A mountie to rely upon

by awdeano

This is the story of how Nathan rescued Little Jack and his visit to Fort Clay. He had to move on from Elizabeth and other new characters came into his life. They all avert catastrophe and they are forced to test how they feel now that we venture into season 9 and beyond. It's not going to be easy. I, along with the program's aim, try to arrive at a positive outcome for all of us.

12. Chapter 12

Rosemary heard and wondered what was going on for Elizabeth to now wish to speak with Joseph other than to complement his excellent and meaningful sermon for the day. It sounded rather serious from the concerned look on her face, something which Joseph had sensed when he acknowledged her request. "I'm always here when you need me Elizabeth, call on me anytime you wish. Cookies always make me a better listener." he grinned even though he could see that something was really bothering her. As they wandered off home, they watched with pride at the three little children who had gone to collect Rusty who was still guarding the grave. Not even the enjoyment of seeing them all laughing and playing with Rusty could help Elizabeth's torment. Rosemary could not fail to see the hidden torment in Elizabeth's face, and she knew that something must have happened to her, probably to do with her recent visit at Fort Clay.

"That was really nice of you to send me to work with Robbie and help him prepare for school next year," said Amy as she hugged Elizabeth for about the millionth time. "I knew I was getting better at reading and writing, but I never believed that I would ever be good enough to actually help teach someone anything." Elizabeth was careful how she reacted because she knew that she had not known anything about this until she had returned from Fort Clay. Her own thoughts had been in disarray ever since her visit to Jack's gravesite. Even though it was Clara's idea to send Amy to the Turners farm, she was happy to take the credit. "I loved being there and Andrew was so wonderful and easy to talk to while we were working. I could talk to him just like I can talk to you and Florence." She had a mystified and perplexed look on her face as she slowly wandered along with them. She stopped and turned to Elizabeth, "I had the strangest experience while I was there Mrs Thornton, I was lying in bed trying to sleep and I felt a hand on my arm and I heard someone tell me that everything was going to be alright. I opened my eyes and, Mrs Thornton, there was nobody there. I don't understand how that could have happened." Elizabeth didn't react but she had felt and heard every word that Amy had said.

Jason returned to Fort Clay in a far more relaxed approach than when he had left after seeing the concern on Sandra's and Elizabeth's faces. He could now be faced with some form of disciplinary action as he had acted in haste and not sought permission to leave the fort, but he was prepared to deal with that if necessary. He had barely enough time to dismount on his arrival when Sandra pounced on him for information. She was both pleased and anxious to have him back so that he could enlarge on Elizabeth's phone call to her which had indicated that all was well. She followed him into Captain Foster's office where he was greeted with a very cordial welcome back. "Sit down constable and fill us in with everything that happened there at Hope Valley. There is a lot that is unexplained from what I can gather." remarked Captain Foster. "The main thing is that apparently Amy is alright and not in any danger. I like that young lady and I said that we would always be there for her and we will." Jason thought that he had quite a story to tell and that he would definitely be able to avoid any disciplinary action. "I met Sandra and Mrs Thornton in the courtyard and I casually asked about Amy. They weren't able to hide their concern, so that was enough for me. I had no hesitation in riding straight away to Hope Valley to see for myself if there was anything wrong.

Both Rosemary and Christine could see the blood drain from Elizabeth's face as she had turned a ghostly white. Clearly something had happened to her and she was having trouble dealing with it. "Good heaven's Elizabeth, you look ill. Come over here and sit on the grass for a while." Elizabeth thought for a while and now decided that she had bottled all this up for long enough, so they all sat with her worrying for her welfare. Christine decided to take a pulse and feel for a high temperature, but all seemed to be in order for the moment. There would be no necessity for a mad dash to the infirmary. Little Jack came over and sat with his mum and held her hand looking very concerned, "Amy, what you said just a moment ago, the same thing happened to me when I was at my husband's gravesite on that morning before we left to return home. I can still remember it as plain as day and I distinctly felt a hand on my arm as some sort of reassurance that everything was going to be alright. I'm sorry, I'll be alright, it was just a bit of a shock, Amy when you said the same thing happened to you." Amy took Elizabeth's hand, "What does it all mean Mrs Thornton, he said that everything is going to be alright." Elizabeth felt a little better by now and was careful what to say, "It probably meant that after everything that you have been through that it will all be okay from now on.

Rosemary escorted Elizabeth right to the door and asked whether she could be of any further help, but Elizabeth said how she now felt heaps better. Within five minutes she wandered straight into Rosemary's house and sat down with Little Jack happy to play with Emily. "Rosemary, what I said out there was not the whole story. I didn't want to say anything in front of Amy because it concerned her and might have been upsetting for her. At the gravesite it had to have been Jack who spoke to me." Rosemary nearly dropped the plate that she was holding. "He said that there was trouble brewing for your young lady but don't worry, she is in good hands. Captain Foster made a phone call to the jailhouse and he talked to the Mountie who Nathan had got to fill in here while we were away. Apparently within an hour of that call, Amy's father came here at Hope Valley looking for her. That proves that I wasn't dreaming, or I made it up." Elizabeth's eyes were welling up now that finally she had been able to tell her best friend what had happened. "You're right Elizabeth, I had wandered down the street with Emily and I quickly returned home after I saw that awful rude excuse for a man hanging around in the street." remarked Rosemary, "Elizabeth, I don't know whether you will ever be able to explain this to yourself but, oh, thank God that this happened. It would have been awful for Amy to have to be confronted by this terrible man after she has been able to start all over again. It looks like Mountie Jack is looking after her as well." This was very hard for Elizabeth, "I'm going to be a long time coming to grips with this Rosemary, it's like losing Jack all over again."

"When I got to Hope Valley," said Jason, "Clara who runs the café appeared to have an accident on the steps after seeing me, so I felt like I was just in time to pick her up and take her inside to take the weight off her ankle. As soon as she had seen me ride in, they were worried that I might ask about Amy as I was within earshot of a man who was hanging around in the street. They already had the situation well in hand but someone like me arriving unannounced could have messed it all up. Clara hurriedly informed me that she had staged her accident in order to get me out of the way very quickly. Sir, do you know Constable Earl Grey from Union City?" The captain sat back in his chair, "I recall reading his entire comprehensive reports from last time. I would venture to say that he is a most competent officer and Hope Valley would have been in good hands to have him there." He had recalled what he had said to Elizabeth after his phone call before. Jason wondered where he had got to with his report and then he remembered being concerned for Clara in the café. "Earl Grey was not in uniform and he was working on making sure that Amy's father heard no word of her life in Hope Valley. We cooked up a story about how I was hunting for her and she would be going to jail when I finally caught up with her. I told him some home truths and threatened him with adding his name to my report when I was finished. All this time Amy had been spirited out to a farm thinking that Mrs Thornton had organised it for her. Her father couldn't get out of there quick enough. I hope we have seen the last of him." Captain Foster agreed with him and congratulated him on a job well done. "I don't think that an official report is necessary Jason, but I will need you to prepare one anyhow just in case our job isn't finished." said the captain. Jason was still perplexed, "What still puzzles me sir is that we seemed to have some prior knowledge of all this before it eventually occurred." Captain Foster looked at Sandra sitting quietly looking away and saying nothing, "Jason, we may never find out but let's be thankful that it all turned out okay and that Amy is now able to get on with her life." He was just as perplexed as the others.

School ended for the day and all the children hurried off home. Allie had hurried off home as she had missed her dad and Fiona while they were away at Fort Clay. Amy sat at the back of the classroom waiting for all the children to depart so that she could talk to Elizabeth. "I'm sorry that you were upset yesterday after the service. I think what I said must have caused you some grief and I'm so sorry." Elizabeth hugged her while she had started to sob a little. "Amy, it seems like we both had an experience that we are never going to be able to have any explaination but it should make us better people as we live our lives. We have so many people who care about us so we will have to do our best in everything we do." Elizabeth hated having to withhold some of the truth even if it was for her own welfare. She could see that Amy was growing in confidence with each day passing and that she would expect the same honesty from everyone that she would deliver herself. The day may come in the future where she would be prepared to confront her father and demand a decent explanation for the treatment that she had endured during her upbringing. She would show him that she was more than capable at learning and contributing to society and he would have to accept that he was wrong to think of her in the manner that he did. Amy brightened up a little, "Mrs Thornton, that was the nicest thing that you could have ever done for me to send me to be with the Turners for a while. I took all those books and I could read every single one of them to Robbie. I felt Sally's baby move and I talked for ages with Andrew after we worked in the pens. I know that it must have been so hard for you to go to Fort Clay, but I hope that it worked out for you and it was all worth it." There was plenty for Elizabeth to tell, "You are right, it was very hard for me and I didn't really want to go but I knew that I had to. I could see that there were so many people who had been affected by my husband's death and being able to meet and talk with them went a long way to making it easier for all of us. I met the most wonderful lady who is the daughter of the man in charge, the superintendent. She helped me during one of the most traumatic times in my life. I told her that I would be bringing you to see her next time when we go to Fort Clay."

"I've come here to see you sir at this time because I know that Janie is busy on afternoon shift at the hospital." Doctor Parker had never seen Simon quite this nervous in a long time, so he invited him inside as always but this time he took his hand and offered him a drink to settle him down. "I don't usually prescribe alcohol to patients, but you look like you could use a stiff drink Simon." he grinned. Simon was very serious, and he was trying hard to relax, "I've done this once before in my life sir and I never thought in a million years that I could ever find myself doing this again." Simon had been inspired by Nathan's heartfelt words to Fiona at Fort Clay and had decided to talk to Janie's father at the next opportunity. The doctor sat there very patiently half amused but well aware of why Simon was here sitting in his living room. He was also well aware of Simon's tragedy from his previous marriage and the gravity of the decision that he and Janie were contemplating. After seeing the relationship blossom between his daughter and this handsome young Mountie, he knew that this day would eventuate soon enough. Simon was busily trying to figure out how to start things off, "Sir, I thought I had some sort of a plan of what I wanted to say but I'm totally at a loss where to begin. You must think that I'm making a complete fool of myself. I think that I need a couple of deep breaths." He said with a forced smile.

It was about a five-minute walk along the gravel track to the little cemetery that held the remains of many proud Mounties and family members who had lived and had their working life here at Fort Clay over many long years. It was a quiet place similar to any country cemetery where an occasional solemn visitor would come along to pay their respects again and sit with a dearly departed loved one and reflect for a while. A captain's life at Fort Clay was a very busy and fulfilling one so it had been the first time for him to attend this hallowed place last week when the superintendent had organised the little gathering before his guests had arranged to depart and return to Hope Valley. He was on his own in this seemingly forbidding place as he wandered over to where he remembered the location of the gravesite of Constable Jack Thornton. He wasn't entirely sure why he was here, but he recalled Mrs Thornton and Sandra trying to be cool , calm and collected as they casually suggested the supposed innocent phone call to Hope Valley. He was reading between the lines then and now hindsight was telling him that there was more to all of this than what had transpired since then. He had a lump in his throat as he thought of Mrs Thornton's tragic loss of her husband and seeing how she had showed such strength by returning to the place where it had all happened. There had not been much of a chance to talk with her during the time of her visit as Sandra had taken it upon herself to look after her for the most part. He had noted how she had won the hearts of the entire complement of Mounties and families over the period of her stay. He was full of admiration for the lady from Hope Valley and he wished to express this to Jack and maybe try to make sense of it all. It was completely calm with not even a hint of a breeze as he stood by the grave and just stared at it. "I'm very saddened Jack at this moment looking at where you are at rest and knowing that you were taken so young. For her to lose you in an accident here is almost incomprehensible to imagine and the way that she recovered is an inspiration and an example to us all. It was very brave of her to return here but I'm glad that she did, to have the people around her like Nathan and Simon who care for her is very uplifting. I don't know what happened when she came here the other day, that's between the two of you. I'm here to tell you that I will be adding my name to the list of people who will look out for her from now on."

The doctor decided to help the uncomfortable young Mountie out, "Simon, I know exactly why you are here so I will help you and put my thoughts out for you. I understand how hard it must be for you and Janie to arrive at this decision after the memory of the loss of your wife years ago. In my life as a doctor, I have seen and experienced many tragedies with people who I couldn't save from the inevitable no matter how hard I tried. The heartbreak with having to tell the families news that they hated to have to hear was the worst part of the job. Janie, in her vocation, has also had the sad loss of people in her care which she found hard to accept as part of the job that we do. She feels so much love for you Simon and is just as frightened at taking this next step as what you are. We can't foresee what the future may hold for us all, but you mustn't let this stand in your way of planning a future with each other. Now, Simon, is there something that you would like to ask me?" Simon had hung on every word and had thought what a wonderful father in law he was going to have. He suddenly became very formal, "Sir, it's no wonder Janie is the person that she is, I would like your permission to ask for her hand in marriage and have her become my wife." Doctor Parker paused for a moment trying to take in the moment that he had anticipated for over twenty years, "Simon, I would be most proud to have you as my son and you have my blessing to go right ahead with Janie. Welcome to our family senior constable, of course that's providing she says yes."

I've learned how to read some books, Mrs Thornton and the children are always helping me to learn new words in some of the harder books but now I have to count the numbers," complained Amy. "I could already do that even if I couldn't write them down, but I really don't understand how the children can work out how they have to use them for other things. Mrs Thornton, they're trying to teach me how to add up and all the times tables whatever they are." Her complaints came with a sheepish grin as she knew that she was not about to let anything like this beat her. It was just that she had no idea what all this stuff meant other than just being annoying. Elizabeth grabbed a piece of paper, "Amy, if you were going to plant four rows of seedlings in the garden you would want to know how many you would need before you even started to plant them. If one row needed six plants, then knowing your times tables, it would tell you straight away that you would need twenty-four plants in total. You could work all this out in your head before you left the shop. We use these skills in everyday life in lots of things. You must be patient and eventually, you will understand soon enough. If you had twenty children needing two cookies each, then you have to know how many you have to make. You have to get that right because you wouldn't want to run out of them and not have enough and have some sad children missing out their cookies." Amy was now satisfied that all this was going to mean something, and she would definitely have to be patient for a while. She decided most determinedly that this arithmetic stuff was not going to beat her because it seemed like everything that people do depends on knowing how to use these skills. She would work very hard just like she had with all the words and books.

"When you get a moment to spare, could you send the Chief Officer to the bridge please." requested the Master. The 'Cherry Hills' was navigating its way through heavy seas about two hundred miles from home after spending four long hard years traversing the oceans to deliver valuable commodities to war torn countries around Europe and the middle east. The vessel was now in poor condition after heavy service in the merchant navy for all this time without any substantial repairs and refit to speak of and now it was finally on its last few days before docking. The crew never referred to it as the old bucket, quite the contrary, nothing could be further than the truth, this ship had been their fortress and their home, and they all gave it the acknowledgement and respect that it deserved. Many times over the years, the crew had stared disaster right before them but somehow their ship had got them through safely. "Ah there you are Peter, you can take over your shift soon but before that I want to ask you whether you have reconsidered your decision, I am remaining hopeful." Peter was the second officer in charge to the captain and had been part of this conversation already. "Well sir, I have to admit that I have dwelled on this decision many times over the last few weeks but now I have finally made up my mind." He knew that the captain was going to be supportive with either decision that was to come. "It's not going to be easy for you to leave the service, Peter. I have, as you know, the requirement to make a final report especially with the impending decommissioning of our ship. Many of the crew will return to sea duty on other vessels and I will ultimately receive a new ship. In my report there will be an inclusion of your impeccable service and how you rose up the ranks to become the second in command in such a short time. You would most probably receive a well-earned promotion and be given your own ship to command after my recommendation."

The mercantile soon had a very interested visitor who was trying not to get underfoot while Ned explained a few things to her. The tiny bits of information handed out by Mrs Thornton seemed to have made some sense to Amy and, as a result she now had a million questions for Ned and Florence on how they ran their shop. They were amazed at how they took so much for granted with their work and how the job couldn't be done if you couldn't add up or subtract. It had been years since they had to learn arithmetic, so they just took it for granted all this time. With their help, Amy would be able to understand all of these skills required and have it as a work in progress. The children had been getting her to start to recite some of the easy times tables, but they weren't going to mean much until she got around to putting them into practice. Ned and Florence were very happy for every question that she put forward. She had plenty of pencils and paper for her to use. Florence put some buttons on the counter and put them into groups of two. "Amy, how many groups have we got there on the counter?" After looking at them she said that there were four lots. Florence smiled at her and said, "If you know and use your two times table you can see very quickly how many buttons you have without having to count them all up." Amy wondered whether her dad knew any of this and withheld it from her right through her life. The man in the shop would have known even if her dad didn't feel the need for any arithmetic. Just because he didn't need this, it didn't mean that it was all useless information for everyone else. She couldn't help her resentment of her father and she resolved that one day she would confront him and put him straight about so many things. It was going to be a long time before that could happen, but she was sure that she would know when. Amy wrote the tables down and recited them over and over again. She was going to be able to see how this mattered to everything that was around her. "Amy, what if Mrs Coulter came in here and asked for enough buttons to mend three pairs of trousers which needed five buttons each. Can you imagine her getting back home and finding out that we didn't give her enough buttons? I would have to hide behind the counter when she would come back." laughed Florence.

Christine knocked on Elizabeth's door again after seeing that nobody had been home earlier. She had been very concerned about Elizabeth's health and welfare since her return from Fort Clay. Clearly, there was something that was bothering her that was affecting her, and Christine hoped to provide a helping hand and an ear for listening. "Hello Elizabeth, I've come to take your pulse and see again if you are alright. That frightened me to see you nearly collapse after church the other day so you will see me or Faith quite regularly from now on." Elizabeth could see that Christine was kind but firm and that she was not convinced that all was in good order. Christine could see that she was clutching the photo of Jack so that prompted a question. "Wow, I can see the likeness as I look at Little Jack. He was very handsome, and I bet you loved him very much." It was hard for Elizabeth to have to reminisce, "We took ages before we committed to each other but then we got married and had our honeymoon at Fort Clay. I came back and he remained to conduct a training mission and that's where he died in an accident." She sat looking at the photo very forlorn. "It's something that you never get over." Christine stared out the window hoping not to cry because she had her own story to tell. "We have a lot in common Elizabeth, I was young and had a whirlwind relationship and quick courtship. I defied and went against my foster parents' advice and I got married. I don't regret a single moment because we were in love and I still love him today. Within a week he was instructed to return to active duty and after he departed, I haven't seen him since. I haven't heard a word in all this time, and I have no idea where he is." Christine looked very much like she had run out of tears after all this time. "You and I have had to battle on all on our own over these last few years. It is so sad because both our husbands never got to see their children and that's not fair."

"I know and accept your reasoning for your decision Peter,but, you know that I would get major criticism from head office if I didn't at least try to overturn your path." Peter smiled at the captain, "I'm sorry sir, when we dock in two days weather permitting, my seafaring days will be at an end. I wonder how long it will take for me to find my land legs after all this time. I plan to start a new chapter in my life or more so, revisit one that was abruptly circumvented some years ago." The captain paused for a moment, "If this chapter becomes as successful as your sea duty, then you will be a massive success at whatever you do in the future. You must understand that the owner is going to throw the world at you in an effort to keep you. He has shown before that he is loath to lose any of his top serving officers without a fight. Either way, you are going to finish up to be very well off and a man of considerable means to help you start all over again. I for one will be very sorry to lose you. Peter, the entire complement of ratings hold you in very high esteem. It would be a huge favour to me if you would at least listen and review the offer that will be coming your way once we hit land." Peter was already trying to consider what was now going to be put before him. He most certainly consider any offer as a mark of respect for the people he worked for, but he had other concerns to deal with when he would finally become a civilian. He had no idea where he would start.

"I can't believe my good fortune to know Janie and her family," thought Simon, "I'm just a policeman and I'm going to have a lot to measure up to." Her father had given him the courage and support that he needed to face the future after the heartbreaking loss of Sarah. He remembered the first time he saw Janie at the hospital and how she had gone above and beyond to restore Nathan's life for him. He was supremely confident in everything that had been put in front of him, but this commitment frightened him. There were several men who were married Mounties that were working at the station and he imagined that they could all provide a flood of advice if he asked them all. Earl Grey had noticed him staring out into space and asked him if he needed to talk about anything. He knew that Simon and Janie were very close, and he could foresee that there was a case of apprehension and cold feet to deal with. "Simon, we all doubt ourselves for a while when we enter a new phase of our life, and especially when it affects someone that we care for. That's why we seek out others who can help us so that we can focus on what really matters." Earl had a lot of experience to draw upon, but he didn't plan to bore Simon with a long drawn out lecture on the subject. "I'm sure that my future father in law didn't see me as an ideal son in law and husband for his daughter. Surely she could do better than a policeman no matter how good looking the uniform was." Simon grinned and felt relieved that Doctor Parker hadn't seen it that way, quite the contrary, he had proved to be the least of the problem. "He soon came around when he could see and accept that his daughter and I were a permanent match and he loves his granddaughter so much. Laura and I have our moments, but our nine-year marriage doesn't look like its petering out. You should have seen her when I came back from Hope Valley. She shook her fist at me and threatened to break my nose." Simon perked up in disbelief, "What on earth made her arrive at a decision like that?" "Earl could hardly contain himself as he started to describe the confrontation, "Simon, you really missed out on something when you didn't get to see Amy's father. I have to tell you that he is a real piece of work. He has a poor concept of a woman's place in the world today. I had to spend some time with him at the beginning to try to find out who he was and why he was there. Did you know Simon, that according to him, a woman's place is in the home and her job is looking after her father no matter how rude he is to her. He is the reason why she never attended a day at school and learned anything. How she was able to survive this is beyond me. I came home and told Laura that her job from now on was to work in the kitchen and look after me." Simon was horrified as he put his head in his hands, "Earl, I can't believe that you are still alive." He laughed as he described her reaction, "She knew that I was joking but she still threatened me. She is a well thought of chemist in this city and she said that she could mix up quite a lethal potion for me. She was grinning at me but I'm still not sure." Laura came by the station later and she and Earl looked very much like a happy family with much to look forward to together.

"I miss her Eric, her stay here wasn't nearly long enough," said a forlorn Sandra sitting quietly in the Elizabeth Thornton chapel. "We got a chance to meet Janie at last, I can hardly find the words to think what a wonderful lady she is. I looked at her and then I could see how she was the person who helped Nathan survive his horrific accident. We are going to get to see her again because it's only a matter of time until Simon proposes to her, I will be at that wedding whether I get an invite or not. Captain Foster had ventured outside of his office and wondered where Sandra could be. He wandered inside and sat with her and remembered how the Hope Valley people had made the little chapel feel so special. "I'm sure that Elizabeth and Janie will be back to see you and to sit in here with you again like last time." He had missed them as well, but he had a fondness, particularly for Elizabeth as he could see how she had captivated the entire garrison with her amazing and caring personality in the face of such hardship. "How could she possibly have found the courage to return here knowing the tragedy of her husband who was buried here. She built so many bridges with people who had been badly affected with the death of Jack Thornton in such a short time. You had to be here and see her to accept how she has the chapel named after her." There was a subject that neither of them wanted to bring up as they sat there quietly but it needed to be aired out. "It might eventually come up somewhere Sandra, how Elizabeth seemed to be aware that there was a problem concerning Amy, which, in the end proved to be correct. If I'm asked, I won't have an answer and that bothers me. She seems to be one of the most level headed and reliable people that you could ever meet but she was clearly preoccupied after she came back from her visit to the cemetery. You know Sandra, you can always talk to me about anything."

Sandra was reluctant as she felt guilty, as if she would be breaking a confidence but talking to Captain Foster would be different and acceptable. "Eric, Elizabeth returned from visiting Jack's grave in a hurry and in an agitated state. I remember what she told me after a while, a voice which could be none other than Jack had said that there was trouble brewing for your young lady but don't worry, she's in good hands." She stopped and looked imploringly at her friend and captain, "Eric, it turned out that it was all true and if she hadn't acted on it then Amy might have been in a lot of bother." Sandra was the only one other than her father who was on a first name basis with Captain Foster. "We came to you suggesting that it might not be a bad idea to check in with the people at Hope Valley. It was a relief to find out that Nathan had arranged for a Mountie to be there while he was away. It seemed that you saw through our innocent request." Captain Foster's smile could not hide the concern he held for Elizabeth, "Whatever happened out there was very important and serious, it doesn't matter much other than the fact that Elizabeth believes that it happened and we can't explain away that the voice was correct in every way. I think that our Mrs Thornton is going to need us more than ever."

Peter was right about finding his land legs. He had a certain sadness and reflection as he was standing on the dock looking back at the ship that had served him and his shipmates so well for so long. He knew what he was about to take on from now, but it was difficult to see the end of a career that he was proficient at especially as he watched the ship tied up at the dock for the last time. The shipping firm had a regional office in this city and that was to be his next heading. He would be assisting the captain in the decommissioning of the ship process and then on to his formal discharge from the service. He next anticipated the endless amount of paperwork required, but it just had to be done. He had hardly been ashore in his own country over the last four years so this was going to be a strange experience for quite a period of time. There would be no shipmates to command, no navigation exercises, no cargo manifests to control. He would be his own man and on his own from now on. This was going to take some getting used to. He pondered over what the future was going to have in store for him. He had these immediate issues to deal with before he could give much thought to anything else. He was grateful for the nice weather as he stood on the dock just staring at the big ship that had been part of his life for so long. His future had been decided weeks ago but it was still hard to bid farewell to his ship. What stories could it have told if it had a voice.

He and the captain stepped into the front office and waited for the officer in charge to come and accept the captain's report of the last voyage and the condition of the vessel. The assessment concluded that the extensive repairs and refit were prohibitive and so costly that the recommendation was sadly for the vessel to be scrapped. Peter wondered how long it was going to take before they could get around to finalizing his discharge papers so that he could be on his way. The captain's report was comprehensive and complete as they had been preparing it for the previous three weeks. He had stepped out with the officer in charge and Peter was forced to sit and wait for what seemed to be an eternity. He wondered what he was going to do immediately when he received his discharge and stepped out into the street. That was something, come to think of it, that he hadn't given any thought to but now it was quite a daunting prospect to consider. What would he do, where would he go? Time constraints and deadlines were no longer a consideration, nobody to have to command so really, after all his papers were signed, he shouldn't have a care in the world. He wished that they would all hurry up so that he could move on to his new life.

Simon was a regular invitation to the Parker household for dinner in the evening. It didn't matter what Janie's mother cooked for him because he never knocked anything back. She was always beaming as she thought of her new son in law as already part of her family. He thought again and again how fortunate that he had been to find Janie and he considered sadly all the circumstances that had happened to ultimately bring them together. One door opens after another door shuts, he thought to himself. They had been back from Fort Clay for over a week. Janie had drawn strength from her long talk with Sandra and Elizabeth and she knew that she could still be concerned for the future, but she was not to let it stand in her way. Her heart would ache if they decided against being together just because there was a considerable risk involved but that was no longer an option for her as far as she was concerned. They hadn't even considered that one of them or both could contract some sort of sickness just like anyone else so not being together was totally out of the question. She would often smile to herself as she watched Simon growing more nervous by each day as he considered the imminent proposal.

Elizabeth's best moments were when she was in the classroom with all the children. Their work was starting to bear fruit as Amy was now quite confident to read some passages of a book in front of the class on a regular basis. She had come a long way with the help of all the children, Florence and Mrs Thornton from where she started. Elizabeth remembered how Amy initially wasn't even sure that she was capable of such skills. She had never taken a backward step and her unwavering drive was an inspiration for all the children and everybody else. It was a nice gentle distraction for Elizabeth as Jack's words came back to her many times through the day. In addition, she had so many good memories from Fort Clay, how wonderful it had been to make such a good friend in Sandra. There were fond memories of the little school and all the charming young children that she had met there. She sat there in the classroom and remembered the families of the Mounties that Jack had saved and the poor Mountie who had to break the shocking news to her on that fateful evening. It was something unfortunate that happened which couldn't be undone, and they all had to help each other accept it once and for all. When she was home alone with her son she could feel and hear those words over and over again, sometimes it was comforting and other times it felt very unnerving as she couldn't explain it to herself.

The ship's captain and the officer in charge eventually returned and promptly ushered Peter into an office where there was a phone which was strangely off the hook. "Peter, we simply can't let you go without the boss having a chance to put his proposal to you personally. He would threaten to sack the lot of us if we did. He is waiting on the line to talk with you. He is Mr Thatcher from his head office in Hamilton." Peter had been well aware from listening to the captain that they would not be prepared to lose their top-level officers without at least placing a substantial offer before them. The captain was also well aware of his reasons for terminating his employment, but the firm had looked after him and been good to him, so he was quite prepared to listen to Mr Thatcher's proposal. This was the first time that he had been able to speak with the owner of the shipping line. "Good morning Peter," came the voice from across the country, "Thatcher here, I wanted to speak to you after hearing the report from your Captain Perkins before you decide to finish up your service. He rates you very highly and well able to command your own ship with a substantial promotion and pay increase to match. We don't plan to lose our leaders without a fight Peter. I understand that the new vessel, the 'City of Hamilton' is complete and ready for its first voyage. It is yours to command if you want it young man." This was a most tempting offer by none other than the owner and it set Peter back on his heels quite considerably. "I'm sorry sir, I am quite at a loss for words as this is very much overwhelming," said Peter, "I'm unable to accept this fine offer of yours sir as I have decided to search for my wife wherever she may be living. Our marriage and honeymoon were circumvented abruptly when I was ordered back to immediate active duty. That was over four years ago, and I have not seen or heard anything about her during that time. I start on my search for as from today sir." Mr Thatcher was most understanding and accepting, "I completely understand young man and you have my blessing. I thought that this would be the outcome, but I wanted to let you know that my offer of your own ship will stand for many years if and when you wish to return. I hope you find your young lady and life for you both turns out how you want it to be. What is her name Peter?" Peter was most relieved that Mr Thatcher was so understanding, "Her name is Mrs Christine Pennington sir."

Simon and Janie had gone out for a nice walk in the twilight after dinner. "Your mum is such a great cook and she knows so many things and how to do it all with a smile and without a fuss. She never even lets me help with the dishes." It was so relaxing sitting back for a while on the front porch and watching the moon come up. Simon was unusually quiet, and Janie could see that he was on edge and nervous. "My shift starts at nine o'clock in the morning." she said looking him in the eye expectantly. He looked rather surprised at that strange comment from her. "Well, I haven't got all night," she said with a degree of exasperation, "Come on, hurry up and ask me, I know that you've been to see my father already." She had a smirk on her face, but she was actually trying to make the job a lot easier for him. His stomach was tied up in knots as he was trying to remember what he had rehearsed. Their eyes met and the new love between them was unmistakeable. "Janie, would you do me the," That was as far as he got. "Yes, yes and yes!" They hugged each other and kissed and then sat there very contented still watching the moon. A huge load came off his shoulders. He had never doubted that her answer would be yes, he just wanted to get it right. She sat there next to him and looked at her finger. Simon went white with horror, "Oh my goodness, the ring." he cried. He fossicked and fumbled around in his pockets and brought out the little box. She looked at how distressed he was, and she smiled. They stared at each other and laughed. "Wait until I tell our grandchildren about their grandfather when and how he proposed to me." He smiled at her because he knew that she had one on him already right from the start. Her parents were going to be very pleased because this exhaustive phase had taken a lot longer than they had wanted. Janie laid with her head on his shoulder and eventually fell asleep. Doctor Parker wandered out onto the porch and soon saw that his beautiful daughter was asleep in Simon's arms. Simon quietly lifted up her hand revealing the new ring on her finger. The doctor smiled and placed his appreciative and supportive hand on Simon's shoulder and offered a gentle handshake. Simon knew that he eventually would have to bring up the issue of Emily and his promise to Elizabeth and Rosemary. Janie was well aware how Simon's job had kept him away from her and that he felt that he hardly even knew her. They had both agreed that her situation should not change as she would be well settled in with her new parents and had a new life. He resolved to talk to Nathan and Elizabeth about it.

Sandra was gradually coming to the conclusion that it would be a good thing for Eric to visit Hope Valley for a few days as he had himself found it difficult to focus on his own work since the visit from Elizabeth. He had been a quiet observer during her visit, but he was in awe of the lady with such resolution who had found the courage to come back to Fort Clay to find some closure for herself and many others. He and Sandra's family were not a part of Fort Clay when Jack met his death, so much of this was a new experience for them. They had been brought up to speed on the history of the Fort Clay establishment staff movements, law enforcement exercises etc, and in that historical record it showed a fatality of one of their Mounties as part of a training exercise. It had taken their breath away when they eventually found out about the widow with a baby making a life for herself a long distance away at Hope Valley. It never really came to light to them how Nathan had felt responsibility and how he took it upon himself to look out for this lady and her child. They eventually could see it in all its glory when Nathan appeared at Fort Clay on that fateful evening when he was ready to hand in his badge after his self-accepted disgrace. To see Elizabeth, arrive here after all that she had been through had been one of the most inspirational experiences of the captain's life. He thought that she deserved every bit of help that could be offered to her. His first action would be to approach Nathan as he did not intend to interfere with their normal day to day life in Hope Valley. He always remembered how he never had to look far for inspiration because it was right there in front of him. Everybody knew of Sandra's riding accident even though it had happened long before they arrived at Fort Clay. Her own resilience matched the grit and determination that Elizabeth had shown to them all. To have something taken away from you that you loved so dearly was something that Eric Foster had never had to endure. He couldn't help but admit to himself that both these women had captured his heart in a way that he had never felt before. And of course, there was Amy.

"This simply will not do," complained Elizabeth out loud to herself while she was sitting home clutching Jack's photograph. "I can't eat, and I can't sleep properly, I can't go on like this." She knew that she was frazzled and also, that it was not her fault. Something very strange had happened to her and the frustrating part of it all was that it was unexplainable. She was fine when she was with all the children but when she had time on her own, the experience at the gravesite would come back to her so vividly. Little Jack was still with Rosemary and playing with Emily, so she decided that it was time for her to pay an overdue visit to Pastor Joseph, something that she had been putting off. There was still plenty of daylight and hopefully Joseph would be there at home with his family, maybe preparing and having tea with them. She would have to interrupt them because this simply could not wait any longer. He had said that he was going to be available at any time for her. As she saddled Sergeant, she cast a look around the stable and remarked to herself at how immaculate the place was now that it was under the care of Amy every morning. She rode out silently and decided on a little detour on the way to the Canfield's place. Everywhere she looked reminded her of Jack and the events of the visit to the gravesite at Fort Clay compounded everything. She remembered her first look at the new school when Jack had allowed her to open her eyes and how it took her breath away. Her first destination was to be the land where she could sit on their rock and reminisce to herself. She felt that she was going to have a heavy heart for the rest of her life.

It was always an uplifting experience for Elizabeth to pay a visit to the Canfield family home. They never failed to let her know how indebted they were to their beloved schoolteacher as Angela now had books in braille to read which was something that might not have happened if not for Elizabeth's persistence in defiance of the school inspector. Minnie and Joseph welcomed her to their home. They were happy to see her, but they could not fail to see that she was under some considerable duress and preoccupation. They sat her down and gave her a chance to settle so that she could begin to get her story off her chest. "I said after that Sunday service that I needed to talk to you Joseph so here I am, and I hope that I'm not wasting your time." Her look of sadness and resignation made Joseph realise that she was here to talk to him about something that was a major concern for her. "Take your time Elizabeth, you know that we are good listeners and we have all the time in the world." There were so many twists and turns going around in her mind, so she hardly knew where to start. Surely, she didn't have to go right back to when she first came here to Hope Valley. "Joseph, it's no secret that everybody knows about how I lost my husband Jack in an accident at Fort Clay years ago. Since then I slowly regained my life and fell in love again and I was going to marry Lucas until I stopped the wedding abruptly, right at the end so that I could stay in Hope Valley. I always knew that I had made the right decision, but I hated having hurt Lucas so badly. I agonised over my eventual decision to return to Fort Clay for some closure. It was a worthwhile visit for me and many people, but something happened to me while I was there." She needed some deep breaths, but she felt strangely relaxed in the company of Joseph and Minnie. They had been careful not to interrupt so that she could tell her story in her own time.

"I had spent so much time meeting and talking to people who had been affected and who remembered the loss of Jack and I felt that I had helped them after all this time. I had dreaded the thought of visiting Jack's grave, but I knew that it was inevitable. It was a very hard thing for me to do but I found the courage and eventually I found myself sitting at his gravesite and I was talking to him." They were sitting outside on the front porch with the warm afternoon breeze on their faces. She looked at Sergeant just standing there patiently waiting, and she wondered whether he would remember Jack if he suddenly reappeared out of the blue. "I was talking to Jack about Lucas as the clouds came over and blotted out the sun and I felt in a daze. I heard a voice tell me that whatever decision I made was the right one and that he was proud of his little son. He said that there was trouble brewing for your young lady but don't worry because she is in good hands. I distinctly felt a hand on my arm reassuring me and then the sun came out again and I could see that there was no one around." Joseph was now fully engrossed, and he knew that Elizabeth was serious about her experience at Fort Clay. "It turned out that we were lucky to have advance warning of Amy's father who was coming to Hope Valley to take her back home to the life that she had escaped from. The Mounties at Hope Valley put two and two together very quickly and they were able to thwart his plan. Joseph, it had to be Jack who spoke to me and what he said turned out to be true." Being able to talk about this was good for Elizabeth but Joseph could see that it was going to haunt her for many years to come. He was having some difficulty coming to grips with it himself. "Elizabeth, I can see why this has caught your attention to say the least and affected you so strongly. You don't have to explain it or even try to reconcile with it but just accept that it in fact did happen. I see that you have been given the most wonderful gift that anyone could hope for and you will have it forever. No one can ever tell you that it wasn't real because Amy's future was rescued from an estranged father. We know that if he was able to try and take her back, the Mounties would have stepped in, but it would still have been very unpleasant for her and would have set her back many years." Elizabeth told him that Amy had the very same experience while she was at the farm with the Turners. "Elizabeth, many others have had the same sort of experience where there was some message which helped them sidestep some impending danger, almost like someone was looking out for them. You should be very proud of having an experience like this and treasure it for the rest of your life, but I have to say, I feel that it is not only you and Amy affected by this. There is another soon who is going to need all the reassurance that you can give her."