Chapter Twenty-Eight: Touring The Grant Estate – Part II
After the men headed to the Stables to go riding, the women followed Millicent into the house to begin their tour.
"Miss, If you don't mind, Hendrix and I will head straight to the kitchen to see what needs to be done there first!"
"Oh, of course, Essie! Just go straight back through this hall and through the Library that's ahead. There are suites for you, too, and some service rooms to look at. And don't forget the view out the back! Just make yourselves at home and feel free to go exploring throughout the House whenever you finish there," urged Millicent.
"This is stunning," complimented Sophia. "Just stunning!"
"Absolutely beautiful!" agreed Victoria.
"You instantly feel at home just driving up to it!" added Margaret. "Even before you get inside!"
"I love it! Can I come to stay with you," asked Pippa.
"Anytime you wish, my sweet Pippa! You can even have your own room if you like," promised her big sister.
"What colors are you planning to use?" asked Victoria, knowing her daughter would not be happy with the dark colors that were everywhere.
"Oh, we plan to lighten the whole place, Mother. The furniture stays and I do love the country French pieces, but I want the wood stripped and replaced with a lighter fruitwood stain. We just don't care for the dark at all. Then I want to bring in the turquoise of the shutters from the outside, adding complementary shades of blues and greens, and pairing it all with bits of yellow. Nathan and I both just want the whole place lighter and more youthful-looking!"
"That color palette sounds wonderful and so relaxing! I can just see it now!" agreed Sophia, who was an expert in color selection, as she was an accomplished artist.
"Of course, it will make a huge difference making everything lighter, too, once we add art, drapes, pillows, new upholstery, and rugs, bringing in those same lighter colors! Also, fresh coats of lighter paint where there's paint," explained Millicent.
"Are you thinking about using any paper?" asked Victoria.
"I hadn't thought about that, but it's a great idea for adding pattern. You all let me know where you think it would work best, as we go through the house. Why don't we start in the living room?"
"It's so big, yet still comfy! I really like that about it. Perfect with children! Hint, hint…," teased Margaret.
The women laughed.
"Do we dare ask how many to hope for?" asked Victoria.
Millicent blushed a deep pink.
"We both want lots if God blesses us in that way!" she admitted. "And we both hope it happens quickly. Allie too. The poor child is dying for brothers and sisters!"
Sophia and Victoria both hugged her, delighted at the thought of lots of grandchildren!
"And don't forget we'll make pretty good Aunties!" reminded Margaret.
"You too will make priceless Aunties. This will be your first, won't it Margaret? Pippa has practice, as you're already a great Auntie to Jackson, Maggie, Jacques and Margie! Although, don't forget you both already have a new niece, too, in Allie! You'll both love her. She's positively adorable. Bright and full of spunk! Beautiful like her Momma, too."
"Yes, that's my granddaughter to a tee!" agreed a very proud Sophia. "You know her well, Millicent, and I want to say here and now, how very grateful I am that you will be Allie's Mother! Short of her own Colleen, she couldn't have a better one. And I know Colleen is just as happy and grateful as me that you will be filling her role."
Sophia had tears in her eyes, and so did everyone else in the room, all of them missing Colleen.
Millicent ran to Sophia, embracing and kissing her, wiping her future mother-in-law's tears away with her own handkerchief.
"That means the world to me, Sophia. I'll do my very best by Allie, I give you my word, she will always come first, and I will love her completely as though I had given birth to her, for both me and Colleen. I know Nathan and I aren't married yet, but I already feel like Allie's my daughter! Don't forget, though, I'm completely new at this, and I know I'll need your help!"
"That's because she is already your daughter, Darling. She's already your Father's and my granddaughter, too. And to share her with Archie and Sophia is all kinds of wonderful. There will be no difference, whatsoever, in the Bradford Family, she is now one of us!"
They all sat as they knew this was a discussion that needed to continue.
"Will you be living in Montreal full time?" asked Margaret.
"We're not yet sure about our living arrangements, except that when we're in Montreal, we'll live in the Townhouse during the week and here during the summers and on weekends. But I feel very strongly that Allie needs to spend her school years in Hope Valley. I just don't want her life to be disrupted any more than it already has been. I'm hoping Richard can help me find someone to manage my Practice while I'm gone. Also, there's an orphanage close to Hope Valley, and Nathan thinks I'll be able to help them on legal matters, for adoptions and such. Also, the people of Hope Valley are really wonderful, so I'm hoping I can help them with their legal issues, too, as there's no Barrister in town!"
"What does Nathan think, Millicent," asked Sophia.
"He is thinking it would be easier for him to transfer to Montreal, but when I mentioned I felt Allie should be able to continue her school in Hope Valley, he suggested we talk to her about it and see what she thinks. He doesn't want me to have to give up everything. I just worry that Allie might feel pressured to please us, and I don't want that!"
"It's a tricky thing," said Victoria, and Sophia nodded in agreement.
"She's strong though. And I can't imagine her not loving this place. Just don't forget she's a resilient child," urged Sophia. "Most children are, my Dear!"
"Millicent, I'm sure Richard would be more than happy to send you his very best to manage your Practice, but how will you be able to oversee it all, if you're so far away?" asked Margaret.
"I thought maybe Allie would be agreeable to spending summers here, so I could catch up and lay out a new annual plan each year. I honestly think that would allow me to keep abreast of everything. And of course, we can phone and telegram back and forth on difficult cases throughout the time we're gone. But, I'm really hoping if we do opt for Hope Valley, I'll be able to manage the Charities from there. I just hate to give them up!"
"Millicent, my Sweet Girl, I'm Allie's Gramma and I love that girl to death, but I also love you. And I want you to know, loving my Son doesn't mean you're the one who has to give everything up. The three of you will be the Grant Family and that means give and take for all three of you! You, my child, are not the only one who should be giving! That will not make for a happy marriage. If you and Nathan do decide after talking to Allie, she should stay in school in Hope Valley with her friends, then my Granddaughter can spend her summers here, so her Mother can complete her work and enjoy her new home with her new family! And I mean this."
"I completely agree with Sophia, Darling! Children really are resilient. My goodness, your Father and I drug you, children, all over Canada. We had to for his work, we didn't have a choice. But think of all the wonderful things you were exposed to because of that. All the things you learned, the people you met, the experiences you had, that you wouldn't have had if we had stayed in one place! My goodness, we wouldn't have even met the Grants, had we not gone to Swan Hills!"
"Oh my goodness, I hadn't even thought of that, Mother!"
"Tori's right, Millicent. I admire your selflessness for Allie's sake, but I want you to put yours and Nathan's needs at the forefront, too! That's terribly important. You're just starting your marriage, and the truth is unlike most people, you're starting it with three people. And one of those three people is about to be a teenage girl. I'm just trying to point out that your marriage is THE most important thing. It has to be a solid structure for Allie to feel the love she needs, and she needs a lot to make up for what she's been through. But that means she won't always be pleased with every little thing her Mother and Father do, but no child is. Remember, to be the best parents to Allie, you have to be the best spouses to each other first," explained Sophia.
"As a mother to a child about the same age as Allie, and three others, that's excellent advise, Millicent," agreed Margaret. "If you and Nathan make sure your own needs are met first, you will more than meet Allie's needs. So, definitely summers in Montreal. Besides, we need to see the three of you at least part of the year!"
"Amen to that. Montreal's a lot easier for us to get to than Hope Valley because of the abundance of Trains!" laughed Sophia.
"Thanks to all of you for the advice! It's a huge help. And I won't forget it. But if we don't start going through this house, we're never going to see the grounds! There's an awful lot of house and miles of acreage to see!"
The Ladies got up, although regrettably, as they had gotten pretty comfortable, sitting in the big living room!"
"This room, by the way, is so pretty with all the windows and the sunlight streaming in! I love it!" complimented Pippa. "Especially the window seats!"
"Thank you, Pippa! There are lots more window seats throughout the house. Let's head straight across the hall to the dining room. It's about as big as the living room."
"Oh, it's huge, we could have family dinners here with no trouble!" announced Victoria.
"I know and I love that Mother! And know, there's always room for you and Archie too, Sophia! We expect lots of visits from the Ranch!"
"I'll do my best, but you know Archie. It's like moving a log!" laughed Sophia.
"I love that this room has the same huge windows. It's really beautiful, Millicent. But I can't wait to see this when you've added your own touches!" enthused Margaret. "It's going to be spectacular!"
"Definitely suggest paper for this room, Darling, for above the wainscoting," reminded Victoria.
"Yes, Dear, something light and airy would be beautiful here!" agreed Sophia.
"Sounds lovely! Let's go back out into the hall. This is so unique because the hall becomes the Library, and you go straight through it into the Kitchen and the Sunroom!"
"This room is massive, Sis!"
"It really is, but between the two of us, I think we'll put it to good use! And I'm hoping Allie enjoys it as well! She loves to read so!"
"Mother, do you think it would be possible for us to lighten the paneling throughout?"
"Absolutely, and I know just the people for the job. I'll give you their card!"
"That would change the whole feel of the house for the better, Millicent!" agreed Sophia, and she did have quite the artist's eye!
Pippa, a budding artist, was having a bit more difficulty seeing what could be, but she actually loved the house as it was, minus the stodgy furniture of course.
"Mother, do you think they could lighten the furniture frames too? We'll be re-upholstering everything, which should make it a lot easier to do."
"I don't see why not. We'll be sure to ask."
As Millicent led them into the kitchen, Essie and Hendrix were hard at work assessing what all they had to work with, while at the same time making a list of what was needed.
"Excuse us, Miss!"
"Not at all Hendrix! You and Essie keep doing what you need to do. Don't let us get in your way!"
Then Millicent went on to explain about this part of the house.
"This is my favorite room! It's truly the heart of the home. I love the fireplaces and all these windows, looking out onto this beautiful view!"
"Millicent, there's a lake!" shouted Margaret. "You didn't tell us! You'll never get Richard away from this place!"
"Perfect for sailing, Miss," winked Hendrix.
"Nathan would love that! You all can hone your sailing mastery all over again, if you can survive the boys again, that is, Hendrix!"
Hendrix laughed, "We've lived through it once, Miss. I suppose we could manage it again! But we'd definitely need Master Richard to visit for a full crew!"
"I don't think you'll have any problem there," declared Margaret. "The problem is going to be getting him to go home to our place!"
They all laughed, knowing it was probably going to prove true!
"Oh no, I think someone's going to have to find a sailboat," laughed Millicent. "Though, there's a vintage boat already here, that the Toussants are leaving. And lots of good fishing. You all will have to go boating with us! Poor Nathan hasn't even seen the boat yet, but he was thrilled with the Lake!"
"You won't be able to keep us away!" assured her excited Little Sister. "I can't wait to go swimming!"
"This is amazing, Millicent. I can't tell you how happy this will make my Boy! Between the horses and this, no wonder he feels at home here! Although I'm sure anyplace with you Dear Millicent, will be home!"
"It's really stunning. I'm just so happy for you both," assured Victoria. "I honestly don't think you could have found a more perfect place to raise a family if you had looked for months!"
"It just truly feels like home to both of us!"
"I really love all the copper. What a collection! I can't believe they're leaving that too!" cried Margaret. "Why that in itself, is worth a small fortune!"
"I know, it really is beautiful and Essie has always wanted to cook with copper! Are you happy with it, Essie?"
"I'm in love with it, Miss. It just needs some shining up!"
"That's great! We'll change the colors in here, and brighten it all up, Essie! Oh, the sunroom is through here!"
As Millicent led them through the doorway, everyone was mesmerized with the room, especially imagining it after Millicent had had a chance to redo it!
"Millicent, Darling, I hate to tell you this, but this isn't just a sunroom! It's an honest-to-goodness Conservatory! And it's simply stunning!" explained Victoria.
"This might be my favorite room," announced Pippa. "It's so perfect, overlooking the lake. I think I'd just sit right here and pass the day away!"
"And the Toussant's say the gardens are beautiful in the summer! Lots of Herbs, Vegetables, and even Flowers! Can't wait to see them all!"
"They look like they'll be exquisite, Millicent," surmised Sophia, who also loved to garden at their Ranch.
Digging in the soil, had been her salvation in saving Sophia from totally giving into her deep depression and grief over the loss of Colleen.
Gardening had been therapeutic and made her focus on the process at hand, when she couldn't even think to focus on her own.
She could busy her hands with the gardening, without even thinking, and somehow the ancient rituals of planting and tending calmed her.
"Why don't we go this way to the back staircase and go up to see all the bedroom suites," suggested Millicent.
"My, even the back staircase is elegant!" exclaimed Margaret.
"I love the huge hall, and paper would look beautiful here, Millicent," suggested Victoria.
"All the rooms look so large, with so many windows! This is an artist's dream!" cried Sophia.
"Nathan already knows which room Allie will choose. It's this one with the window seat and bookcases!"
"But there's an identical one over here, too!" realized Margaret. "How does he know?"
"He's sure she'll choose this one because of all the sunlight streaming in!"
"What a beautiful room for a little girl, Darling. Just beautiful!" complimented Victoria."Fresh paint and fabrics, it will be perfect for Allie!"
They looked through the other bedrooms, with the mothers pleased there were so many to hold their future grandchildren!
And of course, Margaret and Pippa were pleased, as they were looking forward to being guests!
Then they all moved to the front of the house and the Master Suite.
"This is simply stunning with your very own sitting room and bath!" said Margaret. "You will really enjoy having that upstairs, especially when you're pregnant!"
"Margaret! We aren't even married yet!" exclaimed Millicent, blushing like she never had before!
"But it will come, you'll see! And if you're like me, a lot quicker than you think," she teased.
"As for paper, I forgot to mention the sunroom would look beautiful in a trellis design, where there's not glass, and just any and all of the bedrooms would work papered as well," suggested her Mother. "But definitely the hallway, to create a pattern of interest!"
"If everyone's finished, I can't wait for Sophia to see the stables! Also, if we don't head out soon, we'll never catch the men!"
Everyone laughed and Pippa blurted out what the others were afraid to.
"You're just missing Nathan!"
"Touché, Sis!" laughed Millicent, not even trying to deny her sister's accusation!
"This main staircase is stunning," complimented Sophia.
"It really is," agreed Victoria.
"But I'm really anxious to ride! How about you all," suggested Pippa. "And Mrs. Grant, before I forget, do you mind looking over a couple of my art projects while you're in Montreal? I have them at home, but I have to turn them in soon, and I'd love an expert's opinion!"
"I'd be happy to, Pippa. You just say when!"
This exchange was followed by a course of yeses to riding, for these women were all very accomplished riders.
When they reached the stables, Sophia was speechless.
"I've never seen anything so beautiful in my life!"
"Nathan absolutely loves the stables and the horses! Let's see which ones they've left us."
As the Ladies selected their horses, a couple of the estate workers saw to it that all the horses selected, were bridled and saddled up.
And off they took with Millicent in the lead.
Millicent rode hard and she skipped the Brook, shortcutting their route from yesterday straight into the meadows to find Nathan!
She just longed to see him.
And she couldn't wait a moment longer!
In the distance the men heard the galloping hoofs behind them, so they turned and rode straight toward the sound.
As soon as they saw each other from afar, Nathan and Millicent galloped toward the other as fast as they could through the wintry meadows!
Since Nathan was on Black Feather, he was way ahead of the other men, and he quickly closed the distance between him and Millicent in no time, who again was riding Gracie.
As soon as he reached her, Nathan leapt off Black Feather and went straight to get Millicent down, placing his arms around her tiny waist and lifting her to him.
The golden sun shone around them and warmed them, although they were already warmed by each other's love, standing alone together, in this meadow that was meant to be.
God must have winked, because, someday, in His time... they would recognize this meadow for what it was meant to be to them, in all its beauty!
She fell into him, wrapping her arms around him and their lips met as though it had been months instead of the sixty or so minutes they'd been apart!
"Ah! How sweet is young love!" voiced Edward, smiling as the men were now close enough to look on.
"They have it all, don't they?" winked Archie in agreement. "A mighty fine love that will warm and sustain them through life. It's a powerful, wonderful thing, indeed! Life's greatest blessing, I believe!"
By this time the Ladies had arrived, and were watching too, with their hearts overflowing at the romance of it all!
"I don't think we have to worry about our Children any longer, Sophie!"
"No, Tori! I think you're right. They have each other, now! And it's such a beautiful thing to see..."
After Nathan led a 'Man's Tour' through the entire house while the women sat and drank tea around the kitchen table, and finished off what was left of Marnie's famous biscuits, (except for the few Millicent had saved back for Nathan and placed in her bag), everyone began to say their goodbyes.
"I'm lucky enough to have already seen the place, but I tell you, if anything, it's even more magical than I remembered. I think we got an absolute steal," declared Edward.
"I'd buy it for the stables and the horses alone. They're that perfect," added Archie. "Although I'll have your mother sketch out a few flow patterns, that might make your work easier with the horses. You can see what you think, Son!"
"I knew something felt off, Dad, but couldn't put my finger on it!"
"I'm itching to get out on that Lake! Nate, Margaret and I just might have to come and bring the kids to spend the weekends with you," threatened Richard.
"And of course, all summer, too!" he laughingly added.
"Anytime and every weekend you and Margaret want, Richard. You have a standing invitation," offered Nathan. "All of you do! And that goes for the College kids too!"
William and Pippa beamed to be included.
"Don't worry, I've already chosen my room," announced Pippa to laughter.
"Hey, if she gets a room, so do I," exclaimed William.
"These children," laughed their Mother. "So competitive!"
"Of course you get a room, William! Allie gets first pick, then you can choose, too," laughed Millicent, knowing her little brother was also itching to get out on that lake.
Finally, all their goodbyes had been said, along with kisses and hugs for all!
Full of happiness and joy, they started their respective journeys home!
Each and everyone, thrilled with Nathan and Millicent's new Home...
"Albert, would you mind joining us in the living room for a moment?" asked Nathan.
Albert couldn't fathom why but was more than happy to oblige.
Nathan and Millicent seated themselves on one of the sofas and motioned for Albert to make himself comfortable in the huge chair close by.
"Albert, what did you think of the land and everything on it?" asked Nathan, cutting right to the chase, as only he could do.
"It's magnificent, Sir. What I wouldn't give for a piece of this land! I don't see how it can fail, Sir."
"We agree if you will come run it for us."
Albert was speechless.
"Me, Sir?"
"You said you and your wife wanted to live on a farm. How would you like to live in the Caretakers House and manage the place for us? It's rent-free, and there will be a handsome salary as well!"
"Are you both serious?"
"Very serious, Albert. We trust you, and Nathan tells me you have farming experience. I also know you're good with numbers and with people. We need you, Albert, if you think this might be something that would interest you and your wife?"
"This would be a most beautiful dream come true. Yes, most certainly, Miss! Sir! Absolutely yes!"
"Don't you want to see the house first?" asked Millicent.
"I've seen the outside and that's all I need, to know my wife would adore it, Miss!"
Millicent laughed.
"You do know out of respect to your wife, I am going to insist we at least go inside and look at it! She's going to want to know the details about it. And quite frankly, so do we!"
"I'd love to see the place, Miss!"
Nathan rose and shook Albert's hand, "Congratulations, you're the new Grant Estate Manager!"
"Thank you, Sir. This is just incredible! I never dreamed our visit would end up like this! The more we rode, the more I fell in love with this place!"
"Millicent, do you think we can find those historical volumes about the estate? I'd love to take them to Hope Valley with me to catch up on them there!"
"I think so!"
It took Millicent a bit longer than she thought to find them, but find them she did! All three leather-bound volumes!
"Thank you, Darling. This is perfect! Can't wait to read them!"
As they walked outside, arm-in-arm, Nathan locked their new home for the first time, with Millicent's arm still around his waist, and a most loving kiss between them.
This was their house, their home...
Then they all got into the car, anxious to travel to the Caretaker's House.
Albert was so excited, he could hardly stop talking.
As they got out of the car, Nathan handed him the key.
"You do the honors, Albert!" he smiled.
Albert placed the key in the lock with shaking hands, and was completely overcome when he saw what was inside.
It was just a smaller version of the Main House. Beautiful and full of antique furniture.
But to Nathan and Millicent, it was also dark, just like the Main House.
"Albert, I believe your wife will be like me and want to lighten this all up. We'll do that as soon as we do the Main House, and keep the basics the same, but then, you and Grace feel free to add the finishing touches however you'd like."
"We'd be most grateful, Miss. But, I'm afraid, we live in an apartment and could never fill this place. Does all this furniture stay, perchance?"
"Yes, it does Albert. We're going to lighten all the furniture's wood and reupholster everything with lighter more colorful fabrics. You can use what we use in the Main House or choose your own. Whichever you prefer!" explained Millicent.
"My wife loves things to be light and bright, too! So, I'm sure she will trust your judgment, Miss!"
As they walked through the house, Albert was just overcome.
"Never in a million years, did I think I'd get to bring my wife to live in a house as beautiful as this. She'll be beside herself with joy! You've made me the happiest man to be able to do what I've always dreamed of doing, and lending us a place as wonderful as this to live in. It's just too much to take in! Neither one of you will ever regret this decision. We'll take care of everything just like you would, like it was our own, I promise you that! And I'll be the best Estate Manager in all of Canada!"
"We have no doubt you will, Albert. Could we trouble you to attend the transfer meeting with us tomorrow afternoon?" asked Nathan.
"I'll be there. No trouble at all. Thrilled to do it and will glean everything I can from it!"
The two men shook on it once more, and Millicent gave her Albert a kiss, thrilled they would still be in each other's lives as family!
Then Nathan pulled out several large bills and placed them in Albert's hands.
"Sir! What's this?"
"I'm a man of my word. You got us to our Engagement Dinner on time. Now, we've decided to stay in tonight, making it the perfect night for you to take out your wife to any restaurant you desire and tell her your good news!"
"That does sound perfect, Sir!"
"And romantic," winked Nathan.
"Thank you! Profusely, Sir. We haven't gone out to dinner in a very long time. And tonight? We certainly have something to celebrate!"
"You most certainly do, Albert, Your dream career and dream home! We just pray you and your wife enjoy it all!"
"I assure you we will, Sir. Thanks to the two of you! I've never been so excited. Just so very grateful!"
As they got back into the car, Albert drove the length of the long drive, and as he pulled out of what was now his home, too, the security cars discreetly pulled out, as well, in front and behind him.
But this time, Nathan barely noticed, as he was too busy adoring his gorgeous and very happy Fiancée, who was in turn, completely enthralled with her handsome and very happy Fiancé!
He was fulfilled in a way he had never been before. He was whole, and shockingly, he and Millicent now owned land.
Stunning acreage that was their new home, together.
They were literally basking in the afterglow of being there!
"Ah, home sweet home, my Darling…"