"Rosie, keep your voice down; she'll hear you," Lee whispered to his furious fiancé. They were standing outside Rosemary's row house, next to his car. He was ready to go home after delivering the last of Julie's trunks, placing them upstairs for her.
"I don't care, Lee. Julie is being positively awful. I can hardly believe she is Elizabeth's sister." Rosemary was trying to keep her voice down, but she was upset and part of her didn't care if she did hear. Julie had been quiet on the walk from Town, but as Rosemary observed her looking around, it was apparent she didn't like what she saw.
"I know, sweetheart, but she is Elizabeth's sister. She has travelled a long way to be here; maybe she's just tired," Lee suggested. "Why don't we give her the benefit of the doubt."
"You don't have to go inside and share your house with her!"
"True," Lee winced. "And you're wonderful to do it for Elizabeth and Nathan."
Rosemary sighed dramatically, some of the heat going out of her words, "I guess I can do it for a little while, for Elizabeth and Nathan, especially Nathan. They can't deal with her along with everything going on and all they have been through."
"That's my girl," Lee said before stepping up and wrapping his arms around her. He placed a kiss on the top of her head before releasing her.
"I better go; You need to go inside and help Julie settle in. I'll pick the two of you up for breakfast."
"Fine," Rosemary said, still pouting slightly. "I'll see you in the morning. Bright and early, please."
"Of course," Lee said, smiling as he got in the car. He sat in the car, waiting to make sure she was safely inside before heading to Town. Driving away, he thought about his advice to Rosemary and felt terrible. Sharing a house with Julie Thatcher was the last thing he wanted to do, even for a few days.
Julie Thatcher was upstairs in the row house, settling into her sister's old room. As she moved around unpacking her things, she felt fatigued and decided fresh air might help. As she opened the window, she heard Rosemary say her name, and despite knowing it was wrong, she listened anyway.
When the conversation outside was over, she blinked back tears as she listened to Lee Coulter's car drive away, holding her palms against her burning cheeks. Had she truly been that dreadful? Everyone loved her and wanted to spend time with her. What did Rosemary mean by 'especially Nathan' and 'everything they had gone through.' What was going on? What hadn't Elizabeth told her?
Rosemary stood at the bottom of the stairs and took a deep breath before pasting a smile on her face. She maintained the smile while checking Julie had everything she needed. When she finally reached her bedroom, she let the smile slip. Julie had seemed much more gracious during that final conversation than earlier; maybe she had judged her harshly; time would tell.
Julie lay in the unfamiliar bed, reflecting on her interactions with the people of Coal Valley, particularly Nathan. She cringed when she played back in her mind the things she had said. She had said some dreadful things about her sister's home and to her sister's husband and insinuated many more.
Julie tried to justify her behaviour by blaming the welcome she had received, it wasn't what she had been expecting, and it had thrown her. Elizabeth's greeting could have been more enthusiastic, even if her arrival had shocked her. She supposed she could have told her sister she was coming, but that would have defeated the purpose of her visit. Closing her eyes, she admitted that she couldn't blame anyone else for how she acted; she had behaved poorly.
Was she wrong about Constable Nathan Grant? He and Elizabeth certainly seemed happy together. Julie acknowledged there was a special connection between them, a powerful one. Elizabeth cared for his family, and they cared about her; Allie, in particular, was very sweet and adored her sister. She had to admit; the Constable had treated her much better than she had treated him.
Nathan had been nothing but courteous and respectful toward her. She probably owed him an apology for her behaviour. While she wouldn't apologise immediately, just in case, she would be friendlier; you did catch more flies with honey than vinegar.
"Are you feeling well enough to join us for breakfast, Colleen?" Elizabeth asked. Colleen sat at the table, drinking coffee while Allie ate breakfast.
"I am, thank you," Colleen responded. Even if she had been unwell, she was going to the Cafe. She wouldn't allow Nathan to meet with Julie Thatcher again without her being there. Nathan was too nice for his own good and had tolerated her poor behaviour the evening before. How could he arrest hardened criminals without blinking but allow Julie Thatcher to treat him disrespectfully?
"Lee has offered to pick us up before collecting Rosemary and Julie. He will be here in about 15 minutes," Elizabeth explained.
As they spoke, Allie finished her breakfast, and Elizabeth offered to take her upstairs to brush her hair and change into a dress. Colleen thanked her, remaining seated at the table, staring at Nathan, who had come downstairs while they were talking.
"What?" Nathan asked, knowing exactly why she was staring.
"Are you going to allow Julie Thatcher to behave badly toward you today?"
"Colleen, Elizabeth and I always knew the Thatchers had objections to our relationship; they made that clear when we got engaged. Marrying quickly, without notice, was bound to raise their suspicions. I understand," Nathan explained.
"Well, I don't, and I can't promise I will be able to hold my tongue if she does it again."
"Please, Colleen. I need to win Julie over," Nathan said, pleading.
"No, you don't!" Elizabeth exclaimed, overhearing his comment. Keeping her tone light for Allie, she said, "I told you last night; I don't care what my parents or anyone else think. If Julie cannot see how perfect our life together is, it's her problem and not one I will worry about."
"Your wife is a very wise woman," Colleen stated, grinning at her sister-in-law.
"And Colleen," Elizabeth continued, her face determined, "you won't need to say something to Julie. If she continues to misbehave, I will be the one to talk to her."
His sister didn't contradict Elizabeth, but she didn't agree with her either. Nathan looked over Elizabeth's head at Colleen and saw her purse her lips. It was going to be an interesting few days, he thought.
When Lee arrived to collect them, they were waiting out on the Verandah. Elizabeth, Colleen and Allie climbed into the car while Nathan headed out on foot to collect Newton from the stable. His walking allowed Lee to collect Rosemary and Julie without making a second trip.
He smiled as he walked to the livery in the crisp morning air. Lee had apologised to Nathan when he arrived; apparently, he was too busy to join them for breakfast. Nathan didn't blame him; if he didn't have to be there, he wouldn't volunteer either. Nathan was glad he had to return to work and couldn't stay long. Gabe had been gracious enough to spend longer in Coal Valley than planned, but it was time for him to head back to Brookfield and his life.
Julie woke refreshed the following morning. She was surprised at how well she slept in the strange house. She hadn't exaggerated how tiring the journey was and had been exhausted when she arrived.
She rose and quickly got ready for the day, assuming breakfast at the Cafe would be early, much earlier than she was used to. Opening her bedroom door, she smelled coffee which confirmed what she thought; life started much earlier in Coal Valley than in Hamilton.
"Good morning, Julie. Would you like a cup of coffee or tea?" Rosemary said, smiling at Julie as she came into the kitchen.
"Good morning, Rosemary. Coffee would be lovely; thank you so much."
As she turned to pour the coffee, Rosemary's eyebrows shot up in surprise at the change in Julie. Her attitude had clearly improved overnight; she sounded genuinely grateful.
Julie sat at the table, and Rosemary joined her, sitting down to drink her tea.
"Thank you for taking Elizabeth's place at School today so we can spend time together; I have missed her very much."
"It's no trouble, Julie. The children's parents won't like it if it lasts too long; however, given the circumstances, they'll understand. I have a very different approach to School than Elizabeth. I have a focus on fun over mathematics." Rosemary laughed at herself, "I would have made a terrible Teacher."
"Elizabeth tells me you are an actress," Julie said despite her curiosity about 'the circumstances' Rosemary mentioned. "I'd love to hear all about your career."
Julie's simple request was all Rosemary needed to launch into her life story. She was still talking when Lee's car pulled up outside, interrupting her.
"Oh, dear," I didn't realise the time, Rosemary exclaimed.
"Me either; listening to you was fascinating," Julie assured her as they hurriedly stood. Julie gathered her things, eager to see her sister.
"Good morning, everybody," Julie called out as she reached the car, her voice cheerful. As she squeezed into the car next to Elizabeth, she kissed her sister's cheek before addressing Colleen and Allie directly.
"Good morning, Colleen, Allie, isn't this cosy."
"You can walk if It's too cramped,' Elizabeth said with a warning look.
"Elizabeth, I wasn't complaining. I was just saying," she exclaimed.
"This is perfectly fine. Thank you, Lee."
Lee cleared his throat, then nodded, letting that be his only response. Starting the car, he drove as quickly as possible, pulling up outside the Cafe in record time.
"Enjoy breakfast, Ladies. Please let me know if you need a lift anywhere else or the car; I will be in my office all day."
After saying goodbye to Lee, the women entered the Cafe and quickly found a table. Allie whispered something to her mother, who nodded, and she skipped eagerly away toward the kitchen, Colleen close behind her.
"How was your evening, Julie?" Elizabeth asked, her tone cautious; she would reprimand her sister if she behaved like yesterday. She glanced at Rosemary as she asked and could see she was smiling, giving her hope that Julie was more like herself.
"It was lovely. I slept like a baby and woke up refreshed and eager to see more of the Town you call home." Julie laughed and said, "and you too, of course."
Elizabeth smiled at Julie, glad her sister appeared to be more herself and said, "well, we will see as much as we can today; then I have to go back to work."
"I would like to get to know Nathan, Colleen and little Allie better, too, considering they are family now."
"Before we do anything else, though, you are going to the Mercantile and Telegram Mother and Father and tell them you are all right." Elizabeth's voice was firm when she said, "You will also make arrangements to return to Hamilton."
"But I don't want to leave yet. I want to spend more time with you." Julie lamented. She didn't want to rush back to Hamilton; she hoped to spend more time with her sister. She had promised herself she wasn't leaving until she was satisfied Elizabeth was all right.
"I won't be available to entertain you, Julie. You won't have anything to do each day; how will you occupy yourself?"
"I'm sure I can find something to do; please don't send me away so soon. I've missed you."
Rosemary touched Elizabeth's hand lightly, and Elizabeth looked at her.
"Why don't you give it a few days before deciding."
Elizabeth's brow wrinkled; Rosemary certainly had changed her tune in one night.
"I can help entertain, Julie. Abigail doesn't need me every day, and although he won't admit it, I drive Lee crazy when I go to his office and tidy up."
"All right, we can talk about it in a few days, provided you behave and don't upset my family or anyone else."
Julie nodded enthusiastically; she had already decided she would be nice.
Colleen and Allie returned to the dining room, with Abigail following behind. As she took their order, she saw Julie was behaving more pleasantly than the previous evening. Abigail tried to see the good in everyone and hoped Julie's change in attitude was genuine.
"Are you waiting for Nathan?" Abigail asked.
"He asked that I order for him and Gabriel," Elizabeth explained, placing the additional order for them.
Elizabeth glanced at Colleen, concerned she was so quiet. She had barely spoken in the car, and since returning from the kitchen, she hadn't spoken at all. Elizabeth worried she was feeling poorly but not wanting to say it because she wanted to be there to protect Nathan from Julie.
"Are you sure you are okay to be here? I could see if Lee could take you home."
"I'm fine, really," Colleen said with a smile. "I promise I will tell you."
Nathan and Gabriel entered the Cafe, and Elizabeth allowed herself to be distracted from pursuing Colleen further.
After breakfast, the women said goodbye to Gabriel, who was leaving for Brookfield, and Nathan, who was returning to the Mountie office. Nathan had been perfect at breakfast. He had taken Elizabeth's words to heart and had done nothing to try and impress Julie. Nathan was this typical, charming, caring self, and Elizabeth could tell Julie was impressed despite her misgivings. As Elizabeth placed a chaste kiss on Nathan's lips, she smiled. It would take no time for Nathan to win Julie over if she were prepared to let him.
Julie wanted to start her tour of the Town immediately, but Elizabeth insisted she send the Telegram to their parents. Allie asked if she could say goodbye to Abigail, who was in the kitchen, and Elizabeth offered to go with her. Colleen volunteered to escort Julie to the Mercantile and for them to meet up outside afterwards. Rosemary went to say goodbye to Lee and let him know they didn't need the car.
Colleen hovered by the counter in the Mercantile as Julie wrote the message for her Telegram. She wanted to know what it said but didn't want to get caught spying. As she read the words Julie wrote, anger flared within her, and her temper flashed over, and she lashed out.
"He has a name!"
"I beg your pardon!" Julie responded, looking up in shock at her tone. Stepping back, a hand on her chest as though clutching her heart, she asked, "what are you talking about?"
"My brother, Elizabeth's husband, your brother-in-law, has a name." Colleen spat the words at Julie as she took her arm and led her to the back of the Mercantile. Colleen was pleased they were the only ones here, well, except for Ned, who was busy unloading a delivery.
Julie looked down at the crumpled slip of paper in her hand, with the words she had written, confused at what had angered Colleen. She read the words and grimaced, 'I have seen Elizabeth and the Constable and confirm they are married.' That was the way she and her parents had been referring to Nathan.
"I cannot believe you aren't even willing to get to know him, to give him a chance. You and your family judged him and found him lacking without even attempting to get to know him, to see how wonderful he is." Colleen took a deep breath, trying to calm down. "What has he ever done besides be born without your level of social status and family money? Nathan is a Mountie, Julie, he chose to dedicate his life to protecting and serving others. He loves and adores your sister. How is he not good enough for your family?"
"After all they have been through, after everything he has done, don't they deserve to be happy?" Colleen's voice had lost some of its harshness as she questioned Julie. "Can you not look past your prejudice and see how much in love they are, how happy they make each other? Or don't you care? Is it all about money and prestige, Julie?"
Julie wished Colleen would shout at her. The controlled fury, her fiercely whispered words, and her dismay was worse somehow. The look of contempt in her eyes made Julie feel ashamed.
"Why does everyone keep saying things like that?"
"Like what," Colleen asked, confused by her response.
Like 'What they have been through?' Worrying about me upsetting Nathan, 'given what is happening." Julie was on the verge of tears. "Tell me!" It wasn't just that she felt she was missing something; Colleen's words had hit home, and she was embarrassed and ashamed.
"Not here," Colleen said. Marching toward the front door of the Mercantile, she looked back over her shoulder and said, "after you send the Telegram, of course."
Julie shoved the crumpled paper into her purse and followed Colleen outside. "I'll explain to Elizabeth why I didn't send it; I'm sure she will understand."
Colleen and Julie stood side by side, silently waiting for Elizabeth, Rosemary and Allie to join them. As they waited, Julie thought over Colleen's words and knew she was right; about all of it. She and her family had a lot to make up for, especially to Nathan. They had judged Nathan based on his social status and assumed he was after Elizabeth's money. Colleen was right to be angry with her, and so were Elizabeth and Nathan. Shaking her head, she crossed her arms over her chest and bent her head, hiding her flaming cheeks.
"Julie? Are you all right? You look quite ill," Rosemary said as she walked up to her and Colleen. "Has something happened?"
Rosemary looked between the two women and knew what the issue was. Julie looked mortified, and Colleen's jaw was tense with barely controlled anger.
"I see," Rosemary said. "We need to clear the air, sort this out, but not here. I will go and tell Lee we changed our minds and do need the car after all; we can go to your place Colleen."
Rosemary stopped as she passed Elizabeth and Allie, explaining the change in plans before heading to Lee's office. Elizabeth was wary as she approached the two women.
"Abigail gave us some cakes and scones to have for our afternoon tea; she thought we might get hungry on our tour of the town," Elizabeth spoke happily, not wanting Allie to feel the tension.
"It's chocolate cake," Allie said, bouncing excitedly as she looked at her mother and Julie.
"That sounds wonderful, sweetheart," Colleen said, her voice losing its anger as she spoke to her daughter.
"Chocolate is my favourite too," Julie said, smiling at Allie, who was too cute to ignore. "I hope there's a lot to share."
Rosemary pulled the car close to the curb, and the ladies climbed inside. It was a short drive to the house Colleen shared with Allie, Nathan and Elizabeth, but nobody spoke during the trip.
Julie was the last out of the car, and paused to look at her sister's home, before entering. It was evident that the house was well cared for. Outside, the lawn was neatly trimmed, and pots full of colourful flowers were placed in different locations on the Verandah. There were two rocking chairs and a bench seat out front to sit in and relax while taking in the view. It felt warm and welcoming.
Inside Julie found much the same. The house was small, but it was neat and cosy. Everywhere she looked, the small touches made the house a home: books, soft cushions, throw blankets, and Allie's toys and drawings. Julie compared the tiny home to her much larger family home and knew why Elizabeth preferred this home.
Elizabeth walked into her home, nervous about what was to come. She still didn't know what had happened between Colleen and Julie, but it was clear something had occurred, and they were both upset. She bustled about making coffee and tea while Colleen got out paper and drawing materials to distract Allie while they spoke.
With the tea finally made, the four women sat together at the table, and Elizabeth drew in a deep breath.
"Who wants to start?" She asked.
"Would someone please start by explaining everything I don't know about you and Nathan and what has happened," Julie said, her voice soft.
Elizabeth sighed deeply and then began talking, telling Julie all about Lisa Bouchard and what she had done to them. She described what happened with Lucas Bouchard and about Lisa and her abduction. She told Julie how Nathan led the search to find her and how relieved she was when he did." Elizabeth watched her sister as she spoke and could see anger, panic, and relief flit over her face, her mouth dropping open when she heard of the abduction. Julie studied her sister's face, understanding now where the small, almost healed cuts had come from.
"Why didn't you tell us, or me at least?" Julie asked, curious.
"There wasn't time, and these things are hard to put in a letter," Elizabeth shrugged. "It was because of all this that Nathan, and I decided we didn't want to wait to be together, why we chose to marry immediately."
"That isn't everything, is it?" Julie said, "there's more."
Elizabeth looked at Colleen, a brief glance only, but enough for Julie to see it.
Julie stared at Colleen, waiting for her to tell her part of the story.
"I am sick, Julie. Very sick. Nathan and Elizabeth moved Allie and me to Coal Valley to look after us until..." Colleen swallowed and whispered, "until it's only Allie to look after."
Tears welled in Julie's eyes at Elizabeth and Colleen's stories. How could she have been so blind and so selfish? She had misjudged Nathan and underestimated her sister. The motive behind their quick wedding was love and an understanding that theirs was a forever love. It made sense to her now; she wouldn't have wanted to wait in their position either.
"I am so sorry, Elizabeth, and to you, Colleen. I had no idea." Julie wiped her eyes and said, "I had no idea about any of it." She took Elizabeth's hand, "and I acted so appallingly. Can you ever forgive me? And you, Colleen, can you?" Julie shook her head and took a shuddering breath, "how can Nathan forgive me?
Before either of the women could answer her, Allie approached the table.
Julie looked down as Allie placed her drawing on the table.
"It's us," Allie said happily.
The four women looked at Allie's picture, and Julie gasped. Allie had drawn them all, her mother, herself, Nathan, Elizabeth and her. The five of them were standing outside what she assumed was the Cafe, and they were all holding hands and smiling.
"It's our family," Allie elaborated.
"Yes, it is, Allie, Elizabeth said with a watery smile, sniffing back the tears.
"I think it's the best picture you have ever drawn, Allie," Colleen said. "I'm sure Uncle Nathan will love it too."
Elizabeth smiled at her sister, knowing it would be all right. She realised she didn't mind the thought of Julie staying a while and getting to know Nathan and her friends better. She could see Julie finally understood what Nathan and her life in Coal Valley meant to her, and Elizabeth knew she would report that to her parents.