Chapter 6

Elizabeth may have inhaled a breath, but no air made it into her lungs. All she could do as she tried to digest the woman's words were to shake her head from side to side. The older woman looked at Elizabeth with a confused look on her face. She saw pain, confusion and shock written all over Elizabeth's face.

"Dear, are you ok?" A concerned Charlette asked.

"I'm sorry, but did you say he was shot?" Elizabeth finally asked when her brain engaged again. Her breath was shallow with fear.

"Yes. He was shot a few days ago chasing a bank robber. Jack didn't know about the robber's partner who was hiding in the woods nearby. When Jack went in to make the arrest, his partner shot Jack in the shoulder. Thankfully, he wasn't injured too badly. He had to take a few days off work and is now on light duty until the nurse releases him." While the woman was telling Elizabeth the details, she saw the thankful expression on the older woman's face.

"Are you sure he is going to be alright?" Elizabeth's words were dripping with concern and pain.

"Oh yes, he will be fine. Now the biggest problem is the light duty at work. Jack is not one to sit and take it easy." Ms. Thornton smiled at the memory of all the battles she had with Jack trying to get him to sit still. "Wait…how well do you know Jack? Didn't you say you lived there for a few years?"

Elizabeth heard the words, but her mind was still reeling from the news of Jack. "I'm sorry, what did you say?"

"I asked if you knew Constable Jack Thornton. You said you lived in Hope Valley, correct?"

"Oh…yes. I have lived there for three years. I am the only schoolteacher in Hope Valley. I actually know Jack, I mean Constable Thornton very well." Elizabeth was now looking Ms. Thornton in the face as she spoke. She certainly saw Jack's facial features in his mother's face. Now I know where those dimples come from. Elizabeth smiled when she thought about his dimples. Even with a great distance between them, those dimples still made her heart stop.

"My dear, would you mind sitting with me and having some tea? I would love to talk with you about Hope Valley and hear stories concerning your friendship with my son. I live so far away from Jack now that we don't talk like we used too. We were close. He loved his father greatly, but there is just something between mothers and sons." Elizabeth saw a hopeful expression in this woman's face. She just wanted to talk about her son.

"I would like to have tea with you. I know of a little pastry store a couple of blocks down the street with great tea and pastries." Elizabeth said,

"Great. My treat. Let's go." Ms. Thornton's quickly responded.

As they walked down the sidewalk, they fell into perfect step with each other. Ms. Thornton looked at Elizabeth and told her that she retired from teaching school in the past couple of years. Now she is helping her brothers on their farms.

"Yes, I remember Jack telling me you taught school. He also said that you told him to never allow a day to go by without helping someone."

Ms. Thornton smiled at the memory. "Oh yes. I told him that since he was little. However, I never thought he actually listened to me."

"Well, I believe he lives that out every day. He is always helping someone out with whatever they need. He is the most unselfish person I know."

That fact made Jack's mom smile. She always hoped her son would grow up to be just like his father. If everything this young lady was saying is true, he is well on his way to accomplishing that.

After entering the small coffee shop and placing their order, they took a small table by the window to wait. "Ms…I'm sorry. I don't know your name." "Charlette stated. "Wait…did you say you were the school teacher in Hope Valley? Then you would be Elizabeth…Elizabeth Thatcher."

Elizabeth outstretched her hand with a smile and stated, "Hello Ms. Thornton. My name is Elizabeth Thatcher."

"You're Elizabeth…Jack's Elizabeth?"

…

Jack just finished his latest appointment with Faith. His wound was healing well and should be back to full time very soon. The pain is basically gone with the gunshot wound. His shoulder only hurt when he stretched his arm completely out or moved it quickly. He was excited when Faith said she would release him in a couple of days for normal duty. "Faith, have you thought about staying in Hope Valley full time? We could certainly use a nurse with your experience."

"Well, the hospital has offered me the job. They would be joining Hope Valley with some type of arrangement and both the hospital and Hope Valley would pay my salary. I would have the full control of the infirmary with a doctor who would come by once a month to double check my work. I would answer to the doctor as my supervisor."

The thought of staying in Hope Valley interested Faith on several levels. First, she would be helping people. Being just like her mom who inspired her into nursing. Then, she has fallen in love with Hope Valley and the people. They were so kind to her. Also, a certain constable intrigued her too. When they meet in Hamilton, she knew he was courting a Thatcher, but she hasn't seen her in Hope Valley. Jack hasn't mentioned her. She just assumed she was no longer here and moved back to Hamilton. Faith couldn't deny the attraction she felt for Jack but promised herself she would be patient. After all, a breakup is hard to get over so quickly.

Jack smiled. He knew the importance of having a full-time nurse in Hope Valley. The town is growing and with the sawmill up and running, there were always someone who needed help. Jack knew the town would benefit from someone with Faith's experience.

"That's great news, Faith. Have you decided what you want to do?"

"Not yet. To be honest, I am leaning to taking the position. My boyfriend and I broke up just before I came here. So, other than the job, there isn't anything keeping me in Buxton. This may be a new start for me."

"Well, the town will certainly benefit from having you here. Plus, I would enjoy having a friend close by." That made Faith smile.

…

Abagail sat down at an empty table inside of her café and opened the letter from Elizabeth. After reading the letter, she let out a deep breath she didn't realize she was holding. That woman…she is a frustrating one. Abagail new Elizabeth wasn't too experienced when it came to courting, but the fact that she couldn't see what was in front of her frustrated her the most. On many things, Elizabeth knew exactly what she wanted and went for it with everything in her. After all, that is what brought her to Hope Valley three years ago when she didn't know anyone. How can anyone with that much knowledge and determination be so blind to her own feelings? She thought to herself. Abagail realized how much work there was still left to do to get Jack and Elizabeth back together.

When the door opened, she saw Jack and Faith walk in and take a seat at an empty table. Abagail groaned under her breath. She really liked Faith. She was a nice young lady. She was kind and polite. Abagail even grew to like her as a person, not just as a nurse. But that's the problem. She could see Jack falling for someone like Faith. They did have a lot in common. For a fleeting moment, she thought she would step back and see what would happen between Faith and Jack. She did think her little brother deserved to be happy. Jack and Faith seemed to enjoy their conversations. There was always laughter between the two of them. Any guy would be lucky to have Faith's attention. She tilted her head to watch the two. Then she realized that no matter who was present, Jack was made for Elizabeth and Elizabeth was made for Jack.

While she knew Jack and Elizabeth was made for each other, Elizabeth was digging a hole she is in even deeper. No contact with Jack, along with leaving with Charles, has caused a rift between the two individuals. Jack was becoming more like the old Jack. His smile was returning, even though it wasn't as deep as it used to be when Elizabeth was around. She could see the joy slowly returning in his smile, face, and eyes. Abagail only hoped it wasn't too late.

…

Ms. Charlette Thornton couldn't believe her luck. How in the world would she just happen to run into Elizabeth in the big city of Hamilton? Jack had written to her about Elizabeth. He told her how determined she is when she sets her mind to something and how frustrating that has been at times. Charolette laughed at that thought. She liked how it seems that Elizabeth sassed Jack and kept him on his toes. From everything Jack has told her, Elizabeth was perfect for her oldest son.

"Elizabeth…Jack's Elizabeth." Elizabeth was slightly embarrassed by her words. "How in the world did I run into you in Hamilton of all places?"

"Ms. Thornton,"

Charolette cut her off. "Please call me Charlette. I think we have a lot in common."

"A lot in common? How is that possible when we just meet a few minutes ago?"

"Well, my dear, Jack has written to me a lot concerning you." She almost let slip that Jack asked for her engagement and wedding ring a few weeks ago. She looked down at Elizabeth's hand and didn't notice the ring. Maybe Jack hasn't proposed yet.

"Ok, Charlette. What do you mean by we have a lot in common?"

"Well, I am quick at reading people, and it doesn't take too long to see how you look when you mention Jack. You have this love sick, teenage girl look that comes across your face. He has written about how much he cares for you. Oh, maybe I shouldn't have said that. Jack may not be too happy that I did that." She smiled thinking that Jack may be upset if she shared too much. Then she remembered she is the mom and didn't care. "He also said you were a very determined young lady." Charlette explained. She continued, "Jack also mentioned that you were a teacher like I was and your love for your students were unmatched, even by me."

Elizabeth was certainly embarrassed now. She knew these things about Jack but didn't know with certainty. "May I ask you a question?" Elizabeth asked.

"Sure, my dear."

"You mention Jack was shot. What happened? Is he ok?"

"Elizabeth, hasn't Jack told you? I thought you were courting?"

"I haven't heard. Is he ok?" She avoided answering the question.

"Oh yes. He is healing rather quickly. The nurse in Hope Valley said that he would heal with no issues moving forward."

"Nurse? What nurse? Hope Valley doesn't have a nurse." Elizabeth was wondering who the nurse was.

"I'm not sure who she is. Jack just said that she was the nurse in Hope Valley."

Charlette told Elizabeth the story as best as she knew it. Elizabeth was certain she didn't breathe the entire time Charlette told the story. Even though Jack's injury was somewhat minor, Elizabeth still couldn't breathe. Just the thought of losing Jack was debilitating. Knowing she was in Hamilton, and he was in Hope Valley made it even worse. Not just that, but the miscommunication and misunderstanding that existed between them would have made the loss of Jack even worse. Somehow, Elizabeth thought, I need to fix this!

"Elizabeth, what brought you back to Hamilton?" This question paralyzed Elizabeth. She wasn't sure how much of the story she should share. Before she knew it, Elizabeth was opening up about everything to this woman. Maybe it was her eyes or maybe it was her smile. She knew exactly where Jack got his smile and eyes. The only thing that was missing was those silly dimples. Those were uniquely Jack even though Charlette had dimples too.

Elizabeth told Charlette everything. She did not hold back anything. She told Charlette about Charles' unannounced visit and proposal; her traveling back with Charles to talk with her father. She mentioned Jack hearing everything, even though she just found that out a few days ago. The confusion she felt about her close friend and her relationship concerning Jack. She just told everything.

Charlette was a good listener. She smiled and nodded. That encouraged Elizabeth to continue with her side of the story. Elizabeth did not feel like Charlette was judging her or taking sides. Charlette would ask a question occasionally, just to make sure she understood. Before Elizabeth knew it, they sat at the table for over an hour just talking about the past three weeks. Once finished, Elizabeth was amazed that Charlette was still at the table. She thought she would have gotten up and left by now.

When Elizabeth was finished sharing her story, Charlette sat still and studied Elizabeth's face. She knew Elizabeth was telling the truth. After all, Charlette raised two active and mischievous boys and taught school for several years. She knew a lie or a half truth when she heard one. After a few moments, she asked if she could ask a couple of questions.

"Charlette, you can ask me anything." She wasn't sure why she opened herself up to this woman like that but knew she was safe with her, just like she is with Jack.

"Elizabeth, if you love Jack like I think you do, why are you here without him? You spend so much time with this Charles fella, why would you do that when you know how he feels about you?"

One thing Elizabeth realized quickly with Charlette is that she does not hold anything back. If this is her first question, what is her second question going to be like?

"I'm not sure…"

"Elizabeth, please! You are not a child!" Charlette spoke with her teacher's voice. "If you are anything like I think you are and what I know Jack thinks about you, you know the answer. You need to stop hiding from the answer. Why are you here without Jack and why do you spend so much time with this other man?"

Elizabeth looked down at her hands folded in her lap. As educated as she was, words eluded her now.

"Elizabeth, I know I am rather direct. I don't play around. I have too many things to do than to play silly games. You know the answer to the question. I can see it in your eyes. But until you answer the question, you will never move forward with Jack or with anyone else. You cannot hide from the question or the answer. You can decide not to answer the question, but that doesn't change the truth."

After a few long minutes of silence, Charlette continued, "Elizabeth, while you think on that question, I want to ask you another one." Elizabeth didn't know what to do. She hasn't worked through the first one yet, and now she wants to ask another one.

"Why haven't you stood up to your father and sister?" So much for not being harder Elizabeth thought to herself.

"I know family can be difficult. But they don't live your life, Elizabeth. You do. You must own your decisions because you are the only one who lives with the results. You cannot live the life your father or your sister wants for you because they do not live that life. You oversee your own destiny. If your family makes your life for you, it is not truly your life. It is their life. If you want a life with Charles, then you need to make that your priority. If you want a life with Jack, then you need to start making decisions that will ensure that. If you want a life with someone else, then start making decisions that will point you in that direction."

Then Charlette said something Elizabeth has heard from two women who hold an important position in her heart.

"You must learn your mind and then express your mind with your own voice. No one else can do it better than you."

Was this a sign? Elizabeth still hasn't had her talk with her father about Jack and it has been weeks now. What was she waiting on? She has tried a couple of times, but something always seemed to pop up. Plus, she still hasn't fully spoken with Charles about everything.

Elizabeth was starting to get frustrated with herself over her inability to set her mind to what she truly wanted. She never had any trouble with this before, but this is the first time where she needed to make up her mind when the subject was her heart. While in school and college, she was too consumed with her studies. She really didn't date and just wasn't interested. If she needed an escort, Charles was always willing to step in for her.

At Elizabeth's silence, Charlette placed her napkin on the table and stood. She looked down at Elizabeth, but not with contempt. She looked at her with understanding. This surprised Elizabeth a little.

"Elizabeth, you really need to answer those two questions. I'm sorry if I came across too strong, but that is just how I am. Please understand, I truly like you. From all I have heard from Jack and the couple of hours we have spent together this afternoon, I like you. Probably more than I should, but I feel we do have a lot in common." With that, Charlette leaned over and gave Elizabeth a soft, motherly kiss on top of her head. Before leaving, she gave Elizabeth her address if she needed anything or wanted to write. "You can stand up to your father and sister with respect, but they need to know what you want."

Just before Charlette stepped out of the coffee shop, Elizabeth spoke. "Charlette, are you sure Jack is going to be ok?"

"Yes. He'll be fine. Elizabeth, you need to speak to him."

Elizabeth sat at the table for about thirty more minutes contemplating every word of her conversation with Charlette.

Present time

Elizabeth sat at her make-up table in her room in her childhood home. She was preparing for another party. As she sat there looking at her reflection in the mirror, the conversations with Ms. P, Charlette, and Abagail's letter continue to run through her mind on a loop. Jumping from one conversation to another while trying to come up with answers.

If she was honest with herself, she had the answers. There was no doubt in her mind, but that didn't make this any easier. Charlette's first question was the hardest question to answer. That was where the problem began. "Why are you here without Jack and why do you spend so much time with this other man?"

The answers took self reflection, and that reflection was difficult. First, she was here without Jack by miscommunication. She was overwhelmed by Charles' visit and her father's demand that she come home. Her father always wanted her to be with Charles, but she honestly never felt that way with him. He was comfortable and always present. His visit threw her, and she did not rebound from it very well. She left before talking to Jack because that is what her father wanted. She always did what he wanted without or with little question. As a parent pleaser, it was the easiest course of action just to do what they wanted.

The easy answer to why she spent so much time with Charles was that he was her friend. While that was true, that isn't the full truth. She never courted much in school. She was busy in school and just didn't care to be involved with anyone. She liked spending time with Charles because he made her feel good about herself. He put her on a pedestal, and she liked the attention that she received from him.

She didn't talk to her father about Jack because she had always yielded to him. She was always agreeable to what her mother or father wanted her to do. Julie was the complete opposite. She seems to choose the other path just because her parents didn't want her to go that way. Viola was agreeable because that is what she wanted. Elizabeth was afraid to stand up to her parents, but she knew she was more afraid of losing Jack. She was getting tired of people telling her she had to do things their way. Her parents or Charles was not asking her what she wanted.

"No more." She said with conviction. "This ends today. This ends now. I am a Thatcher. I face troubles and difficult situations with grace, dignity, and strength. I can do anything." With that declaration, Elizabeth sat tall in the chair. Her back straightened and a look of determination, and relief, came across her face.

…

Ms. P walked into her room and broke Elizabeth from her memories. "Elizabeth, it's time to go downstairs. Your date is waiting for you in the parlor."

That certainly had Elizabeth's attention. "Ms. P, I…Do…Not…have a date tonight. Charles is not my date, he was never my date, nor will he ever be my date. We are friends and hopefully we can remain friends, but I am not sure if that will be possible after we talk."

Ms. P stopped in the doorway and studied her favorite Thatcher. She noticed her posture and the look on her face. She knew Bethie's answer. She walked up to Elizabeth and wrapped her arms around her. "I was praying you would pick Jack. You two were so great with each other. But you should know, this party your father is throwing is an engagement party for you and Charles."

Elizabeth gasped. "Are you sure?"

"Yes, Elizabeth. They are celebrating your engagement to Charles. This party is a public announcement for the Kensington and Thatcher wedding."

…

Mr. Yost ran into the jail waving a telegram from Mountie headquarters in Toronto. He was catching his breath while he handed the telegram to Jack. "Constable, I knew you needed to have this as soon as possible."

Constable Thornton –

You are to report to the Toronto Headquarters immediately.

"Mr. Yost, did anything else accompany the telegram?"

"No constable. That was everything that was sent."

Jack had no idea what this was about. He knew he had to leave now. If he hurried, he could catch the stagecoach in just over an hour. He let out a long sigh, this was not how he wanted his day to go. "Abagail, could you watch after Rip? I need to go to Toronto at once."

"Is there anything wrong?"

"I don't know. I just received word that I need to leave immediately. I'm not sure when I will be back, but I will send word if I am delayed for a long time." Jack gave Abagail a small hug and a slight smile. "Abagail, thank you for everything! You have been a great friend ever since I rode into Hope Valley. That's not entirely true. You have been the sister I have never had."

"Jack, I always thought my boy would grow up to be someone like you. Please take care of yourself. You are my family."

Jack packed what few things he needed to take with him. He also was going to take a few reports with him. It would save time to take them with him instead of dropping them in the mail. Once satisfied he had what he needed, he headed to the stagecoach with ten minutes to spare. As he stepped onto the large buggy, he turned and looked over his shoulder and gave Abagail a small wave with his full dimple grin. "Thanks sis." He stated as he reached for the bag of sandwiches and snacks she packed for him.

"You come back here as quickly as you can. You hear?"

"Yes ma'am." Jack gave her his patent dimpled smile.

…

"Ms. Pacifio, do you have a few minutes to talk?" Ms. P knew Elizabeth was serious when she used her proper name. She never did that, even when she was able to pronounce it. She only used it when she was struggling with something and or needed to have a serious conversation. With everything that has been going on in her life over the last four weeks or so, Ms. P knew this wasn't going to be a light-hearted talk.

Ms. P knew she had pushed Elizabeth too much over the last couple of weeks. She certainly spoke her mind with Elizabeth, and something told her it was time to sit and listen to her.

"Bethie, sit and tell me what's on your mind." Elizabeth smiled at the name Ms. P gave her so many years ago. She was also thankful that Ms. P knew exactly what she needed. She received enough advice over her time home. Charles gave her plenty of advice, along with Viola, her mother, and her father. They wanted Elizabeth to stay home and take her rightful place. Julie of course offered her advice frequently. Of course, her advice always tended to come from a romance novel. Abagail sent a few letters that helped and challenged Elizabeth. She was grateful for her letters. Abagail always gave sound advice. She truly is her sister. Ms. P has been ever present as well. Her advice was a lot like Abagail's words. Elizabeth thought to herself the two could be sisters.

The person she wanted to talk to the most she hasn't heard from yet. She knew with the misunderstanding, that she wouldn't hear from Jack. She sat down a few times to write to him, but she didn't feel this was the type of conversation to have through a letter. Somehow in the three years they knew each other, Jack knew her better than anyone else. Better than her sisters, her parents, and even Charles. She always thought he could read her mind.

Elizabeth turned her chair so she could look Ms. P face to face. "Ms. P, I am tired and frustrated. I have too many voices in my ear about what I should do." As she spoke, a small tear formed in her eye and ran down her cheek. "I've never went against my family, especially my father. In this society, you just don't do that."

To her credit, Ms. P sat still and didn't say a word. She knew Elizabeth had to take these steps on her own strength. It had to be her journey. After a few minutes, she reached over and patted Elizabeth's hand. That gave Elizabeth enough encouragement to continue.

"I just don't want to disappoint anyone, but it seems like I am lost. I'm lost in what I want to do and what I should do. I'm tired to trying to live up to a standard that I don't even want to live up too. I'm just…" her voice trailed off with a long, slow sigh. "I'm just tired."

They sat silently for five minutes until there was a knock on the door. "Come in" Elizabeth stated.

Viola stepped in and gave Elizabeth a huge smile. She completely missed the look on Elizabeth's face. "My dear sister, it is time to come to the party. Everyone is here and waiting for your arrival."

Before Elizabeth was able to speak, Ms. P stepped in and spoke, "Viola, please tell them she will be down after a while. We are in the middle of something that cannot be interrupted. I know they will understand." Viola's smiled lessened but she nodded her head in agreement. After closing the door, they remained silent for a few more minutes. There was a perfect understanding between them, words were not always needed.

"Elizabeth, may I ask you a question?" Elizabeth smiled and nodded but didn't say anything. "In your heart of hearts, what do you want?"

"Ms. P, I don't think anyone has ever asked me that question."

"Well, I am asking now. Elizabeth, What...Do…You…Want?" Ms. P emphasized each word. She wasn't going to let Elizabeth avoid answering this question, not this time. However, Elizabeth had no desire to sidestep the question. Over the weeks, she has been working on her answer. She knew that Ms. P would be the one person who would eventually ask this question.

"I'm tired of living someone else's idea of what I should do, who I should court, where I should live, and what I should do. I'm tired of everyone's opinion on my life without any input from me."

Ms. P smiled at this proclamation. She knew Elizabeth had finally made up her mind. She also knew once Elizabeth did that, there was no changing her mind. What Elizabeth decided didn't really matter to Ms. P. Of course, she had her opinion, but this wasn't about her. This was all about Elizabeth and her finding her heart and her mind. She has witnessed this over the years, but never anything this major. Elizabeth stood her ground when she decided to move out west to teach, but the family always thought the trip would be a short time. An adventure for a few months before she moved back home and taking her rightful place. The few months has turned into a few years, but they still thought she would give up eventually.

Ms. P sat up tall with the biggest smile on her face. She has been waiting for this moment and didn't want to miss a moment of it. "So, what is it that you want?"

Elizabeth straightened her back and pulled her shoulders back a little. She raised her head in confidence. Mrs. P knew exactly the moment Elizabeth decided, once and for all, what she wanted to do. The look of confidence filled Mrs. P's heart with pride. "I want to continue my teaching job in Hope Valley. I have grown to love the town and the people. I am loved not for my name, but for the things I contribute to the community. I use my talents to touch people's lives and I am respected for that, not because my name is Thatcher. I love the kids I teach. They have grown so much over the time I have been there. They are daydreaming of something more than just a job at the mine or sawmill. They are expanding their horizons."

As Elizabeth spoke, Ms. P's smile grew bigger and bigger. This is what she wanted for her favorite Thatcher. Not so much her moving away, but the dream she has been dreaming about for years. She always felt Elizabeth was a force of nature, but she just never took hold of the opportunities.

Elizabeth continued. "The kids come to school excited, well, mostly excited, about learning. That is so great to experience. I love their excitement, and it rubs off on me. I am excited just because they are excited. I also love the fact that I am standing on my own two feet. I pay my own way in life. I am not dependent on anyone else. My father continues to send me money, but I haven't used any of it for the past couple of years. People help me and I help people. I have also developed great friendships. Abagail…" At the sound of her name a tear formed in her eyes. "Abagail instantly became my best friend. She is my family. I consider her an older sister. She reminds me a lot of you." Elizabeth said with a sly smile as she gently squeezed Mrs. P's hand.

Now, Ms. P was shedding tears. Her Bethie was a matured woman with her own mind and voice. She knew exactly what she wanted and now she expressed it with her own words, not anyone else's. "Oh Elizabeth, this is what I wanted to hear. Your thoughts and your words. Now I know you will have everything you want."

"How do you know that?

"Because this is you. You are Bethie, you are an unstoppable force when you set your mind to any task. You always find a way to accomplish it. Now, I have one more question to ask…"

Before she could ask, Elizabeth cut her off with the biggest smile. She knew exactly what Ms. P wanted to know. "I want Jack!" Her voice raised with excitement and determination. "He is my soul mate. He is everything I want in a life partner. He is funny, strong, smart, handsome, and he has the best, most adorable dimples ever. No one knows this, but that is my nickname for him, Dimples." She leaned in and whispered the last part like she was sharing a secret.

Another knock on the door interrupted her. She sighed as she walked to the door. As she opened the door, Charles was smiling and extended his arm for her to take. "Elizabeth, we need to go downstairs, we have an announcement to make."

Ms. P began to speak but was cut off before saying a word. "Charles," Elizabeth said with an unusual tone and a drawn out sigh. "We need to talk before we walk down to the party. Please come to the library with me."

Author's Note:

I must ask for your patience. I store my writings on a flash drive or thumb drive. My thumb drive was damaged, and I have lost all of the chapters I have already written. I was working on chapter 29. I have the outlines and I mostly remember the story, but I need to rewrite the chapters again. Instead of posting two chapters a week, I will probably post one a week. This will allow me time to rewrite the story. The story will continue, but at a slower pace than I am accustomed to. Thank you for your understanding and patience.

I hope you are enjoying the story. Finally…Elizabeth takes her stand. Now, she must confront her family and Charles. Most importantly, she needs to reconnect with Jack.