Chapter Twenty-Six: Family Engagement Dinner – Part II
Nathan noticed it appeared dark as he opening the massive double doors to the Dining Room, which was highly unusual. In fact, there was only candlelight, too dark to even see, but suddenly, all the Chandeliers were turned on at once, blinding them at first.
And there, throughout the room, stood the very people Millicent had just mentioned, her siblings and sister-in-law, popping out from their hiding places, and yelling 'Surprise!' 'Surprise!' 'Surprise!' 'Surprise!' and running toward them!
Millicent's baby sister, Philippa, whom everyone called Pippa, and sister-in-law, Margaret, ran straight toward her, dying to see the ring, with hugs and kisses for both Millicent and Nathan, while her brothers ran straight toward Nathan to greet and congratulate him, also giving quick hugs to Millicent.
By this time, the parents had entered and were joyfully observing the reunion.
It might have been a most formal dining room with both families in formal dress, but tonight was family pandemonium with the four siblings reuniting all together for the first time in months!
"Margaret, you look exquisite, so wonderful to see you again! Millicent tells me you're a Saint putting up with my buddy, Richard," and Nathan reached to kiss her.
"It's a tough job, but somebody has to do it, so I do my best!" she laughed. "Although, between us, it's a whole lot easier taking care of the children! So great to see you! I couldn't have chosen a better brother-in-law! We're just thrilled, Nathan!"
"Pippa, look at you all grown up, beautiful as ever! So glad you're here," and Nathan reached to kiss Millicent's baby sister, Pippa.
"Welcome, Nathan! We've always loved having you as part of the family, but now to make it official is just the best! My sister's a very lucky girl, and I'm pretty much green with envy!"
Pippa was joking, but she halfway meant it, because she had always had a not-so-secret crush on the now handsome Constable, as well!
"You'll have to update me on the boy front when we get a minute to catch up!" urged Nathan. "And I want to know how your Art's coming along, too!"
"Nate!" called Richard. "I think we got you this time! You had no idea! You know my baby brother, William! We're here to welcome you to the family, now that we're officially three brothers!"
"Richard, I'm not the baby! Pippa is. Hi Nathan! Welcome to the family, but are you sure you can put up with us? You already know Richard's a loose cannon!"
"Don't I know it! But thank you, for the welcome, William!"
"I resent that remark! I'm as distinguished as they come!" interjected Richard.
"William, you forget, I'm the one who grew up with this one. I know him like a book! You can join my side and we might have a fighting chance to survive!"
"I'm with you, Nathan!"
"Hey, that's not at all fair!"
"You know what they say, Richard! In love and war…you do what you have to do!"
"Oh, my goodness, this is the most gorgeous ring I've ever seen, Sis!"
Pippa literally couldn't take her eyes off of it, dreaming about her own ring someday.
"You get the gorgeous ring and the handsome man, too? I think I really am jealous! And not just a little bit!"
Millicent laughed and hugged her baby sister, the one who was in her first year of college without a clue as to what she wanted to do, except dabbling in her art, and dating as many boys as she possibly could!
"Your time will come, Darling Pippa!"
"Millicent, the ring is absolutely gorgeous! It looks just like you! It's perfect! And you are absolutely radiant! Richard is going to have to step up his game in the jewelry department, for sure!"
"Children, dinner's getting cold! Everyone, please take your seats and you all can band back together after our Celebratory Dinner's begun to be served!"
Whenever Victoria spoke, her children, no matter the age, listened and jumped into action!
She was indeed the Family Matriarch! Her children adored her, but they knew she meant exactly what she said, as she had been the primary disciplinarian of the family.
That is till she threw up her hands with Richard, and called Edward in as reinforcement!
Yes, it had taken the both of them to deal with the mischievous and willful Richard, the handsome charmer, everyone adored!
In no time, everyone was seated and settled.
"Let us pray, announced Edward.
"We thank You Dear Heavenly Father for this, our Family and Extended Family, all together in one place."
Nathan noticed Edward's voice crack, and he knew it was because two family members were missing: Edward, his firstborn, and Colleen.
But Edward covered for himself and quickly continued.
"We are especially most grateful for the new love brought to this table, between Nathan and Millicent, bringing the promise of a new family that is also a part of our families. We ask your blessings on them as they start their new life together. We're thankful for our dear grandchildren, and our new grandchild Allie, all of whom aren't here physically, but are very much with us in our hearts! We are also thankful for the celebratory Engagement Dinner we are about to receive. We ask your blessings on all the people here and especially on our new couple. We thank You again for the food that is coming, and we ask that You bless those who prepared it. With full and most grateful hearts, Amen!"
A Chorus of Amens followed in response, all around the table.
Dinner began being formally served, but the mood was as familial and jovial as it gets.
"I should prepare you all for a lengthy dinner of food with twelve courses, as this is an Engagement Celebration! I know there's a lot of conversation to be had, as well, especially since we're all so curious about this proposal!"
Millicent looked at Nathan, who smiled and nodded.
"We'll tell you all about it, and I must say it's all spectacular, explained Millicent. "But first, Mother, the Dining Room looks gorgeous with all my favorite flowers in white, everywhere, and the gorgeous table settings, along with the long-tapered candles, are just exquisite! Thank you!"
"You're welcome, Child. I wanted it perfect for you and Nathan!"
"Well, it is perfect, as are especially, our surprise guests! Thank you, Victoria!" smiled Nathan. "It's just so wonderful for all of us to be together, again!"
"Hear, hear!" agreed Richard heartily.
The first Hors d'oeuvres course was a decadent Miniature Cheese Soufflé, an egg-based dish, light, airy, and full of cheesy goodness. The added freshly ground mustard, saffron, and white pepper brought a unique savory taste with a bit of spice!
It was quite the first course, enticing everyone into being very excited about the courses to come!
The second Amuse-Bouche course to stimulate the appetite was a Colossal Pink Shrimp split and fried Tempura styled and filled with a Thai Sweet & Hot Crunchy Chili Sauce, setting the tone for the exciting meal ahead.
The third Soup course was, of course, Millicent's favorite Bouillabaisse with Roasted Red Pepper Rouille, served with Crusty French Bread.
"Mother this can't be Cook's Bouillabaisse. It tastes just like my favorite restaurant's, but even better!"
"Leave it to my daughter, the Bouillabaisse connoisseur! Part of your surprise is that Eduardo, their Head Chef, is cooking dinner for us tonight!"
"Is Cook not back from her trip?" asked Millicent. "I was so hoping she'd be here tonight!"
"No, Darling! She's still on her trip with her mother, visiting her brother in Toronto. I didn't want to interfere, so she doesn't know about your engagement, yet. Believe me, she would be here if she knew! But, you Children are going to have to realize Cook is old enough to retire. The only reason she's worked this long is her love for us!"
"That's just tragic to think about. We grew up, always under her foot!" admitted Richard.
"You can say that again. Especially you Richard," teased William. "Except you were under both her feet!"
"I beg your pardon. Not any more than you, Little Bro!"
Nathan couldn't help but smile, because he knew William was right on this one!
Richard had always been in the kitchen, charming the cooks, to sneak a snack.
And he always got it, too! Usually, more than he asked for. That man was oozing with charm and finesse, even as a child!
It took one word from Edward, not even spoken sternly, to straighten his boys up.
"Boys!"
"I don't like it either, but when she does decide to leave us, we'll have to do something very nice for her!" insisted Millicent.
"Your Mother and I are already working on that, Darling. She's going to need a place to live. Her mother lives in a tiny one-bedroom apartment in the middle of the city. We're trying to find her a place big enough for both of them on the outskirts of town where they can do a little gardening. But, don't say anything to her. She knows nothing about it. Your Mother's done a bit of detective work on the sly!"
"That's wonderful, Father! She deserves it, if only for putting up with my husband. Just let us all know so we can contribute too! Then perhaps we can throw a Family Party for her?" suggested Margaret.
"Yes, that's a wonderful idea, Margaret!" agreed Victoria. "I'll arrange it as we get closer to the time and perhaps you Girls could help me with the details!"
"Well, she's sure going to be happy when she gets back because I brought her a big hamper of her favorite cheeses and preserves," added Sophia.
"Mother, that was so nice of you. But how in the world did you keep the soft cheeses cold?"
"I made friends with the Conductor! He stored them for me in their Kitchen fridge!"
"I had to keep my eye on that man! He was pretty taken with your mother, Nathan!" chimed in Archie.
"Hmph! Archeford, you know he was just a nice lonely, old man!"
"Yes, and it was that lonely part I was worried about, my Dear!"
Everybody cracked up laughing!
Archie could deliver a one-liner with facial expressions to match to make you giggle till sundown!
"Sounds like I'm going to have to start chaperoning my own parents!" added Nathan dryly.
"Like that's going to happen! Although, if it would bring you closer to Swan Hills, your Father and I would be all for it!"
"Touche! Mrs. Grant!" laughed Millicent, knowing Nathan had been away from his parents' home for far too long!
"None of this Mrs. Grant stuff. It's Sophia and Archie for now, and when we make all this official, it will be Mother and Father!"
"I love that! Now, I get two Mothers and two Fathers!"
"You both do," added Victoria, smiling broadly at Nathan.
All four parents were beaming, as all four couldn't be more ecstatic about this union.
"You know this just feels like we're keeping everything in the family, just the way it should be," exclaimed Pippa.
"You've got a point, there, Pippa," smiled her father.
The fourth Appetizer course, giving a hint as to what was coming later as one of the main courses, was Crab Stuffed Mushrooms with a Creamy White Sauce, drizzled over them.
The verdict was unanimous - totally the best anyone had ever had!
"There's something in this sauce, I just can't figure out! But whatever it is, it's sure delicious!" exclaimed Pippa.
The fifth Salad course brought back the Thai spice in a Chopped Thai Salad with Tiny Bites of Fresh Figs and a Gingered Peanut Dressing, totally unique and delicious, with an added spice kick, tempered by the sweetness of the bites of fig!
The sixth Fish course consisted of Tempura Fried Calamari Bites, with a Sweet and Sour Dipping Sauce, that were both simply beyond delicious.
Conversations were still going strong across and down the table on both sides. Everyone was thoroughly enjoying themselves, and anxiously awaiting the next course's surprise.
So far, each one was topping the last!
Finally, came the seventh First Main course of paper-thin slices of Peking Duck on a Mandarin Pancake, with a non-traditional Fig Sauce that made the fresh Duck with its crispy, crackling skin, simply spectacular!
"Now that we're finally at our first main course, we are dying to know all about the proposal," urged Victoria.
"Please tell us! We're dying to know every single detail!" begged Pippa.
"Well, perhaps not every detail, Dear," said Nathan's mother drily, causing everyone to laugh.
"Yes, Nate, we want all the gory details!" chimed in Richard.
"Richard!" and that was from both his mother and wife!
"Just teasing…"
William couldn't help but laugh, as his big brother got caught, and of course, Archie joined in!
"Some things never change! You boys are still at it, and that's a very good thing if I do say so myself! Never lose your boyish spirit and spunk!"
"Says the man who still acts like a twelve-year-old," noted Sophia, sardonically.
"Keeps me young, Darlin', and you love it!"
She reached to kiss her husband's cheek, as she patted his hand because he was right, she did love it. She loved him, foibles and all!
"To answer you, Pippa. Not every detail, as some are just too private, but we'll share most!" agreed Millicent who was lost in Nathan's twinkling eyes, just remembering.
And so, Millicent began…
"Yesterday was our first full day together because I had to work some on Monday and pretty much all-day Tuesday. But our day together on Wednesday was just the perfect day. We started out by going to The Chapel of Ten Thousand Lights. Father DeVeaux met us there and even blessed us as a couple, although he knows we're Protestant! Nathan and I knelt alone in the Chapel and prayed together, which was so lovely!"
"It was perfect, as we were praying for our future life together, but with Millicent having no idea she was going to be proposed to before the night was over!"
"I love that!" expressed Sophia with a single clasp of her hands.
"Next, we went through Old Victoria and chose the same blue Victorian house as our favorite!"
"That doesn't really surprise me," added Margaret. "As you two are so much alike!"
"Next, we went to the Wharf, where it was so cold! Nathan got to hear all about our Granary there, Father!"
"It appears your Daughter's very knowledgeable, Sir!"
"She had better be. I spent quite a bit of time teaching her about that endeavor! Think I answered a million of her questions!"
"Not a million, Father! Maybe a thousand," laughed Millicent. "I have to know all the details! Besides, I get that from you, the King of detail!"
"I've learned that already!" laughed Nathan. Let's see, where were we? Oh, then I took her to your favorite place, Victoria, for hot Coffee and warmth. They literally rolled out the red carpet for us!" added Nathan.
"It's a little dive in the wharf with the very best seafood!" explained Victoria. "I'll take you there if you like!"
"We sat and watched the ships coming in and going out! I could have stayed all day," smiled Millicent.
"But, Darling look what you would have missed," teased Nathan.
Millicent couldn't resist reaching to kiss him.
Everyone around the table was touched by their tenderness with each other. It was just natural and full of love. Even Richard bent to kiss Margaret, and Archie and Edward reached to kiss Sophia and Victoria!
It was a really sweet moment, with love radiating throughout the room.
"I'm feeling awfully left out here!" chided Pippa.
"Aw, Sis, I'll kiss you!"
"Thank you, William! But that was hardly what I had in mind!"
Everyone laughed, as the normally serious William feigned being tragically hurt that his kiss was declined.
William was in his second year of college. He was very intelligent and scholastically driven. Unlike Pippa, dating was the furthest thing from his mind!
He had known exactly what he wanted to do since he was six years old when Victoria had taken him to the Doctor to remove a piece of leaded pencil that had been accidentally jabbed into his leg by a playmate. It had gone in deep, and the doctor had had to cut it out, then stitch it up. But, instead of crying, William had watched the whole thing mesmerized, only grimacing from the pain when he absolutely had to, gripping his mother's hand till it was blue!
That was the day he discovered his dream. He wanted to be a physician, in particular, a surgeon! As he got older, he realized he wanted to pioneer new surgical techniques.
That was his goal, and anyone who knew him, also knew he would achieve it.
"You're turn will come, Pippa, I promise. And now you'll have three brothers to vet him!" Nathan assured her!
"That's what I'm afraid of! Poor guy won't have a chance with you three grilling him!"
"Just wait till I put on my Mountie uniform…" teased Nathan.
"Oh, I like that," grinned Edward.
"Yeah, at this rate, I'll die being a spinster!"
Everyone laughed with poor Pippa, whose future young gentleman was going to have to meet a lot of expectations!
Hers and theirs…
"Okay, back to our story! Next, we went to the Hermès Equerry Shoppe to pick up my saddle for Serena!"
"Which is stunning, by the way!" complimented Nathan. "I was a happy camper because I got to watch an elderly man making a saddle. It was fascinating to see how he turned the leather to make the cantle and pommel. Really, just amazing! There's such an art to it."
"Next, we went to Luigi's, our favorite Italian place and they even remembered which broken-down booth we always sat in!"
"We ordered all our favorites, but Luigi insisted on cooking us a feast in addition to those. Hendrix and Estella are going to be eating Italian for a week! Oh, and they even gave us the recipes for me to take back to Hope Valley."
"Yes, and if you share, they come with a curse, according to Sal. So, top-secret, my Darling!" laughed Millicent. "Oh, and the meal ended with the absolute best Tiramisu we've ever had! But Sophia, you won't believe what we did next, and we did it in honor of you!"
"Yes, we did, Mother! We danced the Tango in the bitter cold, but with our coats on, in Tango Park across from the restaurant!"
"Oh, I would have loved to see that! I know it was beautiful! Now, aren't you two happy I taught you the Tango?" asked Sophia.
"Elated, Sophia! We could finally feel the beauty of the dance, for the first time, all because we were together, and because of how well you taught us!"
"It really was beautiful, and so freeing, Mother. You told us so long ago, we'd thank you one day when we fell in love," and Nathan was looking lovingly at Millicent as he said the words and continued most reverently.
"Here we are in love as deeply as we can be, and we're thanking you from the bottom of our hearts!"
Sophia had tears in her eyes because she could envision her children, her students, dancing together exquisitely, just as she had painstakingly taught them so many years ago.
"You know, I do have to watch you Tango together at some point, so I can be sure it meets my approval," winked Sophia.
"We promise. The Tango may be our new favorite dance!" admitted Millicent.
Appropriately, came the next eighth Palate Cleanser course of Champagne Sorbet with Slivers of Candied Ginger in a stemmed Martini Glass.
Appropriate because Millicent and Nathan were now getting to the Proposal Evening!
Next was the ninth course, or second main course in the form of one of Nathan's favorites: Butterflied Filet Mignon stuffed with Thinly Sliced Mushrooms and traditionally topped with Bone Marrow Medallions, covered in a Classic Bordelaise Sauce with Demi-Glacé.
The first bite brought moans, temporarily stopping all conversation, as the taste of the buttery soft filets couldn't adequately even be described.
"I think this is spoiling me for all other filets, Victoria!" complimented Edward.
"Victoria, this is simply divine!" added Archie.
"Thank you both, kind Sirs! Just happy everyone's enjoying it!
But I do think one would be hard-pressed to find a better Chef than the one standing in our kitchen tonight. Eduardo's been phenomenal!"
"Hear, hear!" everyone agreed!
"Back to this proposal, Children! We're anxiously awaiting!" prompted Sophia.
Millicent continued with Nathan's help.
Everyone noticed both were radiant just thinking about their special evening!
"Nathan was in his Tux!"
"And Millicent was in a gorgeous white gown, looking like an angel, as she also does tonight!"
"Nathan wouldn't tell me where we were going or what we were doing, not even a single hint. But we left early, for dinner, or so I thought, before sunset."
"We got out at a park across from the wharf supposedly for Belgian Hot Chocolate with Homemade Marshmallows for Millicent!"
"Then he walked me through the park, drinking the Best Hot Chocolate ever, and eating the Homemade Marshmallows, that tasted like tiny little clouds of candy which totally melted in our mouths!"
"She still really didn't know where we were, as I was talking, trying to keep her distracted."
"Oh, I was distracted alright, not really knowing where I was! When he turned me around, I could finally see we were across from the wharf!"
"Then I turned her a quarter turn again…"
"And there was a gigantic Ferris Wheel! Nathan had rented out the entire place just to let me experience riding a Ferris Wheel for the first time, and for us to watch the evening sunset together! It was just stunning!"
"How romantic!" cried Margaret.
"I would love that!" added Pippa, in total awe.
"Did you get sick, Sis?" asked William.
"Only lovesick," laughed Richard.
"It was the most fun and most romantic thing, Richard, I have ever done! You should take Margaret! It was like your body felt totally different depending on where you were in the air. Nathan said that it was due to centrifugal force."
"You feel heavy going up, normal a quarter way up, then the lightest when you're at the very top," he explained.
"It was amazing and it felt like you could reach out and touch the sunset! It was like God painted a masterpiece just for us! I've never seen anything like it!"
"Oh, Millicent, that sounds so beautiful and about as romantic as it gets," said Margaret, almost enviously. "I agree, Richard! We have to do that together one evening!"
"I thought it was as romantic as it gets, too, Margaret, but this man kept surprising me! We went around three times and I could have gone more!"
"I had to tear her away," grinned Nathan. "I think she would have ridden it all night, but there was lots more to do!"
"But wasn't it cold?" asked Pippa.
"Not really. Nathan had made me bundle up, and he also brought us a fur to lay over our laps, plus we had each other to snuggle with, so it was perfect!"
"When I took her to the car, I didn't want her to know where we were going next, which was thanks to Edward!"
"So, he blindfolded me with a silk scarf Essie had given him, that even matched my gown!"
"We drove to the island and to the new Observatory, but of course Millicent didn't have any idea where we were, till we got upstairs."
"That's because there were so many steps leading up to it, he had to carry me, still blindfolded!"
"I didn't remove it till we were upstairs, under the golden dome!"
"I was astounded. Nathan had shown me the sun in a way I had never seen before and now he was showing me the moon and the stars in ways I had never seen before! It was just all so magical and so very romantic! But I still didn't imagine that he was going to propose!"
"I had dinner brought in from her favorite restaurant, which we had gone to the night before, but she was so exhausted from her day in court, she was too tired to really enjoy it!"
"We ate all my favorites and danced all around the observatory afterward. When we went back to the table for dessert, Nathan dropped down on one knee and gave me the most beautiful proposal a girl could ever have, and as I said, I had absolutely no idea it was going to happen!"
"That's the very best way, Darling! These men love their surprises," assured Victoria.
"Since he had blindfolded me on the way up, I blindfolded him on the way down!"
Everyone laughed because only Millicent would think to return the favor, especially after having been proposed to, and in such a romantic way!
"What did you think about your ring, Sis?" asked Richard.
"The most exquisite piece of jewelry I've ever seen! He couldn't have chosen anything more me!"
Everyone around the table oohed and aahed again about the ring, all unanimously giving Nathan ten out of five stars!
"That's the most romantic proposal I've ever heard," admitted Margaret.
"The best!" agreed Pippa, enthusiastically. "Nathan, you can pick out my engagement ring any day of the week!"
"I'm afraid your young man might have something to say about that, Pippa! But for a small fee, I'm available to help!" he teased.
"But that's not all! I thought it was, but I was so wrong!" declared Millicent.
"There's more?" exclaimed Pippa incredulously.
"Afraid so, Sis, Nathan came through with the second thing I've always wanted to do but couldn't because of security! But he figured out a way and pulled it off!"
"I took her back outside with her thinking we were going to get in her limousine, but instead there was a beautiful carriage waiting for us with a gorgeous team of white horses and a guard surrounding it of twelve of my Mountie friends in their Dress Uniforms."
"Oh, my…" swooned Pippa. "I'll never have anything like this!"
"Of course, you will, Pippa," promised Millicent reassuring her beloved sister. "In due time, it will happen for you, too! And it will be perfect!"
Then Millicent continued her story…
"We started traveling away from the Observatory, but when the carriage turned, we were looking back at it, and in that very moment it was bathed with a flash of light. It was just so stunning and so romantic!"
"Sounds magical, Millicent," exclaimed Sophia, imagining it in her mind.
"We traveled through the Island, on into Old Montreal, over the cobblestone streets with gas lights flickering everywhere, then through New Montreal, over the bridge, and all the way to Millicent's."
"We saw the Mounties off, with Nathan saluting them as they left! Then you might say we started a new engagement tradition, with Nathan carrying me into the townhouse!"
"Good grief Nate, are you the most romantic man on the planet," asked Richard. "You're making me look bad here, Buddy!"
"Nathan, meet your new student, my husband!" laughed Margaret.
Everyone laughed, thinking about Nathan teaching Richard romance.
"Oh, that would be a hoot! I'd even pay to watch!" promised William.
"Me too, in a heartbeat!" assured Pippa, enthusiastically.
"You're on, Richard!" teased Nathan, as Millicent began to finish their story.
"You all laugh, but later, we had Champagne, and just stayed up most of the night talking in front of the fireplace. It was all so romantic, and so very beautiful. I never in a million years could have imagined such a perfect proposal and engagement!"
By this time, all the women were crying tears of happiness, even Pippa!
"The most beautiful engagement I've ever heard about," cried Sophia. "Son, you did a spectacular job!"
"He really did, Sophia! It will stay in my heart forever as one of the most special nights in my life!" agreed Millicent.
"The official start of our life together!" confirmed her Fiancé, reaching to kiss her with adoration written all over both their faces.
"Nathan, we don't even know what you said and shouldn't, as that's private between only you and Millicent! I can tell you, though, I've heard lots of proposals, yet even without knowing what you said, none as beautiful and poignant as yours! You tailor-made it to our daughter, which just makes it perfect," complimented Victoria.
Then she spoke to her youngest daughter.
"Pippa, Darling, I agree, it's going to be hard for you to top this, I'm afraid. But the lesson is when the right man comes along, his proposal will be just as perfect and unique, in ways that perfectly suit you! And William, you take note! It's your responsibility to make your proposal special and tailor-made to the woman you fall in love with!"
"Yes, Ma'am!" answered William, who his mother knew was a true romantic at heart.
"It makes such a beautiful truth, Son. Yours and Millicent's truth, the beginning of your story as a couple. Which has to be glorious with a start like this!" promised Archie. "It's a Gaelic promise, one to always keep with you!"
"Thank you, Father! I promise we will!"
Archie beamed, as he was thrilled to be called Father twice in one evening!
Next came the tenth Cheese course, and tonight it was extra special, because all the cheeses had been made by Sophia, herself, and she was an expert cheese-maker. Her cheeses were known far and wide, as she had made it into a booming business!
Mounds and Wedges of every kind of Cheese were arranged on a silver platter with an assortment of Specialty Bread and Crackers. The tray also included some of her Homemade Jams and Chutney, while the Chef only had to add some Candied Nuts and Pistachios, Caramelized Onions, and Spicy Mustards for the most spectacular Cheese Board ever!
In fact, Chef Eduardo was so impressed with Sophia's Cheeses, he asked Mrs. Grant if he could purchase them for the restaurant, directly from her, and Sophia happily made the arrangements!
"Sophia, your Cheeses just get better and better," complimented Edward. "And that's saying a lot, as they've always been delicious!"
"They're positively wonderful!" agreed Margaret.
"Never better, Sophie!" confirmed Victoria. "Cook will be elated!"
"Not to change the subject, but Nathan, we're curious. What did you think of the Toussant Estate?" asked William, in his matter-of-fact way.
"It's amazing, Sir! It just felt like home. Millicent and I love it and we can see ourselves raising our family there at some point. I must admit I fell in love with not only the estate but also Monsieur Toussant's horse, Black Feather. Dad, you and Mom have to see him. He's just a spectacular horse, and we took to each other right away. I honestly could live in the stables, they're so amazing!"
"That sounds impressive," mused Archie, always anxious to scope out new stables.
"Why is he called Black Feather, Son?" asked Sophia.
"He's jet black and rides light as a feather. He truly moves like the wind. It was all I could do to hold him back! You all have just got to see him! He's nothing short of spectacular!"
Nathan paused slightly, then decided to continue.
"Edward, I was a bit concerned, though, because when we left and Monsieur Toussant asked what I thought of the place, I complimented everything, of course, and asked him for First Refusal. But he never really said he was giving it to us. He seemed to be very pleased with both of us, so it was just a little odd," explained Nathan.
Both sets of parents smiled nervously.
Nathan, being a professional observer of people, caught it and wasn't at all sure what that meant.
"He did promise me he wouldn't show it to anyone, which somewhat helped alleviate our concern. But it was still a bit strange, and so odd, as he adored Nathan and acted like he was the only one he would ever trust Black Feather with," added Millicent.
"Do you think he might not have understood the term?"
"I honestly don't know, Sir. Millicent's right. It was just very odd."
"You know, I believe we need to discuss this and maybe a few other things further, so let's end our meal a bit differently tonight with Geoffrey serving our Dessert and Mignardise courses in the Living Room. We parents will speak with Nathan and Millicent in my Office, to discuss some business, just for a little while. You Children go on and start you Dessert Course. We'll join you as soon as we're through!"
"Yes, Sir!" responded both Richard and William, as they rose to escort Margaret and Pippa to the Living Room.
The four, true to the manners their mother had instilled, hugged and/or kissed both Nathan and Millicent, as they were the guests of honor, then politely excused themselves.
Then the newly engaged couple followed their parents to Edward's office, a bit perplexed, not knowing what was coming next…
As the six of them took their seats on the plush leather sofa and wingback chairs in Edward's office, directly in front of the massive fireplace, there was a nervous feel in the air.
Edward took the lead.
"We're afraid we may have overstepped, but the four of us want you to at least hear us out and let us make amends if need be."
Now, Nathan and Millicent were both feeling nervous, although they were hiding it quite well!
Edward continued.
"Monsieur Toussant called me after you left. And I can tell you, he was so very impressed with you, Son."
Nathan was holding Millicent's hand, trying to give her strength for what they were about to hear, with neither of them knowing what it was, but thinking it couldn't be good, given the scenario they had experienced up North!
"But he couldn't give you first refusal, because the property has already been sold."
Millicent gasped with widened eyes, and Nathan could feel her heart breaking.
He knew in her heart, as in his, this was their home.
"Please don't blame him about any of this, as he was told not to betray the buyers' confidence under any circumstances! And he did not betray that confidence. But, Nathan and Millicent, the thing is, and we desperately wanted to keep this a surprise for your Wedding, but with Nathan's perceptiveness, and my daughter's persistence, we realize that's going to prove impossible."
Nathan and Millicent were more confused than ever.
"The four of us," and he pointed to the other three parents, "are the buyers. We bought it as your Wedding present."
Both Nathan and Millicent were dumbfounded.
When Nathan could finally speak, he did.
"But, Sir, with all due respect, that is entirely way too much as a gift, even with the four of you! And Mother, Dad, it's just too much!"
"Now, you listen to me, Son. Obviously, your mother and I can't afford to put in as much as Edward and Victoria, but we've been doing really well with the Ranch, and since I've been home, Sophia and I decided to put as much as we could back to have someday for your Wedding Present. We shocked ourselves at how much we were able to actually save and we are giving you this gift one way or another. That day is here, and that Millicent is our new daughter, well we're beyond the Irish Moon. We simply couldn't think of a better way than to go in with Edward and Victoria and give you the home you loved!"
"Despite what they say, Archie's and Sophia's contribution was a significant one, and we loved that they wanted to go in with us. We did the same thing for Richard and Margaret, but we didn't have help on theirs, and their place cost even more than the estate, which we'll equalize. We'll do the exact same thing for William and Pippa when they marry. Please understand, Nathan, the four of us love you both more than the world. We are more than able to do this, and we desperately want to do this! Please allow us to do so!"
"Nathan, you're looking at the amount, Darling. Remember that talk we had about money? It's just a thing. We want you to see our hearts and all the love that we're giving you in this gift," offered Victoria.
"And it is with all the love in the world, my Dearest Son. Please let us give back to you and Millicent for the many joys you've given us. Let us be a real part of your future!" begged Sophia.
Nathan got up and paced like a caged lion.
He didn't know what to do…
But finally, after much internal turmoil, he came back and sat down by Millicent, and looking into her eyes he knew how very much she wanted her "farm," and he also knew how very much she wanted to make their parents feel loved and included as a part of their journey.
He took her hand and looked straight ahead to their parents.
"On one condition. And you each have to promise this. If there ever comes a time, God forbid, one of you is left alone, or any of you become ill and need to be cared for, or you just want to retire and make a change, you let us return the favor, and you come to us, to the home you are paying for, which is also your home whenever you need it!"
The parents all had tears in their eyes as did Millicent, but each stood and embraced their son who was standing, again, and gave them their earnest promise.
Then Edward pulled a large envelope tied in a beautiful gold ribbon, from his center desk drawer and handed the deed to Nathan and Millicent.
There were more tears of happiness and pure joy, with hugs and kisses all around, a most special family moment that would never be forgotten.
The Toussant Estate was now legally and officially the Grant Estate.
And just like that, the soon-to-be, Constable and Mrs. Grant with their daughter, Allie, had a most spectacular and unique new home…