As the train slowed and pulled into Benson Hills station, Elizabeth let out a sigh of relief; she couldn't wait to get off the train. While the compartment in which she and Rosemary travelled was luxurious compared to other parts of the train, it had grown tiresome over the last few days. Elizabeth longed to walk freely, feel the sun, and breathe in the fresh air.
Other than disembarking as soon as possible, Elizabeth had another concern that filled her thoughts as their journey ended. 'What was going to happen to Rosemary in Benson Hills.' Elizabeth wasn't as confident as Rosemary that the lack of a ticket was a mix-up and not something more ominous from Mr Lucas Bechard.
Rosemary still held a sliver of hope. She was pretending it had all been some awful misunderstanding, so when she found him in Benson Hills, her dream job would be waiting for her, along with her accommodation and outfits. She was expecting her new life would start as she had imagined when she first accepted the offer. Elizabeth had tried to raise her concerns with Rosemary, but she was unwilling to acknowledge what Elizabeth was saying, preferring her naive take on what was likely to happen.
As they prepared to disembark, the Conductor approached their compartment, knocked, and waited for permission to enter. Elizabeth took one look at his face, and she knew that there was something wrong. Looking down at his hands, he said, "I'm so sorry to tell you, miss Thatcher but the carriage that was to take you to Coal Valley has had a fault and needs repairing. It won't be ready for you to travel until tomorrow morning at the earliest."
"Oh no, that's unfortunate. I am expected in Coal Valley as soon as possible, so I will need to message them regarding my delay." Looking at Rosemary, whose face mirrored her concern, she asked the Conductor, "can you suggest a location where I might stay in Benson Hills while I wait for the wagon to be ready?"
Nodding, the Conductor said, "of course, Miss Thatcher, I will confer with my colleagues and arrange for accommodation for you. Should I arrange for accommodation suitable for yourself and Mrs LeVeaux?" Elizabeth smiled at the kindly man, happy that such a simple solution had presented itself without her needing to discuss it with Rosemary any further. "Would you please arrange for accommodation for several evenings for myself and Miss LeVeaux," dropping her voice, she whispered, "I'll do my best to convince her to spend the evening with me, so I'm not alone."
Elizabeth finally looked across to Rosemary; she had deliberately avoided making eye contact while talking to the Conductor. Elizabeth hadn't wanted to give Rosemary the opportunity to interrupt or decline her offer. Looking at Rosemary, she clasped her hands together and pleaded, "Rosemary, would you please stay with me in Benson Hills, I would appreciate your company, and I could come with you to find Lucas Bouchard. I'd love to see where you're going to be working and living, and that way could picture where you live when reading your letters."
Rosemary looked at her new friend, smiling; she knew precisely what Elizabeth was doing and why. A large part of her thought she had been scammed too, but she had to hold onto that small piece of hope; otherwise, what was the point. While maybe a little naive about Mr Bouchard, Rosemary decided to accept Elizabeth's request for her company and her generous offer of accommodation. At least tonight, she would know where she was sleeping.
Elizabeth and Rosemary disembarked once the Conductor made the necessary arrangements for their accommodation and transportation for them and their belongings. As they made their way to the Hotel, Elizabeth looked around the town, it was smaller than Hamilton, but she guessed it was much larger than where she was heading, with more facilities and amenities. Benson Hills was quaint, with several restaurants and shops. Elizabeth was glad it was close enough to Coal Valley that she could visit if she needed something, and Rosemary wouldn't be so far away if she stayed.
Rosemary was shocked at how small Benson Hills was; Lucas Bouchard had told her it was a bustling town, a growing metropolis soon to rival New York City. Sighing, she finally admitted that there was no restaurant and no job. 'What was she going to do?' she wondered.
Nathan and Gabe woke early and started packing up their campsite; it didn't take long as they set up a very little each night, just a rudimentary shelter and a fire large enough to cook their meals and keep them warm overnight. They were hoping to reach Benson Hills that day, eager to check into a hotel and sleep in a real bed after spending so many nights sleeping on the hard ground. Nathan was also looking forward to a real meal, not something warmed over the fire.
Nathan was so glad he had found a friend in Gabe, someone with the same moral compass, the same philosophies on life and how they were related to being a Mountie. Travelling with Gabe was the only thing about the trip to Benson Hills he would miss. Checking over Newton and his wound, he was pleased to see it was almost completely healed with no signs of infection or lasting damage. Nathan planned to work with Newton once they arrived in Coal Valley to get him used to different environments. A Mountie needed a horse that could go into any situation without hesitation; while he doubted that there were many train trips in the future, they needed to be prepared.
Nathan thought about Elizabeth Thatcher, wondering where she was headed when she got off the train. Benson Hills was a junction where people joined other trains or started the second leg of the journey to their final destinations. He supposed she could be staying in Benson Hills, but he thought it was unlikely. Elizabeth could be anywhere by now; she had a couple of days' head start, and they hadn't even reached Benson Hills yet. He wondered if he would be bold enough to reach out to the school she attended or to her family to ask about her posting so he could reply to the letter and explain why he hadn't done so before.
Shaking his head, he acknowledged it would be easier to start fresh with no thoughts of Elizabeth if she didn't occupy his thoughts so often. Nathan also thought about his mother, sister, and niece; he thought of Dylan Parks, Colleen's husband was no good; he drank too much, gambled, and stayed out chasing the next dollar, the next win, his next thrill. He didn't think that Dylan had been physically violent with his sister or Ali; that was something Colleen wouldn't tolerate. Even while refusing to leave Dylan and acknowledge what a bad choice she made, she retained some loyalty toward him. Colleen hoped the man she fell in love with could be found again one day. Nathan doubted it, sometimes people were lost, and you had to let them go like he had his father.
After freshening up, Elizabeth and Rosemary ventured out into the town of Benson Hills in search of the elusive Mr Lucas Bouchard. The concierge at their Hotel suggested some likely locations to begin their search, and that's where they were. Elizabeth noted people seemed to have one of two reactions to Lucas Bouchard's name; they had never heard of him, or they were guarded and unwilling to make eye contact after hearing his name. After a short time, it became clear Elizabeth was right, and Lucas Bouchard was not held in high regard in Benson Hills. Elizabeth cringed when one pub owner laughed in Rosemary's face when she suggested she was there to work with Mr Bouchard; he continued to laugh heartily when she said she would get her money back. That's when Rosemary finally admitted she was beaten; there was no longer any point in trying to find Lucas Bouchard.
Tears welled in Rosemary's eyes as she acknowledged the future she planned no longer existed; she could feel the love and understanding coming from Elizabeth and allowed herself a moment to wallow in self-pity.
Elizabeth worried for Rosemary; she had travelled from her home in New York, uprooted her whole life, only to find her dream job didn't exist. She wondered if she could convince her to come with her to Coal Valley; surely, she could find work there, and she could stay with Elizabeth until she got back on her feet. Elizabeth would be living in the Teacherage provided with her position; she could have someone live there with her.
"Rosemary," Elizabeth asked, "would you like to get some lunch? We could work out where to start looking next."
Rosemary gave her a small smile. "I think we both know it doesn't matter where we look; we aren't going to find Lucas Bouchard. He knew exactly how to flatter me so I would believe every word that came out of his mouth, and I did. I believed everything and gave up my whole life to follow the dream he sold me. I see that now; what I don't see is where to go next."
"Why don't you come with me to Coal Valley," Elizabeth suggested gently.
Rosemary scoffed, "oh Elizabeth, I couldn't do that; there's nothing for me in Coal Valley. I can't continue my stage career in such a tiny town. Benson Hills was meant to be a stepping stone to something bigger. If I leave here, that can't happen. I need to stay here and find another opportunity." Rosemary straightened her back, a determined look on her face, "I will stay here, make a life for myself while I find my next big break. I don't need Lucas Bouchard."
Elizabeth loved her friend's bravado but couldn't help worrying. "Rosemary, if that's what you want to do, you have my full support, and I know you will be an amazing success." Smiling, she said, "but right now, my feet are killing me, and I am starving; please can we talk more about this over lunch."
Rosemary laughed and grabbed Elizabeth's arm "let's get something to eat." They spent a few extra minutes searching for a restaurant and settled upon the 'Hills Café; it was busy, which they decided was a good thing. Elizabeth noted that many people in the café wore red serge; it appeared the café was popular amongst Mounties. As they sat wondering what opportunities there might be for Rosemary, the Manager of the café walked to the window with a 'help wanted' sign in his hand, preparing to put it up. Rosemary intercepted him before he could, and before they had even ordered their meal, she had a job, waitressing at the café. While a wonderful actress and performer, Rosemary had never waitressed, but she seemed to think that was a minor detail. Rosemary was delighted to find the job had accommodation, and while she would have to share her home with another waitress, it was better than being homeless.
After eating, Elizabeth and Rosemary went back to the Hotel to organise their separate travels, Rosemary went to her new home, and Elizabeth checked on her wagon to Coal Valley. They agreed Rosemary should spend one more night in the Hotel; they could have a farewell dinner together. As they made arrangements, Elizabeth tried to recapture some of her earlier excitement for her trip but found it difficult, knowing it meant saying goodbye to her friend.
As they walked back from dinner that evening, Elizabeth turned to her friend, "I am so glad to have met you, Rosemary; you made this whole trip to Coal Valley a very different one than I imagined. I expected to be lonely being away from my family for the first time, and I was nervous about heading into the unknown, but with you there, I forgot that." Elizabeth smiled and said, "I think I can do this now."
Squeezing her friend's hands, she said, "oh Elizabeth, I will miss you so much; you are a dear friend. I believe your generosity and kindness changed my life. Without you," she said, laughing, "I would be still sitting on the train station at Hamilton, all my luggage spread out at my feet. Because of you, I'm in Benson Hills, and while I might not be starting the opportunity I thought I would be, I'm starting another one."
Elizabeth said, "you must promise to write to me, telling me how many fabulous people you've met. While I will miss you, I can't wait to hear about all your success, my friend."
Rosemary agreed, "and you must tell me all about your new home, those lovely children you will be teaching and that little town of Coal Valley. I will be interested to hear how people occupy themselves in such a place."
As they reached their Hotel and prepared to go to their separate rooms, Elizabeth exclaimed, "Let's say goodbye now, we won't have much time in the morning, and I think it will be too hard." Hugging her friend as Rosemary nodded, tears filled her eyes; she tightened her arms briefly and then stepped back. "You are going to be amazing, and when you become famous, I will brag about how I knew you before."
Rosemary laughed at Elizabeth's silliness and wiped her tears away. "I will tell everyone I owe it all to you and that train ticket!"
Two very weary Mounties rode into Benson Hills, dusty and dirty after their time on the road. Nathan and Gabe weren't familiar with Benson Hills, so they asked for directions to the Mountie office, where they could locate their goods from the train and organise to leave with them the following morning. While at the Mountie office, they asked for recommendations for accommodation and a hearty meal, the unanimous choice for food being the 'Hill's Café' not far from where they were. The Hotel was on the way so they could organise a room before eating.
After checking into their rooms, Nathan and Gabe headed to the Café, eager to have their first real meal in days. They found it quickly and, after entering, slipped into the last free table. Judging by the number of people, many in red serge, this was a popular establishment for everyone, especially Mountie's. Nathan's mouth started watering the moment they walked through the door, and the smell of the food drifted his way; after picking up a menu, his stomach grumbled loudly.
Nathan looked up from the menu, hoping to see someone coming to take his order and was pleased to spot a pretty blonde with a broad smile and an order pad approaching them. As she arrived at the table and welcomed them to the Hills cafe, Gabe's head spun toward her at the sound of her voice.
"Miss LeVeaux, is that you?" Gabe asked as he looked up at her. "How nice to see you again. Allow me to introduce you to my companion, Constable Nathan Grant. We have finally arrived in Benson Hills after having to disembark part way through our train journey."
Rosemary's eyes flicked toward the other Constable as soon as Gabe said his name, so this was Elizabeth's Mountie, she thought; she was right; he was handsome, and those blue eyes really were extraordinary. Rosemary greeted Gabe enthusiastically, "Hello Constable, how lovely to see you. I am glad you arrived safely. I had heard you needed to leave the train."
Gabe frowned, "you heard about that?"
"Oh yes," Rosemary explained, "the Conductor informed us when he could not deliver the invitation to dine with us."
Nathan interrupted, "You invited us to dine with you, you and Elizabeth Thatcher?" Watching her smile widen, he realised Rosemary knew who he was and his connection to Elizabeth. He hoped Elizabeth hadn't been too unkind in her description of him, although he couldn't blame her. Extending his hand, he stood and introduced himself, "it's a pleasure to meet you, Miss LeVeaux. I believe we have a mutual friend, Ms Thatcher?"
"Are you Miss Thatcher's friend?" Rosemary asked, unable to keep the mischief out of her smile.
Nathan smiled, his lopsided grin lighting up his face, "I'm not sure that Elizabeth Thatcher would consider me a friend; we met briefly in Hamilton not long before we graduated. There was no time to get to know each other before I left for my posting." He decided not to waste an opportunity to find out where Elizabeth was. His cheeks reddening, he said, "she wrote to me, but the letter was misplaced until the day I left the academy, so I didn't know. I am sure she thinks I ignored it, but I wouldn't have done that."
Rosemary's eyes narrowed as she listened to Constable Grant; when he finished, she looked to his friend to gauge his reaction and could see he believed Nathan. "I am sure Elizabeth will be pleased to know about the missing correspondence; it might stop her from thinking that all Mounties are mannerless," Rosemary said, eyes flashing with humour and teasing him.
"I couldn't live with knowing I was the reason Mountie honour was besmirched," Nathan responded in the same teasing tone. "Is there any way I could convince you to help me redeem our good name by telling me where I might write to her so that I could explain?" Nathan begged.
"Oh, that won't be necessary, Constable Grant; I believe you or your companion can deliver the message in person." Rosemary teased. "Now, what can I get both of you."
Nathan stared at Rosemary in shock, was she saying what he thought she was. Was Elizabeth Thatcher still here in Benson Hills, or…No. It wasn't possible; Elizabeth Thatcher could not be the teacher in Brookfield or Coal Valley.
Nathan turned to Rosemary, his confusion evident, "Miss Leveaux, do you mean…is Elizabeth…?" He stopped, unable to complete his thought. Looking at Gabe, he shook his head in disbelief.
Gabe took pity on Nathan, "Rosemary, could you please bring us two of the lunchtime specials before my stomach rumbles so loudly everyone can hear it, and could you please tell Nathan how he can find Ms Thatcher; before his head explodes." Gabe laughed along with Rosemary as Nathan sat staring before finally joining in the laughter.
"I wouldn't want to be responsible for the Constable losing his head, so I will tell you. Ms Thatcher, formerly of Hamilton, has taken up a teaching post in Coal Valley. She is there now." Rosemary advised. "Which one of you two will be posted there?"
Gabe answered before Nathan, "I believe Constable Grant can make his apology to Ms Thatcher in person."
Rosemary beamed at Gabe before saying, "Well, that is something I would love to see, but I am sure I will hear all about it." Turning on her heel, she said, "Food won't be long, Gentlemen."