Chapter 353 – Last Two Weeks of September
The next two weeks for the Thorntons and all of Hope Valley flew by. It was busy as people fell into a routine as the harvest was in full swing. Many of the residents of Hope Valley put in long hours to bring in the harvest from their fields and gardens. Women were busy canning and preserving the harvest so they would have food for the winter. While Elizabeth hadn't been able to have a garden that summer, she had gotten quite a few things from friends and neighbors, so her, Patty, Annie and Aunt Elizabeth were busy canning as well. Patty and Aunt Elizabeth had also gone to help Abigail with the canning from the large garden that Frank had maintained for her.
Several of the ladies in town also wanted to and got permission to throw a harvest dance/gathering for the evening of the thirtieth. So everyone was looking forward to that. Deb and Ryan had the school children help to make some of the decorations and Ryan had even volunteered the older boys to help with the decorating since they had insisted on continuing to try and pull pranks after they had been warned. Not only had Ryan warned them that there would be consequences if they tried to pull pranks, but he had thwarted each and every one of them, but had assigned the guilty parties classroom chores and additional work. It was only after Ryan had called in each and everyone of their parents did the boys' pranks stop, but they were still paying for their antics and would probably be paying for them until Christmas.
Jack and Elizabeth were looking forward to the dance as well. Not only had Carson deemed it safe to bring the twins as long as they were still careful, but it was the last weekend they would be in town before heading to Hamilton, so they had also planned the baptism and blessing ceremony for Sunday, October first. Jack and Elizabeth were so happy that Cat and Faith had also readily agreed to be godmothers to their children.
Carson had been happy with the progress that both Elizabeth and Annie had made in their physical healing over the two weeks. While Carson still cautioned Elizabeth about being with Jack, he said that if she felt up to that they could be together by the time that they came back from Hamilton. Carson was hoping that they would wait, but knew they probably wouldn't. The thing that he didn't tell Elizabeth was that even with breastfeeding she could still get pregnant. While it was less likely, he had seen it happen more than once. Which is why he cautioned her to be careful.
Frank had been busy as well over the two weeks. He had met almost daily with Dee and Annie. While they still had work to do, they had made great progress and promised that if they continued to work he wouldn't have an objection to marrying them at Christmas when all of Dee's family returned for the holidays. Both were happy and nervous as well. While they had gotten comfortable holding hands and even sitting next to each other, Annie had not allowed Dee to kiss her since she had gotten sick. She was keeping a physical boundary for the time being and Dee was being respectful of it because he had to. The last thing that he had wanted to do was cause Annie more trauma.
After discussions with Joe, Rune, Bill and Jack, Wynn felt comfortable sending Joe back to Benson Hills when they left for Hamilton. Rune knew that he could wire for help at any time, but he was doing well and they were going to allow him to show that he could handle the responsibility being given him. Bill promised to stick around and be back up as needed. Wynn also deputized Lee Coulter, Christopher Blackman and DeWitt Graves to serve as backup if the need arose. They were all clear that they were to wire Benson Hills and/or Buxton immediately if something happened, but they could step in and help maintain law and order until help arrived. The men all thanked Wynn for the trust that he was placing in them and promised to do everything to help Rune and Bill while Jack was gone and looked forward to helping Jack when he returned.
As the dance approached the buzz was who was going with who. There were several eligible bachelors in Hope Valley and there were lots of questions of who was going to get to accompany any of them. The two biggest draws in Hope Valley happen to be Dr Carson Shepherd and Mr Ryan Masters. Both had several young women openly flirt with them in hopes of being the one on the man's arm coming the night of the dance. Rune had spoken to Jack and gotten permission to ask Kate, with the understanding that she would also be in charge of the children that night and may need to leave early. Rune accepted that as he would also be in uniform and helping to keep the peace. But at least with permission, he could share a dance or two with Kate, which both were happy about. Jack shook his head and wondered if he was going to have to keep his eye on both of them.
Annie had not wanted to go, but after some encouragement from Frank, Abigail and Elizabeth, Annie agreed to go, but didn't promise to stay all evening. Everyone understood and accepted what the young woman was saying. Frank knew that it was a big step for her to step out with Dee and be with so many people that she didn't know. Annie's next problem was that she didn't feel like she had anything proper to wear to the dance. That was where Elizabeth and her aunt stepped in. They went through Elizabeth's dresses and found one that would fit Annie with a bit of altering. Aunt Elizabeth said she could do it and it wasn't a problem. Once they had Annie's dress sorted out, Elizabeth had Annie help pick a dress that would fit Elizabeth. Again, it needed a bit of altering, because Elizabeth hadn't lost all of the baby weight.
Aunt Elizabeth ended up altering all three dresses, because she needed to let hers out a bit. She was starting to show and couldn't believe it. She knew that once she got back to Hamilton, she was going to have to go shopping because she knew that the dress that she had gotten for the awards ceremony wasn't going to fit. She also realized that Elizabeth and Annie were also going to need new dresses. Aunt Elizabeth was going to say something, but decided to not deal with that at the moment and just wait until they got back to Hamilton. Part of the reason that Aunt Elizabeth decided to wait was because she knew both her niece and future daughter-in-law would be resistant to going shopping for new clothes.
… … … …
Saturday of the dance was busy as some people were finishing up their harvest so they could attend the dance. Others were busy baking in the cool early morning as many of the women had agreed to bring a plate of cookies or other treats to share. Tom and Ian at the saloon were handling the drinks. Ian promised to make a punch and have hot apple cider as well as some alcoholic drinks. While the bar wouldn't be open, per se, they would be providing a limited number of drinks. Wynn had insured that there would also be coffee and tea available to drink as well. Wynn had also reminded his men, including Bill, there would be no drinking from them.
Carson had arrived early at the cafe and Abigail was surprised. She was getting ready to open and also trying to make the last of the scones that she was going to bring over to the dance.
"Sorry." Carson said. "Frank had said you would be baking this morning and I not only was going to offer to help, but I thought I could make my two Irish tea cakes over here."
"If you want." Abigail said. "I am not sure I have all the ingredients to make that."
"I have everything." Carson said. "Well, except the two round cake pans."
"Those I have." Abigail said with a smile.
The two set about making their respective things and Frank was not surprised when he came down and found Carson in his kitchen with an apron on. It wasn't long after Frank came down that Ann arrived to help. She normally didn't work weekends, but Bridget had asked her to switch. So Bridget would come in early Monday and stay until after supper.
"We should just give you a key, Carson." Frank teased as he enjoyed his first cup of coffee that day.
"I told you I like to stay busy." Carson said. "I have already read over a dozen books from the library, all the medical texts in the infirmary and sent off for several additional medical texts and periodicals. And that is besides helping here, working on the cabin and seeing patients."
"You put the rest of us to shame." Frank said. "How do you do it?"
"I have been like this since I was a small child." Carson said. "My mother and grandmother didn't believe in being lazy. If I complained I was bored, I would be given chores. There were always those. So I learned to keep busy and now it is just the way I am."
"Well good for you." Ann said. "There are too many people who don't believe in hard work."
Frank helped in the kitchen as those miners and lumberjacks who were working came in for breakfast. Once the breakfast dishes were done, Carson thanked Abigail and was packing up his two tea cakes when Abigail told him to leave them. It didn't make sense to take them home, only to bring them back into town later. Carson thanked her again and headed to get his other plans for the day underway.
… … … …
As the time for the dance approached, the buzz around town could clearly be felt. Frank, Abigail, Dottie and some of the other ladies who helped to organize the dance were some of the first to arrive. Frank and Abigail were not surprised when Carson arrived with Faith. While the two insisted they were just friends, Frank and Abigail were not convinced. As more people started to arrive, Cat started playing on the piano. Lee's Victrola was also set up and they had come back with a number of new records, so some people looked forward to hearing what was played. Jed Campbell showed up and brought his fiddle. Seeing that there were other musicians, some of the settlers headed home and got their instruments as well. Cat ended up with three fiddles, two guitars and two bodhráns. Bodhráns were a traditional Irish animal skin drum. There was also an accordion and several tin whistles.
The different musicians had also brought their sheet music, but since many of them gathered regularly, they were able to play together easily. As more people arrived, Abigail took a moment to welcome everyone and thank the people who had contributed to the dance whether it was food, decorations or music.
"I want everyone to have fun and hopefully you can speak to new people tonight." Abigail said. "Now, maybe some of our new friends can demonstrate that Irish jig you were doing."
There were several laughs, but the dancers readily agreed. The music started up again and the dancers showed people the different steps to the Irish jig they were dancing. There was a nice mix of music and there was a lovely waltz playing when Ryan Masters walked in with a young woman on his arm. Many heads turned to look at the pair as many people didn't recognize the young woman. The music came to a close there were several whispers as to the identity of the young woman. Ryan made his way to Frank and Abigail who were sitting with Wynn and Elizabeth Rose Delaney. Jack and Elizabeth Thornton were also nearby.
"Mayor Hogan." Ryan said.
"I told you to call me Abigail."
"Abigail." Ryan said. "I would like to introduce you to my girlfriend, Rowan Kennedy."
Rowan was an absolute beauty. She was tall and thin. Her red hair was braided into a crown and the rest of her red hair was swept up and held with combs and pins adorned with pearls. She was wearing a stunning pink and silver gown. Her alabaster skin was done with just a light color on the apples of her cheeks and a lip color to match her dress.
"Nice to meet you." Rowan said, offering her gloved hand to Abigail.
"Nice to meet you as well." Abigail said. "This is my husband, Pastor Frank Hogan."
Rowan shook his hand as well. Ryan then turned to the Delaneys. Aunt Elizabeth stood up and received a hug from Rowan as they greeted each other. Wynn shook both Rowan and Ryan's hands. Aunt Elizabeth took a moment to introduce Jack and Elizabeth.
"Sorry if I don't stand." Elizabeth said, indicating to the child on her lap.
"You look familiar?" Rowan said. "Do I know you?"
"I don't know." Elizabeth said. "I don't think so."
Rowan looked closer and that was when she noticed Amber on Elizabeth's lap.
"Oh, what a precious little girl." Rowan said. "It is completely fine that you don't stand."
"Thank you." Elizabeth said. "This is my daughter, Amber. Jack is holding her brother Andrew."
"Twins." Rowan gushed. "I love twins. I hope to have twins one day."
"They were a bit of a surprise." Elizabeth said. "But we love them and are glad they are here."
"She is so tiny." Ryan said.
"She is not quite four pounds." Jack said. "Which is bigger than when she arrived."
"I would ask to hold her." Rowan said. "But my mother taught me to never disturb a sleeping child."
"Maybe another time." Elizabeth said. "We are still limiting direct contact with her because she is so small."
"It is understandable." Rowan said. "When I come back after the holidays, we will have to get together and then I will be able to hold her."
"That sounds like a plan." Elizabeth said. "But I am hoping to return to the classroom after the holidays since we have so many students."
"I am sure that we can find time." Rowan said.
"You are moving here?" Abigail asked.
"Yes." Rowan said. "I can't be that far away from Ryan here for two years. I am hoping that we can be married sooner rather than later. My parents are not happy, so as a compromise, I agreed to wait until after the holidays. I came when Ryan wired me about the dance. I just arrived this afternoon, have a room upstairs and will head out again on the afternoon train tomorrow from Buxton."
"I am going to warn you." Abigail said. "We have a housing shortage. I won't have an apartment or house for you. We still have families who are in tents that are working in the mine and at the lumber mill."
"Oh." Rowan said. "I will figure something out. I might just have to have Daddy build me a house."
Abigail looked at Ryan with raised eyebrows.
"Rowan, honey." Ryan said. "I didn't agree to you coming. I told you that it might not work and I would check."
Rowan just made a pouty face at him.
"How about we move on." Ryan said. "You are here for such a short time and I want to dance."
"Okay." Rowan said, more cheerily.
After Ryan and Rowan had moved onto the dance floor, Abigail looked at Frank and they both shook their heads. Abigail then looked at Elizabeth Rose.
"I am sorry." Elizabeth Rose said. "I didn't realize he was still with her. I thought that they broke."
"Is that who I think it is?" Elizabeth asked, leaning over to her aunt.
"Yes." Aunt Elizabeth said. "I am surprised she didn't recognize you."
"Honestly." Elizabeth said. "I am glad that she didn't. I don't want to deal with that."
"What are you talking about?" Abigail asked.
"She is a member of the society circles back east." Elizabeth said. "She would be about my sister Julie's age, maybe a year older."
"She is barely nineteen." Wynn said.
"And how old is Ryan?" Frank asked.
"He is twenty-five." Wynn said.
"Oh." Abigail said.
"Their families are friends and she has had a crush on him for years." Aunt Elizabeth said. "I think they started dating because Ryan's father thought it might help him with a business deal with Rowan's father."
"I don't think the boy was all that excited about it." Wynn said.
"Because he has never been all that interested in girls." Elizabeth said. "He was always more interested in some adventure or doing something. If I remember correctly he only agreed to date because his father threatened to cut off his trust fund if he didn't at least try to find a wife."
"I don't think it is a wife that he wants." Wynn said.
It was Frank who looked at Wynn with a raised eyebrow that time.
"Don't look at me like that." Wynn said. "You and I both know that there are people who will never get married or if they do, it is not exactly because they want to."
"Enough gossip." Elizabeth Rose said. "I want my husband to spin me around the dance floor before we take those little ones home."
"Yes, dear." Wynn said, standing up.
Jack, Elizabeth, Frank and Abigail watched as Wynn led his wife to the dance floor. While Elizabeth wanted to dance, she knew that she would get a chance once the children left. At that moment, she scanned the room and found her daughters playing in the corner with some of the other girls from school. Elizabeth was glad that Beth had included her sister. As Elizabeth continued to watch, she noticed Rune and Kate swaying to the music near by the girls. She smiled as she looked at the young couple, though they weren't an official couple yet.
Several people came by to meet the twins, including many of the school children. While they were disappointed they couldn't hold the twins, they were happy to at least see them. While Jack and Elizabeth kept them in their arms and didn't let others hold them, they were happy to show people the twins. Frank and Abigail took the opportunity to share a dance as well. They were so sweet dancing off to the side. Elizabeth hoped that her and Jack were as sweet as Frank and Abigail or even her aunt and uncle when she and Jack were their ages. Then the more that she thought about it, it was like they were all at the same stage in life, even despite their age differences. While her aunt and Abigail were older, they were both expecting and within weeks of each other. If one looked closely, you could see a small baby bump on both women. While it wasn't common knowledge as of yet that they were expecting, neither woman was denying it if asked.
As Elizabeth continued to look around, she saw Dee and Annie off to the side with a group of other young adults. While Elizabeth didn't recognize them, she was glad that Dee and Annie seemed to be making friends here. Jack turned and saw his wife staring across the room and looked to where she was looking and smiled. While he saw Dee and Annie, Jack also saw Frank and Abigail. He was so happy for them. They both deserved every bit of happiness.