Chapter Fifty-Nine
"Hold still, Elizabeth, I need to take this in a bit…there, got it pinned! Stand back and let me look at you all the way around."
"Face to the front…okay now turn to your right side. Wait a minute, that fold's not right. Don't move…there, I got it! Now turn all the way to the back…oops, let me get this thread…okay, that's it! Now, turn to your other side…hmm…okay!"
"What's the verdict?"
"I love it, although it still seems to be missing something…" mused the designer.
"Rosemary, you yourself said all the Ladies will be in red. I don't want to draw attention as the only one in gold."
"Listen to me Elizabeth, would you prefer to wear the new teal one?"
"No, it seems so similar to the teal gown I already have, just with more crystals, but I'm just not sure about this one either!"
"Well, which one of the two ballgowns do you feel most comfortable in?"
"This one, I suppose," she admitted but with a huge frown on her face. "Rosemary, don't you think it might be too over the top? I just don't want to stand out that much."
"Well, on you, I can see there is a lot of folding going on. You know, if you feel unsure, you're not going to be comfortable at all in either, and that's the most important thing. I can make something and have it ready. We're just going to have to agree on what you want me to design and I'll have to get busy in order to get it all done in three days!"
"Rosemary, you know me, I like something when I see it, but I simply don't have the vision like you do to dream something up! I don't know what to tell you I want."
"Wait a minute…another ballgown was shipped in from New York today, but I haven't even seen it yet. Frankly, I haven't had time to open it. But, one of my buyers said it was sleeveless which is apparently the latest style in gowns. Let's go open it and see what we have!"
"Sleeveless for winter?" asked Elizabeth, a bit incredulously.
"Yes, for winter. You just throw your coat over it and apparently you're good to go! It's the latest rage, Elizabeth! And I for one think it's wonderful! It's about time we woman show some winter skin!"
Elizabeth stood beside Rosemary in the back of her shop as she laid a huge long box on her work table. She watched as her friend very carefully opened the box, and when she removed the tissue surrounding the gown, they both gasped.
Rosemary lifted up the gown, as it had been shipped on its own matching velvet hanger!
What both Ladies saw before them was something so simple and rich, that it was indeed exquisite!
The gown was red, but it was a beautiful deep red, done in velvet, with absolutely no embellishment whatsoever and both Rosemary and Elizabeth absolutely loved it!
It was so simple that it was regal, and it literally took their breath away.
"Here, let's get this on and see if it fits…" ordered Rosemary.
"Oh, Rosemary, this is such a beautiful deep color, it doesn't even feel like I'm wearing red!"
"Here let me tuck in the waist a bit and pin it...you and your tiny waist, Elizabeth! Now, look in the mirror…"
Elizabeth turned to face the full-length mirror, and Rosemary clapped her hands in excitement when she saw the reflection staring back at her!
"Elizabeth, you listen to me. Do I know Fashion? Yes, and I will not steer you wrong. I know this is red, but it just suits you somehow. Quite frankly, it's more tailored than I normally like, but this is so gorgeous, it would even be my choice if I were in need of a Ballgown. Although I don't think I'll ever be able to fit in one again! Unless they come in tent size," she frowned.
Elizabeth couldn't help but let out a laugh, "Rosemary, you do lose the weight, you know. The Baby does eventually come out!"
"Ha, ha, Elizabeth. I know the Baby comes out! And Carson thinks this particular Baby just might come out earlier than we first thought. Believe me, I'm counting the days! But, this gown…it's elegance personified. If you do stand out, it will be for a very good reason. You'll be the most beautiful woman at the Ball, and Nathan deserves that. Come to think of it you'll be with the most handsome man at the Ball, so why don't you just come out of your comfort zone and simply go for it? This isn't at all the same red you've worn before and hated!"
"The truth, it's not the color. I actually love this deeper shade of red! I feel like it goes with my skin tone, and I think it's going to match with Nathan's dress serge perfectly. It's the decollete and being sleeveless! Rosemary, Nathan has never seen me in anything this low necked or even showing my arms!"
Rosemary swung her hands up and slapped the sides of her face.
"Well, maybe he should! Elizabeth, honestly, I've seen you with Jack in gowns with just as low a neckline. Maybe lower! What is your problem? I've even seen you with other…" suddenly Rosemary saw the look Elizabeth was giving her. "Sorry, never mind!"
"What if he doesn't like it or doesn't approve? I don't know…"
"Oh, my word, did you just say that? Nathan's a man! Of course, he's going to love this. That is the whole idea of a Ball, you know. Looking beautiful for the one you love! Dancing closely with the one you love! Elizabeth, whatever is wrong with you?"
"I'm nervous?"
"Okay, let's sit down right here and talk this out," and Rosemary guided Elizabeth to a small chair to the side of the display window, and softened her voice. She sat down in the opposite chair.
She took her friend's hands across the small table between them, and asked very seriously, "Whatever's wrong, Elizabeth? What's really wrong?"
"Nothing's wrong, but for some reason. Well, wait, I know the reason. I just love him so much, and I don't want him to think I'm pushing him or rushing him…I don't want him to think that because I've been married, that…"
"That what, Elizabeth?"
"That I'm pushing him, into a more permanent relationship," there she had said it.
And as she heard her own words, she realized how silly they sounded.
"So, you're going to dress like a Monk to keep him from being attracted to you? I'm sorry Elizabeth, but that ship sailed a long time ago. The man is besotted with you, and I daresay if you wanted him to marry you today, he would! Although Nathan's so precise he would probably just ask you what time he should be there for the ceremony! But, the point is he'd be there! And at least ten minutes early!"
Elizabeth had to let out a little laugh because she knew deep down, Rosemary was right. And what was she even thinking…she knew Nathan wanted to marry her, intended to marry her. She had been the one who wanted to wait till June, not him.
"It's not Nathan, Rosemary. He is always the perfect Gentleman. It's me. When we went riding Sunday, he wore Cowboy clothes. And I just about lost it… There, I said it. He was in grungy old worn out Cowboy clothes and yet, he...he just took my breath away!"
"Elizabeth, I think you might be feeling some guilt. You just might be afraid if you attract Nathan in that way, or you feel attracted to Nathan in that way, you're somehow being disloyal to Jack. And truthfully, I think it's probably normal to feel some of that. But I also think it's more normal to get past all that and be your whole self with the man you love. Nathan deserves that, he deserves all the sides of you, including your feminine side, especially your feminine side! Jack, himself would know you can't expect to have a full relationship without being attracted in that way."
"That's just it. I am very much attracted in that way. And so is he!"
"And that's a very good thing. Because it sure wouldn't be much of a relationship if you weren't. I think you're boxing yourself in, and in doing that you aren't being your full true self with Nathan. You've got to throw the guilt away. Or whatever this is you're feeling. Elizabeth, you and Nathan aren't going to rush into anything, although I think a little rushing might be just what the doctor ordered in this case! But, he loves you much too much for that! I think he's just giving you the time you still seem to need!"
"I know you're right. It's just me, and it is because of Jack. It's like there is this tiny part of me that still thinks of myself as a widow. As Jack's widow. And I don't want to be a widow anymore. I want to live and feel free to be myself completely. I want to feel like that young girl I use to be. There's nothing at all scandalous about this gown and my mind knows that. And I trust Nathan completely. Both my mind and heart know that. You see, it's just that tiny little sliver of widowhood, that keeps slipping back in, trying to taunt me. Trying to make me feel like I'm less than. Like Nathan deserves the young girl I used to be, and can't seem to get back."
"Elizabeth, you said less than. Less than what? There is nothing about you that is less than in anything! You've got to get your fighting spirit back, and I mean all of it! Think of it as getting your whole self back. And you are still young. You're a young woman now instead of a young girl, but that's even better in my book! Young girls are simple, young women are complex with many more layers. Whether you realize it or not, you're actually bringing more to your relationship with Nathan, not less!"
"But how do I get my whole self back, or at least feel that way?"
"Be yourself, be the woman you were made to be. God doesn't want you to carry some sort of manufactured guilt with you, and Jack wouldn't even want that. You're no longer a widow Elizabeth, you're the love of Nathan's life and you have to start thinking of yourself in that way…"
"That's it! Rosemary, I love you!" she exclaimed as she grabbed her friend in a tight embrace. "That's exactly it!"
"That is it! I love you too, Elizabeth and since I can't be in Union City with you, promise me you'll relax and just have fun enjoying each other!"
"I do, I do promise! I can hardly wait, you know. I have literally been counting the days! Okay so back to this gown…it feels perfect, Rosemary. Will it go with the other gowns the Ladies are wearing?"
"The truth, this gown and you in it are going to stand head and shoulders above the rest!" and she smiled at her dearest friend. "The color is deeper and for want of finding a better word. It's just richer. I love it with no necklace, just your sapphire earrings. Oh, and your fur will go with it beautifully. Let me check something, sometimes they send a matching stole or even shoes in the model size, which happens to be your size, my Dear! Come let's open the other box!"
"Rosemary, this is just like Christmas!"
"It is, isn't it! One of the many reasons I love my job! No stole or wrap, and I don't like the jewelry they sent to go with it at all. This must be the shoebox, let's see…"
"Rosemary, they're perfect. So simple and out of the very same fabric! They're exactly what I would choose to wear!"
"Here try them on…"
"Oh, yes, I can tell this is a perfect size 6! But you have to let me at least pay for the shoes!"
"Pftt… Let me think, you need a gold bag for this Elizabeth, to match the gold on your earrings and also to coordinate with the gold on Nathan's dress uniform. Let's look in the case."
They went back out to the front of the Shoppe and both saw the perfect tiny gold bag.
"That's it, Rosemary!"
"Yes, it is perfect! I think we have you outfitted for the ball, Elizabeth!"
"I think you've waved your magic wand and turned me into a Princess, again! You know, Rosemary, Nathan will be so surprised. He thinks I'm wearing the teal gown I wore on our first date! I love this, Rosemary! Thank you, a million times, thank you!"
"It's totally my pleasure just to see you so happy! Come we've got to get home to our children! And I can't tell you how much I adore saying that!"
"And I can't tell you how much I adore hearing you say that!" laughed Elizabeth. "And there are going to be two before long at your house!"
Elizabeth caught herself just in time before she added "and at mine!" meaning Allie would soon be hers along with Little Jack.
"I know, I get so excited, I can hardly stand it! But, Elizabeth, we've still got to take in that waist a bit. Although, I'd rather do that at home, where I can fit you exactly if that's okay."
They continued to laugh together, as Rosemary placed the gown and the shoes back in their boxes, and locked the shop for the night.
Rosemary helped Elizabeth carry the boxes to her rowhouse, talking all along the way...
"I almost forgot, I owe Nathan a huge thank you for reining in Lucas at that Planning Session. If it hadn't been for him, I'm telling you Elizabeth, I was ready to give up and walk out. But then I looked at poor Sophie, and I just couldn't! Elizabeth, you really dodged a bullet on that one!"
"Rosemary, how many times do I have to tell you, I was never going to let it get close enough...oh, well, I know what you mean! I think Lucas just isn't used to being with someone in a real relationship where you have to give and take. But he'll learn. I don't think Sophie's going to be satisfied with not having a say! And I don't think she's going to be afraid to speak her mind! All of which is a very good thing! Can you imagine living in those apartments?"
"No, not even me, and I like things a bit more formal! Can you imagine their children in that environment? I don't think Sophie's going to stand for that and rightfully so! At least, I hope she sticks up for herself! Say, why don't you and Little Jack come eat with us tonight since Nathan and Allie are gone. Where is my Allie by the way?"
"She's spending the night with a few girls at Opal's for a sleepover! And I appreciate the offer, but Rosemary, I'm really not that hungry and I'd like to wait and eat with Nathan when he gets in. Do you mind terribly?"
"Of course not. You two enjoy your time together! And Elizabeth, the gown is spectacular! You look beautiful in it! See you tomorrow! Kisses and Hugs! TaTa!"
"You and Lee have a good evening with Frederic, Rosemary! And thank you, sweet Friend! I love the gown!"
Elizabeth fixed a Prairie Chicken Casserole and Wilted Greens Salad for Dinner to go along with the fresh Bread she had picked up at the Café.
She placed her Son in his highchair and began feeding him his Dinner, but he wanted his 'Awee' and 'Na'tan!'
Elizabeth tried to explain that Allie was having a sleepover with Opal and some of her other girls and that Nathan would be in soon from his trip to Benson Hills. But as soon as she had finished her explanation, Jack went through the whole thing again asking where his 'Awee' and 'Na'tan were.
Finally, she kissed him and let him down to play. He had eaten all he was going to eat, without Allie being there to coach him. Jack played for a while, but his play was interrupted by frequent runs to the front window, where he scurried up on a little footstool to see if his 'Na'tan' was coming in the distance, pressing his little nose against the window each time. Elizabeth had to smile at how adorable he looked, and she wished she had a camera so she could show Nathan.
It was getting late, and Elizabeth had to keep telling herself not to worry. He had told her it was going to be a long workday. But, it was quite clear her Son was not going to bed till Nathan arrived.
Finally, there was his firm knock, and she knew it was his. But so did Jack and he beat her to the door.
And there Nathan stood in his serge and campaign hat…and she couldn't help but let out a little sigh! How could that man look so handsome after a long day's work, including a ride to Benson Hills and back?
"How's my Big Guy?" and Nathan placed his hat on Jack and lifted him up to the sound of happy giggles. He brought Jack down into one arm and took the other to wrap around his Elizabeth.
"So sorry, Darling. It took even longer than I expected! I rode as fast as I could."
"You're forgiven, but this little guy was waiting up for you…"
"Were you on Mountie watch, Jack? And here you had to do it in your Jammies, too! That's one dedicated little Mountie…and Mama better not dare say that's the same as Jack's name!" he raised an eyebrow to Elizabeth.
"Mama's only thinking it; didn't say a word!"
"Jak!" exclaimed Little Jack!
"Yes, Jack, that's your name!" encouraged a grinning Nathan.
"He said his name! That's the first time he's said his name!" Elizabeth nuzzled her face into her little boy's face, smothering him with happy kisses.
"He couldn't have done that if he had had to start it with the you know what word that begins with an L…" teased Nathan.
"You! The sad thing is, I think you're right. He's never even tried to say his name before! So, I stand corrected. And the kudos go to the Men in the Family," she blushed scarlet when she realized what she had said.
He reached to kiss her scarlet cheek and whispered, "The Men in the Family, thank you, my Darling!"
"But, I do know a little guy who's getting very sleepy. Would you like me to tuck him in?" asked Nathan.
She smiled and nodded yes, gave Jack a goodnight kiss, and watched the man she loved take her Son upstairs to his bedroom to tuck him in.
After Nathan had put her Son in his crib, she could hear him humming to Jack until the toddler was sound asleep.
When he came down the stairs, "He winked, just some quality guy time! But we did miss Mama a little too!"
"Oh, you did, did you?" She was standing at the foot of the stairs, which was a mistake on her part because as soon as Nathan reached her, he swooped her up in his arms and carried her to the settee.
Now she was the one giggling, instead of her son. Nathan sat still holding her and conveniently left her sitting in his lap because all he wanted to do was taste her lips.
And all she wanted was to taste his.
Their lips first touched each other's gently as Nathan pulled her into him more closely. Elizabeth's arms went around his neck and her hand furrowed into his hair as he caressed her back.
Their kiss took them away into their own little world, where all was glorious.
She placed her head on his shoulder with his arms still around her.
And they sat silently like that for some time, just enjoying the closeness of each other.
"Nathan, how do you see me?" she whispered, so low he could barely hear it.
"How do I see you? Is this a trick question, Darling?"
"No, I need to know how you see me."
"I see you as the most beautiful woman in the world, inside and outside, with intelligence unmatched. I see you as the love of my life, the woman I am going to marry and spend my life with, the Mother of our children. I see you as the kindest most caring person I know, with a heart that is golden. I see you as someone who is serious, but can also be light-hearted and hysterically funny when she wants to be. Elizabeth, I see you as my other half, my better half."
"You don't see me as…as a wid.."
"No, Darling. I respect your past and your past love, but no. You stopped being that the moment we opened our hearts to each other."
"I love you so very much, Nathan. You can't possibly know how much I needed to hear what you just said. I just needed to know I was everything you need. That's all!"
"You are everything I need and oh, so much more, my Darling! Are we past all that now?"
She nodded and gave him a rambunctious, playful kiss to prove it.
"You know between that kiss and no food, I just might pass out on your settee…"
"Food! I forgot our food, Love! Come, it's all ready! I just have to light the candles."
"You cooked the food, Elizabeth, so the least I can do is light the candles and do the cleanup! You know, I skipped lunch so I could get back home to you earlier!"
"You didn't!"
"I did, and it's been so worth it! Every single hunger pang…" he teased, grabbing his stomach in mock agony.
"You are so bad! Sit, I'll feed you to make up for it…"
"Do you realize this is our first Candlelit Dinner alone together in a very long time?" he asked flirtatiously.
"I do and we're going to make the best of it, my Love!" she answered as she served him his plate, but with no utensils.
Elizabeth scooted her chair as close to Nathan's as she could get it and fed him the first bite of her Prairie Chicken Casserole, then quickly buttered his bread for him.
"Yum, very good. What am I eating?"
"Shredded Prairie Chicken, Mushrooms, Potatoes, Peas and Carrots. Pretty much like Chicken Pot Pie, but my Casserole version of it! Oh, Darling, I was so excited to see you, I forgot our Salads!" and she quickly got up to retrieve them and bring them to the table.
"Was your day productive in Benson Hills?" she asked as she sat back down with their Salads in hand.
"I think so. It's sad in a way though. They have this thief that they've been convinced is from out of town. But I'm convinced he or she is not. The robber is one of their very own citizens. Which is a horrible realization for them to come to. I tracked most of the day, and all the tracks were deliberate like they were intentionally made, and they all disappeared within a half-mile out of town, no matter what direction I went in. Needless, to say their Mountie was not at all happy with my summation."
"Why do you say he or she?"
"Because the tracks didn't go as deeply as they should have for a man who wore those size shoes. And they were male shoes. Which, also leads me to believe that was intentionally done. My guess is the thief is a female. And she is definitely one of their own."
"Do they have any suspects in mind?"
"No, and the Mountie there is not looking forward to having to arrest one of his own citizens, much less a female citizen."
"Are you going to have to go back?"
"Possibly, but let's not worry about that, Darling! At least not until after the Ball. Are you getting excited about it?"
"Very excited, my Love! I can't wait for the Ball itself, but truthfully I'm so excited we get to go by ourselves, and not meet everyone till we're there. I'm looking forward to us just being alone for all that luscious time together."
He bent to kiss her, "Me, too! And we're going to spend a large part of that luscious time together with me critiquing your extraordinary book, Darling! But, on another front, I need to prepare you about this Ball. It doesn't take an Investigator to know something's up."
"You loved the book?"
"I absolutely loved the book! I'm so very proud of you, Darling!"
"That makes me so happy, my Love! I can't wait to hear specifics. But what do you mean about the Ball?"
"Bill, Aaron and Gabe all going a day early? And as far as I can tell, they're the only ones that have been ordered to report early. Something's up, and I'm afraid it has to do with capturing Packer and his gang. But I can't figure it out. I know the Awards Ceremony has been scheduled for January at the main Headquarters. But I think we better be prepared for anything because I'm sure something's up. And I don't want you to be embarrassed."
"Darling, nothing related to you could ever embarrass me. I am so very proud of you. You single-handedly captured Johnston himself, and then masterminded capturing his whole Gang! You deserve any and all honors you get. Although, with those three, I'm not sure what they could be up to. That sort of makes me understand why you're a little skittish! Oh, whatever it is, we'll laugh and hold our heads high! Even if it's a roast! We'll face it together and that's a promise!"
"Hmm, I love the sound of that! But a roast? They wouldn't do that. Would they? No..."
Elizabeth put her hand over her face, trying to stifle a giggle at the look of Nathan's very apprehensive, almost distraught face, although with no success!
But none of it mattered because both soon had other things on their mind!
And Elizabeth might as well have served leftovers, because here they were, bathed in candlelight, at a table filled with delicious food, both hungry, but both more hungry for each other!
Exactly the way a real romantic Candlelight Dinner should be, especially when there's love in the air...