Elizabeth sighed happily as Nathan stepped behind her and slid his arms around her waist. She stopped collecting plates to take to the Kitchen and allowed herself a moment with her husband. They stood in the corner of the Cafe, looking at their friends and family gathered, chatting, and eating the delayed afternoon tea. Elizabeth smiled as she saw her mother talking animatedly with Rosemary and Julie while Colleen listened in, an amused smile on her face. Allie was spending time between sitting with her mother and visiting Abigail in the Kitchen, helping her prepare the food.
Elizabeth could tell her mother was delighted by Rosemary, and her friend's enthusiasm appeared contagious; Grace hadn't stopped smiling while listening to her. Elizabeth was too far away to hear what they were discussing, but Rosemary's laugh drifted across to her often. Her father was talking to Lee, Ned Yost, Robert and Henry Gowan, and that discussion was much less animated. Nathan had been part of their group before breaking away to join her.
"Are you able to relax now?"
"I am beginning too, although I don't think I will truly relax until we get through the whole visit." Elizabeth leaned back against his chest and placed her hand over his where it rested on her waist. "I am feeling very optimistic; I have finally accepted that my parents are here for no other reason than they missed us."
"I think so, too." Nathan leaned down to whisper in her ear so he wouldn't be heard. "I don't want to speak too soon, but I think they like me."
"They do. I can tell. You coming to their rescue was the perfect way to meet them."
"I hardly rescued them, but you're right. I was glad to meet them quietly instead of in front of everyone."
"I am glad Henry was the one who helped you and that he agreed to stay and have something to eat with us. It's a good first step for him to be part of the town."
"And you are happy with that?"
Elizabeth knew he was surprised at her change in attitude; she had been quite clear about keeping her distance from Henry.
"I am."
Elizabeth glanced around the Cafe again, this time finding Abigail as she walked back into the room from the Kitchen. Elizabeth had spoken to Abigail after she agreed to help Henry cater for the lunch at his home. She wondered why she had decided to help Henry when he had caused so much misery for so many.
Abigail's reasons were not earth-shattering; she believed in forgiveness and allowing people a second chance. She felt Henry deserved an opportunity to show he had changed; if indeed he had, she would support him. Abigail laughed, adding, 'Besides, I wanted your parents to enjoy their visit, and that starts with eating good food.'
"Do you think it's time to help your parents settle into the rooms? They must be tired after travelling all day."
"Even if they aren't, I am." Elizabeth turned within his embrace and smiled up at him. Now that her parents were here, they had met Nathan, and both seemed to like him; she could finally smile. She owed her husband an evening of peace after weeks of disturbing him with her nervous bursts of energy and anxiety.
"Let me see if Bill is back from the mayor's office and how much longer Sarah will be," Nathan offered as he kissed her forehead and headed toward the Kitchen.
Sarah Covey was the young woman Rosemary had engaged to help her parents. Sarah lived outside town, sharing her farmhouse with her older brother and his wife and son. Sarah had been a teenager when her parents died, and her older brother had withdrawn her from school, preferring her to stay at home and help around the farm. From what Elizabeth had been able to discover about the young woman, she had lived a very isolated life, that was until she met Rosemary in the Mercantile.
Sarah had agreed to join everyone at the Cafe to meet Grace and William but was delighted when Bill suggested they go to the mayor's office so Sarah could unpack the Thatcher's luggage and prepare a light meal for them to eat later. Elizabeth had asked Sarah to stay, but she was shy and quickly declined. Elizabeth hadn't pressured her to stay, not wanting to make her uncomfortable.
Once Nathan had left to find Bill, Elizabeth rejoined her mother and the others, quickly slipping into the conversation.
"Elizabeth, dear. I have no idea why I thought Coal Valley was a quiet little Town. The stories Rosemary has been telling me paint quite a different picture."
"Rosemary? What have you been telling my mother?" Elizabeth asked sweetly.
"Nothing she didn't already know, but Elizabeth, your letters home didn't convey the right level of detail. You barely said anything about your beautiful wedding and the last-minute dress we made."
Elizabeth rolled her eyes as Rosemary paused dramatically before whispering loudly, "She didn't even know about the Bouchards."
Elizabeth groaned, "Maybe that's because I chose not to tell her!"
"Oh, nonsense, Elizabeth, she is your mother; she should know." Rosemary insisted. "I'm surprised Julie hadn't told her either. You Thatcher girls certainly know how to keep a secret."
Grace reached out and patted Elizabeth's hand. "I wish I had known everything Rosemary just told me."
"Would it have made a difference, Mother?"
"Yes, your father and I would have understood the reason for you marrying so quickly and without us with you."
"I did write to you. So did Nathan."
"Yes, but neither of you were open about how dangerous the situation had been for you, Elizabeth. I understand why Nathan played it down. He would not consider doing his job something to brag about. But I am surprised you didn't elaborate enough to soften us toward him."
Elizabeth tried to keep her face neutral, not wanting to give anything away to her mother. The truth was, Nathan had asked her not to elaborate on his part in her rescue, preferring her to play it down. He didn't want her parents to think he was trying to sway their opinion.
Elizabeth remained silent, simply shrugging in response to her mother's words.
"Did Nathan ask you not to tell your mother and father?" Colleen asked. "That sounds like something he would do."
"If he did, she is hardly going to tell us now," Rosemary said with a laugh.
"Mother, why don't you let us escort you to where you will be staying? It's been a long day of travel." Elizabeth had seen her mother trying to hide a yawn behind her hand and knew her mother would appreciate the rest and a chance to freshen up. Looking toward the Kitchen, she saw Nathan walking through the curtain. Catching her eye, he nodded to let her know Bill had returned and everything was ready for her parents.
"It has been a long day, but I admit I am reluctant for it to end."
"We have days to catch up, Mother," Julie said, supporting Elizabeth's suggestion. "We will see you first thing tomorrow at breakfast."
"Well, maybe not first thing, but yes, tomorrow," Grace agreed, rising from her chair.
Elizabeth and Julie stood aside while Rosemary bustled around, organising everyone to say goodbye to the Thatchers. Rosemary took her role as the trip coordinator very seriously, refusing to let Elizabeth do anything. Elizabeth was incredibly grateful to her friend for everything she had done for her. She had thought of everything, including organising for the towns parents to replace her in the classroom. There wasn't one mother who hadn't been rostered to spend at least a day with the children over the next three weeks. There were also townspeople without children who had been roped in to help, including Abigail and Bill.
Elizabeth, Julie, and Nathan walked her parents to the mayor's office. Robert had to go back to the infirmary and see patients for the afternoon but had arranged for time off to join them for breakfast the following day. Julie was going to spend the evening with her parents as she was so close, while Elizabeth and Nathan were going home alone.
William Thatcher stood in the corner of the living area, nursing his drink as he waited for Grace to freshen up. The drinks cabinet was positioned near the window, overlooking the town, and he watched as Coal Valley closed down for the night. Coal Valley closed down early compared to Hamilton, but he was glad of the early night for once. He wanted to relax in their temporary home with his wife and process everything that had happened that day.
"Is everything alright, William?"
"Perfectly, my dear," William turned to face his wife, picked up her glass of sherry and walked toward her.
"The rooms are quite lovely, William. Sarah did an excellent job of unpacking for us."
Taking the drink from her husband, she sank onto the settee. "I think we will be very comfortable here."
"I agree, and the supper she prepared for later is perfect," Williiam commented as he settled beside his wife.
"Are we going to talk about it?"
"It?"
"Don't pretend to be dense, William, you know what I meant," Grace reproached him, swatting his leg lightly. "Are we going to talk about what we think of Constable Nathan Grant?"
William looked at his wife thoughtfully. "I don't know what to say, Grace. I can't say I know Nathan, not after such a brief time, but I do like him. I trust he is a decent, honest man, and I believe he and Elizabeth are well suited and deeply in love." Shrugging, he sipped his drink before continuing, "I can only imagine that as I find out more about the man, my respect for him will grow."
William watched his wife's face light up with joy. "I agree, William. Nathan is a good man, and I am glad he and Elizabeth found each other. It was meant to be. I am happy my two girls have found love here in Coal Valley; I wish it were closer to Hamilton."
"It's getting closer, Grace. Motor vehicles are getting faster; the roads are getting better. Now that we have met Nathan, they could travel to Hamilton. I understand from Nathan that a huge weight regarding his sister's health has been lifted from their shoulders, which should free them up to visit."
"I do hope so. I am happy we are getting to know so many people in town. It helps me to worry less about our daughters, knowing so many wonderful people are here to support them."
"Me too, Grace." William was quiet momentarily before asking, " Did Elizabeth mention anything about her school?"
"Only that she is still teaching in the Saloon. She pretends it is fine, but I know she would prefer a proper school."
William held his tongue. He had overheard something at the café which led him to believe there was a schoolhouse planned but realised it must be a surprise. If Elizabeth knew about it, she would have told her mother. He would find the time to raise it with Leland during one of their business discussions. He didn't want to interfere with the plans they had already made, but if there was anything he could do to help, he wanted to do it.
"So should we apologise to Nathan?"
"I don't think so, Grace; that would embarrass him. It's time to show him we respect and accept him. That would mean more than words; it would to me."
"I agree. I will ensure that before we leave Elizabeth and Julie, they both know how much we support their choices - all of them."
Nathan pulled up outside the Mountie office, carefully parking the unfamiliar car. He was pleased when William offered to let him use it the previous evening, allowing him to drive himself and Elizabeth home. He knew William had made the gesture as a display of trust in Nathan, which he appreciated. Elizabeth was also grateful for the speed at which they had made it home.
Nathan felt his cheeks redden as he remembered the conversation with Elizabeth as they had driven home the previous evening. He had lied to his wife, which he had promised never to do. Even though this was a good lie, if there was such a thing, he was still uncomfortable for having done it.
Nathan had mentioned his meeting with Lee Coulter at 11:00 am and told Elizabeth it was to discuss security at the Timber Mill. It had nothing to do with security and everything to do with the Schoolhouse / Church they were building as a surprise for Elizabeth and the Town. Nathan and Abigail had finally agreed on what the building would look like and how to make it practical for use as a school and a church without leaving either one lacking. All he needed to do now was review the plans with Lee and come up with a story to satisfy Elizabeth and anyone else curious about what was being built.
He told Elizabeth he was having lunch with Lee after their meeting, and she suggested he invite her father. Nathan would love to include William in their lunch plans, except he hadn't been candid about that either. Lunch was also to include Henry Gowan and Abigail. Nathan wondered what excuse Abigail had given Elizabeth for not joining her for lunch at the Cafe and made a note to ask her if she should change her current plans. Maybe they could hold the meeting earlier.
Elizabeth had been resting her head on Nathan's arm as he drove and missed the look of guilt on his face. He had promised to see Lee first thing in the morning and ensure William was invited to lunch. He would also extend the invitation to Robert Pearce; that way, there would be enough people around the table to distract from any conversation about Lee and Nathan's business. William wouldn't think of questioning Henry's presence at lunch, not knowing his history with the town.
Nathan's step was heavy as he walked up the verandah toward his office. Turning to face the street before going inside, he checked to see if Lee had arrived at work. Lights were on inside Lee's office, so instead of avoiding what he had to do, Nathan headed towards his friend, thinking of the plans they would have to make. He really hated lying.
William Thatcher walked toward Lee Coulter's office. He waited for his girls and Robert to arrive for brunch with their mother, greeting them and assuring them their accommodations were more than satisfactory. He had initially planned to join his family for brunch, but at the last minute, he changed his mind, deciding instead to get an early start on his meeting with Lee Coulter. It was far too early for his luncheon with Lee, and the others, Robert hadn't even finished brunch, but he was sure Lee would understand his early arrival. Lee had mentioned that he would be welcome whenever he wanted to stop by, so he planned to take him up on the offer.
William pulled the door to Coulter Enterprises open and stepped inside. The sudden hush that fell over the room was deafening. He was greeted by shocked looks on several faces, including Lee, Nathan, Henry, and Abigail Stanton. He had clearly interrupted something.
"I'm sorry I am early. I thought I would take you up on your offer, Lee, to discuss business anytime. I can see you are busy."
Lee recovered more quickly than the others, rising to greet William as he hurried around his desk toward him. William glanced at the others and saw Nathan looking away, trying to avoid eye contact with him. He watched Abigail lean toward Nathan, whispering something to which Nathan shook his head. Henry had barely reacted; he just sat back in his chair and waited to see what the others would do. Abigail stood and began gathering the papers which were laid out on the table. William knew it was those documents they had been studying when he interrupted.
"Of course, William, come on in," Lee encouraged. "We were just discussing a matter of Town business," Lee said as he glanced over his shoulder to check on his desk.
"It's fine, Lee. I can see you are busy. I can come back later."
"No! Please, we were finished anyway."
William didn't know what to do besides leave. He had interrupted something important, something they didn't want him to know about. Looking at the group frozen around the table, he realised Nathan was finally looking at him. As he studied his son-in-law's face, Nathan nodded and turned back to Abigail, putting his hand over hers, preventing her from rolling the papers up.
"William, why don't you join us? Provided you don't mind keeping a secret from your wife and daughters."
William frowned. Keeping secrets from Elizabeth seemed out of character based on what he had heard and seen of his son-in-law, except if it was the one he hoped it was. Following Lee toward his desk he glanced at the papers before him, it only took a moment to understand what he was seeing. The papers were blueprints for a building, but it didn't look like he imagined a school would.
"A church?" William asked, wondering why that would be a secret. Elizabeth had written that the Town church had burned down in a fire, forcing them to worship outdoors. William knew this was not ideal in the cooler months. What he couldn't understand was why Elizabeth couldn't know about this.
"A church and a school," Abigail corrected with a smile. "A multi-purpose building that suits everyone's needs. Nathan has perfected it, and we finally plan to start building."
"And you want it to be a surprise for Elizabeth."
"Yes, the one thing we haven't been able to finalise is a way to start building this without Elizabeth knowing what it will be," Nathan explained.
"The land is close to town, perfect for the church and school, but not so perfect for keeping the building project from everyone in town. We want everyone to be surprised, not just Elizabeth," Lee explained.
William understood everyone's part in the project except Henry Gowan's. Abigail was the Mayor, Lee owned the timber they would use for the building, and Nathan did it for Elizabeth. Julie and Elizabeth had mentioned Henry in their letters, not necessarily in a good way making him wonder why he was part of this meeting. Elizabeth described all the townspeople to them in such detail they felt they knew them, but Henry remained a mystery. William knew he had managed the mining company responsible for the tragedy in town, and he knew Colleen, Nathan's sister, was his housekeeper, but that was it.
"I see. That is quite the dilemma. I can't imagine Elizabeth or her sister not wanting to know exactly what the building was for. I am sure there would be others in town who are equally curious."
Abigail laughed at his words, and he knew she was imagining several of the women in town. One he had met the previous evening, Florence Blakely, although their meeting felt like an interrogation as she asked question after question until Abigail rescued him.
"What is something or someone they would be reluctant to ask about?" William asked. He kept his gaze away from Henry but saw Abigail's eyes flick toward him.
"That would be me, William," Henry said gravely. "I am not the most popular person in Coal Valley; very few people would approach me about the building if they thought it had something to do with me."
"Henry..." William heard Nathan start to protest before Henry cut him off.
"It's true, Nathan. I am under no illusion how most people in this town feel about me. I also know I deserve their hostility."
This time, it was Abigail's turn to object. "Henry. I won't deny I was one of those people; I still am if I am being honest." Abigail lifted her head and met William's gaze, "Henry is right. People might be curious about the building, possibly angry about any new venture Henry might be establishing, but they won't ask him about it. As Mayor, I can claim confidentiality. No one would begrudge Lee supplying the wood to Henry; it keeps people in jobs."
"It sounds like there is much more to this story, Henry, but I won't ask about it; it's not my business," William said, his voice gruff. "Now, if it's alright with you, Nathan, can you take me through the plans for getting this schoolhouse built."
William listened as Nathan eagerly launched into a description of the building, describing his vision of the space and how it could be used for its dual purpose. As Nathan spoke, the schoolhouse came to life for William. He could picture the blackboard at the front of the building, the pews used on Sunday, which served as school desks during the week. He couldn't imagine a more perfect space. He couldn't wait to see Elizabeth's face when she realised what the building was for.
"How quickly can this be built?" William asked Lee. He was calculating what needed to be done in his mind so that he and Grace could be there when it was complete.
"It depends on how many people we have helping. The lumbar is ready to be cut. The windows and other furnishing have been ordered; it's only labour we need. Nathan has already started building the pews in a spare corner of my warehouse."
"If you delay my order, can some of your men be diverted to the building project?" Glancing at Henry and Lee, William continued, "Without it drawing suspicion onto the two of you? I could help fund their wages if needed."
"It's not unusual for me to lend my men to different projects to expand their skills." Lee stood as he replied to William, "There is no need for funding of my men. Henry and I have already covered the project costs. We both want to do something good for this town. If I double the number of men on the project, we could get it down in a matter of weeks."
"Then delay my order and I can send to Hamilton for others to supplement the work crew. Can they be accommodated in the Saloon?"
"They can," Lee confirmed.
"Well, gentlemen. Are we ready to finally start?" Abigail asked, her face glowing with excitement.
"Yes, we are, Abigail. Yes, we are!" Lee held his hand out to Henry, Nathan, Abigail and finally William. "Welcome to Coal Valley's newest building team."