A Misunderstanding?

Chapter 1

Elizabeth sat at her make up table in her bedroom in her childhood home in Hamilton just like she has over the last four weeks. She was preparing for another party to celebrate something, but she couldn't remember why or for whom. This was the seventh party in the last four weeks since she has been home. Between friends and family celebrating her return home, she barely had time to sit and think. She has been shopping with Julie and Viola for new dresses and countless lunches. She just wanted an evening alone, but that would not be happening tonight.

As she stared at her reflection in the mirror, there were many thoughts from the last three years running through her mind. She left for Coal Valley to be a teacher against her parent's pleas. She wanted to help kids who didn't have the means to choose any school to attend. She never thought her life would have taken such a drastic turn in the little coal mining town of Coal Valley. She met this guy who was so different from her, but that was the reason he was always on her mind. While their backgrounds were complete opposites from each other, he was her intellectual equal. He wasn't as educated with proper learning like she was, but he was an intelligent man in his own right. He challenged her and that made her fall for him and made him frustrated all at the same time.

Her frequent walks with Jack around the pond always brought a smile to her. Their discussions would run from everyday conversations to deep, thought provoking conversations that would make her think for days. She remembered the time she jumped in his arms in the rowboat because the spider on her shoulder scared her. The thought of their closeness made her blush, but she couldn't ignore the terrific feeling of being in Jack's arms. His warmth made her feel that she belonged there. The debacle of Billy Hamilton and how Jack was there for her, even if he was infuriating at times, meant a lot to her.

Jack's inability to share his heart through words was frustrating, but she also thought he was adorable when he would run his hand over the back of his neck when he was nervous. She never understood how she was able to make such a brave Mountie nervous but secretly she loved it. She loved the big smile that would come over his face when he thought he had bested her. That was frustrating and handsome all at the same time. She noticed the smile looking back at her in the mirror at the memories of Jack.

The thoughts of Charles also ran through her mind. He was a good friend from childhood. He was always a friend who supported her throughout school. He was always around. She loved him as a friend and was probably closer to him than anyone else…except maybe Jack. How did she truly feel about Charles? What was he in her life? She knew he wanted more than friendship, but she kept telling herself that he was just a friend. Her father made no efforts to hide the fact that he wanted Charles to be her husband. He wanted her to marry Charles and become a lady of proper society. A lady of proper society did not work, but she loved teaching. She enjoyed shaping the minds of young boys and girls. When her students finally figured out something that was they were struggling with made her day. She lived for those moments.

As she continued to stare at the reflection in the mirror, she replayed the moment in the school house four weeks earlier.

…

She gasped as Charles was before her on his knee with a beautiful ring between his thumb and index finger. His nervous smile looked at her with the anticipation of hope. He barely spoke the words before he lost his voice.

"Elizabeth, I have loved you for years…" He paused and swallowed. "Would you do the honor of becoming my wife?"

The questions were constantly replaying in her mind. Why would he do that? What would make him think that I would say yes? Was Jack right when he told me that Charles would be the first to step up if he wasn't in the picture? She thought to herself.

Elizabeth was speechless. She stood in front of Charles unable to form any words. Her heart was screaming "no" but her mind was not engaging in the conversation. How could he think this was a good idea? Did she do anything that made him believe she would say yes to his proposal? Her thoughts were broken when Charles cleared his throat.

The thoughts of her and Jack in the mine just a few days earlier came rushing through her mind. She had told him she loved him. She meant it, but…but now she is confused. Not about her feelings toward Jack, but the fact that Charles was kneeling before her with a ring.

She shook her head and was finally able to speak. "Charles, what do you think you are doing? Why are you here?"

Charles' hopeful smile faded at her words. "Elizabeth, you know we are good friends. We know each other so well and we get along better than anyone else." Charles continued with a hopeful smile. "Elizabeth, we would make a good match and a powerful team. We work so well together, and we enjoy each other's company. Why wouldn't I be here asking you to be my wife?" He continued after a few moments of silence. "Elizabeth, we fit perfectly together. No matter what we do or where we go, we always enjoy the time together and enjoy ourselves. Every time we are together is just as good as the previous time. We've had a special relationship in the past and we could have a better future together."

Elizabeth continued to lose her ability to speak. Her lips would only form a small O shape while she tried to engage her mind. She did love Charles, but did she love him in this way? Could she imagine herself as his wife? She remembered all the times they had spent together. She freely admitted to herself that they did enjoy each other's company. She remembered avoiding Abagail's question if she could imagine Charles keeping her warm at night.

While his smile was fading because of Elizabeth's silence, he continued with his rehearsed speech that he worked on over and over again on the long train ride to Hope Valley.

"Elizabeth, you have been here for years and have done exactly what you wanted. Elizabeth, you have made a difference in these children's lives, and you have had your grand adventure. You have lived on our own and made your own way away from Hamilton and your family. Now, it is time to quit playing this silly role and come home and rejoin your family. It's time to take your rightful position in society. It's time to come home and begin the next season of your life."

Elizabeth was irritated with his statement. She opened her mouth to try to explain once again her true reason for going out west. For some reason, her family and Charles just could not understand her desire to make a difference in the lives of others. To be a teacher to children who did not have many opportunities like the children in Hamilton. Before she opened her mouth to unload on Charles about his adventure statement, Charles continued.

"Elizbeth, this is what your parents expect, especially your father." Charles knew the weakness Elizabeth had for her father and he was willing to use that fact to help convince Elizabeth to come back to Hamilton with him. "I have spoken to your father, and I have his permission to be here asking for your hand in marriage. He has given us his blessing." Charles' smile was beginning to grow in hopes he was beginning to win her over.

…

William Thatcher was an extremely successful businessman. He is the shipping tycoon of Hamilton. He was the shipping tycoon of all Canada. Needless to say, he was a man that was used to getting what he wanted, even with his family. He was in complete control of his life.

His oldest daughter, Viola, was walking the path he had planned for her. She was engaged to Sir Lionel from England. She would have a proper title once they were married. Elizabeth had always been agreeable, except for this little sidetrack trip out west. William just knew this would take a short period of time to get the adventure streak out of his middle child. He did admit that this was taking longer than he had expected. Then there was his youngest daughter, Julie. She was the wild one. She was a free spirited young lady who jumped from one mindless thing to another without any forethought.

William was still fuming from the little incident with Julie and that other Thorton boy. Julie was just not listening to him. Even after the accident with the car, Julie still could not stop talking about that Thorton boy. How did these two Thorton boys become part of his daughters' lives? This thought replayed constantly in his mind.

…

"Your father is hoping you will join me on the train tomorrow." Charles continued. "Yor ticket is already bought. He would be greatly disappointed if you were not home by the end of the week. He is looking forward to seeing you."

Elizabeth knew Charles was playing unfair with his statements concerning her father, but she still couldn't avoid the pull her father had on her. He was overbearing, but she loved him very much. She has always done what he wanted. It was just easier that way. She did it to avoid any disagreements.

She exhaled a long, slow breath. Maybe she needed to go home once again and try to make them understand. It wasn't too long since her and Jack left Hamiton. Maybe she needed to go back to Hamilton with Charles to explain once again her love of her students and her desire to teach the children of Hope Valley. Plus, her father still needed to learn more about Jack. She sighed at the thought of going back to Hamilton. She loved parts of Hamilton, but she was not looking forward to discussing Jack with her family, especially to her father and older sister.

Her thought went back to Jack. Just days after the afternoon in the mine with Jack, she knew he was important to her. He confessed his love for her, and she told him she loved him too. Her relationship with Jack has progressed over the days since, but they were still new in this courting. While she loved Jack, she hasn't had too much experience in courting. She hasn't been in a relationship with anyone. Sure, there was a rare dance in high school, but she was always too focused on her school work. She didn't have time for boys.

She wasn't completely honest with Jack concerning his job. She wasn't sure if she was strong enough to be with a mountie. Could she handle sitting at home waiting on Jack to come back? What if that day was the day that he wouldn't come home? She still had doubts that she could be a wife of a mountie.

Finally, Charles stood and reached for Elizabeth's hand. Much to her surprise, she did not pull away. They were lifelong friends. This act gave Charles hope.

"Elizabeth, we need to go home and face the challenges together like we have with everything else in our life, as a team. So, will you listen to your father and do what he wants?"

She meant what she told Jack in the mine. She cared for him. She did love him. Now, Charles was standing in front of her with this beautiful ring. She was feeling a little conflicted. She did not fully understand her feelings for Jack, but she did know her feelings for Charles. She loved him. He was her best friend for most of her life. This feeling wasn't the same as she felt for Jack. She felt something for Jack that she has never experienced before. This was a little hard for her to wrap her mind around.

"Yes." She paused. "I will go back to Hamilton to figure this out. Father needs to understand why I'm here." Was her response. Charles heard the word "yes" and not any other word she spoke after that. He reached around Elizabeth and gave her a tight hug thinking she was agreeable to his proposal.

…

Charles wasn't the only person who heard the word, "yes." Jack was standing outside of the front door of the school. Jack had walked onto the top step when he saw Charles bend down to get on one knee. Jack was coming for the ride he promised Elizabeth earlier that morning. He heard the entire conversation. His mind was racing while he was holding the engagement ring he just received from Yost's Mercantile. The beautiful blue sapphire ring may not have been the most expensive ring, but it reminded him so much of Elizabeth. The ring was eloquent in its simplicity. It wasn't fancy, but gorgeous.

The ring was the same ring his father gave his mom so many years ago. His father was his hero. While his dad died in the line of duty when he was ten, he was still Jack's world. His mom told him countless stories of his father. Once he became a mountie, his older service brothers would share stories of his father. They all respected Tom and was expecting great things from his oldest son. To date, Jack was living up to the tall standard. He was heads and shoulders above the others in his graduating class.

The ring was simple, but elegant. It was not huge or pretentious, but beautiful in its simplicity. The beauty the ring held couldn't be bought. The sapphire stood all by itself without the need for anything else to frame it. The ring didn't look new, but the love the ring implied to his mother still shines in the beauty through Jack's love for Elizabeth.

The ring was perfect. It screamed Elizabeth. He couldn't afford an expensive new ring like the one Charles was holding. Even knowing that, he still believed the ring was perfect and Elizabeth would love it. That was before he saw Charles' ring. He wasn't certain, but he knew Charles' ring was twice the size of his ring and probably worth even more than three times the ring he was holding.

Mr. Thatcher's words began to pound within Jack's mind. "I am afraid Elizabeth will miss out on what she truly deserves. I'm afraid she will wake up one day and realize she did not have the life she should have lived."

At Elizabeth's 'yes' statement, Jack couldn't stay any longer on the top step. He didn't know what to do but he knew he couldn't stay by the front door and listen to her acceptance of Charles' proposal. He had heard all he needed to hear and something in him was forcing him to leave.

As he hastily made his way down the steps, Elizabeth thought she heard something at the front door. She glanced but didn't see anything and she didn't hear anything else, but that reminded her that Jack was supposed to meet her after school for a ride. She has been looking forward to spending time with him. While they have spent time together, they haven't had any alone time together. She has been busy grading papers and preparing for the end of the school year in a couple of weeks. Jack had some small burglaries he was working to solve. They spent time together, just not quality time.

…

Trying to avoid another fight with Jack about Charles, she was trying to end this discussion with Charles so he would leave before Jack arrived. Finally, at her wits end, she agrees to go back to Hamilton on the stage and train tomorrow to have a long over due talk with her family, especially with Viola and her father.

Charles couldn't contain his excitement. He took the ring out of the box and was preparing to place the ring on her ring finger. Elizabeth took a step back and with a questioning look on her face. "Charles, what are you doing?"

Charles, a little confused with her reaction, stated. "I just thought it was time to place the ring on your finger. After all, you did say yes." He said with a smile that was growing by the second.

Again, Elizabeth was speechless. Charles interrupted her before she was able to speak. "I understand Elizabeth, you want to wait until we are home so your family can rejoice with us. They can witness your ring being placed on your finger for the first time."

Elizabeth didn't understand why she didn't correct him. Did she really want this? Or was she just so shocked she didn't know what to say?

…

Jack walked slowly into the jail and closed the door behind him. The events over the last few minutes weighted heavily on him. First, he was rehearsing how he was going to ask Elizabeth to marry him. What he was going to wear and how he was going to place the ring on her finger once she accepted his proposal. Now, all he could think about was the fact that she said yes to Charles.

"I love you, Jack." Those sweet words were what she spoke to him in the mine. He heard her clearly when she said those words sitting by the small fire in the mine, his heart stopped for a moment. In his most secret dreams, he was afraid to allow himself to think she could love him. After opening his heart and telling Elizabeth exactly how he felt, she told him that she loved him and shared the most precious kiss. If he closed his eyes, he could still hear her soft voice saying those precious words. While it wasn't their first kiss, to him, it was their most intimate kiss. Just the thought of that moment made him want to try his best to repeat the kiss.

He felt they crossed a bridge that day This bridge covered all their history and insecurities. This was going to allow them to move forward in their courtship and their lives together. When Elizabeth saw his smile after the kiss, she almost melted. While he had smiled before, this smile was different. He smiled so big his dimples had dimples. At that moment, she thought he was the most attractive man on earth. She was lost in this new feeling she had for him.

The dimples were so big and captivating, she secretly nicknamed him Dimples. She thought she might tell him one day but decided she would keep that little secret to herself for now.

Rip barked and that brought him out of his thoughts. "You silly dog! If you didn't tell me to change suits, I would have beaten that man to the school house. I would have asked her before he did."

After watching Rip just lay his head back down on his dog bed, Jack had to get out of this suit. If anyone asked him what he was thinking, he couldn't tell them. He just didn't know. His mind was racing from the hurt, the disappointment, and the confusion he was feeling. Hearing Elizabeth's sweet voice say the word "yes" to that man was too much for him. No matter how hard he closed his eyes, the voice was still clear in his ears.

While changing shirts, Jack's breath stopped when he heard the front door of the jail open quickly. His first thought was that Elizabeth was coming to tell him she was leaving. He wasn't sure he could handle that tonight. With his eyes closed, he heard Abigail's voice.

He winced as Abagail's voice called out for him. He loved Abagail. She was a great friend who instantly welcomed him when he first arrived in Coal Valley. She helped in so many other ways. She helped Jack in his early duties as constable. She helped him have credibility with the town's people. She gave him confidence to work with the members of this community that he quickly fell in love with. She also was a sympathetic ear to listen to his frustrations with Elizabeth. Abagail always corrected him but did to with a loving heart. She quickly became an older sister that Jack never had.

"Jack! Jack! We need your help!"

Jack finished buttoning up his shirt as he walked from his little back room he was living in a the jail house. "Abagail. Calm down. What's wrong?"

"Jack! There is a problem at the saloon. Mr. Trevoy needs you now. He is having trouble with two miners."

Jack rolled his eyes. He really did not feel like being around anyone now. He was still nursing his heart and trying to calm his mind.

"Are they fighting again?" Jack asked with a little more anger than he wanted too.

"I'm not sure. Mr. Trevoy stepped outside of the saloon onto the porch and was yelling for you."

Jack grabbed his gun belt and ran out of the office toward the saloon.

…

Meanwhile, Elizabeth gathered her personal items off her desk and began her walk back to her home she shared with Abagail. She loved living above the café. Abagail quickly became a close friend when she arrived in Coal Valley three years ago. Not only was she Elizabeth's best friend, but she was also more of a sister than Elizabeth's actual sisters. As she lifted the books and shawl off her desk, Charles asked if he could carry them for her.

Elizabeth exhaled slowly. She didn't know exactly what was happening, but her upbringing dictated that she would allow him to be a gentleman. After all, Charles was her lifelong friend. "Sure." She replied with little to no emotion in her voice. Charles' smile grew with the exchange. He was still excited about her yes.

…

When Jack arrived at the saloon, he knew this wasn't just some fight between friends. The larger miner was standing over the smaller miner who was bleeding from a severe head wound.

"Turn around Mike. You are under arrest for assault." Jack stated.

Mike smiled. This wasn't the first time Jack had arrested Mike for fighting in the saloon.

"Constable," Mike began to explain. "I did nothing wrong. Jason was cheating during the poker game. I caught him with two Aces up his sleeve."

As Jack was placing the handcuffs on Mike, Abagail walked into the saloon and noticed Jason laying on the floor bleeding. "Jack! He needs a doctor."

"Abagail, when is the circuit doctor supposed to come through Hope Valley again?"

Abagail thought for a moment. "He should be coming to town next week. He is in Bantif until then. That is a half day ride in the best of conditions."

"Abagail, how is he doing?"

"Jack, he will need a lot of stiches. I don't think I can do that many and he will need medicine to keep it from getting infected."

"Great! I will take Mike to jail and then I will head to Bantif to see if I can find the doctor." Jack thought for a moment. "If I leave now, I should be back sometime late tomorrow."

Jack bemoaned the thought of not having a doctor who lives in town or at least a nurse. Hope Valley was growing, and the new sawmill was beginning to have a constant flow of people who are learning to work the saws at the sawmill. People were constantly getting hurt.

Abagail smiled at him. When they meet eyes, she told Jack to stop by the café before leaving town. "I will have sandwiches for you to take with you for the journey."

Jack smiled as he escorted Mike out of the front swinging doors of the saloon. While Jack hated this part of his job, he was grateful for the distraction from the evening, even if it was only for a few minutes. However, he was not looking forward to the long, lonely ride to Bantif. He would have several hours with just his thoughts and with that one, stupid word, "yes."

After saddling his horse, Sargent, he stopped by the café. True to Abagail's nature, she had plenty of sandwiches and snacks for his ride. She packed a few treats for him. She also had fresh, hot coffee waiting for him.

"Abagail, I can't thank you enough for doing this. You are a life saver."

"Jack, please be careful. I know you need to hurry, but make sure you are safe. We will all miss you if something happened to you." Abagail told him as she handed him the food and the thermos of coffee.

As he was walking toward the door after hugging Abagail, she stopped him with her next few words. "Hey Jack, have you told Elizabeth you are leaving?"

For the first time that evening, Abagail saw the profound sadness in Jack's eyes. He dropped his shoulders at the mention of Elizabeth's name. He looked defeated. This was the first time she has seen him like this. It shocked her a little.

"No, I haven't seen her lately."

She asked, "Weren't you supposed to go for a ride with her today after school? Did something happen?"

"Yes, we were, but something did happen."

Abagail stared at Jack waiting for him to continue. She didn't know what was wrong, but his demeaner was completely changed from his normal self when he talked about Elizabeth. She was sure it wasn't due to the long ride that he was facing. Jack shifted his weight from side to side trying to think of something, anything, to say to Abagail. He didn't have time to get into a long conversation about Charles and his accepted proposal.

"Abagail, I really need to go fetch the doctor. He is needed here as fast as I can get him here." He finally said.

After a few moments of looking into his sad eyes, she relented and told him she would see him sometime tomorrow. She made a mental note to ask Elizabeth what happened.

…

Twenty minutes after Jack left the café, Charles and Elizabeth entered the café through the front door. "Hey Elizabeth. Where have you been?" Abagail stopped when she noticed who was walking in beside Elizabeth "Oh…hello Mr. Kensington. When did you get into town?" Abagail couldn't hide the frown that creeped on her face.

Charles was smiling so big he was having trouble forming a sentence. Elziabeth finally answered for Charles and told Abagail that he just got into town only an hour or so ago.

Abagail instantly thought of Jack. She knew the history between Elizabeth, Jack, and Charles. She always thought that Charles' feelings for Elizabeth was greater than just friendship. When she tried to talk to Elizabeth about it, she just dismissed Abagail's concerns and said they were just friends.

Charles turned to Elizabeth and handed her all her books he was carrying for her and told her he would leave her alone for a little while to go get a room for the evening and allow her tie to pack her belongings. He assured her he will be back in time for dinner. Charles hesitated for a moment and offered her a big smile. He also lingered his hand on her forearm for a moment.

Elizabeth didn't say anything. She just gave a forced smile and a small nod.

Abagail waited until Charles left the café. She turned her attention back to Elizabeth. "Elizabeth, where are you going?"