Bill's Reaction – Chapter 34
Nathan slept soundly on Saturday night. Everything was in place for his date with Elizabeth, the next evening.
He arose at the sound of Reveille – something he had not done in a long time and had forgotten about. All Mounties stationed in the barracks followed the same routine. This was one part of his training he did not miss. He sure hoped this assignment wouldn't last too long!
Because it was Sunday, all Mounties in the barracks could either attend the worship service at the Chapel on premises or they could attend a worship service anywhere in Hamilton. Most Mounties chose to attend Chapel Services out of convenience, which is what Nathan chose to do.
It was about the size of the Hope Valley church and made him feel at home. As Nathan listened to the sermon, he couldn't help but realize the irony of the sermon's theme – 'Second Chances.' Any other day, Nathan would have loved to chat with the Mountie Chaplain about his sermon after service, but not today. He had a 'second chance' to get ready for.
Across town, Elizabeth and Little Jack once again joined her family for Sunday Service at the cathedral she was christened in. The sun shone red and blue and gold through the stained glass windows onto her lap and she listened intently as the pastor read from 1 John 4:18. "There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: …"
It was as if the pastor was speaking directly to Elizabeth's heart. Her mind replayed the words over and over again. "No fear in love…" and "Perfect love casteth out fear…"
For the first time since attending adult worship services, Elizabeth did not hear the Pastor's sermon. Her mind had drifted elsewhere.
Nathan was thankful for Bill's advice to pack for every contingency. Otherwise, he never would have packed a suit and tie and would have lacked the most appropriate attire for dinner at The Thatcher's.
After Chapel service, he walked down to get the flowers from the outdoor flower market. The arrangements looked lovely. He looked the roses over carefully, examining them to ensure each petal was perfect. Each rose, each color, had been purposefully selected.
The flower lady took great joy in explaining the arrangement for Mrs. Thatcher, as well. That arrangement was a rainbow of colour consisting of carnations, gerbera daisies, snapdragons, and gladiolus. She had also taken care to write the names of the flowers down on a card.
Nathan walked back into the Mountie barracks with the two large bouquets in his arms! The Mountie lounge was full of young Mounties, some in uniform and some not. The bouquets were impossible to hide, and a large amount of loud teasing started immediately. He took it all good-naturedly and suggested they were all just jealous. The banter with the young men served to make Nathan feel even more confident as he went upstairs to change. That morning before church, he had pressed his navy blue three-piece suit and light blue shirt. He purposely left the navy tie until the very end. He hated wearing neckties, but he was willing to wear one for the evening, if it meant spending time with Elizabeth.
Before he knew it, it was time to rendezvous with the pre-arranged Jitney ride.
Just as he was signing himself out in the attendance log, he looked up and saw Chief Superintendent Collins. Startled that the chief would be there on a Sunday afternoon, Nathan closed his eyes and prayed nothing would interfere with his plans.
There was no need for concern. The chief was there to retrieve some documents he wanted to review before morning. The chief noticed Nathan's attire and smiled to himself. Chief Collins was glad he made the rare trip to HQ on a Sunday afternoon. Instinct told him who Nathan Grant was going to see. Edna would be delighted!
He couldn't resist making one parting comment, "Have a lovely evening, Constable. My best to Mrs. Thornton. Don't forget Barracks curfew is at midnight." The chief walked away chuckling to himself.
Nathan just shook his head. He was certain his face was as red as the Mountie serge.
Before departing, he secured his tie in place and gently gathered the floral arrangements. As he stepped outside the Mountie Barracks, the jitney driver was just arriving. Before he knew it, he was on his way to an evening with Elizabeth.
Elizabeth had spent her Sunday afternoon in an unusual spot for her – the kitchen. To the staff's dismay, she had been serious about wanting to make dinner for this evening's date. She had decided to make a recipe Rosemary had made once or twice when she had come for dinner. Elizabeth knew she was not the cook that Rosemary was, but she figured with the staff on hand to support her, everything would be just fine. And she was right. With some help from the experienced staff, the hors d'oeuvres had been prepared, as had the main course. All that remained was for the staff to make sure it was cooked and served on the terrace, at the appropriate time.
While Elizabeth was in the kitchen helping with dinner and knowing she would quickly venture upstairs to get ready for her date, William decided to take Little Jack outside and get some fresh air before Nathan arrived. Hopefully, Little Jack would settle down for the evening and allow Nathan and Elizabeth some quality time together.
As he previously promised Elizabeth, he held Little Jack's hand the entire time they were outside. Unfortunately, the young lad was more interested in running and jumping than walking with Dampa William. Between leaps and jumps, Little Jack would stop every other minute to notice something on the path and need to ask questions and get answers to satisfy his curiosity. Keenly aware that Nathan was due within the half hour, William opted to bring him inside after a short while.
Once inside, William made sure the door was locked before letting go of Little Jack's hand. Little Jack took off like a shot as soon as he was free. Before William knew what had happened, the little boy was doing what boys do best - he was playing in the window boxes located in Grace's plant conservatory. Worse still, they had recently been watered. William was shocked to see his grandson quickly covered in mud. How did a little boy get so dirty so fast? He didn't know but it warmed his heart to hear him squeal with delight.
William realized he would have to take quick action. Taking him gently, but firmly by the wrist, he escorted a protesting Little Jack into the family room and asked Audrey, one of the maids, to take Little Jack and clean him up. Not that any explanation was required, but William told her what had happened and explained how important it was for Little Jack to be clean and tidy, with a guest due to arrive, imminently.
Little Jack was squirming, but Audrey managed to get him into the powder room located off the main foyer.
When Nathan arrived in the Jitney, he turned to the driver and asked, "Are you sure this is the right place?"
The Thatcher mansion looked like what he imagined Jane Austen's Pemberley Manor to look like, except Mr. Darcy's home was located in the English countryside.
The driver replied, "You told me the address was 1255 Hycroft Boulevard, correct?"
Nathan felt a rush of nervousness at seeing the opulence of the place. He gulped and pulled at his tie while he looked down at his shoes to make sure they were still tied. He wondered for a moment what someone like him was doing at a place like this? It had been so long since he had seen Elizabeth, and that had been a difficult conversation to get through. Now here he was at her parents' house. He forced himself for a moment to remember the warmness of her voice the last time that he had heard it on the telephone, and that she had invited him here.
He reminded himself, "You are a member of the NWMP! You can do this!" Nathan got out of the Jitney, he turned to the driver and anxiously said, "Please wait here for five minutes. If I haven't returned, you may go." He paid the driver before picking up the two floral arrangements.
On his way to the front door, passing the manicured hedges and noticing the precise placement of the cobblestones on the path, Nathan silently chided Bill, 'Man, you could've warned me!' Bill had told him the Thatcher's were "Hamilton Royalty," but this was overwhelming.
Still feeling completely out of his element, he lifted his hand to ring the doorbell. He stopped, said a brief prayer to calm his nerves and reminded himself again that Elizabeth invited him here. This was going to be fine.
Nathan took a final deep breath and pushed the doorbell. A very efficient butler promptly answered the door.
"Good afternoon, my name is Nathan Grant. I am here to see Eliz-I mean, Mrs. Thornton."
"Very good, Sir. Please come in. I will see to it Mrs. Thornton is made aware of your arrival."
He was directed to set the flowers down on the corner side table. Nathan sat them down and was pleased to have his hands free, although he didn't immediately know what to do with them. He instinctively put them behind his back to straighten his posture.
Right on schedule, William & Grace appeared and greeted Nathan.
William smiled widely as he approached Nathan, extended his right hand and said, "Welcome to our home, Nathan. I'm sure Elizabeth would like to perform introductions, but she is upstairs getting ready for an important evening." William winked at him and whispered, his hand still gripping Nathan's "I'm talking about her date with you, of course." He gave Nathan a firm pat on the shoulder. "It's good to see you again! I mean it!"
Then, gesturing towards Grace, William introduced the two, "Grace, I would like you to meet Nathan Grant, Elizabeth's escort for the evening. Nathan, please meet my wife, Grace."
Nathan shook her hand and warmly greeted Grace. He then reached to the side table and presented her with the mixed bouquet. "These are for you, Ma'am."
Grace accepted the bouquet, and was in the process of replying when Little Jack, having heard Nathan's voice from the powder room, squealed, "Mon-tee Nat'an! Mon-tee Nat'an!" He escaped the wet-handed grasp of the maid, dashed out the door, and ran directly to Nathan. He grabbed onto Nathan's pant leg and hugged it.
It didn't take long for Nathan to realize he had a child with wet hands hanging onto his pants. He had to handle this situation just right.
Nathan bent over and gently got Little Jack to release his hold on his leg. Surprisingly, Little Jack quickly released his grip, but then reached up and grabbed hold of Nathan's tie, instead.
It wasn't until Little Jack had a hold of his tie that Nathan realized the little boy was not only wet, he had mud on his hands and face.
By now, Elizabeth had finished dressing. By her son's squeals, she knew Nathan had arrived. She was standing at the top of the stairs, about to make her grand entrance, when she heard the maid yell at Little Jack.
Audrey sternly addressed the child, "Master Thornton, please come back here, immediately! You need to be cleaned up before you make more of a mess."
Little Jack grabbed the tie tightly around the front of Nathan's neck and broke into tears at the sternness of the maid's voice.
Looking at Nathan, with tears running down his face, Little Jack released his hold on Nathan's tie and said, "I-I sorry, Mon'tee Nat'an. I-I mist you."
Nathan squatted down in front of him, took his muddy hands in his larger hands and said, "It's okay, Buddy. I missed you, too. Don't you worry about a thing. I didn't want to wear a tie, anyway. How about you show me where we can go and get cleaned up, before your mama comes down. Would that be okay with you?"
Little Jack perked up and nodded his head.
Nathan looked at the dumbfounded Thatchers, excused himself from their presence and took Little Jack to the powder room and proceeded to get them both cleaned up.
Unbeknownst to Nathan, Elizabeth had witnessed the heartwarming scene between he and Little Jack from the top of the large staircase. Nathan was so handsome in his blue suit – the straight legged pants emphasized his height and graceful strength. She watched him crouch down to eye level with her young son and laughingly grimaced when Little Jack grabbed Nathan's tie with his muddy hands. Watching the overeager actions of a small boy who "mist" Nathan so much, filled Elizabeth's heart and moved her to tears.
Rather than chiding her small son for ruining the look of his outfit, Nathan had demonstrated love and kindness. She knew Nathan had dressed with care for their date that evening, but when it came to meeting the needs of a small boy, his appearance became secondary.
She momentarily considered going downstairs and taking care of Little Jack herself. After all, he was her son. As quickly as the thought entered her head, she dismissed it. Although he was unaware of it, she was sure Little Jack had succeeded in making Nathan feel comfortable in the daunting surroundings of the place she once called home. No, this was bonding time for Nathan and Little Jack.
Deciding to remain a silent witness and not call attention to herself, Elizabeth stepped back into her bedroom and did some finishing touches on her appearance before returning to make her grand entrance and greet the very special man who awaited her arrival.
As Elizabeth returned to the top of the stairs, Nathan was returning to the front foyer. Little Jack was propped up on his arm with a small arm around his neck. Nathan was grateful indeed to have something – someone – to hold onto. Mindful of his manners, Nathan excused his missing tie.
Grace was incredulous, "My goodness, Nathan, please do not say another word about it. We all saw what happened. We will, of course, ensure that both your suit and tie are professionally cleaned and returned to you."
William wholeheartedly agreed with his wife, "Definitely no apology required and no argument…"
William's words fell on deaf ears. It didn't take long to see why.
Nathan's eyes had caught movement at the top of the stairs. He was mesmerized as he watched Elizabeth approaching him from above. Elizabeth was wearing her new blue dress with the silver sandals, her hair done in an intricate updo to reveal her mother's sapphire drop earrings and necklace set, which highlighted the delicate lines of Elizabeth's face.
William and Grace watched as Elizabeth came gracefully down the stairs, her hand gently gliding on the side rail. When Elizabeth noticed that Nathan was watching her, their eyes met. Her steps became slower and slower, a blush rising in her cheeks, as he took a few steps closer to the base of the stairs, his breaths slowing almost to a stop. Little Jack was quiet too as he sensed a change in Nathan.
Elizabeth stopped on the bottom step, her eyes level with Nathan's. Time froze as they both felt the magic of seeing each other again after that day at the woodpile in Nathan's backyard, their first time being at peace with each other in a long time, and indeed their first time acknowledging that they both wanted to move forward with each other.
William and Grace stood frozen and glanced at each other. William winked at Grace and she raised both of her eyebrows. They were witness to something extraordinarily beautiful.
Without losing eye contact, Nathan swallowed, cleared his throat, and spoke in a clear, strong voice, "Hello, Elizabeth. You look beautiful." He wore a slightly silly grin, and she smiled back in response. Little Jack looked at Nathan, and then his mama, and then back at Nathan again, before exclaiming "Mama boo-ful!" This broke the spell and everyone in the room chuckled, most of all Little Jack who didn't mind the attention being all on him. Nathan then reached over with one hand to the side table and retrieved the roses. "Here, I brought these for you." He said shyly, and smiled the crooked little smile she loved.
As Elizabeth accepted the flowers, breaking eye contact to lean over and inhale their fragrance. Elizabeth marvelled to herself that she had never noticed what beautiful blue eyes Nathan was blessed with.
His blue eyes once again drew her in and she softly said, "Thank you, Nathan. Roses are my favourite."
As one of the household staff came to take the roses away, Elizabeth made it clear, the roses were to be placed in a vase and set upon the side table on the terrace.
Looking back to Nathan, she smiled, "Have you met my mother?"
Grace spoke up with a chuckle and said, "Yes, we were just getting acquainted when your son made his presence felt."
Nathan laughed at Grace's comment.
He looked at the distressed look on Elizabeth's face, smiled and said, "Elizabeth, it's just fine. Little Jack and I are buddies and we haven't seen each other in a while."
"Please feel free to set him down, if he's too heavy. Believe me, I know what a big boy he is becoming." Elizabeth said to Nathan.
Nathan smiled and whispered, "Everything is fine, Elizabeth. There is nothing to be concerned about."
Elizabeth smiled her thanks to him and then realized they were still standing in the foyer. "My goodness, where are my manners? Nathan, please come in and make yourself comfortable in the parlour."
As they moved into the adjoining room, William and Grace gave each other a knowing smile. Everything would be fine.
Elizabeth directed Nathan to what appeared to be the most comfortable looking seat in the room - a large upholstered armchair with matching ottoman. Elizabeth sat perpendicular to him on the nearby settee with her parents selecting seats also.
As Nathan lowered himself into the chair, he momentarily put Little Jack down. The little boy used the time to run over to the settee and grab the toy he had been playing with earlier.
Little Jack ran back to show Nathan his toy. "Mon'tee Nat'an, see the toy Mama bought me!" He had to tug at Nathan's jacket to get him to look. "See what Mama bought me?"
Nathan looked at Little Jack's precious toy and was surprised to see it was a stuffed Mountie and his horse. "That's really nice, Buddy. So, your Mama bought this for you, did she?"
Little Jack innocently replied, "Uh-huh, on the twain."
Nathan had a big smile on his face as he looked over at Elizabeth, who was blushing furiously. "That's a nice Mama you have to buy such nice toys for you on your train ride to Hamilton."
Little Jack was in the middle of asking Nathan to play with him, when he noticed Elizabeth's red face and being an inquisitive little boy, he asked, "Mama okay?" He went over and stood before her looking curious. "Why your cheeks red, Mama?" Elizabeth's mouth dropped open in mortification for a second, but she quickly closed it and composed herself.
Without waiting for an answer, Little Jack turned his attention back to asking Nathan to play with him. Nathan promised to play with him a bit later and instead invited Little Jack to sit on his knee. Once on his knee, Nathan gave the stuffed Mountie back to Little Jack and proceeded to tell him a story he was making up as he went along.
William was still chuckling at his grandson's comment. As he made his way from the credenza to Elizabeth, he passed her a glass of ice water and quipped, "Don't worry, Dear. No one ever really died of embarrassment."
Elizabeth quickly gave her father a wry look, but was immediately drawn back to savoring the scene between Nathan and Little Jack.
Her heart swelled again as she watched the love and tenderness Nathan showed her son.
She quickly realized they looked more like a father and son, rather than a man who had arrived for a first date with her. To her surprise Elizabeth noticed that idea didn't scare her.
Suddenly, the passage from that morning's sermon came to mind – "Perfect love casteth out fear."
As the story time ended, the butler announced the hors d'oeuvres were being served in the Dining Room. A simple dinner was brought for Little Jack, which he ate at a small table brought in for that purpose. The little boy was almost too excited to eat, so Elizabeth did have to spoon feed much of his meal to him.
She thought to herself, 'This was the strangest first date she had ever been on, but she had a feeling it would be the most memorable one.'
As they partook of the small little appetizers, William and Grace enjoyed getting to know Nathan more and vice versa. All Grace's initial apprehension had subsided.
After an appropriate amount of time, Grace looked over at her husband and nodded her head, indicating they could leave for their dinner out. With that, William announced they would be leaving for the evening. William had decided to drive them to the club himself, so he summoned Benson to bring one of the cars around.
Turning to Nathan, he extended his hand to shake hands and said, "Nathan, you are welcome here anytime you are in Hamilton. I'm not sure how you arrived here this evening, but when the time comes for you to return to the barracks tonight, Benson will drive you back. Understood?"
Nathan smiled, returned the handshake and replied, "Yes, Sir. Understood! Have a lovely evening."
With the departure of her parents, the younger couple slipped into easy, light-hearted conversation.
Little Jack had become bored and was starting to fidget. Elizabeth told him it was time to say goodnight to Mountie Nathan and she would put him to bed. It had been a big day for Little Jack and the usually pleasant child was cranky. He wanted Mon'tee Nat'an to put him to bed and tell him a sto'wee.
Nathan deferred to Elizabeth to make the decision. "I am more than happy to tuck him in and read to him, but it's your call."
Elizabeth thanked Nathan for being so good to him and agreed to let Nathan tuck him in tonight, "I will go up and get him ready for bed and will let you know when he is ready."
It wasn't long before Little Jack was in bed and Nathan was upstairs reading one of Little Jack's favourite bedtime stories. The little boy was fast asleep before the end of the story. Nathan covered him up, kissed his forehead and quietly stepped from the room.
He mused to himself, 'This was the strangest first date he had ever been on, but he had a feeling it would be the most memorable one.'
With Little Jack securely tucked into his bed, Elizabeth and Nathan were finally alone.
...to be continued
As always, special thanks to Mamabethany for her assistance in the development of this story. Thank you for always challenging me to be a better writer.