma, please." Jack rasped.
"Fine." Charlotte said. "But I am coming over tomorrow morning. We need to talk."
Jack nodded. Charlotte wasn't happy, but she left the guys alone. Once she was gone, Wynn and Dee helped Jack to stand as Jacobs undid the wrapping, covered him in Vicks and rewrapped Jack's torso. Then sat him down.
"Thank you." Jack rasped. "I know I need to talk to Ma, but not tomorrow."
"I will do my best to keep her in town." Wynn said. "She pitched her tent over by the jail."
"I will do my best to hold her off as well." Jacobs said. "I have a feeling that she won't let it go and is going to push things."
Jack nodded. After a few more moments, they helped get Jack upstairs and settled. Once Jack was settled, Jacobs and Wynn headed back to town.
After the others left, Elizabeth sat on the bed and looked at Jack.
"I know that we need to talk to your mother." Elizabeth said. "We also need to talk to Uncle Wynn and Aunt Elizabeth, but I think we need to make some definite plans before we can talk to them."
Jack went to say something and Elizabeth held up her hand.
"I am not saying we need to do it tonight." Elizabeth said. "But maybe in the next day or so and then we can talk to everyone this weekend."
Jack nodded. After a few moments of sitting there, Jack put his hand on Elizabeth's stomach.
"You know how I feel." Jack said. "How are you doing?"
"Not bad." Elizabeth said. "It is a lot to teach thirty plus children. If things keep expanding, I think having two of us next year would be a good idea. A second classroom will be needed, but we can deal with that later."
"Okay." Jack said. "Otherwise how are you?"
"Good." Elizabeth said. "I think I felt the little one move, but I am still not sure. It could just be my stomach getting upset. Hopefully, tomorrow with Faith goes well and we will have a better idea."
"Still thinking about the end of September?" Jack asked.
"I think so." Elizabeth said. "I mean I am showing more everyday, but Aunt Elizabeth said that might just be due to my size."
Jack leaned forward and kissed Elizabeth. He then leaned down and kissed her belly.
"Daddy loves you little one." Jack said. "Be good, it is time to sleep."
Elizabeth smiled. She loved how much Jack already loved the baby. She was so glad that they were going to be parents. No matter how scared she was to go through the pain, she couldn't wait to see Jack as a father. She knew he would be the most wonderful and loving father there was.
"What are you smiling about?" Jack asked as he sat back.
"You." Elizabeth said. "How much I love you and how great a father you are going to be."
"I wish I had the energy to show you how much I love you right now." Jack said.
"Soon." Elizabeth whispered. "I want to be together as well, but I want you well and not to push it right now. When you get better, we will have plenty of time together."
Jack nodded.
"Doesn't change that it is hard to not be with you the way I want." Jack said.
Elizabeth nodded.
"Think of it as a reason to do what you are told to get better." Elizabeth said coyly.
Elizabeth got up, walked around the bed and then crawled in. She snuggled up to Jack, who stroked her hair until they both fell asleep.
After helping Jack upstairs, Dee followed Jacobs downstairs and said goodnight to both Jacobs and his father. He locked the doors and picked up things before he went to his room. He closed the door, picked up the guitar and played for an hour. He needed to clear his head and it was a good way to do it. He played a song that he needed to translate for Jack. He could do it without playing, but he liked doing as he was playing.
Before he crawled in bed for the night, Dee once more checked the fires. He didn't know why he did it as he had just checked them a little more than an hour before, but he checked them anyway. Once he crawled in bed, it didn't take long for him to fall asleep. He was tired and it was more than physical. He knew that the townspeople were dealing with a lot of things, but so was he. He was worried how stressed his dad was. He was worried about Jack and Elizabeth. He knew that Elizabeth had had health problems in the past and he worried what being pregnant would do to her. He knew that it was really hard for Sophie and she didn't have the problems that Elizabeth had had growing up. She had her own challenges, but she wasn't prone to passing out and bouts of fatigue.
