A Mounty answering the call in a crisis.
Season 8 has recently ended with two people finally finding each other and partaking of a very romantic private reading of a new book. A very promising future can be envisaged for these two Hope Valley folk as they enter a new phase of their lives. Most of us will wish them well, however, I can't help thinking that life is going to intervene posing certain issues (possibly that could be quite an understatement.)
I personally don't believe at all that the newfound courtship is going to run smoothly for Elizabeth and Lucas without some incidents occurring as they try to promote their courtship over the next few months and beyond. The writers have hardly given any of the main characters of the series a moments peace and I imagine that this will not change at all. We have to wait all this time to find out, so I decided to write my own episode. Can you have a read and tell me what you think.
Here is a possible example of any amount of situations that could occur at any time and interfere with the impending courtship and life in the little town of Hope Valley. Life has continued on for the community and all the children have returned to school with their teacher Elizabeth Thornton at the helm. She is very happy and contented and also, she is excited after all this time to be experiencing a real love affair again. She had always remembered having been given consent with that heartbreaking letter from Jack to follow her heart.
Lucas still has his saloon to run. He also is very happy with life at the moment and relieved that the anxiety of Elizabeth's indecision is finally in the past. From the first time that he had met Elizabeth, his attraction for her had grown into love and he had been depressed and discouraged for some of the time but now that was over. He often drives his car to the Thornton's household and spends some time with both mother and son. "So, this is what it looks like in here." he said with a smile. Finally, after so long, Elizabeth and Lucas are now able to express their affection for each other leaving behind all the doubt and inhibitions. They have dinner together and the odd picnic, sometimes with Little Jack. Elizabeth seems now to be able to move on from Mounty Jack even though he will remain in her heart forever.
Elizabeth would cook and watch on affectionately as Lucas attempted to form a real bond with Little Jack in her home. He would be sprawling out on the floor with trains and cars and reading stories. Marriage was still a long way off but he saw himself as becoming the boy's father and having a hand in his upbringing. This was a brand new experience for the very independent Lucas who, although out of his depth, really wanted to make a success in this venture. His relationship with Elizabeth would depend upon this. So far, Little Jack had hardly been away from his mother, Rosemary or Laura the nanny.
There was an occasion on one particular day where Little Jack remained at home with Laura while Elizabeth and Lucas walked arm in arm along the street to the saloon. As with all newly romantic couples, they often expressed their love to each other and would share a kiss and a hug along the way. Life could not be better for them and they continually showed their commitment and love for each other. After one passionate kiss along the way, Elizabeth could not help noticing Nathan standing across the road by the jailhouse. He was someone who she had hardly seen over the last few weeks what with school recommencing and now her newfound companionship. She was quite sure that Lucas had not missed Nathan's presence either.
This was an awkward new experience for her and she couldn't believe how uncomfortable she felt. There was no such problem before when she had her relationship with Jack. She looked back for Nathan who had now disappeared from the area. Come to think of it, there was the time at the 'meet the parents information evening' recently when, at the conclusion she noticed Nathan with Allie at the back. Other parents came to introduce themselves to her. A brief interlude occurred; however, Nathan and Allie had gone by then.
Lucas had not failed to notice the change in Elizabeth's demeanour while they continued along to the saloon.
Elizabeth was amazed how she had not even considered how this harmless show of affection would affect her. The past came flooding back causing her to realize that this coexistence was not going to be easy. Now in the saloon, she attempted to raise the concern with her intended. This did not go well at all. Lucas, getting flustered did not help matters much when she tried to explain what was happening. The truth was actually that she did not fully understand it either. She looked to Lucas for help.
She said "Lucas, can you understand how awkward it made me feel to see the man I had to reject in order to come to you. I love you dearly, but it is going to be hard for us because I care for Nathan". Lucas's response contained precious little comfort for her. "Elizabeth, we have made our commitment to each other and I'm sure the town has given us their blessing. Nathan will just have to accept the situation and get on with his life". She, along with Abigail was quite well aware that Lucas was very successful in his business dealings and was used to getting his own way.
He added, "Are you suggesting that we shouldn't even appear in public together for fear of upsetting Nathan? If he hasn't moved on, then we can't help that". Elizabeth could not believe that he could be as callous and uncaring as this. She decided to herself that she would do her best to avoid a repeat of this. She blurted out "you say something like this about the man who saved our lives not so long ago. That man with the gun in the saloon was going to do away with us if you can remember. Did you ever get around to thanking Nathan for risking his life for us"? She was visibly annoyed and decided abruptly to return home.
The following day Lucas arrived at the front door of Elizabeth's home with flowers. He was very apologetic and said how he had now thought it all through and she was right. "I'm sorry Elizabeth, I should have been more understanding of your feelings." Luckily, she had cooled down by now, however, she did feel a certain degree of patronisation in his words. They accepted that they needed to be mindful of the situation from now on and that a bit of restraint would be in order.
So, after all this, my scenario starts on any particular day where Lucas might have hastily volunteered to look after little Jack while Elizabeth is at school as everyone else is apparently unavailable. He had suggested to Elizabeth from time to time about him having the boy on his own during this time to see how he fared. Her smile was a little apprehensive but he sounded confident so it was all agreed. "We'll be just fine won't we little man." While his pre-schooler parenting skills may of course be a work in progress, particularly with the job of keeping the little toddler occupied and amused for the whole day, it seemed the effort was needed to be made. It was such a nice day and there seemed to be more to life than being cooped up at home inside so, Lucas decided that a walk and a piggyback trip around the town would be in order. Little Jack, although quiet, was taking it all in and listening to the stories and nursery rhymes and seemed quite content.
Many had watched from a distance with a grin at how worried Lucas seemed thinking that the little boy might not be happy and that he may eventually have a crisis on his hands. Elizabeth was getting reports that all was going well so far and that she could relax and continue on with her teaching. They found their way to the saloon which had opened late in the mid-morning. There were a few toys available for Little Jack to amuse himself with while Lucas attended to a couple of quick jobs. He kept a lookout for the little boy and all seemed to be fine. Little Jack was quiet and possibly missing mum as he didn't seem to be wanting his dinner. Lucas decided to hurriedly finish his tasks and then a trip to the café and Clara may help solve any issues.
Suddenly Lucas' attention is drawn elsewhere as Gustav let out a shriek from the kitchen, "My God, there's a mouse in here, in my kitchen." Lucas raced in there to see Gustav banging some utensils and one of the patrons yelled out, "what's all the noise?" The last thing they needed was mice inside the establishment, "We'll just have to set some traps later after the boy is back with his mother." said Lucas as he tried to calm Gustav. The situation partially addressed for the moment; Lucas returned to Little Jack. The problem now is that the boy is not there. Lucas starts to look around everywhere in the building to see where he might be. A number of rooms have doors open so he could have gone in there out of curiosity. "Jack, where are you," called out Lucas knowing that he can't be far away. He quickly surveyed all the open rooms with no success and then he noticed that the front door has been left ajar, and it becomes conceivable that the toddler may have wandered outside of the saloon. Surely, he couldn't have gone far in such a short time. There was no luck either after a quick look outside. "Jack, are you out here?" sang out a very worried Lucas. "I'm supposed to be looking after him and now he's nowhere to be seen." The boy has now gone missing and is nowhere to be seen or heard. The alarm is raised, and a call out to a frantic mother who is now beside herself. "Mrs Thornton, we can't find Little Jack, he's nowhere to be found." cried Robert who was out of breath from running. She wants to know how it is possible that this could happen. The answers to this would have to wait until later.
They and eventually most of the towns' people started to search all the shops and buildings everywhere to no avail. "Lucas, how could this happen to my little boy." He was beside himself by now, "I only took my eyes off him for an instant." he lamented. Quite a deal of time had elapsed and maybe by now little Jack may be asleep somewhere like the stable or in a corner inside one of the shops. They hunted everywhere and they noticed anxiously that the hour was getting late. How could a little boy be able to wander off by himself and nobody see him. Elizabeth was very distressed by now and franticly searched and called for him. There was agony in her voice and things going around in her head that she dared not imagine.
With plenty of people searching in the township area, Nathan, who had also joined the search, considered that Little Jack may not have climbed some of the steps in front of the shops. He then figured that, now that darkness had fallen, it was time to search outside of the township area with a lantern. "Jack, it's Uncle Nathan, where are you." It is well after dark by the time Nathan, who had been searching in the outlying areas of the town, hears a dog barking aggressively in the distance. He fears the worst as he quietly moves in carefully to investigate and sure enough to his great relief sees the very frightened little boy lost out in the bushland. "Just stay still Jack and everything will be alright and I'll take you back to your mum." As he carefully approaches the dog's barking changes to a menacing low growl. The problem is still yet to be resolved with a very large angry dog on the loose. With slow movement and still talking to Jack, not to cause provocation, he is able to get between Jack and the dog. He has his pistol drawn; however, he is reluctant to fire scaring the boy even more. When he picks the boy up, the dog attacks Nathan. He is able to fend it off with a blow from his pistol as he winces in pain giving him a chance to rescue Jack from the still threatening wild animal and make their escape with blood dripping from his arm. Thankfully the subdued dog does not follow.
As he brings the very clingy boy back into town, a relieved Faith notices the bad injury to Nathan's arm and immediately gets him to give the boy to Bill Avery while she hustles Nathan into the Infirmary. The nasty gash on his arm which he sustained from the aggressive wild dog will need to be attended to straight away. He is in a great deal of pain while he describes the incident to an absolutely horrified Faith. She could see that he was suffering from shock, "Faith, that dog could have killed that little boy and how could we have faced Elizabeth." He was in tears as he breaks down as he contemplates what might have happened to the little boy he cares so much about. Faith consoles him during this time. She was there when he needed a friend.
Meanwhile, Elizabeth shows up from one of the buildings and rushes with relief to take her son into her arms. She is very thankful that her son is safe and back with her and is now heading home gratefully. She hadn't even asked what happened. Getting her son back would do for now. Lucas also very relieved tries to escort her, but she wishes to be left alone.
At home, Elizabeth sat with Little Jack, cuddling him very tightly with awful thoughts racing through her head. How could this have happened and where on earth had he gotten to. She sees how frightened he looks, something she had not seen in him before and it upset her greatly. She notices blood stains on his clothes. She worriedly checks him over from head to foot but strangely cannot find any wounds or cuts of any sort. She feels a numbness come over her as she ponders what had happened to her little boy.
Early next morning Rosemary popped in to see how Elizabeth and Little Jack are coping. She had wisely left them to themselves as Elizabeth had not been in any state for helpful company on the way back home last night. She could see that Elizabeth and Jack had not gone to bed overnight and had stayed together all that time in the chair until now. She had not even answered the door when Rosemary knocked.
Rosemary made them a cup of tea and a drink for Jack. She sat down quietly with them for a while. "Can you imagine what it was like not knowing where my son was and whether he was safe. All that time out there on his own." Elizabeth asked. "I was out of my mind. I won't let this ever happen again. Where did he get to?" It is now that she tells Elizabeth that it was Nathan who had rescued Jack out in the forest and that she thinks he might have gotten badly injured in the process. She didn't know any more details than that.
A very grateful mother asks Rosemary to mind Jack for a while so that she can head down the street to see if Nathan is alright. When she reaches the edge of town, she can see Nathan on his horse in the distance in the process of riding out of town. She now heads to the infirmary to ask Faith if she can tell her what happened. She is sick to the stomach when Faith reveals how a very brave Mounty Nathan rescued her son from imminent disaster and sustained a very nasty gash on his arm. She understood then how that was why Nathan was nowhere to be seen last night when she was reunited with Jack. Faith had inspected Nathan's wound again this morning and insisted that he get it seen to regularly when he got to Fort Clay. He was going there against her advice.
"Fort Clay, what do you mean Fort Clay," cried Elizabeth. She, now is extremely upset and hurriedly seeks out a very subdued Bill Avery. He is sitting in his office visibly shaken now that he sees Elizabeth. He looks up and says in a broken voice "You know, we could have lost my little Godchild last night. If not for Nathan, a disaster may have occurred that I can hardly imagine." She asks where he is going. "Bill, is it true that he is going to Fort Clay, whatever for." He tells her that Nathan is heading to conduct a training exercise at Fort Clay. He had received a phone request 5 minutes before the search for little Jack began. Request was made at short notice as the Mounty who was to be in charge had suddenly taken ill.
Bill described how Nathan did not hesitate to accept the task, wishing to atone for not being there before which resulted in Mounty Jack's death. He had felt a degree of culpability even though he had been powerless to alter the situation back then. However, saving the life of his son would go a long way to squaring the ledger. Allie was asked to stay with Opal and her family. "Elizabeth, he is badly injured but he still insisted that he was going on that training mission. I'm sure that I won't sleep until he returns safely.
Elizabeth despaired with this news not yet being able to make things right with Nathan who has now saved the life of her son. She was hurt in that he didn't tell her that he was going out of town. She was in no frame of mind to deal with Lucas at the moment. Her courtship would have a cloud hanging over it until all this could be resolved. She had wanted a loving relationship with Lucas and a meaningful friendship with Nathan. Now it looked like neither was going to happen in the near future.
Faith cared deeply for Nathan and had gone to great lengths to implore him to let the people there at Fort Clay see to his arm. She wished that he was not going but his mind was made up, "Nathan, there is a risk of infection so promise me that you will at least follow my instructions." The training mission was not going to proceed without him so there was no need to hurry, hence, it was nearly dark when he arrived. He could still visualize that dog bearing down on him and it wasn't something that he was going to forget any time soon. He dutifully obeyed Faith's instructions regarding his arm and headed straight to their Infirmary even before reporting his arrival to the office. He had been here before and he knew his way around.
The doctor knew that he wasn't going to have an early night once he saw the damage to Nathan's arm. "How on earth did you get this?" he asked. "This is only recent and it is serious." Nathan was nonplussed and he didn't have many fond memories of this place but he was here to do a job and he was going to do it. "I was bitten by a dog sir." He was given a tentative permission to go ahead with the job he had been requested to do. "Your nurse back at Hope Valley did a fine job but I want you back here in the morning and I'm going to allocate one of our medics to travel with you. That's the only way I'm going to allow you to proceed with this exercise." Nathan considered that he had no choice; he was not about to let his very painful arm injury force him off duty and have history repeat itself like with Mounty Jack.
His assignment included leading a squad of new mounted police rookies into the hills to learn to work together and solve various tasks presented to them. They would have about a week to get the feel of living out in the field and getting valuable experience working together as a team. There were three different types of tents to learn to erect and pack up and they were to carry ordinance. Nathan impressed upon them all of the danger that this posed and that there was a need to take care. Nobody was to work alone. The medic attended to Nathan first thing in the morning and the last thing in the evening. They set out on the same route as the one that Mountie Jack took some years ago.
Days later, they suddenly get news at Hope Valley of an explosion of sorts which had occurred on the training exercise. No other news than that. To make matters worse, communications were down and they were isolated for a period of time. Elizabeth, by now is hardly able to sleep at night. She is terribly worried thinking that history had in fact repeated itself but as it turns out, a quick-thinking Nathan had recognised the danger early, hence only minor injuries to others eventuated. It was classed as a successful operation as all personnel and leadership handled the tasks well. Much of their equipment had been destroyed in the blast. Faulty equipment which led to a spark was ultimately to blame for this near catastrophe. The Superintendent back at Fort Clay was moved to say "Thank heavens Nathan you were the man in charge. I don't know what we would have done without you."
As many days had passed, Elizabeth began to accept that little Jack's disappearance had been an unfortunate accident which could have happened to anyone. While she and Lucas had been able to reconcile the incident, she still remained aware that it had happened on his watch. She imagined having to go to Mounty Jack's gravesite and tell him that their son had been taken from them. Her disposition did very little to promote the courtship. Very little progress was made in this regard and Lucas was noticeably frustrated. He was beginning to feel that Nathan would be a constant thorn in their side for evermore. He knew that she cared for him and he couldn't do anything about it.
Elizabeth had to continue on with life as a schoolteacher and was grateful for the support that all the children could provide. She couldn't have been in a better place as she watched them at play and doing their schoolwork with each other. She could also see the pressure that Allie was under with no knowledge of her uncle's fate. Elizabeth could see the sadness in her eyes and she tried to help with some understanding but with little success. Allie said "Uncle Nathan doesn't say much but he's been pretty good at looking after himself. I still haven't got used to calling him dad."
About a week later, after completing his findings and a report of the incident,Nathan set out from Fort Clay and began the long journey back home. Things were going through his mind like some of the assumptions that he had made over his time in Hope Valley and how foolish he felt. He thought "I won't make that mistake ever again" Also there was the possibility that he may consider applying for a transfer to another post. The Superintendent had sounded him out while he was still at Fort Clay and offered references if interested. He had told Nathan that there are many promotions available for men of his qualities. He figured, with this in mind that there was little to keep him there in Hope Valley, many of the folk were indifferent to him right from the start however, there was Allie to consider. She had been doing so well with school and friends so an uprooting again would be a shame. He resolved to discuss the matter with her after a while. She would have a huge say in the outcome.
As he rode along, he drafted a letter in his mind for her to give to the teacher Mrs Thornton. It would read "Dear Mrs Thornton, I will no longer be attending school here in Hope Valley due to my Uncle Nathan's transfer effective immediately. I have enjoyed my time here and will miss you all, thank You" signed Allie Grant.
Later, around dusk a very tired Constable Grant eventually eased his way quietly back into Hope Valley. He had been riding all day and was looking forward to seeing Allie again. The street is empty at this time as he slowly rides towards the jail. Faith had noticed him through the window and was overjoyed and very relieved to see him back. She is out the door in a flash, and, after a welcoming hug, she takes him to the infirmary to rest. She is eager to check on his arm. Bill Avery had also noticed the return of the Mounty and wandered outside to see if he is needed to help in any way. He also is pleased to see him safely back in town. He has a huge regard for Nathan, similar to how he felt for Mounty Jack.
Rosemary had also seen him and rushed to tell Elizabeth the good news of Nathan's return. This was the first information of any sort out of Fort Clay so, for their Mounty to just appear out of nowhere was a miracle to them and the answer to all their prayers. They, along with Little Jack race down the street only to see him in the arms of Faith. Elizabeth asks Bill if Nathan is alright who replies, "It's good to see him with a friendly face" With that, he turns to attend to Nathan's horse and takes him to the stable. Once in the infirmary Nathan immediately falls asleep on the table and, with a blanket given to him by Faith, he is out like a light for many hours. Little Jack had seen Nathan and the red uniform and associated this with his dad from the photo in his home.
Faith closes up the infirmary and leaves Nathan there peacefully to sleep for the night. His arm will have to wait until tomorrow. Once outside, she said to Elizabeth "You know, he never uttered a word and his eyes were very glazed. I can hardly imagine what he has been through these last few weeks. I think he's going to need all of us for quite a while". Elizabeth sadly replied, "I think I'm the last person he'd want to see at the moment" They bid each other goodnight and headed their own ways.
Elizabeth turns to go back home with a very heavy heart but thankful that he is safe. She agonises upon how is it that her life was turning out like this seemingly through no fault of her own. Only a few weeks ago she declared her love for a man she intends to have a courtship with and was so happy. Now events have taken a turn which now leads her to feel that the only one she can be content with for the moment is her son Little Jack.
She becomes more aware of how she will forever be indebted to the man who has twice now come between herself and disaster. A very sad Elizabeth returns to her home where her little son is waiting for her. She has no idea how she can repair the damage done over the last few weeks and even before that. Maybe only time will tell if this can happen.
By the time Faith got to the infirmary next morning, Nathan had gone. He was looking to find Allie who still hadn't known of his return. It was a joyous reunion for them and, after thanking Opal's family, they made their way home. He was sorry that so little news had come out of Fort Clay to her and how she would have been worried. He didn't recount much of the details of the recent escapades except that going to Fort Clay was something he had to do.
She could see that his arm was bandaged heavily and knew that it was as a result of the dog attack. She was proud of her uncle for the rescue of Little Jack. Nathan was inclined to go fishing with his daughter/niece, something he felt that they had earned. Allie would have loved this as she had yearned to be with her uncle/father for ages. She said "I think you had better go back to Faith at the Infirmary to get your arm checked out. I insist. I will go along to school anyway" Nathan said to her as he gave her a hug, "I can see that you are going to be as big a pest as what Faith is."
He fronted up to the infirmary as instructed much to Faith's delight. He apologised for falling asleep last night and for leaving this morning without a note due to having to get Allie. Faith understood completely and instructed him to sit so that she could inspect the dog bite. The doctor at Fort Clay had done a good job with it while he was there so it made the task easier for Faith. "It doesn't seem to hurt much anymore so it should be okay," he said as he got up. "You can sit right back down again until I'm finished. This is going to be done right. You're not going to have an infection on my watch." She grinned at him "You are the policeman out there but I'm in charge in here." "Yes ma'am" he responded. She wanted to see him back every second day until the arm was no longer a problem.
He then wandered across to the police office where Bill usually resides. He wasn't there so he had a quick look for anything on the desk that might need his attention. He was about to leave to go and find where his horse had been when Bill came through the door. "Welcome back, we were all very worried about you when we hardly had any news after the explosion. You must tell me all about it when you are ready." He was well aware of Nathan's lack of expression skills when having to deal with awkward situations so he knew he had to be patient. He told Nathan that he had tended to his horse last night and that he is in the stable and is fine.
Nathan headed to the stable to get his horse and maybe go and do his rounds. On the way he noticed Lucas out on the upstairs veranda at the saloon. He took the glance and continued on his way. "There's a situation I never have to deal with anymore" he thought. My daughter is my only concern.
He rode down the street past the shops and out of the township. He eventually found himself passing by the school just as all the school children were coming out for recess. He saw Allie and waved to her after she had noticed him. Elizabeth had also seen him and waved, however, she realized that his wave was for his daughter. She felt embarrassed and remembered a similar incident quite a while ago in the saloon. "I wonder if Nathan felt the same way then as I do now" she thought.
Now that Nathan was back and thankfully safe, Lucas hoped that Elizabeth would feel more at ease and less pressure so that things could be restored between them. He had also felt an awkwardness between himself and Nathan but considered that there was little that he could do or say to help matters. He remembered how noble Nathan was in coming to the saloon after the rejection and even suggesting that he stay around. He wondered if he would have had the same level of integrity if the choice had been reversed. He could feel the jealousy in his nature and it ate at him constantly. "I'm not that type of person" he thought to himself "who couldn't acknowledge the guy who had saved his and Elizabeth's life but also the life of his future stepson." He was reluctantly giving Elizabeth the space she needed to sort it all out. He was sure that there was real love between them and it would survive over time.
Similarly, Elizabeth, now back at home after the end of a day at school took her son into her arms and immediately thought of Nathan and the safe rescue not so long ago. She knew that this would be embedded in her mind forever. "I'm going to seek out my friends and confidants and get the help that I desperately need" she thought "I cannot go on like this. My goodness! I haven't even been able to thank Nathan for saving my son's life."
Next morning before school, she took Little Jack with her down the street hoping to see Bill Avery for a chat. Nathan was out the front looking around. Elizabeth was amazed to see that Little Jack had noticed Nathan and was pointing to him. Maybe it was the unmistakable red jacket. Clara sang out to Elizabeth and came over and said hello to Little Jack and remarked how big he was getting. By this time, Elizabeth looked back but Nathan had gone. Bill was in his office and was pleased to see them both. The little boy always reminded him of his dad.
They sat down after a while which then gave Elizabeth a chance to ask for his guidance. Before that could happen a very distinguished looking Mounty came through the door and asked Bill the whereabouts of Constable Nathan Grant. She excused herself and said to Bill that she would see him another time if that was alright. "What was that all about" she wondered. She scurried off home not wishing to be late for the start of the school day. It was hard to put her problems aside; however, school time for her was helping to shut them out at least for a while.
Nathan found his way back to the office eventually where Bill advised him about the unannounced arrival of the Mounty. He turned out to be the same Superintendent who ran Fort Clay who was so impressed with the Mounty from Hope Valley. Bill had arranged for him to have a room at the saloon for the duration of his stay. He would look to talk to Nathan the next day sometime. He didn't want to interfere with his duties.
Later, Elizabeth came home after school rather perturbed about missing out on the chance to talk to Bill after plucking up the courage to see him. "If I can't talk to Bill yet then I can always talk to Rosemary" she thought. She needed a friend badly by now to talk to, even ramble on if need be. She and Little Jack knocked on the door which was soon answered by a very caring Rosemary. "Is this a good time to impose on my best friend unannounced again" implored a very sorry Elizabeth. "Come straight in and impose as much as you like" replied Rosemary who could see in an instant, the desperate mood in front of her. Little Jack was quite at home in this household.
Tea and cake came out very soon and then they sat down for a chat. Elizabeth opened with "I have no idea where to start so if I jump all over the place, you may have to help me. I rejected you very cruelly before and I promise that it will never happen again." She added," It took every cookie that I could muster to win back your friendship." Rosemary laughed and said "They were the nicest cookies that I have ever had. Alright, out with it all and don't spare me any details."
Elizabeth paused for a moment, then began, "Both men, along with Jack and Bill are the nicest and most perfect gentlemen that I have ever met. Lucas was so thoughtful and I couldn't help but have so much fun with him. We had the most wonderful candlelight dinner and picnics and I just felt so right with him." Lee popped his head around the corner and muttered, "My dear Rosemary, you would have been a pushover. One croissant from the picnic basket and you would have been measuring up the wedding gowns." "Lee Coulter" growled Rosemary "I'm sure you could find something worthwhile to do. Don't you have some wood that needs milling or something." She glared at him all the way to the door. "I'm sorry Elizabeth, now you can continue on." Elizabeth smiled finally and realized how she loved them both so much and how she yearned for the day when life would not be so complicated.
"I knew I was falling for him long before I could admit it, then he set me free out of the blue. That's when I came to you Rosemary. That night I took my ring off while I was looking at my manuscript. I was so contented in the knowledge that I had completed one of my dreams of being a writer and knowing the book is to be published sometime next year. Lucas was my inspiration for this and to get it completed and I loved him for it. I sent an invite to him in the morning for my private reading to be held in the library which didn't get to him by the afternoon. You saw me call out for him when I noticed the saloon was locked up and how horrified I was. If I hadn't seen him on the bridge, I think he was going to leave Hope Valley." She then remembered that she had left out a very important part. "To try and put things straight, I had called in to see Nathan the previous day and explain things. I told him how wonderful he is and that I loved him also, however, I'm not in love with him."
By now Rosemary was on the floor gasping for breath. "What in heaven's name did he say after that" she cried. Elizabeth, nearly in tears by now said "He didn't say a word and I just walked out. I haven't hardly spoken to him since. I'm sure he is ignoring me like the plague. That's exactly what I deserve."
Rosemary was stunned as she had not known many of these events and had known not to interfere. She had been able to see how Elizabeth's disposition had changed for the worse gradually with all the events over the last few weeks. Her best friend now needed her help more than ever. "Elizabeth, I'm your best friend and am proud to be so, which means that I may tell you some things you may not like to hear." "You go right ahead Rosemary; I trust your judgment and your observations implicitly.' said Elizabeth. "I will bring more cookies if I have to."
A thoughtful Rosemary began, "I don't know Lucas very well, or Nathan really for that matter so whether you made the right choice or not is not a matter for me. You have chosen Lucas so let's deal with him. Do you know much about him, his past and plans that he may have for the future. What brought him to Hope Valley in the first place?" Elizabeth was listening very intently by now. "Your dates with him, did they remind you of your upbringing and your life in Hamilton. He has shown a great interest in your quest for the library and your writing dream. I'm wondering if he has shown the same interest in your school teaching. You may need to explore all of this with Lucas and see what transpires."
"Now Nathan," as Rosemary continued, "I can understand how he is broken hearted at being rejected after all this time. He loves you desperately and now faces his future life without you. I think that you feel so bad because you may not have considered his feelings on many occasions over the past years. You were so besotted with Lucas to Nathan's detriment. This, I can see is a very unfortunate situation because he is such a wonderful person. Something has to be done to fix this because we do not want to lose him or Allie."
Elizabeth jumped in at this time," Rosemary, did you see that Mounty ride into town this morning. He came into the office looking for Constable Grant while I was there. I left straight after that but I wondered why he was here. He is an older looking chap and I would say a high ranking officer. Ones like that don't just ride into a little town like Hope Valley for no reason." As Elizabeth was about to leave she remembered, "Rosemary, when we were down the street this morning we noticed Nathan from a distance. I'm sure Little Jack pointed him out to me. How strange."
She thought about all of this overnight and knew that she would have to confront Nathan eventually to try to mend the past. Rosemary's comments had made her think and feel a little better. Time is going to heal this dilemma and life will go on. A trip in the morning before school to the café might be a good idea.
Next morning bright and early, Nathan had fronted up dutifully to the infirmary as instructed by his doctor and his daughter. Faith sat him down and replaced the bandages on his arm with great skill. She was proving to be good at her job and was a well-respected part of the community. Nathan told her how Allie had insisted there was to be no fishing the other day until he went and saw the doctor to get his arm inspected. Faith said "She is a fine young girl, soon to be a grown woman before you know it. Are you going to be able to manage that Nathan?" She couldn't help the smirk on her face. "I haven't seen much of her; however, she seems to be quite a confident young lady. I bet she was glad to have you back."
She told Nathan that she had met Mounty Jack years ago in Hamilton while tending his wayward brother. She thinks that he was with Elizabeth at that time and how he felt out of place with the big city well to do people. "I told him what I should tell you. Always remember who you are. I was proud of Jack and I am also very proud to have you in our town." Nathan replied "We are so lucky to have you here also. You didn't leave with Carson which shows the dedication you have for Hope Valley. It must have been hard for you because I could see the two of you were very close." Faith was moved to ask Nathan if there was a sweetheart in his life somewhere. Nathan's look was distant when he replied "I couldn't possibly see me getting involved again. Last time I made a complete fool of myself."
He got a good report on his arm and went off to do his rounds. Remember to do what you're told when Allie says" said Faith as he wandered outside. She could see the discontent in his eyes. She was generally unaware of his recent history and was reluctant to pry too much into his life.
Elizabeth, in the meantime had found Bill at the café and asked if she could continue where they had left off yesterday. Firstly, she asked about the Mounty who had come to town yesterday. Bill revealed that he is the Superintendent from Fort Clay and he is staying at the saloon. He didn't know why he was looking for Nathan. It had to be important though.
She wanted to know how Nathan is going and how she wants to see him but does not know how. There was no denying the desolation in her voice and Bill could see that this was not going to be easy. "Elizabeth" he said "You have been placed in the most awkward predicament over the last two years that I can imagine. Having to decide between two very good men was inevitably going to leave one of them shattered. I can't deny how amazed I was when I learned that you chose Lucas. He seems a genuine enough chap so you must know enough about him to believe that you can have a future with him. I understand that you must follow your heart so if you do love each other then it will all work out in the end. You may need to face the possibility of having to uproot yourself and my godchild to wherever he decides his future lies. He may not be so committed to Hope Valley as you are." She told Bill that Rosemary had said the same thing.
He continued on, "Nathan coming to our town has been an absolute Godsend. He didn't get the greatest reception upon his arrival, however, some of us have accepted him as a good friend. I never thought I'd ever say this but I consider him every bit the same as I did Jack. It pains me to see him as he is now. He never was one to say much at any stage, but, since being back from Fort Clay, he has hardly muttered a word. He looks disillusioned with Hope Valley and all of us. I fear that we could lose him if he finds living here untenable. I can see how this is causing you a lot of grief as well." He looked at Elizabeth and added, "I'm concerned about the arrival of our Mounty from Fort Clay. He may be here to present a commendation, deservedly so I might add, which would be great, however, it might be that an overdue promotion and posting could be in the offing." "It is a distinct possibility that we could lose our Mounty if he feels that there is nothing to keep him here." said a stony-faced Bill.
Bill continued on while a very sad Elizabeth sat listening, "I don't know exactly what happened between you people and how we have arrived at this point, but I can see the suffering in him. As awful that it may sound, he may need to move on so that time can heal the pain." She was happy that Bill had some understanding for her which would help her get through.
She thanked Bill for his kindness and went outside the café. She saw Nathan come into town on his horse at the other end of the street and hoped that he would see her. She motioned to wave but the Mounty Superintendent was out there and got his attention. She watched for a while as the two men saluted and shook hands in the street. It was now getting late and she knew that she should be at the school.
Nathan invited him to the office and offered coffee. He wondered if he would be interested in a little tour of the town after a while. In due course Nathan got around to enquiring what had brought this man all the way to Hope Valley. "Nathan, or Constable Grant as I will refer to you when we get more formal, it has been decided to award you a high commendation for your heroic work that you performed on the training mission recently at Fort Clay. We are well aware that, but for your presence of mind under the emergency averted a major catastrophe. Congratulations sir."
He asked Nathan a number of questions like, how long had he been here, what are the people like etc. He remembered after his coffee about how the doctor at Fort Clay told him how Nathan had rescued a little boy where he had sustained his injury. He asked Nathan if he had known the child and how he was going. Nathan replied "He's fine sir. His mother is the schoolteacher Mrs Thornton and they live in one of the row houses which I can point out to you later." "Thornton you say, Thornton, where have I heard that name before?" pondered the Superintendent. Nathan answered, "Her late husband was Constable Jack Thornton of the mounted police who was killed in the very same training assignment at Fort Clay some years ago. The little boy is his son." The Superintendent was dumbfounded. "I have only been at Fort Clay for a couple of years; however, I had heard of the incident and the loss of Constable Thornton. So, his wife and child live here in Hope Valley. I believe that he was a very highly regarded officer." Nathan asked if he would come to his home where he would be able to meet Allie.
The Superintendent expressed a desire to meet Mrs Thornton and her son sometime before he departed. He had the row house pointed out to him when they rode out on Nathan's rounds. Nathan said, "She is of course at school through the day but you would be able to call in during the late afternoon." He was mildly surprised when Nathan declined to accompany him there saying that he had a prior appointment elsewhere.
Elizabeth had quite a surprise to have this Mounty arrive at her doorstep. Lucas had called in for a momentary visit to see how she was coping. He seemed on edge as he watched Little Jack playing on the floor. He excused himself citing a busy evening at the saloon. He had introduced himself when he had welcomed him and shown the Mounty to his room previously. Elizabeth invited this man into her home as he identified who he was. He said how he had discussed with Nathan the rescue of a little boy who turned out to be the son of Jack Thornton. He said how he immediately wanted to meet this family if at all possible and particularly see the young lad." May I offer my most sincere condolences to you at your loss? I have heard of the esteem that Constable Thornton was held in. From what I have seen, it appears that this community has played a big part in your recovery." He saw Little Jack and thought how fortunate he was. "So, this is the son of our famous Mounty and the survivor of being lost in the bush. You must be very proud of him." He remarked what a handsome little fellow he is growing into.
Upon Elizabeth's enquiry, he said how he was here to present Nathan with a commendation for bravery at Fort Clay and the rescue of the little boy. She thought of Jack's award some years ago and how both men couldn't be more worthy. He said how Nathan did not want a big ceremony and that Bill Avery and his daughter Allie would be sufficient. She agreed with his comment how Nathan found it difficult to express himself and seemed to be a quiet achiever. "If I can ever be of service to you or you need anything, contact me anytime please." he said. He bid her goodnight and returned to the township and the saloon.
Nathan took a surprised Allie with him to the office next morning before school and sought out Bill from the café for a while. On the way Allie had asked him how his arm was. "Just about better" he said. "Oh, that's a shame" was the reply from Allie. Nathan looked at her with surprise. "You will have to find a different reason to go and see Doctor Faith" she said while trying to hide the smirk on her face. "Doctor Faith has done a good job for me and, I have to admit, she has a wonderful bedside manner. You need to concentrate on your schoolwork young lady." They were very good for each other.
Allie loved the little short and sharp presentation and was so proud of her new dad. Bill was pleased with his invitation and warmly offered his congratulation. He could see how a big ceremony involving the whole town was not something that applied to our Constable Grant. The Superintendent said how he was pleased to spend some time with them and would be soon on his way back to Fort Clay. He wanted to speak with Nathan for a while privately before he would set off. Bill and Allie went across to the café for a while before she had to go to school. She would be excited to tell others of her uncle's award.
"Nathan," he said, "I have been empowered to offer you the promotion that you most definitely have earned. You are among some of the finest officers we have in the force. There are inspector positions available at Union City or Cape Fullarton. That could lead eventually to the natural progression to Superintendent at any number of posts. I understand that you may be settled here while your daughter is still at school age, however, this is something for you to consider. There is no time constraint on this offer I'm told. I thank you for your hospitality; I will now be on my way. You can contact me at any stage." With that said, he mounted his horse and was on his way.
Previously, while the presentation was in progress, Elizabeth had ventured into town, again with Little Jack. He was rarely out of her sight these days. She was keen to run into Faith hoping to gain further insight into how Nathan was going and the arm injury. She sat outside for a while waiting for Faith to finish with a patient requiring medicine to go on with. She noticed Nathan and the Superintendent come out of the Jailhouse and, after a short conversation, bid their farewells. She thought how lovely it would be if he could just simply see her and come over for a nice little chat. It didn't seem to her that this was ever going to happen.
Faith appeared at the front door and saw Elizabeth sitting outside rather despondently. "You look like you could do with a kind word or two" enquired Faith. "What can I do for you Elizabeth. I can see our little man here looks to be fine." Elizabeth's voice was shaky when she began how her concern for Nathan was really affecting her badly. Faith said how she had been concerned about his arm but now it has just about healed completely. She said "His arm is no longer a problem but I'm not so sure about the rest of him. Since being back from Fort Clay, he seems so despondent and resigned. I don't really know what to make of it." She added, "I've seen you from time to time with Lucas previously but not so much lately. It looks like you two are really close."
Elizabeth then started to explain how they had decided to enter into a courtship. Then, the experience of Little Jack's disappearance along with Nathan going to fort Clay seemed to come between us. Faith could see now how there was a connection of sort with Nathan and how she was suffering as well. "I had rejected Nathan in favour of Lucas and I don't think he handled it well. I told him I couldn't bear losing him like I had lost Jack. My goodness! It makes no difference at all. I may not be with him but I am worried sick about him." Faith then shared with her about Nathan's last words with her. "After he had mentioned Carson, I asked him about whether there was a sweetheart that had been in his life. He said how he had made a complete fool of himself last time and how he could never go through that again." Elizabeth's face fell in dismay and started to sob.
Elizabeth thanked Faith for her understanding as she got up to leave. "Did you see that Mounty who came here the other day. He was here to present Nathan with a commendation but I can't help the thought that there was another reason for the visit. If Nathan gets an offer of a promotion and new posting, he might just decide to take it. I couldn't bear to have him leave here even in the best of times, but what if he went for the wrong reason. I don't think I could recover from that."
She owed Lucas a visit seeing that he left her house prematurely when the Superintendent arrived at her door yesterday. There were things they needed to discuss. There would hopefully be time after school and maybe Rosemary would look after Little Jack for a while.
When she arrived at the saloon Gustav said that Lucas was upstairs and had been for a while. He was usually downstairs at the bar with other people each time she went there. The place was strangely quiet she noticed. She wandered up the staircase and found Lucas in one of the rooms possibly trying to busy himself. After a hug and a kiss, Lucas asked about Little Jack and had the ordeal caused him any harm at all. "He must have been so frightened out there all alone." Elizabeth assured him that he seemed fine by now and there was no cause to worry. "It should have been my arm, not Nathan's." She felt sorry that he should have to say something like that. He must feel so guilty. "All I ever want is for you to be happy." He added. "I'm glad that Nathan is back safely."
"Lucas, can we talk for a while." she asked as they sat down. "It's very quiet downstairs." He then said that business had been slow over recent times. He wasn't venturing much information at this time but also, she could see that he didn't seem to have his heart in it at the moment.
"You know I love you Lucas and we have had so much fun together. We have made a commitment to each other which seems so right. Eventually, we will have to consider what we are going to do. This is going to be for a lifetime so there are things I need to tell you." She took his hand in hers and asked, "Do you remember our wonderful trip to Union City. I was able to get dressed up and we sat down for that lovely dinner after the book reading." Lucas recalled it immediately and remarked "When you came out in that lovely dress I never saw anything so beautiful." She added "We sat down to the silver service and the champagne and you asked me if I missed all this. I remember saying how I couldn't imagine raising my son anywhere else other than Hope Valley. When I first came to Coal Valley as it was, the very first night, my dress caught fire and burnt the house down. I didn't make a very good start. Many of the women had recently lost their husbands in the mining accident. They referred to me as a princess and that I would not be of any use here and that I should go back to where I came from. A lot of water has gone under the bridge since then to where we are now. I have made my life here and you can see how happy and contented I have been. I can understand that you may not be as attached to Hope valley and that I may eventually be forced to decide between following my husband or my vocation as a schoolteacher in the school that Jack built for me."
Lucas was so amazed at how precise she had been. He knew that this was difficult for her as she needed him to appreciate how she felt about her home, the school children and all the parents who had reluctantly taken her in. "Did you know that school was in the saloon throughout the day when I started here" she said.
He was very thoughtful and considered what he needed to say. It would be better to deal with it all now rather than later. "Growing up in my family as you know," he said "was constant moving from place to place with my father's work and our holidays. We were in many capital cities throughout the world where I gained much knowledge. I love being here in Hope Valley and being with you is the most wonderful thing to happen for me."
He looked at her hopefully and added," I am used to living in the moment and have not thought of much else than enjoying our time together. I was so proud of you for completing your book and how it will be published, and maybe even a book tour. I must confess though a number of things, the saloon business is a fluctuating affair that could force me to make changes down the track. It may never happen but, if it became necessary to put the establishment on the market, we would have to review where my next employment may take us. It would be unacceptable to have my wife support me with her teaching. In any case, you know that you would be able to secure a teaching position anywhere in the entire country. I know it would be hard for you but our being together is my only concern."
On her way home she thought that she was pleased to have made her point and how she had more to offer in life than being just a dutiful housewife. There would be more to say along the way if and when the thought of marriage became a real possibility. She wondered how she would cope if she was faced with the thought of having to leave her home and move somewhere else.
Next morning Nathan had arrived at the jailhouse early and was sitting quietly at his desk. There was nothing there that had demanded his attention at the moment, so he was able to relax for a while. He remembered when his job offer had finally come through a couple of years ago and how he had knocked it back. It had taken a year from when he had applied for it to eventually come through. Now, he had an instant promotion available if, and when he saw fit to accept it. It was something for him to seriously consider.
He remembered the time when Elizabeth had helped him and Allie get a Christmas tree and decorate it. He also remembered how she helped him with his father and how wise and caring she was. She was there also to help with Allie's sleepover with cupcakes. He sat there and got around to drafting out on paper the letter that Allie would give to her teacher on their departure. A promotion to Union City started to look quite appealing. He folded it and enclosed it into an envelope with Mrs Thornton's name on the front. It sat on the desk for now. Maybe he would never use it but at least it had been prepared.
He looked up and was taken aback to see Elizabeth standing with her son in the doorway. Neither spoke for a moment until "Nathan I," then her jaw dropped nearly to the floor. Little Jack had released his hand from his mother and sidled over to Nathan motioning for him to pick him up. Nathan grabbed him and hugged him like as if there was no tomorrow. "He's never done anything like that before" she said. They both had tears in their eyes. They sat down together, all three of them and she said, "Nathan, there is so much that I have to say to you. You saved the life of my son and it's taken me all this time to be able to come in and thank you. You got a bad injury with it and I am so, so sorry. Faith tells me that it is well on the mend and I am so grateful. I didn't mean for what I said to you last time to cause you so much grief. I don't know what I was thinking. I wouldn't blame you for thinking I was the worst person in the world. I've done you wrong so many times. I danced with Lucas at the ladies choice and I could see that you were upset and I did nothing. I went with Lucas to Union City and again I could see that you were upset and again I did nothing. I wouldn't even have dinner with you at the cafe when you asked. So many times, I knew you wanted to ask me things but found it difficult. I never helped you once." She wanted to squeeze his arm but she knew that it was injured, "I am so very sorry that I caused all this. I told you I loved you and I meant it. I am going to make all this up to you I promise. If I have to spend the rest of my life trying, I swear I will make things right between us. That is something you can count on." Her voice at this stage was almost coming apart.
She noticed the envelope on the desk with her name on it. "I wonder what that is" she thought. "If it is what I think it is, I hope I never receive it." She took a breath for a moment. She realised that she had been holding his arm all this time. "When you went off to Fort Clay I was devastated. I think I can understand why you did it but if I had known beforehand I would have begged you not to go. Like I told you, I'm going to make things right between us." She squeezed his hand, grabbed Little Jack who was still sitting on Nathan's lap and went out of the building to head to school after dropping her son off to Laura.
She felt a huge weight come off her shoulders and as she strolled along she thought. "Whatever happens from now on, I have my son and my school children to live for."
Nathan, who had said absolutely nothing for the whole time during Elizabeth's visit sat stunned. Bill walked in and Nathan looked at him intently. He then tore up the envelope.