"You're home!" Elizabeth called, rushing toward Nathan as he entered the house. "I hope this means that Armstrong is gone?"
"Yes, he is now in the care of Sergeant Nelson and Constable Smith. It seems unlikely I will even need to give testimony at the trial." Nathan wrapped his arms around Elizabeth's waist, burying his head in her hair and soaking in the peace he felt in her arms. This was exactly what he needed: to spend some time with his wife.
"That's wonderful, Nathan. I hated the idea of you going away." Elizabeth's voice was curious as she looked up at him and said, "I would think you would be happier, Nathan. What is it that is still bothering you?"
"Colleen."
"But...I thought Robert had given her a good prognosis, that...has something changed?"
"It has nothing to do with her health," Nathan explained. "I am concerned about her living arrangements."
"Our living arrangements?"
"Yes, yours, Elizabeth. And Nathan's and mine and Allie's." Colleen said as she walked into the room, unable to help but overhear her brother.
Nathan looked at his sister over Elizabeth's head as she turned in his arms to face Colleen.
"But why?" Elizabeth said, confused. "Has something happened, Colleen? Are you not happy living here?"
"I am Elizabeth, but you two need your space." Colleen put her hand up to silence them both when they would have argued with her. "You're newlyweds; you need your privacy."
"We really don't, Colleen," Elizabeth assured her. "Besides, I would hardly describe us as newlyweds - it's been months."
"Okay, well, maybe I need space," Colleen retorted. "Maybe I need to prove to Allie and myself that I can look after the two of us and provide Allie with a good life and a home for her."
"Colleen," Nathan argued, "you have been doing that since you married Dylan, even before he left the first time."
"Maybe so," Colleen said, flushing slightly. She wondered what Nathan had guessed about her disastrous marriage to Dylan Parkes. "I need to do this, Nathan. It's not like I want to move away from Coal Valley to the Northern Territories or somewhere else dangerous. I want to stay here, stay close, but I want to do it on my terms."
"I understand, but..."
"If you truly understand, you won't argue with me, Nathan. You'll support me in this decision."
Nathan opened his mouth to continue arguing with his sister but stopped when he felt Elizabeth squeeze his hand. Taking a deep breath, he held back further arguments. "Fine, Colleen. You have my support as you always will."
"Thank you, Nathan. Elizabeth, thank you, too."
"There is no need to thank me, Colleen. I love living here with you and Allie. When you move, I will miss the two of you very much. It will be very quiet without Allie's laughter."
"You could start your own family, Elizabeth." Colleen teased.
Nathan looked at Elizabeth and saw the colour drain from her cheeks. Then he noticed her eyes drop, closing momentarily. Elizabeth never minded Colleen's gentle teasing; surely, she wasn't upset over it today?
"What I am going to start is dinner." Elizabeth said emphatically, walking toward the kitchen. "I think we should celebrate this business with Armstrong being over once and for all. I'll bake a cake."
Colleen and Nathan exchanged a look as Elizabeth passed them, seeing her face set in tight lines, curious about her reaction. Nathan shrugged to let his sister know he was just as clueless as she was.
"Let me help you with the cake," Colleen offered.
The days after the Mounties escorted Armstrong and Jameson out of town were busy. Nathan heard from Nelson that they had arrived safely in Union City. During the trip, Armstrong had apparently kept up a steady stream of insults and threats towards the Mounties, Doctor Jameson and Mariah until the Sergeant threatened to gag him. Gabriel had telegrammed to advise Nathan that he had arrived home safely. Nathan was pleased to receive a follow-up letter from his friend, hand-delivered by Rosemary and Lee when they arrived home from their honeymoon. Rosemary and Lee loved Brookfield, and Rosemary and Elizabeth spent hours planning a trip back to visit. Rosemary was determined to do whatever it took to bring Gabriel and Lillian together, recognising how perfect they were for each other as Elizabeth had done. Nathan grinned, thinking of his friend and what lay ahead of him; he didn't stand a chance against his wife and Rosemary, but he didn't think Gabriel would be fighting them anyway.
When he finally had time to reflect and process everything that had happened, Nathan's thoughts drifted again to Elizabeth and her reaction to Colleen's teasing her about growing their family. He wanted to talk to her about it and had tried to several times. While he wouldn't accuse his wife of avoiding him, she hadn't made herself available, surrounding herself with people and excusing herself early for bed.
Nathan had looked forward to a trip to Brookfield and still did and knew they would enjoy visiting with Rosemary and Lee, but he and Elizabeth needed to talk first. If something was bothering his wife, he needed to know what it was.
Colleen stood before the shelf in the Mercantile, staring at the products without seeing them. She wasn't there to shop; she was there to find work, but there was none. She needed a few moments and more than a few deep breaths to get control of her frustration. It wasn't Ned Yost's fault he didn't know of any work available. He had asked everyone multiple times, exceeding her expectations. All she needed was something to go right for her and Allie. Maybe she had used up all her luck with her recovery, and if that was the case, she was grateful.
Colleen knew Nathan wanted her and Allie to stay where they were and continue living with him and Elizabeth. In moments when she was tired or lonely, she almost capitulated and went along with him, but she knew her original decision was the right one. Giving herself a mental shake, she let go of her frustration. It was time to collect Allie from the cafe, where she was having afternoon tea with Julie and Mariah, and she didn't want her daughter to see her in a bad mood. Allie had been through enough because of Colleen and her choices, she wasn't going to inflict a bad mood on her as well.
When Colleen opened the door of the Mercantile and said goodbye to Ned, the basket she was carrying connected with something—no, someone walking inside. Colleen gasped as the person grunted in surprise and felt heat rush to her cheeks as she hastily apologised.
"I am so sorry. It was all my fault. I wasn't paying attention," Colleen stammered as she looked into Henry Gowan's shocked face. Colleen didn't know Henry well, having only recently gotten to know him when he helped Mariah. She knew Nathan and Elizabeth liked Henry despite the rest of the town shunning him over the mine disaster and his treatment of the widows. Colleen didn't know enough about him to have an opinion either way but trusted her brother's judgement and what she had seen of His behaviour.
"Please, Mrs Parkes, it's fine," Henry said. "It would take more than a basket to the stomach to injure me. Especially an empty one," he commented as he looked at it. "Didn't Ned have what you wanted?"
"No, he didn't," Colleen responded, "but he can't just order in what I am looking for." Pulling the basket closer to her, Colleen stepped around Henry and through the door Henry was holding open. "Apologies again, Mr Gowan."
Henry watched as Colleen walked toward the cafe, her shoulders slumped.
"Ned?" Henry said, stepping inside and toward the counter. "What is it Mrs Parkes was looking for?"
"Work and somewhere to live," Ned said, sighing loudly. "Unfortunately, there is nothing suitable available right now."
"Isn't she unwell?" Henry asked, confused. Why on earth was Nathan's sister looking for somewhere to live?
"Dr Pearce has given her the all-clear. She wants to move her and her daughter somewhere else to allow Nathan and Elizabeth some privacy."
"What kind of work is she looking for?"
"I think she would do and could do almost anything."
Henry nodded, considering Ned's words as he walked away, searching the shelves for the items he needed. He hated shopping for supplies almost as much as he disliked cooking. Since Mrs Hagarty had resigned, mealtimes were very different. His cooking skills were virtually non-existent, so he usually settled for a cold sandwich. He had eaten several meals at the cafe but didn't always feel welcome there. He could only eat the chilli at the Saloon so many times before his stomach curdled at the thought of another serving.
Henry's thoughts drifted to Colleen Parkes and her situation. He admired her for wanting independence and to stand on her own. While he didn't know her history, he heard Nathan speak of her husband when she first came to town. He knew men like Dylan Parkes and Colleen and her daughter deserved better.
The Hagarty's had lived behind his house in a self-contained home. Mrs Hagarty prepared his meals, and he insisted she use the same supplies to feed herself and her husband. Several times a week, she did light cleaning, and when she needed to do more, she called for assistance from women in town. It had been an ideal situation. He had his privacy and hearty, tasty meals that he could enjoy without people whispering about him. Mr Hagarty had been too ill to help his wife, so Henry engaged the services of a young man to work outside the house, maintaining the yards and doing minor maintenance. He had kept that going after the Hagarty's had left.
Should he offer Colleen Parkes the role of housekeeper? What would people think? What would Nathan think? Nathan Grant was one of the few people in Coal Valley whose opinion Henry cared about and he would hate to do something that might upset him.
Colleen glanced up at the knock on the door, wondering who it could be. She wasn't expecting anyone. She glanced over at Allie as she rose to answer the door. Allie had fallen asleep on the lounge while reading a book. Her daughter loved visiting, especially her 'Aunt Julie', but always came home tired. Colleen hurried across the room before whoever it was knocked again and woke her daughter.
Colleen was surprised to see Henry Gowan standing on her doorstep, hat in hand, looking a little sheepish. He was the last person she had expected to see.
"Henry!" Colleen said, keeping her voice low. "What can I do for you?"
"I'd like to speak with you. Is now a good time."
"Of course," Colleen glanced back over her shoulder before saying, "Allie is asleep. Could we talk quietly?"
Henry nodded at Colleen as he stepped inside. "This won't take long, I promise."
Colleen grew increasingly curious as Henry stood before her, hat in hand, without speaking. "It's okay, Henry; Allie isn't a light sleeper."
"I was talking to Ned earlier after I ran into you in the Mercantile."
"You mean when I ran into you?" Colleen teased.
"Well, yes, I guess that is true," Henry chuckled. "Ned told me why you were there: that you're looking for work and somewhere for you and your little one to live.
"Yes, that's right. Unfortunately, there doesn't seem to be anything available right now." Colleen frowned, "I know it isn't like I am desperate; I have a roof over my head and a happy one, but ..."
"You don't have to explain. I understand, and I think we can help each other. My housekeeper just retired and moved away. I need to replace her."
Colleen blinked rapidly as she processed what Henry had just said. She had met Mrs Hagarty several times and knew she had loved working for Henry and wouldn't hear a bad word about him from anyone. She had talked about how cosy the house she shared with her husband was, loving it was a way out of town but still contained everything she needed. The job was straightforward, too, requiring some basic home cooking and tasks around the home. Was he offering her the job and the little house that came with it? She tried to control her excitement.
"I have to say, this is quite the surprise," Colleen replied, her mind whirling with possibilities. The job and accommodation would be perfect. Was it too good to be true? "Please come and sit down; I have so many questions."
Nathan glanced at the clock and decided it was time for a break. He had been at his desk most of the day and needed to stretch his legs, get some fresh air, and see his wife. Elizabeth had no plans after school; it was Friday, the day she came home, knowing she had the weekend to catch up if needed. He had checked with her as she left for school that morning. They could take a walk before heading home for the evening or go for a quick ride. He knew she missed riding Cocoa, and he missed her.
Nathan also wanted to talk to Elizabeth about his conversation with Henry. He was surprised when Henry had visited earlier and was left reeling by the time Henry had told him his idea. It was the perfect solution for Colleen; he knew that, but selfishly, he didn't want her and Allie to go. He knew Elizabeth would help him process his concerns, so he could be supportive if Colleen accepted the offer.
Reaching for his hat, Nathan hurried outside. He was happy with his plan and hoped his wife would be, too, although he wouldn't take no for an answer today.
Opening the saloon door, he saw Elizabeth standing at the front of the room, cloth in hand, wiping the chalkboard clean. He smiled as she stood on tiptoe, trying to reach the top, intent on her task. He walked toward her, moving as quietly as possible until he stood just behind her.
"Why not let me do that?"
"Nathan!" Elizabeth exclaimed, spinning to face him, shocked by his sudden appearance. "How do you always sneak up on me?"
"I'm a Mountie, Elizabeth, and a good one."
"Oh, that's right," she teased. "The red serge should have given it away." She flung the cloth at him and said, "Fine, you can get the top for me, Constable."
Elizabeth started to move out of his way, but Nathan quickly stepped forward, trapping her between the board and himself. Throwing the cloth over his shoulder, he placed his hands on her hips and drew her toward him.
"Nathan!" Elizabeth whispered urgently, "people can see us."
"There's no one here, and besides, no one will blame me for wanting to kiss my wife." Knowing no one was around, Nathan ignored her protest and lowered his lips to hers, capturing her mouth in a sweet kiss. He deepened the kiss when he felt her arms slide around his waist, and she moulded her body against his.
Nathan sighed contentedly when they broke apart, resting his cheek on the top of her head, relishing the feel of her in his arms. "I did come here for a reason today besides this," Nathan explained, smiling as he gently ran his hand over her hair. "Please come for a ride or a walk with me."
"Both sound lovely. Have you done your rounds yet?"
"No. Doing rounds with you would be perfect. Are you ready now?"
"I can store my things here and come with you," Elizabeth said, looking down at her outfit. This skirt is fine for riding."
Nathan reached for her hand, leading her toward the door, not wanting to give her a chance to change her mind. "There is so much I want to talk to you about, Elizabeth," Nathan said, smiling. "It feels like ages since we did something like this."
Nathan saw a flicker of something flash across Elizabeth's face, but it was gone so quickly he couldn't identify the emotion. They could start the conversation by discussing Colleen and easing into what bothered her afterwards.
Nathan held Elizabeth's hand as they left the Saloon and walked to the livery. When they arrived, he quickly saddled Newton and retrieved Cocoa's tack from the storeroom.
"I can saddle her, Nathan; I need the practice."
"How about you help?" he suggested. He stepped aside, making room for her, and gently pulled her to stand before him, encircling her in his arms. Elizabeth grinned, and he knew she didn't mind his reasons for wanting to 'help' saddle Cocoa.
"I am sure this would have been quicker if I did it alone," she murmured.
"But not as much fun?"
"Definitely not as much fun," Elizabeth agreed as she leaned back against his chest, sinking into his arms.
"Elizabeth," Nathan whispered tentatively, reluctant to break the mood. "I hope you know you can talk to me about anything." He felt her stiffen in his embrace. "I hate seeing you upset and not knowing how I can help."
Elizabeth turned toward him, burying her face against his serge.
"Please, talk to me, Elizabeth."
"I don't know what to say," she sniffed. "It's just...I think something is wrong with me."
"What kind of something?" Nathan asked, tilting her chin up so he could look into her eyes.
"I thought I would be...that we would be..." Elizabeth bit her lip, struggling to find the words, "Most women I know don't take this long to fall pregnant once they're married. I thought it would have happened by now."
"Elizabeth, we haven't even been married a year; surely that's not too long? Besides a lot has happened in that time." Nathan had no idea if this was a long time or not. He had very little experience with things like this; it wasn't talked about. He thought about his Mountie training, but it was all about delivering babies and not ...well, not making them.
"All my married friends are pregnant or have had babies," Elizabeth exclaimed. "Some of them have been married less than us and are pregnant."
"I don't think we should panic yet, Elizabeth," he said, hating how her lip trembled as she tried to hold back her tears. "Why don't you talk to Robert?"
"No!"
"Why not?"
"He could be my brother-in-law one day, and that's - no, I couldn't."
"Then talk to Faith; we can go together," Nathan offered.
"No, it's fine, you're right." Elizabeth said, blushing, "I'll talk to Faith but by myself."
"If you're sure...I want to be there." Nathan cupped her cheek and said, "Have you ever thought it could be me who has the problem?" Nathan chuckled as her mouth dropped open in surprise - clearly, she hadn't. "It takes two people to make a baby, Elizabeth."
"I know," Elizabeth said, the blush on her cheeks deepening. She started to say something but when they heard someone enter the livery. "Maybe we should talk about it later or somewhere more private."
"Fine. Let's finish saddling Cocoa and head out; a ride will do us both some good." Nathan kissed Elizabeth on the forehead and made quick work of saddling Cocoa. When their horses were ready to go, he held out his cupped hands and squatted down, offering Elizabeth a boost. Before she placed her knee into his hands, she cupped his face and stared at him, her face serious.
"I am sorry I didn't tell you what was bothering me. I should have." She kissed his mouth softly and said, "Thank you for seeing me, for noticing something was wrong and making me talk to you. I don't know what I would do without you. You're the best husband I have ever had."
"I plan to be the only one you ever have!" Nathan said, appreciating her attempt to lighten the mood. "Now, let's race to the meadow. The loser buys dessert on the way home."