Chapter Eighty-Six: Family Matters
Promptly at Half-past Twelve, Nathan led Elizabeth through the Hotel's Ornate Dining Room on their way to meet their Parents for Lunch...
"We'll just honestly answer whatever they throw at us. Piece of cake…you'll see and if it's awkward with no conversation, I'm sure we can think of something to throw out. Business, Father always likes to talk about Business, just ask him how his Business is going, and Mother will talk forever about her Garden Club. Of course, she does no Gardening. She has a Team of Gardeners, but she is interested…" explained Elizabeth, realizing how tenuous that sounded.
"My Mother will talk about Horses all day long, and Cooking, but of course she does her own, or at least most of it; there is a Ranch Cook that helps her when they have to feed all the workers…and she likes to garden too. Lots of Veggies, some Flowers…but I'm sure it's not the same thing at all. Oh, Elizabeth, what have we done?"
"It's going to be fine, Nathan."
"And for my Father, just throw out some Prison Tale…"
"Nathan! You're Father's quite charming!"
"That's what I'm afraid of…"
They were met at the entrance by the Maitre D who in turn led the handsome Couple through the Main Dining Room into a much more secluded Area...
Her Father had commandeered an elegant Private Dining Room, and Godfrey was standing by his side in full attendance, overseeing the other Servants from Home, stationed throughout the Room.
But Nathan and Elizabeth couldn't believe what they were seeing as they were led into the posh Room...
Both sets of Parents were in such deep Conversation with each other, they barely noticed Elizabeth and Nathan's arrival.
In fact, the four Parents stopped their animated Conversation only long enough to barely greet their Son and Daughter…
"Hello, Darlings! Please be seated here…" directed Grace.
Nathan held Elizabeth's Chair and then had to refrain from saying anything as Godfrey held his Chair for him.
Nathan couldn't remember a single time he had ever had his Chair held for him.
'All a bit much' in his opinion, but he mouthed a 'Thank-you' to Godfrey, instead.
Then Grace went directly back to her apparent in-depth Conversation with Madelyne, Nathan's Mother.
Archie was telling some hilarious tall tale to William, who was actually relaxed and laughing.
Elizabeth couldn't believe what she was seeing and looked to Godfrey for some sort of reassurance, but he was non-plussed as well, having never seen his Master and Mistress so relaxed for a formal Luncheon. And enjoying it no less!
The looks between Godfrey and Elizabeth had always been understood, but these looks were more of shock, unable to offer any Consolation one to the other at all.
Well, this was totally unexpected!
Nathan and Elizabeth were prepared for anything, or at least they thought they were, but not this…
All they could do was try to relax and enjoy their Meal, since they were obviously left in their own little space, while they watched this "New Best Friends" trainwreck known as their Parents, gloriously unfold…
"Your Meal, Ma'am!" and Godfrey sat down a Silver Domed Platter, carefully removing the Top with a well-practiced Flourish.
"Thank you, Godfrey!"
Even Godfrey was at a loss, so he slipped a hidden pat across Miss Elizabeth's back, trying to offer what reassurance he could. And yes, he knew technically it was Mrs. Thornton, but to him, it would always be Miss Elizabeth, Ma'am or no.
"Your Meal, Sir!" and Godfrey did the same for Nathan, but instead of a touch, he offered a sympathetic look and low whisper.
"They've been here for the past Half Hour, Sir!"
Elizabeth's eyes widened when she overheard that, then they narrowed.
"Thank you, Godfrey!" and Nathan meant it.
At least they had one person on their side.
Elizabeth whispered to Nathan, "Why, my sneaky Parents!"
And there was an instant, just an instant, where all three, Nathan, Elizabeth, and Godfrey, were huddled together, observing for a split second in disbelief!
All this was very confusing!
Their Parents, who had just met, were getting on like life-long Best Friends, who were just catching up after having not seen each other for several years.
"Well, look at it this way, they're not throwing things at each other…" whispered Nathan.
"Yes, but I've never seen my Parents this relaxed. What in the World has happened?" whispered Elizabeth back.
Now, she was more worried than Nathan…
"Elizabeth, Nathan, are your Meals satisfactory?" boomed Mr. Thatcher down from the Head of the long Table.
"Er…yes, Father, delightful, thank you!"
"Delicious, Mr. Thatcher, thank you!"
"Archie and I have a question for you two…"
'Oh no, here it comes…' muttered Elizabeth under her breath, but with a smile.
"We want to know what is it about Hope Valley that you both seem to love?"
"Father, you know it's my Home now," answered an exasperated Elizabeth for what she knew seemed to be the hundredth time, if not more.
"Mr. Thatcher and Dad, perhaps it holds such a special place in my heart because I met Elizabeth there," and Nathan took her hand, kissed it, and smiled lovingly at Elizabeth, which took them both to their private spot for a moment.
"But, truthfully, I think for both of us, it's the people. People who work hard, yet are kind and loving to each other. People who work together to make things happen. People who give to each other. People who care for each other. And for me, particularly, the open scenery is wonderful. So majestic. Working is not even work, as Newton and I do Rounds, we're engulfed by beautiful, unspoiled Nature as far as you can see. I just need to get both of you out to our new Lake. You'll see," grinned Nathan. "A little Fishing might answer that question better than I ever could."
"You have a Lake, Son?" asked Archie.
"Yes, Dad, we do. Nathaniel, a famous Prosecuting Attorney from NYC, owns a lot of the best and most Scenic Land in the area. He actually gave us an old Cabin with thirty acres of Land that includes a gorgeous Lake."
"Well, he gave it to Nathan," explained Elizabeth with a smile.
"It's ours," reiterated Nathan as he looked at Elizabeth. "We named the Lake, Lake Granda in memory of those who have gone before us!"
"Oh, Nathan, that's lovely. My Mother would be so very pleased," said Grace as she wiped away a tear.
Even Elizabeth was surprised her Mother seemed so genuinely touched!
"So would Colleen. What a lovely thing to do, Son! Such a beautiful way to honor your Sister!" said Madelyne thoughtfully.
For the first time since Colleen had died, Nathan could see there were tears in his Mother's eyes, and his Father noticed it as well.
It suddenly hit Nathan, they had never grieved for Colleen together as a Family, only separately.
"This Nathaniel must think an awfully lot of you, Nathan! A Man rarely parts with his Land, especially Prime Land!" interjected Mr. Thatcher through narrowed eyes.
"We think a lot of him, Sir! Elizabeth tells me he's actually here, so you'll get to meet him. A very good Man, a fascinating Man, actually. Apparently, the best in his line of work. But the invitation to visit the Lake is open anytime. Hopefully, we'll have a Lodge built before long, or at least a good-sized Cabin to house everyone."
Mr. Thatcher was clearly thinking, and although even he was much too kind, but only for his Daughter's sake, to say it out loud, he knew this Mountie was different than her last.
This Man his Daughter had fallen in love with, was different, and could he dare think that maybe this time, she had gotten it right? Was this someone he could finally approve of?
And then it came to him.
'Could it really be him?' Mr. Thatcher asked himself, as he studied Nathan surreptitiously.
He would have to do some checking when he got back to his Suite, make a few calls. But he was fairly certain, and rarely wrong when his instincts were this definite. And he seldom forgot a face.
And then Mr. Thatcher realized he hadn't given Nathan an answer or even a comment.
"Looking forward to meeting him, Nathan. Might even take you up on the Fishing. My, it's been years since I've been Fishing. Probably forgotten how. Are you a Fisherman, Archie?" asked Mr. Thatcher.
"Not much of one, but I suppose we could learn the finer parts together. My Boy Nathan's pretty patient, so I'm sure he'd make a good teacher!"
"Thank you for that, Dad. Happy to teach you both!"
And that was probably the nicest thing Nathan had ever heard his Dad say about him.
Finally, Nathan and Elizabeth looked at each other, breathed a collective sigh of relief, and jointly decided to just be thankful and go with whatever this was.
If their Parents were truly getting along, that was more than either of them could have hoped for, and right now both of them were ready to just throw all the stress away and enjoy what little time they had left with each other before Nathan had to go back to Headquarters.
"Father, will you please excuse Nathan and me? I'm going to ride back to Headquarters with him, as he's tied up there the rest of the day," explained Elizabeth. "Are you all planning to go for the Drill Review this Afternoon. The whole Town will be there."
Grace looked at Madelyn, who nodded, then she said, "We wouldn't miss it!"
"Great, I'll come back, Mother, and go with you all, if you don't mind the Children tagging along. I'll have their Nanny come too," explained Elizabeth, knowing this was the only way her Parents would approve.
"Sounds lovely, Darling!" smiled Grace.
"Of course, after that, let's meet again for Dinner, at Half-past Seven!" pronounced Mr. Thatcher.
"Yes, of course, Father!"
Nathan took a breath and decided it was now or never.
"Mr. Thatcher, would you have some time available Tonight for the two of us to get to know each other a bit better?" asked Nathan clearly and concisely, and it took Mr. Thatcher aback.
From where she was sitting, Elizabeth could see the slightest of smiles start to form on Godfrey's face.
"Yes, Son. I think that's a good idea. Let's say just after Dinner. How does that sound?"
"Sounds perfect, Sir! Please do excuse us. Lunch was wonderful. Thank you!" and Nathan reached to help Elizabeth from her Chair, although Godfrey had already beaten him there!
Nathan gallantly took her hand, but formally so, for the sake of her Parents.
Both sets of Parents said their Goodbyes with smiles but remained seated, and both Nathan and Elizabeth could hear their resumed Chatter as soon as Godfrey shut the Door behind them.
"Lisbeth, what just happened?"
"I'm not sure. A post-Christmas Miracle, maybe?"
"I think so," and Nathan led her through the Main Dining Room and then down the huge Hall, till they found a dark Hallway to escape to, where all they could do was kiss and kiss some more.
"Smooth back in there, Constable. You're getting private time with Father! Darling, it's really happening. Are you ready?"
"I am so ready, more ready than you can know, Lisbeth! Are you ready?"
"I've been ready since our first kiss! I have to ask you this, did Mother help you with our first date?"
"She may have," he laughed. "Yes, if you must know, she did! She was so kind, so very nice to me. It was almost like we bonded via Phone Calls and Telegrams. I know that sounds crazy, but that First Date Menu was our Secret together! Well, ours and your Cook's. And funny enough, even with your Mother's formal manner of speech, I could hear you in her…"
A Housekeeper, carrying a huge vase of Red Roses, opened a Suite Door and discreetly selected and handed the Gentleman a Rose for his Lady, then passed by them, smiling as she passed, leaving the heady scent of all the Roses surrounding the Couple, along with the one Long Stemmed Single Red Rose she had left.
Nathan kissed the Rose and handed it to Elizabeth, "Keep my Kiss with you, Darling!"
"Always! I love you! I can't believe you did that for me! I mean Mother can be a Barracuda when she wants to be. But my brave Constable just plowed right through, without me to buffer. You have no idea how brave that was!"
"I'll do whatever it takes where you're concerned, Darling!"
"Well, obviously you've charmed her! One last kiss…and one last hug!"
"Uhmm…"
And they left arm in arm to go to their waiting Car with Elizabeth carrying and smelling her Rose…
Everyone who had come from Hope Valley to support Nathan was lining up in the Hotel Lobby for Transport to Headquarters.
Elizabeth was helping direct everyone, making sure they felt welcome and were having a good time, and they all were!
Everyone seemed elated to be there and they were ready to watch their Mounties in action!
"Adeline, have you seen Bill?"
"No, Sweetie. He was refusing to participate in the Drills, but I think Harold's talked him into it! Bill says Harold, himself is riding! In fact, I think he's leading the Drills! No scratch that, Bill said something about Nathan maybe having to do it!"
"What? Are you serious? He didn't say anything!" exclaimed a shocked Elizabeth.
"You know our Mounties! Men of few words! Isn't that right Felicity?"
"You've got that right, Adeline. Aaron has told me absolutely nothing!"
"They do know how to leave us in the dark. Oh, Rosemary! I'm so glad you all were able to come with us, too!" and Elizabeth grabbed her Friend in a bear hug.
"That's thanks to Carson. He's watching over me like a Mother Hen! Or Mother Hawk I should say. You'd think a Woman never had a Baby before! But, if it took him coming too, I'm fine with that, as long as I got to come! I can't wait to meet your Mother, Elizabeth! Oh, and Elizabeth, thanks for letting Laura help with Frederic!"
"My pleasure! The Children are having so much fun together! Mother will be at the Drills this afternoon. But I'll wait to bring them over after everyone gets settled. I want all of you to meet her! I know most of you have met Father."
"Well, I for one, am very grateful to you, Carson, for watching over my Rosie!" said Lee.
"Not a problem, Lee. I wouldn't have missed this for anything! I only wish Faith could have met us! But it is good to have a few Days away from the Infirmary."
"Well, I'm glad you didn't miss it. Because, I happen to know there's an Award for you as well, Carson, very deservedly so!" smiled Elizabeth.
"Are you serious?" he asked in disbelief.
"Carson, Nathan said you were there ready for anything. Of course, you were part of the Team, as you always are!"
Carson smiled and shook his head, "Only Nathan would think of that. Very classy of him to include everyone!"
"Elizabeth, I'm so excited. I've never seen Drills before! I'm not even sure what to expect!" noted Clara, as she tugged on Jessie to pull him away from Ned, Florence, and Molly, who had kept him in deep conversation.
"I know, I'm excited too! But you know Clara, I haven't seen them either! Can you believe it? This is my very first!" marveled Elizabeth. "I have no idea what to expect, and Nathan was rather close-mouthed about it all!"
"Oh, it's something, Elizabeth! You won't be disappointed!" assured Hickam. "I've seen them a couple of times before!"
Mike had gathered all the Men Lee had deputized and every single one of them was here today to receive their Citizen's Award in Person, except of course Lucas, who had asked Gustav to accept his.
Nathan had been concerned about Sophie's feelings as this was somewhat a Celebration of capturing her Father and his Men.
Nathan had even discussed it with Lucas, wanting to spare Sophie having to see that. As it turned out, the Couple were away for their Honeymoon, so, thankfully, it had become a non-issue.
And as it turned out, Gustav was very proud to accept for both himself and his Boss.
The Townsmen were all quite proud to have played their part in helping Nathan and his Team of Mounties, and they were thrilled Nathan had insisted they be included in the Ceremonies. They weren't about to miss a single moment of the Celebration!
Of course, the Formal Awards Ceremony was going to be tomorrow, along with a huge Parade through the entire Town of Regina.
But today, everyone was gathering at Headquarters for a fabulous Display of Regimental Drills!
And everyone's excitement was fever-pitch level.
The Townspeople had traveled a long distance to Celebrate and they were more than ready to do so!
Elizabeth smiled and waved the last of the Group off in the fleet of Cars that the Hotel had provided, and then turned to see her Mother with Nathan's Mother coming down the Staircase together.
Her Mother was wearing one of her full-length Mink Coats, the black one that had a pull up hood-like collar, and a black Mink Muff. She also wore Diamond Drop Earrings, large but tasteful.
She looked absolutely stunning, and Elizabeth noted, that thankfully, she had left off her other Diamonds and saved them instead for her more formal afternoons elsewhere!
Only Elizabeth knew there would be a whole new selection of Diamonds for her Mother to choose from to match her Evening Wear for Dinner tonight.
No one else would have thought so, but Elizabeth knew, that for Grace, she was quite understated, and at the least Elizabeth appreciated that.
Madelyne was wearing a stylish Rose-colored Woolen Coat with a Paisley Scarf and matching gloves. Elizabeth noticed she looked every bit as beautiful as her Mother, just in a simpler, perhaps, even more, refined way.
Both women had their unique styles, yet both women stood out.
Never in a million years would Elizabeth have imagined it, but Grace and Madelyne couldn't be getting along any better if Elizabeth had choreographed it herself, and she had done absolutely nothing!
"Where's Father and Archie?" she asked puzzled.
"They'll be down in a bit, Dear! Archie didn't realize a lot of the Activities would be outside, so he didn't pack a heavy enough Overcoat. William is helping him locate one," explained Grace. "Also, Nathaniel's with them. Your Father rang him up, and I think the three men are getting along famously!"
Elizabeth glanced up and there were the three Men at the top of the Staircase, talking amicably together, all three looking quite accomplished.
She couldn't help notice Madelyne's quick glance at her Husband, and Elizabeth instantly knew, with that one glance, Nathan's Parents were still in love.
How had Nathan not told her that? Could it be possible he didn't even know?
She knew the situation was complex between the Couple, but it seemed Archie was really trying, and shouldn't everyone, even Madelyne, have a second chance at love?
Perhaps, especially Madelyne, after all she had been through.
"Good Afternoon, Father! Good Afternoon, Archie and Nathaniel! So good to see you Nathaniel and I'm so glad the three of you have met! Mother, let me get the Children settled in their Car first. They should be down at any moment."
"Elizabeth, where is your Coat?" asked Grace, pointedly.
"Oh, no! I left it in the Suite!"
"No problem, Ma'am!" and Godfrey, who had covertly followed her Father down the Staircase, was off in an instant to remedy the situation.
"Goodness, I had forgotten how wonderful it is to have Godfrey around. The Man doesn't miss anything!" sighed Elizabeth.
"The Man, my Darling, is very good at what he does. And truth be told, he's a good Friend!"
Elizabeth was stunned, she had never in her life heard her Father refer to any of the Help, even Godfrey, as a Friend, much less a Good Friend.
"Yes, Father, he is that. There is nothing he wouldn't do for you, Mother or…"
"You, my Darling! He absolutely adores you! Of course, I always had to reassure your Sisters that Godfrey loved the three of you equally, but I think we all knew that simply wasn't the case! You were the one, always following every step he took! The poor Man!"
Elizabeth laughed, "Oh, Father, you're so right. I was such a Pest! How he put up with me, I'll never know, but he never once complained! Not one single time."
Elizabeth turned to Madelyne and Archie, "And when I say Pest, I really mean little Monster! I was horrible! I was so curious, I had to understand every single thing he did! And wouldn't give up until I did! The things I put that Man through!"
"Yes, we went through several Nannies over those little escapades, Elizabeth. It was a laughing matter among all of our Friends. Every time they'd see a new Post for yet another new Nanny, they'd ask, 'What has she done this time?'" explained Grace, as she rolled her eyes remembering her ever-ongoing battle with her middle Daughter and her many Nannies.
"For once, I'm not going to disagree with you, Elizabeth!" declared her Father. "I was the one who had to pay the discharge bonuses AND new hire bonuses. I'm afraid we had quite the reputation! Not many Nannies wanted to work at the Thatcher Household! Grace had her hands full keeping that position alone, staffed! And I ended up paying Premium Dollar, I might add!"
Nathan's Parents and Nathaniel laughed!
"I think you make the perfect match for Nathan, Dear! He needs that extra bit of boisterousness! Although, I should warn you, be ready for a lot of Surprises. He's the most thoughtful person I've ever known! Even as a Child, and I think he's only improved with age! He's always sending me something. And he's never once missed a week of writing to me! At least a Mother can only hope!"
"Oh, Madelyne, I've seen that already. You have a wonderful Son. He makes every day special for all of us and I'm so blessed to have met him! The Children adore him and we're just all so blessed to have him in our lives."
"We feel the same, Elizabeth. He's very blessed to have met you!" and Archie meant it with all his heart, remembering this Woman was the one to convince his Son to give him a second chance.
Elizabeth's Parents were beaming with pride, and Elizabeth couldn't help but smile, finally realizing after all these years, despite their differences and not understanding her move to Hope Valley, her Parents were actually proud of her and what she had accomplished.
Elizabeth looked up to see Laura and Allie holding on to Little Jack, leading him down the Staircase, with Frederic dancing from Step to Step around them.
They were followed by Godfrey with Elizabeth's Coat, Hat, Scarf, and Gloves!
"Oh, Allie and Laura, thank you both for helping him walk down the Stairs. Quite the accomplishment, Son! Those are really big Steps!"
Both sets of Parents noticed Elizabeth hugged Allie first, then her Son, and then Frederic.
Allie instinctively ran and hugged her Grandparents along with her Gramps, but when she turned, Elizabeth could tell it was Allie's nature not to slight anyone, so she shyly hugged Elizabeth's Mother and then went to hug her Father.
Now, Mr. Thatcher was not at all accustomed to being hugged, much less by Children, but he looked at Allie's sweet, earnest face, and pulled her to him just as Archie and Nathaniel had done, but then he bent to kiss the top of her head.
Allie was radiant, "My Dad does that too, Sir!"
And Mr. Thatcher smiled down at her, glad to have gotten something right!
"You, young Lady, are full of spunk! And I like that!" he said as he pointed his finger to Allie. "Reminds me of someone else I know!"
Allie smiled, immediately knowing he was referring to his Daughter, her Teacher!
"Rosemary and Lee Coulter are Frederic's Parents, and you'll meet them in the Stands today!" Elizabeth explained as she held Jack and Frederic's hands. "They're my Neighbors!"
Her Father had arranged for Three Silver Ghost Rolls Royces to meet them at the Lobby Door and transport them to Headquarters.
"Nathaniel, you're coming with us; there's more than enough room!" ordered Mr. Thatcher.
The Children would be taking the Third Car and the Adults would be riding in the first Two, with the Ladies in the First, and the Gentlemen in the Second.
Godfrey helped his Miss Elizabeth into her Coat, then her Accessories, in preparation for their Departure.
"Thank you, Godfrey, as Allie would say, you're the best!" which garnered a slight smile from Godfrey, in spite of his staid formality, as he remembered his Miss Elizabeth using the very same words to him on more that one occasion.
Godfrey nodded and instantly left to open the Car Door for Laura and the Children.
Both sets of Parents also noticed that Elizabeth handled the Children beautifully, assisting Laura with seating them in their Car in a very orderly fashion. But with Elizabeth being a Teacher, they realized they shouldn't have expected anything less!
Once they were settled, Godfrey turned with his Miss Elizabeth and then held the First Car Door for the Ladies, assisting them carefully into their Car next, then the Gentlemen.
Although it could have been done by the Car Valet, that simply wasn't up to Godfrey's very high Standards.
As Godfrey saw it, the Thatcher Family had been entrusted to him.
So the Thatchers and those with them, were completely his responsibility, with no interference from anyone else.
He was the consummate Professional and his Task was to make their Lives comfortable and seamless, whether at Home or Away.
And that's exactly what he proudly did, Twenty-four Hours a Day if it was required.
Where the Thatchers went, he went…