A/N AT LAST! I hope that you enjoy this chapter as much as I enjoyed writing it. So much more fun to come too.
Over the next few days, the couples became closer as individual couples and friends. Elizabeth was beginning to master a good variety of breakfast food without assistance from Moira. She could also prepare a pot roast—chicken pot pie, spaghetti, roast chicken and vegetables flawlessly, and a few other items. Nathan, Moira, and Catherine were proud as she mastered various household chores. She had even managed to help with the laundry. Faith had started working at the Infirmary, so she had fewer opportunities. The doctor had gotten sick, so her skills were needed.
JANUARY 4, 1910 ABERDEEN
As the morning of Jan 4th arrived, Nathan woke up smiling as he held Elizabeth in his arms. He began kissing her awake as had become his custom. Her kisses never failed to start a fire in him, and stopping was getting harder. But he loved her enough not to rush her into it. Last night as they kissed, they had almost reached the point of no return, and he thought something in her eyes made him think she might be ready, too, but Allie had come knocking. Of course, he had to go to work this morning, so there was no way they could begin anything. It may be time to revisit their conversation and reevaluate their readiness. The only other problem would be that that kind of step shouldn't be hurried nor with the chance of sudden interruptions. Maybe that was something that he needed to look into first before he even broached the subject.
She smiled at him, and he couldn't help but capture her lips again. A few moments later, he reluctantly pulled back, and with heavy sighs, they both moved to get up and start the day. They had become comfortable changing though they dressed with their backs turned away from each other. It was still progressing and probably wouldn't even be necessary once they finally came together as man and wife. Once they were ready, Elizabeth made her way to the kitchen to make coffee and breakfast for Nathan and Gabe while they went to saddle their horses and bring them to the front. Faith was off for the day since the doctor appeared to be on the mend.
Moira had been sleeping in now that Elizabeth had proven herself in the kitchen. As they gathered around the table, Nathan led them in the blessing, and then talk began about plans for the day.
"Sweetheart, why don't you and Faith join us at the diner before our appointment with Judge Williams?" Nathan suggested. "Then, when we are done, we can meet up with Gabe and Faith."
"That would be fine, Nathan. I have a supply list of sorts from your mother, and then I wanted to see about getting a couple of dresses for Allie since her others are getting a bit snug. Would that be all right?" Elizabeth asked.
"Of course," Nathan said. Inside, he was pleased that she had included him in the decision, though they had no concerns about money as of yesterday. Aunt Catherine had established the joint account in their names, and Nathan was shocked to find out how much was in it. Sensing his unease with the amount, Elizabeth had asked him to go for a walk, and they discussed, and she managed to allay his fears. She was determined that Allie and any other children that came along lived as normal a childhood as possible. Though they had the extra funds, they intended to live as much as possible on Nathan's salary or both when Elizabeth began to teach. Ironically, he and Elizabeth were probably one of the wealthiest families in Aberdeen.
The only big purchase Elizabeth had asked for was a horse of her own, which he was already looking for. He smiled when she had asked him and Gabe if it would be all right if she could buy a couple of dresses for Faith as a thank you and appreciation gift. They both readily agreed, and Gabe appreciated that she cared enough for their feelings to ask first.
Before long, the men kissed their wives thoroughly, mounted up, and began their trip into town while the ladies cleaned up.
Once finished, Elizabeth quickly looked in on Allie to ensure she was still asleep while Faith carried their teacups to the library. Sitting on the settee before the fireplace had become their favorite place to pass the time, the other was Faith and Gabe's cabin.
Faith, I wanted to talk to you about a couple of things. First, as a token of my appreciation for helping me along this journey and being my best friend, I wanted to purchase a few dresses for you. I already spoke with Gabe to ensure it was all right. I'm not implying anything; I genuinely want to show you my appreciation for your support. Would you let me do that for you?" Elizabeth asked nervously.
Faith sat for a moment and pondered the question. Gabe had mentioned it but told her it was up to her. Usually, she wouldn't have been able to accept, but she knew Elizabeth's heart as well as her own and therefore knew the genuineness of her offer. I would love that, Elizabeth though you don't have to give me anything for my friendship. Do you think we could find one similar to the color of the one I wore for New Year's?"
"If they don't, then you may have that one," Elizabeth said without hesitation. "You looked so beautiful in it, and it complements your figure."
Faith blushed at her words, recalling what transpired when they got home. "Do you think we will meet Alice while we are in town, Elizabeth?"
"I'm looking forward to it now that Nathan and I have gotten closer, and I know how much he loves me. I can't wait to see her reaction when she realizes how wonderful the man is that she gave up. People with her mentality have always sickened me and, unfortunately, are everywhere. Aunt Catherine and I are discretely looking into her family as well. Though I will do my best to be cordial to her." Elizabeth said.
Faith laughed, "From what others have said to me and what I heard in town, your true identity of being a Thatcher is being kept secret. The town looks forward to seeing Alice's face when she finds out."
Elizabeth chuckled. "The townspeople have been so sweet, and I enjoy seeing them. There is a Quilting Circle meeting in two weeks, and Mom is going to teach me how to sew, and I'm really looking forward to it. She also gave me a list of things to pick up because she is also going to teach me how to make Allie some clothes for her dolls."
"I should get some for me too, so I can learn with you though I also need to work on the cooking as well since you have mastered it, apparently," Faith said, a bit discouraged by her lack of progress.
Elizabeth reached over and placed a hand on her friend's, "Faith, you haven't had as much time to work on it as I have because you have been working at the infirmary, remember? I tell you what, tonight I will act as your Sous Chef, and you will cook dinner. I have a shepherd's pie planned, which is easy to prepare."
"You think I can do it?" Faith asked skeptically.
"Of course, you will." Elizabeth grinned and stood up, holding Faith's hand. "In fact, why don't we bake our cake before we go." Faith smiled and followed her friend to the kitchen.
A few hours later
Alice Patterson got off the train with her parents, anxious to see her friends. She wanted to see if anything interesting had happened in town and if she could meet Gabe's mail-order bride, Faith. She and her friends in Cape Fullerton laughed as they imagined the woman's appearance.
"Honestly, any woman so desperate for a husband that she would agree to marry him sight unseen probably wouldn't be much in the looks department. Especially since she is marrying a Mountie." Her friend Angela had said. "I still can't believe you once courted one, even if he was handsome."
"I was having fun, but he had to get all serious once I started letting him kiss me. The funny thing is that he thought I didn't know what I was doing and had no experience." Alice said. "At least the next poor unfortunate girl will get someone who knows what they are doing."
"Well, thank goodness that Martin didn't find out, or he would lose interest in you quickly." Her cousin Regina had said. Too bad that Alice hadn't paid much attention to her cousin. Alice had gone for the holidays thinking she would return with an engagement ring. Instead, her cousin Regina was sporting it after she told Martin about her little exploration with a Mountie. Nathan hadn't been the first gentleman she engaged in flirtations with, but unlike the others, he got too close, and she had to end it. Since he was the reason she lost Martin, Nathan owed her, and she knew how he could do it. There would be the annual Valentine's dance, and she recalled Nathan's expression whenever he saw her. She smiled as she recalled how hurt he had been, and folks talked about how heartbroken he had been over her. 'Maybe I can take pity on him and let him escort me if nothing better comes along.' she thought.
After her father got their luggage loaded, she noticed that it was about lunchtime and just the time that the Mounties would take their lunch in the café. With a grin, she excused herself and told her parents she would see what her friends had been up to. She made a beeline for the café with a smile on her face. Looking through the window, she could see Gabe and Nathan sitting at a table having coffee. She could see the two happily talking and the occasional visits from the townspeople as they left. Checking her appearance in the window's reflection, she pasted her smile and approached their table.
"Well, hello, Gabe, Nathan," Alice said, ignoring Nathan momentarily. "I see that your mail-order bride arrived since you're wearing a ring. Where is your lovely wife?"
"Oh, they will be along in a moment," Gabe said with a twinkle in his eye. Alice then turned to Nathan and simpered, "Oh Nathan, how happy you must be for Gabe finding someone to marry,"
"Hello Alice, actually I am thrilled that he found a good woman," Nathan said, trying not to crack a smile.
Alice sat beside Nathan and began leaning on him, making him uncomfortable. She was engrossed and telling them about her trip and holiday in Cape Fullerton and didn't hear the bell tinkle on the door as it opened. Nor did she see the true transformation of the faces of her audience as they saw who entered. But she did hear shouts of "Hello Faith! Hello, Elizabeth!"
Turning, she froze as she saw two of the most beautiful women she had ever seen heading in her direction. It was then she saw Nathan and Gabe stand and smile as the women approached the table. "Faith, this is Miss Alice Patterson," Gabe said. "Alice, may I present my lovely wife, Mrs. Faith Kinslow,"
"Hello, Miss Patterson," Faith said icily, recalling the woman's name who broke Nathan's heart. Faith smiled because up until now, no one had ever seen how intimidating society women could be. She had the misfortune of butting heads a couple of times with Elizabeth's sister and knew the woman before her was in for a surprise. Having a close relationship with Elizabeth, Catherine, and Agatha gave Faith confidence she wouldn't have had before.
Alice simpered and said, "Oh please, sit and join us. I just arrived back in town."
Nathan looked over at Elizabeth with a worried expression. His wife appeared serene, unmoved by the other woman sitting in her place. But judging by the iciness of her ordinarily sparkling blue eyes, Nathan knew she was far from unaffected. He went to intervene, and Faith stopped him and shook her head slightly, telling him no.
As Gabe, Nathan, and Faith sat down, Alice asked Faith where she came from. She was interrupted by someone clearing their throat. Alice looked up and saw that the other woman who came in behind Faith was standing and looking down at her with an icy glare.
"May I help you?" Alice asked, annoyed at the interruption.
"I was thinking that maybe I may be of assistance to you, Miss?" Elizabeth said, raising a brow.
"Oh, it's Patterson, Alice Patterson," The woman said, scooting closer toward Nathan. It was a blatant attempt to stake a claim.
"It's nice to meet you, but I think you are in the wrong place," Elizabeth said with a smile the others knew was not genuine. She looked at Alice like something she needed to scrape off her shoe.
"I think it is you that are confused, Miss?" Alice said, repeating Elizabeth's gesture and raising a brow,
"Oh, it's Mrs., actually." Elizabeth paused for effect. "Mrs. Nathan Grant and you are currently occupying my seat. I would appreciate it if you would remove yourself forthwith."
"Your seat? Mrs. Nathan Grant!" Alice screeched and then looked over at Nathan. He smiled, held up his hand, and pointed to his ring finger. She looked at him in disbelief, for the Nathan Grant sitting there was amused instead of heartbroken, and he was looking at the brunette like she was the last piece of his favorite candy. But Alice was not about to let some mail-order bride get the better of her, so she stubbornly sat there, not moving from her spot. When Alice turned back to Faith to continue what she was saying in an attempt to snub Elizabeth, Nathan's eyes looked up at his wife, concerned. But seeing the amusement, he relaxed and let the scene play out.
"Really, Miss Patterson, we are waiting patiently, and I don't wish to cause a scene," Elizabeth said patiently in a tone that she would use with Allie.
Nathan fell even more in love and felt the urge to get revenge on Alice. "Don't worry about it, sweetheart," Nathan said, so proud of Elizabeth. "We are due at Judge William's office to discuss Allie's adoption in ten minutes." He stood up and approached her.
Elizabeth kissed his cheek and said just loud enough for their table to hear, "Perhaps we can take a little detour along the way," Then she winked and gave a sultry smile for good measure. It was all Gabe and Faith could do not to bust out laughing. To make it even better, as they left, there were lots of greetings for Mrs. Grant,
Anyone looking at how Nathan looked at his wife knew that Miss Alice Patterson paled in comparison and wasn't even on his radar anymore. It was clear that Constable and Mrs. Grant were besotted with each other. Meanwhile, Faith and Gabe just watched the other woman flounder as she absorbed what had happened.
Feeling their eyes on her, Alice turned towards them, all appearances of simpering and niceties gone. "Where did that woman come from?" Alice demanded.
"First of all, that woman has a name Miss Patterson, and it's Mrs. Elizabeth Grant, but you can call her Mrs. Grant. Secondly, she came from Hamilton, as did I." Faith said, the light of battle in her eyes.
"I suppose she is a mail-order bride, too, desperate for a husband like you," Alice said scornfully.
Gabe went to say something, but Faith stopped him. "Miss Patterson, whatever you choose to believe is your prerogative; however, I would advise you to stop disparaging people that you don't know because it could turn around and bite you later."
"I will second that and say to keep your visits confined to official Mountie business in the future and only approach us at the jail, understood Miss Patterson?" Gabe said icily, standing up and holding out his hand to his wife. "Good day," Without waiting for a response, he and Faith headed for the door. Like Nathan and Elizabeth, the couple responded to the warm greetings from the town, who were delighted.
As they walked out the door, Alice called out to Gabe, determined to have the last word, but Gabe was done talking to her. "I believe I said good day, Miss Patterson,"
Faith giggled as they walked out the door. Alice began noticing that the other diners were sniggering and whispering as they looked at her. How in the world did everything go so wrong in a short period? Who in the world would marry Nathan Grant and willingly take on his sister's kid?' She thought.
