Chapter 79: The Magical Ball Continues
"Come on, Sleepy Sleeping Beauty, this way!" whispered Nathan into Millicent's ear, who beamed a radiant smile back to him.
Nathan's deep blue eyes, with his arm around Millicent's tiny waist, quickly scanned the many entrances hoping to find the one most likely for the catering staff to use.
Shuffling through the massive crowd, he smiled and nodded to all those who greeted them as he courteously made his way through, holding Millicent close, shielding her from inadvertently being crushed.
"This way, Love," he directed. "We've got to find you some strong Coffee!"
Her smile was thanks enough.
"I can't believe I'm so sleepy!"
"Strong Coffee should do the trick!" winked Nathan.
"Where is Bill when you need him?" asked Millicent innocently.
But when she heard her words aloud, they both chuckled to each other as Millicent placed her hand over his at her waist, just long enough to squeeze his hand.
He led her through the door closest to the dais, assuming that would be the initial path the caterers would take, and sure enough, just outside the door was a private sitting area leading to the professional kitchen.
"May I help you, Monsieur?" asked a handsome man with a strong French accent. He was carrying a large box of fresh herbs and was dressed mostly in white, wearing a perfectly-starched and pressed white long-sleeved, double-breasted jacket and loose slacks in a black and white houndstooth pattern, with a tall starched, white Chef's toque sitting precariously on his head.
Nathan noticed the man's double-take as soon as he saw Millicent, obviously either recognizing her or becoming mesmerized by her beauty or both.
Nathan was pretty certain, it was both.
The Chief Inspector cleared his throat while bringing himself to his full height, which to his delight was quite a bit taller than the handsome chef, even if you counted his toque.
Nathan kept his arm still securely around his fiancée's waist, just in case there was any doubt.
"My fiancée has traveled quite some distance and is in need of some very strong Coffee. Would you be able to assist us?"
That was when Millicent took her eyes off Nathan long enough to see the man standing in front of them.
Before Nathan knew what was happening, his fiancée had fled to embrace the handsome Chef.
"Christophe, I can't believe it's you! What in the world are you doing in Union City?"
"Cooking for the Mountie Ball, Mademoiselle Bradford. How wonderful to see you here! Apparently, your father recommended me to the Commissioner."
"I'm so glad! Nathan, this is Christophe Blanc, the Chef who handles all of our Charity Balls in Montreal and Toronto. He's the top graduate from le Cordon Bleu in Paris. Christophe, this is Chief Inspector Nathan Grant, my Fiance!"
"A pleasure to finally meet you, Sir! I've heard a lot about you. It is my honor that I will be assisting with your Wedding Dinner at the Bradford Estate on New Year's Eve."
"I doubt you'll be assisting, Christophe, leading and in charge for sure!"
The Chef blushed at the compliment.
"Very nice to meet you, Christophe!" and Nathan held out his hand as a truce. "We are, without doubt, looking forward to our special day. It's an honor to have you cooking for us!"
"The honor is all mine, Sir! I love cooking for Miss Bradford," he added shyly, then gathered his wits again. "Lovely to meet you both tonight! And to answer your initial question, but of course, Monsieur. Avec Plaisir! Please wait on the sofa there in the corner. It's private, and the two of you will be comfortable there. I'll bring you a fresh pot as strong as we can make it," then, he bowed to the lady with a glowing smile and a rather longing look that Nathan did not at all miss.
"Thank you," Nathan said firmly with authority, although he wasn't sure he was so grateful for that last look toward his Millicent.
"You do know, this happens every time I enter a room with you," he whispered after Christophe left for the kitchen.
"What happens, Love?"
"You really don't even know. Do you, Darling?"
She blushed.
"Why, Nathan Grant, are you jealous of Christophe?"
"No, not jealous…just…cautious," he added defensively.
"You have no reason to be jealous or cautious where Christophe's concerned. Or any other man, for that matter! None whatsoever of either, my Darling! But in this case, I'm afraid it's simply the French way," she explained with an escaping giggle.
"I may have to brush up on that 'French way,' myself," he teased, half-seriously, looking forlornly toward the Kitchen door the Chef had entered.
What was it about these French men who oozed charm?
But he couldn't help the smile of confidence that spread across his face, as he helped his fiancée to be seated.
Without saying a word, he held her close as he looked up and noticed Tom and Matt, already standing by the Ballroom doors they had exited through.
He nodded to them as they discreetly nodded back, and although he thought the added protection was unnecessary here among these battalions of fellow Mounties, he decided it was best not to take any chances, as there were public rooms around the perimeter of the huge ballroom that couldn't by any means be called secure.
Besides, he was pretty sure Chef Blanc, the Chef they had just met, was indeed quite taken, if not somewhat obsessed, with Millicent.
And yes, Christophe was her employee, but Nathan knew from previous experiences what else that could mean, as everyone seemed to know her.
But the problem was, everyone wasn't vetted like Christophe most assuredly was.
No, it was better to be safe than sorry, especially where Millicent was concerned.
It was a disconcerting thought to think of all the strangers who indeed knew her for one nefarious reason or another, feigning good but meaning ill will.
"I can't believe you're actually here, Babe!" he smiled cheerfully, belying his serious thoughts.
"Neither can I! I was literally counting the days, determined to make this happen no matter what it took! Our mothers almost had coronaries when I first mentioned it, but I convinced them in the end!"
They were sitting close to each other, with both of their hands wrapped in each others.
"To have you here tonight by my side…means everything, Mil!"
She removed her right hand to caress his cheek.
"To me too, Love!"
"You look amazing, although, Darling, you have lost weight!"
He said it without condemnation, but she could see the worried look in his eyes.
"You weren't supposed to notice! Our lunches helped. They really did! I was just missing you and Allie so much, and I suppose I didn't have much of an appetite. Essie was quite distraught and very upset with me. But I did eat a bit on the Train!"
"Mm-hm, a bit! At least, apparently, you'll have a spectacular meal tonight. But the bad news is, I noticed the Commissioner has already added another place on the dais. And that place is for you. Are you up to that?"
"With you sitting by me? Of course, I am. If we can get about four cups of Coffee down me, that is!"
Nathan laughed.
"Four, eh? You are beautiful, you know, even when you're sleepy. Besides, the Commissioner is so happy to have you here, he's not even going to notice. And I'm so deliriously happy to have you here, whether you're awake or asleep. It matters not to me, Love, as long as you're here and comfortable!"
But then he grinned that crooked grin, as his eyes sparkled, that melted her very being.
"Although I do suppose you might not want to fall asleep on your plate while you're on the dais, as this is rather a formal affair, Miss Bradford!"
She laughed and tapped his good shoulder in jest.
"I'm not that exhausted! I have my tricks, you know, after sitting through one boring Ball after another for most of my life! Not that this one is at all boring. It's truly exquisite, and I wouldn't have missed it for anything. Nate, how's your shoulder, really? And don't hold back. I want the whole truth and nothing but the truth!"
He smiled slyly at her legal words.
"My shoulder is fine. Faith says I'm completely back to normal strength. I lifted you with ease, didn't I? Although you're so thin, that wasn't much of a feat!"
As he raised his eyebrows, she hit him a bit harder this time.
"I'll have you know, my Love! I didn't lose that much!"
But his eyes knew otherwise.
"Okay, maybe!" she admitted. "But there's been so much to do! And now I can't gain, because my Wedding Gown won't fit if I do."
He gave her a look of consternation, as she was more important to him than any Wedding Gown, or anything else for that matter!
"I promise to make all that work up to you, Darling. I'm the lucky guy who gets to pamper you from now on!"
"You don't have to pamper me," she looked up at him with her wide expressive emerald eyes. "Not as long as you're by my side. Don't you understand? All I ever need is you and Allie!"
"She loves you so much, Mil. Has missed you so very much. It was all I could do to keep her distracted. She's going to be over the moon to see you! Serena and Cookie too."
"Allie's already my daughter, Love. I love her just like our mothers love us, and I hope just like Colleen loved her. Just think, I get to love Allie for both of us, Colleen and myself, our whole lives through. Loving Allie is the everlasting thing I can do for my best friend and one of the most wonderful things I get to do for myself, all wrapped up in one. I just hope I never fail Colleen, though. And the same goes for Allie!"
He cupped her cheek with his right hand, and raised her eyes to his.
"You could never fail Colleen. Nor Allie. Nor me. Since you and Colleen were always like one, I can totally understand and know that no one can love Allie better," and his eyes glistened at the many happy memories of the closeness among all four, including Richard, that came flooding back to the both of them.
"It's the most natural thing in the world to love her!"
Nathan cleared his throat, and teasingly raised his eyebrow yet again.
"And likewise, it goes without saying, you too, my Darling!" she added, with glee, but with all seriousness too.
He bent to kiss her.
"You'd better add that!" he teased.
She giggled, as he chuckled.
Both realizing they couldn't possibly be happier.
"Pardon, Mademoiselle Bradford, Monsieur! My secret Espresso. And I added cinnamon and honey, just as you like your tea. I've experimented a bit, and it's quite wonderful with very strong Coffee, too. I brought a cup of black for you as well, Monsieur, as you like it. Enjoy!"
Millicent took a sip of the strong brew.
"This is actually not bad, Christophe. Thank you. You've saved me again!"
"I'll send Mademoiselle Estella the ratios, so you'll have them at home."
"I appreciate that, thank you!"
"Yes, thank you, Christophe," added Nathan. "Essie will be quite pleased to be included."
"The honor is all mine, Sir! But lovely to meet you both tonight! I hope you enjoy our Cuisine for this evening!"
"With your cooking, I'm sure we will!"
"It Surf and Turf, but please keep that top secret! Although it may be quite unrecognizable as such to these Canadians. I'm afraid the servings are quite unique and very French!"
"We won't say a word. It sounds delicious," smiled Millicent.
"It's a little different take, but I do believe there will still be surprises for you both!" he grinned with a wink. "Allow me to leave you with your Coffee. I know it's very strong, but I hope our Espresso does the trick, Mademoiselle Bradford!"
"I already feel better. Much appreciated!"
Christophe offered one longing smile again, and Nathan watched yet again as Millicent didn't even notice.
"Nice man," murmured Nathan, still a bit unsure of his ulterior motives but confident that whatever they were, they wouldn't be acknowledged in the least.
"Wait till you taste his cooking. He's the absolute best! You'll see it tonight. I hope you will be pleased. Especially for our Wedding Dinner!"
"I'm happy no matter what we eat, or who cooks it. Our Wedding Dinner will be perfect, because we will be married. I doubt I'll even know what we're eating or care for that matter!"
"Now that's my kind of fiance!" she winked.
"And I hope your kind of groom!"
"Without a doubt, Love!"
"Hey, how did he know I take my Coffee black?"
"Word gets around," smiled Millicent. "We Bradfords see that our own are very well taken care of."
"Why does that not surprise me?" he laughed. "Drink!"
"I'm about to spew Coffee everywhere! Do you know what's funny? This is almost as strong as Bill's!"
They both laughed together.
"But not quite? Only Bill could beat the Top Chef from Le Cordain Bleu in the 'Strong Coffee Department!'" mused Nathan, shaking his head. "Wait, I can see your eyes dancing again. You're waking up my Sleeping Beauty. One last cup, and you'll be good as new!"
"Must I? Only if my Prince gives me a kiss first," she teased.
"You don't even have to ask."
And he very quickly filled her wish.
"But now, you must, my Love! It's going to be a long night on the podium, and then more dancing, which happens to be my favorite part, and I sort of need my partner to be at least half-awake!"
"Oh, my favorite part too! To dance with you, I can do just about anything. Even drink one more cup of this dense elixir that's equal to at least a whole pot of coffee…"
After freshening up in the secluded Ladies Room close by, Millicent was one hundred percent herself again!
But as Nathan led her back into the Ballroom, both looking positively radiant, walking arm in arm, Elizabeth and Charles made their way to them.
"Millicent!" called Elizabeth. "It's wonderful to see you!"
"You too! You look lovely, Elizabeth. Your gown is exquisite!"
"Thank you, and you look ravishing! Come, we've saved you two seats at our table. It's rather private!"
Charles and Elizabeth both motioned for them to follow as they themselves headed back to their table.
Nathan glanced up to check the time.
"Do we have time?" asked Millicent.
"If we make it quick, but are you sure, Mil," he whispered.
"It's fine, Love! We need to be friendly with them. It might as well start now, hadn't it?"
They walked the few steps to Elizabeth's and Charles's table.
"Elizabeth, Charles, I hope you're having a wonderful time," offered Nathan for the second time this evening.
"It's been perfect, Nathan," smiled Elizabeth, looking like she really meant it. "Absolutely perfect!"
Charles seemed just as happy beaming down at her and didn't seem at all contrite about being in a Ballroom full of Dress Serge-clad Mounties.
"It's so good to see you both again!" offered Millicent.
"Wonderful to see you again, too, Millicent. We're very happy for Nathan that you were able to make it," smiled Charles, sincerely. "I must say he looks much happier than before!"
Charles, as well as Nathan, thought this tension between Elizabeth and Millicent was senseless, and as he knew it was his fiancée's fault, he was hoping Elizabeth would use this time tonight to make peace with Millicent.
"Sweetheart, do you and Nathan mind to get us something to drink? Millicent and I have some girl talk we need to take care of."
"Elizabeth, you can say anything to Millicent in front of me. In fact, I would prefer it to be that way," insisted Nathan.
Millicent gently touched his leg under the table.
"It's fine, Love. We'll be fine," she added softly.
"I guess that means we go get the drinks, Nathan?"
The Chief Inspector rose to join Charles, but with a warning look to Elizabeth, and just to make sure, he bent to kiss Millicent's cheek as he left.
Millicent looked after Nathan, who clearly was unsure of leaving her.
And if the truth be known, this was the last thing, either Nathan or Millicent wanted, but Millicent noted the urgency in Elizabeth's voice and couldn't at all refuse.
She could see the relief in Elizabeth's eyes as the men left to do just as Elizabeth had suggested.
"I'm afraid I need to apologize to you, and I'd like to do that now," began Elizabeth.
"Elizabeth, this is a party. There's no need."
"But there is. I'm so very sorry for the way I've treated you. It's been horrid, and we both know it."
"Elizabeth, let's just say it's been difficult, but if you'd allow me, I'd like to say one thing first."
"Of course!"
"I want you to know that I never once sabotaged you. I simply confirmed with Nathan what I knew to be true. And that was that you loved him very much, indeed. I hope you can believe me."
"I do believe you. In fact, I already knew you did nothing wrong. It was me, Millicent. When I first saw you and Nathan together, I saw that you both loved each other very much. I also saw that even though neither of you really recognized it yet, you loved each other just exactly as you were. Even I could see you both were so receptive to each other and stronger together. You both built each other up. You see, in our love, Nathan was the one who constantly built me up. I'm ashamed to say I never once built him up. Not really, besides helping once with his Dad. But even then, it wasn't the same. I let fear keep me from being what he needed. And then I tried to tear you apart when I knew better. Now that Charles and I are truly in love, I can see just how horrible all that was. And I know that I would have never been as gracious as you had the situation been reversed."
"Elizabeth, you loved Nathan. I have no doubt about that, and I respect that. Love sometimes changes, but it's still love, just in different ways. I want us all to be friends, and deep down, I believe we can be."
"I want that too. And I'm forever grateful that you are offering that friendship. But Millicent, I was horrible to Allie as well, and I don't know how to make it right."
"She wants to apologize to you, too, but she's scared. She's a little girl. Just talk with her, Elizabeth. Show her your heart. The girl adored you, and I know as deeply as she was hurt, she still loves you just as much. Just show her your heart, and I will work with her to show you hers."
"You'd do that?"
"Nathan and I both have already been strongly nudging her toward that direction. She's already forgiven you in her heart. But because she's a child, she just doesn't know how to make it happen."
"Thank you, Millicent. I want nothing more than for Allie to forgive me, as you have and Nathan has. Then we can truly move forward again."
"I want that too, very much!"
"Thank you for including Little Jack and Eliza Jade in your Wedding. That means more to Charles and me than you can know."
"It's the right thing to do. Nathan and I both love them. And as you know, there's a special bond between Nathan and Jack. This is right. I'm just so glad you and Charles agreed. So, thank you for that!"
"I have another confession, and it's a bad one."
Millicent raised her eyebrows, searching Elizabeth's face, almost fearful for what was coming next.
"I asked for these tickets to the Mountie Ball, hoping to come with Nathan, and definitely to dance with him."
Millicent didn't know what to say, but she felt a dagger to her trusting heart.
"You should know, it didn't work. Nathan said very emphatically, and I quote, 'I would never do that to Millicent, whether she was present or not.' All of this happened before Charles and I had really reconnected, and regrettably, I was still trying to manipulate things. Although it wasn't easy, I've confessed this to Charles. I'm deeply ashamed."
"Don't be. Let's just put all this behind us and not look back. That's the only way moving forward is going to work for all of us."
Elizabeth reached for Millicent's hand.
"Thank you from the bottom of my heart."
"Two Chardonnay's for the Ladies!" announced Charles. "Have a seat, Nathan."
Nathan watched Millicent's face closely, then Elizabeth's, and he could see that something had truly changed.
"To new beginnings," toasted Charles.
"To new beginnings," toasted all.
And it was clear that given whatever had happened between the ladies, each of the four meant it.
"The Ball is quite something else. Much grander than I had ever expected it to be! But so very lovely!" mused Elizabeth. "Why, it's grander than the Hamilton Balls I've attended!"
Nathan smiled.
"It's quite the extravaganza! But the men deserve it. It's the one time of the year, they are catered to, treated, and honored. We're glad to share the experience with you both."
"It's much appreciated," noted Charles. "In some odd way, it's given me a greater appreciation for what a Mountie is and how a Mountie conducts himself at all times; and that's honorably. I hope I can do the same in my own small way."
"You're a good man, Charles, and a good businessman. Both of those come with their own honor!"
Charles nodded with appreciation and smiled, grateful for the compliment.
"Thank you! Coming from you, Nathan, that means a lot."
Nathan nodded, then nudged Millicent.
"Darling, I'm afraid we're being called to the podium…"
On the podium, Nathan watched as the Commissioner started at the right-hand end, introducing the dignitaries with each in turn introducing their partner.
Somehow it didn't set well with the Chief Inspector, as the ladies' introductions seemed to almost be an afterthought.
He was a man of few words, but surely even he could do better than that.
"Next, we have an exemplary man who has risen in our ranks and deservedly so. His sterling record is extraordinary and we, the Mounties are very fortunate to have his leadership and his many unique skills which will be honed and shared in this new position created for him. He has a formidable goal in that he is now responsible for our Investigative Division, being given the daunting responsibility of solving cold cases and not stopping till all new ones are solved as well. In order to see that is accomplished, he will be reshaping the entire division as well as training our new Investigative Recruits into a force to be reckoned with. May I present to you the most honorable and most humble man I know, Chief Inspector Nathan Alexander Grant."
Nathan rose to accept the applause, although his face was solemn.
"It's been said I'm a man of few words, and I'm afraid that's a correct assessment. It is my great honor to serve as your Chief Inspector, and I will do so giving it my all," then, he began to smile. "But even more so, it is my greatest honor to introduce you to the remarkable woman sitting next to me. Millicent Alexandria Bradford, my fiancée, my love, my reason, my everything."
He offered his hand to Millicent, who rose with tears in her eyes, as she stretched to tenderly kiss his cheek to a rousing round of applause.
The couple stood, he with his arm around her, gazing at each other, smiling and nodding their thanks to the audience, then sitting down again, as the Commissioner himself heartily applauded, only to continue on with his own introduction of his wife.
"It has also been said behind every great man is an even greater woman. And I'm here to tell you that is the gospel truth. While I am ordained to be your rock, Caroline has vowed to be mine. She has been with me every step of the way, through good times and bad times, through birthing and raising children, through more relocations than I can count, through trials, through tribulations, and through the greatest joys imaginable. She is the reason I am able to lead, and, for that, I am most grateful. Men, honor your partners. It is only then that you will be the best you can be. And that's an order!"
Laughter ensued, but something else as well, as every man looked at their partner just a little more appreciatively.
Then like Nathan, the Commissioner assisted his wife to stand up, who beamed at her husband's words to thunderous applause.
Only Caroline knew those feelings had always been with the Commissioner, but only she also knew he would have never said those words publicly, had it not been for Nathan's lead.
She slipped her dance partner a sly smile, and Nathan nodded with a smile back.
And somehow, the Dignitaries all instantly relaxed, as the Commissioner continued with the remaining introductions on the far end of the table.
Suddenly there was no competition, no jockeying for position, but a feeling of family in this great Law Enforcement entity known as the Royal Canadian Mounted Police…
"May I have this dance, Love?"
"You're just anxious to get off this stage!" teased Millicent.
"Exactly that! But oh, how I want to dance with you, too!"
"Always, Love! My card is very full though!"
He looked at her quizzically.
"I happen to have you penciled in on every single dance for the rest of our lives," she smiled with all the love in her heart reflected on her face.
"That sounds heavenly!"
Nathan led her from the dais, and as the band played, the two moved to the Dance Floor, where everyone else disappeared!
He took her into his arms, and the couple danced and danced their way into the night.
No words were necessary as Nathan and Millicent expressed their love in their holds, their gliding and sweeping moves, their touches, and their stolen glances.
With each other, they were home.
And they danced as one.
As the lights dimmed for the last dance of the night, with the hour already way past midnight, not a single person wanted the evening to end.
But the Viennese Waltz, being a classic dance style and considered to be one of the most romantic, had been saved for the end and was perfectly slated as the last dance of the Ball.
The orchestra started playing the beautiful and captivating notes of the Viennese Waltz, also known as the Winter Waltz. (*72)
The simple orchestration of the rhythm and strings section caused the notes to simply glide along, as would the dancers who would soon be following the music.
Although similar to the slow Waltz, the dancers would dance at a much faster speed, in fact, twice the speed of the slower waltzes they had previously danced during the evening.
With the gentle music playing, so romantic but with a whisper of melancholy, the dancers took to the floor as though they had been transported into another world. A world of imagination where infinite dreams really do come true. A world where two souls are joined as one.
Partners glided across the massive Dance Floor together in sweeping, graceful turns that rotated very quickly around the Ballroom.
But no one did so more elegantly than Nathan and Millicent, who were alone in their own world as they gracefully and masterfully glided across the floor as a single entity.
Their movements in unison were as cohesive and intentional as Nathan's tight hold. And the great love that flowed between them was clearly palpable for all to see, even with their eyes turned in opposite directions, as was required by the dance. Their faces also reflected their delight in both the dance and each other. with neither wanting the night to end.
They continued on expertly with their steps, till, during the last few measures of the waltz, clouds of silvery glitter began to fall from the ceiling, covering them as though in drizzles of mirrored flecks of ice crystals forming imaginary snowflakes on their clothes, in their hair, and on their delighted faces.
It was pure romance.
Then as Nathan and Millicent finished their wintry dance and the lights dimmed, their lips found each other, only to be pleasantly blemished by pure joy and the deepest of loves.
All was indeed right in their worlds again.
As the lights came back up, Nathan astutely, regally, and romantically kissed his Princess's slender hand, leaving all sorrows behind…
(*72) Viennese Waltz/Winter Waltz, Johann Strauss, II, October 25, 1825 – June 3, 1899, Public Domain