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Chapter Seventy-seven
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Preparations
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When William Thatcher got a return call from his assistant, David, mid-morning on Monday, William was relieved to hear that law enforcement in Hope Valley had taken Helen Bouchard into custody. It was now safe to depart Union City and travel home. Neither man knew the details, but being in custody meant Helen could not pose a threat to Elizabeth. The family gathered their belongings, packed the automobile and headed home.
On the way, Elizabeth broached a subject about which she was nervous. "Mother? Father? I don't know how you will feel about this, but I have to go see Nathan in-person. There are things I need to say rather than write, plus I need to talk to Allie as well. I can travel on my own, if you can watch Jack? I would normally ask Rosemary and Lee, but as Patrick is due to arrive this week, they need their family-bonding time." Not sensing any resistance, Elizabeth ploughed ahead with her plan. "If I could leave on Friday afternoon, I would arrive on Sunday afternoon. Then I plan to stay for ten days, so I will be there over the second weekend. What do you think?"
Chuckling and secretly pleased that he didn't have to make the suggestion, William reassured Elizabeth that he and Hudson would be able to manage Jack." If we have any trouble, we can call in Bill or Abigail!" William continued. "Would you be willing to go with Elizabeth now, Grace?" He grinned as he looked back from the passenger seat. "Your mother and I were just talking about her traveling to Regina to meet the Grants. We thought we would go in January, but now, Elizabeth, would you mind traveling with your mother? I could even send David to escort you and he could acquire the same automobile we leased and could act as your driver. He now knows his way around Regina!"
"Really? That would be wonderful! Would you be willing, Mother? I can help you pack!"
Upon arriving in Hope Valley and getting unpacked, William made a private telephone call from their row house. "Hello, Peter! William Thatcher here. How are you?"
"Very well, now! The Bouchard woman is in custody and I am relieved. The Grants and the Thorntons will be safe! Did you hear about it?"
"I don't know any details, just that she has been arrested. Anything you can tell me?"
Peter Collins filled in the details since it was William Thatcher's foresight that initiated the successful captures when he placed the orders of protection. Both men could see God's hand at work since no one knew the entire story until it all came together that day.
Acknowledging that fact, William proceeded to share his concerns for his wife and daughter in Regina. "When there, my assistant and I stayed at the Gentlemen's Club, but obviously that won't work for the ladies. Could you recommend a good, and safe establishment for them to stay? Elizabeth would like to visit for ten days, so the Hotel would need to be able to accommodate that. My assistant will travel to escort them, serve as their driver and would need to stay at the Hotel or the Gentlemen's Club again. Any suggestions?"
"Excuse me, William. Is your daughter coming to see Nathan Grant?" Peter was smiling.
"She is, although she doesn't want him to know. She is hoping to arrive late Sunday afternoon and remain until Tuesday, ten days hence."
"Ah ha. Could I call you back, in a few minutes William? I have an idea, but need to run it past someone. May I have your number?" Peter inquired, trying to keep the smile out of his voice!
"Of course. I'll remain here in the house." William assured him.
Within a half hour, the row house telephone rang.
"William? Peter here. I wanted to check with my wife, although I thought I knew what her response would be. Carol and I would be delighted to host your wife and daughter. As long as they don't mind sharing a room, then your assistant is also welcome in our home while they are in Regina. We hosted Bill Avery and know how convenient it is for everyone on the same property!"
"My wife is a wonderful hostess and thrives on making others feel special. Between Carol and our part-time cook and housekeeper, they will happily provide meals for them as well. If they will be dining with Nathan and Allie, we will not interfere, but whenever the Grants are not around, Carol will be! Would that be acceptable?"
"You are more than generous, Peter! I was only inquiring about a safe place, but if you are certain, I will accept on behalf of both my ladies! I will have to ask David his preference though and get back to you on that. He will have some Thatcher Shipping business to attend to when the ladies don't need transportation."
"Okay then. This is exciting! Especially if it offers some future hope to our dear Nathan and Allie! When you call regarding your assistant lodging with us, let me know the arrival time for the train and I will pick them up on Sunday. Our handyman can deliver David into town to procure the automobile on Monday morning."
"Absolutely wonderful, Peter! Thank you and, I am only assuming you are praying for the Grants, so please continue to do so? As the Scriptures say, '…with God nothing shall be impossible.' (*27) and I am holding on to that verse! God bless you, Peter!"
Nathan purchased the frames they lacked on the way home from work on Tuesday, so he and Allie spent some time after dinner framing the photographs, having combined the ones that Adeli had taken with the ones from their Sunday afternoon with the Samuels. Setting aside the ones they needed to post to the senior Grants in Calgary, they boxed the photographs for the Collins's and Bill since they could wrap those closer to Christmas.
Setting their own copies of the framed photos on the mantel, Allie found a place on her bedroom dresser for a photo of her grandparents with her uncle, Dad and herself. Nathan reserved a couple to take to his office at the Academy. As they approached the last few months of Zachary's training, Nathan was no longer concerned that colleagues would see his brother with him and their family, so he brought a copy of the photograph of Zachary and himself in uniform and one of the three Grant men for his desk. Nathan was proud of Zachary and, since his February graduation was only a few months away, Nathan was happy now to share that his brother was a Cadet.
The final choir rehearsal of music for the first Sunday in Advent went well. Before they began, Rachel had invited everyone to bring their families caroling the following Saturday evening. "We gather here at the church and disperse to various areas in groups, then reconvene an hour and a half later for refreshments. Rather than have a party during this busy season, we enjoy combining our love for singing with this family activity. Donations of cookies are always welcome! I'll give more details next week, but please save the date?" Rachel opened her folio and adjusted the papers. "Oh yes, and please remember the piano concert at City Hall this coming Saturday evening and the Christmas decorating on Saturday afternoon. I believe all volunteers are welcome. I think those are all the announcements, so let's begin!"
The choir sang a verse of each of the hymns for the upcoming Sunday, before concentrating on the special choral selections. Nathan was singing a slow, melancholic acapella solo for the first verse in a choral rendition of "O Come, O Come Emmanuel." As they practiced, Nathan's voice rang out clear and smooth, delighting everyone in the sanctuary, including the pastor!
Rev. Huntley had slipped into a back pew and was enjoying the music while he waited to talk to Sergeant Grant. When the choir was dismissed, he hurried towards the choir loft to pull Nathan aside, producing Nathan's poetry volume from his briefcase.
"Good evening, Sergeant Grant." The minister extended his hand.
Shaking his hand, Nathan responded. "Hello, Rev. Huntley."
"Word has gotten around, Sergeant Grant, that you are the one who penned this poetry volume?" Rev. Huntley commented. "I must tell you how much I have been blessed by these. I have been reading one of the Advent and Christmas poems each day, and plan to continue a daily read through Christmas."
"I'm happy to hear that, Reverend." Nathan replied, amazed at how news travelled!
"I have a request for you." Rev. Huntley, added. "Actually two requests! Would you please call me Ellwood and allow me to call you Nathan?"
"Of course." Nathan chuckled. "I am on a first name basis with a lot of people here in Regina now. Just forgive me if I inadvertently call you Sir or Reverend? Especially here in church."
"I suppose here is fine, but only if others are nearby!" Ellwood took a deep breath. "Okay. My second request is to ask if you would be willing to read a particular poem in this Sunday's service. The one I have in mind is 'Watching and Waiting.'"
Blushing slightly, Nathan spoke quietly. "Oh?"
"Yes, I plan to highlight that, as we anticipate our yearly celebration of Christ's first coming, we are also looking forward to His second coming. The final hymn, "Lo, He Comes With Clouds Descending," will emphasize that and if you could read your poem prior to the sermon that would be perfect." Ellwood Huntley asked again. "Would you?"
"I guess I can do that, Ellwood. Where shall I stand?" Nathan asked.
While they discussed logistics Allie came towards the front, hovering near her father.
"Is this your daughter? Allie, right?" Rev. Huntley smiled warmly. "I was introduced to you at Youth Group!"
"Yes, Sir. I remember." Allie shook his extended hand.
"I have just asked your father to recite one of his poems on Sunday. I am thankful he has agreed!"
"Dad has done that in our little church in Hope Valley in the past. Everyone has loved his poetry." Allie said proudly, sidling up to take her father's arm.
Chuckling Nathan placed his hand over Allie's and grinned at the minister. "My number one cheering section!"
At Friday's dinner with the Collins's, Allie explained some of the special things in the upcoming Sunday service.
"Usually I make sure that we don't miss any services at St. Mary's during Advent and Lent, but I think it might be a blessing to attend Knox this Sunday." Peter suggested. "Shall we, Carol?"
"Oh, Peter. I would love to hear Nathan's solo part as well as his reading. Let's plan on it." Carol added. "Maybe we can sit together, Allie?"
"Of course! The church will look pretty this week too, because the Youth Group and other volunteers are decorating tomorrow. Dad's going to come!"
"Well, that sounds like fun. We'll look forward to seeing the results of your work." Peter commented, grinning. "Any other plans for the weekend?"
"Tomorrow night Dad is taking me and Miss Ross to dinner and then to the piano concert at City Hall! We have an exciting day planned." Allie grinned.
"Is that so?" Peter and Carol gave each other a look of concern, but quickly schooled their expressions. "We were given tickets to attend as well. After dessert, maybe you'll help me decide between two dresses I have, Allie?"
"Sure. That sounds like fun."
(*27) Luke 1:37, King James Version, Public Domain
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