The Coulter family and the Glover family ventured into the café together and sat down at a table ready to look at a menu. Rusty was now sitting on one of the chairs looking at Rosemary who was staring back at him. "You had better behave while you are here. Like I said before, THERE ARE NO DOGS ALLOWED IN THE CHURCH, do you understand, are you listening to me? I was horrified and Auntie Christine was no help at all by laughing." Rosemary was making sure that the little girls knew to behave when they were in somebody else's place and that they would eat their dinner without a fuss. Rusty looked at her sheepishly and put his paw up to shake hands, something that Emily had taught him. "That had better not be a smirk on your face Auntie Christine." Lee was looking in his pockets and somewhere on the floor, "This is strange," said a baffled Lee, "I'm sure that I had my reading glasses when we left home. Now I can't find them anywhere. Did you see them Rosemary?" while he checked his pockets again?" She shrugged her shoulders and then looked around for Emily after a while who now was nowhere to be seen. "Lee, where's Emily, did you see where she went?" enquired a puzzled Rosemary. Suddenly the little girl reappeared looking very distinguished wearing her dad's reading glasses and a spare apron given to her by Aunt Clara and then she politely asked her dad if he was ready to order. He wasn't surprised because when he read a book to her at home, she had to be the one wearing the glasses. She had a pencil and a notepad in her hand, and she was ready to go. "I'm not sure, what can I get today," he asked. "Can I get muffins with butter on them? I like them toasted but not black." he stipulated. Emily the waitress was getting quite impatient, much to the amusement of her stepmother. "Our muffins are very nice, and we don't burn them." Dad was by no means finished, "Can I get a cup of tea with my muffins?" Emily made out to write down the order and then she proceeded to put the muffins on the table. Dad looked surprised because there was nothing on the table. He looked at her, "Where are my muffins?" She pointed to the table, "They are only pretend muffins." He was making out that he was annoyed, "Is my cup of tea only a pretend one as well?" She folded her arms just like mum and replied, "You asked for a cup of tea and here it is." He looked at it and made out to taste it, "It's cold and there's no sugar in it." She replied, "You didn't order any sugar." Rosemary laughed, "She's right you know. Emily, can I order some pancakes for Aunt Christine and me? I want honey on them and butter as well. We want a cup of tea as well and it's got to have sugar in it. We don't want it to be cold." Emily busily made out to lay the pancakes out on the table and the cups of tea as well. "We haven't got a knife to spread the butter and there is no spoon to stir the sugar in our tea." complained mum "You didn't order a knife or a spoon." Auntie Christine was very happy and impressed with her pretend pancakes and her cup of tea. She made out to use her finger to spread the honey and when she sipped her pretend cup of tea, she made out that it was too hot. "I hope I don't have to pay for any of this," said a frustrated dad. Aunt Clara was having a wonderful time up the back of the shop, watching Emily at work and feeling very redundant. Rosemary had enjoyed this little charade and loved the creativity of her little girl. It helped take her mind off Elizabeth's heart wrenching journey back to fort Clay.
Constable Grey had watched and smiled as he saw the parents and the children enter the café along with the little dog. While he waited patiently, Amy rode slowly past and stopped to greet him. "Would you like some company on your round sir if you are heading out soon? I'm exercising Sergeant because he asked me so nicely that I couldn't refuse him." He shut the door and mounted his horse and off they went. He thought that this might be a good chance to get to know her a little and she might open up about her past. They sauntered past the Infirmary and Faith smiled and waved to them on the way. "The people here depend on Faith and Christine so much. How wonderful it must be to be needed when you get hurt or you get sick." remarked Amy. "All those children at the school depend on Mrs Thornton so that they can learn all the stuff they will need to make a life." Earl was listening to this young lady and he could see that she did not have the same opportunity in her life as she grew up. "What happened for you Amy, it sounds like you missed out badly as a kid." Her voice was sad but there was a very determined edge to it as she described the life that she had left behind. "I had to do the cooking, clean the house and feed and look after the animals. My father never had a good word for me and he was always rude and hurtful. My mum left when I was young, and I was stuck there on my own with him. I would have loved to go to school but he said that it was a waste of time." They rode on near the school and they stopped and stared at it in awe. Earl could see beneath the seemingly happy go lucky girl's appearance that there was a fierce determination in her and now that she had a taste of learning and appreciation, she was not going to let anything stand in her way ever again. He thought that she was the most honest looking person who he had ever seen. She looked into his eyes and said, "I held a gun at Nathan, and he saw fit to give me a chance. Mrs Thornton has been so good to me and Simon saved me from the two men who said that they were going to help me, and Florence is now my mum. I will never let these people down as long as I live."
The next morning Superintendent Mills had arranged for a special mid-week church service partly in honour of Elizabeth and Janie and to acknowledge the amazing contribution that they had made to everyone. Both women had been apprehensive about the trip to Fort Clay for different reasons but now they had breathed a sigh of relief after their heartfelt conversation with Sandra yesterday. Elizabeth looked over at Janie who now had a far mor relaxed and contented demeanour as she sat and clung to Simon. The room was small and soon it was full to the brim with many people having to stand outside in the weather. It all went quiet as the pastor welcomed everybody to the service. Elizabeth couldn't help remembering the last service that she attended which had a little dog sitting under a blanket in the second row with two suspicious little children. "This is a very special and solemn occasion for us all here at Fort Clay because we acknowledge the presence of someone who would have found it to be a most harrowing experience to have to return here. She found the strength to do so and we are most grateful to her. Our other visitor has shown the dedication of a saint and the love of a carer to help one of our own be restored from a terrible injury. She worked round the clock and we are quite sure that our man would not be here today if not for her." Fiona had her arm around Nathan to give him some support as all this was coming back to him. He had not seen Janie since they had been to Union City looking for answers to what had happened to him.
Eventually the service appeared to come to its conclusion but before it ended, Superintendent Mills went and stood at the front with the Pastor. People waited patiently but they were starting to wonder why they weren't dismissed for the day. Soon Nathan stood with a smile and extended his hand to Fiona. She looked around and was puzzled but she took his hand and stood with him in the aisle. She had no idea what was going on as he led her down the aisle to the front. Elizabeth, along with Simon and Janie watched in total amazed bewilderment. They were just as in the dark as Fiona was and they sat there without blinking. It seemed unmistakable what was happening right in front of them. Nathan turned to address the gathering. "Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for your presence here today and for supporting Elizabeth and Janie. As you know I was missing for many weeks for which I have no recollection, but I found out that it was Janie here who looked after me and gave me my life back. Many of you Mounties searched endlessly for me to no avail and I can never thank you enough or ever repay you for what you did. Elizabeth and I have history and she will always be a great friend, someone who I admire greatly. I am so glad that these two ladies who mean so much to us all could come to Fort Clay after all this time." He paused for a moment, "You have all met and teased Fiona who has lapped it all up. She has an engagement ring on if you didn't notice. I proposed to her ages ago and we have done nothing about since. Fiona, I am here to tell you that I love you so much and that I will always be there for you. I have you in my heart every waking moment of the day and I couldn't exist without you. When we get back to Hope Valley, I will ask you to help us settle on a date for our wedding. We should get married in our little church, but I couldn't think of a more appropriate place than here to declare my love for you." He looked around to Sandra's father who said, "By the authority invested in me, I declare you both, nearly married."
Earl never missed chance to ride by the school and, yes, she was always there laughing and smiling with all the children. Amy waved to him and motioned for him to come over, "Constable Grey, I'd like you to meet Allie, she is Nathan's daughter and she is a very good friend and tutor for me. I can actually read some of the little children's books if Allie is there to help me." He could see the excitement in her voice, and he was very pleased for her because she had worked at this tirelessly over many weeks. "Hello Allie, I know your dad quite well, he is a fine Mountie and a good man. It was him who asked me to fill in for him while he is away at Fort Clay. I'll keep a look out for you Amy when you wander past the station later." The two girls kept that date and saw him on the steps of the station waiting for them. "Amy, come over here please and stand next to me, it's alright, I'm quite harmless." he said with a grin. "Now watch carefully and see if you can follow me," She watched with interest as his left foot stepped forward, then his right foot went to the side and then the left foot came together. She had no idea what was happening, but she was more than happy to have a go. It looked like fun. It didn't seem to mean anything until he took her by the hand, and they did it together as he was counting one, two three, one two three. She held Allie's hand and soon they became quite good at it as they were fast learners. "Are you teaching these girls to waltz?" asked a smiling Christine who had been watching from the Infirmary window. She thought that this was an event not to be missed. "Can I have the pleasure of this dance my dear?" asked a very formal looking Mountie. "It would be my pleasure sir," she smiled. She was interested to figure out how he planned to dance in the middle of the street in the afternoon. They bowed to each other with the two girls staring at them in awe. He started to hum the theme to 'Roses of the south' and suddenly the girls saw something most beautiful as Earl and Christine glided around together in the street like poetry. They looked at each other in wonder, "How could they possibly know how to do that when they have hardly ever met before?" Amy was excited because she finally had something that she could teach the children at the school.
Sandra, like everybody else had been caught off guard by Nathan's teasing announcement. It had appeared like it was going to be an impromptu wedding ceremony without Fiona's consultation but, mercifully, it could not have been handled better than it had been. Fiona had little to say during the entire proceedings, having been stunned right from the outset, but she could see as always that Nathan's intentions were honourable. She hugged and kissed him and smiled to the gathering partly in relief. She remembered how She and Nathan had sat together quietly in this little chapel without saying a word. She loved this gesture from her future husband as she displayed her engagement ring to everyone. Many of the Mounties had remembered how Fiona showed such strength of character when Nathan was missing, and she was an example to them all. Sandra was watching Elizabeth's reaction to all this and she could not help but detect a little hint of sadness in between her smile. She couldn't help but remember the first time she had met Nathan at breakfast in the mess hall after he had planned to abruptly end his career as a Mountie. It was clear that there was an unmistakable everlasting bond between Elizabeth and Nathan with probably some rocky history to go with it. This may be a conversation which might be better left on the shelf. She wheeled herself over to Elizabeth and took her hand trying to provide some understanding. "I think we all need to catch our breath after that." smiled Sandra. "I don't think Nathan would have made it out alive if a wedding had occurred back there at a minute's notice. Now, looking back, I don't think my father would have let something like that happen. Would you come with me for a walk Elizabeth, I have something else for you to see?"
It was quite a lengthy walk along a dirt footpath, so a rather subdued Elizabeth came to Sandra's aid once more. Sandra didn't try to coax anything from Elizabeth who obviously wasn't forthcoming so it was a conversation which would not be pursued. "There are words for how I feel but I can't think of any of them at the moment." said a sad and confused Elizabeth. "It took me a long time to make things right between me and Nathan because there was a time when I had really hurt him. It's the most wonderful thing for me to see him happy." Sandra stopped her chair and looked with kindness at Elizabeth, "I saw Nathan when he arrived here one night and was prepared to hand in his badge to my father. Elizabeth, that man would walk into hell for you." They soon arrived at the front entrance of a large, single room hall which seemed like it might be a local meeting place for the district. A very uninspiring looking building at best but, nevertheless, a sign at the front read, 'Fort Clay Regional School'. "Come inside Elizabeth and meet our teacher, Mrs Connie Hammond." Thankfully there was wheelchair access at a doorway at the side of the complex which had been arranged years ago for Sandra's benefit. Mrs Hammond had heard the arrival of someone and met them at the side door with a beaming smile. As they walked inside about twenty-five students of varied ages stood up respectively in their places by their desks. This had occurred without any prompting from their teacher which gave the obvious appearance to Elizabeth that they were families of the Mounties at the Fort. Sandra made the introductions and thanked Mrs Hammond for allowing them to make a visit. "Oh no Sandra, it is our honour to have you visit us anytime and now, to bring Mrs Thornton to us, makes it a very special day for us." She motioned the children to resume their seats and then told them that Mrs Thornton is the schoolteacher who has come all the way from Hope Valley. It was roughly an even split between boys and girls and Elizabeth couldn't help feeling at home with all these children looking expectantly at her. Come to think of it, she had never set foot in another classroom since being away from Hamilton. It all came back to her, now that she was sitting in here, how she had decided that her life as a schoolteacher was more important to her than being a wife somewhere else.
Connie Hammond was the wife of one of the Mounties on the post and her father had been retired for a few years or more but still lived on the post. She related as one with the siblings of the Mounties and all the children loved their teacher. Elizabeth sat and watched this lady and thought that she was looking at herself as her methods seemed so similar to hers. The children hung on every word as she went through some arithmetic and some English lessons. 'Would you like to contribute something to our day Mrs Thornton? The children were very excited to know that you might come and see us today." Elizabeth had watched on as well, being well aware that Sandra would have had a motive to bring her here to observe another class teacher in action. She thought how profound and perceptive Sandra had been ever since she had read her letter so long ago. The hint of sadness was still there but now there was a clarity in her thoughts that would now take centre stage. "Good morning children, I'm sorry that I don't know all your names because I've only been here for a short time. You have a lovely little school here and I can see that you look forward to learning something new each day." Elizabeth asked the children if they liked to read books and write little stories. Many hands went in the air and examples of their written work appeared out of nowhere. "Oh, my goodness," she said as she perused some of the compositions and drawings. "My class should come here under your care Mrs Hammond, I'm very impressed and you should all be very proud of yourselves." She drew her chair closer to the children, "I have something to tell you and I hope you will keep this close to your hearts forever. You are so lucky to have your school here and you can come along every day and have a wonderful schoolteacher who works hard to give you the education that you are entitled to have. We recently had a situation at Hope Valley where it was revealed that a teenage lady could not read or write and had never been allowed by her father to ever go to school. We, as a community have taken her in and now, she is slowly starting to learn how to understand what she has missed out on during the years of her childhood. You should see her now; I have never seen anyone thrust herself into learning like what she has. I never want you to forget the opportunity that you have in being able to attend school here."
Sam had never given much thought to anything that he might have forgotten or left behind. If he found that he needed something he would simply just take it from somewhere. Most people knew what he was like and realised that he wouldn't care enough to make things right, so, if his pilfering was minimal, they would just let it go. He didn't have much information to go on, just the overhearing that there was a teenager in Hope Valley who was learning to read and write. He thought that it probably wasn't his daughter because he considered that she wasn't capable of such a task. In any case, what would some useless young ungrateful woman do with any skills like that. She was only good for housework and farm work and doing what she was told. He was unaware of the liaison with the two men which had prompted her to leave her home at such short notice. For all he knew, she might have been up to her eyeballs in trouble and given her marching orders from the town. If she had found it necessary to take what she needed, then she may have ended up in a prison term. Hope Valley was at the very least a starting point for him and now he was about three days away.
"Elizabeth, are you sure you don't want any company for this. You know that we are all here for you and that this is the main reason for your visit." Sandra loved having her here and had felt that she, in some small way, provided comfort and support when Elizabeth needed it. So far, the visit had been a resounding success, not only for Elizabeth but also for the families and men of the post as well. They would now see the legitimacy of the sign bearing her name at the front of the little chapel if in fact they had harboured any doubts. Elizabeth had risen early next morning and was pondering over the thought of visiting Jack at the gravesite before the lengthy breakfast. She was like a cat on hot bricks pacing around knowing that there was an outstanding task for her which was never going to go away on its own. She couldn't sit through another breakfast with this hanging over her. "Can I at least wait for you here until you come back," implored an anxious Sandra. She didn't tell Elizabeth that she had visited the grave herself a number of times beforehand when she had found out that the visit was now going to happen at long last.
Sandra's heart broke for her new friend especially seeing her in such an agitated state. She had shown that she could easily handle any problem placed before her but now this was something that Elizabeth was having to do all by herself. Now, all of a sudden there was no more discussion and Elizabeth was out the door and slowly on her way. It was a cool morning with a slight breeze just enough to whip up the dust occasionally, but Elizabeth hardly noticed it. She remembered Rosemary saying 'one foot after the other' as she wandered along the path. The closer she got, the more familiar the surroundings became, the grassland, the little rocky wall and the sparse smattering of wildflowers. Nothing had changed from all that time ago but the lives of so many people had been affected such that they would never be the same again. Her senses seemed to be on hold as it came all too clear that she had been here before. She was too sad to have any tears as the wooden cross came into view. The grave was unchanged just like as if it was yesterday. She put her hand to her mouth as the full realisation of the moment came to her. She was staring at the place again where her husband lay at rest. She just stood there dazed, there was no hurry, it had taken many years to get her to this stage and the whole point of the journey coming back to Fort Clay. She could now understand her uncles and aunties visiting the graves of their loved ones again and again trying to come to grips with the loss after a lifetime of devoted companionship.
She sat down and ran her hand over the soil just like she had done before. She wondered whether she should have brought Little Jack along this morning to see where his dad was buried. She accepted that it would have been very hard for him as she knew that she had so much to tell Jack of her life in Hope Valley. She couldn't get over how nothing was any different here with this little plot of earth, but her life had been in turmoil ever since with event after event having been put before her seemingly as a trial. "Jack, I have so much to tell you, right from when I had to return home to an empty house and try and restart a life. I had setback after setback but as always, it was the school children and the community who always helped me back to reality. This was something that you knew better than anyone else. You have a son who you can be very proud of who is going to be ready for school next year. Every time I look at him, I see you. I read your letter while I was sitting on our rock at the land. I couldn't bear the thought of allowing myself to open up my heart again but eventually it did happen. Jack, I went so close to marrying a man who I had fallen in love with because he was such a good man and would have been a wonderful father to Little Jack. It never happened because I couldn't leave the place where I knew that you wanted your son to grow up and go to school. Jack, please tell me, did I do the right thing, should I have married Lucas and moved away for Little Jack's sake." The clouds moved over the sun and the morning became rather dull and misty. She sat there quietly with tears welling in her eyes, "Whatever decision you made would have been the right one. We made a choice for each other back then that I never regretted, and I wouldn't have missed a moment of our time together." She sat there in a daze with her eyes shut. She was thankful for the reassuring hand on her arm. "I fell in love with the most wonderful and amazing woman who is cherished by everyone who meets you. Look after our son. Elizabeth, there is trouble brewing for your young lady back home but don't worry, she is in good hands."
She stirred and shivered with the cool breeze as she blinked and looked around at the surroundings. There was nobody else around, but she had distinctly felt a hand on her arm which now made her sit up and take notice. She knew what she had felt but again she had to acknowledge that there was nobody anywhere to be seen. There had been a voice inside her head talking to her which must have been just a dream but how could there have been a mention of problems back home if it didn't mean something. She looked longingly at the grave in disbelief as the clouds started to disappear and the sun came out for the first time in the morning. It was ridiculous to think that Jack had spoken to her from the grave but now there was something that she had heard that was unmistakeable. Was that a warning for her about Amy and what did it mean that she was in good hands. Nathan and Bill were both here at Fort Clay with her which left Hope Valley without Mountie protection. Good hands or not she was planning to make an urgent phone call at the first opportunity.
Elizabeth returned to the anxious waiting arms of her newfound soulmate. Sandra had despaired at the thought of her friend being under so much pressure of having to return to the scene after so many years. She had tried to make the experience as painless as possible, but it was always going to be a dauntless task for her. Some minutes went by without Elizabeth saying a word, "Come on Elizabeth, what happened out there, you look like you have seen a ghost." said an impatient and exasperated Sandra. Elizabeth thought for a while, "Sandra, you are the only one that I'm going tell about this, not that you should believe a word of it. I sat there at the gravesite and poured my heart out to Jack. I really felt that he was listening to me and I felt very relaxed while I was there, but then I heard a voice inside my head, and I could feel a hand on my arm. Sandra, there was no one else around so what could that have been?" Elizabeth hadn't discussed Amy with Sandra, but she soon found out that she had read both reports and had helped Jason and Simon do their job, helping them with her safety. "Sandra, I swear I heard the voice tell me that there was trouble brewing for our young lady, but she was apparently in good hands." Regardless of where the voice had come from Sandra could see that Elizabeth was very concerned. "What do we do now," sought a worried Elizabeth, "we can't go to Captain Foster and say that my dead husband told me that Amy is in danger." Sandra was quite supportive even though she would have been entitled to be rather sceptical at a tall story like this. She knew Elizabeth to be a level-headed person and an extremely experienced member of her community and if she came up with this then it needed to be taken seriously. "I wonder if anyone has checked with people at Hope Valley that everything is all okay. It should be just as if we are reporting in and somehow, we could get them to keep an eye on Amy without causing any alarm." suggested Sandra. She grabbed Elizabeth's hand, "Thank you for sharing this with me."
Sandra soon had it figured out so that there would be no suspicion or alarm that could be drawn by anyone. Captain Foster would be enquiring on their behalf about the school children who would be working under the care of Mrs Canfield and was Amy still enjoying life with them at recess time. The captain did not need much persuasion as the request for a courtesy call to Hope Valley seemed more than reasonable. Florence answered the incoming phone call and was excited to hear from the place where Elizabeth had travelled to. "Good morning captain," answered a cheery Florence, "I trust you're not ringing with bad news or anything." Before he could ask anything, she offered to transfer his call through to the Jailhouse where he would be able to talk to Constable Grey.
"Good morning Earl, I have a call for you from Fort Clay, I'm putting it through now," A brief pause ensued, then she said to go ahead. "Good morning, Hope Valley Regional office, Constable Earl Grey speaking." This was a complete surprise to the captain as he usually had some knowledge of staff movements even around the wider districts. "Good morning Earl, I didn't expect to hear your name on the other end at Hope Valley, this is Captain Foster here from Fort Clay. I'm just ringing to see if everything there is okay." Earl had never met the captain, but he had noticed his name and title as part of the two reports that he had read relating to Amy. He said how Nathan had arranged his relief with Captain Edwards at Union City for the time that he would be away. "I rode in here about four hours after they had left. I have had the good fortune to meet the young lady who Simon had rescued and I'm happy to tell you that she is fine and going well." Captain Foster also was interested in Amy's welfare as he could remember the frightened, forlorn young girl in the courtroom who he had vigorously defended. "I have Mrs Thornton here along with the very interested superintendent's daughter, Sandra who, not in so many words, would like you to keep an eye to her if you please." Both men were quite adept at reading between the lines and the harmless looking enquiry from the two ladies did not fool either of them. Captain Foster hung up the phone and told Elizabeth about Constable Earl Grey and reassured her that Amy was in good hands. They thanked the captain and left his office wondering whether that last comment was just a coincidence.
Earl hung up the phone and had no reason to be concerned but from years of service in the force, he had detected a veiled degree of concern from the other end. He was sure that this would prove to be unfounded, but he had no intention of being caught out. He tapped his pencil on the desk while he examined that harmless phone call in his mind. Better to be safe than sorry when other people were concerned. This harmless phone call was going to cause him to keep his eyes open. That wasn't going to be a problem for him as he was used to being thorough and having years of a professional approach to his job. The captain had specifically mentioned Amy with his enquiry which only seemed to reinforce his suspicions. He was glad that he was fully across Amy's situation as he started to figure out how to make some basic preparations. He wondered how he could get townsfolk to make him aware of any strangers who might show up and be around for no apparent reason. He would just conduct his own enquiry for the moment so that he could avoid causing any alarm to anyone. Surely there was no more trouble for this young lady who has had more than her fair share to deal with.
Sandra and Elizabeth had come away from the captain's office when they ran into Jason who had just tied up his horse. He had barely had the opportunity to talk with Mrs Thornton over the last few days, but he was happy to see her spending time with Sandra. He smiled at her and somehow, he could detect the smallest hint of anxiety in her voice. He was just as perceptive as anybody else at the fort, "Is there anything wrong Mrs Thornton," he asked with concern. The two ladies looked at each other and their hesitancy was enough for Jason. "Is everything alright back home, is Amy okay?" He didn't wait for an answer. His hat went back on and he strode to his horse and soon he was out of sight and on his way to Hope Valley. He had also remembered the frightened young girl in the courtroom who had brought him to tears when she was finally released and able to return home.
There wasn't much for Earl to do so far. He had made a few phone calls to the right people and was assured that the two men and Ben with the shotgun were safely behind bars indefinitely so thankfully, that wasn't going to be an issue. There didn't seem to be any shady looking characters having left some towns who might be heading this way to Hope Valley. In any case, why would Amy be a target. He couldn't answer that question, but still, there was that definite unmistakable hint in that phone call. He decided to be on his round quite regularly and to always know where Amy was going to be. She was not to be on her own under any circumstances. He was glad to see her continually preoccupied with her study with the children. She could not help but succeed with the massive amount of work that she was handed by the children. She was regularly out and about on Sergeant and other horses in the morning and the afternoon, so he was happy just as long as he knew where she was at all times. He found it amazing to watch her go about her day, she was like a wind that never stopped, when one activity was completed, she would immediately look to see what was next.
Amy didn't notice that Earl was watching early next morning as she headed to the stable to start her daily jobs. This would take care of the next two hours because there was no half measure about her work which everyone had remarked about how exemplary it always was. He had already been there before her to make sure there were no scary surprises awaiting her. He had in the back of his mind that all this precautionary carry-on may be a complete waste of effort, but he could not help focussing again on the phone call from Captain Foster. While Amy was otherwise occupied, Earl decided to have a word with Florence in the Mercantile. "It may be nothing at all," he said trying to reassure himself, "but that phone call that came in from Fort Clay made me sit up and take notice. I don't believe that it was the innocent communication that it appeared to be. Florence, I have no idea what may or may not happen, but I plan for us to be ready, there was a message in there somewhere. Where it came from, I don't know but I'm going to take it seriously." Florence was quite worried by now, but she knew that she couldn't show any concern in front of Amy. She was going to keep her eyes open as well.
Earl now felt that he had been there long enough to know who the locals were but of course there were many families living in outlying areas on farms who would only venture into the Hope Valley township when necessary. His eyes were going to have to be everywhere, but he didn't want to overreact and cause people to worry over what may be nothing. It was frustrating for him not knowing what he may be dealing with. The only positive thing in his favour right now was the cup of coffee that was waiting for him in the café. He sat down with a weary smile for Clara and marvelled at how she could get on with all her duties and not forget anything along the way. "Something wrong with the coffee Earl?" she asked detecting a note of unease. "No Clara, nothing at all but, I would like you to let me know if there are any strangers who you may see around, just for safe keeping." Clara could see that there was more to this than what Earl was revealing, however, she got on with her tasks as per usual. It was still a while before Amy would be finished in the stables and heading for the school. Earl sat there finishing his coffee as he saw someone enter the café who he hadn't seen before. He looked like he had been travelling for some time as he dusted himself off, something he should have done before he came inside. Earl was not in uniform so he figured to anyone else that he would be just another customer but not with bad manners. He wondered whether he recognised this man who looked around before taking a seat. He had seen the facial expressions before, and he knew that it would bother him until he could remember when and where.
The shrug of this man's shoulder seemed to indicate a yes when a very polite Hannah offered him a cup of coffee. Earl thought that someone should explain to this character that a smile cost nothing and a cake of soap would not go amiss either. The coffee arrived but maybe not so strangely, there was no thank you in response. Patience would be required now so that they could determine why this man was here in Hope Valley. Earl was still puzzled over the familiar facial expressions that he was sure that he had seen before. The man finished his coffee and got up and walked outside. "Did you see that," said Clara looking rather annoyed, "he just skipped out without bothering to pay for his coffee, who does he think he is?" Earl indicated not to make a fuss for the moment, "He has certain expressions and mannerisms which makes me think that I've seen him before. I'm going to see if he is very talkative. Clara, I'm going to stay out of uniform for a while until I find out what is going on." He wandered outside and saw the man looking around whilst making sure that the bags and things were secure on his horse. "That's a nice horse you have there," said Earl trying to make some sort of conversation. "He's a fine animal, I've had him about five years," muttered the man, "Yes, horses and dogs are the only ones you can rely on. They never let you down when you need them, and they never run out on you." He grabbed his horse and walked off down the road.
Earl had a quick check on where Amy was, and he noticed from a distance that she was inside the classroom well out of the way and out of sight. He returned to the main street only to be confronted by Florence who was annoyed because of a run-in with a customer. "Earl, I had a customer ask for tobacco who became rather terse when we didn't have the brand he wanted. We can't stock every brand or item that people want, sometimes we just have to make do with what we can get. He got quite rude when I reminded him that he hadn't paid for what he was going to take and then he just left them and walked out." Earl wondered why someone would come into a new town and carry on like this. He had not endeared himself during his short stay so far so this man must have quite a chip on his shoulder. He was close to running the risk of being put in jail, but Earl wished not to antagonise this man for the moment. Maybe he just didn't know any better. He planned to find the reason for his presence in the town.
People in the street were giving him a wide berth because they could hear him cursing under his breath at not having any tobacco. Earl offered him a smoke from the ones he had borrowed from Florence and gave him a light. "You don't look to be a very happy man," observed Earl, "is there anything we can do for you? My name is Earl and I'd be happy to help." Earl felt sick as he saw this man spit out on the footpath right where people would walk. "I'm better off without them because they ran out on me. How can your own family be so ungrateful and not look after you like what they should do?" You didn't have to know this man for very long to accept that any family who endured his miserable rantings would be long gone for their own sanity. "I didn't catch your name," enquired Earl remaining calm and very much alert. "It's Sam," he scowled. Earl noticed again the familiar facial expression which was starting to annoy him because he couldn't place it. His years in the force were not helping him so he would just have to be patient. He watched Sam mount his horse and slowly ride out of town. Earl didn't think they had seen the last of him.
A very happy and contented young lady had emerged from the school and was skipping along the road toward her home at the Mercantile. She showed Earl how she had remembered the dance steps from the other day and how she could count along in time. He watched to make sure that Sam had left town as Amy was now well and truly in the main street. She smiled at him and said goodbye as she quickly disappeared into the Mercantile. He looked down the road again and then to where Amy had gone and then went cold with the realisation that he had been waiting for. He suddenly knew where he had seen Sam's expressions before, it was Amy all along who exhibited the same traits except hers were always much more of a pleasant nature, but the still the same, nonetheless. Some pieces started to fit together with this revelation, if he was her father. then he would not be here for her benefit rather than insisting she return home with him. He went to the café to see Clara, there was a lot to be done before Sam would return. He determined that Sam was probably camping on the outskirts of town and would be back early in the morning. It appeared that somehow, he had got wind that Amy was living here in Hope Valley. "We have two problems Clara, we have to get Amy out of here for a few days without her suspecting anything and, at the same time we have to make sure that there is no reference to Amy from anyone. From now on it will be just as if there was nobody called Amy here at Hope Valley." Thinking of the solution was one thing, getting it done was another.
"I can solve the first part for you Earl, the second part won't be quite as easy." She told him about the Turner family living on an outlying farm. Sally was in the process of having another baby, a brother or sister for young Robbie who was getting close to school age. They could tell Amy and Florence that Mrs Thornton had asked specifically for Amy to help read books to Robbie and for her to help with the house and farm work for a while. Earl said that he had detected a devious stroke in Clara's make-up which brought a smile to her face. "I could arrange for Jesse to take her first thing in the morning at daybreak." she said. It was now a daunting task to think how they could get the entire town to say that they did not know of anyone in town called Amy. "I'm going to become Sam's best mate while I find out who he is and why he is here. The best thing we can do for Amy is to make sure that he is kept away from her indefinitely. If she was forced to return to the existence that she has had during her youth then, I'm sure she would react to him to her detriment. He's had his chance with his daughter, and he's wasted it. He is an obnoxious pig and I'm dammed sure that I won't allow him to have any influence on her life ever again.
Jesse and Amy were off very early next morning armed with books, paper and pens and lots of activities on the way to the Turners farm. She was excited to think that her reading and writing skills were advanced enough to help the little boy who she had never met, get prepared for school years and that people had faith in her. She had never had the occasion to feel like this where somebody had actually asked for her help because they thought that there was a worthwhile job that she was capable of doing. She was going to have a lot of fun with Robbie and she couldn't wait to tell Mrs Thornton about it when she would get back. She couldn't wait to get there and start helping out with the animals and making herself useful in the house to help Mrs Turner. Earl had breathed a sigh of relief now that he had got Amy out of the way but, as Clara had pointed out, the credible story of how there was to be no Amy at Hope Valley was going to be a challenge.
Sam sat around his little campfire and brooded over his cooked beans. Years ago, he had promised the world to his girl who had seen enough good in him to plan with him to build a life together. Things seemed to start out well enough, but he blamed her when she brought the news to him about how they were having a child. He could have done without having a child but then it was even worse when it turned out that this child was a daughter. Ethel, his wife put up with his distain and his rudeness, but the time came when she had no more love to give and she departed for good. He had seen his role as the provider to an ungrateful family and none of it was his fault. As far as he was concerned Amy had no business running out as it was her duty to live and work for him. He was here to rectify the situation.
Sam had returned to the street early next morning, and Earl thought how lucky they were because Jesse and Amy had only left about ten minutes earlier and they could have easily been spotted. His expression was just as surely as before and just as defiant. Earl had hoped that he would get some sort of a start at making the residents accept the story about Amy and hopefully, this man would go away. Unfortunately, that was not going to be the case in the short term. At least Florence and Clara were on board while Earl would plan to keep Sam busy making small talk and asking questions. "You're up and about early this morning Sam, I thought I was the only one missing out on a sleep in." said Earl with a smile. Sam hardly bothered with a response while he looked up and down the street. Maybe he was just hoping that Amy would magically appear on the way out to somewhere. He would then expect her to resume her life of misery with him without question and come back home.
They were standing outside the café while Clara was getting ready to open for the day. She was surprised to hear Earl talking gruffly about his own family with such distain, something she had not expected to hear from a Mountie. "My wife ran out on me overnight with someone who she had only just met. I thought we were making a life together, but she called me a worthless drifter," described Earl, "She took our twelve-year-old daughter with her and I haven't seen or heard of them since. As far as I'm concerned, they can stay away for ever and not even bother to come back." Sam was listening and made a response for the first time. "I know what you mean, my wife left me years ago with a worthless daughter and then she ran off with two men after I had provided for her all this time. That shows you how they repay you for giving them somewhere to live and work." Earl shook his head with disgust and said how his own daughter had never even said goodbye. "Her name is Joan and she has probably forgotten me already, good riddance as far as I'm concerned." Sam lit up his last cigarette and his filthy habit of spitting returned again, "My daughter, so I heard, is somewhere around here learning to read and write. Some people came back from here and I heard them talking about a girl learning all this waste of time stuff when she should be home doing her chores on the land and in the house. Her name is Amy and when I find her, I will teach her to show more respect and responsibility for what she should be doing. A woman should be home in the kitchen looking after the menfolk."
Elizabeth was very much on edge and planning the end of her visit and her return to Hope Valley. She was sure that she had been given a message about trouble for Amy but the mention that she was in good hands did little to ease her tension. Now that she had her private visit to the gravesite, Sandra and her father, Superintendent Mills asked her if they could pay their respects with her before they left. A small gathering which included the captain, Bill Avery, Nathan and Fiona, Simon and Janie stood silently for some time to provide eternal support for Elizabeth. They couldn't ever bring Jack back for her, but they made sure that she knew that they would always be there for her and that she should not hesitate to return here. Elizabeth promised Sandra that she would be back, and, with that, the coach moved out and they were on their way home. She cried and said, "I didn't want to come here, now I don't want to leave," as she stared behind her and towards the gravesite.
Andrew Turner was pleasantly surprised to see the unexpected visitors and he immediately sprang to their assistance when they climbed off their horses after their journey from Hope Valley. Amy was impressed with the greenery and all the vegetables that were growing which showed that they must be quite self-sufficient. They went inside and Amy fell in love instantly with the little boy who was now welcoming her into his home. He was excited to think that Amy was going to be reading to him and drawing pictures as well. Jesse drew Andrew away while Sally talked with Amy. "We've brought Amy here to get her out of the way for a while. We think a man who has appeared in town all of a sudden may be her father who has given her a miserable life so far. It would be traumatic for her to have to return and go through all that again. She thinks that Mrs Thornton has asked for her to spend some time here with Robbie and to help out for a while. We're sorry for bringing her here unannounced but it's for her own protection. She is a wonderful young girl and you will like her."
"I've been here for many years and I've never heard of any girl by the name of Amy living here in Hope Valley. I help out in the Mercantile and most people come in there from time to time but there hasn't ever been anyone called Amy." Earl was thinking that they were finally getting somewhere. Sam was in fact the person who he had suspected him to be and now they could do something about it. While Earl had been discussing family matters with Sam and keeping him occupied, Florence had been up and down the street asking confused townsfolk to forget that they had ever heard of Amy. "There's no time to explain but just know that you can keep her safe by saying that you have never heard of her." Sam stayed out of the café knowing that he hadn't bothered to pay for his coffee yesterday, so he wandered along the street. If Amy lived here somewhere, she should have appeared in the street by now. Clara had heard most of the loudmouthed conversation and asked Earl whether any of it was true. "You remember the little kids with the pretend muffins the other day," she said with a smirk, "in my hand I have a pretend rolling pin. I promise you I can lay my hands on a real one in three seconds." He grinned at her. "Clara, if you really want to see some fireworks, you should be there when I return to Union City and tell my wife that she is supposed to be in the kitchen looking after me. I will need the police to save me." His mood then became rather serious, "We have now found out who he is and why he is here. We have Amy out of the way, but it is not over yet by a long shot. I want to run that excuse for a father out of town or find a way to put him behind bars. If I do that though, we will never be rid of him. He doesn't know that I'm a Mountie and I want it to stay that way. I want him to ride out of here on his own decision thinking that his trip here has been a waste of time so that Amy will never be looking over her shoulder for the rest of his life." Clara had been joined by Florence and they both noticed the passion in his voice. "I have to tell you that it was me who ordered Nathan out of the station at Union City when he showed up remembering who he was. I disgraced myself with the lack of professionalism and caring which I will always have to live with. I'm never going to let that happen again." Earl was showing the same emotion that he displayed back then when he hurriedly had to rectify the situation and order officers to get Nathan back again. Florence was very understanding, "Earl, you must have had many people roll into the station with outlandish claims like that. When you found out the real story about Nathan you fixed it up immediately with the same dedication that you have shown here. You are a good man and we are proud to have you here." Sam had struck a nerve with Earl because he represented everything to do with not deserving a family and being a parent. "I am amazed how Amy survived being under his thumb for all those years. Every couple of months all of us Mounties at Union City arrange a day for the under privileged children in the town. The smiles on the children's faces when they sit upon a horse for the first time or they help prepare some food all together does your heart good. My little eight-year-old daughter never misses a chance to be involved and she always makes new friends."
Amy and Jesse had arrived around midday and everyone was quite amazed to see Amy ready to get to work so soon after some lunch. There would be plenty of time later for a tour of the property to see the animals and the sheds. She had about ten books which she had selected to suit a four-year-old and she was pleased with her own ability to read them herself. If there were any words that she didn't understand she would be able to ask Sally or Andrew. Robbie was enjoying listening to Amy but after a while he got up and lay with his ear on his mum's tummy. He could hear and feel the baby's movement and he knew already that this was going to be his little brother or sister. "Amy, come and put your hand hear and feel the little one inside my body." Amy looked at her in absolute amazement as she felt the tiny little movement. Mum and Robbie were developing a love and a bond with the baby long before it was going to be born. Amy thought that this was the most beautiful thing that she had ever experienced, and she was more than happy to be there to help. Robbie was used to having his own little jobs to do like collecting the eggs carefully and putting feed out for the chickens.
Sam was making little progress in his search for his elusive daughter as any townsfolk who saw him stayed well away as they had seen him with his filthy habit as well as discarding rubbish on the ground as if he didn't know any better. Earl was pleased that they wanted little to do with him, but it was only going to take one slip up to ruin everything. They still had to make sure that he stayed away from any of the school children who all adored Amy. Earl made sure to get Mrs Canfield to ensure that children only went home from school at the end of the day if they were with parents or else Joseph would escort them and, above all, make sure that they do not talk to strangers. They seemed to be on top of everything so far, but Sam still didn't look like he was giving up the search any time soon. There was still time for something to go wrong. Sam could easily have been suspicious as he might have noticed that there was always someone keeping an eye on him wherever he went.
The whole illusion could have fallen in a heap right then and there as a very concerned looking young Mountie suddenly rode into the main street. Clara and Florence recognised him straight away, but they were careful because Sam was well within earshot and Amy's name could have come out even by accident. Clara alert to the situation seemed to stumble and let out quite a painful cry. Jason was the first one to her side and picked her up thinking that she had turned her ankle quite badly. He took her inside and sat her down before thinking about getting Faith to help. "I'm quite alright Jason and it is good to see you again. I wanted to make sure you didn't mention Amy's name as soon as you got here so I quickly faked an accident to get your attention. Anyhow, what are you doing here in such a rush Jason." Florence had rushed in, worried about Clara and was pleased to see that she was in no pain. "Mrs Thornton came out of the captain's office looking concerned and I asked if anything was wrong. I asked about Amy and she looked concerned and didn't answer or hang around, so I rode straight here without delay." Jason looked around wondering what was going on. He thought how strange it was that Mrs Thornton seemed to have some idea that there was a problem here. Clara could see from the window that Sam and Earl were across the street well out of earshot. She looked at Jason, "Amy is fine and well out of the way and safe. That rude, dishevelled looking man tending his horse over there is Amy's father who somehow found out that she is here in Hope Valley and has plans to take her back home if he finds her. What he doesn't know is the other man is Constable Earl Grey from Union City who got a phone call from Captain Foster and then put two and two together. He has saved Amy from a very awkward situation, but it is not over yet. He is trying to get this man to leave here under his own steam and forget he ever saw Hope Valley so that Amy will be free of him forever."
Amy stayed outside and helped Andrew muck out the pigpen and tidy up the stable for the horses. They sat there together in the twilight and Amy started to talk to him. Andrew was a nice man and had thanked her for her help with the messy work. "I have been doing this kind of work for years every day, but this was different. Nobody ever thought to say thank you like what you did today." Andrew had never had to accept treatment like what Amy had to endure for so long, "I can tell you Amy, those days for you are over, your life is just beginning and who knows what you are going to be able to achieve. Your work with Robbie was excellent and look how he responded to you. It is people like you who we all need to come into contact with, not someone who tells you that you are worthless." He thought how wonderful it was to think that she would be involved in the classroom when Robbie started school next year.
"I wonder what that young Mountie is doing here all of a sudden," thought Earl. "he seemed in a hurry and now he has disappeared into the café after helping Clara after her fall." He thought the last thing he needed now was someone asking about Amy if in fact that was what he was here for. Sam decided to return to his little campsite for a while. He didn't feel like having to be questioned by a Mountie and treated like a drifter without any purpose for being in town. Once he was gone, Earl headed quickly to the café to meet the young Mountie and satisfy his growing curiosity. "Jason held out his hand straight away, "I hear that we have you to thank for Amy's safety, I am so relieved. I came here straight away; I didn't know what I was going to run into." Once introduced, Earl recalled that Jason was the person who had made the first report with the help and supervision of Captain Foster so he would be well aware of who Amy was and her circumstances. Jason also had read the report where Constable Grey had created the scene for the robbery that led to the capture of the two men. "I got the phone call from Captain Foster and somehow I knew that something was going to happen concerning Amy long before it actually happened. said Earl. "I think that providence is on our side."
It didn't take long for Earl to come up with the solution that they had been waiting for. "Jason, we now have been presented with an opportunity to get rid of this character for ever. He wants to know about his daughter, let's tell him and while you are at it, make sure that he understands that he has been the cause of her situation all along." Sam didn't return until next morning and again, all he did was hang around the street hoping and waiting for some sign of Amy showing up. Jason appeared from the jailhouse and confronted him with some degree of contempt. He disliked this man and was prepared to show it. "You there, I'll have a word with you." Sam took very little notice of this young upstart and just continued to hang around looking in his pockets for any remaining cigarettes. "I questioned that other man and he told me that you are here looking for a girl called Amy, is that true?" Jason stared at him waiting for an answer now that he finally had his attention. "What if I am, that's not a crime is it," responded Sam aggressively. "No, not necessarily, but if I get the impression that you are here in conjunction with a known felon then you will be coming back with me to face a judge and be looking at an extended jail sentence." Sam was now totally bewildered, "I don't know anything about any felon, who are you talking about?" Jason was overwhelmed to think that Sam didn't know his daughter, that was the way it was going to stay. Except for Nathan's goodwill, Amy could most definitely have become a felon and be doing time in prison. "I'm following up on leads that suggest that Amy is on the way up north with two men who have stolen from people and have attempted armed robbery. She had obviously taken up with those men which must have been preferable to her rather than being with you. Can you tell me why that would be?" Sam shrugged his shoulders, "I gave her a home and a place to live, besides, a woman's place is in the home looking after her father. I can't imagine why she would not stay." Jason referred to Earl's comment, "That other man said that you always said that she was a worthless daughter. I bet you never gave her any encouragement or belief in herself, and this is why she has turned out like this. When I catch her, she will be going to prison and it will be your fault. This is the outlook on life that you provided for her. It's no wonder she took off with those two men." Jason squared up to him eyeball to eyeball, "I hope you are proud of yourself. There is a good chance that your name will be going in my report." Sam climbed on his horse and rode out of town. Earl waited for some time before riding out along the road and sure enough, Sam had packed up his campsite and headed back home without any success.
Robbie and Amy were both up early giving Sally a well-earned rest while they prepared breakfast for her. Robbie never had to be asked twice to collect the eggs or feed the chickens. He knew when hens were sitting on eggs and he always waited impatiently and excitedly for the little hatchlings to appear so that he could watch and marvel at the little chicks. This was life happening right before his eyes and he knew to be careful with them so that they would not be frightened or harmed. Andrew's workday was now longer now that Sally reluctantly had to take things easier so he was most grateful for the help that Amy could provide. After reading again with Robbie, going over the same books again and again, Amy worked diligently with Andrew until dusk when they finally sat down together. He provided a blanket for her as it was getting quite chilly being outside, but this could not deter her from the satisfaction of a good days' work. Andrew was so proud of the work ethics of this young woman. "I'm happy here knowing that I'm doing something worthwhile and helping people. The only time I was ever happy was when I could go for a ride on our horse but that didn't last long as I had to return home." recalled Amy. "Amy, I know a smile and a thank you costs nothing, but we are so grateful to have you here to be part of our family for a few days. The kind of work that you have done is dirty and messy but always know that it is honest work and something to be proud of. I had a different life with my family as I grew up. We all lived and worked happily together, and I would never have imagined a life that you had to go through. I see my family with every shovelful that I toss out of the pens." He knew that Amy had to deal with many threatening situations recently but surely all this would now be over. "Amy, you have all of us now and you are never going to have to face your father again until you decide that you want to."
She was thankful for the blanket as she looked at him, "I decided that I had had enough when my father said that he was sorry that I was a girl. He said that girls don't matter and that I was just there for looking after him and the place. I wouldn't have survived after that if it wasn't for the Mounties. I was all alone sitting in the jail cell when Nathan held me as he let me out of the cell and told me that everything was going to be alright. Simon held me when I was so frightened, and he told me that everything was going to be alright. Captain Foster held me in the courtroom when I thought that I was going to prison and he told me that everything was going to be alright. Last night while I was in bed, I don't know how to explain this, but I felt a hand on my arm and someone telling me that everything was going to be alright. I looked around but there was nobody there. I have been given a new life and I'm going to do my best for everyone and pay them back for their kindness." Andrew listened to her and knew that there was something special about her, "We are so sorry for the life that you had to endure. I'm starting to figure out how and why you are so dedicated to your new life. You've lost so much, and you are planning to make up for it in a hurry." She sobbed and started to cry, "I can still remember pointing the gun at Nathan, what if I had pulled the trigger or it just went off. I love all the people who have helped me, but I will never be able to forget what I could have done to them." He smiled at her and put his arm around her, "You will always be welcome here anytime and for as long as you like." He added further, "We also have a lot to be thankful for, back a while ago Robbie was really sick and if it wasn't for the dedication of Doctor Faith, we might have lost him. She wouldn't stop until she found the problem which was contaminated water which was getting into the milk. She was supposed to leave it to the Mounties because there were some bad goings on up in the hills not far from here, but she wouldn't hear of it. She could have got herself killed but it turned out there was a Mountie up there working undercover who was able to save her. We found out that it was Mountie Simon who, I believe you know. Next to you, Amy, Doctor Faith is the most determined woman I've ever met. Robbie always goes to visit her every time we go into town." Amy was watching the moon sitting low in the sky, "Did you see that?" she squealed, "what was that?" Andrew had seen it as well, "That was a shooting star, when you see one of those you must shut your eyes and make a wish. Don't tell anyone and it might come true for you."
Earl came back to the main street and reported his findings that it appeared that their ruse had worked, and Sam had finally gone for good. He had sat quietly at his campsite for a while before packing up and getting ready to travel. He would by riding in the dark, but the moon was rising in the sky to partially light up the track. He watched the moon and saw the shooting star. For him, there would-be no-good wish, only bitterness knowing that he was on his own from now on. There was no jubilation back in the street to see that man finally depart. It seemed that his main concern was for himself and if he felt any guilt, he didn't show it on his face. It had probably been many years if at all that anyone had spoken to him in such harsh terms. He would now have many years on his own to contemplate what was said, and now hopefully some of it might stick. Many people in the street could not possibly have failed to hear Jason's aggressive tone and they had felt for him as it was not a pleasant task to have to perform. Earl requested the townsfolk who were there to gather around so that he could address them. "Ladies and gentlemen, the man who has just rode off in disgrace is Amy's estranged father. You all know and love how Amy is trying very hard to make a new life here after the poor upbringing that she had to face courtesy of this man. You would be doing her a great service if what you have seen this morning stays with us and doesn't leak out to Amy. She doesn't need her past dredged up and have to face it all again. We have been able to shield her from this and it wouldn't serve any useful purpose for her to find out about this. With a bit of luck, she may never have to come into contact with him ever again. Amy is a part of this town and she belongs to all of you." Florence, with tears in her eyes hugged Jason and Earl. Her new daughter's life in Hope Valley was intact and would remain so indefinitely.
Both Mounties retired to the jailhouse office content that they had effectively closed the door on this potentially bad episode for Amy. Nothing had happened officially so there would be no written report although they knew that Captain Foster would have to be told the details and be convinced that Amy is no longer in any peril. It was now quiet and uneventful in the street so they sat outside together contemplating the confrontation that might have eventuated if something had gone wrong. Earl had been prepared for trouble as he was going to go to any length to protect Amy but thankfully it never had to come to that. Earl spoke for the both of them with his fist clenched, "That man had a daughter who he had brought into this world. The saddest thing is that he is never going to know how wonderful she is, all because he is so selfish and inconsiderate. She will never have a father who she can talk to when she needs him. I will never understand how someone could be like that. When you bring a child into this world you have a lifetime commitment, something that he will never understand, good riddance as far as I'm concerned." After that, they had both ran out of things to talk about, so it was all quiet and serene as they observed the return of the carriage from Fort Clay. It pulled up right in front of them and one by one they climbed out stiffly and saw the empty street and the appearance of a ghost town. Elizabeth, for the entire return trip had reflected on the wonderful people that she had met but that event with the voice in her head caused her the most anxiety. She didn't like the thought that Amy was to meet some perilous situation so she couldn't get back to Hope Valley quick enough to find out what was happening. The others could see the concern that she held but could do nothing to help because Sandra was the only person she had told. It could all come to nothing, but she had to be sure.
There was a strange deathly silence in the street as the two Mounties sitting on the decking stood to welcome Elizabeth upon her return. Constable Earl Grey introduced himself to her as they had never met before and he tried to think where to start. She looked around wondering where Amy might be as she was sure that she would have been excited to see her again after the week's excursion. Elizabeth was close to tears when she heard Jason say, "Amy is quite safe Mrs Thornton. Earl and Clara had got her well out of the way just in time to avoid a very awkward situation for her." Elizabeth nearly collapsed with relief. Nathan walked up the steps and shook hands with Earl. He could see the relief on Earl's face. "I got that phone call from Captain Foster and somehow I could feel that there was a problem. I went with my gut feeling before I really knew what the problem was going to be." It was strangely quiet and serene as very few people were out and about. "Where is Amy now?" asked Elizabeth. "I expect that she is having the time of her life out on the farm with the Turner family. Clara said how Mrs Thornton had asked for her to help with reading books to Robbie and helping out on the farm with Sally having a baby. Thankfully, she was never in any danger and hopefully she will never know anything about this." said Earl. "I must tell you both, we were able to shield all the children from this, Allie doesn't even know about it and Mrs Canfield never had to make any mention of it."
Nathan said how he had arranged for Earl to look after Hope Valley in his absence. He said with a serious expression, "Thanks Earl, we are so grateful, it looks like Amy was in good hands." Elizabeth gasped, "That's exactly what I heard inside my head while I was sitting at Jack's gravesite, it said that there was trouble brewing for your young lady but don't worry, she's in good hands." Earl went white with astonishment. "Mrs Thornton, within a day of that phone call, Amy's father arrived here looking for his daughter to make her return with him. It could have been a disaster for her and been a very traumatic experience if she had to go through her awful past again. Jason was able to confront him with a story how he was here hunting for Amy and two men in her company who had been wanted for armed robbery. Sam, the father couldn't wait to get out of town after being told that his name could be included in the final report. It was sad to think that he was only concerned for himself and the fate of his daughter never mattered to him. I will never understand how anyone could be like that." By now Little Jack was sitting on his lap content with a new uncle. "Much of the town heard Jason's tirade to the father and have agreed that none of it will get back to Amy. With a bit of luck Amy may never have to know what happened here today. Wow, so this is Jack Thornton's son, I'm glad to make your acquaintance young man." Nathan sat quietly looking or gazing at the cell. He recalled the young lady sitting so sad and lonely waiting for transport coming to collect her for prison. He thought how there might have been a time when he might not have made such a decision to allow another chance for her, "Fiona was the best decision I have ever made but the one for Amy is also the best one."
Elizabeth returned home and went straight to Jack's photograph and sat with it for the entire night hugging it to her chest. "Jack, I know you spoke to me back at the gravesite, it is all so clear now because you have always been there for me. You saved Amy from a fate that she might not have been able to avoid if not for you. I will always be in your debt and I will always love you." She had been so caught up in this moment, so much so that she couldn't face her best friend Rosemary who still had not known that she was back in town. There was much to digest before she tried to find some explanation for all of this.
Before she went home, she had phoned Fort Clay to talk to a very anxious and impatient Sandra who had been worried about someone she had never met. "Sandra, when we returned home, we were met by Jason and Constable Earl Grey from Union City. They had been faced with the arrival of Amy's awful estranged father who would have insisted that she return with him and be stuck with the life that she had fled from. All this happened after my visit to Jack's gravesite so our phone call to Constable Grey forewarned him of the dire situation. It was no coincidence about what I heard, and you also can draw your own conclusions. Sandra, I can't explain it but I'm so thankful that you were there to support me. I love you and I will be coming back to see you and I will be bringing Amy with me."
Amy returned the next day after lunch when Nathan and Earl had gone to get her from the farm. Satisfied that his work was done, Jason returned immediately to Fort Clay. He would have loved to wait and see Amy once again, but he thought that his presence here may cause unnecessary suspicion. She was excited to see Florence and tell her all about Robbie and the books. Florence showed no signs of the ordeal that they had been through. She was just so thankful to have her back. Earl had said that the stables could wait as he could see that she was anxious to go to the school and see Mrs Thornton in the classroom, "Mrs Thornton, I had just the best time." She had burst into the classroom and took everybody's breath away with her excitement, "I read every book and Robbie had listened and we had so much fun. A few months ago, I could never have done that so I must be learning something. Mrs Thornton, I want to write a letter to those two men in jail, would you help me?" Elizabeth stared at this wide-eyed young woman bubbling with so much energy and enthusiasm and thought what a tragedy it would have been for her if all that had been destroyed. It hadn't been a matter of life or death but a bad reminder of the life that she had left behind would have set her back indefinitely. She thought that every time she saw Amy she would quietly give thanks to Jack. She had lost her husband in a freak act of nature but somehow it was different now. No matter what may happen in the future she knew he had spoken to her and he would be there for her always. She had something real to hang on to forever.
Elizabeth came down to the jailhouse to say goodbye to Earl and thank him for being here for Amy. "Mrs Thornton, I jumped at the chance to come here when Nathan asked for someone from Union City to fill in for him. I wanted to see the girl who had caused all the fuss for us Mounties and I wasn't disappointed. Nathan, she is just starting out and the sky's the limit for her. If she ends up as a schoolteacher then I'm coming back to school." They waved goodbye to him as he had said how he was anxious to see his family again especially after having confronted a man who didn't care about his family.
A few weeks later a letter turned up at a far-away prison for two inmates. They needed one of the guards to read it to them as they had never had cause or the need to ever learn to read or write in their lifetime. Dear Jed and Buck, I have our schoolteacher to help me write this letter to you. I have worked really hard and I can now read and write with help from her and all the school children so I hope someone can read it to you. I never had the chance because my father didn't care much for books for himself or for anyone else. I left home with you and I hoped life was going to be better, but we got into trouble. I didn't know any better, but I was given a chance by a Mountie. Since then people have helped me to make a new life so that I can do good for other people. I am sorry that you are in jail and I forgive you for how you treated me. I helped a little boy read a book and it taught me that I am worth more than what my father told me. You can still do good even where you are by learning to read so that you can help others. I hope my letter helps you and you can find some happiness even though are in jail. Amy. The guard handed the letter back to Buck who screwed it up and threw it in the corner. Jed quietly leaned over and retrieved it and carefully folded it and put it in his pocket.
Amy continued to work hard with everything that she did and gained the eternal admiration from Florence, her new mother and Mrs Thornton. She was grateful for the people who had put themselves out to make this life possible for her and she was never going to let them down. She had made a promise before and she was now learning enough so that she could soon fulfill that promise. She had said that she would eventually write to the family of Judge Tierney and really say what was in her heart. She also had never forgotten that she had promised Mountie Simon that she would write him a letter when she knew how to do it. She planned to write these letters without the help of Mrs Thornton, such was the love and dedication of this determined young lady.
The morning service on Sunday was as lovely as ever and people had peered over to see if the little dog had been spirited inside once again, courtesy of the two little girls. Rosemary and Christine had their customary visit to Nana Reynolds grave before the service commenced. Rusty would lie on the grave and wait for them to emerge at the completion of the church service. Rosemary had noticed a change in Elizabeth's demeanour and the almost permanent glazed look on her face since her return from Fort Clay. She was hurt in that she felt so powerless to help her best friend at this time, but she had said over and over again how she would always be there when needed. Elizabeth came outside and looked around. The sun disappeared behind the clouds and she nearly had her breath taken away, "Pastor Canfield," she called out and then with a little hesitation, "Joseph, I need to come and talk to you sometime."