Chapter 47

Elizabeth was glad that she hadn't mailed her letters yet. She was going to add to her letter to Julie to include what Nathan had told her about his mother. She had asked Nathan his mother's married name and asked Julie to do a little research on the woman. Elizabeth wanted to be prepared. She also wanted Julie to let her know of any events either mother was planning while they were going to be in Hamilton. Elizabeth knew her mother would throw at least one dinner party if not more and suspected that Nathan's mother would try to introduce her son to the eligible young ladies though she could be wrong. If she could get Julie to play along her and Nathan would surprise the mothers at the first event. The mothers would be in for a shock and she knew Julie would love to see their mother put in her place. Elizabeth loved her mother but she was overbearing and unrelenting when it came to what she felt was best for her daughters. Elizabeth finished the revision of her letter to Julie and made note to mail them the next day.

Elizabeth urged Nathan to finish the letter to his mother too so she could mail all three at the same time. He did as Elizabeth requested but his letter was short and to the point. It stated that they would arrive on the morning of July 26 and they would be there for ten days before departing. Nathan had agreed to take two weeks of vacation and the train would be two days each way. He really didn't have anything more to include so he just signed the letter and sealed the envelope. He really hoped Elizabeth knew what she was doing. Elizabeth assured him that she knew what she was doing and that it would be fun to put the society matrons in their place.

During the weeks prior to their trip to Hamilton, Elizabeth and Nathan spent a lot of time at the new house trying to get it finished so they could move in when they returned. Elizabeth and Allie were painting and staining the walls and floors. Little Jack liked to watch Nathan work in the workshop and could usually be found beside his stepfather. When Nathan wasn't in his uniform, he was usually customizing something for the house. Nathan had even made little Jack a wooden tool set so he could help. The house was truly starting to feel like home. A home they made together for their family.

A few days prior to their visit Nathan received a letter from his mother letting him know that she had arranged a welcome party for him and Allie for the evening of the 26th. She alluded to the fact that it would be black tie and that she had invited several of her closest friends. Nathan looked extremely uncomfortable and tugged at the collar of his shirt. He never did the top buttons up unless he was in uniform or wearing a tie. The thought of wearing a tuxedo for an entire evening, possibly more than one evening in Hamilton was making him regret saying yes to the trip. He knew that he was going to have to go shopping in Hamilton for evening wear and a few dressier suits to fit in with his mother and Elizabeth's family.

Elizabeth could see that Nathan looked uneasy after reading the letter. She had an idea what it probably said and she knew she had to read the letter herself to know for sure. She went to Nathan and peered over his arm to read it. Sure, enough his mother was going to use his visit as an excuse to host a party. Elizabeth squeezed his arm and gave him a kiss on the cheek before saying, "Nathan don't worry we will pick up a couple things here at Dottie's and then I can arrange with Julie to have things ready for us in Hamilton. We will just have to go try them on once we arrive to save time and energy. Don't worry everything will be fine. Hamilton will know the Grants have arrived soon enough. I've got to call Julie". Elizabeth kissed him again before rushing off to call Julie. The excitement in Elizabeth's eyes made him realize that he might enjoy himself after all. He just had to trust her.

Elizabeth rang Julie and excitedly said, "Has mother gotten the Prescott invitation yet? It's the evening of the 26th. Has she responded? If she hasn't, please make sure she says yes. Julie, I'll also need you to have some clothes pulled for Nathan and I for the party and any other social event you know mother will arrange for us to attend, I'd say 10 days, probably three to four evenings out, and five afternoon teas or socials. The children will need outfits too. I'll get you all the measurements tomorrow after we meet Rosemary and Clara at Dottie's. Put it on my account, if father still has an open account for me. Has mother made any arrangements that I need to know of?" Elizabeth hoped that Julie had gotten all that because they loved plotting their escape from their mother's clutches. Elizabeth had escaped for the most part but Julie was the youngest and hadn't quite found her place in the world yet.

Julie responded to Elizabeth's questions with, "Elizabeth so far all I've heard was an afternoon tea on the 28th or 29th and a possible dinner party on the 1st. I think she is waiting to hear from Viola before finalizing anything. Viola is coming and should be here by the time you get here. I have a feeling that they want to gang up on you. I honestly would book a hotel room to get ready for the Prescott party. Have your bags sent to house and I'll have the staff put them in the respective rooms. Then I'll meet you and Allie to dress and for hair and makeup. Nathan and little Jack should be ok for a couple hours and then after Nathan and Allie are ready, they can go ahead to his mother's house. We will have a car drop us off at the same time Mother, Father and Viola arrive. I'm not sure if Sir Lionel is with Viola and the children or not. This is going to be fun. I am going to make sure that we look amazing and that Mrs. Prescott knows not to mess with the Thatcher sisters. Mother and Viola will be surprised too but I think Father will be happy for you. Honestly Elizabeth, I think Father is very proud of you and everything you have done. He is always talking about how you have followed your dreams and have made your own place in the world."

The next morning, Elizabeth had Rosemary measure Nathan before he went to the office. The children were measured by Clara. It was a challenge getting little Jack to stand still long enough but Allie was getting good at distraction so Clara could quickly get the necessary numbers. Rosemary took Elizabeth's measurements and noticed a few slight changes in most of them. Rosemary wondered but didn't say anything. She helped Elizabeth pick out a couple fancier outfits for herself and Nathan and a few outfits for Allie and little Jack. Elizabeth knew that the children would be out of place in Hamilton if they wore what they did for everyday life in Hope Valley. Elizabeth also picked up a few new accessories for Allie and herself and some cufflinks and a couple ties for Nathan. She thought that if he had to be uncomfortable at least he could look good.

Elizabeth and the children went home and started packing after Elizabeth called Julie with the measurements. They were leaving in two days. They packed all the new clothes and anything they didn't think they would need between now and then. Elizabeth was excited and nervous at the same time. She was prepared for anything but she did want her mother-in-law to respect her and Nathan's relationship but she didn't want to be used. She also wanted her mother and Viola to accept Nathan and Allie as family. After hearing what Julie said she wasn't as worried about Father accepting her marriage and new family.

Nathan knew that he would be busy these last two days finishing all the reports he was neglecting to work on the house and catch Bill up to speed. Bill was going to resume the Sheriff duties with Deputy Lee for the next two weeks. Lee would only step in if Bill was needed as a Judge. He had cleared his docket for two weeks but if there was an emergency he would have to be there. To be honest, Nathan thought Bill was excited to get back into the Sheriff role. Bill had told him that Clara and Fiona were going to handle the majority of the work at the café for the two weeks. Bill and Nathan were sitting at the desk like they did when Nathan first arrived in Hope Valley when Bill said, "Nathan, I'm glad you are taking some family time. You haven't taken more than a couple days since you arrived in Hope Valley. We are going to miss you and Elizabeth while you are gone but we will be here when you get back. You need to take some time and relax. Enjoy each other and the sights and sounds of Hamilton. Don't let your Mother and Elizabeth's parents dictate your entire schedule. Make time for fun with your children and for yourselves. I know Julie would watch the children so you and Elizabeth could go out together. Make sure you cherish the time you have together and come back refreshed. Once you are back you both will be busy with the move and then within a month school will be back in session and the busy life will resume."

Nathan knew that Bill was right and he wanted to make sure that this trip was fun and as stress free as possible. He was starting to look forward to the new adventure that his family was taking and worrying less about what others thought. He had a home and family in Hope Valley and they were all he needed besides Elizabeth and their children.