Chapter One Hundred Thirteen: The Parents Arrive!
Elizabeth and Allie had gotten up early on this Monday morning to go to the Mercantile, so they could be there as soon as Ned opened.
The two had a very long list with them and it had taken quite some time for Ned to help them fill it, then load the wagon, but their task was finally completed.
Now, they were back at their new Home stocking their new Kitchen with their newly purchased goods, in preparation for the Parents (and in Allie's case Grandparents) coming, as everyone was expected to arrive by train in three days' time.
Rosemary, who was conveniently still just next door, but now across the drive, had eagerly volunteered to keep Jack.
"Elizabeth, it isn't any trouble at all, and frankly, I want Frederic to have someone to play with and occupy his time! It seems that sweet, little Violet is requiring all of mine!"
"Rosemary, you are a natural Mother. I'm amazed at how easily you've managed both a small Child and Infant!"
"Elizabeth, my Dear, there is nothing easy about it, but I am rather proud that I've been able to manage it. Of course, I must admit…having Essie has been wonderful. She's so good with both Frederic and Violet! She's just a real blessing! Between you and me, I'm not at all sure I could make it without her! Why I might even be able to go back to work sooner than I thought!"
That was Rosemary, ever the bundle of energy, but as a Mother, she had become a very focused bundle of energy! One that was savoring every moment of parenthood…
Today was also Moving Day for Elizabeth, Allie, and Jack.
The Men of Hope Valley had volunteered to move everything Elizabeth was keeping to their new house, and they were already in Elizabeth's rowhouse, filling their wagons with her furnishings, packed clothes, and other belongings.
Nathan was going to come help unload everything at the new house, as soon as he could leave work.
This would give Elizabeth and the Children two full days alone in their new home before their first guests, the Couple's Parents, were to arrive.
"I can't wait to see my Grandpas and Grandmas!" announced Allie excitedly. "Do you think we can fix them Pizza?"
Elizabeth laughed, "We'll see, but you and I have a few Wedding Festivities and Fittings to attend that are going to keep us pretty busy! You know, Allie, they're traveling right now to get to us! Do you and Jack want to go with your Dad and me to meet them at the Train, when they arrive?"
"Yes, please! We would love that! Jack and I made them a big Welcome Sign. Do you think they'll like it?"
"Oh, Allie that's so nice. I'm sure they'll love it! Especially since it's from you and Jack!"
"And, I think we should pick some flowers for Grandma and Granda, too!"
"That's a really lovely idea, Allie!"
"Mom, Rex and Reggie love their new beds, and I think they like our new house, too! But...I worry they might run away because they don't know our new yard, and it's not fenced in either, like at our other houses!"
"I don't think you have to worry about that, Allie. I think Rex and Reggie know it's their Home wherever you and Jack are!"
But Allie still seemed stressed.
"You know what? It wouldn't hurt if we kept them in the sunroom when we leave. That way we'll know they're safe and then one of us can be with them when they go outside until we're sure they're more used to their new surroundings. How does that sound?"
"Oh, Mom, that would make me feel so much better! Thank you!"
Nathan had borrowed Lee's car, but he knew that wouldn't be enough room for their Parents and accompanying luggage.
Henry Gowan had overheard him talking to Bill about it, and volunteered to meet them at the Train Station with his car, as well.
As they stood there, waiting for the Train to pull in, Elizabeth straightened Allie's hair and Jack's little suspenders, one last time.
"Lisbeth, don't worry, the Children look beautiful, and so do you!"
Elizabeth was holding two bouquets of flowers for the Children to give to their Grandma and Granda, but she couldn't help be a little nervous.
"Oh, Nathan, I hope we thought of everything to keep them comfortable…"
"Love, we've given them the best we have. That's all we can do. We did get the house finished. Besides, they're here because they love us and the Children. They just want to see us get married and officially become a Family. They're not going to care about anything, else."
She nodded, knowing he was right, but her nerves stayed until the train pulled up, and she actually saw all four Parents disembark the Train.
There was a flurry of kisses, hugs, and pure delight at seeing grown Children, and especially their Grandchildren, again.
Then when Allie and Jack gave their Grandmothers their bouquets of wildflowers, you would have thought they had been dozens of long-stemmed roses, because both Grandma and Granda were thoroughly delighted!
Nathan had been right. They were here because they loved them and wanted to share in their most happy occasion.
It was just that simple, nothing to be nervous about. And suddenly, Elizabeth relaxed, and realized she would never be nervous around their Parents or Nathan's Parents, again!
And that was a very good feeling.
She smiled at who would soon be her better half.
Now, thanks to Nathan she could relax and concentrate on entertaining their Guests and finishing Wedding Prep.
Then Elizabeth shrieked because she hadn't even noticed the Gentleman standing off to the side with their Parent's luggage.
"Godfrey, you came!"
"Wouldn't miss your Wedding, Miss Elizabeth. Not for anything."
She hugged him, "I'm so very happy you're here Godfrey! You'll stay at our Home with our Parents."
"Thank you, Miss!"
Godfrey beamed, then busied himself helping Nathan load the cars with their luggage.
Finally, she could really relax, because their Parents were now in Godfrey's capable hands when she couldn't be there herself to take care of things!
"How did you all arrive on the same Train?" asked Elizabeth, curiously.
"Your Father and I couldn't wait to see Archie and Madelyne, so we met up with them in Regina, Darling!"
"It worked out perfectly. And it was so nice for us all to get a chance to catch up!" agreed Madelyne. "Why we even had enough time to grab a quick bite of food together before we reboarded the Train."
Poor Nathan and Godfrey, along with some help from Henry, had loaded both cars, and still couldn't fit in all of Grace's luggage, so Nathan took the three extra rather large bags back into the Station, and asked them to hold the luggage there till he could return for them.
As soon as everyone found their places in the cars, the two-vehicle brigade started through town on their drive to the new Grant Home.
There was so much conversation, as everyone had questions about the house, the Wedding and of course, the Children!
"Elizabeth, this is just like my Mother's Farmhouse! It's stunning. I love the huge wrap-around porch. You did all four sides just like hers, didn't you? She would be so very proud that you did that," exclaimed William, with a catch in his voice.
"It's so big, Darling. Just beautiful sitting up here over the Lake!" sighed Grace. "So picturesque!"
She had particularly been concerned about her Mother's reaction and was more than relieved for it to be a positive one!
"It's just lovely!" added Madelyne. "Just lovely!"
She even had tears in her eyes as she said it.
"You both deserve this, Son! You and Elizabeth really deserve this!" agreed Archie. "And we couldn't be happier."
The Children had followed behind them in the car with Henry and the bulk of the luggage.
Elizabeth was glad to see Henry laughing and cutting up with Allie and Little Jack.
She smiled as she watched the Children remember their manners and reach up and hug Mr. Gowan as they thanked him for letting them ride in his car.
"Here, let me help Nathan get all this luggage unloaded, and I'll be scooting along," offered Henry.
"At least come in for some Coffee, Henry," pleaded Elizabeth.
"No, thank you! I'll take a raincheck on that. I think you've got your hands full today!"
Elizabeth reached up and kissed him on the cheek, "Thank you, Henry, for everything! But you must come someday soon."
"I'll do that Elizabeth. It's a beautiful house in the perfect setting!"
She then proudly led their Parents into their new Home, along with the Children excitedly running around them, while Nathan and Godfrey unloaded the two cars.
"Darling, who's luggage goes where?"
"Let's see, Love…put Mother and Father in the Blue Room, your Parents in the Coral Room, and Godfrey in the Green Room. That should work for everyone!" she smiled.
"You go welcome your guests, Sir. I'll handle the luggage," insisted Godfrey.
Nathan started to refuse the offer, but one look at Godfrey proved that he meant business and was not going to stand for that.
"This is just beautiful Elizabeth! You've done such a wonderful job furnishing it," complemented Madelyne. "Everything looks so open, yet cozy! It just has such a homey feel and I love that!"
"Your Son made that very easy, by building such a beautiful Home for me. We just love it, too. More than anything, we wanted it to feel comfortable, but with a little touch of elegance too, Mother for you!"
Grace smiled, "It's perfect, Darling. It's really perfect and I love the furnishings the two of you have selected as well. Oh, and here's the Butler's Pantry! Nathan, you did a wonderful job! Why this will even make Godfrey proud."
Nathan bent to kiss Grace and winked, "All your idea, Grace! I would have never known!"
"My favorite thing is all the light shining through from the big windows. Just makes it feel like such a happy place!" complemented Archie. "Why, it makes you want to curl up and read a book!"
"That's exactly what we were hoping!" smiled Elizabeth.
After they finished the tour, everyone sat down in the Living Room, and Elizabeth served Coffee and Tea with Cheese and Crackers, as well as an assortment of Cookies.
Nathan had built a fire in the fireplace, not for warmth, but for ambiance, and the dancing light overflowed out into the room even in the broad daylight, making everyone feel like they just wanted to sit there without a care in the world.
And the bright May sun flowed through the windows, further warming their shoulders.
When Elizabeth had finished serving, she sat down by Nathan and they took each other's hands without even thinking.
He smiled at her, and she was truly Home.
It wasn't this magnificent Home he had built for her, it was him.
'He's my Home. Wherever he is, I'm home as long as I'm with him,' thought Elizabeth, and she knew the warmth she felt spreading through her body, was not the sunlight or the glowing fire in front of them, it was love.
Nathan's love for her and her love for him.
Both sets of parents noticed the Couple's private moment as they glanced up and smiled, but the Children were so used to this by now, they just went on chattering.
Here they were in their very own Home, in their very own Living Room, welcoming their Parents as their first Guests, with their Children sitting comfortably by their Grandparents, proudly showing off Rex and Reggie!
"Tell us now, what do we need to do to help?" asked Madelyne.
"We just want you all to relax, spend time with us and the Children, and enjoy all the Wedding Festivities! There's a Baseball Game on Saturday before Nathan's Sporty Bachelor Party, so Father, you and Archie are welcome to take part in all that with him. And then there's a Bridal Garden Party for the Women being held at the same time as Nathan's party, that Madelyne, you and Mother are invited to with me!"
"After that, I hope to take Archie and William fishing at the Lake. We've finished the Lodge too, so if you'd like we can even spend the night!" suggested Nathan.
"Now, that sounds like a real Fishing Trip, doesn't it, Archie? I love the idea of that!"
"Then we'll do it for sure on Sunday, after Church!" assured Nathan.
"Mother, do you know if Viola and Julie will get here before the Parties?"
"They're supposed to arrive tomorrow morning, Darling. I've been sworn to secrecy, but I must warn you, your Sister Julie has quite a surprise for you, and I only say that because I feel you need to be warned and not be blindsided, as she is planning to do!"
"What do you mean, Mother? Aren't she and Tom coming?"
"Yes," and her Mother looked down, which Elizabeth knew meant she was definitely hiding something. "Yes, they are. But, William, I cannot not let my Daughter know what's going on. Julie had no right to ask me to keep this secret."
"No, Darling, she did not. I say, tell them. At least they'll be prepared. Even though we most certainly weren't given that courtesy," urged William.
Now, Elizabeth was very concerned.
"Is something wrong with Tom? Nathan, Tom was Jack's Brother," explained Elizabeth.
"That's the thing, they broke up almost a year ago. Of course, I'm not privy to the details at all. You'll have to get those from your Sister," explained Grace. "And I'm so sorry, Madelyne and Archie, to have to discuss this Family matter in your presence."
"We're all going to be Family very soon. So, don't you worry about that!" assured Madelyne.
"But why did she tell me she's bringing Tom, Mother? That just makes no sense."
"Because she is, Darling. It's just a different Tom."
Elizabeth was nonplussed.
"Are they married?"
"No, but apparently they got engaged a couple of months ago without even telling your Father or me. We've met him since, but don't ask what we think. As always with Julie, we're reserving judgment."
"Mother, is he not suitable?"
"We really don't know, Elizabeth. He's a Playwright of some sort, very artsy and Julie does seem smitten. He comes from a reputable Family. I'm just worried that their infatuation with each other will soon wear off. But one never knows with your Sister! Why I have no idea how long they've known each other!"
"This is just bizarre, but you know Mother, I never saw her and Jack's Tom together for the long haul. I always thought they both were in love with the idea of being in love, not necessarily with each other!"
"I think you're right about that one, Darling. I suppose we'll just have to hope for the best with this new Tom, although personally, I liked Jack's Tom so much better."
"Sometimes, they surprise you Grace, and end up happily together in spite of circumstances," soothed Madelyne.
"I do hope you're right Madelyne! Our Julie happens to be quite impetuous, and William and I have just had to learn to accept it over the years! You just always want the best for your Children, though, sometimes it's in spite of themselves."
"Of course, you do," agreed Madelyne, as she patted Grace's hand.
"Why don't we leave the Ladies to talk? Dad and William, would you two like to see the Stables and Workshop? I'll show you a bit of the property, too, if you'd like! And I'm going to need to make one more quick trip to the Train Station for the rest of the luggage if you want to tag along."
"Love it, Son!" said Archie and William got up too.
Both followed Nathan outside.
"Mother, I'm sorry you've had to deal with this. But, I am so grateful, you told me. Why would Julie do that to me? Here, all along I thought it was Jack's Brother who was coming. I wanted to introduce him to Nathan, and I was excited to see him."
"Which is why I felt we should tell you. I hate to say it, but sometimes Julie thinks only of herself. I urged her to tell you when they broke up, and for some strange reason, she insisted she wanted to tell you in person! As if that was going to make any difference!"
"I tell you what, let's not worry about it now. Why don't you and Madelyne follow me, upstairs? I'll take you to your Bedrooms so you can freshen up and change. Nathan and I are taking you to the Café for Dinner tonight, and I do apologize, but we haven't even fully cooked in our new Kitchen yet. There just hasn't been time."
"No apologies, Elizabeth. We are very happy to visit the Judge's Café. You've got your hands more than full, Dear! What time do you want us to be ready?" asked Madelyne.
"Let's say half-past six. Will that give you both plenty of time?"
"More than enough," concurred Grace.
They climbed the staircase together.
"Such a beautiful staircase, Elizabeth," complemented Madelyne.
"Thank you! It was actually Nathan's idea to make it wider and rounded at the bottom," explained Elizabeth. "I think that's made all the difference!"
They turned to the left, then Elizabeth opened the first door.
"Mother, this first Bedroom is yours and Father's.
"Oh, this room is delightful, Elizabeth. I'll say my Goodbyes for now to you both. And don't worry, William and I will be ready on time!" and then Grace reached to kiss Madelyne on both cheeks, then her Daughter.
"Mother, the Bathroom is just down the hall. There are fresh towels out. Let me know if you or Father need anything."
Grace nodded and smiled at them both, as they turned to go to Madelyne's Bedroom.
"Madelyne, this is your's and Archie's Bedroom. I hope you're comfortable."
"It's lovely, Elizabeth. We'll be quite fine here."
"Madelyne, I can tell you and Archie are very happy," commented Elizabeth.
"Very much so, Sweetheart! Is my Son still worried about that?"
"A little, I think. He just doesn't want you to get hurt again," explained Elizabeth.
"Nathan needn't worry, Elizabeth. I don't plan to let anyone make me unhappy again. You know, it's how we respond to situations, not the situations themselves. I'm stronger now, and Archie knows it. As long as he values me and our Marriage he stays. The moment he doesn't, he goes, never to return. I've made that abundantly clear. It's the only way I can do this, again. The bottom line, we love each other. We always have, passionately. Now, there are just new rules. My rules, and our rules together."
"We just both want you to be happy."
"I know that, Sweetheart! The truth, that passion I mentioned…well, our Son may not need to know this, but there's more passion than ever," and Madelyne grinned coyly.
Then continued more seriously, "You know to get through what we have gone through, the gambling, the prison terms and all the shame that goes with that, and then the greatest loss of all, our beautiful Daughter, that we had to bear separately…well, for us to be able to come back together after all that, our love is real and neither of us can deny that."
"That makes me very happy, Madelyne. Very, very happy. Because you deserve the best. I think Nathan will adjust, once he's had a chance to talk with his Father."
"Oh, Elizabeth, I knew that was coming, and so does Archie. But, we understand that Nathan has to do that. He became the Man of our Family at a very early age. He was always so protective of Colleen and me. And I know he still is. Maybe I shouldn't have told him over the phone, but I couldn't just let us show up here together, without some kind of heads up. I could tell he was upset and I understood it. Still do."
"As long as the two of you are happy, it's all going to be alright. We both love you Madelyne! And we love Archie, too! But, I'd better leave you, for now, so you can get some rest! Just call if you need anything at all. The Bathroom is just down the hall. We do have indoor plumbing, and I can't tell you how happy I am about that!"
Elizabeth kissed her soon-to-be Mother-in-Law and turned to go back downstairs, still finding it hard to believe all this was her house, and their Parents were here now as their very first Guests!
She brightened as she saw Godfrey standing by her front door.
"Godfrey, you're not on duty! Come sit with me and let's get caught up!"
"Yes, Miss!" although Godfrey was still unsure as to when Mr. Thatcher would return.
"Miss Elizabeth, the Children are playing outside on the front lawn."
"Thank you, Godfrey! And don't worry about the car. I'm sure we'll hear it! There will be plenty of time for you to let Father in. Come tell me what you know about Julie," she urged.
"Well, Miss. There's not a lot to say, other than she has finally decided to get married. The gentleman is not at all like yours, Miss. He fancies himself upper-crust, yet he's lacking in certain decorum…and manners, shall we say. Truthfully I'm not sure what Miss Julie sees in him."
"What do you mean, Godfrey?"
"Miss, it isn't my place to say."
"Godfrey, this is me you're talking to. Your Lilibet, of course, it's your place to say! You're as much a member of the Thatcher Family as any of us!"
"Well, Miss, I don't know. He's not thoughtful like your Chief Inspector Grant."
"Is he at least kind?"
"I wouldn't say so, Miss. He's very nice to Miss Julie, from what I've seen, but that's pretty much where it ends. If you must know, Miss Elizabeth, I don't like the way he treats your Parents."
"In what way, Godfrey?"
"Please don't ask me that, Miss!"
"But, Godfrey, I am asking you that. I need to know. How does he treat my Parents? Did he say something about them?"
"Yes, Miss, and it wasn't a very nice thing to say. Let's just leave it at that!"
"No, Godfrey. What did he say? I need to know."
"He said he would get their money if it was the last thing he did!"
Elizabeth was aghast.
"He actually said that?"
"Loud and clear, Miss."
"Did Julie hear?"
Godfrey looked down to the floor.
"Godfrey, did Julie hear him say that?"
"Yes, Miss. I think she was embarrassed that I had heard it, too. But she didn't show any response."
"No response! I'm going to have a very long talk with my Sister!"
"Miss, I think that will only make things worse if you'll pardon me saying."
"My Sister is engaged to a Stranger, who's after my Parent's money! And you don't even think they love each other? What could be worse?"
Elizabeth's heart was breaking.
"Oh, the Car, Godfrey," warned Elizabeth. "It's coming!"
Godfrey jumped up and ran to the front door, opening it just as Nathan, Archie, and William stepped up on the porch, each carrying one of Grace's bags.
"Hello, Darling," and Elizabeth ran to kiss Nathan, then Archie and her Father.
"Hello, Archie. Hello Father!"
"Godfrey, do you mind taking these two bags up to Grace, and I'll follow you with this one," asked William.
"But, Sir…"
"No, problem Godfrey. Happy to help!"
"I'll take my leave as well, and go check on your Mother, Nathan. Excuse me, Elizabeth?"
"Of course, Archie. Just make yourself at Home!"
Nathan waited until his Father made it to his Bedroom door, then he looked down at Elizabeth.
"Elizabeth, what is wrong?" asked Nathan.
"First of all, it's not your Mother. It's my Sister, Nathan, or more precisely the man she's engaged to!"
"Come sit, and tell me."
"Nathan, Godfrey, doesn't think they love each other and what's worse, he overheard this new Tom say he would get my Parents' money if it was the last thing he did! What has Julie done?"
"I don't know, but I'm getting his full name. Although I'm sure William had him checked out. Just maybe not as thoroughly as I'm going to do."
"Will you please, Nathan? I'm really worried. I know Father can handle himself and his money, but I'm really, really worried about Julie. Why would she get mixed up with someone she barely knows, and what's worse, someone with that lack of character?"
"Darling, only she would know the answer to that. And she's going to be here tomorrow. Rather than worry, just talk with her. She may present a totally different picture than you're expecting. Perhaps there are a lot of missing pieces we don't know about."
"I suppose you're right!"
"Where are the Children?" asked Nathan.
"Oh, they came through a bit ago and headed toward the back porch to play with Rex and Reggie. But I do need to get them ready for Dinner. Do you mind calling them in to get dressed?"
"Of course, I will. Lisbeth, please don't worry. We'll get to the bottom of this."
The entire extended Family was at the Café waiting on Nathan and Elizabeth and their Parents to arrive.
"Darling, Godfrey just drove our Parents into the Café, and Rosemary and Lee should be ready to take us in about fifteen minutes."
"How do I look?" asked Elizabeth from the top of the Staircase.
"More beautiful than any woman I've ever seen!"
"Thank you ever so much for that lovely compliment, you Flatterer, you! Now, I just have to do the Children's hair!"
"Oh, I was serious! But, I can do Jack's if you don't mind doing Allie's since I'm sure she will want to impress the Grandparents!"
"Jack! Allie!"
"I'll come on up and at least wash my face and comb my hair with my Big Guy!" noted Nathan.
The children came running and hugged Nathan on his way upstairs, but even in his rush, he stopped and showed them both that seeing them was the most important thing in his world!
Elizabeth tended to Allie's hair in her bedroom, while Nathan brushed Jack's hair in their Bathroom, and pretended to 'shave' him with his toy razor, which always brought giggles!
Then he took a few minutes, and laid a damp cloth across his own face, then combed his own hair, using his fingers to coax it back in place.
"This is as good as it's going to get, Jack! Do you think the Ladies will approve?"
Of course, Little Jack had no clue what 'approve' meant, but if Nathan asked it, he was going to agree, so yes it was!
Then Nathan picked up Jack and carried him down the stairs, where they waited on Elizabeth and Allie in their Entry!
"How do we look, Dad?" asked Allie from the top of the Stairs.
"You two are the two most beautiful Ladies in the world, and Jack and I are the luckiest men in the world!"
Allie ran down the steps, while Elizabeth followed close behind.
Her Dad kissed her as she ran into his arms, and then it was Elizabeth's turn!
"Should we wait on the front porch?" asked Nathan.
"Now, that's the best idea I've heard all day!"
Nathan and Elizabeth went out to the porch, while Allie and Jack ran to say one last goodbye to their Pups!
Elizabeth leaned against their porch railing, while Nathan held her from behind, both looking across their Lawn to the Lake that lay before them.
As the Couple was waiting on the Coulters, they happily enjoyed their unexpected moment of privacy.
"I don't think I'll ever get tired of this view, Lisbeth!"
"Me neither. The Lake is really so beautiful!"
"Well, actually, I wasn't talking about the Lake..." and he kissed her neck till she giggled like a schoolgirl.
Then it dawned on Nathan.
"Oh, Lisbeth, I feel bad. We should have looked for a car before this visit. This is going to take a lot of running back and forth and I'm worried it's going to be hard on you."
"Oh, Love. We should have. I just didn't think about it with the house and furniture and all! Besides, there's no way we could have even worked a trip in to go look at them. We'll manage okay without it. We'll just have to get a little more creative!"
Rosemary was running late with Baby Violet, but finally, all four of the Coulters were ready to pick up their new neighbors.
Nathan held Allie and Elizabeth held Jack as they piled into Lee's back seat.
"Lee, I have a favor to ask. Do you mind letting us out at my rowhouse?"
"Happy to do so, Elizabeth! No trouble at all!"
Elizabeth walked through her old house with Nathan at her side.
"Just doing one final check to make sure nothing was left behind before I turn over the keys!"
"Florence said the Ladies are coming to clean tomorrow," reminded Nathan.
"We've had a lot of wonderful times here, haven't we Darling?" asked Elizabeth a little sadly.
"The best of memories, Elizabeth, but there are going to be even better times ahead!"
She nodded and reached to embrace him amid all their memories of the events they had shared here: Breakfasts, Lunches, Dinners, Christmas, New Years', Valentine's, Conversations, Embraces, Sick Children, Prayers, Recovering Nathan, their First Kiss and many more.
A Family, their Family, was actually born right in this little house.
"And our Courtship, Nathan!"
They held each other in their arms, till Nathan finally whispered, "Are you ready, Love?"
She sniffled and nodded, as he took out his handkerchief and wiped her tears away.
"All better?" he asked her gently.
"All better!"
"Okay, Family, let's go! Who can walk the fastest?"
"Me!" "Me!"
"Just be careful and watch where you're going! Allie, hold on to Jack, please," instructed Nathan.
Nathan offered his arm to Elizabeth, stealing a short kiss, and Allie and Jack scampered ahead.
They all waved to the people who were out on their porches as they walked by, and many were out, as the day was a warm and perfect Spring Day.
"It's a beautiful evening, isn't it?" asked Elizabeth.
"It's really is! I can't believe June is almost here!"
"Our Wedding!" smiled Elizabeth. "In almost a week, Nathan!"
"It sounds almost surreal, doesn't it? Let's see, after tonight, we have exactly one week, Lisbeth!"
"I literally can't wait!"
"Me, neither, Darling!"
When they finally reached the Café, Allie and Jack had already run ahead inside to greet their Grandparents, and of course the rest of the extended Family.
But, Godfrey was standing outside by the front door.
"Godfrey, come, you're eating with us tonight!"
"Oh, no, Miss! I couldn't possibly do that."
But Elizabeth was insistent.
"You are in Hope Valley now, and you are my Guest! You are eating Dinner with us and that's that!"
Nathan gave Godfrey a look to let him know he wasn't winning this one!
So, the three of them went inside together, but still, Godfrey held back.
"Father, this is Hope Valley, and I think Godfrey should eat Dinner with us."
"Of course, he should."
Elizabeth was shocked that agreement came so quickly and that even her Mother appeared unperturbed, but Godfrey wasn't done.
"Sir, only if you let me still serve everyone first."
"Fair enough, Godfrey."
Adeline stood up and took Godfrey's arm, "Let me introduce you to my Husband, our Chef!"
Godfrey serving wasn't exactly what Elizabeth had had in mind, but it worked too! Perhaps even better, as it would make Godfrey feel more at home.
So, instead of Bill carrying out and serving the food, tonight it was Bill who had cooked the food, but with Godfrey, the Thatchers' Butler, serving it, as only he could do!
"Ladies and Gentlemen, Dinner is Ready to be Served," announced Godfrey in his formal Butler voice.
"Nathaniel, will you lead us in Prayer, please," asked Bill.
"Of course," replied Nathaniel.
Everyone held hands, and Nathaniel started the prayer.
"Dear Father, we come before You this evening, especially grateful for the safe journeys of our Family Members. We thank You for the time we are able to spend together and we thank You for the gifts of their Son and Daughter, who have enriched our lives here in Hope Valley, beyond measure. We thank You for Bill who has cooked our Food and we thank you for Godfrey who has volunteered to serve it. May You bless it to the nourishment of our bodies, we pray. In Jesus Name, Amen!"
There was the expected chorus of "Amens" and yes one very loud "Men!" that even took Grandfather William aback!
Even Godfrey slightly smiled, "Dinner is Now Served."
"Our Main Course is a delectable Fresh Rainbow Trout with Almondine Sauce served on a bed of Homemade Fettuccini."
Godfrey insisted on and then elegantly served each one individually their own plate of the Entree.
"Our Sides include Creamed Spinach and Roasted Potatoes."
Godfrey very carefully served both sides to each guest from a very large tray of individual servings.
"And last, our Salads consist of Fresh Tomato, Roasted Corn and Avocado with a Zesty Lime Dressing."
The Salads had also been plated in the Kitchen, by Godfrey, as everything looked perfect.
"Oh, drats, Godfrey, I forgot my Famous Yeast Rolls!" exclaimed Bill.
"No problem, Sir, I'll gather them now." replied the Butler.
It only took the proficient Butler a matter of a couple of minutes till he was again tableside, and with Bill's Yeast Rolls warmly tucked into a linen napkin inside one of the Café's official bread baskets!
"I now present our Chef Avery's Famous Yeast Rolls."
Had Bill been standing he would have been strutting, because he was almost exploding with pride!
Now, with that one little Chef faux pas of the missing Rolls, the Meal was served perfectly.
And very elegantly, I might add.
"Thank you, Godfrey. Now, please sit with us. You are now officially off duty!" and William directed his Butler to the empty chair by Nathaniel.
"Yes, Sir! Thank, you, Sir!" and although Godfrey felt quite uncomfortable at first, his Miss Elizabeth and her Nathan sent him brilliant smiles of encouragement and he relaxed a little.
Well, as much as a Butler can relax in his Master's and Mistress's presence.
This was highly irregular for any Butler, anywhere, but Godfrey had been directed by his Boss. Although he knew it was his Miss Elizabeth, who had actually caused this to be.
"We finally got our Wedding photos if you'd like to see them," announced Felicity a little timidly.
"Like, how about love to see them?" begged Elizabeth, reaching for the photos.
Aaron started passing them around the table, "The Wedding was perfect except for you all not being able to be there. We really did miss you! And Felicity was the most beautiful Bride ever!"
"Yes, and the Groom doesn't look too shabby, either," teased Lee.
"Just so glad we got to have a second Reception for you here. The whole town enjoyed it! And it made us all feel like we were a part of the Wedding, even though it was so far away!" enthused Adeline. "And oh my, we had so much fun with your native folk dancing, Aaron. People are still talking about it!"
"We can certainly see the Bride was beautiful," enthused Rosemary. "Felicity, this gown is simply divine! Where ever did you find it?"
"It's actually a Family Gown. Started out with my Grandmother and has been passed down to me. We did have a seamstress make a few alterations to make it more my style," explained Felicity.
"Why it's perfect, Dear," pronounced Grace. "And suits you beautifully. I must say, I'm so happy you and Elizabeth have found each other in Hope Valley. You do know your beautiful Mother and I have met, don't you?"
"I did not know that!"
"Yes, quite some time ago at a function in New York City. She was quite lovely!"
"Thank you, Mrs. Thatcher! That's so nice to know."
"It's Grace, Darling!"
"I love that you repurposed something so special to your family. That makes your Gown even extra special!" added Madelyne with a smile.
"Thank you, Mrs. Grant!"
"It's Madelyne, Dear!"
And so, the conversation continued, mostly about Aaron and Felicity's Wedding, but also about the Grant Wedding that was soon to come, with a few other things thrown in.
Nathaniel and William got along famously and were careful to include Godfrey in their conversation, as well.
And on Godfrey's other side, Archie included him too, as they shared story after story with each other. Why Archie even had Godfrey laughing at one point, making Elizabeth realize she had not heard that beautiful laugh since she was a child!
Perhaps it was an odd mix of people, but it was a very happy mix of people, with delightful conversation and a scrumptious home-cooked meal.
What could be better?
A good time was had by all, even Godfrey!
Bill, in particular, was still taken aback and quite proud over what had just happened this evening before his very eyes.
A professional British Butler had served the meal he himself had cooked, and it had happened right here in his own little Café! It was a night Bill would relish for a long time and one he was likely to not ever forget!
But to Elizabeth, the wonder of wonders was when Godfrey had finished serving them, that he had actually sat down to eat with them, and her Father and Mother had wholeheartedly approved.
That was something that Elizabeth had never seen before in her entire life, growing up in Hamilton!
But then again, they were now in Hope Valley, where wonders, both big and small, never cease…