Chapter 259 – Frank Tries to Help (long)
Frank put his hands in his pockets and continued walking as they entered the small grove that was getting smaller as the path had been widened to accommodate two wagons at a time.
"I realize that it wasn't smart to upset Mrs Stanton." Andy said. "But I still don't know how to move forward. From what I saw, JD is going to be stubborn and I can't be here all the time and is he going to be a problem when I leave again."
"I think you need to have a conversation with him again." Frank said. "I can't tell you what to tell him, but I doubt there are many people who will stop someone from putting him in his place if he says what he said to Ms Winters again. Most women I have encountered in this town would shoot a man for saying that to them and most would probably let her. I haven't seen it, but I have heard many of the women are just as good a shot as the men. They have had to be."
"Understood." Andy said. "I was really hoping that things worked out, because I know that even though Hope Valley doesn't have all the modern conveniences that even Union City has, I know that JD's wife, Erin, was looking at getting the children out of the city. Their two oldest are quite adventurous and being in the city is starting to be harder and harder. I would offer him Silverton, but he would still be in Hope Valley. I would move him to Rock Creek and move Mr Annesley here, but then there is no school in Rock Creek yet and I told Erin that I would place them where there was at least a school."
"Sounds like you have a dilemma." Frank said. "Personally, I would hire someone else for Hope Valley and put Mr Walker at Silverton. At least he would only be in Hope Valley on his days off. His family could be here and the children could go to school and be with other children."
"That might work." Andy said. "I would have to move them to a row house then. I know that I was planning on having tents at Silverton and having the men work similar schedules to those in Rock Creek, at least for those that had families here in Hope Valley. I preferably want all the women and children to be here in Hope Valley. I want a more stable environment for them and the opportunity for the children to attend school."
"I don't blame you for that." Frank said. "How close are you to having a school in Rock Creek?"
"It is at least a year away." Andy said. "There are only a handful of children that are school age in Rock Creek. I think there will be about a dozen or so if I wait a year or two. I think I could get a teacher to come out if there were a dozen or so students."
"Keep working on that." Frank said. "But I have told you what I thought. Now it is up to you."
They stopped and looked at the new houses going up.
"Wow." Andy said. "I haven't been out here before."
"Those four houses are almost completely ready." Frank said. "They are just waiting on stoves and iceboxes. We have been getting about one with each supply wagon shipment. I think that they want to keep one empty and use it as storage while they work on the other houses, but I know with the exception of furniture, the first three are pretty much ready for people. You would have to check with Lee and Abigail, but I think that is right."
"I will do that." Andy said. "I think I need to head back to town."
Frank nodded and went over to talk to Adam and see that things were being taken care of. He was doing what he could to make other people's lives easier. He knew that there wasn't much he could do right now as there wouldn't be more lumber for the expansion until later and he had sent all the wires he needed and made the arrangements as best as he could without letting on to what he was doing. He was going to respect Abigail and not say a word until she was ready. He couldn't wait to be married and he just wanted to build a life with Abigail and the children. As he was talking to Adam, he noticed one man in particular. It was the man who had sat with them at the cafe the other day. He wanted to talk to the man. There was something familiar about him, but Frank couldn't figure out what it was. He was almost sure that he had met the man in the past, but just couldn't place him. Adam noticed him watching Carson.
"You know him?" Adam asked.
"I met him the other day at the cafe." Frank said. "He just looks familiar or reminds me of someone, but I just can't place where or who."
"Oh." Adam said. "I don't know much about him, but he is a good worker. I hope that Lee hires him permanently. He does any job assigned to him and I have never heard him complain."
"He seems like he would be a good fit for Hope Valley." Frank said. "Maybe after I get back, next week, I will have to try and make a point of getting to know him."
"Was there something else that you needed?" Adam asked.
"Just making sure that people are doing what they are supposed to be doing." Frank said. "I don't have a sermon to write and I am waiting on more lumber to work on things at the cafe, so I am trying to make other people's lives easier."
"I will let you know if I need anything." Adam said. "Maybe check with Laurel and Mona Weaver. They were going to talk to Abigail this morning about opening the laundry in town again."
"I might just do that." Frank said. "Have a good day."
Frank walked away and headed toward the Miller home.
… … … …
The rest of Monday went pretty well. Andy tried talking to JD and he was still being difficult, so he let the Constables know that he could stay in the jail overnight and charge him if he wasn't going to listen. Joe let them know that he would take care of it as Jacobs was ready to take Jack and Doug back to the house. Jack was still tiring easily and he knew he had pushed it that day, but he wanted to get back to work and he knew he had a house to build, even though it sounds like progress had been made on things on his land. Jack just didn't want to disappoint Elizabeth and he knew that all their other plans were contingent on the house being finished by the end of summer.
Jack was trying not to put more pressure on himself, but he knew that he had a lot that he had to do. He hated being injured and not being able to do his job. As much as he loved having his two best friends in Hope Valley, he knew that they both needed to get back to their posts. He was also happy that they both would be close by. He had a feeling that they were going to love being uncles to his growing family. Jack was happy for the family that he and Elizabeth had built around themselves. He knew that she still struggled with how her family was treating them, but he was also happy that they both had people that supported them and were there for them.
As they pulled up to the house, Jack saw Lee across the field. He leaned over and whispered something to Doug. He got out of the car and jogged across the field. Jacobs looked at Jack.
"As much as I love Joe and Doug." Jack said. "I was missing my newest best friend. I wanted him to know that he was still welcome to stop by."
"That was good of you." Jacobs said.
"Ideally, I want them all to get along." Jack said. "Especially with both Joe and Doug being close. I have a feeling that off days will be spent in Hope Valley, especially after that little one comes. They are both looking forward to playing the doting uncle."
Jacobs smiled. He understood the position. As much as he wanted children himself, he loved his nieces and nephews. He had to admit, he might love them more than his own brothers and sisters. Jack got out of the car and headed up the steps as Doug came back across the field. Jacobs waited a moment before turning the car around and heading back to town. He had a thought, but he needed to talk to Jack about it and he wanted to run it by Wynn as well.
… … … …
Elizabeth let school out after a better afternoon with the children. They still had a bunch of questions and she was trying to put them off as much as possible, because she didn't have the answers herself. She made a trip to the mercantile after school to mail her letter, check if anything came and also pick up a few things. Ned let her know that he sent the mail with Jack. She thanked him, paid for her items and left.
As she was leaving the mercantile, she was stopped by Andy Yeager.
"Mrs Thornton." Andy said.
"Yes." Elizabeth said, stopping and looking at him.
"I was hoping to speak to you for a moment." Andy said.
"As long as you don't mind walking with me." Elizabeth said. "It has been a long day, and I was just heading home."
Andy nodded and they started toward the row houses.
"First." Andy said. "I have a check for you. It is to cover what my families owe for school for April and May."
Andy reached into his inner pocket and pulled out an envelope. He handed it to Elizabeth and she put it in her basket.
"I know that it is more than Mrs Stanton and I agreed on." Andy said. "But I think you deserve to earn a proper wage, so I took it upon myself to pay what the current rate for private tutoring in Union City is. It is the least I can do for all the work you have put in with the new students. Besides, I hear you are going to be off for a few months in the fall, so I hope this helps."
"Thank you." Elizabeth said. "I am sure it will. My friend is coming to cover for me and if her husband can find a job, I think they might be willing to stay since we will need a second teacher sooner rather than later."
"That brings me to the second thing that I wanted to talk to you about." Andy said.
"Yes." Elizabeth said.
"Constable Delaney mentioned your friend's husband has a business degree and was looking for work." Andy said. "I need someone to manage the office and oversee all the paperwork for both the Silverton and Hope Valley mines."
"Yes, he has a business degree as well as an accounting and architecture degree." Elizabeth said. "I don't know if he knows anything about mining, but he is good with numbers and business. He just wants to not work for his father and brothers forever. He is the youngest and his older brothers will both inherit the hotels from their father. So he is looking for his own place in life."
"Do you think he would be willing to learn?" Andy asked. "I need someone that I can trust with making sure that the paperwork is done and the men are paid. He would be in charge of the office. I have had trouble finding someone that was willing to take on the position without having a stake in the mine. I am willing to pay the going rate for an accountant and/or business manager."
"I think he would love it." Elizabeth said. "I know that Deb was excited about getting out of Montreal and she was thinking if Dan could find a job in the area, she would be able to teach somewhere close or even stay in Hope Valley. They know that it doesn't have the modern conveniences of the big city, but they are both fine with it."
"Sounds good." Andy said. "So they are in Montreal?"
"Yes." Elizabeth said.
She took a moment to stop. She went to set her bigger basket down, when Andy reached for it. She pulled a piece of paper out of her smaller school basket and then took her larger basket back.
"This is their address." Elizabeth said. "I have it written down at the house, but I am not sure about their phone number. I know that they have one, but I think you might be able to find it with the address."
"Thank you." Andy said. "I will have one of my assistants find it. I will be here for a few more days and then I will be going back to Union City, but I can send a wire."
"I look forward to them coming." Elizabeth said. "Was there anything else that you needed?"
"Just a question about next school year." Andy said. "As I hire, I would like to inform my people what they will need for their children and how much it will cost."
"I am not sure about the cost." Elizabeth said. "I know that Abigail was going to talk to the council about setting a fee schedule. Right now, I have been taking what the parents can pay, up to a dollar a month per child. As far as things that they will need, I am asking all parents to supply pencils and paper. I have been using those blue workbooks for the children and I have asked Ned to stock them for next year. I am going to be asking each family to provide one for their children. I will have extras if someone doesn't have one, same with the pencils. But I think the parents should at least be able to provide those two items. The only other thing that the children will need is a lunch pail and daily lunches.
I also encourage proper clothing, especially during the colder months. I know we have the stove in the schoolhouse, but it can still be chilly some days, especially if it is windy. Other than that, as long as the children are respectful and follow the rules, I don't have a problem. I understand that some parents can't afford the nicest things. I also encourage sharing things that they might see others need. I don't know what else to tell you."
"So they don't need any other books?" Andy said. "I know that some of the schools in Union City and other places require the children to have their own copies of certain books."
"I have plenty of readers and other books." Elizabeth said. "However, if a child ruins a book, I do expect the parents to replace it. I understand accidents happen, but it is also teaching responsibility."
"I understand." Andy said. "I will pass on what you have told me. I also want you to contact me if there are problems with any of the students of my men. Whether it is unable to pay the fees or if they don't have the proper items. I will make sure you have my contact information, but you will always be able to leave a message with the office manager."
"Thank you." Elizabeth said. "I will do that. I just don't want to create problems for the men."
"You won't." Andy said. "Have a good day and I look forward to getting to know you better. Also, if I haven't said it, congratulations on the little one."
"Thank you." Elizabeth said, putting a hand on her bump.
Elizabeth went up the steps to the house and Andy turned and headed back to town.
… … … …
Abigail had a busy afternoon. She spent it at the cafe. She let Ann go after the lunch rush because she had been working a lot. Elizabeth Rose, Patty and later Frank all helped in the cafe through supper. Carson had come in towards the end of the rush and Frank took a moment to sit with him. He just talked like he would to any other person. He didn't mention that Carson looked familiar, but he tried to talk to him some, but Carson was pretty tight-lipped. Frank had at least tried and gotten additional information that he had been in Cape Fullerton and before that, he had been in Kingston. Neither really helped because he didn't have dates as to when Carson had been there. Frank had been to both places a couple of times in his former life. Frank told Carson that he wished he would stay in Hope Valley as he seemed like a good fit for the town and offered that his door was open anytime to talk. Carson nodded and just said he would have to see.
After close and as Frank finished up, Abigail sat in the kitchen looking over the books. The cafe had been doing well, but she was still worried about hiring a second person. Frank had turned to look at his fiancee and saw the worry on her face. He wiped his hands and went over to her.
"What is wrong?" Frank asked.
"I know that the cafe has been doing well as of late." Abigail said. "But I am still struggling to spend the money to hire a second person to help with the supper rush. I also don't think it is fair for Ann to have to work such long hours. I know that she doesn't complain, but I am worried."
"I understand that." Frank said. "You also said you still have money from the account that you used to open the cafe. The payments from Pacific Northwest have been regular and you are entitled to some of that money if you want. I know that it was agreed that those with children would get more, but you have children now as well. I know, I know it is different. Don't forget we still have a huge portion of the money I received at Christmas. So what is the real problem, because I know that money is not the real issue. You have always made things work and from what you say, the town is getting on better footing and you should be able to draw a full salary from that soon."
"I guess you are right." Abigail said. "Maybe it is all the changes and knowing that there are more coming. I just can't seem to find enough hours in the day. I feel like I am neglecting the children and that we won't have enough time."
"We are together right now." Frank said. "Besides, we will find a routine. As much as I know that you don't want to think about it, the Delaneys will be leaving and so will the other Mounties and cadets. Even though there will be others coming, it won't be so bad. The houses are getting built and from what I can see most of Lee's men are spending their evenings in the saloon. Some eat here, but they don't linger. Give yourself a break, it has been a busy month. We will find a routine and we will make things work."
"I still feel bad." Abigail said. "You shouldn't have to feel like you need to always be helping me."
Frank got up and went over to Abigail. He pulled her up to stand and wrapped her in his arms. Frank held Abigail for a moment before he spoke to her softly. He knew that she was possibly questioning things and didn't want to make things worse, he also didn't want her to feel like she couldn't talk to him.
"But I love taking care of you." Frank said. "I know what I was getting into. I also know that you feel like you need to be strong for everyone, but you don't have to for me. I want you to promise me that you will be real with me and let me know what you need. Unless someone needs to talk or counseling, I have lots of free time. I enjoy being able to do things for you. I like working with my hands and keeping busy. So please let me do what I love and that is taking care of you and trying to make your life easier."
Abigail nodded against his chest and then he heard her sniff, like she was crying. Frank wrapped her up tighter in his arms and kissed her head. Abigail wrapped her arms around Frank and let him hold her. She cried and let out the emotions that she knew she had been holding in. She wasn't even sure why she was crying. She loved Frank and wanted to spend her life with him, so she wasn't sure what was going on.
"Are you regretting the decision to get married?" Frank asked, tentatively. "If you are having doubts, we can wait. I don't want you to feel pushed into something."
"No, no doubts." Abigail said. "I love you and want to spend my life with you. Maybe it has to do with turning forty this week. I don't know. I always thought things would have been different by the time I reached that age. Noah and I had so many dreams. We dreamed of having a houseful of children and I wasn't able to give him but one. Then to lose both of them last year and then everything else that has happened. I guess things are just catching up with me."
"We are adopting two wonderful children." Frank said. "Who knows, maybe the Lord will find a way to bless us with one or two more. I do however know that we will have at least two nieces to spoil this fall and then whatever else Jack and Elizabeth have. So please don't be discouraged. I don't care about having a child of my own. I have never cared about that. I never thought I would get married, so the thought of a child of my own never occurred to me. I love Becky and Cody. If that is all we are blessed with, I won't care. But somewhere in my prayers over the last few days, I have gotten the feeling that our family will grow even more over the next year. I don't know how, but I trust God. The feeling is too strong to ignore and I know that He can do amazing things."
"You really believe that." Abigail said. "Because sometimes, I find it hard to maintain my faith with all the bad I have seen in the last year."
"But you have also seen so much good." Frank countered. "Look at how the widows came together to help one another. I firmly believe that God brought Jack and Elizabeth here. You got to see their love grow and blossom. You got to see them get married and now you are going to see them give birth to their first child in a few months. Speaking of seeing someone give birth. I have been told by multiple people that Carla's twins wouldn't be here if you hadn't been here. Now she is getting ready to celebrate their first birthday at the end of next month.
You stood up against Henry Gowen and the mining company and won. You opened the cafe, you became mayor. I mean I could go on and on. Yes, there have been a lot of bad things that have happened, but I think the good of the last year far outweighs the bad. I also know that sometimes it is easy to forget the good things. Which is why I was thinking of preaching about this as we end the school year and more new people start coming in. We need to remember the bad so we know how far we have come. We need to honor those sad anniversaries as much as we do the happy ones."
"I guess you are right." Abigail said. "I guess I forgot about all the good that has happened. It just seems like I am constantly going over the bad or having to fix something that happened. Sometimes dealing with people is exhausting, especially when they all want something and I don't always have answers that I can share. There is a part of me that is dreading the council meeting tomorrow night. I know that Florence is going to be looking for gossip to spread and will want answers as to why certain things weren't made public. I don't know what to say, because I know the answer I have is not going to go over well."
"You are talking about the audit and things that Wynn and them found." Frank said.
Abigail nodded.
"I would suggest having Wynn there and letting him explain." Frank said. "He is the one that said not to say anything and from my understanding, you informed the people that needed to know and you were under no legal obligation to disclose anything else. I also know that Florence has been all over town trying to get some of the other widows on her side about the mine reopening. In her hurt and anger, she can't see how it can be a good thing. I am not saying it won't be hard to see men walking back into that mine everyday. Don't take this wrong, but life goes on. This town won't live or die by that mine. There are plenty of other businesses, including new ones coming. Keep things positive and if you know she is looking for gossip, call her out on it. I have learned in the past, the last thing a gossip wants is to be called out on gossiping."
Abigail leaned back and looked at Frank.
"I guess it couldn't hurt." Abigail said.
"That is my girl." Frank said.
He leaned down and kissed her. He had only meant for a quick kiss, but it quickly turned quite passionate and he had to let go of Abigail, step back and then he turned around and took a deep breath before walking back to the sink. Abigail had stood there confused for a moment and then she realized what happened and blushed. She didn't say anything, but went back to her own books, giggling to herself. She realized that she had missed that in her life and hoped that she would be able to please Frank when the time came. She hadn't thought about that before that moment, but suddenly she was excited about getting married again and having that physical relationship with another man.
… … … …