Elizabeth sat amongst her graduating class, listening to the speeches from teachers and staff at her Teachers College. Usually, Elizabeth was an attentive student, but today she was distracted. Today she was graduating, would receive her qualification and be free to start her teaching career in Coal Valley. Thinking about Coal Valley reminded her of the many discussions with her father after receiving news of her posting. Sighing, she sat back in her seat, trying not to let the frustration she felt creep back in and mar her celebration. Considering how unhappy he was, it was hard, but at least she stood up for herself. Eventually, he gave in, she thought, smiling as she remembered one conversation.
"Elizabeth, how could you accept this posting? It is so far away. The town has nothing to offer you in the way of society; it is barely even on the Map," William Thatcher exclaimed. His voice was filled with disdain, bordering on anger, as he paced the floor in his study, looking at Elizabeth as she sat before his desk. "It's not only miles from anywhere, but it's also a frontier town; they can be dangerous and unruly. Even if you make it there without incident, your ongoing safety would be questionable. I won't allow you to do this."
"Father," Elizabeth cried, we have been over this many times," she said sarcastically, "and nothing you say will change my mind. Coal Valley is where I have decided to teach; this is where I am needed to teach." Standing up, she looked at him, "you have never ventured to a frontier town in your life Father, so you can't possibly know what it will be like." Squaring her shoulders, she faced her father and said, "I am an adult; you can no longer decide things for me." Softening her tone, aware he spoke from love and concern, she finished, "I am not asking your permission, father. I am asking for your support."
Pinching the bridge of his nose William Thatcher looked at her, "Elizabeth, you will always have your mother and my support; I am only asking you to consider the danger of what you propose.". Breathing deeply, he said, "I am concerned because we will be so far away," he went to her and put his arms around her, "and we will miss seeing you, being in your life day to day."
"I will miss all of you, father, but this is my calling. I have always known it." Hugging her father back, she said, "I am going, father, and I would like to go with your blessing."
"Of course, my dear, you will always have my support, and I give you my blessing," he said as he looked at her. "What would you say to a compromise? At least let me send you with an escort, a Mountie to protect you."
"No, Father, absolutely not, I can take care of myself, and I don't need a babysitter." she blurted. Elizabeth felt her cheeks redden; her father's mention of the Mountie's conjured up an image of startling blue eyes and a handsome face. She had spent weeks trying not to think about a certain Mountie, who hadn't once tried to see her again or make contact. Elizabeth had been hoping to hear from him, but he hadn't even responded to the thank you note she sent, and she admitted she was disappointed; surely, Mounties had better manners than that.
"This is not the end of this conversation Elizabeth." her father declared.
"Oh yes, it is, father. I am leaving the day after graduation, travelling on the train, alone as planned." She didn't give him a chance to answer her, stalking off to her room to finalise her packing. Honestly, she thought, her father still treated her as a child, not as a woman and qualified teacher. Grinning to herself, she couldn't wait to get her certificate, to see her name 'Elizabeth Thatcher', printed on the qualification.
Nathan was quiet as he stood packing the things in his closet in the academy, just a few short hours, and he would graduate and officially be a Mountie. He couldn't remember the last time he had felt such excitement, such promise for his future. Growing up, time was spent alone or helping his mother run the house due to his father's absence. Nathan didn't like to think about his father; he was not a man Nathan or anyone would look up to; he was the opposite. A drunk and a gambler, he had been absent most of Nathan's life, either chasing his next drink or a big win, and when those things went wrong - in jail. That's where he was right now, and part of Nathan was glad he couldn't come to his graduation; he always found a way to cause a scene, humiliating Nathan's mother, sister Colleen, and him, of course.
Nathan thought about his family, smiling as he thought of his mother, Gwen, his sister Colleen, and niece Allie, they were the lights of his life, and he would do anything for them. Unlike Colleen's husband, Dylan Parkes, a low life who reminded him of his father. Nathan knew Colleen avoided talking about her husband to him, knowing how much he disliked him and his behaviour toward her and Allie; he had begged her to leave him, but she wouldn't listen. Shaking his head, he pushed thoughts of Dylan away, for today, he wanted to spend the day celebrating his graduation with his family, including Gabe Kinslow, who had become as close as a brother to him.
Nathan continued to pack his things, wondering how he had accumulated so much and glad he wouldn't have to transport it all on Newton. He and Gabe were sharing a wagon; they had booked one and were leaving Saturday morning, the day after graduation. Gabe's family couldn't attend graduation, so he would be joining Nathan and his family for dinner on Friday evening before making an early start.
"Change of plans, Grant," Gabe announced as he entered their room. "I have just been advised that we are now travelling to our new postings via train and carriage, courtesy of a generous benefactor who wants our presence in Brookfield and Coal Valley as fast as possible." As he spoke, he threw two economy class tickets on the bed next to where Nathan stood.
Curious, Nathan picked up the tickets, "why would someone do that? There has to be more to it, Gabe." He frowned, "who informed you of the change in plans?" studying the tickets, there was no information to identify who purchased them, just his and Gabe's names and destinations.
"A Mr Bill Avery delivered the tickets and instructions this morning; apparently, he is a Mountie who worked his way up to forensic investigator. The Captain said he didn't explain, and from what I heard, he isn't someone you argue with." Gabe shrugged, "the Captain made it clear this isn't a suggestion, Nathan; this is an order."
"I don't know about you, Gabe, but I don't like to blindly follow orders, especially an order with strings attached or an ulterior motive. Besides, what about the horses and our gear?" Nathan had a strange feeling about this order; he knew there was a reason for the change but couldn't put his finger on it. He hated to be manipulated or lied to, and this felt like both those things were happening.
"Check the tickets; Newton and Apollo will be on the train with us; it's all been taken care of," Gabe explained. He did have the same misgivings as Nathan, but he had also seen the Captain's face when he gave him the tickets. Whoever was responsible for their changed travel arrangements was someone important.
Nathan sat on the bed, staring at the tickets but not really seeing them. It seemed he had been right to be sceptical as to why Coal Valley, a small frontier town that had never needed a Mountie before, now needed one full-time. When he questioned it, he was told his only other option was to stay in Hamilton. Nathan didn't want that, a post where most of his work would be escorting rich people; that wasn't his idea of Mountie work. He had quickly decided to stop questioning his luck and go with it, but now he was sorry he hadn't asked more.
"Don't let this spoil graduation; you can brood about it later," said Gabe, nudging his shoulder. "Although," he teased, 'given the amount of time you have spent brooding lately, maybe you shouldn't."
"I have not been brooding about Elizabeth," declared Nathan, his face serious, "I don't know what you are talking about." He glared at Gabe as he burst out laughing, "what's so funny?"
Gabe, controlling his laughter, said, "Who said anything about the lovely Elizabeth Thatcher? I was talking about Colleen and her problems with Dylan, but...this is way more interesting." He laughed again as his friend's cheeks reddened, and he easily deflected the pillow Nathan threw his way.
Nathan could feel the heat in his cheeks at his admission to Gabe; at least he knew that while he would tease him mercilessly, he wouldn't share that information with anyone, and he wouldn't push Nathan to talk about it. "Finish packing, Kinslow; we have a graduation to get to."
Bill Avery sat in the back of the crowd and watched as the graduating class trooped in, lined up, waited to be called to the front, and individually acknowledged. Bill had been invited to attend many of these ceremonies but usually declined. Not this one. He was interested in two candidates, Trainee Grant and Trainee Kinslow. He wanted to take a measure of each of the men. They were the two closest to Coal Valley, Grant posted there, but Kinslow was close by and would be called on to back Grant up.
Bill had asked his contacts at the academy to identify the two best candidates, and they all named Nathan Grant and Gabe Kinslow. They were at the top of their class for tracking, marksmanship, actually everything. They were constantly swapping top places between them but were considered equally matched. Bill had also been interested to hear that neither wanted City postings, preferring to go to a small town.
After Bill outlined his request to the Staff Sergeant, a proposal he knew wouldn't be denied, the man had suggested Grant and Kinslow for the posting, selecting Grant for Coal Valley. Bill knew Coal Valley didn't require a full-time Mountie, or they would already have one; however, the Mounties couldn't decline a contribution the size of William Thatcher's. Coal Valley now had a full-time Constable as long as his daughter chose to remain there, fully funded by Thatcher.
Bill wondered if the two men knew of the change in travel arrangements and, if so, what they thought of it. He would be disappointed if they weren't suspicious, especially Grant, as he knew he had questioned why Coal Valley suddenly needed a Mountie, and now he was getting a free ticket to get there. Smirking, Bill remembered the Staff Sergeant telling him Grant had quickly shut up when advised his only other option was a Hamilton posting, which he promptly declined; he liked his style.
Hearing Grant's name called, he scoured the group before he saw him step forward. Bill scrutinised him and saw his eyes flick to his fellow graduates before moving out. Bill watched Nathan, tall, erect, walking confidently towards his superiors. Kinslow must be the one he had looked at, he fit the description, and Bill had been told they were close friends. Bill assessed Nathan as he stood at attention; he was young, attractive, and single; he was probably the object of many young women's attention; maybe sending him to Coal Valley wasn't a good idea.
Bill was dragged from his musing by Kinslow's name being called. As he watched, the description of Nathan could fit Kinslow, too, although he wasn't quite as tall.
Bill watched the rest of the proceedings wishing that they had done away with some of the pomp and ceremony; these things took way too long, and there were far too many speeches. He watched the two men as he waited for all the graduates to receive their honours. He saw Nathan make eye contact with a group of people in the crowd, his mother, and by her look, a sister holding a small child. The family resemblance was strong, tall, with dark hair and whatever the colour of their eyes, they all had it. It was interesting; Kinslow smiled at the same group of people; maybe he and Grant were closer than he knew.
With the ceremony finally over, Elizabeth joined her fellow graduates for a small afternoon tea, attended by whatever family members were able to come. Elizabeth was lucky her parents and sister Julie were able to attend. Viola, her older sister, probably could have come but made an excuse, and Elizabeth let her. She loved her sister, but they didn't have much in common.
As she and her family mingled, chatting to other graduates, Elizabeth cringed when Anna and Sarah came running toward her. She had avoided them for the remainder of the training, chatting only in passing. As the girls spoke of how much they would miss her, she glanced at Julie, who stood watching, eyebrows raised. As their eyes connected, Julie hid a smile; she had heard about the disastrous picnic in the park and knew Elizabeth was unlikely to miss the two girls before her at all.
Elizabeth was gracious to the two girls exclaiming over them and where they were teaching, introducing them to her parents and Julie. Unfortunately, Anne chose an ill-timed lull in the conversation to ask after her 'handsome rescuer'. Sarah chimed in, asking if she had seen the Mountie again after the day in the park. Elizbeth blushed, stammering; it was such a simple answer, no, but her parents weren't aware of the incident. She looked at them and knew she would soon be explaining about the accident, her rescuer, and the Mountie. Thankfully Julie came to her assistance and answered, giggling, "you know a lady never kisses and tells." Laughing, the two young girls ran off to wish someone else goodbye.
Elizabeth asked forestalling questions, "why don't we all just enjoy the graduation afternoon tea, and you can grill me for details over dinner." She laughed as her parents just shook their heads, conceding for now.
Nathan and Gabe stood chatting to their fellow graduates, congratulating each other, and discussing upcoming postings. Nathan heard a little voice calling his name and turned just in time to bend down and catch his niece as she launched herself at him. "Allie, hey, slow down there," he said, laughing at her energy and smiling face. It was good to see her smiling; far too often around her father, she was quiet and withdrawn.
"Up, Up," she cried, so he lifted her high. Stretching his arms over his head, he twirled her around, swinging her down past Gabe so he could greet her. Those around them laughed with delight as she giggled at 'flying' so high. Nathan slowly brought her back down, just in time for Colleen and his mother to reach them.
"You spoil her, Nathan," she admonished him.
"Of course, I do. I will miss her so much when I take my posting; let me spoil her today," he asked, the smile on Nathan's face slipping.
Colleen rolled her eyes at him, knowing he would spoil her, posting or not. Most of the time, she let it go because it was attention he spoiled her with, and she didn't get much attention from her father. "Okay, today only," she said, grinning as she caught Gabe's eye; he knew neither meant what they were saying.
Nathan introduced his family to his fellow Mounties, including his Training Officers at the academy, blushing when they told his mother of his achievements and placement in the class. He and Gabe had laughed when they found out after all the back and forth on the leader board, they had tied for first place.
Allie started to get bored, and other people started to leave, so Nathan, Gabe, and his family decided to go also; they had dinner reservations and didn't want to be late. Nathan glanced around, making sure there wasn't anyone he had missed saying goodbye to and noticed a man standing with some of the top brass. He was watching Nathan, a strange look in his eye like he was evaluating him. "Gabe," he called softly, "do you know who that is?"
Gabe looked to where he was indicating, "No, I have never seen him before, although he does appear to be interested in you."
"Can you wait with Colleen and Ma while I go and introduce myself," Nathan asked him, without taking his eyes off the stranger? Nathan waited for Gabe to agree before heading toward the stranger, watching him approach, smiling slightly.
Nathan got close enough and held out his hand to the man, noting his longish sandy blonde hair worn long for a Mountie. The man's face was weathered like he had spent long days in the sun. His eyes were savvy, and Nathan knew he didn't miss anything.
"Nathan Grant, sir, how do you do?" he said.
"Nice to meet you, Mr Grant, Bill Avery," Bill observed Nathan as he said his name, looking for signs of recognition and noticed a slight tightening in Nathan's eyes. "I see you have heard of me."
"I believe I have you to thank for a train ticket that arrived today. Are you going to explain the change of plans to me?" Nathan asked directly, it wasn't his nature to play games, and he wanted an explanation.
"Let's just say someone thinks it's vital that Coal Valley has a Mountie right away. Do you know the town's history?"
"It sounds like you are about to tell me," Nathan replied. He knew there had been an incident in the town mine, and several miners had been killed, but he had no more detail than that.
"A mining accident killed over 45 men three months ago, and the town is full of their widows; needless to say, there is an opportunity for them to be taken advantage of, and nobody wants to see that happen, not after what they went through." Bill wasn't lying or exaggerating, a tragedy had occurred in Coal Valley, but that wasn't why Nathan was being sent there.
"And that's the only reason a Mountie was assigned there?" Nathan persisted, sensing something more to the story, although what he heard was bad enough.
"Isn't that enough?" Bill said, his tone suggesting surprise. "It was nice to meet you, Grant, but I have to go. I have somewhere I need to be." Clapping him on the shoulder, he said, "Stay safe in Coal Valley and make sure you keep everyone else safe too."
Nathan watched as he walked away, wondering what Bill meant. He felt someone approach him and turned to see Gabe at his elbow. "That was Bill Avery," he said, answering Gabe's unanswered question. "He was telling me about Coal Valley, but there is something more to the story, something he isn't saying."
Shaking off his concerns, he smiled over at his family, determined to enjoy the dinner with them, considering the length of time it would be until they were all together again. He would work out what Bill Avery wasn't telling him, and he could deal with it when he did.
