Chapter 52

The next morning Elizabeth awoke to an empty bed. She threw on a robe and went to little Jack's room. It was empty as well. She thought she would check on Allie but alas her room was empty too. Had she really slept so late that everyone was up except her? Elizabeth went back to her room to dress. She didn't want to be caught by anyone in her robe. Elizabeth had just finished dressing and was doing her hair and makeup when Nathan appeared in the doorway with two cups of coffee. The coffee smelled delicious. Nathan was dressed in a suit without a tie. She loved that he never did the top button of his shirt. He handed her a cup and sat on the bench beside her. He gave her a quick kiss before he spoke, "Allie and little Jack are in the playroom with Julie. One of the staff brought up breakfast for them. Julie thought they would be happier there this morning than in the dining room. Julie mentioned that your mother requested brunch at eleven and that my mother and stepfather would be attending."

Elizabeth looked down at the dress she chose for the day and said that she needed to change. She had to be at her best when dealing with the inquisition. She repositioned her hairpins and added a bit more makeup before choosing a more colorful and elegant dress. It felt like she was putting armor on for a battle like Nathan did every day when he put on his uniform. Elizabeth was always confident but she looked determined and ready for a fight. Nathan was ready as well. He figured the women were the only ones that they would have to contend with. William had already given his blessing and Nathan could care less what Harvey thought. Archie loved Elizabeth and thought she was Nathan's wife long before she really was. He knew before they did.

Elizabeth looked at the clock and noticed it was just after ten. She drank a sip of the coffee Nathan had brought before she stood up a little too quickly and felt a bit dizzy. Nathan noticed and caught her when she swayed. He looked at her with concern and asked if she was alright. Elizabeth answered, "Just a bit dizzy, I must have stood up too fast. It's been a rather busy and stressful last few days." Nathan didn't look convinced but followed Elizabeth out the door coffee cup in hand. Elizabeth sipped her coffee as she walked into the playroom and saw Julie on the floor playing with building blocks. Julie and little Jack were building a house while Allie sat at the desk drawing the garden, she saw below. Elizabeth went over to her and told her that after the adults talked that they would go for a walk and explore all the gardens around the estate. She knew both Allie and little Jack needed to run outside like normal children. She knew that Nathan and her would also need the escape from their mothers. Elizabeth knew that she would show them all her special places, secret hiding spots, and every place that she knew that they would enjoy.

Just before eleven Elizabeth heard the door bell and Nathan and Elizabeth descended the staircase arm in arm. They were not going to back down and looked like a formidable but loving couple. Their confidence and air of superiority shocked both mothers. Elizabeth was not backing down or as pliable as she once was. Even when Elizabeth had brought Jack, Grace had been able to manipulate her. Now that Elizabeth was with Nathan, she seemed more astute and far less naïve. Grace knew that things wouldn't be as easy as before.

Nathan felt do much more comfortable today than he did yesterday. Today he knew that nothing that Mary or Grace said or did would destroy the family he created with Elizabeth when they got married. Elizabeth would be by his side forever. They welcomed Mary and Harvey before joining the rest of the couples in the dining room. Julie joined as well having asked one of the maids, who had children to watch Allie and little Jack. Before the conversation started the kitchen staff brought out a wide array of food and awaited instructions on who wanted what so they could serve breakfast. As usual breakfast was delicious and plentiful.

When fresh coffee was served, Grace started the inquisition, "Elizabeth, why didn't you tell us you had started courting again? Why didn't you tell us you were getting married again? Why all the secrets? What else haven't you told us?" Before Elizabeth could answer Mary had questions for Nathan as well. She followed Grace's lead and asked, "Nathan, why didn't you tell me? I know our relationship has been rocky lately but I am your mother. Does your father know? What does Allie think? You are not going to replace Colleen in her life. I'll fight for custody if I have to, Allie's happiness is important to me but so is honoring Colleen's memory." Nathan and Elizabeth were stunned by Mary threatening to take Allie from them.

Elizabeth had tried to stay calm but she had had enough. She stood up and emphatically said, "Would you two listen to yourselves? Your behavior is the reason why we didn't tell you. Nathan and I have been friends for over two years and slowly we started to feel more but it wasn't until last fall that we admitted that it was more than friendship and started courting. We have been married for about six months. Secrets, we are always honest with each other but other than telling you that we are building a house together there are none. We told the most important people in our lives about getting married before you. We wanted to tell you in person so that is why we came to Hamilton. Archie knows about our marriage and thought we were married before we were even officially together. As for Allie, she is very happy to have a little brother and to have a family. She loves Hope Valley and her extended family. Mary, Colleen will always be Allie's mother and she won't forget her. Allie is also my daughter both in my heart and legally when Nathan and I finalized her adoption. If you threaten to take her from us again you will be in for a fight that you will not win. I'll fight for Allie and Nathan till my last breath." Elizabeth was breathless when she finished and started to sway. Nathan caught her as she passed out in his arms.