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Nathan & Elizabeth: An Epic Love
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Chapter Twenty-Nine
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Promotions
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Part III
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At the Café, Allie took Goldie and Jack and sat in the booth at the front window, keeping both children entertained, to give her Mama and Mrs. Coulter some privacy.
"Allie, why doesn't Goldie talk to me? Doesn't she like me?" asked Jack.
"Jack, she loves you very much, but she's still a baby, so she can only say a few words."
"Can I teach her to say my name?"
"We can try, but 'J's' are hard to say for little ones."
"Hi, Angela, can you come sit with us?"
"Hi Allie! Hi Jack! I'd love to!"
"Angela, Papa is…"
Allie quickly covered Jack's mouth.
"Secret, remember?" she whispered in his ear.
"Oh, I forgot! Can I go see Lily and her Mama?"
Allie motioned to her Mama to make sure it was okay.
Elizabeth smiled and nodded, so Allie let Jack go sit with Lily and Dr. Faith but still kept an eye on him so he didn't run outside.
"Jack, when you and Lily are through talking, come back and sit with us, okay? And remember your top-secret Mountie Mission!"
Jack grinned and saluted, "I will!"
"Allie, I've been anxious to talk to you since my little fall down the steps."
"Angela, that was not a little fall! Promise me you won't try that again without someone next to you!"
"I just get so tired of not getting to do anything on my own. I know I can eventually do it, but will you practice with me?"
"Sure, as long as you don't actually try it on your own again till I know you can do it! Deal?"
"Deal! Do you think I could hold Goldie?"
"Sure, I don't know why not!"
Allie scooted closer to Angela.
"Goldie, this is my bestest friend ever, Angela. And she wants to hold you. Can you show her how cute you are?"
Goldie went to Angela without any fear whatsoever, but as babies do, she touched Angela's face all over.
So, while holding Goldie tight with her left arm, Angela touched Goldie's face in the same way, and the baby just cooed, loving it, as that was her main way of communication. Of course, Goldie had no idea Angela couldn't see her, or did she?
Rosemary watched from across the dining room and was so touched.
"Minnie, look at those two. Aren't they just adorable!"
"The innocence of a child! So sweet! I'm glad Allie is watching over them. Angela has been dying to hold Goldie, but I'm afraid I discouraged her from doing so on her own."
"Oh, Minnie, she's holding her perfectly!" exclaimed Elizabeth proudly. "Here, sit with us."
"The truth is, it's such a difficult balance. Angela is determined to do things on her own. And I understand it, I do! But then my maternal instinct and fears take over. That's something you two could add to your prayer list for me. I know I have to let her fly on her own. It's just so difficult."
"Of course it is," agreed Rosemary. "But look at how far you've come in giving her independence."
"Rosemary's right, Minnie! You're doing a whole lot better than you think. Look at how beautiful, smart, talented, and fun Angela is!" assured Elizabeth. "And that's all due to you!"
"You ladies are too kind, but I so needed to hear it! I'd better get back to my work and let you two get back to your conversation!"
Back at Allie's table, Angela was pensive, while Goldie was drifting off, contentedly laying her head on Angela's shoulder.
"Allie, do you know anything about that guy who carried me from the road up the steps to that chair in front of the Mercantile? He was really sweet."
"Angela, I've been dying for us to talk about that!"
Allie first checked quickly around the room to see that Minnie wasn't close by.
"I don't know his name, nor the other one either, for that matter, but they look about like they're our age, I mean a few years older, but hey close enough! And Angela, they both have dark hair, but different. The one that carried you has your skin color, and the one that carried me has my skin color."
"Really? I thought maybe, but…I wasn't sure. I've never been around a boy like me that's my age. Is he cute?"
"Cute? He's very good-looking; both are tall, too, and pretty muscular. Well, I'm sure you could tell that when he lifted you."
"I hate to admit it, but it felt kind of nice when he did that. He was really strong. He didn't have to, you know, and Allie, he even talked to me after he sat me down in the chair."
"You know his name?"
"I know both their names!" grinned Angela smugly.
"Spill, Angela! Though I hate to admit that I even care because I'm furious with them both for literally running into you, especially the one that tried to wipe icing off my nose! I let him know in no uncertain terms I could clean my own face!"
Angela giggled.
"I bet you did!"
"Well, their names?"
"The one who carried me is Peyton Hubbard, and the one who carried you – well, his name is Alex O'Reilly!"
"He's Irish? Wouldn't you know it?" sighed Allie.
"What's wrong with that?"
"Oh, it's just that we're Irish too. But are they just passing through town? And I want to know why they're here in the first place!"
"Peyton talked like they're new in town, so I took it that they were staying. But it was funny, he never said why they were here or what they were doing here!"
"Typical man!"
"Allie, promise me, you won't be hateful to them. It might be sort of nice to have a couple of guy friends close to our age!"
"Hmph! Maybe and maybe not…"
As Hal, Nathan, and Bill left the newly redone Mountie Office, everyone in town couldn't help but stare.
The men cut a striking portrait together, all handsome, and two of them in regal uniforms.
But wait! Why was their Constable Nathan Grant in a uniform that looked nothing like what he always wore every single day?
Oh, no!
The townspeople watching were certain that devastating news was just around the corner!
Constable Grant was leaving for another position far away!
Panic set in, spreading like wildfire, and before the afternoon, everyone in town was grieving over the fact that Nathan and Allie were leaving them. People were crying for seemingly no reason at all. For example, when Allie reported to the Mercantile after their lunch to relieve Florence for a few hours, Florence hugged her so tightly she could barely breathe.
And later, Allie noticed every single time she happened to glance at Florence, the lady burst out crying!
"Florence, why in the world are you sobbing?" asked Ned.
His wife tried to pull herself together long enough to let her husband in on the news.
"Florence Yost, you know that can't be true. I was talking to Nathan just the other day, and he said he was as happy as could be here and had no intention of leaving!"
"Well, just wait till you see that fancy uniform he's now wearing. Molly and I both saw it. And it's as plain as day, he has gotten a snazzy new promotion! And they're both leaving us!"
Which started a whole new round of boohooing!
Ned just threw up his hands over his histrionic wife, but inside, he was suddenly feeling a little queasy himself. Could it really be true?
In Ned's eyes, Nathan was a real friend, and in the Mercantile business, though Ned was friendly to all, he wasn't really that close to anyone in particular. Yet he had always enjoyed his chats with the Constable and had somehow felt a special connection to this kind gentleman who spent his days and nights protecting them.
What if Florence and Molly were right?
Ned decided, right then and there, he was speaking to Nathan before the day's end…
When Bill, Hal, and Nathan walked into The Queen of Hearts, that new uniform only added to the fire that was already sweeping through town.
Nathan smiled and nodded at the customers but couldn't understand why all of them looked like they were about to cry.
"Rosemary, is our Lunch Party all here?"
"Yes, and since I thought you might enjoy having some privacy, I've got you set up in the private dining room. It may be a little crowded, but I think it's better than the alternative. Follow me, please."
"Good idea, Rosemary," thanked Bill.
But before Bill could even enter the Private Dining Room, Rosemary yanked the Judge back into the hallway.
"Bill Avery, I want to know right now why our Nathan is wearing a Chief Inspector's uniform!"
"Rosemary, this is not a concern of yours!"
"How dare you! What do you mean, not a concern of mine? I am the editor of the Valley Voice, Judge Avery. Anything that happens is a concern of mine. Not to mention something as monumental as this! So there!"
"Rosemary, we planned to talk with you, but here's the deal! We are under strict orders from headquarters that nothing whatsoever is released about this till Saturday's Weekend edition. Nathan is giving you an exclusive if you'll just work with us. The Deputy Commissioner, Nathan, and I will give you individual interviews explaining everything! Besides, it's a win-win. Circulation is 40% higher on the weekends, and believe me, when the time is right, we want you to be the one to shout all this from the rooftops. Do we have a deal?"
"Sassafras, we have a deal, but just for once, I would like to break something as it is happening!"
And with that, Rosemary turned on her high horse, with her head held high, leaving Bill rushing to catch up with Nathan and Hal!
As soon as the three men entered the double doors to the private dining room, every single guest rose in unison, remaining at attention while crisply saluting and saying "Good Morning, Sirs," in unison to both the Deputy Commissioner and the tall, handsome man who by his uniform was now their Chief Inspector, as well as the Judge who was also included and honored since he was a former Mountie and Inspector.
Both Hal and Nathan saluted back, and though Hal was the higher rank, he had offered to defer to his chief Inspector to do the honors of inspection.
The men turned to face their Officers.
Hal smiled as his new Chief Inspector began the process, as his inherent style was very much like that of the Deputy Commissioner. He could already tell that Nathan was personable and made each man feel important.
Chief Inspector Grant quickly moved to stand in front of the first man, per protocol, waiting for him to introduce himself, though Nathan already knew his name, rank, professional history, and some personal information.
"STAFF SERGEANT FINN VALEN, SIR!"
The Staff Sergeant initiated a personal salute, with the Chief Inspector immediately and crisply returning it, then he broke protocol by offering his hand in a firm grip, stating:
"Staff Sergeant Valen, my pleasure, I understand we have a lot in common both personally and professionally. My deepest condolences regarding the loss of your sister. I particularly can't wait to discuss our great love for both our sisters and, of course, our horses. I very much look forward to knowing you and learning from you!"
"Thank you, Sir! My pleasure, and so wonderful to finally meet you! I look forward to both as well!"
The Chief Inspector moved to the next man.
"CONSTABLE ANDREW TAYLOR, SIR!"
The Constable initiated a personal salute, with the Chief Inspector immediately and crisply returning it, then firmly shaking his hand, stating:
"Constable Taylor, it's a pleasure to meet you! I hear you are quite the musician, which is right up my alley as I attempt to play guitar. I look forward to playing some together! I'm sure you can teach me a thing or two since I'm a little rusty!"
"My pleasure, Sir! I would love to jam. Haven't had a playing partner for a long time!"
The Chief Inspector moved to the next man.
"CONSTABLE ZANE MORGAN, SIR!"
The Constable initiated his personal salute, with the Chief Inspector immediately and solidly returning a strong salute, next firmly shaking his hand, stating:
"Constable Morgan, so pleased to meet you! I hear you are quite the baseball fan, so we have a lot in common. We even have a couple of baseball teams here in Hope Valley, so just know I'm nabbing you for the Ty Cobb team right now!"
"Sounds great, Sir! Can't wait to meet the teams! And I happen to be a Ty fan, too. He's the absolute best!"
"Did you hear that, Judge?"
"Pftt!" chuckled the Judge.
With a wink, the Chief Inspector moved on to the next man.
"CORPORAL PEYTON HUBBARD, SIR!"
The Corporal initiated his personal salute, with the Chief Inspector quickly and commandingly returning it. Next, he shook hands, warmly welcoming him with strength, stating:
"Corporal Hubbard, very pleased to have you here. I understand you enjoy making things with your hands?"
"Yes, Sir, I carve a little!"
"The most relaxing thing to do after a tense workday. Feel free to use my shed and tools if you like. It's small but fully loaded! And maybe we can compare our work?"
"Appreciate that, Sir. That would be wonderful!"
With a nod, the Chief Inspector moved on to the next man.
"CORPORAL JACQUES LANDRY, SIR!"
The Corporal initiated his personal salute, with the Chief Inspector formally and proficiently returning it. Then he shook hands firmly and warmly, stating:
"Corporal Landry, so pleased to have you with us. I hear you love golf. I'm learning but quite the novice. Now, our Judge here is an absolute pro! So, until I get better, he's your man. Unless you want to take me under your wing and teach me to beat him!"
"Sounds like a great challenge! I'd be happy to help, Chief Inspector! Thrilled to have someone to play the game with!"
"You know I'm going to take you up on that! But as far as your love of horses goes, we both have that in common, along with Staff Sergeant Valen! It will be fun to see what the three of us can come up with to hone our equestrian skills!"
Nathan smiled and moved on to the last man standing, who looked oddly familiar to him. Nathan was taken aback as this man, was very similar in looks to his own younger self.
"CORPORAL ALEX O'REILLY, SIR!"
Corporal O'Reilly initiated a strong salute with the Chief Inspector returning it in the same strength. The Chief Inspector then shook the young man's hand with a firm shake, warmly stating:
"Corporal O'Reilly, it's a pleasure to have you here with us. I hear you are a Chess Master. My daughter and I play often. Perhaps you'll have to join us and add new blood to our competition. Personally, if you want to teach me some new moves on the side, they'd be most appreciated. Because I taught her to play, and she's now beating the socks off me! I also hear you are very much the ring equestrian as well. We'll have to get the entire team out riding soon, as we are surrounded by beautiful land, and there's no more enjoyable way to learn the topography!"
"Both sound wonderful, Sir! Looking forward to both the Chess and the riding!"
"Me, too!"
The Chief Inspector directed the Deputy Commissioner to sit at the head of the table, and then Nathan took the opposite end, with Bill opting to sit beside his visiting friend.
"At ease, Gentlemen! We warmly welcome you to Hope Valley! Please be seated, and I'd like to ask Staff Sergeant Valen to lead us in prayer over our food."
"My honor, Sir!"
"Dear Heavenly Father, we come together today for the first time as a bonafide team breaking bread together, also for the first of what we hope are many meals shared. We are so thankful for both a Deputy Commissioner and a Chief Inspector who have already put each one of us at ease. We pray your blessings over the food we are about to partake of. And we ask that you help us learn about each other as we come together to make the best team possible, right here in Hope Valle! Amen!"
And all the men joined in saying a boisterous 'Amen!'
"Thank you, Staff Sargent Valen for that beautiful prayer. As our waiters prepare our food, I'd like to say just a few additional words of welcome. I was once new here, too, and not so very long ago at that. I can tell you without reservation you won't find a better group of people to serve, and you won't find a more supportive town or region to live in. You will be treated with respect, and you will very quickly become one of us! Personally and professionally, as your Chief Inspector, and I hope eventually friend, I'll admit I run a tight ship. But what I ask of you, I give you my word, I always demand the same or even more of myself. Together, we have every right to be excited and honored about what we as a team are going to accomplish here. I can feel it, I can see it, and having met you, I know it. With us as a team, together, under the direction of the Deputy Commissioner and with the assistance of Judge Avery, we are going to make the most phenomenal team because we are going to make both the Mounties and each other very, very proud. And I, for one, can't wait to get started! But for now, relax from your travels and enjoy our first meal together, Hope Valley style…"
Then the Chief Inspector added a joyful "Maintiens le droit!" receiving an enthusiastic and resounding response from his men, all thrilled to be right here, working for this honorable man they had heard so much about!
(*73)
In unison, they all responded heartily:
"Maintiens le droit…" (*74)
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73-74. "Maintiens le droit," the official motto of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, first advocated in 1873 and adopted 2 years later, translated from the French to mean "Uphold the Right." Public Domain.