Part 1: Chapter 42: 1888: Winnipeg,
The Grants Celebrate Their Anniversary
The family had left Red Deer at the end of March and arrived in Winnipeg at the beginning of April. The Grants had been in the normal, non-sleeping cars, but Nate and Colleen had found that just as exciting. Colleen talked to everyone she could when she could. They had decided to not break Edith's and Regina's room contamination for the train ride. When the families met up, they took their rides to the house and had a quiet night in. The doctors were eager to be back in the city. Regina and Harris both were excited about being back with more comfortable amenities. Edith was, once more, responsible for the children's teaching (she had them all reading age appropriate books in foreign languages, by now).
Regina's health was deteriorating every day. Harris' headaches were being more forceful.
"I've only been able to enjoy being an aunt for less than a year. I am making it to their birthdays," Regina stated firmly from her sick bed as the others would greet her in the mornings.
Ophelia would give her a look of disbelief.
"James, I have a list," Regina said firmly and pointed to her paper list of presents for Nate and Colleen. It was quite long.
Ophelia and Archie both flinched at the length and knowing Regina they would be expensive.
"I feel like we should get final approval over that," Ophelia said.
James and Edith nodded in agreement.
Regina rolled her eyes and glared but nodded.
James handed over the list to the Grant parents.
Archie and Ophelia read down the list.
"A Nate size rockin' horse," Archie read.
"A full-sized doll house," Ophelia added.
"With a full selection of dolls and dresses," Archie continued.
"Books and shelves for both," Ophelia said.
"Clothes in current fashion," Archie said.
"Regina, this list is ridiculous," Ophelia said.
"I am their auntie. I only get one time to spoil them and enjoy it!" Regina protested.
Ophelia narrowed her eyes.
"I thought that these would be things they can use for a long time. I didn't think you would go for my first choices," Regina said.
"Which were?" Archie asked.
"A full-grown horse and tack for Nate. A complete Society wardrobe for Colleen," Regina said.
Edith flinched at that.
"Her list on the paper is definitely cheaper," Edith said.
James nodded in agreement.
Regina smiled.
"So, are you approving them?" Regina asked.
Archie and Ophelia gave each other a long look, before handing the paper to James.
Regina smirked in her way, then leaned against her pillows.
"We will need to discuss our presents to them, as well," Edith said softly.
"Sure," Archie agreed, before they were interrupted by Colleen and Nate bounding into Regina's room followed more sedately by Harris.
"Sorry, Mother, but Colleen and Nate were discussing important dates in their family, and mentioned one that is very close and no one has mentioned it before," Harris said softly.
The Normandeaus all looked at him and the Grants curiously.
"It's Mama and Daddy's wedding anniversary tomorrow!" Colleen said happily.
"Really?" Edith asked in surprise.
"Yup," Archie answered as Ophelia nodded.
"Why on earth haven't you said something before now?" Regina glowered.
"We don't usually do much to celebrate it," Ophelia said.
"What do you do?" Edith asked.
"I make a special breakfast and dinner. Archie gives me flowers," Ophelia answered.
The room went silent.
"…and?" Regina prodded.
"That's pretty much it. We can't afford to do anything else," Archie replied.
Regina was looking at them in between shock and horror.
"Well, you're doing something this year," Regina finally said.
"Regina, with your health…" Ophelia said.
"I'm not the one going out," Regina argued.
"But…" Ophelia started.
"You're going out! And we're paying for it," Regina said.
"Regina is right. While you are out shopping this afternoon pick something nice for yourselves," Edith said before Ophelia could argue anymore.
James escorted Archie and Ophelia to the shops in Winnipeg. They were using the carriage to carry their purchases.
"What exactly are your two planning?" Ophelia asked skeptically as she looked at the high-end toy store.
"For Nate we want to give him a training saddle," James said.
Ophelia and Archie looked at each had planned the same thing, before the house repair issue.
"Sounds good," Archie agreed.
"For Colleen we want to give her a full set of artist tools," James said.
Ophelia and Archie both agreed, knowing that neither of them could teach her that skill.
The family walked around the toy store and easily managed to find each toy on the list of Regina's. But Archie and Ophelia were having problems with the prices. They soon left and went to some shops for clothes. They found some pre-made outfits for the children, but Ophelia also found some functional fabrics to make some clothes with. She also found some yarn for knitting.
They then ate lunch.
"Do you two have any idea on how you want to celebrate your anniversary tomorrow?" James asked.
"Nothing too involved, or she won't go," Archie said with a twinkle in his eye.
"I would argue, but he's right," Ophelia said with a headshake.
"What did you do before the children?" James asked.
"If we could afford it, we had a meal at a diner or café," Ophelia said.
"If it was nice enough, we walked through the park and exchanged gifts," Archie added.
"Always homemade," Ophelia said.
"What was the dream destination? Where did you want to go someday?" James asked.
They looked at each other for a moment.
"The dream was never a specific place, so much as an idea," Archie said.
"Oh?" James asked.
"We dreamed about not having to pick one thing to do, and being able to eat more than one thing out," Archie explained.
"Especially at Antonio's," Ophelia added with a long look of reminiscing.
"Antonio's?" James asked.
"A mid-grade Italian restaurant. It was our favorite restaurant. All of the food was good, but we went for the desert, tiramisu. Someone has a sweet tooth," Archie whispered, leaning into James, pointing over at Ophelia.
"I don't think that is a surprise to anyone," Ophelia said with a blush.
James and Archie both laughed.
"Let us buy you nice outfits, something new, but you can wear again on special occasions," James said as they ended their lunch and went back to stores, but now for adults.
Archie and Ophelia reluctantly agreed.
James got them set up in a store and left them some cash for both of them while he went back outside to go plan their anniversary. They all finished their tasks and went home with a very full carriage.
When they returned to the house, the servants all took out their purchases and easily separated which gifts needed to hide where.
"I suppose that is one of the benefits of such a large house, plenty of places to hide gifts," Archie said with a wink.
"Or forget where you hid them," Ophelia said.
"That's more often the case," James admitted.
Archie chuckled as Ophelia smiled.
"I would think hiding something from Edith would be simple," Archie teased as they walked to her parlor.
"Edith, yes. Rachel finding things meant for Edith is where I struggle," James explained.
"That makes more sense," Ophelia said.
"Our struggle is the small space. Colleen is too curious, and Nate is too good at finding things," Archie said.
"Yeah, you've seen what can happen when they team up," Ophelia said, remembering back to the treasure hunts.
James nodded.
The children were just finishing their last lesson of the day in the parlor when the group entered after their showers and change of clothes.
"Was your shopping trip successful?" Edith asked.
"Yes, it was," Archie replied.
James nodded knowing she was asking about the preparations she had ordered him to manage for the Grant's anniversary. Edith smiled.
The next day was spent celebrating the Grants' wedding anniversary, starting with a special breakfast made by Rachel, and cards that Edith and the children had made while they had been away.
"It's not even that big of a milestone," Archie said as they opened the cards.
Ophelia nodded in agreement.
"It absolutely is. After this past year and everything you've been through, you're both alive and still together," Edith said firmly.
Archie took a moment to look at Ophelia. She just raised an eyebrow back.
"Both are true," Archie admitted after he had thought about what Edith had said.
"We've prepared a date night for you. Nothing overly expensive, but will allow you to enjoy yourselves," Edith said.
James nodded.
"A night?" Ophelia asked, having not been away from both of her children for extended hours, ever.
"More like an afternoon and evening," James clarified.
"Colleen and Nate will be fine," Edith said before Ophelia could protest.
"But…" Ophelia said.
"We've established a pretty close relationship with them over the past year. They know to mind us. We won't even be leaving the house," Edith said.
"Dear God, has it been a year already?" Archie muttered under his breath.
"Almost. April 19th," Edith smiled gently.
Archie shook his head and laughed at her for knowing the exact date.
"Do you know it up to the hour?" Archie teased.
"Yes. James brought Nate into our home at 1:05 p.m. on April 19th. I will be forever grateful that you trusted us with him. The past year has been full of so many bad things, but it has been one of the richest of my life for having all of you around and in it," Edith said emotionally.
"We would all be dead if you hadn't helped us," Ophelia said with just as much emotion. "Multiple times over. I have no idea how to repay you for your kindness."
Edith smiled at her.
"Stop grumbling about us spending money on you and your family," Edith teased.
Ophelia opened her mouth.
"What good is having a lot of money if you can't do good with it? We promise not to do anything too overly grand or ostentatious, but these things are meant to be presents," Edith said.
Ophelia glared at her.
"Well?" Edith asked.
"Fine," Ophelia agreed, "but only on presents."
Edith beamed.
James and Archie were both surprised that Ophelia hadn't haggled the "too extravagant" clause, and the "just presents" was still very open ended. But neither Edith nor James was going to say anything about it in front of Ophelia, and Archie just was going with his wife's decision on the matter.
Ophelia was soon taken away to get dressed for her date with Archie. Regina had asked for her to prepare in her room so she could be part of it. No one disagreed. So it was a full room of women helping Ophelia get ready.
Sally started with her hair. Since it was short still, she only managed to curl the bottoms, but they still looked elegant. Molly then lightly applied make-up. Nothing too over the top or making it feel like Ophelia was a circus clown. It all emphasized Ophelia's simple beauty.
"Now for your jewelry," Regina said.
"I don't have any. Not here anyway," Ophelia said.
Sally and Rachel gave each other a look.
"We've been keeping your brooch with Edith's jewels," Rachel admitted as she carried over a velvet pouch.
"We didn't want it to get lost or stolen," Sally said, "and you didn't seem to have a safe place at your home."
Ophelia opened the pouch to find her ruby brooch, nice and cleaned.
"I had begun to think I had lost this. It's another thing I will be thankful for," Ophelia said with tears in her eyes.
"The brooch is nice, but you need a necklace," Regina said.
"I don't have one," Ophelia said.
"I'm letting you borrow one of mine," Regina said. Regina had Molly open up her jewelry box and let Ophelia pick from hers.
Many of the pieces were made for High Society and to make a statement of wealth. There was one that was simple and modest and had one small diamond on a simple silver chain. Ophelia picked that.
Regina smiled knowingly.
"I figured you would pick this one," she said when Ophelia showed it to her.
"Am I that predictable?" Ophelia asked.
"Yes," Edith and Regina both answered.
"I'm surprised you have something so simple, Regina," Ophelia said as she looked at the necklace.
"This was the only piece of jewelry Nathan had the time and money to give me," Regina admitted. "He knew that I was used to more expensive pieces. But he also said that when we got home, he would buy a ring."
"This is priceless then," Ophelia said with tears in her eyes knowing exactly how much the only piece of jewelry from the man you love could mean to a person.
Regina nodded.
"It is my most cherished," she admitted.
"I don't think I should borrow it then. I don't want to accidentally lose it," Ophelia said, handing it back.
Regina smiled at her.
"Please wear it. It needs to be shown off one last time. Besides, I think Nathan would like it if you wore it," Regina said.
Ophelia gave her a look.
"It would be like he is chaperoning you. He didn't get to meet Archie after all," Regina added.
Ophelia smiled, but nodded in agreement.
"I promise to take care of it," Ophelia said.
"I know you will," Regina added.
When Ophelia was finally ready, she found Archie in the front parlor. He was in his new suit, but in a relaxed way. His sleeves were rolled up and the top buttons of his shirt were undone. The jacket lay across the back of the couch. He had Nate on his shoulders and was chasing Colleen around the table. Archie was talking to both of them with affection and his normal cheer. Ophelia's heart started dancing in her chest. Yes, they had been married for 11 years, and she knew every bit of Archie, even the unpleasant things, but he had only grown more handsome to her, and when he played with the children, he was twice as handsome.
Ophelia enjoyed watching them for a moment before Archie noticed her presence. He took in a breath at seeing her. Her dress was royal blue, simple but elegant with her dark hair and dark eyes.
"Ya take me breath away," Archie said as he looked at his wife with love.
Ophelia blushed.
"I don't know why that still makes ya turn red. I must not be saying it enough," Archie teased as he put Nate on the ground to take Ophelia into his arms.
"No, I tell Edith that all the time, and she still sighs heavily and rolls her eyes," James said as he escorted his wife into the parlor.
"That's because any un-biased person would disagree. You love me with rose-colored glasses," Edith said as she pushed at his face.
"Nate agreed with me the first time you met," James pointed out with a smirk.
"Nate is truly one of the most respectful children I have ever met. I don't know how you two managed to make him see beneath everyone's appearance to their goodness, all in a glance, but that is also something I've admired about you both," Edith admitted while looking between Archie and Ophelia.
"I think it's part of his nature, but we both experienced enough of the world saying nasty things about either of us, that we don't want our children to become those types of people," Archie admitted.
Ophelia nodded.
"The driver has your itinerary," James said in order to get them moving.
"Enjoy your evening, Mama, Daddy," Colleen said as she bounded around the corner of the table.
Archie picked her up to hug and kiss her one last time.
"Be good for them, yeah?" Archie said.
"I'll try," Colleen promised.
Ophelia gave her a stern look when she was passed over to her arms.
"I will be good, Mama," Colleen promised as she took in her mother's message.
"You had better," Ophelia said as she kissed her daughter's cheek.
"You look very pretty, Mama," Colleen said as Ophelia put her down.
"Thank you, my dear," Ophelia smiled.
"Happy anniversary, Daddy," Nate smiled.
"Thank you, me love," Archie gave him a hug and a kiss.
"Make sure Colleen doesn't destroy the house," Ophelia whispered into Nate's ear as she hugged her son.
"I will, Mama," Nate promised.
The Grants were finally in the carriage and waved until they couldn't be seen anymore.
"How long before Colleen becomes a problem?" Archie asked as they faced forward in their seats.
"They're definitely going to have to recruit the staff tonight," Ophelia said with a smile before leaning into Archie's side.
The first stop of their date was in a large park in the city center.
"I'll be waiting here when you're ready to go to your next stop," the driver said as he helped them down.
Ophelia nodded in thanks.
They started walking down the path, hand-in-hand. Taking long walks through a park was how they had gotten to know each other when they were courting. It is where most of their difficult conversations had taken place. But when they had moved to Red Deer, the walks had stopped.
"I've forgotten how nice this is," Archie admitted as he pointed between the two of them. Ophelia nodded in agreement.
"Why did we stop?" Archie asked.
"Life," Ophelia said. "We both got so busy with the children and work and all those things that got put into our paths."
Archie nodded at her deduction.
"Ophelia, I'm so sorry," Archie said with raw emotion in his voice.
"For?" Ophelia asked.
"A lot of things. For letting me addiction come in between our time together. We didn't get to celebrate our 10-year anniversary at all, because it fell on a day I was helping Ed. Then, I let me boss threaten me, and it's become more of problem with me playing. I wasn't around nearly enough, even after almost dying. Ya would think having a near death experience would have set me on a straight path, but I couldn't stay on it. When Edith mentioned this morning how we are celebrating still being together, it made me realize that ya would have been more than patient and understanding of me and my issues, and ya have every reason in the world to pack at any time," Archie said struggling with admitting his failings over the year.
Ophelia watched him struggle with this for a moment.
"Archie, you have done a lot over the year that I had been angry at you about. But you playing for your boss, was because of your boss. I can see you struggling with it and that breaks my heart. You did the best you could given the circumstances. And really, finally meeting Seamus in person made me realize how good you are, Archie. You could have easily been just as swayed into hurting others with how your father treated you both. You could have easily been that type of man who hits women and children. I still have nightmares about being hit so hard by Seamus. But when I wake up, I am so thankful every time that you have never given me cause to be afraid of you. Especially when I think about how stubborn I am. Most men don't enjoy having an assertive wife. I would probably have gone back to Winnipeg and still be single. I don't know why you decided that plain, boring me was good enough, but I am thankful you did," Ophelia said.
"I've never understood why ya think yer plain. Yer beautiful without needing to try. And as for ya being boring, Ophelia, you and the children are me best adventure. I love ya all so much," Archie said as he made sure to look into her brown eyes.
"I love you, too," Ophelia said softly.
They kissed each other long and hard.
He rested his head against hers when they pulled away to catch their breath.
"How bad is the addiction, Archie?" Ophelia finally asked into his chest.
Archie sighed and she could feel his hands start to shake thinking about it.
"It's the worst I've ever felt," Archie admitted.
Ophelia sighed into his chest.
"Do we need to move again?" Ophelia asked.
"We can't afford to," Archie reminded her.
"I'm sure Edith and James wouldn't mind giving us a loan," Ophelia reminded him.
"I also don't want to have to move us away from the one support we have," Archie admitted.
Ophelia smiled at him.
"What?" he asked.
"You said they are 'our' support. I'm just glad you realize they can help you as well," Ophelia said.
They smiled at each other.
"What are we doing to help with your addiction then?" Ophelia asked.
"I don't even know," Archie admitted.
"Would our walks help?" Ophelia asked, knowing that when they had lived in Cape Fullerton, when Archie was feeling a strong urge to gamble, he had tried to overcome it by taking walks with her.
"Maybe, but our lives are so much more complicated now. I don't know how I can go each time," Archie said.
"We'll take it day-by-day. And maybe you can walk with James, too," Ophelia suggested.
The couple walked slowly back to the carriage. As the got to the more walked path, they began to hear whispers about the two of them.
"Who are they?"
"New to town, obviously."
"Yes. He's handsome! I bet he's charming, too."
"Why do you care? He's obviously taken."
The first snorted in derision.
"By her? She's got such short hair, she could be mistaken for a boy."
"Until you look down at her chest and hips. They obviously are parents."
"Which means she's sagging and has birth scars!"
There was a pause.
"Don't give me that look! What red blooded male can resist a young nubile woman? Everything about her is plain! I bet he is like every other husband and doesn't mind stepping out with 'the boys' to have a dalliance with the young pert women in the world."
"You read too many romance novels," her friend glared. "Not every man steps out on their wives, and to me he looks like he loves her!"
"That's because I do," Archie finally turned and glared at the women who had been following behind them.
Both women gasped and blushed at being caught. Neither were able to say anything.
"And not that it is any of yer business, but the reasons I love her will take a lifetime together to say. And if ya think she is just plain, then yer not looking at her properly," Archie said as he turned his blue eyes to Ophelia. They were very blue showing the love he had for her. He never let their eye contact wane as he picked up her left hand and intentionally gave a kiss to the inside of her wrist so they could see her wedding band. Ophelia smiled at him. He winked at her back.
The women both bobbed a curtsey and hurried away.
"Well, that was fun," Archie's eyes twinkled.
"And you wonder where I get the idea I'm plain," Ophelia gestured at their retreating backs.
"But yer not," Archie said with authority.
Ophelia just gave him another look.
"Who are ya going to believe? Strangers or your husband?" Archie asked
"I think I'm going to take Edith's comment and say you love me with rose colored glasses," Ophelia said.
Archie sighed. Just before they reached the carriage drive, Archie pulled her tightly into his arms so that he could lean down and kiss her hard and deep. Ophelia ended up wrapping her arms around his neck somewhere in this process.
"Wh…wh..what was that for?" Ophelia asked as they caught their breath.
"Well for one, I like kissing ya," Archie teased.
Ophelia gave him a look.
"Second, I am yer husband, I can kiss ya whenever I want,"
Ophelia opened her mouth.
"Third, I'm trying to prove to ya how beautiful ya are," Archie said softly.
Ophelia looked at him through her chocolate eyes.
"Let's go," Ophelia said after she cleared her throat.
Archie helped her up into the carriage. Their driver shut the door firmly.
They were taken to an Italian restaurant called Caesar's.
"Ah, Signor and Signore Grant, welcome to Caesar's. We have a special table in a private room all ready for you," the owner of the restaurant said with an Italian accent.
They followed him to the back where they were able to eat in a romantic and quiet atmosphere. It was simple, but elegant.
"Major Normandeau said you are celebrating your anniversary?" he asked.
The Grants nodded as Archie pulled out Ophelia's chair and helped her sit.
"Do you know the Normandeaus?" Archie asked.
"Not personally. He just stopped in yesterday to make sure you were taken care of. But of course, everyone knows of the Normandeau family. And the major himself is becoming more well-known with his heroism. Seems silly not to do what he asks," the man said with a smile.
Archie and Ophelia looked at each other.
"He's obviously good friends with you both. He wanted me to make sure that you ordered whatever you want," the man said as he put the menus on their table.
Archie smiled.
Ophelia looked down.
"James managed to find an Italian restaurant with the exact prices Antonio's would have," Ophelia said as she looked at the menu. "Are we splitting things?"
Archie gave her a look before laughing at her.
"This is a gift, remember?" Archie said. "Ya promised not 10 hours ago to not complain about the money spent on gifts."
Ophelia blushed at the reminder.
"You're right, I did," Ophelia said.
"Why did ya not fight the terms and conditions?" Archie asked.
"Because Edith and James aren't Regina. They would honor what I would label as extravagant…and a lot of the more ridiculous type presents would be extravagant. I've also been learning and coming to terms that their way of showing love is through giving expensive things."
"That's true enough," Archie admitted.
"But, seriously, are we splitting things? We aren't young people with iron stomachs," Ophelia whispered as she leaned forward and put her right elbow on the table. Archie couldn't help his laugh.
"We'll start with dessert. Get two orders of tiramisu and go from there," Archie's eyes twinkled.
"I'm not even going to argue," Ophelia said with a giggle.
"We need to mark this day on the calendar for that alone," Archie teased.
Ophelia gave him a small glare, but she quickly smiled.
"To 11 wonderful years," Ophelia said after their waiter had left them their wine.
"To several lifetimes," Archie said as he raised his wine glass. They clinked gently and each took a sip.
The Grants left the restaurant happy and full. It was late (for them) so the driver returned them back to the house. Archie and Ophelia walked into the parlor and noticed that everything had a newly cleaned shine and smell to it. And there were some missing vases.
Archie couldn't help the chuckle that escaped his lips.
"Colleen," they both said.
They quietly approached the children's bedroom. Colleen was sleeping with her stuffed bear. Her quilt had fallen off. Archie went to pick it up and put it on her. He kissed her head. Nate was curled around Sirius (no one had the heart to even attempt to leave him behind). Sirius had opened one eye when the Grant parents had walked in but had shut it when he saw his people were safe.
After checking on their children, they went to their bedroom where Archie was determined to thoroughly prove how beautiful Ophelia was.
I just have to say that Elizabeth's rudeness and cruel treatment to Allie and Nathan in the season opener is absolutely ridiculous! She hinted so much last season to Nathan to ask her out, and then he does and then she freezes! And he respects her enough to let her think about it. Then nothing comes of it because "they had spent so much time apart." But he asks her again, and she still needs time, he lets her think about it…again. She makes the excuse of Jack, and then accepts when he makes it a family meal. I know that this stupid love triangle isn't going to be resolved until the end, but to have her bail on their dinner was not acceptable! The Elizabeth that we know has the strength to agree to an out of town, unchaperoned date with Lucas (because let's be real, they barely were allowed to touch each other back then, widow or not, two consenting adults or not, a single woman and a single man did NOT go out of town overnight without a chaperone, without it being a bad look for the woman, which Elizabeth knows!), but she can't agree and is too afraid to eat a meal with Nathan, Allie, and Jack? Apparently, she needs the plaque inside the church instead of the library, so she can see it more often.
I do have to say that the only things that will be clarified in MY story from this episode is the name of Allie's father. I had a different name, but I pegged the type of person he is pretty on point. I have also pegged Nathan pretty well—when a girl treats him badly, he will still be the gentleman and make sure she is escorted home safely (spoilers for teenage Nathan's heartbreak)!
Sorry about the ranting above, but my friends don't watch the show!
Thanks for the positive feedback.