Conversations of the Heart
A Journey of Love
Chapter 27 Bon Voyage
They would start their trip tomorrow and they were all truly excited about the upcoming adventure. Rosie and Lee with the help of Emma and Gustave were hosting an early Bon Voyage buffet dinner so that some of their closest friends could drop by to wish them well. Laura's family was included so she could say goodbye to them. She would be spending the night at the row house so they could make a very early start in the morning.
Jack had ridden on a train before so this wasn't completely unfamiliar to him but he was very excited nonetheless. "Mama, do we have the maps to take with us?" He asked.
"Oh, my goodness; I had quite forgotten. Thank you for reminding me. Lucas, do you know where they are?" Elizabeth asked.
"Yes, I put them in my desk for safekeeping and I will be sure to put them in my satchel before we go home tonight."
"Thank you, darling. We worked so hard on them and they will add some interest to the trip." She replied.
"And we will need all of that we can get so we can show Jack where we are when he asks us" ….. "Are we there yet?"
They ate their dinner and celebrated with a toast of champagne and a piece of Gustave's masterpiece Bon Voyage confection and then said their goodbyes. Once they arrived home it took a while to get Jack settled for the night. Laura was thankfully there to attend to him as Lucas and Elizabeth made sure that all their belongings were gathered at the door. Finally, the lights were out and everyone settled for the night.
In the morning Rosie appeared as promised with muffins and warm drinks. And they had their breakfast while waiting for their transport to the train station. Once it arrived Lee joined them to help Lucas and the driver get their trunks and valises loaded.
It was time for a teary goodbye as Rosie and Lee hugged them all. Rosie held on to Lucas for a while as she looked him in the eye and said "Lucas I am counting on you; first of all, keep them safe but also give them the time of their lives. Do you hear me?"
"Yes, Rosie, I hear you. They are my treasures and I can assure you we will return to Hope Valley having had the most wonderful adventure of our lives. You have our full itinerary and I will try to call you a few times for an update. Don't fret they will be safe; trust me."
"I trust you, Lucas. I do, but I can't help but worry when things are out of my control; you know me. Please call from Montreal or have your parents call to let us know that you made it safely there."
"Rest assured that we will get word to you. Both you and my parents should reach out to one another with news along the way as we might not be able to get to both of you each time."
With that, he gathered her in a bear hug and kissed her on the cheek. "I love you, Rosemary Coulter; you are my sister in every way that matters."
"I love you too little brother. Well maybe not so little but you know what I mean." Lucas stepped away from her so that Elizabeth could have her turn.
Rosie and Elizabeth clung to each other with tears. They weren't sad tears but just big sentimental ones. They didn't speak because they didn't need to. They were best friends and each knew the other's heart. Finally, Elizabeth stepped back. "We are sure to miss each other but I will send you cards and we will call. And Lucas and I will be keeping a special travel journal to share with everyone when we return. We will draw in it or paste in keepsakes to help tell the story of our adventures.
Lucas signaled that it was time to go so she joined him and he helped her into her seat. Jack was waving out the window and calling to his beloved Auntie Rosie and Uncle Lee as they pulled away. Soon Hope Valley disappeared into the distance as they made their way into a brand new chapter together.