Conversations of the Heart: A Journey of Love
Chapter 29 Montreal at Last
They hadn't expected to see either of Lucas' parents at the train station, but they were pleasantly surprised. Lucas, who was carrying Jack, was hugged by both parents at the same time. Martin then raised his arms and greeted Jack by taking him from Lucas and giving him a big hug.
"So how was your trip young man?"
"Soooo good!" the little boy replied. "We got to go in the engine room!"
"Well, when we get home, you will have to tell us all about it." Martin gave Lucas a wink knowing that he had probably had his hands full much of the voyage.
Helen reached out for Elizabeth and kissed both her cheeks and then hugged her warmly. "I am so glad that you are here," she exclaimed.
"I can't tell you how glad I am to be here!" Elizabeth replied. "We are all so glad to be here! Helen, you remember Laura? I believe you met her while you were in Hope Valley at Christmas time."
"Why of course. Welcome Laura, I hope you will enjoy your time with us in Montreal. If there is anything you need, anything at all, please let me know."
"Thank you, Ma'am," Laura said extending her hand.
"Please call me Helen." Elizabeth smiled as she remembered a day, when she first met Helen, that she had repeated that to her several times.
Martin walked over to let Helen give Jack a hug. "Well, we have brought two cars with us. James drove one car and can take the women. Lucas, how about you come with me, and we shall take this young man with us."
"Sounds like a plan to me…. Elizabeth?"
"That will be fine. "Lucas leaned to give her a quick kiss on the lips.
"See you soon," he whispered in her ear.
A few of their valises were placed in the cars but the trunks would be delivered later.
The house was a gated property in an old prestigious part of the city. It was stately yet inviting and they were so happy to be there.
"Well, I imagine that you all would like to freshen up and have a rest before dinner," said Helen. "Matilde will help you with drawing baths and providing soap and towels. Matilde, would you please escort our guests to their rooms and help prepare the baths? I will go and speak with Cook about having some tea and biscuits sent up."
"Please, this way. James will bring in your bags," said Matilde.
Elizabeth and Lucas would be in a large guest room and Jack would be staying in Lucas' childhood room. Laura had the room next to him but planned on sleeping in the second bed in Lucas' old room at least for this first night.
"Matilde, is the bathroom in the west wing functional too?" Lucas inquired.
"Yes sir."
"I will take Jack there and give him his bath while Laura gets a turn in the main bathroom."
"Oh no, someone else should go first," said Laura.
"Please Laura if you take your bath now then you can take charge of Jack afterward so Lucas can have his bath," said Elizabeth.
So, Matilde handed soap and towels to Lucas, and off the guys went. Then she drew a bath for Laura while Elizabeth went to their bedroom to find clothes for Jack and herself to wear for the evening.
Elizabeth was just about ready to have her turn in the main bath when Lucas returned holding Jack's hand and looking like he had taken a bath in his clothes. Apparently, their happy little boy had splashed enough water while playing with bath toys, that he had gotten his papa quite drenched.
"Oh my, sorry about the suit," Elizabeth said to Lucas.
"Sorry Papa," said Jack trying to look remorseful.
Lucas tried to look stern… "I will forgive this time as the suit was already in need of washing. But next time I might growl like a lion." Lucas did his best growl, while grabbing the little boy and lifting him up to pretend to bite his tummy." Jack immediately began to squeal and giggle as he was soundly tickled by his papa.
Helen showed up with one of the kitchen staff and some tea and treats for all. She smiled as she watched her son, that big, tall strapping man, send her grandson into a fit of squeals and giggles. "He is a natural," she thought to herself, "so blessed to have found his true love and this sweet little boy."
"Lucas, you are a mess. Leave your suit hanging in the bathroom and one of the staff will come and take care of it," Helen said with a scolding that convinced no one. "Marie will serve the tea in the parlor across from your rooms." Dinner will be served at 7:30 this evening.
"Thank you, Marie, we are going to have our baths so if you would serve Laura and Jack, Lucas and I will pour for ourselves."
"Yes madam, come Jack and have some hot chocolate and cookies." She headed to the parlor with Jack skipping behind her in his little robe and Laura behind them.
Lucas wondered if he could get away with sharing a bath with Elizabeth but there were just too many people around to make it discreet enough. Besides, he had plans for her later tonight when they adjourned. So, he kissed her cheek and headed down the hall to the sloppy wet bathroom that he had bathed Jack in.
Dinner was a cheerful event as everyone was so happy to be together. They caught up on all the comings of goings of the past few months, especially about their new home and venture.
"Sounds very promising Lucas. I am sure that your cousins will be able to offer you sound advice on how to proceed with the vineyard," said Martin.
"Yes, that is what I am hoping," replied Lucas.
"Shall we retire to the library for a brandy?" asked Martin.
Lucas looked over at Elizabeth who gave him a warm smile and a nod.
"What about you Jack? Would you like to come with your papa to the library?" said Martin.
"Yes please," replied Jack jumping up to take Martin's hand.
Helen spoke up "Lucas I am taking Elizabeth and Laura with me to the salon. You will find us there when it is Jack's bedtime."
Elizabeth followed Helen with her arm around Laura.
Helen handed them each a glass of sherry, "Elizabeth, we have planned some events while you are here. We are hosting a reception in honor of your wedding for our acquaintances here in town. A number of Lucas' friends will be in attendance."
"Oh my," said Elizabeth. This is quite unexpected and very generous of you."
"It will be in three days. Rosemary has one of her famous surprises for you both. Tomorrow we will be visited by my modiste for a fitting of your gowns. Rosemary had your measurements sent several weeks ago and ordered some gowns to be made."
"That is just like Rosemary, meddling as always. She would be in so much trouble if she weren't loved so much," said Elizabeth.
"Laura, she got in touch with your mother to get your measurements. I hope you like the dress that the modiste has made. She will just need to make the final adjustments."
"I am sure I will love it. Thank you so much," said Laura looking a little embarrassed. She was used to fading into the background, so all this attention was foreign to her.
In the meantime, the library was the scene of much animation as Jack told his grandfather all about their time on the train. He was especially excited about the visit with the engineers. Martin listened attentively as the little boy explained how the steam was made.
"The men were all dirty from the coal for fire," said Jack. "The fire makes the water hot and it steams like a teapot," the little boy explained.
Lucas smiled as he sat in a comfortable chair with his eyes closed, occasionally sipping his brandy. Every once in a while, Jack would ask for some interjection but for the most part, his father kept the little boy entertained while he relaxed.
Soon the boy was winding down and came to sit on Lucas' lap and rested his head against Lucas' chest. Martin smiled as he watched the two cuddle. He was happy that his son had found his soulmate and this wonderful little boy who had so captured his heart.
"Father, it has been a wonderful evening, but I hope you will excuse us as I think it is time to get this young man settled for the night. And I myself am ready for a night where my legs are not under my chin."
Martin laughed… "a little cramped? Well, I will excuse you and wish you all a good night. I will see you at breakfast."
Lucas stood holding the little boy in his arms…"bon nuite Grand-père" said Jack as he yawned.
"Dors bien mon petit. Lucas, I will go and let Elizabeth know that you are headed up."
"Thank you. Goodnight father." Lucas headed up with Jack to his room.
Jack was soon settled in bed and fast asleep. It had been a big day. Laura said good night to them and then settled nearby in the second bed.
Lucas took Elizabeth's hand and led her to their room. "Elizabeth, I both warned and promised that you would be ravished… and I haven't foregone that plan, but would you mind if we just stretch out for a few minutes first and just hold one another? I missed that more than anything."
"That sounds perfect my love. At the moment, I want nothing more than to crawl up on that comfortable-looking bed and have you hold me."
He helped her with her gown and then rid himself of his outerwear as well. They then lay in the bed wrapped up in each other's arms. Within minutes they were both sound asleep.
Lucas woke to the moonlight streaming into the window. For a moment he had to think about where he was and then he felt the warm woman in his arms, and all was good with the world. Elizabeth had turned with her back to him and was curled up against him. She felt like heaven. All he could think about during the last couple of days since their rendezvous in the baggage car was how much he wanted and needed her. To think that he had fallen asleep without so much as a kiss… He cuddled her closer and took in the scent of her newly washed hair. Her scent was always tantalizing to him. He heard her moan in her sleep and he kissed her on the shoulder. She turned to him, and he could see her look at him with those beautiful eyes that shined in the moonlight.
"I love you Lucas" Elizabeth whispered.
"I love you too ma cherie" returned Lucas. "I didn't keep my promise to ravish you."
"Right now, I just want you to hold me and whisper lovely nonsense in French and make slow sweet love to me. Ravishing will hold until we are both rested from our journey."
He kissed her gently savoring the sweetness of her lips and then began kissing her neck as he whispered sweet nothings in her ear. She had asked for lovely nonsense and she giggled at his whispers, just as he intended. "My eyes are the blue of your favorite tie?" "My hair is as soft as your old marmalade cat?" Elizabeth translated.
"Well, you said you wanted sweet nonsense, and I am just obliging." But soon he began to make love with his words, and she was at first enchanted and then fully seduced. She lost herself in his adoration and welcomed him to her as they slowly chased that special moment when their connection was complete.
It was barely after dawn when there was a knock on the door that woke them both.
"Mama….Papa" whispered a little voice rather loudly. "It is me .. Jack."
"Well in that case come in" Lucas exclaimed.
"Is it okay?" asked Laura? "I can take him on a walk around the house if you want to sleep in more."
"It is fine… come here you," Lucas said to the little boy.
"I will see you at breakfast," Laura said as she turned to leave.
Jack ran across the room and climbed up with help from Lucas. He wiggled his way in between them and they smiled at each other. They had missed their morning ritual while they had been traveling. Now they just relished a snuggle with their sweet one until it was time to dress for breakfast.
8