Sorry everyone for the delay. I had a little bit of time to proofread and get this chapter and a chapter on To My Surprise up. I hope you enjoy it. Please bare with me as I have a lot on my plate. Please read and review!
Chapter 32
A Coal Valley Wedding
Beth, you all are leaving next weekend, do you think I could come back for a month? Viola and Lionel won't be back until the end of August. This big old house is pretty lonely without any children in it. Mother let me talk to Jack and I'll let you know, ok? Sure, dear.
Hey, hon? Yes, Bella. Mother wants to come for a month or so. She says that Viola and Lionel won't be home until the end of August. She says the house is too lonely without children in it. What do you think, hon? Is it okay if she comes back with us? Bella, family is important to us, if she wants to come that's fine. Ma won't be back until school starts so she could stay in Ma's room.
I think it's time to add another room. Jarrick is old enough to be in his own room now, so it can be his room. Instead of a crib, I'll put a full-size bed in it and when they come to visit they can sleep in his bed and he can share with Ma! Ooh hon, that's perfect! I'll go tell her! She stopped and walked back to him and kissed him so passionately and said, thank you!
Jack sent a telegram to Lecombe to Mr. Levet asking for the same amount of lumber he had ordered for the last bedroom to be delivered. He said he would settle up with him next weekend on his return.
Elizabeth and her mother went shopping for sheets and curtains for the new bedroom. Elizabeth didn't tell her that it would be her room when she came to visit. So everything that was purchased had to do with trains. Elizabeth had also purchased material for her mother but said it was for her bedroom. They ordered a bed, a chef robe with a full-length mirror, a dresser, and a chest of drawers to be sent.
They went to lunch and bought two dresses to wear to school. Priscilla bought a few casual dresses like Elizabeth wore so she wouldn't be overdressed. She bought two nice dresses for church. Her wardrobe was simple so she only needed one trunk.
Back at the house, there was a knock at the door. Wilson answered and was given an envelope to give to Mr. or Mrs. Thatcher. Wilson took the envelope and said, thank you. He took the envelope into the library and handed it to Mr. Thatcher. He opens it and pulls out a letter.
Mr. Thatcher,
I was in the park the other day taking pictures for an article I was writing, on trees and saw you and what looked like possibly your grandson. I took these and sent them to you. Hope you enjoy them as much as I enjoyed taking them.
Please be aware that I will not be using them in any article. You will find the negatives in the envelope as well as all the pictures I took.
With best regards
Johansen Fredrickson
He pulls the pictures out and looks at them and hands them to Jack and Elizabeth. He looks in the envelope and sees the negatives. Priscilla looks at them and gasps. Oh, Will, I had no idea that we were being photographed. It's fine Cilla, the negatives are in here. Father, please send us copies. You may have those and will have more made. Thank you, father! There was one of them chasing each other that Elizabeth loved! Hon, we need to get a photo album with all the pictures we have. I agree Bella.
William got them a private compartment so they would be more comfortable. It was just a 34-hour trip by train. William drove them to the train station, kissed them goodbye, and said, I'll be out at the end of August to travel back with you Cilla, I love you and I'm going to miss you dearly! Jack shook his hand and thanked them for everything.
Priscilla had worn a practical traveling dress like Elizabeth. Jack sat next to her and said, I'm proud of you mother for wanting to fit into our world! It shows that you are trying and you love us no matter what! I do love you all so very much son! You know this is how I dressed before William's business started making money. I guess it's called coming full circle! Mother if I didn't see you wearing this I wouldn't believe it! Elizabeth was sitting in the chair watching their son walk around the compartment, checking out everything.
The train pulls into Lecombe at about two thirty in the afternoon. McMurphy met them at the train to pick them up and take them home in the car. Jack told McMurphy that he needed to go see Mr. Levet for a minute. He drove down the street to the lumberyard, Jack went in and greeted Mr.Levet and asked, did everything get delivered including the door? Mr. Levet said it did. Jack asked, how much was everything including the box of nails? Mr. Levet pulled out the invoice and handed it to him. Jack wrote him the check, thanked him, and walked out.
They pull up in the front of the house. Jack unlocks the house and helps McMurphy carry the trunks inside the room where they belong. Elizabeth shows her mother to Charlotte's room and says, make yourself at home. She took Jarrick to their room to change him. He wasn't quite potty trained yet. He still had an accident once in a while. Jack came in kissed her and whispered, I'll be back I'm going to Phillip's to see if he'll come help me. She kissed him back and said okay.
McMurphy carried him to Phillip's. Phillip say he'll be glad to help and that he would be there early Saturday morning. They shook hands and Jack went back home. He thanked McMurphy and he left.
Jack got his sketchbook out and started designing the new room. He figured that if he made it big enough he could divide the room and make a nursery on one side and a bedroom on the other.
That night he discussed the design with Elizabeth. He asked, hey Bella, why don't I make this room the master with the nursery? I can build it big enough that it can have a nursery off the master. Hon I love that idea. Jack had ordered more lumber and another door to be delivered Friday afternoon.
Saturday morning Phillip came with four other men. They had the foundation and all the walls and windows in by nightfall. Jack was amazed at how quickly this room was built. They sanded the floor before it was put in so all that had to be done was to clean, stained, and to move the furniture in. The furniture from Hamilton was delivered on Friday and it was stored in the barn. Sunday after church the men came to help move the furniture in. The nursery was big enough for a twin bed and a crib. The new full size bed was set up. Jack and Elizabeth moved what was to go in the master from their old bedroom.
Mrs. Ethridge had made the curtains. Elizabeth set up their old bedroom for her mother. She called her in. Mother, will you come here please? Priscilla walked into the room and was surprised! Oh Beth, it's beautiful! It's your room mother! Beth, you didn't have to do this for me! Yes we did mother! We want you to feel like you belong here! When you're not here we will use it as a guest bedroom. Let's go get your trunk. Just then Jack was at the door and asked, did someone want a trunk? Priscilla walked up to him and hugged him and said thank you for doing this! You are very welcome mother! Elizabeth helped her put her things away and get settled in her new room. They even had a chair and little side table put in there.
What started out three years ago as a one bedroom was now a four bedroom. If they ever sent another teacher, she could be married with a family but they had a feeling that Elizabeth would be here for a while.
It was time to head to Coal Valley. Pricilla decided she would travel with them so she wouldn't be by herself. She couldn't cook. They boared the train for the 6 day trip. Jack had purchased a private compartment for them and one for Pricilla. Jarrick was having a grand ole time running from one compartment to the other because they were connected.
They arrived 6 day later. Bill met them and helped carry their trunk upstairs of the cafe. Pricilla would stay in the little bedroom next to Jack and Elizabeth. Abigail had set the crib up in Elizabeth's old room.
After getting unpacked they came downstairs and greeted Abigail. She was a little frazzled. Elizabeth asked, Abigail what has you frazzled? Abigail looks around and says, Rosemary! She keeps wanting this wedding to be "The Wedding of the Century "….Abigail shows with her fingers doing quotations. Ok, Abigail. Breathe. I'll speak to her and reel her back in. Now sit. Abigail plops down in her chair at the kitchen table. Now, tell me what you want. Not what everyone else wants.
Abigail takes a deep breath and says, I just want something simple. Bill and I both had the fancy wedding the first go around. Yes, I have my wedding dress and Bill has his suit but Elizabeth we just want "simple". Rosemary is trying my patience. I keep telling her no but she's not hearing me. No, she hears you but chooses not to listen. I'm here now. Don't you worry about anything. I'll be back in a bit. Tell Jack I'll be back and watch…tell Jack what, he says as he steps off the last step of the stairs. Oh hon, I have an errand to run. Will you watch Little Man for a bit? Sure, Bella. She kissed him and left.
At the dress shop, Elizabeth walks in and asks, is Rosie here? Clara say, hi Elizabeth. Glad you arrived. Yes she's in the back. She turned to tell Rosie that Elizabeth was there. Rosie came out and said, oh Elizabeth, you're finally here. We need to talk. Yes we do. Can you take a walk with me please? Sure but can't we talk here because I have so much to do to get ready for the wedding? No I think we need a walk.
At the pond, Elizabeth takes Rosie's elbow and walks around the pond. Rosie, I think we have a problem. Oh no, Elizabeth you can't be in the wedding. That's ok I'll step in and do…no, Rosie. That's not it.
The problem is that you are being your wonderful Rosie self and it's driving Abigail crazy. You have her frazzled. Me…Elizabeth? Yes Rosie. We know that you want this to be a fabulous wedding and that all fine and dandy "if" that's what she wanted. But Rosie…that's not what "she" wants. Do you understand? Oooh, Rosie replies. She really does want simple? Yes Rosie. Her and Bill has had their fairytale wedding. They just want simple. Can you do simple, Rosie? Rosie puts her finger to her chin to think a minute then claps her hands together and says, I've got it! Rooosie? No, Elizabeth listen. How about a simple with a tiny touch of elegance? Rosie, the only elegance will be her dress, ok? Ok, Elizabeth, a simple wedding it is. Thank you Rosie.
Elizabeth walks in the back door of the cafe to Abigail with her head in her hands. Abigail what is it? Oh thank goodness you're back. What did she say? How do you know I went to see her? Abigail raised her eyebrow and said, Elizabeth, I know you. Ok, I did and she is doing simple. Oh thank you Elizabeth! I knew you could get through to her.
The wedding was tomorrow. Elizabeth rallied everyone together. She sent the children out to the field to gather a bunch of wild flowers. Each child had a basket. She told them to fill them. They needed flowers for 3 bouquets and 3 boutonnières. By the end of the day they brought the baskets back with every kind of flower from the field. Elizabeth put all the flowers in vases to keep until tomorrow.
The next morning Elizabeth woke Abigail. Time to get up, it you're wedding day! Abigail rolls over and put her pillow over her face. Come on Abigail. It's going to be just the way you want it. You promise, Abigail asked? Yes, I promise! Now get up. You need to come have breakfast and get your bath. I'll expect you down in 5 minutes. Abigail pulls the pillow back and sasses, thought you said just the way "I " wanted? It will be as soon as you are ready. Elizabeth turns…5 minutes and walks away!
Abigail came down 6 minutes later and chuckles, the way "I" want! Elizabeth laughed and said, such sass!
Elizabeth, Pricilla, and mom worked on the flowers while Abigail got her bath. After they finished Elizabeth says, ok, let's put them in the ice box to keep them fresh. She went up and helped Abigail wash her hair. Abigail, are you truly happy? Abigail turns her head and asked, it's a little late to try and talk me out of this don't you think? Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't mean it like that. I know you love Bill. I just wanted to know if you were truly happy like when you married Noah. Well Bill isn't Noah but he's the next best thing.
I went to the graveyard the other day and had a long talk with Noah and Peter. I told Noah that I would never love anyone as much as I loved him but I did love Bill and he was a good man. Elizabeth, all of a sudden this gentle breeze blew in my face as if Noah was kissing me goodbye. I can't explain it but that's how I felt. It was as if Noah was giving me permission to let him go. Oh Abigail, that's amazing! I'm truly happy for you, I am! Thanks Elizabeth, that means a lot to me!
Ok, it's time to get you in your dress. Abigail steps into it and Elizabeth helps her pull it up. She looks over her shoulder in the mirror at her. The dress was simple but fashionable. It had lacy three-quarter-length sleeves. Satin underlay with lace overlay. The dress was almost straight but loose down to her shoes. It was fitting on the bodice. The bodice came up to her neck with lace around the neck that looked like a choker. Oh Abigail! You're so beautiful! Thanks!
I found this in Edmonton while we were there for the Mountie Christmas Ball. Has Bill seen this dress, Abigail? No, of course not. I seen it in the window while he was at headquarters in a meeting. I went in and asked if they had it in my size. The clerk said she did. I tried it on and bought it.
Abigail, I brought something. If you don't want to use it then I'll pack it and we won't say anything else about it. Abigail looks at her and asks, did you bring mama's handkerchief? I did, do you? Oh yes Elizabeth please? I'll be right back. I minute later she handed it to her. Abigail raised it to her face with tears but kept the from falling.
Abigail had asked Wynn to walk her down the isle. He agreed of course. Everyone was at the church. The church was simply decorated just right. Paster Hogan was standing up front with Bill, Jack and Lee. Cat started playing the piano as Rosemary walked down the isle followed by Elizabeth. When they got to their spot up front the music changed and Wynn escorts Abigail down the isle. He put her hand into Bills and says, take good care of her! I will sir, Bill replies.
After the ceremony everyone gathered in the saloon for the reception. The saloon was simply decorated as well. After their first dance Wynn stepped up and tapped Bill on the shoulder and said, may I cut in? Bill nods and backed away. Wow, a father-daughter dance, Abigail asks with a chuckle. Yes, do you mind, he asks. Not at all. It's only fitting since you gave me away.
After pictures, cutting of the cake, and toasts, the couple excused themselves to leave. They were staying out in Bill's cabin he had renovated just for this day. Everyone left the next day going home.
School was to start in two weeks. Father showed up and was amazed at what Jack and Beth had done for them. He knew it was all for Cilla but it was kinda for him too when he was there. Jack decided he was going to extend the front wall out to make the kitchen and living room a little bigger. He wanted room for a bigger table not just the very small table for four. He would work on that in two weeks because it was his weekend to work this weekend.
William walked out to the barn one afternoon and cleared his throat. Jack turned and asked, you have something on your mind Father? Well yes but it is probably non of my business. Ask Father, I'm an open book, remember? Well son it's about your finances, I know you don't make what you are worth so I was wondering where you got the money to make all these upgrades? I mean this barn must have cost a fortune? Well father it's not any of your business but I'll tell you anyway. I've received quite a few rewards for doing my job and I had purchased some land in Coal Valley to build us a house on but I sold it. So you see we have the money to make these upgrades. We aren't hurting by no means. We live off our salary except for the wood for all this. Next weekend I'm extending the front wall on the house by six feet. I want a bigger dining room. So please don't worry if we can make ends meet because we can. Sorry son I was just worried that you were borrowing money to do all this. No sir, I was raised that if you can't afford it don't worry about it. That's good advice.
The following weekend the community got together again to help extend the front wall. There were three new windows put in, one on the side and two in the front. He also built a porch with a swing on it. With everyone that helped they had it done by the end of Saturday evening. Everyone in the community worked together like a well oiled machine. Jack said he would strip the living room and kitchen floor and stain them all to match. William and Priscilla ordered them a new dining table and six chairs. It wasn't anything fancy but a good sturdy table and chairs. Elizabeth and Jack was so excited to be in a community that was more like family than friends. Jack had contacted the school district to let them know the add on's that he had done. He got a telegram back thanking him for letting them know.
Charlotte was due back in today. Elizabeth had asked her mother and father to stay until Sunday, the day before school started. They had agreed. William had hitched the buggy up and went into town to pick up Charlotte. Jack met him at the train station to help with her trunk. Jack was so excited to see his Ma! He hadn't seen her all summer. When she stepped off the train Jack was there and pulled her into a tight hug, I've missed you so much Ma! I've missed you too son! Where's my grandson? He's at home with Elizabeth and mother! I have to go back to work but just wanted to come meet you at the train. Father will take you home. He helped father load her trunk, kissed her cheek and said he would see her at home later!
William pulls up to the house. Charlotte asks, is it bigger or is my eyes playing tricks on me? Come in and check it out! There's been a lot of changes. Charlotte and William unloaded her trunk and took it to her bedroom. She came out and looked around. Elizabeth takes her elbow and lead her around to show her all the new additions. She was amazed at the master but asked, what did you do with your old room? She lead her in and showed her, we fixed it up for mother and father for when they come or anyone else that comes to visit! It's beautiful Lizzy. She brought her back out and showed her the new extension on the front. We have windows on the front now. And mother and father got us a new table and chairs! Oooh Lizzy, it's beautiful!