Chapter 23
The Understanding
The night before Jack, Elizabeth and Jarrick were to leave on the stage going home Rosemary and all the ladies had put together little gathering to say farewell. Jarrick was passed around as usual. Jack and Elizabeth made their rounds telling everyone goodbye.
She spent a few moments with Miss Adams, I would like to thank you for taking such good care of all the children, Elizabeth says! Miss Adams says, thank you Mrs. Thornton, that means a lot coming from you! Oh please call me Elizabeth. Then you may call me Jane. If I may ask, how do I get their attention, Jane asked? Jane, you just have to stop and think, how can I turn arithmetic into something fun? I chose a pie. I cut according to the fraction we were working on because some weren't grasping the concept. How can I make all our subjects fun and not boring. And I will say to back off on the explanation area. You have some children that catch everything you say but you also have children that are slower and don't catch on as fast.
May I ask where you went to teacher college, Elizabeth asked? I went to college in Nova Scotia. They strictly teach the three R's but nothing else. I don't know how to teach any other way Elizabeth. Jane, just listen to the children when they talk. If you want I can send some suggestions when I get back home. I would love that Elizabeth, thank you.
I have another year here and I would like for it to be smoother. They hug and Elizabeth excused herself and walked over to Abigail. How did that go, Abigail asked. I think it went well. She asked how to get their attention. I told her I could send her some suggestions and she said she would love it. So when I get home I'll send them to her. Good for you, Abigail said.
The next morning they stepped in the stage for their long six day journey home. Luckily Jarrick was in a good mood on the stagecoach. Jack says, he is probably enjoying it this time because it's the first leg of the trip. Let's hope he handles the train ride better, she says.
At the train station Jack and the stage driver got their trunks down and on the platform. Jack took their tickets to the porter and asked, which compartment car is ours. The porter showed them.
They stepped into their compartment. Jack sat Jarrick down on the floor while he put their bags into the bedroom. Elizabeth put his toys down in front of him to keep him distracted from the whistle that was coming. He picks up a block and just babbles, dada, dada, over and over again. Jack comes out and says, Ma is going to be so disappointed when she hears that. Elizabeth chuckles and says, I know but I tried to tell her.
Four days later they pulled into Lecombe. Phillip was there with a barrowed car to help them with their trunk and to take them home.
They had sent a telegram to Ma from Calgary letting her know when to expect them. They pulled up in front of their home, Charlotte was standing in the doorway waiting on them to arrive. When they stopped she opened the car door and reached in and pulled Jarrick out to her bosom, hugging him as if it was the first time! She pulls him back a little and says, Granma has missed you so much! Jarrick starts babbling….Jack looks at Elizabeth and smiles, Jarrick's babbling, dada, dada, dada. Charlotte looks at him and says, oh little one…your first word and I missed it. Elizabeth speaks up and says, he said it two days before we left Coal Valley.
Jack and Phillip took the trunk into their bedroom. Jack shook Phillip's hand and said thank you! I appreciate you coming and picking us up! You're very welcome, he said. Phillip took his leave after waving goodbye. Jack hugged his Ma and said, we miss you Ma! How has everything been around here? It's been ok. The General has gotten out every day you've been gone. She laughed and said, every morning when I went out to feed them he's been right outside my window. Ma do you want me to put a better lock on his door? No, he's just watching out for me! Sometimes I could ring your father's neck for teaching him that. They all had a good laugh!
Jack kissed Elizabeth and said, I'm going out to the barn and let Sargent know I'm back. Elizabeth nods and says, check the ladies while you're out there! He raised his hand in the air as he walked out the back door.
In the barn he walked up to the door and Sargent went to naying. He knew Jack was back before Jack even came through the door. Jack said, alright partner, I'm here! He walked up to Sargent's stall, Sargent had his head out of his stall door. Jack pats his neck and pets his face. Sargent nudges Jack's shoulder. Yeah I missed you too!
Lady had her head out too. Jack rubs her too! Jack opens all the stalls and lets them run! He stepped outside and watched. Belle was running as fast as her legs would go. She ran around with not a care in the world.
He walked over to the coral fence and leans on it just watching them run around the field. None of them left the field. After a few minutes Elizabeth came up behind him and wrapped her arms around him and rested her head on the back of his shoulder. She said, they act like they've been cooped up this whole time. That's just the way Sargent is. You could let him out every day and he would do the same thing every time!
After a few more minutes of running, Jack whistled, Sargent and Lady came running back to him with Belle right behind. The General just stood there standing tall and proud. Jack had to remember the whistle that his Ma used but he couldn't remember. Jack called, Ma! She came out and said, you can't remember can you? No ma'am. I only heard you do it once. She whistles, The General perked his ears and came strutting over to her. Jack repeated the whistle, The General looked at Jack, Jack said, come on boy and repeated the whistle and The General walked to him. Charlotte whistled for Daisy and she came running up to The General.
Jack called them into the barn to their stalls. When the walked in he shut and locked their doors. He walks up to The General's door and pats the side of his face and says, I've got her covered boy. You stay put, ok? The General nods his head. Elizabeth says, we have some pretty smart horses, huh! Yes we do! It's all in the way they are treated. We have to be one with them out there. They are our partners and we have to have trust between us! Sargent is the only partner I've had in the almost ten years I've been on the force! We just clicked.
Charlotte had put a pot of chicken stew on that morning, they had dinner and Charlotte and Jack cleaned the kitchen while Elizabeth started on her lesson plan for a couple of days. Jack gave Jarrick his bath and got him ready for bed. Charlotte took him and rocked him to sleep. She held him while he slept until Jack and Elizabeth was ready for bed.
Jack had made a pot of tea for all of them and brought Elizabeth and his Ma's to them. He set Elizabeth's on her desk next to her. She says, thanks Hon! He kissed the top of her head and said, you're welcome Bella!
About an hour later he asks, you about ready for bed Bella? She puts her pencil down and says, yes. I can finish it tomorrow. She gets up and takes Jarrick from Charlotte and kisses her cheek and says, thanks Ma! I love you! You're welcome! I love you too! Jack says the same.
They take Jarrick into the bedroom but he wakes to nurse. She sits in he rocking chair and nurses him. Jack pulls the covers back on their bed and gets ready for bed. He climbs in and waits for her to put Jarrick in his crib. She climbed into bed and they fell asleep holding each other.
The next few weeks went by, Jack was back into the swing of things at work and Elizabeth was enjoying being back at school with the children. Elizabeth had sent her suggestions to Jane as promised. Jarrick was enjoying time with his Granma!
A letter came in from Headquarters in Vancouver for Jack that he had picked up from the mercantile one afternoon on his way home. He was worried that he was be reassigned. He couldn't wait until he got home to open it because if it was then he needed to figure out how to tell Elizabeth. So he waited until he got outside of town to open it. He read it but had to reread it to be sure he read it correctly. Wow he said! The letter included his stripes. He was being promoted to Sargent. He couldn't wait to get home and tell Elizabeth and his Ma! He nudged Sargent into a faster pace.
He got home and took care of the horses and getting them back in their stalls. He fed and watered them. He walks in the back door and kisses Elizabeth's temple while she was setting the table. He goes to Jarrick on the floor and picks him up and tosses him into the air a little. Elizabeth asks, what's got you in a good mood today? He blows a raspberry on Jarrick's cheek and replies, oh nothing much. I just got a letter from Headquarters today that's all. Oooh Hon, they aren't reassigning you, are they? He walks over to her, kisses her and replies, no but I need these sewn on my serge before morning as he pulls out his new stripes and hands them to her. Charlotte comes over and says, congratulations son! Elizabeth swung around and hugs him and says, oooh Hon, congratulations and I'll get to it right after dinner! What got you the promotion, son? He pulls out the letter and gives it to her while he tells Elizabeth. I helped capture the rapist and Roark in Coal Valley! Elizabeth says, I'm so proud of you, Hon! Charlotte says, son this says there is going to be a reward ceremony next week in Lecombe! Oh yeah and that too, he replied. After dinner Elizabeth went to sewing his stripes on after he showed her where the went.
Jack and Charlotte got Jarrick ready for bed after he nursed. Jack took him to the bedroom, sat down in the rocking chair and talks softly while he rocked. I know this is different but mommy is busy right now. Daddy was made a Sargent today! That means more responsibility but very unlikely that I will have to leave you and your mommy! Jarrick looks up at him and touches his face. Jack took his little hand and kissed it. He started humming to him as he started falling asleep. He just sat there a few moments after Jarrick was asleep, just enjoying this moment.
After he finally laid his son in his crib he comes out and fixes some tea. He asked, would you two ladies like a cup? Charlotte replied, not me son, I'm heading to bed. Oh, son, I'm going into town tomorrow. I want to do a little shopping and I have a letter to mail. Ok, Ma, he replied. Elizabeth said, I would love a cup Hon! I've just about finished here. He gets the cups from the cupboard and sets them on the table. When the tea was done he poured both and joined her on the sofa. Charlotte got up and kissed both of them and asked, Lizzy, do you need me to pick up anything for you tomorrow? I'll check and leave a list and money on the table because I know you will be up and gone before we get up. Ok dear, good night you two! I love you both so very much! We love you too Ma, they both say at the same time!
Jack asked, how was your day today? It was good! The children are getting excited about their first field trip in two weeks! What is the trip about this time? Well I'll need you to be part of it again. We are going to study the medical remedies of plants. Ok I can dig my book out of my trunk so we can use it. That would be perfect Hon! The children all love it when you can join us! I'm happy to serve Bella, happy to serve! She smacks him lightly on his arm and says, all that sass! They both chuckle and kiss.
She puts the last stitch on the last stripe. She shook it out and said, I'll get the stripes sewn on your other serges this weekend. Thanks Bella! You're welcome Hon! She set it aside and curled up next to him on the sofa and drank her tea.
The next morning Charlotte got up and fixed her a cup of coffee, ate a scone and went to the barn . She took The General this time. She wanted to be close to her husband. On the slow walk to town she was having a one sided conversation with her dead husband. Ooh Tom, you would be so proud of our Jack! He's so much like you it's unreal. Not only does he look just like you but I see you in him. The way he walks, the way he loves his family, the way he talks. He love's with his whole being, just like you! He was promoted yesterday to Sargent. You should have seen him Darling, his whole face lit up with joy and excitement! He didn't make a big deal out of just like you didn't. I'm going to give him the gift I gave you when you were promoted Darling! I know you would give it to him if you were here.
All of a sudden a light wind blew in her face, she shuttered. Oooh Tom I wish you were still here to enjoy all these milestones. What I wouldn't give to feel your arms around me one more time. A second wind blew in her face but lingering. A lone tear slipped from her eye. I love you so much Darling and miss you every day! You have a grandson that is a spitting image of you and Jack. You definitely planted that seed! His name is Jarrick Alexander Thornton, Jr! His name fits him. It's like raising Jack again! He's definitely his father's son! You would have enjoyed being a Granpa!
The wind blew again. You are here with me, I feel your presence Darling! I know you will always look over your family, for that I'm grateful! Oh and you'll be happy to know this ole man has been watching out for me, she says as she leans down and pats The General's neck! She continued her her ride into town.
She made a stop at the NWMP office and asked, will you put a call to the Deputy Commissioner please? McMurphy asks, is it urgent Mrs. Thornton? No, I need to discuss something with him please. Yes ma'am, right away. He put the call through and handed the phone to her and walked away to give her privacy.
He picked up the phone and said, Deputy Commissioner Wynn Delaney here. Wynn, it's Charlotte Thornton. Hello Charlotte, how is everything going? Good, thanks for asking, she said.
Wynn, the reason for my call is to ask about this promotion ceremony. Will you be presenting it? Yes but that's a surprise. Elizabeth and I will both be there so please keep that information to yourself please? Yes no problem. What day next week will this be? It will be next Friday, he replied. Ok, thanks, I think we should have dinner here in town after, what do you think, she asks? That can be arranged. I'll have my Elizabeth make reservations. That's ok Wynn, I'm in town, I can make them but I'll put it in your name though. Great idea, thanks Charlotte! You're welcome Wynn. Talk to you soon and she hangs up. She calls out to McMurphy and says, thank you young man! Yes ma'am, you're very welcome!
She walks out and goes to the restaurant and had lunch and to make the reservation. The manager said he would handle everything and bid her good day. After lunch she done her shopping. She purchased enough yard goods to make her a new dress for the ceremony. She would polish her dress shoes to wear with it. This would be her first award ceremony of Jack's that she would be able to attend.
Back at the house, Jack had Jarrick riding on Sargent with him around the field while Elizabeth was sewing the stripes on his other serge and his dress serge for the ceremony. She had seen him receive his last award, he had worn his dress serge so she took extra pride on the stitching. Outside she could hear Jarrick giggling. She got up and looked out the window, there she saw Jack holding him tightly in front of him on Sargent. Jarrick was having the time of his life with his daddy!
She finished her sewing, came out and asked, you got room for one more? He walked Sargent over to a stump that was used for a seat. Elizabeth climbed up on it, Jack took his foot out of the stirrup so she could use it and she mounted behind him. He put his foot back in the stirrup and started walking Sargent around again.
Elizabeth wrapped her arms around the two of them. She says, it's a good thing we only have one child because I don't think there's enough room for another! Well by the time the next one comes along Jarrick will have his own horse. Jack, can we wait on that one? Sure Bella but eventually he'll have Belle, you know that, right? Yes but I just don't want to think about him big enough to ride his own horse yet. Jack chuckled and said, ok, Bella. Just so you know by the time he's 2 Belle will be his.
A couple hours later Jarrick wanted mommy, he was hungry. They went inside and got him changed and Elizabeth mashed up some peas and sweet potatoes for him for lunch.
While they were having lunch Elizabeth says, Hon, we want to be there when you get your award! Jack says, that's fine but it's just going to be me excepting the ribbon, that's all. It's not really going to be a real ceremony. It will be less than the last time. You were there for that one. Only the town made a big deal out of it. It won't be like that this time. Hon, I don't care, I want to be there to share in your accomplishments big or small! Ok Bella. I don't even know what day it will be yet but I'll let you know as soon as I find out. Thanks Hon!
Jarrick was falling asleep while eating so Elizabeth picked him up out of his high chair and got him cleaned up. She took him in and put him in his crib. He was asleep before she let go of him. She kissed his cheek and said she loved him.