by Janette Oke
“That may well be. I look forward to speaking with them.” He pushed the paper containing his schedule into Beth’s hand and turned as if to leave, then swung back again. “Forgive me for eavesdropping, Miss Thatcher, but I gather you’ll have visitors this weekend. How nice for you.”
Beth attempted a smile. “Yes, my fiancé is coming—with some friends.”
“And Pastor Davidson?”
“Yes, he’s a friend.”
“I see. Miss Thatcher, I find him a difficult man to intercept. I’ve sent several messages and still have received no response. Of course, he’s frequently absent from town, but one might hope—”
“I’m sure he’s just been busy. Philip is setting up his new church here while at the same time training a replacement for the other churches he’s been pastoring.”
“Philip? I see. Yes, you must be friends.”
Her face growing warm, Beth hurried on, “He’s been an acquaintance of my fiancé’s for many years. We—”
“Fine, fine.” His eyebrows rose. Beth knew this change of expression would be followed by a particularly difficult request. “Miss Thatcher,” he said deliberately, dragging out the words, “I wonder if you might be so kind as to arrange a meeting between myself and your friend Pastor Davidson.”
For a moment Beth was at a total loss, finally stammering out that there probably wouldn’t be time.
Marnie offered from across the room, “Miss Thatcher, you could invite the teacher fer supper. Ya got lots of food.”
Beth froze in place. He watched, seeming amused at the uncomfortable predicament he had managed to create for Beth. Her shoulders rose as she fought against the desire to flatly deny him, her mind racing to sort through what would be considered congenial or whether she should take a stand. She felt her heart racing. “Yes,” she heard her voice answering, “of course you may come to supper if you like. We plan to eat at five.”
“Splendid.” His eyebrows rose again. “I shall arrive promptly at five.” And with a nod of his head he was gone. The door closed behind him.
Eyes wide in disbelief, Beth twisted her head slowly toward the girl who stood smiling proudly. “Oh, Marnie,” she groaned.
“What? What did I do?”
Immediately after school on Friday, Beth hurried across the street, past Abigail’s entrance, and around the corner to the stairs. To her delight, there was Jarrick already sitting on a step waiting for her.
“Darling!” she cried, pulling him to his feet and throwing her arms around his waist.
He held her tightly and kissed the top of her head with a sigh. “Aren’t you a sight for sore eyes?”
Just as quickly Beth remembered the meat she had placed in the oven. She grabbed Jarrick’s hand and started to lead him upwards. “Come inside. I’ve got to check the pot roast.”
He laughed and held his ground. “First things first, my Beth. I’ve missed you.” He was reaching to draw her close again.
And then none of it mattered—not the meal or the responsibility of hosting guests. Beth returned his gaze, amazed that his familiar blue eyes could elicit such a strong response in her just by looking into her own. “I missed you,” he repeated meaningfully.
Beth leaned forward on the stair step for a long embrace, a gentle kiss. “I missed you too,” she whispered. “It’s been a month since I’ve seen you.”
“Really? To me it feels like at least two.”
“Oh, Jarrick.”
Frank had managed to create a small table out of spare boards for the food, and it was set up in the clearing behind Beth’s quarters. He suggested a close grouping of stumps for seating. Teddy lit a large bonfire to provide light when darkness fell and to keep mosquitoes away. She could imagine what her mother would say about her first dinner party, but there seemed to be no alternative.
Those stumps! she could almost hear her mother exclaim. How will your poor guests manage their plates? Beth didn’t know whether to agree with her mother or defend the seating arrangement. I sure hope Kate will wear a sensible dress for a visit to our mountains, she thought as she checked on the roast.
Jarrick agreed that the lovely fall afternoon would be a wonderful setting for a meal. He carried load after load of plates, utensils, and food down the long stairs. To Beth’s great relief, the pot roast seemed to have cooked to perfection, and everything else was soon dished up and ready.
Philip arrived with Edward and Kate just as Jarrick stepped out on the landing, bringing the pitcher of lemonade to the table. Beth could hear the sound of their approaching laughter. She checked her hair, wiped perspiration from her face with a tea towel, and hurried down to join them.
“It’s so good to see you all. I’ve been looking forward to this all week.” The words were true, as far as they went. She’d been rather terrified too. “Edward, this must be Kate. It’s so nice to meet you at last!”
The young woman was very pretty with a round face and smooth white skin set off by dark, perfectly bobbed hair. Surprisingly shy, Kate almost hid her beautiful brown eyes behind her long, full bangs, tipping her head down against Edward’s shoulder.
“This is my gal!” Edward boasted. “Katherine Duncan, this is Elizabeth Thatcher. Elizabeth, this is my Kate.”
“Hello, Elizabeth. I’m pleased to meet you,” the young woman said, extending a hand but remaining close to Edward.
Beth caught the hand in both of her own, smiling warmly. Kate’s skin was very soft and cool to the touch. She doesn’t fit here at all, Beth worried. Why on earth would this lovely creature want to come way out here to picnic in my backyard? “I’m sorry we can’t be indoors, Kate,” she quickly said. “I’m afraid my place just isn’t adequate for all of us. I hope you don’t mind sitting by the fire.”
“No, it’s fine. It’s lovely, actually.”
“We like to be outdoors,” Edward assured Beth as he slipped an arm around Kate. “You might not assume this by looking at her, but my Kate’s ready for anything.”
You’re right, Edward, I wouldn’t guess that. She appears in every way like a . . . like a china doll, and a timid one at that.
Beth took another look around, imagining how the setting probably seemed to the others, but she squared her shoulders and invited her guests to find seats, purposefully avoiding calling them stumps.
“We’re going to take advantage of our remaining nice weather and the wonderful views.” Philip agreed with a wink as Edward settled Kate on a stump and sat down on one nearby.
And then Beth heard the unmistakable sound of firm footsteps and a throat being cleared. Robert Harris Hughes had arrived. With as much poise as possible, she motioned toward him and announced, with appropriate enthusiasm, “Everyone, please may I present our second teacher. Yes, that’s correct. This year Coal Valley has been assigned two teachers. This is Mr. Robert Harris Hughes. He’s just come here from the East.”
Jarrick stepped forward for a handshake. “It’s good to meet you, Mr. Hughes. I’m Jack Thornton. Are you from Ontario?”
“Yes, from Hamilton. My family is in steel on the Hughes side and in education on the Harris side.” He raised those dark eyebrows high. “My grandmother, actually, was the one who encouraged me to keep both surnames so as not to overlook either side of the family tree. So it’s out of respect for her that I’ve chosen to honor her request, going by Harris Hughes. But please,” he offered without a pause, “please just call me Robert.”
He sure didn’t make such an offer to me, Beth inwardly protested as she began to remove coverings from the dishes on the table. But the duties of serving her meal, which did smell delicious, soon had her full attention. She couldn’t help but whisper when she couldn’t be overheard, “Thank You, Lord, that everything’s turned out all right.” And thanks to Marnie too. She would tell the girl later how impossible it would have been without her help.
The conversation flowed easily. Edward and Robert led most of the discussion with Jarrick and Philip interjecting frequently. Kate
was almost silent, though she often smiled at Edward. Somehow this young lady managed to maintain a feminine demeanor while sitting on a stump in the outdoors. I have no idea if she’s enjoying herself, Beth thought as she watched Kate. Or maybe she just likes being with Edward. She found herself smiling a little as she thought, I’m glad he’s found someone who seems to hold him in as high esteem as his mother does.
The sun was already disappearing behind the mountain peaks by the time most of the dishes had been carried back up the stairs by a procession of helpers and Beth had managed to serve pie and coffee. As the sunset faded, the flames from the bonfire seemed to come alive, casting glowing reflections on faces and hands.
Beth brought down a wrap for Kate and one for herself against the growing chill, and Jarrick rolled a cut log closer to Beth’s stump to sit beside her. She tucked her hand through Jarrick’s arm, and he slid his over it. She wondered if she could possibly feel happier, more at peace. And they liked my meal, she couldn’t help but exult.
Robert produced a pipe, sending puffs of smoke wafting upward with sparks from the fire. The night sky filling with stars provided a backdrop for an outline of dark pine trees. And the enjoyable conversation continued.
“Have you been to Europe, Edward?” Robert asked around the stem of his pipe.
“Why no, but we hope to travel there for our honeymoon. Not right away—it’ll have to be delayed, perhaps next summer. With the Force, you know, I can’t plan quite so far ahead.”
Robert shifted and leaned forward. “I’ve traveled rather extensively in Europe, and while there I met some interesting philosophers. I even attended a lecture on education by Bertrand Russell.”
“Indeed,” Edward acknowledged with a nod. “Logical Atomism and all that—I’ve read a little from his works during college. Not an assignment, mind you, simply what my peers were reading and discussing. It’s all very lofty and intellectual. I’m afraid it’s also a little heady and academic for me.”
Robert rested his elbows on his knees, and he was off. “Perhaps,” he countered, “but I feel he expounds upon many practical applications as well, particularly in light of modern educational theory. Our society is changing very quickly, not just in technological fields but also in the disciplines of philosophy and the humanities.” And on he went about discarding the “old ways” and that those achieving a higher degree of education would lead in advancements of thought. “It’s our duty as well as a privilege,” he added, leaning back with another puff on his pipe.
“I suppose it is, in a way,” Edward said, though he didn’t sound very convinced.
“Wasn’t he a pacifist—refused to fight during the Great War?” Philip interjected.
“He did, and he is.”
“Then forgive me, Robert, but in what sense has he truly been willing to defend society?”
Robert shrugged off the question, his lofty tone unchanged. “A discussion of Russell’s views on war and pacifism isn’t necessary in a discussion relating to education. Mind you, I believe it’s a worthy dialogue on its own. But if we’re to adequately address his ideas on social reform through schooling, I believe he has a fascinating perspective that should be examined carefully.”
Jarrick lowered his cup of coffee and smiled. “And you feel those perspectives apply even way out here, far away from, well, almost everything?”
“Of course. Here more than anywhere. You see, if his theories prove effective in a community as illiterate and underdeveloped as this, it fairly well substantiates their efficacy elsewhere.”
Beth felt herself stiffen at the man’s dismissive attitude about her beloved Coal Valley.
He went on. “That, in fact, is the primary reason I’ve traveled so far from my home. To test his model in the most extreme of environments.”
Beth felt an involuntary shudder, and she took a deep breath. He’s here to experiment on our children? To somehow prove that his and Russell’s ideas are the correct ones for all of us?
“You see, Philip, that’s precisely what I’ve been saying,” Robert continued. “Without education we can’t change the tenor of our society—can’t help the common man to rise above his own expectations regarding his position and duties. And this is never more apparent than in conditions where little has been offered to uplift a man’s dignity, where his sense of self is confined by the manual labor into which he’s been thrust, as if he had no choice in the matter.”
“Oh, I do agree that education is important, Robert,” the pastor responded. “And I think you’re absolutely correct about the assumptions often made. But I don’t believe education alone brings the type of change you’re suggesting without also engaging a person’s heart. We weren’t created to be one-dimensional people. There’s so much more to the idea of personhood than just one’s mind.”
“Yes, yes. And Russell certainly accounted for that, but—”
“No, I don’t think you understand what I’m saying,” Philip persisted. “It’s not that somehow we may discover something in how we view ourselves or our environment that we’ll find suitably fulfilling, that will help us rise above the daily struggle for existence. I’m saying that everything in the natural world proclaims there’s something infinitely more—some wisdom and reason behind everything we see. Just look around. It doesn’t take a college degree to see it.” Philip gestured in the darkness and up toward the stars hanging as if within reach. “We aren’t the center of it all. But I do believe we’re of inestimable value, because we were made in the image of a loving and creative God. That’s where our sense of self and dignity comes from—from the marvelous Creator who filled the world with such incredible beauty and gave it to us for a time. It all underscores the value He places on us, His creation.”
“I see. Well, of course this would be your point of view. You are, after all, a religious man by vocation. Though I will say, there’s begun a movement within the most prestigious religious colleges to cast aside such antiquated—”
“I’m not just a religious man by vocation,” Philip put in, “but it’s the foundation of every facet of who I am. The fact that I know I have a Creator and a Savior changes every thought and action.”
Beth was very grateful to hear Philip speaking so directly with this man. She had sensed there was much more to Mr. Robert Harris Hughes’s theories of education, and now she felt she understood better just what she was up against. Who knows what all he’s been teaching to his class? I’ll have to actually listen from time to time. Perhaps I could counter those things for the older children during our Bible club. She shuddered again and felt Jarrick’s arm reach around to draw her close, as if she were simply cold. Beth nestled up against him, grateful to accept his warmth along with his unspoken support.
Jarrick bunked in the cottage Philip shared with two other men, coming over to the boarding house for meals. On Saturday the couple spent the morning with Frank and Molly. After lunch they walked outside for a while, ending at the church. Beth drew Jarrick into the sanctuary, hoping to make some decisions about their wedding. She called out, “Hello . . . Philip, are you here?”
He appeared quickly from the small door at the side of the platform. “Hello, Beth. Jack. I thought you might stop in. Maybe you’ve come to discuss your wedding?”
Jarrick laughed. “That would seem appropriate, I suppose. If you ask me, there’s lots of time. But I doubt Beth sees things quite that way.”
“Yes, I think she’s probably ready to plan now.”
Beth looked around, not certain how to begin. “I, um . . .” Her mind was suddenly overcome by what to mention first—the attendants, the decorations, the ceremony itself? What does the pastor need to know, and what should wait till later?
Jarrick broke the spell. “Let’s start with you, Phil. Will you marry us?”
Beth blinked hard, unable to meet his eye. That had been one of her unanswered questions.
“Of course. I’d be honored to do it. And maybe then you’ll be able to stop sleeping on
my floor every time you come to town.” He grinned and reached out to shake Jarrick’s hand. “Seriously, though, I was hoping you would ask.”
“Well, who else?” They laughed together.
Beth worked to gather her composure. “I have some notes—I don’t have them with me now. But I had a few more questions regarding how the wedding—”
“Say,” Philip announced, “I have a copy of a ceremony in the back. Let’s go to my office and look through that.”
She followed dutifully in line, frowning downward toward the brown carpet. Several patched-together bookshelves, a rather scarred desk, and four mismatched chairs furnished the small office. “Sorry it’s not very tidy yet,” he said, motioning them to the chairs. “It’s difficult to get everything put away, and I still have boxes of books. Some I haven’t even brought from Lethbridge yet.” He hurried on. “I received most of them from a pastor friend in Calgary, a mentor really, who retired. I can’t tell you how grateful I am.” Rustling through a stack of papers, he uncovered the wedding-ceremony booklet. “This is what I’ve got. You of course can modify things, but it gives you the basic format.” He passed it to Jarrick. “Take it with you. I don’t suppose I’ll need it back anytime soon.”
“Thanks.”
They both turned toward Beth. “What else?” Philip wondered.
She felt her face flush. “I’m not sure. I . . .” Their attentive expressions made it difficult to collect her thoughts.
Philip chuckled, his eyes twinkling, and said, “Well, I can understand that. You’ve never done this before.”
“So we’ll try to get it right the first time,” Jarrick shot back, to more laughter.
Their levity didn’t help. Oh, Jarrick, I wish we could have discussed this alone first. At last Beth managed quietly, “Well, I was thinking of using white tulle to decorate.”
“White what?” Philip’s brow furrowed.
“A tool?” Jarrick repeated.
“Tulle. It’s a fabric. It’s soft and makes nice bows. It drapes well. . . .” Beth’s explanation trailed off as she realized both men were hopelessly bewildered by the topic. “All right, maybe we should look around for a bit, talk a little by ourselves, and sort out what needs to be decided now and what can wait.” Beth didn’t feel as confident as her words sounded, but the other two seemed relieved.
