"Elizabeth?"
Elizabeth heard Nathan's soft, deep voice behind her, his warm breath wafting over the skin on the back of her neck, sending shivers down her spine. She turned to face him, her smile wide as she gazed at his handsome face. The light from the lamp was low in the kitchen, creating an atmosphere of intimacy between them. Elizabeth felt they were in a world separate from everyone else in the Coulter's row house.
"Nathan!" Elizabeth replied, happy as always to be around him. Her smile dimmed when he didn't return it, and she realized he was frowning. She stepped toward him, placing a hand lightly on his forearm. "Is everything alright?" she asked urgently, searching his eyes for a clue to his unease.
Elizabeth hoped it had nothing to do with the evening they had just spent with her family and friends. She thought the evening had been tremendously successful. Her Father welcomed Nathan immediately, willing to accept Elizabeth's choice of partner without hesitation this time. She knew her Father regretted his initial treatment of Jack, especially when there was no chance to make it up to him. After the initial shock of realizing the sophisticated Lucas Bouchard wasn't her suitor, her mother warmed up to Nathan and Allie also. Nathan had quietly charmed her mother without trying, winning her over with his devotion to Elizabeth, Jack, and Allie. She was pleased they could see what she saw in Nathan and welcomed him for who he was, not what he did or wore.
"I need to tell you something, but I don't want to upset you." Nathan hesitated and looked over his shoulder toward the sitting room where the rest of their party still sat, watching Jack and Allie play.
"Nathan, please, if there's something wrong, just tell me. Do you need to go away somewhere? Will it be dangerous?" Elizabeth asked, her voice full of concern for him.
"It's not about me, and I don't think there is any immediate danger, but it's... disturbing and something you need to be aware of." Nathan's hand covered hers where it rested on his forearm, his eyes intense. "I'll walk you home. I can explain then."
"Of course. I don't want to wait; let me say goodnight to my parents."
Elizabeth quickly said goodnight to everyone, promising to return early the following morning to see them. Elizabeth thanked Lee and Rosemary again for their hospitality and bustled Jack into his coat despite his protests. Allie looked confused at their sudden departure but understood enough not to argue with her dad when he looked so serious.
Elizabeth turned to Nathan the moment the door to her row house closed, eager to hear what he had to say. When he glanced at the children, she bent down, setting Jack on his feet, pleased when Allie offered to take him upstairs to change into his pajamas.
"Please Nathan, I don't think I can wait another minute."
"Why don't we sit down, Elizabeth?" Nathan suggested as he guided her to the lounge, then sat opposite her in the single seat.
"It's Lucas," Nathan began as he glanced at Elizabeth.
Elizabeth felt her mouth drop open as she recoiled in surprise. The last name she expected to hear from Nathan was Lucas's. Elizabeth had been more than clear with Nathan regarding her feelings, or lack thereof, for Lucas Bouchard. Could Nathan have had words to Lucas about harassing her?
"I overheard him speaking to someone at the train station after you had taken your mother to introduce her to Rosemary. Lucas was oblivious to anyone but himself, as always." Nathan shook his head in disgust.
"Who was he meeting? A business associate?" Elizabeth queried. "I wondered why he was there this morning. It wasn't because of me because I hadn't told him my parents were arriving."
"It was a woman," Nathan explained. "She was blonde and wore stylish clothes. She was like him, polished and sophisticated."
Elizabeth raised her eyebrows at Nathan's description of Lucas's visitor. She wasn't jealous. Nathan wasn't impressed by her; he was stating a fact. That was all.
"So, Lucas has a woman visiting him. That can't be all that's worrying you, and I certainly don't care."
"No." Nathan said, "He was talking far too loudly for someone with a secret. You need to know she isn't who he will tell you she is."
"And who will he tell me she is?"
"Helen Bouchard. His Mother. And your publisher."
"His mother?" Elizabeth asked incredulously, her eyebrows shooting up in amazement. Would Lucas really have the audacity to pretend a woman was his mother if she wasn't? And if so, why?"
"Elizabeth?"
Elizabeth stifled a shudder when she heard her name called. She froze on the steps of the Mercantile, taking a moment to hide her disgust before putting on a pleasant, bland expression and turning around.
"Lucas," Elizabeth said, her voice friendly as she addressed the man before her. She allowed her gaze to flick to his companion, a woman standing slightly behind him. The woman was everything Nathan had described and more. She was beautiful. Elizabeth didn't have time to study her face but could see she was old enough to be Lucas's mother. That was one part of the story that was believable at least.
"Hello, Elizabeth. I am glad I found you. I've been looking for you." Lucas was smiling while he said these words, but Elizabeth heard the slight rebuke in his tone. "I was hoping to introduce you to someone. Someone significant to the two of us."
"I have been busy." Elizabeth said, cringing slightly inside at the inference that there was any kind of 'us' between her and Lucas.
"Yes, well," Lucas stammered, clearly hoping for more remorse from Elizabeth. "I would like to introduce you to my mother, Helen Bouchard," Lucas announced, stepping back with a flourish before gently propelling the woman forward.
Elizabeth smiled at the woman, drawing on all her social skills to hide the rush of anger she felt as Lucas lied to her face.
"Mrs. Bouchard, how lovely to meet you," Elizabeth said.
"And you, Mrs. Thornton. Lucas hardly talks of anything or anyone else these days. I must admit I have been very curious to meet you."
Elizabeth studied the woman before her, noting her smile didn't reach her eyes. Eyes that she didn't share with her son. Looking at the two of them standing together, she saw no family resemblance at all. The woman was blonde and fair, shorter than Elizabeth. There was a trace of a French accent in the woman's speech, although she hid it very well.
"Really. You must think Hope Valley boring if I am the most exciting thing Lucas has to discuss."
"On the contrary, I find you very interesting."
"Elizabeth," Lucas said, drawing her attention back to him, "will you join my mother and me for dinner this evening at the Saloon?"
"I'm sorry, I have plans for this evening, Lucas." Elizabeth saw a flash of annoyance cross Lucas's face before he hid it. Good. How dare he try to deceive her.
"Surely you can change them. My Mother isn't in town very long, and the two of you have much to discuss." Lucas hastily added, "About your book."
"I am sorry, Mrs. Bouchard," Elizabeth said, responding to his mother instead of addressing Lucas. "I wasn't aware you were coming. My family is visiting Hope Valley, and I want to spend as much time with them as possible."
"I wanted to surprise you, Elizabeth." Lucas protested.
"And you have," Elizabeth agreed sweetly. She saw the woman claiming to be Helen Bouchard's eyes narrow at her words and knew she had to be careful; she had promised Nathan she would play along with the ruse Lucas was presenting.
Elizabeth bit her lip and recovered herself, remembering the conversation the previous evening.
Once her anger and resentment at Lucas's deception receded, she was able to listen to Nathan and learn what he had planned so far. Nathan explained the Mounties and Colton were investigating the woman's identity, her relationship with the Bouchards, and her reasons for being in Hope Valley.
Elizabeth had seen Nathan hesitate as he told her the story and knew he was holding something back. Reaching for his hand, she waited until he looked at her before insisting, he told her what it was.
'Elizabeth, you know I have never trusted Lucas. I have always believed he was hiding something. I have always wondered at his persistence in courting you." Nathan had grinned at her indignation and squeezed her hand before continuing. "Not why he would want to, just that he continued when you have repeatedly declined his invitations." Nathan grimaced before asking, "I have always wondered what it was he wanted from you? Why he was so determined to win you away from everyone else."
"I have always thought it was my connections…well, my father's connections. He was always asking me about Thatcher shipping and Hamilton."
Nathan nodded, agreeing with her. "My only reason for wanting Lucas to stay in town was that he was helping you publish your book. If he is lying about this woman and who she is, could he be lying about the publishing deal?"
Elizabeth shrugged, "Possibly. I haven't seen a contract, just many revisions and suggestions."
Elizabeth smiled when his face dropped at that news, realizing his disappointment for her was greater than hers. "Nathan! Publishing my story would be wonderful, but I never looked for that. Lucas pushed it. All I ever truly wanted to do was teach.
"Are you sure, Elizabeth?"
"Positive. My life here in Hope Valley, my friends, and you," she said shyly, "are everything I could ask for." Elizabeth touched his cheek briefly to reassure him. "Now, what do you need me to do?"
Elizabeth and Nathan had breakfast with the Coulters and her parents that morning, enjoying food Nathan had collected from Abigail's Cafe. Elizabeth had explained what was happening to her parents, Rosemary, and Lee. Nathan could see how eagerly Rosemary listened to his story, and he had to beg her not to investigate herself, to leave it to the Mounties for now, and she reluctantly agreed.
William Thatcher had been outraged at Lucas's deception and the mystery woman's audacity in trying to trick Elizabeth. Grace was horrified for her daughter too, conveniently forgetting her initial favourable impression of Lucas. Elizabeth's parents agreed that Lucas had to be stopped and were reassured by Nathan's calm presence, knowing he would do anything to ensure their daughter's safety.
The Thatchers agreed to spend the day at Elizabeth's home, giving the Coulters some space and removing themselves from where Lucas would look for them if he came by. Before Nathan left the row house, William pulled him aside and offered any assistance he or his business could provide the Mounties. William had many contacts and could reach out discreetly regarding Lucas Bouchard, Peter Bouchard who had paid for her train trip, and see if anyone could identify the woman. Nathan welcomed the assistance, provided it was discreet, they didn't want anything to alert Bouchard they were aware of his deception.
"Well, Elizabeth?" Lucas asked, intruding on her thoughts.
"We could have tea at the Cafe; I have some time before I need to get home." Elizabeth hoped Lucas would be satisfied with her offer and that it would meet her agreement to 'be nice and buy them some time to investigate'.
"Will your parents be able to join us?"
"I don't think that is necessary, Lucas; they are not involved in my book or the revisions," Elizabeth said, laughing at his suggestion.
"Yes, well, I thought I could get to know them while you speak to Hel...my mother."
"I don't think so, Lucas. My Father is resting right now, and that is what he came to Hope Valley to do." Elizabeth turned her attention to Helen Bouchard. "Surely you don't need my parents to discuss your revision of my book."
"Of course not. Tea at the Cafe is fine," Helen Bouchard said shortly, unable to say more.
Elizabeth watched closely as the two exchanged glances, observing the silent communication between the two of them. Whatever their relationship, it was clear to her in those moments, it was an intimate one. Elizabeth noted Lucas's clenched jaw, finding some enjoyment in his displeasure. On the other hand, Helen had regained her temper, and her gracious smile was once again in place.
"Lucas, why don't you go back to the Saloon? Mrs. Thornton and I can get acquainted over a cup of tea."
Elizabeth allowed a brief smile to cross her face at Lucas's dismissal. Whoever this woman was, she was the one in charge.
"You won't be disappointed, Mrs. Bouchard. The food in the Cafe is outstanding," Elizabeth commented as she led the woman toward the Café, leaving Lucas to watch them walk away. "And please, I think it is time you started calling me Elizabeth," she offered magnanimously, wanting to force the woman to give her name.
"Thank you, Elizabeth, and please, call me Helen."
And so, the deception was complete. This woman was here impersonating someone else; now, they only needed to know why.
After leaving the Coulter's, Nathan went straight to the Mountie office where James was waiting for him, still undercover in his civilian clothing.
"Any luck at the saloon last night?" Nathan asked as he hung up his serge and hat.
"Other than to see they are very close, no." James grimaced before continuing. "Nathan…"
Nathan turned to James, hearing something in his voice that he couldn't quite recognize. "What is it?"
"I made a point of eavesdropping while they were upstairs, settling Helen into her room. The walls aren't as thick as Bouchard thinks they are. I heard them mention Elizabeth several times. It is clear to me she is the target of whatever they are doing here. Her and her family."
"Tell me everything you heard," Nathan demanded.
"I heard him mention Elizabeth's father. I couldn't hear perfectly, but I think they were discussing a new shipping route."
"And Elizabeth?"
"Her trust fund," James said hesitantly. He could see the anger building on Nathan's face and wished he didn't have to be the one to reveal what he had heard. "They were talking about how much they thought it would be if she had to share it with her two sisters. I think the Thatchers should be pleased Viola lives in England."
"What else?" Nathan asked, not needing James to elaborate on suggesting security for Julie Thatcher, he understood what he was implying.
"The Mountie pension she received from her husband's death. Lucas said he was particularly keen on spending that."
Nathan leapt to his feet, trying to walk off his anger. How dare Bouchard even mention Jack Thornton. Pacing the floor he gathered his thoughts, "we need to make sure Elizabeth is never alone with either of them. She knows everything we know so she isn't going to fall for him courting or wooing her." Nathan swung to face him. "I am worried about what Bouchard and the woman are capable of if they realize this."