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Chapter One-hundred fifty-nine
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First Day at Work
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Awakening in the dark, Bill Avery rolled over and lifted his alarm clock. Unable to see it, he clicked on the flashlight beside his bed and aimed the beam of light. Blinking, he could see he still had an hour before he would need to arise and prepare for his first day as Judge in Regina.
With the room darkened again, Bill closed his eyes and remembered the events of the night before. Although his arrival, dinner and evening with his family were wonderful, it was the surprise in the medicine cabinet that overshadowed them and captured his attention now. He chuckled as he thought he would have to tell her that of all places to hide it, her letter had been the balm his heart needed, at least for now.
'How had she started the letter? 'My dear or My dearest?'' Bill lit the flashlight again and lifted the envelope before settling back against his pillows. Leaning the light on his chest, he pulled the letter from its cover and lifted it to inhale the faintest fragrance of her. Sighing with pleasure, he unfolded the pages and read again. 'Ah, she wrote, 'My dearest Bill!'
'I hope you find this upon arrival and have had a safe and uneventful journey. I know you left so much and so many behind, but as soon as you told me about the opportunity in Regina, I knew it was meant for you. I hope you were welcomed by Nathan and the family? I can't imagine that you wouldn't be and I am grateful since I am not in Regina to welcome you myself.
In the box is a small token with multiple meanings. First, this is a gift to celebrate your new Judgeship and wish you well. You need not be anxious as your fine reputation precedes you and the court is blessed to have such a fair, compassionate man who upholds the right, as a good former Mountie would. Sometimes your gruff demeanor can hide that tender heart, but maybe that is a good thing when deciding the fate of lawbreakers? They will tremble in their boots, yet your decisions will show the mercy they won't deserve but that God can use in their hearts. That is my prayer for you, that God will guide your decisions meting out justice and that it will be... well, just!
There are other meanings for my gift, the next being that the 'A' stands for Avery, an upstanding gentleman apart from your vocation. I am laughing as I write this but it might also mean 'A Very Fine Chef!' Or better yet, 'A Culinary Artist!' I will say 'Avery, a very fine man.'
The 'A' is also a reminder of me, your Adeli. I hope you put this tie clasp on, thinking of me every morning and take it off thinking of me at night. I hope that as you wear it at work you will feel it under your robe and know I am close to your heart and when at church it will catch your eye and you'll think of and pray for me.
Since this is a love letter, dear Bill, I will say things that may make you blush… the 'A' is engraved, as you are engraved on my heart and as the beautiful locket I wear daily is engraved with a heart from you.
I am also reminded that at weddings, the pastor often mentions that gold is tried in the fire to become pure, is highly polished to shine and reflect light, and is extremely valuable. Our gifts to each other are gold, and we have certainly been tried! Still I believe we can shine and I know I value you, dear Bill.
Although you may feel my presence just being in the apartment, I have left a few things behind to remind you of me. The small mirror beside the front door, is a reminder that I think you are one of the most handsome, older gentleman I know, and you know I am surrounded by many gentlemen working for the RCMP!
The blue coffee mug in the Hoosier is the color of my eyes and yours, so think of me when you begin your day as I know coffee is an important part of morning for you!
Finally, you may not have closed the bedroom door yet, but if you go look, you will find a photograph of us, so you don't forget what I look like and what we look like together. I have hidden it so you will be the first to discover it when you settle in and the bonus is that there are two copies in the frame so you can take one to place on your desk in the office, assuming you want everyone to know you are in love. The same photo will be hung in my Ottawa apartment and a copy will be in my office as well. We must make a way to overcome this distance for now and still hold us dear to each other. I hope these reminders help you, my precious Bill.
You know, as I said before you departed for Hope Valley, that I love you and have since the day we met. You are always on my mind and I pray for you often. Maybe you could tuck this letter in your Bible as another reminder for you to pray for me?
With my love,
Adeli'
Closing his eyes, he held the letter to his heart and did as she requested. Bill prayed for Adeli. He asked God to protect her and bless her, for God to guide her and guide them, and that she would be reminded of him and his love for her every day. He prayed for Nathan and Allie, Elizabeth and Jack and gave thanks for all God had done in their lives. He gave thanks for this new opportunity and asked the Lord to help him be wise and fair in his judgements and guide him through this day. As he said 'Amen' two verses from the hymn he had been contemplating on the train returned to his mind and he sang softly.
'Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take; the clouds ye so much dread
are big with mercy and shall break in blessings on your head.'
His purposes will ripen fast, unfolding every hour;
The bud may have a bitter taste, but sweet will be the flow'r.' (*93)
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Bill sipped his coffee from the blue mug, glided his finger over her photograph as he left the bedroom, and glanced in the mirror beside the front door. The shining gold tie clasp caught his eye and he gazed at it, fingering the engraved initial and sighing, 'Ahhhh, sweet Adeli…'
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Hudson stayed with Jack at the Hotel so they could spend the morning together while his mother and Grace went shopping.
Jake was serving as chauffer and drove Carol to pick up Elizabeth and Grace at the side entrance of Chateau Qu'appelle. On the shopping list, was upholstery fabric for Allie's room, along with some ideas Elizabeth had for other decorating projects. They were excited to plan and get busy now that Coulters had departed. Their only sorrow was that Ruth Grant was a gifted seamstress and they could use her assistance right now! Nevertheless, Elizabeth had learned a lot from Abigail and from observing Rosemary, and Carol knew her way around a sewing machine, plus she had requested Irma Cook's help, so they would tackle it all together. To keep their surprises they planned to use the extra guest room in Elizabeth's apartment as their workshop.
"What colors are we looking to find for Allie?" Carol inquired as they entered the fabric store.
"Purples, blues, greens and pink! She seems to love them all and her answers about her favorite colors can change with blue being the only constant. I was thinking of a floral that might include all those colors? Maybe with either a white or dark green background?"
"Well," laughed Grace, "that gives us two extremes! White or dark green… Shall we ask for assistance? We might be here all day, not sure which direction to go."
"It does sound extreme, but I can picture either option in my mind, so I hope we can find at least one of them! There is the salesman coming our way." Elizabeth smiled at the gentleman and took the lead, "Good morning, Sir. I believe we need some direction."
"Good morning, Ma'am, and good morning to you ladies as well. How may I assist you?"
"First on our list is choosing upholstery fabric for window seat cushions in my daughter's room. She is fifteen so I would like to get something she can enjoy for the coming years and I was considering a floral? Her main color is blue, but other favorites are purple, lavender, dark greens and pink. We also need drapery fabrics and can make some throw pillows to accent her bed. Can you direct us, please?"
"Absolutely, just follow me? Do you have measurements for the cushions and for the windows?"
"I do. Thank you," Elizabeth led the way following the salesman.
"I don't know your preference for a background color, but these floral chintz fabrics incorporate the colors you mentioned on navy blue, forest green, beige or white backgrounds. Do any of these catch your eye? We have the identical patterns on varied backgrounds so you could even contrast the accent pillows to add some style. What do you think?"
The three ladies, wishing that Rosemary was still in town, nevertheless spent a significant amount of time discussing the merits of various selections. Finally, they agreed on what they thought Allie would enjoy and purchased a repeating pattern of bouquets of lilacs, tulips, lilies of the valley, and white narcissus in the favored colors on a dark green background. This they would use for the seat cushions and some pillows. They found a coordinating pattern on a white background and purchased enough for a few additional pillows before moving to purchase window shades and deciding on white drapes to frame the double windows. The salesman helped them purchase the cushions to fit the window seat, along with thread and cord to form the trim.
Pleased, they turned to find items for Jack's bedroom and were thrilled to find a dark red fabric imprinted with trains! Excitedly Elizabeth exclaimed, "This is perfect for Jack. We know he loves red and loves his locomotives too. I think we should get enough for drapes and a new bedspread. What do you think?"
"Jack will be overjoyed to have a bedroom of his own, and the trains are a bonus!" Carol squeezed Elizabeth's shoulders, adding, "Great idea and it will be easy to make a whole cloth quilt. How wide is this fabric?"
Pleased that Allie's room would be pretty, light and airy, and Jack would have his trains, Elizabeth asked to see the William Morris patterns.
Elizabeth planned to keep the walls painted in pale or neutral colors, using a very different color palette from her former row house. Nathan's Craftsman furniture had cushions of dark chocolate brown leather or forest green fabric, so Elizabeth hoped to find some earth tones of blues, greens and browns to coordinate. Her choices now were more intentional, plus she had to keep Nathan in mind as she decided on window coverings and accents. She borrowed some swatches to bring home for Nathan's input and they departed satisfied with their choices.
Deciding to make sandwiches and soup, they returned to the Hotel to begin working on the projects. After spreading out and cutting the fabric for Jack's bedspread and drapes on the dining table, Carol would bring the fabric, cotton batting, and backing home and stitch it in her apartment so Jack wouldn't see the process. After a quick lunch, Elizabeth began prepping for the evening's dinner, while Grace and Carol tackled Allie's room hoping to have it completed to furnish as soon as the construction was completed.
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At Depot, Nathan attended a faculty meeting first thing in the morning and was greeted with many salutes and handshakes from those sharing their concern for his welfare after the fire.
"Good to see you again, Sergeant! It was quite a rescue to get those horses out as quickly as you did. Just sorry you sustained an injury in the process."
"Yes, Grant! What an ordeal to have to be confined at home. Didn't it drive you crazy? I wouldn't be able to easily tolerate that."
"You forget he has a beautiful fiancé that may have been his caregiver! That might sweeten the confinement, eh?"
"True, but she has a young son, so it was probably not a restful time at home right?"
Chuckling Nathan spoke up, "Fellas, I am right here! Yes, it was difficult to be confined, but I got some reading done and, yes, my sweet fiancé brought me lunch and took great care of me! Her son is five and has a vivid imagination, so he happily played on his own, content to show me his numerous Lincoln Log creations! After the first couple of days, it was fun in spite of having memorized every crack in the ceiling and chip in the woodwork!"
"How do you feel today, Nathan? It was good to see you at church, though we missed you in the choir."
"I am better each day and Wes has given me exercises to help strengthen my shoulder so we see improvement. Thanks for asking."
Nathan was grateful when Tim opened the meeting and all eyes and ears were directed towards the Chief Superintendent. "Welcome back, Sergeant Grant, and it is wonderful to see you recovering. You have been in our prayers. Now gentlemen we have a couple reports and then we must discuss the upcoming graduation for Troop eight. Sergeant Walker, would you please begin?"
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Nathan, aware of Bill's anxiety to begin the new position and his loneliness for all that was familiar, prayed for his friend on the first day of his job. Considering how Bill missed the townspeople he left behind in HV, Nathan called the Court House to connect with the Judge.
"Good morning, this is Staff Sergeant Major Grant from the RCMP Academy. May I please speak to Judge William Avery?"
"Oh, Judge Avery? Yes Sir, it may take a moment, but please hold?"
"Hello. Judge William Avery..."
"Bill! Nathan here! I'm checking in with you and seeing if we could meet for lunch on your first day. You know mix a little familiar with the unfamiliar? What do you say?"
"Nathan. Thank you so much, but I won't be able to meet today. The other Judges have arranged a lunch gathering as a welcome and get-to-know-me meeting! It is very kind, but I sort of wish I could meet you, Son. Another time?"
"Of course. There will be many opportunities in the future. Remember we are all having dinner at Elizabeth's tonight, so maybe you can debrief with us then?"
"I am looking forward to it. Dinner that is, not debriefing," Bill admitted, adding, "See you then?"
"Right, see you tonight."
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Jake Cook had willingly taken a break from painting work on the main house to pick up Allie and take her to meet the family, along with Carol, at the Hotel. Both Nathan and Bill would meet everyone there after work.
Due to the number of family members participating in the meal, Elizabeth had moved the actual dinner to the Thatcher's apartment, although she prepared the food in her own kitchen. She had previously unpacked enough pans and utensils to cook, but was grateful to use her parent's table linens, china, glassware, and silverware.
While Carol and Grace shared a cup of tea and some discussion of the Collins's new home in Ottawa, Allie acted as sous chef to Elizabeth, helping to cut up vegetables and bake an apple cake before setting the table.
Allie always volunteered to set tables, enjoying the challenge of decorating, folding napkins in the different styles she had learned in her Home Economics class, and arranging a centerpiece. "It is fun to use all these beautiful things, Grandmom. Everything is so pretty and delicate I just hope Jack doesn't break anything!"
"He'll be fine and it wouldn't be the first time a child has broken something even if he did. Shall we add this potted plant as a centerpiece?"
"We can, but do you have candles and differing sizes of candlesticks? I could make an arrangement with them instead."
"Oh Allie! You are so creative," Opening a corner cupboard, Grace searched for candlesticks finding a few sets, and holding them up for Allie and to see. "The only problem is that they are in sets, not many of the same style."
"Grandmom, these are perfect and I only need five or seven of them. Do you have candles that may have been used already?"
"Used? Maybe? Let me ask Hudson…"
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Upon arrival at Elizabeth's apartment door, Nathan gave Allie a hug and kiss on her temple, "How's my girl?"
"I'm fine, Dad, and Miss Bess is in the kitchen," Allie turned to point.
"Actually, I am right here. Hi, Honey." Elizabeth closed the distance to Nathan and lifted her head for a kiss as she wrapped her arms around his waist, "I hope you are hungry? I think I made too much food expecting a crowd and knowing I was cooking for Bill!"
"Hello, my Love," Nathan tucked a stray curl behind her ear and leaned down for another appetizer kiss. "Mmmmm…"
As Allie had entered the Thatcher apartment, she whispered to Jack, "Daddy's here!"
"Daddy, Daddy! Hi, Daddy!" Jack's exuberance was unmatched as he collided with Nathan's legs and wrapped them in a hug.
"Ooops," Nathan whispered to Elizabeth, grinning as the force of impact jostled them. "Hey Jack! This is a fine welcome. I think I will enjoy coming home to all of you!"
"And all of us are happy to have you home!" Elizabeth began to unbutton Nathan's overcoat, "Oh, you are still wearing your serge?" She leaned back to see Nathan had worn his gray slacks.
"I figured it wouldn't get wrinkled if I folded it with the rest of the uniform and I needed the extra layer for warmth. The wind gusts are making it feel colder." Explaining, Nathan shed his serge and hung it over his overcoat on the clothes tree next to the door. "I'm dressed for dinner, as long as you don't mind I'm not wearing a tie?" Nathan scrunched his nose as he tweaked Elizabeth's.
"You look just fine in your waistcoat and you know I love this blue-striped shirt. The family is next door, but we are awaiting Bill, so join me in the kitchen?"
"Let me just greet your parents and all," Nathan stepped into the Thatcher's living room to wave hello then excused himself winking, "I be back shortly as I need to check on our chef!"
"Lead the way," Nathan motioned for Elizabeth to precede him, then followed, commenting appreciatively, "Something smells delicious. What's cooking?"
"We're having a beef roast with roasted vegetables and gravy, but you are probably smelling Allie's apple cake over there," Elizabeth nodded to the cake as she grabbed two pot holders and opened the over door.
"Can I help with that, Sweetheart?" Nathan moved closer.
"You may not be wearing your sling, but let's wait a little longer before you lift a roast, okay? I'm fine." Elizabeth tilted her head, "You can close the oven door, please?"
"Uncle Bill!" "Uncle Bill!" Allie and Jack's squeals of delight carried through the open door between the two apartments as Bill had entered the Thatcher's apartment door.
"I could get used to this! Hello everyone," Bill glanced around the parlor as he hugged Allie and Jack. "I have something for your Mommy, is she around?"
"Hey Bill," Nathan arrived in the doorway, explaining, "Elizabeth is in here. Come in!"
"If you'll excuse me, Grace and Carol? I'm being summoned." Shaking Nathan's hand and giving him a half hug, Bill acknowledged, "Hello, Son. Are you going to lead the way?"
"Sure. Our chef is hard at work right down the hall."
"This is a sizable place isn't it?" Bill commented as he followed Nathan, Allie and Jack down the hallway. "Something sure smells delicious!" Entering the kitchen, he winked at Elizabeth as he offered the flowers.
"Hello, Bill! Oh, are these for me?" Elizabeth happily took the flowers as she hugged Bill, "these are lovely!"
"I can't promise flowers for every dinner invite, but since this is my first time as your guest here, I thought I would bring some hints of spring along with me on this cold day. Plus, I know right where the floral shop is located!"
"Allie, could you ask Grandmom or Hudson for a nice vase for the table? Do you think we can fit these in with your candle arrangement?"
"Sure, Miss Bess, they'll be pretty," Allie accepted the flowers and disappeared.
"So, how was your first day in Court, Bill?" Nathan inquired, leaning against the cabinet.
"I was given a tour, met more people than I can remember, shown my office and all the bookshelves I can fill!" Bill chuckled, admitting, "I may have to invest in more though! I met my secretary and two law clerks that I share with another judge, but there are more available should the need arise. My staff and a few other Judges took me out for lunch and it was a great welcome. I didn't need to be worried as they made me feel right at home and were very interested in tales from Hope Valley. I think it will be an interesting challenge."
"Excuse me, Bill." Elizabeth nudged Nathan, "Honey, could you stir this gravy while Jack shows Bill his room? He's been talking about it all day!" Handing the wooden spoon to Nathan, Elizabeth turned Jack towards the door, asking, "Jack? Would you like to show Uncle Bill our apartment please?"
"Oh yes! Would I!" Jack excitedly took his Uncle's hand and led Bill back into the hallway, explaining, "That's our kitchen and this is…"
Bill enjoyed the aspects of the apartment important to a little boy, including where to turn on lights; which bed in which room was his and which was Patrick's when he was there, and Jack's books and toys. Bill admired Jack's belongings then peeked in Elizabeth's room before entering the parlor with Jack dragging Bill to the window.
"See out there? We are really high so we get to see snow before it hits the ground!" Jack proudly explained, then pointed, "Do you see that smoke? That's a real train, isn't that neat?"
"Impressive view, Jack. You have what we call a 'bird's eye view' right?"
"Bird's eye?"
"That means you can see really far away from this high up. You see just like a bird sees far into the distance when they fly high in the sky."
"I guess so…" Jack was contemplating this when Nathan entered the room, "shall we ask Grandmom if you can give a quick tour of their apartment and then wash your hands? We are almost ready to serve dinner, Son."
"Okay. Come with me, Uncle Bill. Let me show you outside Grandmommy's and Grandaddy's windows!"
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(*93) God Moves in a Mysterious Way, (Also known as 'Light Shining From Darkness') by William Cowper, 1774. Public Domain.