Chapter 23 Next Steps
Lucas was more than intrigued with the prospect of acquiring the Pellegrino estate. They were enjoying breakfast a couple of days after their trip to investigate the abandoned property, "Elizabeth, I am going to take Gustave up to the property today. I hope you don't mind, but I just couldn't wait until the weekend. Let's have dinner at the saloon tonight so that you have a chance to hear his thoughts on our tour."
"I do wish I could come, but I understand that you are anxious to move forward. Catching up at dinner will be fine. I want you to proceed as quickly as practical, I told you I am all in. I want this to be our home and if it works as a business then it will be perfect."
"Thank you for understanding. I am a little more anxious than I normally would be because of our upcoming trip this summer. If we can have this decided or even settled before we go, it will make the trip more relaxing. Speaking of the trip, let's talk about that this evening as well. I received a communication from our travel company that I would like to share with you."
"Sounds good. I have to get going to school now so see you back here before dinner. What about Jack?"
"Emma will be at the Queen for an event in the afternoon. She mentioned that she would be happy to care for Jack whenever she is available. I will ask her if she can stay after the event; they can use our suite to have dinner and entertain themselves. I have a new set of blocks that I bought for just such an occasion."
"Okay, if she can't do it then we can see if Laura or Rosie are available."
He rose and walked her to the door. "Have a wonderful day at school. I will be here until Laura arrives and then I will go to collect Gustave." He kissed her on the forehead, but when she didn't make a move to leave, he kissed her on the cheek. She still didn't move so he took her basket from her and set it down and then gathered her in his arms and kissed her like they were parting for weeks. He came up breathless but with a big grin on his face.
"Now that was more like it," she said looking flushed and lovely.
"I aim to serve," he said bowing deeply for her amusement.
After school, Elizabeth hurried home as she wanted to bathe before Laura left, it was hard to find alone time with a four-year-old underfoot and Jack would be soon down. He slept less and less these days and might even be up already. His napping days were coming to an end.
Laura was at the door to greet her. "Thank you, Laura. Is he up? If it is okay with you, I would like to bathe before you go. We are going out for dinner, and I would love to freshen up. With the nice weather, I had the children outside for a kickball game and we got quite rowdy and worked up a good sweat."
"No problem, I am not expected home for over an hour. Did Mr. Bouchard tell you that he spoke to my father about accompanying you on your summer trip?"
"Not yet, he did tell me that he intended to. Did it go well?"
"Well, my father is worried about being without my help and also about me being off in a faraway place. But it sounds like he has come to an agreement with Mr. Bouchard on the matter. He said he would discuss it with me this weekend. I am so excited. I have been dreaming and hoping; this is not something that happens to a girl like me."
"Well believe it. I trust you with Jack and you deserve this chance to see something of the world. You will soon be graduating from your studies and this is indeed a great way to make a start on your future."
"Mrs. Bouchard, I visited Dr. Carter a few weeks ago as you suggested. I was just feeling so generally tired and low in spirit. She had a lot of suggestions for me including simple changes in nutrition.
"Laura, I can tell she has helped you already. I can see you have more energy and enthusiasm already."
"Thank you, I want this trip to be my turning point. My opportunity to come out of the corner and be someone people will make note of."
"It is what is on the inside that makes you the special person that you are. Never forget that. But you are making improvements to your health and well-being that will make you feel that extra self-confidence that you seek."
"Thank you so much for all your help and support. Now you better get to your bath before Jack joins us… I hear him singing right now so he soon will be down."
Elizabeth dressed in an outfit that she hadn't worn in a while. It was dressy without being overstated. She looked at herself in the mirror and thought she looked quite nice, and her husband would notice. Laura had gotten Jack ready, so they were all set for Lucas to swing by and pick them up.
"I hear Papa's car coming!" The idea that Lucas was arriving never failed to excite the little boy. He adored his father and looked forward to their time together. Lucas never failed to draw him into a conversation about his day or a new topic to engage him. Jack's command of English was rapidly developing with all the interactions with Lucas.
"Hello buddy," Lucas said as he grabbed the boy and hoisted him up for a hug. "Is your mama ready to go too?"
"Mama, are you ready?" Jack hollered.
Elizabeth showed up, "Yes I am." As she spun in her outfit to the delight of both her appreciative husband and the amusement of her son.
"All ready to go," she said.
Lucas set Jack down and pulled her in for a tender kiss. "You look lovely this evening," he whispered.
"Thank you, Lucas. I think our son thinks we are yucky. Look at that face."
Lucas looked at Jack, who had that "not more of that" look on his face. He was definitely progressing nicely in his transition from little one to "big boy". Parents could be quite embarrassing.
They arrived at the Queen and located Emma who was catching her breath after a very successful bridal shower. "Hi there, Jack. Did you hear that we will have fun together this evening? Gustave is going to have our dinner sent up to the suite and then we are going to build the biggest castle you have ever seen. Your papa has a big box of blocks for us. How does that sound?"
"Good," he said a bit timidly. He didn't know Emma that well yet, but she was sure to have him firmly on her side before the evening was up. Emma was definitely a people person and she loved children. With that, he put his hand in hers and they set off for the upstairs.
"That went fairly well," said Lucas. "Emma will do fine with him. They will be having a grand time while we have our dinner."
"I am sure that they will be fast friends before long. Jack is shy, but it doesn't take him long to get comfortable with the right people."
Lucas escorted Elizabeth over to a table in a somewhat private corner. He motioned to the bartender who went to seek out Gustave who soon appeared on the scene. She was so accustomed to seeing him in his chef whites that she was surprised to see him dressed in a suit for dinner.
Lucas stood and shook his hand and motioned for him to take his seat.
"You look enchanting this evening, Madam Elizabeth."
"Thank you, Gustave, and you look very handsome yourself."
Lucas was amused by the exchange but kept it to himself. "Well, we had a very interesting and productive day I would say. Gustave was so helpful in getting me more comfortable with what we are facing. Gustave, would you mind giving Elizabeth your thoughts on what you have seen."
While they awaited their meal, Gustave described his observations from the trip in some detail and then concluded, "so while there is a tremendous amount of work to get the orchards in shape this fall, I think there will be enough of a crop of fruit to sell to local merchants at the end of summer. We wouldn't have the production facility in shape right away, but we might be able to at least produce some apple juice this fall. The berry vines will need to be addressed this winter to get them re-trellised for next year. Harvesting them this year will be a challenge with the vines in such disarray so I don't think you would be in a position to sell berries, but the Queen could certainly use them for desserts. Now the vineyard is in very poor shape. It will take several years to get to the point where winemaking would prove productive. We will need to import new rugged cold weather plants. But there are some table grapes that will produce this fall and perhaps we could make a small batch of grape juice at least for personal use."
"Thank you for that Gustave. It sounds like you are quite optimistic that we might make this work. What did you think of the equipment and facilities?" asked Elizabeth.
"The equipment for maintenance of the fields looks to be in good shape. The production equipment is a bit antiquated but totally serviceable for now. It will be something that our cousin Antoine will be able to give advice on when you see him this summer. The production facility is quite large, they were planning on expansion, so I think that it is big enough for a few years anyway. We were quite surprised to find something that Lucas says you didn't see on your visit. There is a stream coming from up in the hills traversing the edge of the property above the orchard. They built a waterwheel that is functioning. We haven't investigated what service it had beyond irrigation, but we are encouraged."
Lucas proceeded; "Bill has contacted Mr. Pellegrino and sons. He tells me that they are very eager to sell as it has been years. The asking price has been lowered and is quite reasonable. They seem very willing to discuss the challenges and business opportunities with us by telephone. They will have a lawyer present. Bill would serve as our lawyer at least for now."
Dinner was being served so Lucas said," as Jack would say," "let's eat!" "Then we can talk further."
They enjoyed their dinner. Gustave entertained them with his memories of growing up at the winery in France and all his exploits with his siblings and cousins. Elizabeth knew that they were going to have a wonderful time with Lucas' family this summer.
"I will make my exit if you don't mind. I must be up very early to bake in the morning. It has been an interesting day and a pleasant evening, but I will bid you bonne nuit."
"Thank you, Gustave, for all your help and for joining us this evening," Lucas said.
Gustave rose and turned to Elizabeth with a slight bow and left them.
"Oh Lucas, this sounds so exciting. I forgot to ask if he saw anything of the house."
"Well, we did circle it and looked around as you and I did. He thinks that it is in good shape except for needing a good cleaning and removal of all textiles. And he was extremely impressed with the kitchen."
"I want to do this Lucas if you do. Let's confirm potable water for one and make a list of other questions. Then I suggest we have that phone call with the Pellegrinos and their lawyer."
"I will work on it right away. Thank you, Elizabeth, this means a lot."
"You are welcome. This is for me too. You said you had a communication from the travel company?"
"Yes, let me show you the itinerary they are working toward. We will get more details as the time approaches. It is coming rather quickly now, just two short months. With the extra excitement added, time is going to fly."
They looked over the travel plan together and agreed that it looked fine. Lucas promised to contact the agent the next day with confirmation.
"Elizabeth, I spoke with Laura's father yesterday. I have been meaning to tell you but there has been so much going on."
"So, what did he say, Laura indicated that there was some reluctance…."
"Yes, he has several concerns. One is the loss of her help. I know that her family counts on her and that she also provides them with some of her earnings. I assured him that I would provide him a sum each month for him to hire assistance as needed and to replace her present contribution from her earnings. I also told him that she would be paid each day for her services and would be given a wardrobe for the trip that she would keep. Additionally, I gave him some more intellectual arguments that he politely listened to but likely didn't really interest him. He was also concerned about a young woman traveling abroad. I assured him that we would be mindful as we would with our own daughter. I take that responsibility very seriously and told him the same. Anyway, the long and short of it is that we came to an agreement."
"Oh Lucas, that is wonderful. It is not only for our benefit, to have Laura help with Jack, but it is a great opportunity for her. I am glad we can give her that after all the years I have counted on her."
"Elizabeth, I didn't want to say anything to Laura, it is not something a gentleman would point out, but she looks to have a healthier continence about her."
"Yes, she lacks self-confidence and one issue has been how she feels she looks and feels. I suggested that she visit Faith who fortunately has given her some helpful suggestions that have her feeling healthier and more energetic. It clearly shows; I also think anticipation for the trip has given her a new outlook."
"Well, whatever Faith has told her seems to be working and she does seem happier and more confident. And speaking of self-confidence, I do believe that attire can do wonders." Lucas grinned because he knew that he would get at least an eyebrow raise from her. "I meant what I said to her father about wardrobe. I want you to take her shopping in Union City for a summer wardrobe. She should have whatever you think necessary. I would include a couple of party dresses suitable for dancing. My family will throw us a party or two and she will need clothes suitable for dining and dancing aboard the ship."
"Well, whatever we buy now may not fit all summer if her current efforts are further rewarded," noted Elizabeth.
"There are women in my family that can help alter anything she needs. And of course, I intend for you to purchase outfits while we are in Europe, and we should add to Laura's wardrobe there as well as a reward for her hard work."
"I can't believe the trip is coming so soon. We will have to leave plenty of room in our trunks for these expanding wardrobes, Mr. Bouchard? I imagine you will be indulging in a new French suit or two while you are in Paris."
"Perhaps… you know me, there are never enough suits," he joked.
"And you wear them so well my love," she leaned toward him for a quick kiss. "I think it is time to go collect our son and head home."
He helped her from her chair and escorted her across the room. The King and Queen of hearts turned heads as they made their way to their suite.