Elizabeth stared at the teacherage, flames leaping high into the sky as it burned. It was a disaster; she couldn't believe the building was on fire; she barely understood how it had happened. She watched in tears as her home and belongings were destroyed; she knew there was no way either could be saved. She heard people running toward her, exclaiming about the fire. People were shouting orders about buckets and water and sand, but she just stood there; nothing penetrated her shock.
Standing alone, dressed in a nightgown, wrapped in a blanket, Elizabeth thought back over all that had happened since her arrival in Coal Valley yesterday; it seemed so long ago. Thinking back now, the problems with her carriage, and her delayed arrival in Coal Valley, seemed so trivial.
When they arrived, Colin had taken her straight to the Saloon to meet the women who had hired her. It was late afternoon, and Elizabeth was exhausted, thirsty, hungry, and smelled of horses. Her dress was crushed and dusty. Colin hadn't offered her the chance to clean up, so she met the group of widows and mothers in her dishevelled state, understanding why they looked at her in shock.
As she watched the group of women approach her, she saw their expressions change from anticipation to confusion and finally to disdain from one of them. The woman trailing the group had a stern look; her face was tight, her appearance matched her expression, her hair was slicked back in a tight bun, and her clothing was plain, without decoration. Elizabeth knew she had already made up her mind about her, and she hoped the others would be more understanding.
Elizabeth jumped up to introduce herself, wanting to make a good impression despite her appearance. The first woman to reach her had the kindest expression of the group of four, her smile warm as she reached out her hand, taking Elizabeth's. This small kindness was almost Elizabeth's undoing; she felt tears well in her eyes but blinked them back quickly; crying would not endear her to these women; they needed to know she was strong and determined, up to the challenges ahead.
"You must be Elizabeth Thatcher, the new schoolteacher," she said, "my name is Abigail Stanton.
Elizabeth replied, "It's lovely to meet you, Miss Stanton, and please call me Elizabeth." Elizabeth kept her smile in place as Abigail introduced her to the other women. Molly Sullivan smiled politely when introduced; she explained that her daughter Rosalyn was school age and had the same red hair, so she would be easily recognised in class. Cat Montgomery introduced herself next and explained she also had children who would be going to the Coal Valley school. Elizabeth noted Cat didn't acknowledge Elizabeth would be their teacher, just that they would attend. Finally, Elizabeth met the stern woman named Florence Blakely; her son was school age. Mrs Blakely was the only one of the four not to invite Elizabeth to use her first name.
As the women sat, Mrs Blakely maintained her stern expression sitting with her arms folded across her middle, her mouth grim, and her eyes unfriendly. Abigail was the group leader Elizabeth realised, despite not having a child attending the school. She explained to Elizabeth they had been expecting her much earlier and were surprised she appeared to be straight out of Teachers College.
Elizabeth started to explain, but Abigail stopped her, saying, "it's okay, Elizabeth, we understand the difficulty with the carriage, its, well... it's your age we are most surprised about." She explained to Elizabeth that the offer of her teaching position wasn't a school district role; it was a role made possible using the widow's limited funds to pay her wages. Given the Town's history, they had explicitly requested an older woman, someone who could understand and relate more to the widows and children.
Elizabeth stammered over her words, rushing to convince all four women that she could teach their children, she was qualified, that she had travelled so far for the job, pleading for a chance to show them what she was just capable of.
Florence expressed her lack of confidence in her ability, not caring Elizabeth was listening, horrified the others were even considering allowing Elizabeth to commence as the teacher. Florence questioned Elizabeth's ability to survive in their Town, let alone as the teacher.
Abigail frowned at Florence and, holding her hand up to silence her said, "Please, Florence, she's right; she has come a long way to take up this opportunity; it isn't Elizabeth's fault the college ignored our requests for someone older. I think we should at least allow her the chance to show us what she can do."
The three women looked at each other; Cat and Molly shrugged; Florence shook her head, stood, and said, "I want no part of this decision, I believe she should leave on the next coach, and we look for someone else. If you're going to offer her the role, it's up to you, but remember my words." After her announcement, Florence left the Saloon, leaving the table in stunned silence.
"Well, Elizabeth," Abigail said, pretending Florence's outburst hadn't happened, "It looks like you are the new Teacher for Coal Valley, at least for now. Why don't we all look at the next week as a trial run, and if either party thinks it isn't working, we can discuss it again before the coach returns."
Elizabeth sat silently, wondering how this amazing opportunity had gone so wrong. She expected to find the same enthusiasm she felt, but no one wanted her here.
Abigail could tell Elizabeth was highly disappointed, and the way she handled it would say a lot about her character. "If you come with me, Elizabeth, I can get you settled into the house we have set aside for the Teacher; it isn't much, but it's yours while you are here." Looking at Cat and Molly, Abigail grimaced and looked back to Elizabeth, saying gently, "you may want to use the amenities here to tidy up before we head out through the Town. I have a basket of food and other items we collected; I will bring that with me."
Still speechless, Elizabeth excused herself to fix her appearance, leaving the women staring after her. She could hear them frantically whispering as she walked away but couldn't make out their words.
Elizabeth glanced at herself in the mirror and gasped in horror; she had known she was untidy, but it was much worse; she was in total disarray. Her hair was wild from riding for hours in her silly hat, and through the dirt, she could see her face was sunburned. Taking a deep breath, she made herself a promise. This would be the last time the people of Coal Valley would have reason to doubt her ability to teach their children or survive in their frontier town.
After Abigail left the Teacherage, leaving the basket of food behind, Elizbeth gazed around the room of her new home and noted it was an extremely old building; the paint on the timber had flaked in places, and the curtains were thin. The kitchen and sitting room were one small room with a bedroom off to the side. The kitchen contained a little table pushed against the wall near the window. The stove and other cupboards were on the adjacent wall. The bedroom had a bed, side table and wardrobe with a small rug covering the floorboards. The house was not fancy, but it was clean, and it was the first place Elizabeth had lived that she could call her own, and she couldn't wait to settle in.
Elizabeth spent some time pottering around her new home; while she would never say it to Abigail or other mothers, she was a little scared of being in the house alone. She could hear scurrying in the walls, which she imagined was a mouse, but didn't want to investigate and find out.
It didn't take long to put away her personal items; she didn't have much with her, given she had left her trunks with the Carriage. Colin had gone out to retrieve her things, but she was worried about what he would find. While she waited for her items to be delivered the next day, Abigail had been kind enough to lend her a nightgown and robe. She had already changed and had washed out her only dress and left it to dry, hanging it over one of the chairs at the table. There was still another day before she needed to be at the school, and she hoped her luggage would arrive tomorrow so she could arrange her things. Elizabeth had realised her dress was much too fancy for everyday wear in Coal Valley and needed the plainer clothes she had packed.
As she sat at the table near the window, her eyelids drooping, she realised how tired she was; she hadn't been sleeping well. Elizabeth had intended to write to her family and Rosemary, updating them on her arrival in Coal Valley. She had sent a telegram to her family with minimal details, so she owed them a letter. Elizabeth looked at the food she had set out and realised she wasn't hungry and was too tired to eat anyway; the cheese and bread sat on her plate, uneaten.
Night came quickly in Coal Valley, Elizabeth realised as she lit several candles, setting them on the table so she could finish her letters and write in her journal. Elizabeth folded her arms on the table, resting her chin on them while she thought of where to start. Before she could decide, the last few days' events caught up with her, and she drifted off to sleep.
Elizabeth woke abruptly, the feel of something crawling on her arm jerking her from her sleep. Terrified, she jumped up, bumping the table as she did; looking down, she realised a mouse had scurried over her to get to the plate of food left on the table. As she watched the table wobble, one of the candles tipped over onto her writing paper. Frightened by the commotion, the mouse knocked over another candle as it scrambled off the table and bolted toward her. Elizabeth ran from the rodent, heading into the opposite corner of the room. Pressing herself back against the wall, her mouth dropped open as she realised the paper on the table was alight, as were the curtains covering the window above it, and her dress the flames spreading rapidly in the timber building.
There was no water, nothing Elizabeth could use to control the flames, and the room quickly filled with smoke. Coughing, her eyes streaming from the smoke Elizabeth was overwhelmed as she watched the fire spread. Grabbing her hat off the hook near the door, she attempted to use it to beat out the flames, but it was no use. She had to get out before the whole building caught alight, trapping her inside. Spinning on her heel, she ran for the door, out to the yard where she stood, helplessly watching her new home burn. So much for the promise she had made herself; it hadn't lasted a day."
After what felt like an eternity, Elizabeth felt someone come and stand beside her, and she turned to see Abigail Stanton before her, eyes wide with shock. "Elizabeth, what happened? Are you alright?"
Elizabeth had no words to explain to Abigail. What could she say? The fire was a disaster of her making, and no matter what she said, it wasn't going to change anything. Shaking her head, she whispered, "I am so sorry, Abigail; I don't know what to say to you or the town." Tears ran down her face as she turned back to the burning building.
Nathan rode into Coal Valley on Newton, leading the horse and wagon with his belongings. He had made arrangements in Benson Hills for the horse and wagon to be returned when the stage rode back through the following week. His priority was to settle Newton and the packhorse Bob before collecting the keys to the Mountie office from the Mercantile. He hoped the Mercantile was still open; he was later than expected.
As Nathan arrived at the livery, it grew dark; he relieved the horses of their burdens, brushing them and settling them with food and water. He talked to the livery owner as he did this, arranging for long term care for Newton and asking questions about the Town. The livery owner Ben was surprised when he found out Nathan was Coal Valley's full-time Mountie but was happy to provide information on the Town and the people living there. He wished he could shake the anxiety he had, the feeling he needed to be somewhere.
As Tom stepped out of the livery to point out the Mercantile, Nathan heard him cry out in shock. Following his gaze, Nathan could see the glow of a fire burning in the distance. "Where is the fire coming from?" Nathan demanded, "what arrangements does the town have in place to fight a fire?"
Ben looked at him, "it's over where the old Teacherage is; we don't have a fire brigade in town." he advised looking worried. "I need to go and see if I can help."
"I'm coming with you," Nathan said, running down the road with Ben, the words ' teacherage' filling him with dread; his only thought was Elizabeth and making sure she hadn't come to harm.
Nathan and Ben ran toward the fire, getting a better view when they rounded the corner. Nathan watched the flames rise high from the structure, sparks leaping into the air. He took in the surroundings, glad the building was isolated, and there was no risk of buildings close by being lost as well. Nathan watched men form a human chain, passing buckets of water collected from the pond from hand to hand, throwing them at the school residence. He knew they were fighting a losing battle; the fire was too advanced. Nathan spoke to Ben, telling him to find who was in charge and ask them to focus on stopping the fire from spreading, to let the building burn down; they couldn't save it, and he didn't want anyone injured trying to.
Nathan scanned the crowd; he was looking for Elizabeth, praying she was somewhere safe and close by. Nathan saw a woman with long black curls hanging loosely down her back, dressed in a nightgown, a blanket around her shoulders, her only source of warmth. It was Elizabeth; she was safe. He took a deep breath and walked toward her and the woman standing with her.
As he got closer to Elizabeth, he could see her hunched shoulders, her head bowed, and he had to fight the urge to run to her and gather her in his arms. He was unsure she would welcome his presence, especially if he walked up and manhandled her. He stepped up behind her and softly said her name, "Elizabeth. Are you alright?"
Elizabeth spun on her heel at his voice, shocked to hear someone calling her by name when she knew no one, recognising his voice a split second afterwards. "Nathan...it's you; you're the one who came," Elizabeth stammered, her eyes wide, words tumbling out of her mouth without thought.
Nathan recognised how close to breaking down Elizabeth was; tears swam in her eyes, and her lips trembled; he could see the tracks of her tears on her soot-stained face. Her arms, holding the blanket, were wrapped tightly around herself, like they were the only things keeping her together. Nathan slipped his arms out of his long, brown woollen coat and held it out as he stepped toward her. He wrapped the coat around her shoulders, tugging the lapels closed for warmth. "Yes. It's me. Let me take you somewhere warmer, Elizabeth. You will freeze out here dressed like that, and there is nothing to be done."
"He's right, Elizabeth," said Abigail. She held out her hand to Nathan and said, "It would appear you two know each other," her eyes probing as she looked him over. "I am Mrs Abigail Stanton."
Nathan tore his eyes away from Elizabeth, "Nathan Grant, Mrs Stanton, Constable Nathan Grant, I am the Mountie posted to Coal Valley. I arrived today." Nathan could see the astonishment his introduction caused. "Elizabeth and I met in Hamilton, Mrs Stanton." Abigail, like Ben, was shocked by his arrival but recovered quickly, asking him to use her first name; it was becoming apparent that his posting to Coal Valley was not common knowledge to the townspeople.
Nathan and Abigail stood, both watching Elizabeth. She was staring at the building, the fire dying as the structure had collapsed, and there was nothing left to fuel it. Although she was staring at it, she wasn't seeing any of it, Nathan realised; he wondered if she was in shock. Nathan spoke to Abigail, "we need to get her away from here."
"Of course, we will take her to my home; she will stay with me until we work something else out," Abigail said as she put an arm around Elizabeth.
With Abigail guiding Elizabeth, the three turned and started for home. Ben came running over to Nathan, "It's all safe here, Constable, we are going to monitor overnight to make sure it's entirely out, but I am sure it will be fine." Looking at his companions, he said, "Abigail will point you in the direction of the Saloon once this young lady is safe; there is no point trying the Mercantile at this time of night. At least in the Saloon, you can get a bed for the night." He turned and jogged back to the men with the buckets, shouting orders to those remaining.
Elizabeth felt warmth seeping back into her bones; she had been so cold watching the fire with only the blanket around her shoulders. Nathan's coat was still warm from his body when he gave it to her, and she relished the heat. She drew the coat more tightly around her and breathed in Nathan's scent; he smelled of the outdoors, clean air and horses; she was glad for the chance to smell something other than smoke.
As she walked toward Town, supported by Abigail and Nathan, she began to calm down and think about what the fire meant. She had nowhere to live; she had burnt down the teacher's housing for Coal Valley. Nathan was here, seeing her at her worst after rejecting her; what was he doing here? Elizabeth had asked Colin on their ride into Town and found out there had never been a Mountie before.
Nathan tried not to stare at Elizabeth as they walked to Town; even after the disaster, she had just experienced everything that had gone wrong; she was still beautiful. All his protective instincts had come rushing to the surface when he saw her, the pain and fear in her eyes, and he wanted to reach out and make sure she was okay, to dry her tears.
Arriving at Abigail's row house, they paused at the base of the stairs, Abigail smiling up at him. "Thank you for walking us home, Constable; I've got it from here. Will you be able to find your way back to the Saloon?"
"Yes, of course, and it's Nathan," Nathan said. "Will it be alright if I look in on you tomorrow, Elizabeth?" he asked her, looking into her eyes, noticing their sparkle was missing.
When Elizabeth failed to respond, Abigail answered for her, "I am sure that will be fine, Nathan; we will see you then. Come Elizabeth, let's get you inside."
Nathan waited for the door to close before starting his journey back to the Saloon. Stopping, he realised Elizabeth still had his coat and smiled; that would be his excuse to see her again. He was sure she wouldn't go through the coat; if she did, she would find Rosemary's letter explaining his behaviour in Hamilton. He wouldn't mind if she read the letter; after all, it was addressed to her, and he planned to give it to her tomorrow anyway. He realised Elizabeth's note to him was also inside the coat and wondered what she would think if she found it.
After the rough start to Coal Valley, Elizabeth had experienced, Nathan had even more concerns about the length of time she would remain in Coal Valley. His role as Constable to Coal Valley might be very short-lived. He put his hands in his pocket as he walked to the Saloon, his left hand brushing against the item he had slipped inside earlier that day. He had found a small bunch of feathers and decorative flowers from a lady's hat caught in a tree, and he had felt compelled to keep them. Shrugging, he continued toward town, knowing he would put the decorations somewhere safe for now.