Chapter Two

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Conversations, Difficult and Indebted

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At dinner after church, Nathan shared the news with Rosemary and Lee Coulter. They were stunned speechless, a particularly rare occasion for Rosemary. When she regained her breath and voice, Rosemary exclaimed. "Noooo, Nathan! You're not serious are you? Leaving Hope Valley? Leaving us?"

"Yes, Rosemary. I am serious. We leave in two weeks' time so that both of us can begin classes on the first day at our respective Academies. It will be an adjustment, but as I've mentioned the circumstances are not accidental. This move is ordained by God." Nathan looked at Allie. "Leaving Hope Valley is bittersweet, but it is the right time now." He glanced at Rosemary, then at Lee hoping they could guess his meaning without discussion in front of Allie.

Somberly, Lee nodded, agreeing quietly. "We understand, Nathan, but we wish it was different."

Rosemary added, "We are going to miss you terribly and miss your quiet but dependable service to our town…" She paused for a moment. "You had a difficult obstacle to overcome, Nathan, replacing Jack Thornton. But with kindness and care, astute awareness of the safety issues during your tenure, and wise decisions, you have made your mark, winning a place of appreciation and love in our hearts. Plus the fact that Allie is with you, and we had so many opportunities to get to know and love her, endeared you both to us and to the town. You both will be sorely missed." Rosemary wiped a tear from the corner of her eyes. "Is there anything we can do to help you, Nathan? May I write an article in the Valley Voice?"

"Actually, I don't want it announced until after we have departed Rosemary. Allie has her list and I have mine and we both prefer to tell our friends the news on a one-on-one basis. I should say tell them the news and farewell at the same time. Maybe I can leave a letter with you to publish once we are on the way to Regina? I don't want a big fuss!"

"Well, I won't say sitting on this news will be easy, but I am sure you have your reasons. I will abide by your request! But, mind you, Nathan Grant, I will be writing an article myself for that same edition…and maybe more thereafter." Rosemary clapped her hands together dramatically which caused the four of them to laugh.

"I have no doubt." Acknowledged Nathan.

"And no control, Sergeant!" Rosemary added. "So… how can we help?"

"First not sharing the news. Secondly, maybe a couple meals as we approach the end of the two weeks? I'm guessing we won't have time to cook as we finalize our packing. The plan is to ship the furniture and crates ahead of us, then we'll follow with luggage and Newton on a later train."

"Okay, meals it is." Rosemary grinned. "But you let me know if you need more assistance. Cleaning, groceries, laundry, a place to stay after your furniture is sent." Rosemary paused watching Nathan's face. "What?"

"You just mentioned a few things I hadn't thought of! Wow!" He reached into his pocket, retrieved a folded piece of paper and his ever-present pencil and jotted himself a note.

Rosemary could read it upside-down. "I'll gather a few ladies to clean after you depart, Nathan. You needn't worry about that. Also, let me do the laundry as moving day approaches. If you stay here after the furniture is moved, you won't need to do the bedsheets or transport them dirty."

A force to be reckoned with, Lee was used to his wife taking charge and accomplishing whatever she set out to do. "Take it from me, Nathan. You better agree. It's the easiest way to avoid extra stress!"

"Thank you so much! I will accept your assistance. Please just let me know if you cannot follow-through? I'll understand."

"Is there anyone you would like me to tell?" Rosemary inquired.

"No, thank you. Some people may only learn of our departure after the fact, but that will be on purpose." Nathan gave a knowing look to Rosemary. "I think it's for the best for everyone."

"Oh? Well, I trust your judgement, Nathan." Rosemary conceded. "You know the people in town very well."

"That I do." Nathan placed his napkin on the table and began to push away. "This has been delicious, and we both thank you so much, both for your friendship and this meal. Oh, and the promised help to come!"
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As Nathan and Allie walked down the row houses, Nathan asked, "Are you up to telling Angela and Cooper? We could stop now so I could inform Pastor Joseph and Mrs. Minnie."

"I guess we have to start somewhere, so sure. We don't have the crates yet, so all we can do is begin stacks on the floor, or sort out the kitchen utensils." Allie agreed. "Let's stop."

"Good. Here we are." Nathan knocked on the Canfield's door.

"Nathan! Allie! Hello! Please come in. To what do we owe this pleasure?" Joseph opened the door widely, ushering them in.

"We have some news to share. Could Allie talk to Angela while I talk to you both?"

"Of course." Angela and Cooper escorted Allie to the bedroom while the others got settled in the parlor. "So what is your news?"

As Nathan shared for the second time, he realized this was not going to be easy. Although he and Allie had known about this possibility for a few weeks, the news was and would be a total shock to the citizens of Hope Valley.

"Oh, Nathan. I am so sorry to hear this. I mean, the promotion is wonderful… what is that title again? Staff Sergeant Major? Impressive! But moving away from Hope Valley is a bitter pill to swallow." Joseph sighed. "I guess I will say that you have proved to be a loyal parishioner, a man of deep faith that I appreciate and a dear friend whom I will miss."

"Likewise, Joseph. Thank you for your listening ear, counsel and prayers." Nathan smiled. "Not to mention the excellent and thought-provoking messages you give every Sunday!"

Minnie reached over and patted her husband's hand, saw his glistening eyes then turned to Nathan. "Is there a reason for this move? And a reason for moving now?"

Nathan paused thoughtfully. "You cannot change the choices of others, but you have to make your own adjustments after they have chosen. I've waited for a few years now, always hopeful for a certain outcome, but now that that is not the way things are going, it is time to move on. I have done what I came to Hope Valley to do, protect Elizabeth and Jack Thornton. They are now someone else's responsibility."

"I also came to give Allie a stable small-town experience and she has thrived. But as things between Allie and her teacher are now extremely challenging and hurtful, it is time for me to help Allie recover and continue to forgive from a distance without renewed issues to deal with." Nathan looked from one to the other. "Knowing how I have confided in you previously, I hope you understand. Allie and I are stepping into a new path the Lord has opened before us."

"I believe we do understand, Nathan. Now, would you like me to make an announcement at next Sunday's service or…"

"Oh no! Please don't. I have asked Rosemary to refrain from printing anything and I ask you as well. Please don't let anyone know this until we have departed? Allie and I need peace and time to say our private farewells without drama and gossip. Small towns have their advantages, but the grapevine is not one of them." Nathan chuckled.

Minnie and Joseph looked at each other and laughed quietly. They knew that truth first hand.

"What can I do to help you, my friend? Besides praying for you and Allie, of course. Packing? Carrying crates and loading a wagon? Keeping you company on rounds? Letters of recommendation?"

"Hmmm. Probably all of the above, but let me get organized for a day or so and I'll let you know, okay? A replacement Constable arrives Tuesday and I've been given leave to pack, etc." Nathan explained. "Thank you though. You have a good heart, Joseph and I will miss you both."
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Knowing he would have to tell the Yosts as he ordered packing crates, Nathan decided to stop into the Mercantile as soon as they opened on Monday morning. He figured it might be the most private time to talk with them and he was correct. No one entered the store until Nathan had left for his rounds. For that Nathan was grateful as Florence surprised him by bursting into tears when he told them about the move. Ned's eyes were glistening as he wrapped an arm around his wife to comfort her.

"Please keep this confidential for me? I don't want any discussion or misunderstandings. I'll introduce the new Mountie who will arrive Tuesday, but will not divulge why he is here. Allie and I both want to privately tell our friends and have asked Rosemary to keep this news out of the newspaper until we have departed. I also requested that Joseph not make any announcements in church and ask you both to keep silence as well? I know it is hard, but Allie and I need privacy at this time and I want to avoid those who might question my parenting or decisions regarding this move. I assure you that Allie and I are in agreement on this or I wouldn't be following through on the offer."

"Congratulations on the promotion, Nathan. You deserve it and I am happy for you. Yet, I am sad for us in Hope Valley. You have been a quiet, but strong and dependable presence in town ever since you came. You've been a blessing. Trustworthy, admirable, a wonderful father to Allie..." Ned paused to wipe his eyes. "We will miss her too! Allie's effervescent personality has brought us great joy and even some laughter as well. When will her last day be on the switchboard?"

"I haven't yet discussed that with Allie, but I will ask her to formally give you notice as that is a part of employment and she needs to learn that. If you do discuss any of this with Allie, please be certain there aren't others around to overhear? Thank you, both! Oh, and you may have mail, Ned, or calls to forward to me, Florence. If anyone needs to write or get in touch after we depart, Bill Avery will have our contact information. I am uncertain about our private mailing address at the moment."

Having finally recovered her voice, Florence came around the counter to give Nathan a warm hug, saying, "I will miss you terribly, Nathan. Ned is right. You have been and are a blessing."
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Returning from rounds, Nathan decided to get a scone and fresh cup of good coffee before heading to the office. As he entered the Café he noted that Faith, Fiona and Clara were seated together, but the rest of the room was empty. He thought he heard Minnie in the kitchen but as she already knew that wouldn't be a problem.

Surprising the three women, Nathan approached and stood hat-in-hand. "Excuse me ladies. May I interrupt you to give you some news?"

Fiona, Faith and Clara looked from one to another questioning. Fiona spoke up though. "Of course, Nathan, pull up a chair. What have you to tell us?"

Nathan placed a chair at the corner of the table and began to explain his and Allie's departure plans. Telling the story took longer than he expected as each woman, in turn, cried, apologized and cried some more. They also peppered him with questions and were reluctant to allow him to finish.

"Nathan," Fiona sniffed, "Pardon my tears, but this is a shock and a most unpleasant one as well. I have always felt safe with you in Hope Valley. You are a kind, dependable gentleman and always looking out for each of us. When I moved to Hope Valley, my father was pleased to learn about you and Allie and could finally take a deep breath of relief, knowing I had settled in a good place, a safe place for a single woman. Thank you for all your kindnesses to me and for your service to Hope Valley. You will never be fully replaced, no matter who they send!" Fiona took a deep breath to calm herself before continuing. "Please stop in for a complimentary haircut before you depart? We want you looking your very best for such a prestigious position!" She laughed and was joined by the other ladies.

"Nathan, I don't want you to stop in for a complimentary stitch or bandage, but please, if you can, stop in before you go? I want to thank you for your support after Carson left. I appreciated our talks back then. Especially your unwavering support for me as a female doctor, but also your male perspective was invaluable as I was grieving and trying to figure out how to move on, alone. I don't know how I would have functioned without you and these two ladies. You have all been a huge blessing to me." Faith wiped her eyes for a second time. "How is Allie with this news? Do you want to send her by to chat?"

"I'll tell her, but Allie is doing very well. Actually she approached me earlier in the summer to tell me she would be okay if another promotion came up that required us to leave Hope Valley. When the Commissioner called a few weeks later, I took it as a sign from God and began to investigate the possibility. Allie will certainly miss the friends she has made here, both her peers and ladies like you all. Thank you for you kindnesses to Allie over the years. She has longed for a mother, but since I have been unable to provide that to her, the wonderful women of Hope Valley have somewhat filled that longing. You have blessed me by blessing her. Thank you." Nathan looked down at his hat, completely missing the knowing looks that passed between the three friends.

Nathan looked at Clara. "Would you ask Jesse to stop by the jail to see me? I want to tell him in-person and thank him for all his help over the years. A young man as strong as Jesse is a special gift to a fella like me who is aging daily!"

To this the ladies laughed loudly and Fiona chirped in. "Not so any of us noticed that, Nathan Grant. You are still a catch! When the right woman comes along she'll be swept off her feet with one glance in your blue eyes!" Fiona giggled. "I can't believe I just said that, but I guess I'm getting bold and honest now you are leaving!"

Nathan was blushing at this point and moved to stand and excuse himself. As he returned the chair to its original location, he added. "Thank you all for keeping this information private? Allie and I are only telling certain people in order to keep our lives private and avoid judgement." Nathan glanced away, then back again. "Please enjoy the rest of your coffee, although I apologize that it is probably cold now." Nathan gave his signature hat tip and headed back towards the kitchen for the scone and coffee he needed before tackling the office files! He left three women breathless, married or not!
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Back in the NWMP office, Nathan munched his scone and sipped his coffee while he opened his journal to his list. He no sooner crossed off an item than another one or two had to be added! Still he was grateful for the conversations he'd had thus far.

His list still included Mike Hickam, the Mayor; Henry Gowen; Cat Montgomery, Molly Sullivan, the Weiss and Wolf families and a couple additional families on the farms outside of town. At least those folks remained on his list, until he thought of someone else he needed to tell!

"Oh I need to call Gabe Kinslow in Brookfield!" Nathan added his friend and fellow Constable's name, then realized he need to call both of his parents as well! 'It really is cross off two and add three more!'

Nathan opened the desk drawer and emptied the files onto the top of the desk. He sorted the piles, decided what could be burned and what cases remained open. He would have to explain those to the new Constable, but made a list to give to Bill so nothing fell through the cracks.

After a satisfying morning, Nathan returned the files to keep back into the file drawer and stood to stretch his legs before gathering the files to be burned into a basket beside the stove. That would be a job for the new Constable to handle on a cool, rainy day.
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While on his late-day rounds, Nathan reflected on the list of people he had told. He'd found Mike in the Café ready to leave as Nathan collected his sandwiches. Mike was sorely disappointed and not a little worried that a new Constable would be a stranger to the town and to all its citizens. He might need to make himself more available to orient the new Mountie. For himself, Mike would miss Nathan Grant and miss all the laughter they always shared. They had a similar sense of humor and often traded comments in passing that kept each of them laughing the remainder of the day.

Henry was in his office alone when Nathan knocked to tell him. Disappointment and sadness settled on Henry's face, remaining as Nathan explained. Henry found his voice, though filled with emotion, to thank Nathan for his assistance for him personally. "I owe my business and reputation to you, Nathan. I don't know what would have happened if you hadn't investigated that accusation of inferior oil. Thank you for investigating."

Nathan interjected a phrase. "Oh… It was nothing, Henry. Glad I could assist."

"It wasn't nothing to me, Nathan. It was everything!" Henry coughed. "I will truly miss you, Nathan. Looking out on the street as I hear Newton's slow hoof beats as you watch over the town and not seeing you in the red serge will be a jolt for a very long time. You have served well, Nathan, and I am very thankful. If you can ever return, I, for one, will welcome you gladly. Allie too for that matter. She is a spitfire and I love her smiles."
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It took Nathan a while to tell the Wolfs as Allie had not yet broken the news to Robert. He and his parents had many questions although they were secretly glad that Robert would have a known adult to call on if needed since he was so young and on his own so far away. "We will miss you in Hope Valley, Nathan. Thank you for your kindness to Robert when he shadowed you that time. I am so grateful he followed your wise advice and finished that year of school. Even now he seems young to be going to the Academy in Regina, but just knowing you'll be in the same city is reassuring."

"Will I be able to visit you and Allie?" Robert questioned hopefully.

"I am sorry to disappoint you, Robert, but the regulations at the Academy are strict about extra-curricular activities. You'll need all of your strength and focus to be on your course studies. Good sleep and no distractions! You may wish to write to Allie, but you cannot visit in person until vacation times." Nathan continued with additional facts. "Also, Allie will have a lot to accomplish in her new school, which by-the-way is a school for girls!"

Nathan watched the relief spread across Robert's face, but it quickly changed to deflated so Nathan added. "The time will go very quickly, Robert, so don't be discouraged. By this time next year you will be trained and serving as a full-fledged Mountie!"
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Turning towards town, Nathan mentally noted he would continue his farewell conversations tomorrow then looked up at the sky and marveled at the beauty of creation. This outdoor activity is what Nathan would miss the most, but he hoped they could borrow a good horse and Nathan and Allie could take some rides to explore the city and environs.