Both telegraph facilities at Fort Clay and Union City had swung into action at the first opportunity and some positive news and results were to be expected very soon. Messages had been sent but the absence of any acknowledgment was causing some concern. It was always standard procedure to expect an immediate response from the various destinations and the deafening silence would seem that a problem existed. They were soon made aware that a big thunderstorm had passed through those towns recently and it appeared that downed telegraph lines along that route could be an integral part of the widespread destruction. Storms such as this were not uncommon and sometimes damage was limited to a few areas but there had been many times in the past where major flooding and widespread damage occurred which took weeks to rectify. Uprooted trees was a major cause of damage to telegraph lines and some of the roads were impassable to some of the locations. They all knew that there was a problem and that it might take some time to assess how serious it was.
They sent each other a test message as a matter of course and asked for a response and acknowledgment which was soon forthcoming which indicated that their equipment here was functioning okay. Many places in the outlying areas had no telephones yet so they still depended greatly on the telegraph so they all knew that investigations would be undertaken rapidly to ascertain where the problems would be and to hurriedly get it fixed. This was going to take time as it was a vast area that would need to be covered. Captain's Foster and Edwards would need to be informed immediately, however, there was little that could be done at the moment other than wait for damage reports.
Messages were to be sent all along the line and they knew that they would get responses eventually from places that were still in operation and that would indicate where the damaged telegraph lines would be and the extent of the damage. Repair crews as in the past, needed no prompting for urgent action and, once they got started, they would try to provide some sort of timeline for repairs to be completed. The findings were eventually reported back to Captain Foster who now considered that he had to revise his approach. If all communication to the areas in question was out for any length of time, then the chance of locating Peter Glover in the short term may be reduced considerably. It was always possible that he might have become caught up in the storm himself.
George, with heart beating heavily was constantly looking around the living room in the home where he had grown up. It appeared as if nothing had changed at all since he had left all those years ago. Sometimes his face would light up momentarily as he noticed something familiar in the room, but it would soon sink back into a deep and thoughtful expression that must have been there for a very long time. Peter thought that this man must have been to hell and back and it was going to take a long time for him to come to terms with it and let go of his past experience whatever it may have been. The dad was dumbfounded and completely at a total loss to comprehend the previous half an hour now that, right before him, his long lost son just reappeared out of the blue. There was nothing else for any of them to do but take some deep breaths and wait for some reaction to ease the situation.
George knelt down with some difficulty and in much discomfort due to being troubled by a bad leg and picked up the rug in front of the fireplace. He had noticed a stain on it and remembered where he had spilt some paint many years ago. He hugged the piece of carpet to his chest and could contain himself no longer. "It's just like I never left here," he sobbed as he turned around to look at his father. "I never dreamed that I'd ever make it back here again." He was struggling to regain his breath and composure and he was so thankful that Peter was there for someone like him to lean on. "I can remember being in the trenches in all the rat infested mud and stench, the worst place to be on this earth with bombs exploding all around us and my friends and comrades all dying one by one."
He sat down and winced in pain and straightened his bad leg as best as he could and leaned against one of the chairs just like he had done for many years. "I can't remember what happened, but I woke up in a bed in a hospital ward and was told that the conflict had ended months ago. The doctor and nurses who looked after me spoke English but with an accent and I owe them my life. They were the most dedicated people who were supposed to be the enemy and they didn't have to look after me, but they did. They said that I should have lost my leg, but they refused to amputate it and they worked so hard for weeks to save it for me as best as they could. I wouldn't be here now if not for them."
Peter had tingles on the back of his neck as he knew exactly what this man was talking about after some of the horrific stories that had come back to the ship from some of the sailors who had returned after being ashore. Cities had been devastated and countless numbers of people were homeless and starving and wandering the streets with nowhere to go. Children had no idea where their parents were or even if they were still alive. It was going to take many long and hard years to bring everything back to where people could resume their lives again. Peter found this to be a very sobering moment as he knew that their work on the shipping lanes had made some difference. All his hard working and selfless sailors and shipmates were going to have something to tell their grandchildren.
George continued to look around the room remembering every little detail, "I never saw such ruin and devastation, I hope that nothing like this ever happens again. If we can't learn from that then we will never learn." He focussed his stare on a spot by the window in the corner of the living room. "While I was there in the heat of the battle lines and later, when I was in the hospital, I always remembered where our Christmas tree used to be." His eyes filled again with tears, "Dad, do you think we could have a Christmas tree this year?" His father could hardly believe what he was hearing, and he could see that it was going to be a long road for his son to travel as part of his recovery. He was going to thank God every day for the rest of his life for having his son returned to him.
He could see that George was starting to look around for something that seemed to be missing and maybe he was too frightened to ask. He hated having to break this sad news to his son. "Son, we lost your mother about two years ago in the winter with a bad flu. She tried so hard, but she had been going downhill after finally having to accept that you had gone away maybe never to return home ever again. We never had any news of your whereabouts and that had gradually taken its toll on both of us. She was laid to rest not far from here." George looked longingly at Peter with tears in his eyes after trying to grasp this awful news about his mother, "I'd consider it a huge favour if you would come with us in the morning to see her." It was going to be very strange for George because tomorrow morning he was going to wake up in his own bed after all this time.
Peter bid his farewells and said that he would return sometime in the morning as requested. Mr Harris recalled that Peter had said earlier that he was staying with Mrs Gibson. He grabbed Peter's hands and he wouldn't let go, "Peter, I want to thank you for helping George today, this has suddenly made me sit up and take notice of my appalling behaviour towards Mrs Gibson." Peter had known that he had been trying to take advantage of Emma's situation and he wasn't very impressed. "Mr Harris, all she wants is a fair price for her place and she would accept it readily so that she could move on. She wants her son to be able to go to school somewhere." Now that George was safely back home, all the bitterness disappeared to be replaced with all the compassion and love that was in his heart before his son had left, and now he was going to put things right for Emma and Danny. "Peter, I want to come tomorrow some time to see Mrs Gibson about her place. I promise you that everything will be alright."
"Thank God you've finally arrived," yelled Andrew, "I think she is ready to kill me. I had to hide the rifle and the rolling pin or else it would have been curtains for us." He welcomed Faith with a grin and helped her down as he admired the new carriage that he had never seen before. Robbie came rushing out of the house and went straight to Amy for a hug. This was a big surprise for him as he hadn't known that she was coming. Faith's first question was for Sally's wellbeing as it sounded like she was on the warpath. Sally wandered outside under duress as best as she could to see them, "I can't even get myself a little glass of water without Andrew wanting me to sit or lay down," said a frustrated expectant mum. "Every time I make a move, he is one step behind me trying to do it for me." Faith smiled at her and took her hand, "He's no different to any expectant father, you just wait till the baby comes and see if he's happy to change dirty nappies and walk the little one to sleep at three o'clock in the morning."
That brought a beaming smile to Sally's face despite an aching back and something that was moving around inside her body. Amy had a hug for her good friend Andrew, and she could easily tell that he was preoccupied and concerned with waiting for the birth of his new child. She remembered the fun times that they had when she was here the last time and the little reassuring talks that they had while working outside. They were the days spent here that had given her confidence even more and she treasured them forever. Christine had not met Sally other than to notice her from a distance when they had come to town occasionally. Faith wasted no time in organising their gear so that they could do a prompt examination for Sally to see if it helped them plan the next day. They knew that they had a dilemma on their hands with the Turners living so far away from town. It was necessary for them to be here now even though Sally was not due yet, but the baby could still surprise them and arrive early. On the other hand, they may still have to wait and hang around on the farm for another three weeks which would be totally unacceptable as they had responsibilities back in town.
Amy was pleased to be here as she reacquainted herself with all the animals and the extensive garden that she had so lovingly tended before. She knew her way around the property, and, with Robbie's help, they fetched all the eggs and counted the chickens again just for fun. Nathan hadn't seen much of Andrew since the drama with the attempted kidnapping of little Emily, so he took the opportunity to thank him again for looking after Amy while Earl and Jason figured out how to get rid of her father out of town at the time. Both doctor Faith and nurse Christine had seen mothers in labour and had been birthing babies before and they had a good idea what to look for. Sally had told them how Robbie had come early, and everything had been in a rush, so Faith had kept this in mind when considering the possibility of a trip back to town and to the infirmary. It was decided, after Sally's examination that the safest option was to stay at the farm and avoid the miles of uncomfortable travel at least for the moment. Nathan decided, with Faith's blessing that he could safely return to Hope Valley quickly and have Jesse come to the farm in his place.
Elizabeth called in at the jailhouse and noticed the captain sprawling intently over the map where he expected Peter Glover to be. Little Jack had taken well to him and had perched himself on his knee just like he always did with Uncle Nathan. This brought a smile to Elizabeth's face as the little boy extended his hand and pointed his finger somewhere on the map. "Mrs Thornton, I think he knows better than us, maybe he should wear the uniform and I could sit on his lap." The captain smiled as it seemed that Little Jack knew exactly what he was doing. He had seen Nathan reading the maps before and he was copying him. This nice little visit was a pleasant surprise as the captain was getting a little frustrated at the inability to put any productive plan into action because of all the communication problem. He had expected to have all this successfully wrapped up by now but nature had intervened as it had done so many times before and put all the communications on hold. "We don't realise how dependent we are on the telegraph and the phone until we haven't got them." he grumbled. He knew that Nathan had accompanied Doctor Faith and the others on their visit to the Turner farm.
Elizabeth could see the frustration on his face, "Captain, I think you could do with a break from all this for a while. Would you like some company and will you let me cook something for you at my place?" He knew that he was stymied for the moment and a chance to talk with Mrs Thornton might help matters and provide some inspiration. "That's very kind of you Mrs Thornton, thank you very much. You are right, I've done as much as I can do here for the moment." The jailhouse and the maps were going to have to wait for a while. "Unfortunately, there isn't much that can be done until we have the telegraph lines back in order."
It was a nice leisurely walk along the road with Little Jack having a piggy-back ride complements of the captain. "I am a much more competent cook now than years ago when I first arrived here in Hope Valley," laughed Elizabeth. "I had my plans as a schoolteacher, but I really had no idea of what I was getting into when I tried but knew nothing about being self-sufficient, but I was very determined and I wasn't going to fail and let all the people down. I wasn't here very long until I realised how much they needed me." Captain Foster was very impressed with this lady's aspirations and achievements from deciding to leave the comfort of the high life in the big city years ago. A young lady on her own venturing out into the unknown, probably against the family's wishes, was certainly something to special to behold.
"I am struggling to grasp the enormous gamble you took on back then Mrs Thornton. There seems to be no hint of any failure and you stuck at it against the odds until you gained favour with all the townsfolk." He sat down with Little Jack on the floor and read one of his favourite books to him while he waited for his dinner. She refused to allow him to help preferring to watch and listen to the recount of the story from the book. She knew that there were some additions from the captain to help spice it up a little. Somehow it got mentioned about a nasty outlaw named Little Jack who was always one step ahead of the law but they were going to catch up with him eventually. "That must be the same outlaw who has a wanted poster up on the wall in the Jailhouse," he smiled. Elizabeth poked her head from around the corner with an exasperated look on her face, "Bill Avery and Nathan Grant were responsible for that, and I let them know in no uncertain terms. It is still there to this day." Little Jack was glued to the captain's story upon hearing his name mentioned periodically . Mum had read this story to him many times, but it never sounded like this. Her son, Little Jack was heading for the slammer.
Emma had been looking down the road a number of times as it seemed to her that Peter had been ages since he had gone to get timber for the fences. He should have been back hours ago after what should have been a quick and straight forward visit to town. She was surprised to see him returning in the distance eventually, but it was from a different direction. He seemed to be travelling so painfully slow and it took an eternity before he finally arrived at the front gate. With so much of an intense look and no smile on his face, she was worried and sure that there must be something wrong. He climbed down from the cart and with no eye contact of any sort, he wandered over and hugged her tightly.
"My goodness Peter, what happened, what could possibly be wrong?" she asked as she stared at him with a worried look. He was quivering and just stood helplessly there with her in his arms. "We all worked and battled so hard on the ship, and we hardly had any respite in four long years, yet we never complained because we knew that there were millions of people worse off than we were and they were depending on us. Emma, we never had a moment to doubt whether our endeavour was important because of all the desperate people who depended on us." Peter was fighting hard to find the words that he needed to express,
"Well, I met one of them today Emma and it really shook me up. I was just about ready to return with the timber and a stage came into town and four men got off with a lot of equipment which looked like they were here getting ready to start to repair the telegraph system. But then this other man got off in an army uniform and started to limp down the street. I offered him a lift and without muttering a word he directed me to Mr Harris's place where I saw the most heart wrenching reunion that you could ever see. His name is George, and he is Mr Harris's son who has returned after six years in the conflict overseas. I can't come to grips with how he has travelled halfway round the world from the war torn countries, across the ocean and all the way across our vast country to make it back home and he just showed up at the end of the street. That's all he wanted to do was to get back home to his family."
Peter was seeing the fruits of his labour right now as he had seen one of the survivors in the flesh. "Emma, I would surely do it all over again starting tomorrow if it helped save the lives of all those people. How many more people are there like him." He had his head in his hands. Emma could see the fierce determination and dedication that had got him through these last four years but sometimes even he needed some comfort and reassurance. Emma's heart was beating strongly when she grabbed his face and looked him in the eye, "You are a good man Peter, and I am so proud of you for who you are and what you stand for. You did the best that you could do and you made a difference. I want my little boy to grow up just like you."
Peter was so thankful that Emma was there for him and now she was going to be part of his family and a treasured friend for life. "George found out that his mother passed away two years ago, and he asked if I could go with them in the morning to see where she is buried. I would appreciate it if you and Danny would come along with me. Mr Harris acknowledged to me before I left that he had treated you very badly over the past few years and he wishes to see you so that he can make up for it. I can't bear to imagine how it would have been for him if he arrived back here and neither of his parents were here anymore."
Andrew had wondered what on earth he was going to do if it turned out that the baby decided to arrive early. He never had any idea when the baby was due even though Sally had told him that it was getting close but apparently there was nothing to get concerned about yet. He was far more relieved now that all the reinforcements were here and now in place and ready to do their jobs. Amy was there to talk to him about jobs on the farm and take his mind off babies and looking after Sally when she didn't need it. She would find time to sit and talk with Robbie about a new baby coming soon and how he would be going to school soon. There was much to tell him and about how exciting life was going to be for him. Her best times were when she could sit with Sally and feel her tummy again like she had done before. She was in awe of Andrew and Sally bringing a new little person into the world and how it didn't seem to matter, and how they didn't care whether it would be a little girl or little boy.
Faith was happy with Sally's condition but she was well aware of the quick arrival of Robbie some years ago so she couldn't risk the long journey back to Hope Valley and the infirmary with a heavily pregnant mother. A birth on the road would not be ideal and would be very risky and unprofessional so they would all just have to wait it out for the duration. Sally was always very tired but relaxed and contented even though she was bored with not being allowed to help with any chores or meals. "Your time is going to come after the baby comes along. You will yearn for these times Sally," said Christine.
Sally could see that there was something going on with Christine and she was amazed at the story that she was told after she had enquired. "It was hard when I had no knowledge of him when all I knew was that he was somewhere at sea, but it's harder now knowing that he is out there somewhere." She just sat there looking out into space. Sally was very sympathetic towards Christine as she gave her a little hug wincing ever so gently with her aching back, "I will gather up my children and go and find him myself if I have to Christine. Have you had any news at all about where he might be?" A dismayed and drawn looking Christine replied, "Captain Foster is doing his best and he said that they know that Peter has been with his parents, and they think that they know where he went after that. l just don't want him to get disillusioned with it all and settle for going back to sea. Apparently, Captain Foster spoke with Mr Thatcher who has seen to it that it can't happen, and then they would be able to tell him where I am. They thought that they were closing in but there was a big storm that has caused havoc with the telephone and the telegraph system. Anyhow, that's enough about my elusive sea captain, we have a baby to hurry up and deliver so Peter will have to wait." Sally smiled, "I don't think that this baby has any regard for anybody else's impatience and is not coming until good and ready.
Faith knew that Sally was in good hands with Christine, so she was able to spend some time out in the garden with Andrew and Amy. She was amazed at how well they could raise and look after all their fruit and vegetables and be self-sufficient so that they did not have to be back and forwards to town all the time. "Andrew, how do you find the time to do all of this in the garden, this is amazing and look how everything is flourishing so well." He pointed to Robbie, "He and his mother are a good team of experts, everything they touch turns out perfectly."
Christine wandered outside and motioned to Amy, "Amy, we are going to need plenty of hot water. Doctor Carter," she said in a formal tone. "I think it's time." Faith looked at Andrew and took his arm for assurance, "Don't you worry Andrew, everything is going to be just fine." Jesse stayed with Andrew and Robbie to keep them company for however long it was going to take while the three ladies went inside to go to work. This was going to be a first time experience for Amy who had asked to be allowed to help. She had collected firewood and had already prepared everything early for the necessary hot water.
She went and sat with Sally and started to observe proceedings, but she wasn't overbearing as she could see that Sally was in pain from time to time. Faith answered some of the questions for Amy even before they were asked. "A woman is considered to be in labour right from when she starts the process to give birth right until the baby is born. She will have labour pains at regular intervals, and we have to monitor how far apart they become. It's all part of the process." She smiled at Amy and loved how she cared so much to learn about everything, "It's different for everyone but this is all part of bringing a new little person into the world, it's good to have you here with us Amy."
Christine and Faith both noticed that Amy had not shown any signs of being squeamish, moreover, she remained alert and she responded alertly to any requests for implements that had been sterilized. Her heart was in her mouth when the time came when Sally was asked to push from time to time. She remembered what it was like last time and how everything came with a rush. "I never had to push much at all last time and before I knew it, Robbie was here." Andrew did not want to be far from the house so he and Robbie could hear screams from time to time. He looked with anxiety at Jesse, "I swear, there is no way that I could swap places with Sally and go through what she is doing now. I love her so much." Jesse put a supporting hand on his shoulder, "It will soon be over, and you will be a new father again, do you have any preference for," He was stopped dead in his tracks right there, "Sally and I both have said that our baby will be most welcome, and we have prayed and asked nothing else other than that it will be healthy and happy." Baby or no baby, the four cows were starting to get impatient and they would not be very impressed if their routine was altered in any way. It was getting late in the day so Jesse helped Andrew and Robbie with milking and feeding the cows. They were well within earshot of the house so that was never going to be a problem. This job had to be done and it served Andrew well as it took some of his anxiety away for even just a little while.
The screams subsided and soon there was the sound of a baby's cry and a squeal from someone. Andrew could hardly breathe and was impatient to see his wife now that it was all over. After what seemed to be an eternity, the door opened and Christine emerged with a new little baby in her arms, "Congratulations Andrew, you have a little baby girl, and she is just fine, and mum is okay as well." Andrew stared tearfully at his daughter and saw how she was the spitting image of her mother. "Have you and Sally decided on a name for her," asked a smiling nurse Christine. Andrew could not take his eyes off her as he fought off tears as he tried to conjure up a reply, "We thought that if we were lucky enough to have a little girl, we might call her Mary after Sally's grandmother."
The smile could not come off Christine's face, "That's so beautiful Andrew, Oh, by the way, what are you going to call the other one?" Amy emerged from the doorway with another little bundle in her arms. Hers was a tearful grin as she carefully handed a second baby to a disoriented and bewildered new father. He was close to tears as he stared at his two little girls, "How am I going to tell the difference between them, they both look the same. They're so beautiful." This was a priceless moment for everyone, and Amy could now see how people could decide to go through such anxiety for an outcome like this. They brought a brand new chapter into the lives of the Turner family.
A worn out looking Doctor Faith emerged outside from the doorway and found a watery smile for the father, "congratulations Andrew, you now have twin girls to love and cherish, mum would like them back if you don't mind." He had no arms available for a hug, but she knew what he meant. He carefully took them inside and handed them to Sally and saw a sight that he would never forget in his lifetime, mother, his baby daughters and his pre-schooler son all sitting together. He was very contented, and he couldn't imagine anything ever topping this.
There was some barking going on right outside which soon commanded the attention of Little Jack and the captain. Elizabeth looked out and saw Rusty and Emily playing out the front. They wandered out the door and saw Emily just scolding her little dog for making so much noise. She looked up at the captain who could see that she wasn't the least bit shy as she said sorry because of her noisy dog. "His name is Rusty, and he is my doggie, and he sleeps on my bed with me at night-time." The captain was quite amused at listening to this feisty little girl, and he could see how Little Jack would be bossed around. "Rusty guards auntie Christine's grandma's grave and doesn't let anybody except me near it." He watched the two children playing and using their imagination to make up little games and he thought how life takes a turn and everything can change for the rest of their lives.
His heart ached at the thought that Emily would never know her mother and Little Jack would never know his father, both of them being very fine people. No matter how much he thought about it, he couldn't come to grips with how Mrs Thornton was able to make a life for herself after such a tragedy. He knew that this was what had brought him to Hope Valley to try and get some understanding of it all. She had been able to fall in love again but her love for school teaching and Hope Valley forced her to choose between this and marriage and moving away. He thought that her and Sandra were the two finest women that he would ever have the privilege of knowing and being, in a small way, part of their lives.
Rusty was never one to sit still for very long and soon he had led them all around into the backyard. There were a few flowers and a couple of chairs where you could sit outside when the weather was nice. Emily was quite the chatterbox, and she added the story about Rusty being in the church on a Sunday morning recently and how mum was not happy. The smile on Captain Foster's face was suddenly replaced with one of disbelief, "Little Jack, look at this, do you let your mum climb up on this piece of junk?" He had seen the old wooden ladder which looked as if it had seen many a better day. Some of the rungs were loose and the frame was partly rotten. "Even the circus performers wouldn't dare use this in their act, they would be taking their lives in their own hands."
He ran his hands along the wood and nearly got splinters as he frowned. Emily looked on as well, "I saw Little Jack's mum climb up there to shut the window." The captain was horrified, "She will really hurt herself on this thing one day and I will blame myself if I don't do anything about it, this is not going to be anything else but firewood from now on. Jack, we're going to make a new one for her." He knew that he could get the wood from Lee Coulter after he found out how he owned the timber milling business. This was going to have to wait for a while however, because Elizabeth called them in for dinner.
Emma wasn't in any desperate hurry at this stage to pay any visit to see Mr Harris after all the bad blood that she had experienced over the last two years or so. However, Peter had said how things had drastically changed for him since yesterday with the shock return of his son right out of the blue, but she couldn't help being a little sceptical about this man. Despite her guarded disposition and, even though she hardly knew him, she found herself trusting Peter's judgement implicitly. Nevertheless, as far as she was concerned it would be much better when this day would be over.
Danny was unconcerned as he was prepared to go anywhere Uncle Peter was taking him as he was the one who saved him from the awful storm during the other night. Emma was there to support Peter with a lump in her throat after yesterday's dramatic portrayal of the son's return. They set off arm in arm to the Harris residence, somewhere she had never been before.
George slept in his own bed for the first time in years and had woken relatively early, and it felt so strangely like he hadn't left at all. Everything was just as it always had been, cupboards and table in place and the light coming through the window was just as it always was. He lay there staring up at the ceiling and for a while it seemed like his six year absence was no more than a dream. He remembered being in the trenches, then lying helplessly in a hospital bed somewhere in a faraway place, the doctor and the nurses telling him that he might lose his leg and his extended recovery and the long exhausting trip to get back home.
After a while he moved his stiff leg, and this soon brought him back to reality. He felt happy and contented as he could now accept that he was finally home, and the last six years of trial and torment was going to be put in the past. This was a strange feeling right now as he had been so focussed and determined over every step of the way and now he could somehow find a way to relax and let life take its course for a while. His father had sat by the table in the kitchen clutching an early photo of his son and a wedding photo with his wife. He recounted the number of times that he had prayed for this day to come and how he wished that the mother was still around to see her son again. The loss of her son had taken its toll on her and he had grown more bitter with the passing of each day. He sat there and gave thanks over and over again and he saw the sun come through the window for the next morning to arrive.