Where Courage Calls: A When Calls the Heart Novel (25 page)

“No, sir.”

“Well, then, I trust that you personally, Constable Thornton, will see to it that arrangements are made.” He turned and disappeared down the hall.

Beth had not considered what would happen after the boy had been examined and diagnosed, or how the bill would be paid. They walked from the building in silence to the car, waiting where Jarrick had abandoned it at the front curb.

“Heidi Coolidge doesn’t have much left of her pension,” Beth whispered.

“I know.”

“Then how will she ever . . .” But she didn’t complete her thought.

Jarrick opened the car door for Beth, and she slid into the front seat. He retraced a path around the back of the vehicle and into the driver’s seat.

Jarrick sat quietly thinking for a moment. At last he answered her unfinished question. “We’ll have to pray for a miracle.”

Beth found it difficult to enjoy the unexpected treat of a restaurant meal, picking at the fresh greens which she would normally have found delightful after so many months without. Her mind was on Heidi Coolidge and how she would pay for an expensive hospital stay, and on the question of where and how Wilton had ingested such a dreadful poison.

“I’d offer you a penny for your thoughts, but I’m pretty sure
I know what worries you.” Jarrick seemed to be having just as much trouble with his own meal. “The important thing, of course, is that little Willie is going to be well again soon.”

Beth fiddled with the tassels on the tablecloth, avoiding Jarrick’s eye. “I just can’t help but worry about all of the children. What if—”

“Yes,” he agreed quickly. “I assure you that I will be tracking down the source of that toxin.”

“But if Wilton found it, there’s always a chance that any of the others could be in danger. If not now, sometime in the future . . .” Her voice trailed off.

He eyed her thoughtfully. “Please trust me, Beth.”

For a moment she considered confiding in him her own concerns, and then decided against it. She sighed. “I hope you can find out something soon. I don’t think I’ll rest at all until I know.”

Beth glanced through the window at the people walking past. It was a perfect spring evening in the fading light, and she was back in the city. She wished she could shake off her melancholy demeanor enough to enjoy it.

“I did hear some good news,” Jarrick told her. “Paolo has found a job here in Lethbridge. He’ll be leaving soon to live with his mother again. But I’m sorry for Alberto. He’ll miss his son, though I’m sure he’s pleased that the boy won’t have to work in the mine. In the long run, it will likely open more opportunities for him—to be in town.”

“That
is
good news.” Beth smiled. “I had hoped he wouldn’t stay long even though I’ll certainly miss him. Our English classes won’t be the same with his absence.”

She took a big breath, let it out slowly, and set her mind to involve herself in the conversation Jarrick was continuing. Beth could feel the tension leaving her shoulders, the headache that
had been threatening slip away. She eventually was able to relax and enjoy cuisine she hadn’t tasted for many months.
Actually,
she told herself,
the setting seems almost romantic,
and she felt herself blush as she watched the light from outdoors fade. A candle on the table flickered against the white linen cloth, and the polished silverware beside her plate glittered with each dance of the candle’s flame. Beth felt at ease, expressed in a soft sigh of contentment. Jarrick was good company. Attentive. Communicative. And sincere.
Not like those silly boys
who vied for my attention in the past,
she thought, then dropped her eyes to her plate in case her expression gave her away.

They lingered over dessert and coffee, Beth reluctant to let the moment go. Just as she wondered if Jarrick might be getting ready to call for their bill, he summoned the waiter to refill their coffee cups, apparently enjoying the time as much as she was. Beth stirred actual cream into the rich coffee and, cup in hand, settled back to enjoy the pleasant, meaningful conversation. For the moment, thoughts of little Wilton, now in good hands, ceased to trouble her.

But Jarrick’s demeanor seemed to alter. In the light from the candle, Beth thought his eyes now held a seriousness, an intensity, that hadn’t been there before. He studied her with a pensive expression. “And what about you?”

“Me?” She looked at him.

“How long do you think you’ll stay in Coal Valley?”

The unexpected question caught Beth off guard, her mind a jumble of reactions. She shrugged, feeling a bit shy. “My teaching contract is for just one year. I have started to wonder—to consider—what I would do if I were offered an extension to that time, but there’s no way for me to know if it will even be a possibility.”

“Well, before long summer will be upon us again. And the
school year will have ended. I just thought you might already know what comes next for you this summer.”

Beth frowned and sighed again. “I suppose I’m going home. Mother would never forgive me if I didn’t, and I’ve no reason to stay here. . . .” She let the words trail away.

It was silent for a few minutes, until Jarrick asked, “What do you think of the West? How do you like living out here? I’m sure it’s very different from what you’re used to—far fewer amenities, even here in Lethbridge. Would you ever consider making your home here—permanently?”

She could feel a prickle of fear at his inquiry. Or maybe it was hopefulness? At this moment the palpitations of her heart were indistinguishable.
How can I answer
such a question?

“As I said, my parents expect me home,” she said slowly, “at least for the summer. But should I be asked to teach again, I would certainly consider the option.” She blushed and hurried on, “I would be
very happy
to consider the option.”

He leaned forward, moving his hand closer to the center of the table. “I know the town would be grateful to have you return.” He hesitated for a moment, looking intently into her eyes. “I would be . . . well, pleased to hear that you planned to return.”

The moment was filled with an intensity Beth had never experienced before. It both disturbed and energized her. She did not know how best to manage such emotion. Julie would have navigated it well, but Beth . . .

She allowed herself a little laugh. “It’s funny that I hadn’t thought of it before. But the truth is, if I chose not to return to Toronto, my mother would probably send Edward along to escort me home—forcefully, if necessary.”

“Edward?”

She could feel herself fiddling with her napkin. “Oh, he’s
somewhat of my mother’s pet. She dotes on him.” Beth gave a little laugh again. “Did I ever tell you that he’s the one who found my violin? Just like the compass—the one he sent with you. The violin had been stolen, and Edward searched high and low until he recovered it. I can’t even begin to express how grateful I am to have it again.”

Jarrick was slowly leaning back in his chair, withdrawing his hand. The change in his disposition confused Beth. His gaze turned toward the window and he said, “That’s . . . that’s wonderful for you. I’m glad he was persistent. You must have truly missed the violin—you play it so beautifully.” He paused for a moment and then continued in an almost off-hand manner, “Well, I certainly hope you’ll consider teaching out here again. The town would be blessed to have you.”

J
ARRICK
ARRANGED
FOR
B
ETH
to spend the night in the home of friends, a young couple working with the same church organization as Philip. A warm reception and a comfortable room meant a good night’s sleep. Jarrick bunked out at the RCMP post on the edge of town. The following morning, Beth was relieved to learn that Wilton would be able to return to the mountain town with them.
“Thank You, Lord, thank You.”

On the way to the hospital, Jarrick cleared his throat. “I’d like to ask you for a favor—even though you might not understand the reason just now.”

Beth nodded and waited.

“I know you heard Wilton’s doctor refer to the toxin that the boy drank. In reality, Beth, the drink was alcohol based. It was bootleg liquor.”

“But I thought you said it was
poison
,” she contended.

“And it was.” His tone was sad. “Beth, I’m sure you have no idea what is in the kind of stuff that is bought and sold as ‘hooch.’ It has an alcohol base—but it’s made with anything
that can be found—including antifreeze and dead animals. The doctor was correct when he called it toxic. Indeed, it was almost fatal.”

Oh no, Lord, our worst fears . . .
Horrified, Beth turned to him, her thoughts churning.
Liquor—to the children—a
kind that could easily kill someone! Are we all in
danger? Who would give that to a child?

Seeing her reaction, he hurried on, “I am most definitely determined to discover more about it—that has been and will continue to be my own top priority during the coming days. But I’d like to ask you, Beth, to keep that information just between us for now.”

“Why?” she demanded, appalled. “Shouldn’t the families be warned?”

“I’m afraid that if others know, it will make my job much more difficult—and there are aspects to my investigation I can’t reveal at this time, even to you. So it’s essential for the time being not to mention this to anyone. If you do it may well jeopardize the whole operation, which we’ve been working toward for months.” He turned his eyes to meet hers. “Can you do that, Beth?”

At first she sat as if numb—then finally nodded, more questions rising now than before.
Investigation
? This has been his work, what he has been doing
? And where?

“They gave me ice cream,” Wilton announced once he was settled in the vehicle. “An’ I got ta sleep in a bed that folded up. Like this.” He gestured with his hands. “An’ the doctor said I’m a brave little buckaroo. Miss Thatcher, what’s a buckaroo anyways?”

Beth smiled as best she could from the front seat as he
jabbered on without waiting for an answer. The car pulled out onto the highway. Even though she was listening to Wilton’s tumbling stream of narration about his experiences, her eyes were studying Jarrick. He was strangely withdrawn, though Beth was uncertain as to why. Perhaps he was more worried than he had let on concerning the source of the deadly liquor.

Her gaze drifted along the grassy roadside rushing past her window. She wondered what Julie had done during her absence. She thought about the interrupted church picnic and felt sorry the event had not gone as intended. Then her thoughts went to the hospital bill they must deliver to poor Heidi Coolidge and the anxiety it was certain to create. Her thoughts shifted again to the man beside her.
Is he lost in concern
about the Coolidge family?

And so the hours went by, Wilton once more asleep in the back seat, and the other two silent in the front.

As if their arrival had been predicted, a crowd quickly gathered on the street. Heidi hurried forward, clutching her youngest baby on one hip. “Willie, Willie, you all right? Goodness, I’m so glad to see ya up and around! I’ve been so worried.” She pulled him close against her, lips trembling with emotion. “Thanks be to God, you’re home again safe.”

Julie made an appearance. “Oh, he looks so much better now. How was the trip? I hope it went well.” Beth fell into her arms, relishing the comfort of being held by her sister, though Beth knew there was nothing much she could explain about Wilton’s illness.

They were not given the opportunity to be alone again until after the noon meal. Though it was Monday, school had been canceled in Beth’s absence, and the afternoon remained empty before them. Despite the troubling events, Beth would
need to use at least some of the day to prepare her lessons for the remainder of the week.

Molly had gone to pay a visit to Frances, and Marnie and Teddy were fishing. This meant that the kitchen table was unused and quiet—a perfect place for Beth to spread out her work. Julie fumbled around for a short while, fixing some tea for both of them. Beth knew the conversation ahead would be difficult because of the secrets she was required to keep, but she must not let on that there was anything distracting her.

“Well, Julie, what did you do while I was gone?”

A teasing smile crossed Julie’s face. “Why, Bethie? Does it make you worried? That I was here, and you were not around to make sure I was behaving?”

“Even more so now that I see you find it amusing.” Beth set down her pencil and gave her full attention to her sister, willing herself to focus on Julie instead of her own troubled thoughts.

Julie giggled. “I didn’t do a single thing. Or rather, I did many lovely things—helpful, friendly things. You would have been quite proud.”

“Hmm.” Beth was doubtful. “Tell me about it.”

“Well . . . first I helped carry on with the picnic. Philip wanted to soothe the fears of the other children, so he asked me to help rally everyone to enjoy the remaining games. He’s such a dear, Bethie. So thoughtful and kind.” Julie set the teacups on the table in front of them, offering Beth a sugary-sweet smile.

“What did you say to him, Julie?” Beth’s tone was as firm as she could make it.

“Nothing! Nothing, I promise. Just whatever was necessary for the task at hand.”

“And then?”

“Then we gave out the prizes, and the picnic was over. Everyone went home and I returned here. Nothing dreadful—nothing out of order. To be frank, it’s been rather boring. Philip wasn’t even around today. He’d already returned to wherever it is he goes when he’s not here.”

Julie frowned, then continued. “But may I say, sister dear, that you are missing a golden opportunity where he is concerned.”

“What do you mean? Or should I ask?”

Julie rolled her eyes. “Don’t be obtuse. You know exactly what I mean, and there’s no reason I should keep from expressing my opinion. Philip is a handsome, educated, gracious man. What more could you possibly be looking for in a husband?”

“Julie!” Beth reached again for her pencil and turned her focus back on her work, hoping the issue was closed.

“No, I won’t be put off. If Mother were here, she would say exactly the same thing. He’s a perfect match for you. You’re both . . . kind of . . . well, solemn.”

“I shall not discuss it.”

“If not Philip, then who? Perhaps that Jack Thornton is more to your liking.”

“Julie, please! I’m trying to prepare my lessons.”

Julie absentmindedly stirred her tea. “I was wondering, Bethie, did you—were you able to spend time with Jack? Without the little patient?”

Beth could not lie to Julie, but determined not to mention their dinner together. “Most of the afternoon was driving, and I was tending a very sick child. Then there was a long wait at the hospital. And I spent the night with some friends of his.” She hurried to change the subject before additional questions could be posed. “What makes you waste your time worrying about my personal affairs, anyway? What benefit is that to you?”

“None—at least not directly. Except that I’m genuinely worried about you. Your happiness and fulfillment. And I had hoped you had moved on from . . . well, from Edward.”

“Edward? What on earth do you mean? I’ve never—”

“Oh, Bethie, he’s always been your best prospect. Mother and Mrs. Montclair have long seen the two of you together—dreamed of it, I’m sure. But if you’re too foolish to see what is right before your eyes, surely you wouldn’t begrudge me the opportunity, would you?”

“Edward? You’re interested in Edward?”

“Whyever not?” Julie feigned surprise. “I had honestly hoped to see him while I was here. I didn’t realize his posting is so far away that you don’t even cross paths. It’s disappointing, really. I had hoped to catch a glimpse of him in his uniform. I’m sure he’s very debonair.”

“Julie—please. Don’t even think of leading Edward on as you’ve done with so many others.”

“I thought you didn’t care.”

“Of course I care. I mean, he’s . . . he is a friend of our family. He doesn’t deserve someone toying with his affections.”

“You surprise me, Bethie. I think you care far more than you admit.”

“I . . . I care—of course, just not in that way. . . .”

Julie turned her large, expressive eyes on Beth, half smiling, half smirking. “Now, big sister, you don’t need to be mothering Edward. He’s a man—and quite able to care for himself. He’s a Mountie, for goodness’ sake!”

“I just don’t want to see him . . . ill used, hurt.” But Beth was confused by the turmoil she was feeling.
Edward? Julie?
She was surprised how much she resented the invasion, and yet quickly reminded herself that she had claimed no ground where Edward was concerned.

“You’re right, of course,” at last Beth admitted calmly. “I truly have no designs on Edward. If he should be interested in you, then I would wish you both well.” Secretly, though, Beth wondered how difficult it would be for her to achieve such an attitude if it were required. “But I shall also say, Julie dear, that I will not allow you to meddle in my personal life.”

“I’m not meddling,” she shot back. “I’m giving advice. You must admit I know bushels more about men than you.”

Beth could see immediately it would be best not to expend too many words on that subject. She merely responded, “We have very different objectives where men are concerned,” and turned back to her papers.

“In what sense?” Julie demanded.

“You seem to be looking for . . . well, for different things than I am.”

“What do you want that I don’t?”

Beth sighed. “I don’t care about money, Julie. I don’t care about status or appearance. I want a man who will love me for who I am—one whom I can love and support in some worthy endeavor which he is pursuing. I want a man of whom I can be proud.”

“Pish-posh, I’d be ever so proud of Edward. He’s more than just rich and handsome—he’s a Mountie too. Just like your darling Jack.”

Beth was quickly losing all patience. She feared her fragile hold on her reactions to her silly sister was slipping away. “I shall say this and then I shall have to return to my work.” She swallowed hard, collecting herself so she could answer calmly. “What I’m doing here is important to me. It’s what I’ve studied hard to accomplish—and I believe God is using me. So I’m not looking for a life partner until I feel God is leading me in that direction.”

Julie drew a deep breath to interrupt, but Beth waved her off. “I haven’t even planned beyond this school year. There are far too many unanswered questions in my life right now to confuse the issue with pursuing marriage. My intention is to be patient and prayerful instead.” She looked directly into Julie’s eyes, willing her to understand. “I’m asking you to do the same—to be patient and prayerful on my behalf. Can you do that for me, darling sister?”

Julie softened immediately. “Oh, Bethie, you know I can. I only want what’s best. I don’t really understand your reluctance, but I will honor your wishes and not talk about it anymore.” With a hug around Beth’s shoulders, she asked, “Friends again?”

“As always, dearest.” Beth managed a weak smile.

Julie retreated to the wood stove, pouring herself a second cup of tea and smiling broadly—as if she had accomplished what she’d determined to do.

Beth ran a hand across her forehead. “You’re still going to think about it, aren’t you?”

“Pardon me?”

“You promised not to
talk
about my finding a husband—but that doesn’t mean you’re not going to
think
about it, use your influence where you can—does it?”

Julie smiled in response. “I’m sure I don’t know what you mean, Bethie dear.”