Chapter Eighty-Seven: Drills and Dinner
The January Sun was out brighter than usual and its reflection brightened the Field, as though it were spotlighting the Grand Event that was about to take place!
The Stands on both sides of the Field had been festooned with Bunting till the Stands, themselves, were practically invisible, and so many Flags were flying at both ends of the Field, it was impossible to count them all!
Concession Stands, also adorned with Bunting, had been set up for the Viewers, which added to the Festive Flair.
It was almost like a Carnival, but one with a more serious purpose to see their beloved Mounties in rare form, presenting a top-notch Presentation sharing their many Skills. At least that was the Official Purpose, but every Mountie knew Display Drills were there to show absolute Synchrony and Perfection – they had been drilled into the Mounties and their Horses from Day One in the Academy, and they would always be a part of them.
For no matter how far away from Training, the Drills were a part of every single Mountie and every single Mountie Horse, never to be forgotten.
Thankfully, everyone had done a couple of trial run-throughs that morning and if the final Production was anywhere near as good, everyone was in for quite a treat!
Even Bill and Ember had fallen right into sync!
All of which had been quite impressive to Bill's Boys!
This had also been the first time they had seen him in full Inspector's Uniform. They had razzed him a bit, and although they wouldn't have told him, they were quite impressed with their Leader!
As Elizabeth, both sets of Parents, and Nathaniel drove up and got out of their magnificent Rolls Royces, Godfrey silently led them to their VIP Seats.
The Children were seated just beneath the Adults, so they would have a perfect, unobstructed view.
Once everyone was situated in their seats, Godfrey distributed Furs to each Member of his Group.
Laura glanced up at Elizabeth, as she had never seen anything like this, nor had she ever been treated so elegantly.
Elizabeth smiled back at Laura, reassuring her, she was handling everything perfectly.
Archie and Madelyne glanced at each other and smiled, not quite accustomed to the luxury and attention to detail, but just happy to be there to support their Son, and also get to know who they were sure would be his new Family.
Meeting Nathaniel was an extra delight!
All either Parent had ever wanted for their Son, was happiness, and Elizabeth Thatcher Thornton seemed to be the answer to that Prayer.
Archie and Madelyne would have loved her had she been a Pauper's Daughter, and they would love her still, as the Daughter of a Wealthy Shipping Magnate, no differently.
And yes, at first, because of all the Thatcher Wealth, they thought meeting Elizabeth's Family would be a struggle, making them feel out of place. But Elizabeth had been so earnest in her invitation for them to come, that even before they had arrived, they realized that they needed to adjust their attitude and treat the Thatchers no differently than anyone else.
And in some strange way, the Thatchers had appreciated that. It had set the tone between them as equals.
If Elizabeth could have had her way, Allie would have been sitting next to her and Jack would have been on her lap. But that simply wasn't done with her Parents around.
In that instant, Elizabeth felt her heart pulled.
Not to Hamilton and all the Wealth she left, but to the simplicity of Hope Valley.
She turned and looked up at all her Hope Valley Friends, who were here with her, supporting Nathan, Bill, Aaron, and Gabe.
These people were her Family now, too and she loved them.
Elizabeth waved and smiled, and everyone who saw her waved and smiled back.
She could tell everyone was super excited about what was to come.
Then she smiled understandingly at Archie and Madelyne. She knew her old lifestyle was totally out of their comfort zone and a lot to take in, but they were doing it brilliantly, being more understanding and accepting of her Parents than she ever could have imagined.
And they really seemed to like Nathaniel, too!
At that moment, she knew she loved both Archie and Madelyne, and not only because they were Nathan's Parents, but it hit her for the first time that they were going to be her Family, as well, and that made her smile from the inside.
Elizabeth was excited about so many things, but she needed to refocus on the Exhibition at hand.
Beyond all the excitement around her, she was also truthfully just a little nervous.
What if Adeline had been right and Nathan had to direct the entire Set of Drills? He hadn't said a single word to her about that, but then again, she thought, he probably wouldn't have, as the limelight was not something Nathan ever would seek, much less talk about!
The National Anthem roared out over the Loud Speakers and the entire crowd on both sides of the Field rose and started singing.
It was a glorious start.
This was followed by a Twenty-One Gun Salute.
Then the Music started again, and Four Regiments in their Regalia entered the Field diagonally in Single File from each of the Four Corners of the Field.
Each Mountie was carrying a Triangular Shaped Banner, and they headed toward the very Center of the Field.
When they reached it, each Rider expertly guided their Horse to sharply turn.
Then, they positioned themselves down the Center of the Field Double File, leaving an aisle between the two rows.
Suddenly, there was a Trumpet Blast and instantly the Mounties were at full attention, in Salute mode.
From each opposite Central Field End entered the Two Drill Commanders, confidently galloping between the two rows of Mounties out toward the very Center of the Field.
As they met, both Drill Commanders slowed their Horses to a sudden stop, only feet apart, and brought them to a low Bow simultaneously, each Commander staying perfectly straight in the saddle, and the Crowd went wild.
The Officer then offered a Salute to his Commanding Officer, who quickly and forcefully returned it, and then they both turned their Horses and took off in a gallop to opposite ends of the Field.
"Mrs. Thornton, is that Newton?" called Allie, who knew and loved Newton well.
It wasn't until Elizabeth looked through her Mother's Opera Glasses that she could tell the Horse was indeed Newton, and the Officer was none other than Nathan with his Commanding Officer, Commissioner Blake!
"Allie, it is Newton and it's your Dad! With Commissioner Blake!" called Elizabeth.
Allie was nonplussed. The Child had no idea, so apparently Nathan had said nothing to her either!
"Go, Dad! Go, Newton!" yelled Allie to which even Mr. Thatcher had to smile.
She excitedly pointed Little Jack to where her Dad was on the Field, "It's Dad, Jack! It's Dad!"
"Dat?"
Elizabeth was relieved that her Parents hadn't heard Jack over the commotion; she'd never hear the end of it!
But something came over Elizabeth.
She was no longer a Child.
She was here to honor the Man she loved and she most certainly was not going to sit here and miss the entire performance, stewing over her Parents' reactions to every little thing.
Her Parents would have to adjust, she was going to enjoy Nathan's moment, and that was that; as far as she was concerned it was sweet, and her Son could call Nathan whatever he wanted, whenever he wanted to do so.
Elizabeth sat back in her Stadium Chair and noticed Mrs. Blake waving to her from the next Box!
"Hello, Mrs. Blake, so good to see you!"
"We'll talk later, Dear!" she smiled back. "They're doing quite nicely out there, together!"
Elizabeth smiled and nodded yes, "Very proud of them!"
She realized in that instant, along with Mrs. Blake, who she genuinely liked, that many of the Women she had met at the Mountie Ball, were here as well to support their Husbands, and they were waving back to her.
She was beginning to understand in a way she never had when she was married to Jack, that they were a Sisterhood, and it was so good now to know she had their camaraderie and support.
But now, the Show was continuing…
And what a Show it was!
The Four Regiments were made up of a Total of thirty-two Mounties and their Mounts, and each made their way across the Field, together, to flawlessly execute Maneuver after Maneuver, from the Pinwheel, to Thread the Needle, to Suicide Cross, to Posse Roll, to Charro Ladder, to the Chevron, to the Oblique, to the Inverted Oblique and many others.
The Maneuvers were performed in complete Symmetry and Flow, with exact Precision.
Each successive Maneuver was more difficult than the one prior, and each and every intricately Cut Figure and Calvary Drill demanded the utmost Control, timing Perfection, and total Coordination!
The Maneuvers were performed in groups of twos, fours, and eights, at a Trot and at the Center; some even involved a fast Gallop!
Although it seemed to Elizabeth, Nathan and Commissioner Blake were responsible for doing most of the Galloping.
Elizabeth was mystified.
She knew Nathan was an excellent rider, but even she had no idea he could ride like that.
It was quite impressive, to say the least!
Each of the Maneuvers was made more complex by the large number of Mounties and Mounts participating, yet Pattern after Pattern was completed with perfectly accurate, unyielding Precision and after each was completed, the Crowd literally erupted in Applause and Cheers!
In fact, the Mounties and their Mounts had to reappear after their first Grand Exit for yet a second Grand Bow!
After that final Bow, Nathan and the Commissioner galloped over to the Stands where Elizabeth and the Children were.
They quickly dismounted and offered to let the Children pet their Horses, who were beyond delighted.
Nathan lifted Allie over the Rail and let her love on Newton and she was elated.
He lifted Frederic over too, then grabbed Little Jack and held him for a bit.
Not knowing whether to kiss Elizabeth or not in front of his Commanding Officer, he held back till finally Commissioner Blake, point-blank asked, "Officer, are you going to kiss your Girl or what?"
"Is that an Order, Sir?" asked Nathan as protocol demanded.
"Yes, Officer, it is!"
"Yes, Sir!"
And it was then that he grabbed Elizabeth across the fence and executed his Commanding Officer's Order flawlessly…
Although both he and Elizabeth ended up blushing.
He then introduced the Commissioner to Elizabeth's Parents and his own Parents.
"It's a delight, Mr. and Mrs. Grant, you have quite an impressive Young Man here! You'll see just how very special he is at our Awards Ceremony tomorrow! But we are truly delighted to have all of you here! Nathaniel thrilled you made it. Let's meet tomorrow, say 8:30 am? We have a lot to discuss. Mr. Thatcher, Mrs. Thatcher, it's been quite a while, but so very nice to see you again. Welcome!"
"An honor, Harry! A real Honor to watch you both and the Regiments! Quite extraordinary! I must say, in all my years, I've seen nothing that's come close!" admitted Mr. Thatcher.
But that wasn't enough for Hope Valley, as each and every attending Hope Valley Citizen lined up to personally congratulate their Mountie and meet his Commanding Officer!
Both Nathan and the Commissioner were completely worn out, but you would have never known it.
Instead, they were gracious and seemed very happy to greet their Guests.
Nathan introduced each and every one of them to Commissioner Blake, and then the two made Conversation with each of them, making each feel as special as if they'd been Family.
And of course, the Thatchers and Grants were beginning to understand these people actually were Family!
At least to Nathan and Elizabeth!
Dinner was a Grand Occasion in typical Thatcher Style, with Mr. and Mrs. Thatcher inviting all of the Hope Valley Guests to a Grand Formal Dinner, to be held in a separate smaller Hotel Ballroom, promptly this Evening at Half-Past Seven.
Even Elizabeth was amazed at how her Parents had put a Dinner of this scale together, so quickly, but she correctly surmised Godfrey and his Staff had had a lot to do with it.
As the Guests filed in, dressed in their very best attire they had brought with them, Mr. and Mrs. Thatcher, along with Mr. and Mrs. Grant, formed a Receiving Line, to welcome each and every single one.
Nathan, who was required to be in his Dress Uniform, stood by Elizabeth, as they also stood with their Parents so that they could manage the introductions…
A rather large Stringed Orchestra was playing in the Background and Mrs. Thatcher had seen to it that there were beautiful Flowers everywhere.
To be thrown together so quickly, everything was quite Stunning and very Elegant.
Even Rosemary was profoundly impressed!
Beautiful Round Tables, covered in White Linen Cloths to the Floor, held huge Bouquets of Flowers in the Center and were set with the most beautiful China, Crystal, and Silver.
They were fixed to seat six comfortably, and they were spread throughout the room, around what appeared to be a Dance Floor.
There was one larger Round Table that had been reserved for the Thatchers, themselves, along with the Grants and, of course, Elizabeth and Nathan.
Everything matched the other Guest Tables, except that the Bouquet in the Center was massive!
Every single Table was awash in Candlelight, as was the entire Ballroom, adding to the Romantic Feel of the Evening.
As the Receiving Line finally wore down, Elizabeth turned to Nathan and whispered, "You look so very handsome in your Dress Uniform!"
"You, my Darling, look magnificent. Thank you for wearing the Teal Gown with your Jewelry I gave you. You look like a beautiful Painting, Lisbeth! And here, I never imagined you would even be here!"
"And don't forget my North Star Necklace! I haven't taken it off once since Christmas Eve!"
He reached to take her hand and kissed it, "Please, don't ever take that one off. It belongs right where it is."
"Elizabeth, your Earrings are divine! Where ever did you find them?" asked Grace.
"I don't know, Mother. You'll have to ask Nathan. He gave them to me, along with my Bracelet," answered Elizabeth, mischievously.
"Excellent taste, Nathan, just lovely!" complimented his future Mother-in-Law, or at least Nathan hoped!
Dinner was, as you'd expect, the finest the Hotel Chef could muster.
It was indeed a Dinner suited for Royalty, featuring a very Fancy Shrimp Cocktail Appetizer in Stemware, Filet and Lobster as the Main Course, with Scalloped Potatoes, Green Beans Almondine, Popovers, and a beautiful Wild Mushroom Au Glace Salad.
Each Course came with the perfect selection of very expensive Wine to accompany it!
The Thatchers, ever the consummate Host and Hostess, also made it a point between Courses, to make their way to each and every table, making sure their guests were well taken care of.
There was a formality, but no stuffiness. Just a lot of kindness being shown. Both Nathan and Elizabeth were at least grateful for that. And surprisingly, everyone was happily Chatting and simply having a Great Time, enjoying being pampered by the Thatchers!
Dessert came in the form of Chocolate Crème Brulee with a Banana's Flambee Sauce flamed at the Tables, then poured over, and it was absolutely Scrumptious, the Perfect Ending to a truly Perfect Meal.
After Dessert, Nathan led Elizabeth to the Dance Floor for one quick Dance before he met with her Father.
Everyone from Hope Valley quickly joined them dancing, not knowing at all what was about to take place between Nathan and Mr. Thatcher.
Unknown to Nathan, both sets of Parents were watching the Couple very closely as he waltzed Elizabeth around the Floor.
"Darling, don't be nervous. Just be yourself and everything is going to be fine! Father's not going to bite!" promised Elizabeth.
"I'm a Mountie and I face difficult circumstances every single day of my life, but nothing ever like this, Elizabeth. This is Family. This is more important than anything I've ever done. I just want it to go well. I want your Father to understand. I want him and your Mother to be a part of our lives. It's just so important for all of us. Especially the Children."
"I know that it is. But, remember, they did come all this way for us. Are you nervous, Love?"
"Surprisingly, no. Just a bit apprehensive, perhaps. But, not nervous. I just want you, us, our Family, all together and I am beyond ready to do what it takes to make that happen. Are you with me, Lisbeth?"
"Totally! I love you, Nathan, and remember that, whatever my Father throws at you! I love you with all my heart! And we're together. Nothing's going to change that."
He smiled down at her, "The same Darling! I hate to leave you, though."
"We'll make up for it later tonight when all this is over! See you then, Darling?"
"Absolutely," and he reached to lightly kiss her lips, as the Music came to a close.
"You're going to do great!" she whispered.
He smiled and then took her arm and led her off the Dance Floor and back to their Table.
Upon seeing them return, Mr. Thatcher took that as his cue to stand and offer their apologies for an early departure.
"I do apologize for us leaving early, but I think Nathan and I have some Business to discuss Man to Man. We'll excuse ourselves, if you all will allow. Grace, Dear, will you please carry on as both Host and Hostess in our absence?"
Grace and Madelyne looked up from their conversation with broad smiles on their faces, and Motherly glances at their grown Children. Both Mothers knew this was a very important moment between the two Men, and they were elated that this was indeed happening.
But perhaps the Mothers, being Mothers, Woman to Woman, knew more than even Mr. Thatcher and Nathan, that just maybe this Evening was going to be even more Special than the two Men imagined.
But for now, Grace and Madelyne were keeping all that to themselves.
Mr. Thatcher nodded to Nathan to let him know their time was now before he could even sit down.
Nathan returned Mr. Thatcher's nod, reached to kiss Elizabeth's cheek, and smiling, excused himself to Grace, who reached out to pat his hand.
And just like that, the two most important Men in Elizabeth's life walked out of the Ballroom together…