Chapter Sixty-Two
"Darling, you were right. It's beautiful! Look at all the decorations with the snow coming down!"
"It is beautiful, almost perfect, like a picture card! And we're just about at the Hotel! Our weekend is here, Darling!"
As Nathan pulled up in front of the Le Havre, a formally attired Doorman quickly left his post and came to greet them.
The front of the Hotel was an old ornate French Building, dressed for the Holidays in its most elegant décor.
The massive French doors held two of the largest wreaths Elizabeth had ever seen, and they were decorated solely with wide red velvet ribbons, ending in gigantic bows.
Enormous boughs of evergreen garlands laced with the same wide red velvet ribbon hung around the entrance and around the stain glassed window panels across the front, that held identical, yet somewhat smaller wreaths.
Vast golden urns holding red poinsettias surrounded them and the scents of Christmas flowed unmistakably throughout the air.
Authentically costumed Carolers stood by the door, enthusiastically and joyfully singing Christmas Carols with their beautiful voices wafting out over the pavement.
The Le Havre definitely was in a class of its own and it was dripping with elegant character and charm.
"Constable Grant, Merry Christmas! We've been waiting for you and Mrs. Thornton. Welcome to our fine Establishment, the Le Havre! I'm Edson and we are honored to have you as our guests. The first Valet will get your luggage and bring them to your separate Suites. The second Valet will take care of your car. Your slightest wishes are our pleasures to fulfill," and Edson bowed formally to them, offering a broad smile.
Elizabeth smiled a thank you to Edson, and Nathan shook his hand. He appeared to be a nice older Gentleman, who had a strong air of authority about him, but with a joyous spirit shining through. It was clear to see he was in the know and held a most critical position as one of the main personages who kept things running smoothly for this elegant establishment.
It was Edson's personal touch that immediately made them both feel welcome and at home.
Elizabeth took Nathan's arm and they walked into the Lobby, following closely behind Edson.
Elizabeth gasped! The lobby was extraordinary with white gold-veined marble everywhere including the walls, counters and floors.
From a very elaborate golden ceiling hung gorgeous antique French Chandeliers also in Gold and dripping with ornate sculpted hand-blown Crystals.
The Chandelier, in the center, alone would have filled a whole room and then some. 'A very large room,' thought Elizabeth.
The Grand Staircase was front and center with embellished golden Balustrades and Railing, while the Steps themselves, were carpeted in antique oriental carpeting in muted reds that reeked of richness. The Staircase itself was a showpiece, huge and ornamental in a very massive way. It split at the top and continued on toward each side of the Hotel, with each split side providing Balustrades to look over and down into the massive Lobby. And each Staircase that split off was just as impressive as the main portion that led directly into the Lobby's center.
The entire Structure was truly magnificent, built by the finest craftsmen, and standing stalwart, as though it had been there for a very, very long time.
There were huge red poinsettias everywhere in golden urns, just like outside, and richly decorated evergreen boughs with wide red velvet ribbons that laced the Staircase Banisters and Balustrades, as well as every imaginable surface in the Lobby!
On either side of the Grand Staircase were two massive Christmas Trees that almost reached the ceiling. They were decorated with golden French-styled hand-blown ornaments! Matching wide red velvet ribbons were interspersed thoughout their branches, and then draped again, cascading around the circumference of both trees. They were indeed the most beautiful trees Elizabeth had ever seen.
The entire setting was beyond stunningly beautiful.
As they made their way to the Front Desk, a Gentleman in a formal black Morning Suit came rushing toward them from the Grand Staircase.
"Constable Grant, so glad you're here! It's an absolute delight to have you with us! And this is Mrs. Thornton, I presume. She's as lovely as you said. I'm Pierre Havre, by the way, and I want to personally welcome you to the Le Havre."
"Delighted, Monsieur Havre. You have an extraordinary and quite elegant Establishment!" complemented Elizabeth.
"Merci beaucoup, Madame!"
Pierre shook Nathan's hand and then hugged him as Gentlemen sometimes do. It was clear both were friends and very happy to see each other.
"Great to see you Pierre! Thank you for taking such good care of us. We're delighted to be here. How's Millicent?" asked Nathan.
"She's with the children today at some sort of special event the school is having, just outside of town. But she's sending you a kiss and she's determined to see you and meet your Elizabeth before you leave. We are both very proud of the Le Havre. But as my Father would say, we only earn our merit, if your stay with us is parfait or perfect. So, please do let us know of anything you desire, no matter how small or how large, so we can take care of it for you. That is our delight and our pleasure!"
"Forget the front desk, let me grab your keys and I'll personally take you to your Suites. You're on the Penthouse Floor in the four Suites facing the Main Street. A Judge Bill Avery and his guest arrived earlier and introduced themselves as the other members of your party. When you made your reservations Nathan, I personally reserved these particular four Suites, as they are the very best Suites in the entire Hotel."
"I especially love them as they have their own huge Private Terrace, which adjoins the back of the four Suites. It looks over our beloved City, and there is nothing more beautiful at night. I do urge you to take advantage of that stellar view. During the Holidays, it is particularly magical!"
"Whatever you do, don't miss it, the whole area lit up at night is absolutely breathtaking! There'll be chilled champagne waiting for you there tonight, after your Ball, along with some refreshments. And we'll be happy to set up an area there for your dining pleasure whenever you like, as well."
Pierre led them up the Grand Staircase, and now on the Mezzanine Floor, he led them to a gorgeous antique French Lift embellished with a center monogrammed medallion in gold. As the ornate Gated Panels slid open, Pierre led them inside the Lift, where he managed the Control Panel, himself, and took them to the top floor.
As they exited the Lift, Elizabeth was amazed to see that the Penthouse Floor was decorated exactly the same as the Main Lobby. And she glanced at Nathan in amazement.
Pierre led them down a private hall leading to their four Suites, facing the front of this magnificent Building.
"Madame Thornton, this is your Suite. It is called The Queen's Suite or as we say 'Grand Appartement De La Rein." We hope you enjoy!"
Pierre opened the double doors to the Suite and Elizabeth was completely overwhelmed. She couldn't even see the Suite or the Antique Furniture, because her eyes and sense of smell went immediately to all the beautiful Lilacs, Peonies and Pastel Roses that were sprinkled throughout her Rooms.
Everywhere she looked there were huge arrangements of the exact Flowers she had told Nathan on their First Date she wanted for their Wedding.
Tears came running down her face and she ran to Nathan, flinging her arms around him.
"Excusez-moi! Allow me to give you a moment of privacy," smiled Pierre, who quickly stepped out into the hall.
"Our Wedding Flowers! How did you? Where did you?"
"Yes, our Wedding Flowers! Just enjoy, my Darling! In six short months, they'll be at our actual Wedding. I just wanted you to have a sneak preview!"
Nathan had made this happen beautifully, without anything being ostentatious! The Flowers were abundant and stunning, but just enough to be elegant, blending in perfectly with the surroundings. But they were everywhere!
They kissed each other as though they were back in their tiny cabin on their first date in the woods, but now, they were here standing in a most elegant Suite in Union City, with only a few hours to eat and relax before they would begin to get ready for the Mountie Ball!
"You change into something more comfortable and I'll pick you up for our midday-meal say, in an hour?"
"Perfect, my Love," and she put her hand over her heart. "Thank you, Darling!"
He kissed her forehead and closed the doors, leaving her inside.
Nathan met up with Pierre to go to his Suite, as Elizabeth turned to view her own Suite. But first, she ran to smell her Flowers going to the arrangement closest to her!
The Flowers were perfect, and everything she ever wanted. Check One for the Wedding, with one thing crossed off the list.
The Rooms were decorated in the palest of blues, a Baby French Blue. And the furniture was French, of course, but all antique. No reproductions here.
The Paintings were all from French Impressionists, Monet, Pissarro, Renoir, and Caillebotte and they were stunning. Of course, the paintings were reproductions, but very expensive ones that were flawless in their detail. It was like having a bona fide Art Gallery in your own Suite!
The French Aubusson and Savonnerie Carpets were originals, very expensive, and hand needle-pointed with mostly muted Florals in design. Elizabeth fell in love with one in particular, the one that covered her sitting area. This one was not Floral but lightly patterned with a rust color emblem in the center and a rust colored border around the edges. It also had a diamond pattern throughout its French Blue, almost pale teal, center. And since she didn't have a camera, she sat down and quickly sketched the pattern on a pad, writing out the color descriptions to the best of her abilities. She also made herself a note to make sure Nathan saw it to get his opinion.
Elizabeth looked out over her Suite, amazed and she felt so happy to just be staying here, if only for a couple of nights. The suite was awash in muted colors, and Elizabeth thought she had never seen anything so beautiful. She would have to remember to tell Nathan and Pierre, this rivaled anything she and her Sisters had stayed in on their trip to Europe!
When she opened the doors to her Bedroom, she was again aghast! How could you feel anything, but a Princess, sleeping in this Bed! It was an elegant four-poster with netting everywhere and the biggest feather bed she had ever seen. The Bed Coverings were still in the same muted French colors as those throughout the Suite. And Nathan had seen to it that there were more arrangements of her Wedding Flowers beside her Bed and on her Dressing Table!
Elizabeth had never felt so cherished in her life.
She drew her Bath, although the Maid would have been happy to do it for her, and luxuriated in the warmth of the water with the bubbles escaping everywhere. Realizing the time, she finally stepped out of the tub and hurried to retrieve an outfit. But her luggage was empty!
Unknown to her, the Valet had taken her luggage directly from the car to the Laundry, where everything had been immediately pressed before it had even been taken to her Suite. In fact, all her Clothing had been prepped there for the Maid to then deliver to her own Bedroom.
She very quickly and happily realized the Maid had seen that all her Clothing had been unpacked, pressed, and left hanging for her in her closet, while she had been in her Bath. Personal items had been neatly tucked away into Dresser drawers.
Elizabeth was amazed!
Only her Ballgown was gone, still being prepared to be ready for tonight.
All that was left for her to do, was to select her dress and get ready for their midday-meal!
She chose the light purple Dress and Coat she had bought on their Girls Trip to Benson Hills just after she and Nathan had admitted their love for each other. She smiled as she lifted the pieces off their hangers and laid them across her Bed. She knew he loved this outfit, and she couldn't wait to see his smile. And she was thankful for this quiet hour or so, where they could be together over an early Dinner, before the hubbub of the Ball fell upon them.
She finished putting on her lipstick, just as she heard Nathan's knock on her Door.
"Darling!" and she reached up to kiss him.
"You look beautiful, Elizabeth!"
Nathan had changed into a darker brown suit with a vest, white shirt, and brown paisley tie.
"You look awfully handsome yourself and your scent is divine! I love my rugged Mountie with his leathery, woodsy scent all dressed up in the Big City!"
He kissed her again, drawing her close.
"Are you ready for our meal? I guess we should call it Dinner, even though it's so early. I just don't want you to be rushed getting ready, tonight. And since we're going formal tonight, I thought we'd eat more informally today. How does that sound?"
"Perfect. Let me get my bag…I'm ready, and famished, believe it or not!"
Nathan locked her Door for her, and they started downstairs in the Lift, getting off at the Mezzanine. But as they got to the Balustrade, they heard a familiar voice and looked down to see Bill standing there with Tess. They appeared to be waiting for someone.
"Nathan, can we just wait here a second, to see what's going on with these two."
"Wouldn't that be called snooping?" asked Nathan in a low voice, but with a raised eyebrow.
"No, not if you're doing it in the name of matchmaking!" she whispered.
"Oh, I see, totally different, hum."
"Shh!"
Nathan wasn't keen on this idea, but he most certainly was not going to leave Elizabeth standing alone, so he patiently stood behind her.
"Nathan, there's another man…"
Nathan peeked his head around…
"Oh, now it makes sense. That's the 'Harlow' Chuck was talking about on the phone. Harlow Bennington. Assistant Commissioner Harlow Bennington, Assistant to Commissioner Harold G. Blake!"
"But what's happening? They're kissing…now their leaving together! Bill's just standing there. Hurry!"
They walked down the Grand Staircase, just in time for Bill to look up and see them.
"There you are! So glad you made it. I've…" and then Bill looked at Elizabeth and saw the perplexed look on her face, but decided to ignore it.
"Good Evening, Elizabeth. Looking mighty beautiful. Nathan, my man, good to see you!" and he kissed Elizabeth on the cheek.
"How's your Suite, Bill?"
"I think I've died and gone to Heaven. How did you ever find this place?"
"I covered here for a while, and the owner of the Hotel, Pierre's Father had just died. There were some underhanded Men on the Board, who tried to take over and cut Pierre out altogether. The Mounties got involved and I was assigned the case. We were able to see that ownership was transferred to the rightful heir. Pierre and I have been good friends ever since."
"Meaning, you alone were able to see ownership was transferred to the rightful heir. No wonder he's treating us like kings and queens! Good to know you Nathan! Real good to know you!" said Bill proudly.
Nathan put his arm across Bill's back, and looked at Elizabeth for approval, "Bill would you like to go to an early Dinner with us. It's a local place I know, really casual…"
"Thank you both for that, but I'm meeting Harold in about an hour, so you kids go on and have fun! I'll see you at the Ball."
"You do have a date, don't you?" asked a doubtful Elizabeth.
"Of course, I have a date. You better believe I have a date. Now, I'd better get a move on. See you later tonight!"
And off he went.
"Nathan, I just don't understand it. He brought Tess to Union City on the train with Aaron and Felicity and now he passes off Tess to this Harlow guy and still tells me he has a date?"
"Darling, you know Bill! He has a lot of connections, and he is a big boy. Anyway, the mystery will be solved tonight at the Ball!"
"You're right! Let's go eat, I really am starved!"
Nathan was right, the Restaurant was tiny, but it had a separate private nook that Nathan had reserved just for them. Elizabeth and Nathan scooted into the booth and both scooted close together without even thinking about it.
"Now, this is perfect! What kind of food do they have?" asked a curious Elizabeth.
"I hope you're an adventurous eater…
"Pretty much…"
"It's actually regular food, but the Chef is Indian and he makes a mean curry. So, if you see anything you want to curry up, he's the man for the job!"
"What do you get?"
"I always get the prawns and he turns them into a Malai Prawn Curry for me. It's tomato-based and really spicy and tangy. But oh, so good!"
"I'm in!"
Nathan motioned for the Server, "Two Malai Prawn Curries and please tell the Chef they're for Constable Grant. He knows just how I like it! Thank you!"
"Nathan, even if we had to go home now, it's been wonderful!"
"Oh, Darling, we're just getting started!" and he placed her hand in his, bringing it up to his lips for a soft kiss.
"Are you tired, after all the driving, Love?"
"Not really. I napped for almost a half-hour. I'm good to go," he smiled. "And I got a really good night's sleep last night, except for the excitement, of course. Had to, so I could dance the night away with the Love of my Life!"
She leaned her head on his shoulder, and he just held her while they waited on their Curry.
"Are you nervous?" asked Elizabeth. "About tonight, I mean."
"No, not really nervous, maybe a bit apprehensive. It's knowing they've got something planned and not knowing what it is. But, you know, with you there, that's all that matters. As long as you're there smiling at me, I'll be fine."
She traced his lips with her fingers, "Always, Darling, always!"
"Are you excited?" asked Nathan as he played with her fingers that were still at his lips.
"Enormously! You know when Jack and I were planning to come to the Ball, something happened and we ended up staying in Hope Valley. So the children served us at the Café and we had our Ball there!"
"That's lovely, Elizabeth. Really lovely. I hope this meets your every expectation! But most of all, I just want you to relax and enjoy it. Just think we get to dance the night away with each other. What could be better?"
"I can't think of a single thing that could be better! Oh, and we have to meet up with Felicity and Aaron. Wonder how they're doing…"
"I don't know. I tried to give him a call at the Union City Hanover, but they must have been out."
They looked up and there was the Chef bringing them their meal in person.
"I had to come myself to see my favorite Constable!"
"Taj Laghari, meet the Love of my Life, Elizabeth Thornton. Elizabeth this is our masterful Chef and my good friend, Taj, otherwise known as Chef Laghari!"
"Delighted to meet you! She is a beauty, Nathan. So very happy for you both! What brings you to Union City?"
"The Mountie Ball is tonight, so it's rather a command performance," laughed Nathan.
Taj laughed, "That's okay as long as it brings you to town! Where are you located now? We miss you here."
"I'm the Constable, well now one of two Constables, at Hope Valley! It's about a half day's drive away. It's a great little town and the people are wonderful," bragged Nathan.
"But the rumor here, was that you would be coming back to us as Inspector. Was that not true?"
"It was true, Taj. They did offer me the job, and I almost took it, but then decided it was best for me to stay in Hope Valley," and he smiled at Elizabeth as he said that.
"Ah, love. A very wise decision my friend. I must get back to my cooking, but don't be a stranger! At least visit us occasionally!"
"That, we'll do, Taj! Great to see you!"
"Enjoy your food; it's on the House! Lovely to have met you Elizabeth!"
And with that, the Chef headed back to his kitchen, and his many tasks.
"Darling, he's a lovely man, but do you know absolutely everyone?"
"I helped to lead some training here and got dragged in on a few cases, and in the process met a few really nice folk. That's all. Ready to eat? Let's pray."
"Dear Father, we thank You for our safe journey, and for allowing us to meet old friends. We pray for Your blessings on this food and the man who prepared it. We ask that You guide us through whatever surprises we encounter tonight with grace. We thank You. Amen!"
"Amen! It seems like we should be hearing a couple of extra Amens here, doesn't it?" and Elizabeth drew her face into a missing the children's pout.
"Yes, it does, Darling! Here's the Naan. Taj did that just for us you know. It's not technically on the menu."
"This is so delicious. I can clearly see why it's your favorite... Oh, my goodness, this may be the best curry I've ever had!"
"I know it's the best I've had! I don't think you can find better anywhere."
After they finished their meal, the Hotel sent a car to bring them back to Le Havre.
They sat in the back seat next to each other, holding hands, and looking out at the Holiday Decorations through the windows together, just like two children with all the excitement in the world.
Traffic was heavy, in part due to the plethora of visiting Mounties in the City, but their Driver expertly wove through it and got them back to the Hotel quickly to give them plenty of time to prepare for the Ball. Nathan had already arranged for a Driver to take them to and from the Ball.
They rushed through the busy Lobby, quickly climbed the Grand Staircase, and made a beeline for the Lift, which Nathan commandeered.
They exited on the Penthouse Floor and Nathan walked Elizabeth to her Suite hand in hand.
At her Door, Nathan took both of her hands into his and looked directly into her beautiful blue eyes, " I don't know what gown you're wearing tonight and I don't know how your fixing your hair, but I do know that you, Elizabeth Thatcher Thornton, soon to be Grant, will, without a doubt, be the most beautiful woman at the Ball! I'm blessed beyond measure, my Darling."
He bent to kiss her, then placed an envelope in her hand, and without saying another word turned to enter his suite, next to hers.
She entered her suite, sat down her purse, took off her coat, and shoes and opened the envelope, which smelled of her favorite woodsy leather, as he had had it tucked in his suit jacket:
My Darling Elizabeth Rose,
Natalie Young is arriving promptly at half-past five to be at your disposal.
She is the owner of a top Salon here in Union City and comes highly recommended by Pierre's wife, Millicent.
Natalie is to give you the full spa treatment, from hair to nails and whatever else you need or want.
Just relax and enjoy the pampering.
The Front Desk has her contact information, along with all her contact numbers, in case of an unforeseen emergency or if there is some problem with her arrival time.
Although it shouldn't be needed, if it is, just call the front desk and they will take care of reaching her for you.
All my love,
Nathan Alexander Grant
She kissed Nathan's name on her note, smiling that he had added the 'Alexander' just for her.
As she undressed and turned to hang up her clothes, she couldn't help but gasp, there hanging on the Armoire door was her gorgeous Ball Gown, without a single wrinkle. Every time she saw it, it just seemed to be more and more beautiful. Oh, how she hoped Nathan loved it!
She grabbed her Gown and Dressing Robe and thought she would sneak in a quick nap, but when she opened the door to her Bath, there was another steamy hot bubble Bath already drawn for her. She couldn't know the Maid had estimated her arrival time back to the hotel, based on the Driver's log, but in her mind it was pure magic.
And though she had never had two luxurious, non-time limited Baths in one day, she dropped her Robe and jumped in, and relished the steamy hot water against her bare skin, feeling like every care in the world had been wiped away.
She stayed in her bath for a good half hour, and then put on her Dressing Robe, and laid herself down on her Bed, where she fell soundly to sleep for a good hour, with a dream of the Ball dancing through her head.
When she awoke, she grabbed a macaron out of Rosemary's hamper, and checked the time.
Natalie should be arriving at any moment, and she was bathed, relaxed, and ready…
And there was her knock. The two hit it off immediately and felt totally comfortable with each other.
"First, please show me your gown, as that will help me know what we need to do," requested Natalie.
"This is it!" and Elizabeth showed her the Ball Gown hanging on the armoire.
"Oh my, this is perfection. Perfectly beautiful! Wherever did you find this?"
"A friend of mine owns a Dress Shoppe and her buyer in New York City sent it to her, and just in time, I might add!"
"That is some friend. You, my dear, will be the Belle of the Ball! What were you thinking for your hair?"
"I've gone back and forth on up vs down. I know up is dressier, but the neckline is so bare, and I'm not wearing a necklace, just earrings. I'm just not sure. I sort of feel like with my hair up off my neck, it's too much skin. What do you think?"
"I think you may be right. I see a loose French updo that lies low on your neck. If you trust me, I know exactly what we need to do."
"I do trust you, Natalie. That actually sounds lovely."
"Why don't we do your manicure first. It won't take us long, because your nails are actually in pretty good shape, just a little shaping and buffing. That's all we'll need."
They talked about their boys as Natalie shaped and buffed her nails. They were amazed to find that their Sons were the exact same age, and both were even born at the same time on Christmas Eve!
When Natalie and Elizabeth were pleased with her nails buffed to perfection, Natalie turned to her face.
"Let's do your makeup now, and hair last. How does that sound? Oh, excuse me," and Natalie went to the door.
The maid rolled a cart in with Hot Tea and all kinds of tiny Sweet Treats.
"I thought we might want a bite of something while we work. It's my treat!"
"Oh, Natalie, how thoughtful! Everything looks lovely!"
"You really don't need a lot of makeup, but let's go a little heavier with the blush and lip rouge. The lighting at the Hanover Ball Room can be rather harsh, and we need to exaggerate a little. Let's just say define and refine…"
"Why don't you sit here by the light, and I'll be able to judge better, when we've got it just right…"
"Oh, Natalie, what would I have done without you? I can't tell you how lovely it is to be so pampered."
"You know, we women forget that it's our job to do just that. If we don't take care of ourselves, who will? We deserve that, and our men deserve that! Never feel guilty for taking care of yourself. I believe God expects it of us!"
"I love that and I'll remember it: 'Never feel guilty for taking care of yourself. God expects it of us!' It's actually great advice, Natalie!"
"Now, I need you to be very still…that's it. Perfect. I think we let that dry with powder and come back over everything one more time and I believe we will have perfection!"
She grabbed a sip of her Tea, handing Elizabeth's to her for a quick sip.
"Now, back to work…" and she repeated her previous steps till Elizabeth's face looked just like that, perfection!
Natalie checked the clock, "We have time for a little break. Let's do that because I want you really to be relaxed as I do your hair."
The two munched a little on their Sweets and drank more Tea! Then both felt ready to tackle their newly chosen hairstyle.
First Natalie brushed and brushed till Elizabeth's hair literally shown. She then put a creamy substance on her hands and ran her fingers through Elizabeth's hair, leaving an even brighter shine, as well as no frizz whatsoever. Elizabeth's hair had never looked so sleek.
Natalie was definitely a professional as she was literally working magic as she curled and wove Elizabeth's hair, creating a very loose, very low updo. When she finally allowed Elizabeth to look in the mirror, they both beamed. It was perfect, and suited Elizabeth perfectly.
"Move your head a bit, so we can make sure the style will hold up to your dancing," cautioned Natalie.
"It's going to hold! I never imagined my hair could feel so comfortable and at the same time look beautiful. Natalie, how do I ever thank you?"
"By having a fabulously delicious time at the Ball tonight. That's all I ask or require! Now, let's get your shoes on first, so I can let your gown fall around you, without it getting stepped on. Here they are, a perfect match for the gown. Truly perfect!"
Natalie glanced at the clock again, and announced, "It's time!"
She went to the armoire and removed the Ball Gown, smiling the whole time at its beauty.
She expertly lifted the Gown over Elizabeth's hair without touching a strand, and allowed the gown to fall around Elizabeth.
"Truly heavenly! You look heavenly!"
Promptly at half-past seven, Nathan knocked on her door.
Both were speechless.
She had never seen him look so handsome. His dress uniform had gold epaulets, gold cording across his chest and gold trim around his cuffs. Gold corded bands flowed down the sides of his trousers, and he truly looked like her Prince who had come to carry her away to kingdoms unknown. Allie was right, she didn't even need to see the other men to know Nathan would be the very most handsome man at the Ball.
"Darling, there aren't enough words…you look exquisite, simply exquisite," and all he could do was stare at her.
Suddenly he remembered where he was, what he was supposed to be doing…
He bent down to lightly touch her perfect lips, then he handed her a small linear package, beautifully wrapped just as her earrings had been. She caught her breath, and as she opened the package, first removing the ribbon and then the paper, laying them on the chest in her suite's entry, she saw a Leather Box, a Jewelry Box, and as she slowly opened it, she could do nothing but shriek in delight...
There in the box lay the most beautiful Sapphire Bracelet edged in Diamonds, made to perfectly match the Sapphire Earrings Nathan had already given her.
"It's exquisite! How did you know I love Bracelets. Growing up, Viola always wanted Necklaces, Julie always wanted Earrings, and I always wanted Bracelets!"
He took the Bracelet from her hands, unclasped it, kissed her wrist and placed it there, clasping it back together.
"I adore you Elizabeth," and his eyes verified that he did.
"And I adore you. Thank you, my Love, thank you!" and she reached to kiss him with a kiss that infused strength from one to the other.
He placed her fur wrap around her, took her hand in his, and they turned, smiling at each other as Lovers do…
Come whatever may, they were ready for the Ball…