Chapter 49
Breakfast on the train was delicious and the coffee strong. It was fortifying for the long day that awaited them. Nathan and Elizabeth made sure everyone was dressed and ready for Hamilton before Peter arrived with the food. They dressed the children in a more casual outfit because of the promise to go to the park. Elizabeth didn't want their new clothes mussed. Elizabeth and Nathan were dressed in one of their Sunday best because they knew there were shops that they still had to go to before the hotel. Before arriving in Hamilton Elizabeth and Allie stowed everything they wore and used the last two days back in their luggage. Elizabeth wanted to be ready to disembark when the train pulled into the station. Peter came to clear the plates and told them that they would arrive in Hamilton in approximately half an hour. They would arrive right on time.
Julie arrived a little early because she knew trains could be early or late depending on weather and numerous other factors. She didn't want Elizabeth waiting long with the children and several pieces of luggage. Even though Nathan was a Mountie, he wouldn't be in uniform, the train station was notoriously bad for theft. Julie had arranged for two cars, one to take the luggage to the house and the other for them. She knew that one car wouldn't be big enough and she didn't want the luggage left unattended. Julie had arranged for the luggage to be put in the three rooms at the house. There were a couple maids that she trusted and they wouldn't tell her mother about the third room. She had most of the staff wrapped around her fingers and they wouldn't share things she said in confidence.
Julie was impatiently waiting for the train when she heard, "Aunt Julie," being yelled from the platform behind her. She turned an saw Allie waving from a private car. Elizabeth, Allie, and little Jack met her half way for hugs. Nathan was helping the porter with the cases. Julie motioned for the man standing next to her to go help with the luggage. The driver was waiting with the car but Julie had asked for one of the yard staff to come with her to get the cases and take them to the house. Nathan let Julie pull him into a hug when he reached his family. Knowing that Julie was on their side calmed some of his nerves.
Elizabeth explained to Julie that she promised the children that they would go to the park to play for a while before they went shopping, "Julie, the children need to stretch their legs. They have been cooped up in a train car for two days and nights. I would love a walk as well. I could use the fresh air to calm the nerves before the party." Elizabeth could read Nathan like a book and knew that underneath his calm demeanor his nerves were getting the best of him. He was worried but he wouldn't let her shoulder that burden. He thought it was his way of protecting her. By now, she knew just what to do when he got that way. They all walked to the car and Julie instructed the driver to take them Gore park.
Julie sat on one of the benches watching Allie chase little Jack around the park close to where she was sitting. Julie had agreed to keep an eye on the children while Nathan and Elizabeth took a walk around the park. They were still nearby but out of earshot. Elizabeth wrapped her arm around Nathan's arm and calmly said, "Nathan our mothers use these parties as leverage to maintain their social status. I loved the parties when I was younger but I didn't care about the politics of the society matrons. I wanted to be who I was destined to be not what my mother wanted me to be. I wanted to teach and I chose to go west. I might have a few regrets but I don't regret leaving Hamilton or choosing Hope Valley for my home. I don't regret marrying Jack instead of Charles. I definitely don't regret adopting Allie or marrying you. Marrying you is one of the best things I've ever done and I feel blessed everyday we have together. You need to trust Julie and I and follow the plan for tonight. Everything will fall into place and no matter what we are a family!" Nathan couldn't believe that Elizabeth knew exactly what he was worrying about without him saying a word. She had a knack for reading him even though no one else ever could. Bill got close sometimes.
After a couple hours, they went to the shops to pick up the outfits Julie had ordered and after making sure everything fit well, they drove to the hotel. Julie had booked a suite and had lunch waiting. They were all hungry after the time at the park. Little Jack and Nathan went into the second bedroom and laid down for a nap. It was going to be a long day and little Jack needed a rest. Nathan thought he would rest too while the ladies, including Allie did their nails, hair, and makeup. Elizabeth promised just powder and gloss for Allie. They both agreed she was too young for more makeup than that.
When it was four o'clock, Elizabeth woke Nathan and little Jack, they had fallen asleep on the bed. Little Jack was snuggled up against Nathan's chest. She knew Nathan would need to get dressed in his tuxedo and leave with Allie by five or so. She knew he would probably want to bathe and shave first though. Allie was excited to get into her new dress but Elizabeth told her to wait a bit longer until her Uncle was almost ready so her dress wouldn't get crinkled. Elizabeth could tell that Allie was excited to see her Grandmother and tell her about life in Hope Valley.
Allie had been told several times not to mention that Elizabeth and Nathan were married or about the details regarding her adoption until after Elizabeth and little Jack arrived. When Nathan almost ready, Julie helped Allie into her dress while Elizabeth helped Nathan with his bow tie. He looked very handsome and distinguished. She whispered that into his ear and made him blush. She gave him a kiss that made his knees weak before dusting off some invisible particles from his shoulder. He hated the tux but he would wear it for Elizabeth. At half past five, the father and daughter duo left in the car Julie had arranged for them to go meet his mother and stepfather. He knew they would see Elizabeth and little Jack in a little over an hour. His mother had said that she wanted him there by six because guests would start arriving soon after. He also knew that by arriving just before the required time his mother wouldn't have time to talk prior to their guests arriving. The party was set to start at seven according to the invitation.
Nathan hated the white gloves that he wore. He wore gloves every day when in uniform but they were soft leather, these gloves were tight and uncomfortable but they did hide his wedding ring. That wouldn't be revealed until after he presented Elizabeth to his mother as his wife. Elizabeth had told him to just be polite when his mother introduced him to everyone and to try and smile. Elizabeth knew Allie would be beside him and would make him behave. Elizabeth also told him that the Hamilton "royalty" as she liked to call it would arrive last. She predicted her parents would arrive no more than ten minutes prior to seven.
When Allie and Nathan arrived at his mother's new home, they were both surprised by the size of the estate. Nathan then wondered about the Thatcher estate and how it compared. They rang the bell and the butler answered. He asked, "May I have your name sir, I need to verify you are on the guest list?" Nathan was shocked but he hadn't visited his mother here before so he answered. He didn't like the formality but with confidence he said, "Nathan and Allie Grant, my mother is expecting us." He went past the shorter man with purpose in his step. He commanded authority in the way he walked into the house. Allie was so proud of her Uncle. The butler, closed the door and apologetically asked them to follow him to the great room where the Mr. and Mrs. Prescott would be greeting their guests.
When Nathan and Allie walked into the room it was a beehive of activity. His mother was fussing with a tablecloth and servers were busy arranging glasses and platters full of food. Mr. Prescott, he assumed, had a pipe in his lips and was reading a paper while everyone rushed around him. He seemed oblivious to his surroundings. Nathan cleared his throat and the man looked up. His mother trying to look dignified walked up to him and smiled. She didn't hug him or Allie. She said, "Nathan, Allie, I'm so glad you could make time to visit. I'd like you to meet Harvey, my husband. I'm hoping that you will enjoy Hamilton and want to stay for a while. There are so many friends, I'd like to introduce you to." Harvey stood up and Nathan towered over him as they shook hands. Before his mother could greet Allie the doorbell rang again. The guests were starting to arrive. All Nathan could think was let the games begin before Allie and him took their place standing beside Harvey and his mother.