Chapter 51
William's blessing came as a surprise to Nathan but he was knew that William was a good man with a strong moral compass, according to Elizabeth. He wasn't like Grace; he was honest and forthcoming. Elizabeth had told him that her father was a shrewd business man but he was truthful and fair in all his dealings. She had also said that he wanted his daughters happy and close by but supported their decisions. He had learned from his past mistakes and he didn't make the same mistake twice. Those qualities were why Nathan hoped they could be close some day.
Nathan could see that the children and his wife were fading fast, he asked Julie to have the driver come to get them. Julie was ready to leave as well so she arranged for a car that would hold the five of them. Nathan gathered Allie and little Jack and waited with Julie and Elizabeth in the foyer for the car to arrive. His mother and Harvey came from the party to say good night. Mary asked, "Nathan where are you and Allie going? Aren't you staying here?" Nathan shook his head and told her that he was going with his wife and that their bags were already at the Thatcher's estate. Mary looked almost relieved but tried to hide it. She loved her son and granddaughter but she knew that they weren't happy with her. She knew that she would see them soon and waved goodbye before going back to her guests.
William and Grace were still mingling with the other couples. Grace lived for social events like this and was usually one of the last to leave. She never wanted to miss anything and constantly worried that she would miss some juicy tidbit if she left early. Tonight, she wanted to make sure no one was talking about her behind her back. She was in damage control mode over Nathan and Elizabeth's surprise announcement. She had to spin it to make herself look good.
Hamilton at night looked so different from what they were used to. The streets were alive with people and music could be heard coming from the clubs. Nathan was happy that Hope Valley was unlike Hamilton. There was the occasional drunk guest at the saloon but it was quite tame. As they drove, Allie tried to see the stars but couldn't. She missed the stars and wondered if she'd be able to see them out the bedroom window. The car pulled to a gate and it was swung open to allow them access. As they wound their way up the driveway a mansion appeared. It was larger than the Prescott home. Allie thought it looked like a castle. She couldn't believe her new mother grew up here.
They got out of the car and walked up the steps. The door opened and the butler said, "Welcome home, Ms. Elizabeth, Ms. Julie tells us you brought your new husband and children with you. We are happy to have Elizabeth's family with us. This is now your home as well whenever you are in Hamilton. Elizabeth and Julie know that we, the staff, will always be there for them. Please follow me and I'll show you to your rooms." They stepped through the doors and were greeted by a couple maids. They went up the ornate staircase and down a hallway. Julie stopped in front of her room and said, "Allie, you can use my room while you are here so you can be closer to your mom and dad. I'll stay in one of the guest rooms. I have moved the things that I know I will need but I may need more so I might be knocking occasionally. Feel free to make yourself at home. Little Jack is in Viola's old room. She uses the other wing of the house when she is here with Sir Lionel. They want their privacy. Elizabeth and Nathan, you will be in Elizabeth's old room just next to little Jack and across the hall from Allie." Elizabeth was happy that Julie had arranged it so they could be together.
Elizabeth opened the door next to Allie's and was surprised to see that the playroom that she shared with her sisters looked virtually the same as when she left. She knew Allie would love reading the books on the shelves and little Jack would play with whatever caught his eye. She knew neither would probably be playing with the dolls though. Elizabeth had spent hours sitting at the desk by the window writing and reading. She had watched the world through that window or out in the garden by the tree.
Nathan and Elizabeth got Allie and little Jack ready for bed. They tucked Allie in and then Elizabeth took little Jack into his room and rocked him to sleep. She laid him down in the crib Julie had arranged and prayed that he would sleep through the night. She was nervous that he would wake up in a strange room and start crying. She knew that they would hear him next door if that did happen.
Once the children were asleep, Nathan and Elizabeth retired to her old room. Nathan was relieved that it was not pink with ruffles and lace. Elizabeth saw the look on his face and chuckled. She said, "worried that it would have been a princess room, it hasn't been like that since I was twelve. Though I could ask for some lace trimmed sheets if you prefer." Nathan just laughed and helped Elizabeth unbutton the exquisite gown she had worn that night. He knew that there was no way she would have been able to do them herself. They both were exhausted from the day and fell asleep within minutes of climbing into bed. They were snuggled close, thankful that they had each other. They knew that the mothers would be inquisitive the next morning. They expected that Grace and Viola, possibly Mary as well, would ambush them at breakfast.