"Julie," Elizabeth finally managed to stutter as her sister enthusiastically threw her arms around her, dislodging Nathan's hands from her shoulders,

"Oh, Elizabeth, I can't believe I finally made it; it took an eternity," Julie exclaimed, her voice loud enough to carry through the Cafe. "The trip was horrendous, Elizabeth; you should have warned me."

Elizabeth bit her lip and took a deep breath as she disentangled herself from Julie. Her shock at seeing her sister started to wear off, and concern replaced it. What was her sister doing here? Why was she being so awful, it wasn't like Julie.

"I travelled non-stop for days to get here," Julie continued, her petulant tone reaching every corner of the Cafe. "whatever here is?" she said, her face twisted in disgust, "it's positively..."

"Julie," Elizabeth interrupted quickly, her voice firm; between gritted teeth, and a tight smile she said, "this is such a surprise. Sit down," she instructed as she manoeuvred Julie toward a seat and pushed her down into it. "Let me get you something to eat and drink before introducing you to everyone."

Julie frowned at Elizabeth; what was wrong with her sister? Wasn't she excited to see her? There was no reason to speak to her like that! She was exhausted after travelling for days to make sure her sister was all right and hadn't lost her mind or fallen victim to a scoundrel who was after the Thatcher fortune.

After receiving Elizabeth's Telegram, her parents were shocked and outraged. The family simply couldn't understand why Elizabeth actually married the Mountie; and without them there. Despite their engagement, the Thatchers hoped that Elizabeth would come to her senses and return to Hamilton. They had decided there must be more to the story and were pleased Julie had volunteered to find out on behalf of the family. Well, they would be happy when they found the letter telling them of her plans. Julie was sure they would appreciate what she was doing when they calmed down, especially if she saved Elizabeth from whatever nefarious situation she found herself in.

Nathan stood back, silently watching Elizabeth deal with her sister's arrival, the Telegram still crumpled in his hand. Elizabeth could have avoided the shock of Julie's arrival if she had read it earlier. It was from her parents, letting her know Julie had taken it upon herself to visit Coal Valley.

Nathan wasn't sure how he imagined his first meeting with a Thatcher family member would go, but it wasn't like this. Julie Thatcher was beautiful, with her vibrant hair and fancy clothes, but she seemed very different from Elizabeth. Elizabeth had been dressed more like Julie the first time he had met her, but there was still that underlying compassion, warmth and humbleness that appeared to be missing in her sister.

Nathan could feel the tension emanating from his wife, she was shocked, yes, but she was annoyed too. He and Elizabeth loved Coal Valley, their family, friends and the Community, and he knew she wouldn't allow anyone to criticise it. Julie had been very obvious in her disdain for Coal valley, despite only just arriving.

Nathan had expected the Thatchers to have concerns over their marriage and to receive another letter like the one they received on their engagement. He hadn't expected a visit from Julie Thatcher, and neither it appeared had Elizabeth. The last thing he expected was for them to let their youngest daughter travel alone to Coal Valley. Alone? Wait. He had assumed she was alone, but had she travelled with a companion?

Nathan gazed around the Cafe, looking for her companion, pleased that most patrons had returned to their meals and stopped gawking. Conversations had almost returned to normal except among their dinner companions. Gabe and Bill were looking at him; sympathy mixed with relief in their expressions, glad it wasn't them in the situation. Rosemary was frowning, as was Faith, while Lee looked dumbfounded.

Nathan glanced at Colleen, who sat with Allie at the table they had been sharing with him and Elizabeth; when their eyes connected, his sister raised an eyebrow and shrugged. His Niece sat wide-eyed and staring at the newcomer.

"What are you doing here, Julie?" Elizabeth whispered, keeping her voice low but unable to stop the frown.

"I came to see you, to meet your new husband," Julie explained as if it was the most normal thing in the world. Julie widened her eyes, trying to appear innocent, but her sister saw through her. "I was worried about you," she said, her voice rising, "I couldn't understand why you would marry without your family present."

"I cannot believe Mother and Father permitted you to travel to Coal Valley alone." Elizabeth had no doubt her parents were unhappy with her wedding to Nathan, but she couldn't believe they had allowed Julie to travel from Hamilton without an escort.

"Maybe you should read this, Elizabeth," Nathan suggested handing the Telegram to her.

Elizabeth glanced down at the paper he handed her and frowned. As she read the contents, she shook her head and glared at her sister. "You didn't tell them you were coming!?"

"They would have said no," Julie explained. "I don't understand what you are upset about; you travelled here alone; why shouldn't I?"

"I planned my trip for weeks; I didn't rush in without a thought," Elizabeth exclaimed, throwing her hands up.

"Well, if you hadn't been foolish enough to rush into marriage, I would have had time to plan it," Julie said as she sat straighter in her seat, her lips pursing.

"Julie, I cannot believe you just said that to me," Elizabeth cried. "How dare you!"

Nathan stepped closer to Elizabeth and put his hand on her shoulder. He knew she was upset, and he wasn't thrilled with Julie's comments either, but he didn't want Elizabeth to say something she would regret.

"I think it's time we introduced ourselves," Nathan said, smiling down at Julie. "I'm Constable Nathan Grant, Elizabeth's husband," he said, holding his hand out for her to shake.

Julie glanced at his hand but didn't reach out and take it. She looked up at Nathan, who stood behind her sister, staring at him silently. Julie studied the man before her. He was very handsome, she acknowledged; she certainly couldn't fault Elizabeth's taste in men. But you couldn't base a marriage on looks alone. What did he have to offer her sister, and what did he hope to gain by marrying a Thatcher?

Julie slowly reached out and took Nathan's proffered hand, shaking it quickly before releasing it. "How nice to finally meet you, Constable. I look forward to finding out more about you."

It was hardly a warm welcome, but Nathan was trying to understand her concerns. Her sister had married a stranger, someone none of her family had met. If she was wary of him at first, that was understandable. He wondered if she had chosen her words deliberately or had meant to say she looked forward to getting to know him better. At least their introduction prompted Elizabeth to introduce Julie to Colleen, Allie, and their other friends. Nathan noted that Julie was much warmer towards the others, including Gabe, whom Elizabeth had introduced using his title of Constable. It was not just his profession then; it was personal. His sister-in-law didn't like him and clearly didn't trust his motives for marrying Elizabeth.

Elizabeth was stunned by her sister's unexpected arrival and struggled to accept that Julie Thatcher, her little sister, was sitting next to her in Abigail's Cafe. She was still dumbfounded Julie had travelled to Coal Valley in response to her Telegram telling her family she was marrying Nathan.

As Elizabeth watched, Abigail brought Julie a cup of tea and a slice of Chocolate cake, Julie having refused to eat a meal. Abigail smiled at Elizabeth before tipping her head, indicating she should follow her back into the Kitchen. Curious, Elizabeth hesitated before leaving Julie with Colleen and Allie. As she rose from her seat to follow Abigail, she caught Nathan's eye and then grasped his hand, urging him to follow her.

"What is it, Abigail?" she asked.

"I know it's been a shock having Julie arrive in Town, but I'm wondering if you have considered arrangements for her."

"Arrangements?"

"Where she will stay, I can't picture her being comfortable at the Saloon."

"She could stay with us; Allie could sleep with Colleen," Nathan offered.

"No, I'm not going to put Colleen and Allie out for Julie, especially when she is behaving the way she is." Elizabeth was frowning again, "I have a good mind to send her straight back to Hamilton; let my parents deal with her."

"Elizabeth, you can't send her back, not straight away," Nathan admonished. "She's come a long way, and when you aren't so upset with her, you will want to spend time with her." Nathan gave Elizabeth a small smile before reaching out to touch her cheek. "I know you've missed your sister; give her a chance."

"I don't know why you're being so nice to her; it's you she has come to save me from."

Nathan chuckled, "I know, that's the other reason she needs to stay a while; let her get to know me so she can satisfy herself and your parents you haven't been conned."

"Oh, this is a nightmare. What am I going to do with her," Elizabeth said, sighing.

"Rosemary," Abigail suggested, her eyes twinkling with humour. "Let her stay with Rosemary; she can have your old room."

"That's perfect," Elizabeth said, smiling properly for the first time since Julie had arrived. If anyone could control and compete with her sister's dramatics, it was Rosemary. "I feel bad for Rosemary, but that is the best option," Elizabeth said. "Can you break the news to her, Abigail? I need to get back to Julie and don't want to do it in front of everyone."

Abigail laughed as Elizabeth clasped her hands together in front of her, begging. "I can do that for you," she agreed, shaking her head and following them into the dining area.

As Elizabeth walked back toward the table where Julie sat, she noticed Colleen had transferred Allie onto her lap to free up a seat for Nathan. As she approached the table, she heard Colleen asking Julie questions about her trip to Coal Valley.

Elizabeth could see Julie had relaxed slightly since her arrival; the hot tea and sweet dessert had improved her mood somewhat. However, nothing had improved Elizabeth's mood; she was still fuming inside at Julie and her insinuations about Nathan. Her friends were listening to Julie's story of her trip to Coal Valley, and she looked at them warmly as she spoke. At last, it seemed her sister was trying to be polite.

Elizabeth watched as Abigail spoke to Rosemary before leading her toward the Kitchen. Rosemary glanced at Elizabeth before following Abigail, and she smiled at her apologetically, hoping Rosemary wasn't too put out with the suggested arrangements. She needed an ally when it came to Julie and relied on Rosemary to be one.

Re-joining her sister, husband and new family, Elizabeth stood by the table. "Where are your things, Julie?"

"I left them outside; there wasn't room enough inside for me to bring them in." Julie's smile was sickly-sweet when she addressed Nathan, where he stood behind Elizabeth, "I presume they are safe out there, Constable, given the Town has such a competent Mountie."

Nathan smiled at Julie, refusing to allow her to get to him. He felt Elizabeth tense beside him and put his arm around her waist, letting her know he was fine and not to react.

"Your bags will be fine, Julie, but we will need to make arrangements to transport them to where you are staying before it gets too late." Elizabeth smiled widely at her sister, determined to follow Nathan's lead and keep her temper.

"Is it far to your home, Elizabeth," Julie queried.

"It isn't far, but you won't be staying with us," Elizabeth responded. The timing was perfect; as Rosemary walked back into the dining room, she nodded once to Elizabeth to let her know the accommodation arrangements were okay with her.

"Of course, I am, where else would I be staying? We are family, Elizabeth; I must stay with you," Julie cried.

"I'm sorry, Julie, there is no room for you. Had you given me some notice, I could have made arrangements..." Elizabeth said with a resigned shrug. "Rosemary has kindly offered to let you stay with her in my old room."

"There is no room in your home for me?" Julie asked incredulously, allowing her tone to convey her scorn over the size of her sister's home.

Before Elizabeth could answer Julie's question, Rosemary said, "I'm happy to have you stay with me, Julie. I will appreciate the company now Elizabeth has moved out."

"I have my car outside," Lee said, standing next to Rosie, "I would be happy to drive you and Rosie home and take your luggage."

"When will I see you, Elizabeth? I've come all this way to see you, to make sure..." Julie realised she was about to say something she shouldn't, so she paused. "Will we spend any time together?"

"I have a job, Julie. Did you expect to arrive without notice, and I would be sitting around doing nothing?" Elizabeth asked, unable to hide her sarcasm.

"I thought you would be happy to see me and at least try and spend some time with me," Julie said, her face a picture of dismay. It was her turn to frown; this visit was turning out very differently than she had imagined.

"I don't have a shift at the Cafe tomorrow, Elizabeth. I could teach the students for you," Rosemary offered.

Elizabeth appreciated Rosemary's offer and knew the children wouldn't mind. The students loved when Rosemary taught them; there was very little schoolwork and lots of fun activities instead. The parents would tolerate it for a day, but it was Elizabeth's job, not Rosemary's. Given her recent trouble with the Bouchards and her wedding, she hoped they might allow her some leniency.

"That would be wonderful, Rosemary. Thank you so much," Elizabeth said, reaching out to squeeze her hand. "Let's meet here for breakfast before school, and then I can spend the day with you, Julie."

Elizabeth could see Julie wasn't thrilled with the arrangements but could see no alternative.

"Thank you for your hospitality, Rosemary. I appreciate you putting yourself out for me."

Nathan looked at Colleen and quickly looked away, hiding his smile. His sister was trying to hide her smile at Julie's words, clearly meant as a criticism of Elizabeth's lack of hospitality. Nathan knew Colleen would have been happy to share her bed with Allie to make room for Julie, but it was Elizabeth's choice, so she didn't interfere.

"Nathan, do you want to give me a hand with Julie's luggage?" Lee asked.

"Of course," Nathan responded immediately.

I'm happy to help, too," Gabriel offered, standing up and joining Nathan and Lee.

As the three men left the Cafe to see to Julie's bags, Abigail joined them from the Kitchen. Bill stood when he saw her coming and held out a chair for her so that she would sit with him.

Elizabeth didn't miss the smile Abigail and Bill shared, and it made her happy to see it. There may be no need to talk to her friend after all, she thought with a grin. Elizabeth felt someone nudge her side and looked up to see Rosemary smile and waggle her eyebrows. Rosemary had been trying to throw the two together and was clearly pleased with her progress.

"Let's talk at breakfast," Rosemary whispered. "We need to come up with a plan for these two."

"Rosemary, they seem to be doing well without our interference," Elizabeth whispered. She didn't want to scare Abigail off, and she knew they would if they were too obvious or pushed too hard.

"I'm just thinking of giving them a little nudge," Rosemary said, "trust me, I can be discreet."

Elizabeth snorted; discreet was not a word she usually associated with Rosemary, but kindness and caring were. Rosemary had Abigail and Bill's best interests in mind. Elizabeth knew she would talk to Rosemary about her scheming, even if only to keep her in check.

Nathan, Lee and Gabe stood outside the Cafe, staring at Julie's luggage.

"How long did you say she planned on staying in Coal Valley?" Lee asked, staring at the numerous cases before them, amazed by the sheer volume.

"I imagined it was only going to be a couple of days," Nathan said, worried about what this amount of luggage could mean. Was Julie ever going home?

"Oh, come on, Nathan. Don't panic yet. I imagine Julie Thatcher would have a substantial wardrobe," Gabe offered. As dumbfounded as the others, he couldn't imagine anyone needing that many clothes.

Nathan looked up when the door opened and watched as Elizabeth walked out, followed by Julie, Rosemary, Colleen, Faith and Allie.

"Julie, what on earth!" Elizabeth exclaimed. "What possessed you to bring so many things with you? Is this all clothing?" Elizabeth walked up to the trunks, looking at each one before turning to her sister, hands on hips, waiting for an explanation.

"And shoes," Julie said meekly.

"How long are you planning on staying," Elizabeth asked.

"As long as needed, you know nothing is calling me home."

Elizabeth's heart sank at the news, and she felt terrible. She loved her sister and knew when she calmed down, she would enjoy spending time with her. What she didn't need was Julie bringing her spoiled, pampered ways to Town. Despite the differences in conditions from Hamilton, Elizabeth had adapted quite well, but she couldn't imagine Julie doing the same. There was no room for her with Elizabeth and Nathan, and with Colleen's illness, she didn't want to add to her stress. She couldn't live with Rosemary forever, and then what?

"We don't have to solve everything tonight," Nathan said quietly. He could see Elizabeth was worrying about her sister, but they wouldn't resolve it standing outside the Cafe. "Let's focus on getting Julie settled in with Rosemary."

"You're right, Nathan," Elizabeth said, smiling at him, relieved to have him by her side. "Lee, thank you so much for taking Julie to Rosemary's, you too, Gabriel."

"I can take Colleen and Allie home first; Rosemary and Julie could stretch their legs walking home." Lee looked at Rosemary for confirmation before glancing at Julie. He wasn't surprised to see her brow wrinkle with displeasure and decided to amend his offer. "I could also do a couple of trips and drive everyone home."

"No, Lee, you are already going out of your way for Julie; she will walk." Elizabeth glared at her sister, daring her to argue. "The walk will do her good after the days spent cooped up while travelling."

"Of course, Lee. Thank you for arranging to get my luggage to Rosemary's." Julie smiled magnanimously at the group. "I appreciate the hospitality you have shown me since my arrival."

Colleen glanced at Nathan, her face unsmiling at Julie's next dig at her brother, her lips were pressed into a thin line as she wondered how he could contain himself from replying. Colleen was fiercely protective of her brother and did not appreciate the motives for Julie's visit to Town. She had tolerated all she was going to of her thinly veiled criticism of Nathan and his hospitality. If Julie Thatcher thought she could come to Coal Valley and upset Nathan and Elizabeth's wonderful, loving relationship, she would need to contend with her.

Elizabeth stood in the bedroom she shared with Nathan, watching him as he undressed for bed. She loved to watch him move; he had a grace and elegance about him that she was never tired of seeing. Elizabeth stood awkwardly, agitated, and unable to relax. Her anxiety was evident as she twisted the fabric of her nightgown in her hands.

"You know it won't change anything for me," she said, "having Julie here, doing whatever it is she is doing."

"I know that, Elizabeth. Please don't worry about Julie." Nathan walked to her and cupped her cheek in his hand. "All she is going to be able to report back to your family is that we are madly in love." Natham smiled down at his wife, trying to reassure her. He knew the Thatchers would never think him good enough for Elizabeth; he couldn't give her the luxuries she had in Hamilton, not on a Mountie's salary. He trusted in their love for each other, and their life together was worth more to her than the riches of Hamilton.

"But Julie is being so awful to you," she said, tears in her eyes.

"I know, and a part of me understands it and can't blame her. How would you feel if Julie suddenly married a man you had never met, who didn't have the means to provide her with the lifestyle you're accustomed to, someone who has little material wealth or standing to bring to the marriage? Wouldn't you be the least bit suspicious?"

Elizabeth knew he was right but didn't want to admit it.

"Well?"

"Of course, I would because Julie isn't anything like me. I'm not flighty or impulsive like her." Shaking her head, she said, "the way you described yourself...I don't like it. I don't see you or our marriage like that. She doesn't know you the way I do."

"Give it time, Elizabeth."

"Fine," she said, finally starting to relax. "But not too much time; she can't stay here forever." She paused before looking at him, the ghost of a smile on her lips, "I was right, you know; we should never have come back from our honeymoon."

Laughing, Nathan wrapped her in his arms, lifting her off her feet. He felt her grab hold of his shoulders and he kissed her to muffle her little yelp of surprise. Carrying her across the room to the bed he said, "Why don't we go back there right now."

"What about Colleen and Allie?" she hesitated, embarrassment causing her cheeks to glow. She was glad now their honeymoon had been spent alone.

"Colleen is downstairs," he said, kissing her again, "and Allie is a heavy sleeper," he whispered as his lips trailed across her cheek and down her neck to her collarbone. "We have nothing to worry about; besides each other."