Chapter 145: Hamilton, Here We Come!
After five long days on the Train, no matter how accomodating and glamourous it had been, the Thatcher-Grant party was ready for more spacious quarters!
Of course, with Nathan, Allie, Jack, Madelyne, and Archie having no idea of exactly how 'spacious' their quarters would be upon arrival, there were going to be lots of surprises ahead!
But today was the day they had all waited for! The final day of this first portion of their Train trip. The day they would finally reach their first and most important destination of Hamilton…
Lying in bed, holding Elizabeth contentedly in the early morning, Nathan was dreaming.
Only he was dreaming wide awake, watching as the radiant sunrise streamed through their windows.
Truth was, he had been awake most of the night!
Although they were arriving in Hamilton today, just before lunchtime, Nathan's mind was on other things!
Instead of sleep, he watched his beautiful wife as she slept with a smile on her face, marveling that their dream had come true.
He was a husband.
And a parent.
Yes, he was already a parent, not once, but twice, so, that wasn't new. And there were no worries there, except for them growing up too fast! In fact, he felt he was born to be a parent, and always strived to be the best he could be, loving every single minute he could spend with his children!
Yet he had never experienced this! These feelings of anticipation, awe, deepest gratitude, elation, hope, pure joy, and trepidation, all mixed together into one!
No, there were no nerves there about parenting, per se.
The nerves were for the actual pregnancy.
Would Elizabeth be this sick every morning? Would she be sicker than she had been earlier? Would she make it through these next eight months or so safely, and then through the delivery without complications?
Of course, he was worried, but on the other hand, entirely too excited to sleep!
Didn't he have a right to be?
He and his wife had created life together, and that miracle was growing inside Elizabeth's body.
Part him, part her – a unique individual, or as Elizabeth insisted two unique individuals that would enter this world, their family, and fill their lives with most wondrous joy.
As Nathan carefully situated Elizabeth back on her pillows, without disturbing her, he got out of bed to shave.
But even he couldn't deny the radiant reflection that shone back from his mirror.
He was going to have to do something to hide that, along with the bruises around his eye which Elizabeth was insisting to cover up with makeup before his arrival in Hamilton!
But this ridiculous smile on his face needed to be muted quickly or else everyone would know their secret...
The morning's sunrise couldn't have been more beautiful as Godfrey looked out his Suite's window, and reveled in its promise of a glorious June day!
He glanced in his mirror to adjust his tie and jacket one last time, then left his Suite to begin the rest of his morning tasks.
First, as he always did, he knocked on the door of the Thatchers.
"Good morning, Sir, Mam! Your Coffee is served!"
"Thank you, Godfrey. And good morning! How is the weather today?"
"Perfect for our arrival, Sir! Is there anything else you'd like?"
"No thanks, but it will sure be nice to be home for a while, won't it Godfrey!"
"Yes, Sir! Indeed, it will!"
Next, he knocked on the Senior Grants' door.
"Good morning, Sir, Mam! Your Coffee is served!"
"Thank you, Godfrey. Much appreciated!"
"It looks like a beautiful day for our Hamilton arrival! Is there anything else I can get you or Mrs. Grant, Sir?"
"This is more than enough. Smells delicious! Thanks, again!"
Godfrey smiled and left the Suite, thinking how much he admired the Grants. This wealth thing was all new to them, yet they hadn't balked, but had made friends instead, including with him! Not many people would adapt so easily, and stay true to remaining themselves in the process, but the Grants had indeed done just that.
The Butler couldn't help but be impressed!
Next and last, for this Passenger Car, was Miss Allie's and Master Jack's Suite, which always involved a bit more work than his other stops.
But it was work, he gladly did, as he loved those children as if they were his own!
In fact, he didn't know how they were ever going to leave them when the time came.
They were very well behaved, or at least Miss Allie was! It was Master Jack that kept him on alert. He was going through those terrible twos into this threes!
Godfrey knocked on the children's door.
"Good morning, Miss Allie, and Master Jack! I have Biscuits and Milk!"
As he opened the blinds to let the light in, his Miss Allie was instantly up, but Master Jack appeared to be sleeping soundly.
"Good morning, Uncle Godfrey! We get to see Arabella today!"
"Yes, Miss, we most certainly do! Here, allow me to lift your tray up!"
"Thanks! I haven't heard Jack! Is he still sleeping?"
"Yes, Miss, he's holding Mountie Bear in an actual bear hug! Let me get his clothes ready, then we'll wake him up!"
Godfrey pulled out the outfits Elizabeth had chosen for both children, but when he opened the drawer to get Jack's socks, he gasped.
Oh no! He had been through this before! And it hadn't been pleasant!
Allie heard and stretched out over her bunk rail to see what was going on.
"Are you alright, Uncle Godfrey?"
"I suppose, Miss! But we have a slight problem. Perhaps you could help me? Master Jack's sock drawer seems to be totally empty!"
"Oh, no! Not again. Mama's going to be really mad! First the fire, now this! I'd better help you look," and Allie was down her bunk steps in a flash.
"We'd better start with all the drawers, Miss!"
Each drawer was opened and thoroughly rummaged through.
"Sorry, not a sock anywhere on this side!" declared Allie.
"Nor on this side, either! What could the child possibly have done in a Train Cabin, Miss?"
"Let me think," and Allie furrowed her brow trying to figure out what could have happened. "There's nothing scattered about, except his toys!"
Godfrey happened to glance up and noticed that a window had been left open the slightest bit, but that wasn't unusual, both children liked the breeze that the opened window created.
There were latches installed on the windows to ensure the children's safety, so they could only be opened just enough to let a bit of fresh air in.
Still not alarmed, Godfrey continued to search the room.
But the only socks he found were Miss Allie's, and he was beginning to be thankful that they too weren't missing!
But when Allie opened the water closet door, she shrieked!
"Oh, no! Here's at least half of them! And they're not in the washbasin Uncle Godfrey!"
Godfrey took one look and moaned.
"Well, this won't do," as he firmly shut the small door. "And your mother will not be happy at all! Now, where did the other half go? All we need to find is one clean pair, Allie!"
But while Allie and Godfrey had been inspecting the water closet, Master Jack had very quickly scrambled himself out of bed, throwing Mountie Bear on the floor, leaving a trail of evidence behind.
Somehow in a matter of seconds, the little tyke had climbed up in the chair and was caught red-handed, shoving his one remaining sock, that he had evidently slept with, through the gap of the opened window!
Tiny little giggles ensued from the young gentleman, as he smiled at his accomplishment, but neither his sister, Allie nor his Uncle Godfrey were amused.
But their mystery was solved!
"Master Jack, where are your remaining socks? Other than the ones in the Water Closet?" demanded Godfrey in his sternest possible voice, at least for Master Jack, whom he adored.
"I fro socks out! Dey don't wike Twain!" he proudly declared as he curled his little sockless toes up into the air.
Both Allie and Godfrey rolled their eyes at the same time.
But as both realized Jack was in real trouble, they began to worry.
"Please don't let him get in trouble, Uncle Godfrey! He's a little boy and he just doesn't know better! Mama's going to be really, really mad! Especially after he burned his others in the fire, and Mrs. Yost got her new ones! Can we just make this our secret?"
"The problem is Master Jack has no socks. I doubt your mother won't notice! But let's get him dressed and we'll chance it! Then when we arrive in Hamilton, I'll personally see that they are suitably replaced. Perhaps she won't have to know!"
"Thank you, Uncle Godfrey, thank you!"
Godfrey hated keeping anything from his precious Elizabeth, but even he dreaded the wrath of his favored daughter over this antic!
Not after it had already happened once, and this was while Master Jack was in his care!
Godfrey lifted Jack down from the chair and quickly dressed him, then left the suite for Allie to get dressed, with Master Jack glued to his side!
He walked Jack into the sitting area in the main car, of course, sockless yet again!
"You wait right here! While I take care of another matter. Do not move, Master Jack," instructed Godfrey. "Do you understand me?"
Godfrey was not at all sure he was getting through to Jack at all, and was trying to figure out what to do with the boy!
"I've got him, Uncle Godfrey!" called Allie from the back of the car. "If you can button this top button for me?"
"Thank goodness, Miss Allie! You were fast! Now, there, you're all buttoned!"
"Thanks, Uncle Godfrey! Jack, are you okay!"
"I kay, Awee!" but he looked like he was about to cry.
Allie sat down beside him and pulled him close as Godfrey prepared to serve his last Morning Tray…
As Godfrey knocked on the Honeymoon Suite door, Nathan, already up and dressed, immediately opened it, so as not to wake Elizabeth.
"Good morning, Sir! Your Coffee is served!"
"Thank you, Godfrey! It looks like we'll have a beautiful day to arrive in Hamilton!"
"Yes, Sir, it most certainly does! I truly hope you enjoy your stay with us!"
Godfrey set the tray down on the small table and rearranged the tray to look perfect.
"I'm sure I will, Godfrey! Looking forward to it!"
Godfrey glanced over and saw that Elizabeth was still asleep.
"Sir, if I may say something?" asked Godfrey quietly.
"Godfrey, you know you can say anything to me and it will stay between us," Nathan answered in a low voice.
"I just don't want you to be overwhelmed, Sir! The Thatchers live a certain lifestyle that's not commonly shared by many, even by those of society. It can be quite overwhelming at first! But just don't forget that the Thatchers are good people, as you know, Sir! Perhaps you will be able to overlook the many luxuries if you can remember that!"
"I will, Godfrey. And I'm sure I'll be fine. After all, I love them and their daughter!"
"I know that you do, Sir! Just be warned that things will be quite extravagant at the Mansion! I truly don't want you to be overwhelmed."
Nathan's mouth fell open.
Elizabeth had warned him that their home was fancy. But now, so was Godfrey! He had seen the extravagance in their Wedding and in their Wedding gift, but perhaps he wasn't as prepared as he thought he was!
"Thank you, Godfrey. I'll definitely take your advice!"
"Good, Sir! Is there anything else at all?"
"No, thank you. Godfrey, why don't you go rest a bit before breakfast!"
"Thank you, Sir!"
And Godfrey shut the door firmly behind him.
Little did Nathan realize, there would be no rest for the Butler before breakfast on this particular morning...
Heading toward Little Jack, being held closely by his sister, Godfrey began his next chore.
First, he rang the Train's Head Steward to report the Water Closet problem.
Then he finished a few of his 'normal' morning tasks, including ringing in about breakfast, plus other 'special' tasks due to their departure.
When finished, he turned his attention back to the children.
"Maybe we can save you, Master Jack, if we pull your trousers down enough to cover your ankle…"
Just after the Grants and Thatchers arrived for Breakfast in the main dining area, there was a knock on the door.
Godfrey answered and immediately ushered four stewards into the Passenger Car.
"Good morning. You arrived just on time! You may take the Grant's Honeymoon Suite," and he directed the first steward where to enter. "Their luggage is in the alcove where you just entered, and after you meticulously pack their things, please bring the luggage to the second Passenger Car where it will be taken to the Thatcher Storage Area."
Then he turned to the remaining three stewards.
"Follow me, please!"
Godfrey led the trio through the Passenger Car into the next, where he assigned a steward to each suite.
"As before, your task is to very meticulously pack everything for each Family member, then prepare the luggage for storage in the Thatcher's private storage area!"
"Yes, Sir!" came the answer from all three stewards."
"This way, all the luggage will be removed and handled behind the scenes, without the family being bothered in the slightest!"
"Where do we have the luggage delivered?"
"Mr. Thatcher's service car will arrive upon their departure to transport everything back to the Thatcher mansion. I'll leave you to your work, Gentlemen!"
Godfrey then turned and walked back into the main Passenger Car, to prepare the Breakfast Tables…
Before the family took their seats, Godfrey quickly whisked Little Jack into his cushioned chair, hoping his little legs and feet would be hidden under the table so that the missing socks would not be discovered by his Mama!
Godfrey had already seen that his favorite Mountie had instantly noticed the missing socks, but thankfully, Nathan had nodded to his unspoken request for silence, before a comment was made!
"Ladies and Gentlemen, Breakfast is served!"
As soon as everyone was seated at the beautifully decorated tables, Godfrey began serving a most magnificent breakfast, the family's final meal on this first leg of their journey.
Once the morning spread was placed on the tables, William asked Nathan to say grace.
"Dear Heavenly Father, we thank You for this bountiful display of food we are about to receive, and we pray that it is used for the nourishment of our bodies. We also want to thank You for our wonderful trip, and for keeping us safe, even in perilous situations. But most of all, thank You for the glorious time spent together as a family. May we always enjoy the company of each other and may we always be found in the center of your will! In your Holy name, Amen!"
There was a chorus of "Amens!" and "Men!" added Little Jack, as always.
Today's meal included Omelettes with every selection of meat that could be imagined, along with French Toast smothered in Berries and Maple Syrup. And there was Coffee, Tea, Milk, and an assortment of Juices for everyone as well.
As the family members filled their plates, William spoke up.
"Well, since we'll be home in a matter of hours, I'm looking forward to showing the business and property to Archie and Nathan. And there's a new business venture up my sleeve, I'd like to also share too! But I suppose the most exciting thing I'm looking forward to is showing off my new Son as the famous author and historian 'NG!' My friends are never going to believe it! And I can't wait!"
Of course, William didn't mention that the new business venture he held close to his chest would be mutually beneficial to both he and Archie.
Now William Thatcher had never once allowed any emotion to enter in when making business deals, and he hadn't in this endeavor either. But he had a deep desire to make things easier financially for both Archie and Madelyne. And he knew, without doubt, they were much too proud to accept anything that could be considered 'help.'
But William had been pleasantly surprised in talking with Archie to find a similar and sound business mind, although Archie had clearly not had the same golden opportunities as he had!
"Grace, Darling, what are you looking most forward to?" asked her husband.
"I'm looking forward to entertaining my entire family, Madelyne and Archie included, under my roof together. It's hard to believe that all our girls and their families will be home at the same time! And I can't wait to introduce and show off all of the Grants, along with my new Son, to my friends. Not to mention my beautiful grandchildren!"
In all truth, Grace was looking forward to hostessing everyone in the way she was most accustomed to, and in what she considered to be 'more suitable surroundings,' with her staff at her beck and call. But it wasn't meant to be stuffy, it was just that she wanted to give those she loved, her very best!
"Madelyne, what about you? What are you looking forward to?" asked their host.
"Well, I believe I can speak for both myself and Archie. We're just excited to be traveling and even more so with all of you! We love spending time with our family, where ever we are! But we're also glad to see where William and Grace have raised our new Daughter, especially Hamilton. Colleen visited once to stay with her Great Aunt when Nathan first went to the Academy. She's still living, so we're thrilled to be able to check in on her and see how she's doing!"
"And don't forget playing with the grandchildren!" interjected Archie to much laughter.
"We'll be right there playing too, Arch!" agreed William.
"I'm looking forward to being out in the open air, too, but traveling on the train has been so nice, it's bittersweet to leave!" added Madelyne.
"Don't forget, Sweetheart, we have quite a bit more Train travel ahead of us!" comforted Archie, patting her hand.
"Indeed, we do!" agreed William. "Our journey has just begun!"
"Hear, hear!" cheered all.
"And I'm looking forward to this entire trip!" offered Grace emphatically, which in turn shocked Elizabeth, as her mother generally preferred to stay at home when her father was traveling.
"What about you, Elizabeth?" asked William.
"I'm thrilled to be bringing my beautiful Family home! I can't wait to introduce them to all my old friends. This is the happiest I've ever been, and I want them to see why!" she placed her hand into Nathan's. "And I'm also so anxious to see my sisters again, with all of us under the same roof together!"
She couldn't mention she was anxious for a certain appointment with Dr. Jenkins, where her pregnancy would no doubt be confirmed.
She really hadn't even wanted to go for an appointment at all, but because it was so important to Nathan, it was now important to her.
She squeezed her husband's hand as they silently shared their secret together!
"What about you, Nathan!" asked William.
"Of course, I'm looking forward to seeing Elizabeth's childhood home! But I'm really looking forward to riding again, too! This is the longest time I've gone without, except of course for illness. I've always loved riding since it was part of my life being raised on a Horse Ranch. But after all these years in the Mounties, my body simply craves the exercise. Although, I don't think of it as just exercise. It's so much more! As my own father taught me, you get to commune and meditate not only with your horse but with God. It's a time to enjoy the fresh air, nature, and beautiful countryside all together! Besides with Elizabeth and the children, it's my favorite place to be!"
"There will be plenty of horses waiting for you, Son! What are you children looking forward to most? Allie?"
"We can't wait to see where Granda and you live! And we're excited about all the adventures we'll have. But most of all, we want to see Arabella and play with her! And since we're missing Rex and Reggie and Cinderella, Prince Charming, and Fairy Godmother so much (Wow! Those kittens are a mouthful!), we're hoping you have a dog or cat or two for us to play with. Nobody will tell us! Not even Uncle Godfrey!"
Everyone laughed, but everyone was also keeping mum as to whether or not pets were in the Thatcher home!
"There are many surprises ahead my Princess! We shall soon see!" promised William.
"Jack, where are your socks," questioned Elizabeth, just now noticing he had none on.
"Socks?" he asked innocently.
"Yes, Young Man, socks! The ones your mother had to rush around and try to replace before we left on our trip!" she continued.
Little Jack hung his head.
Allie cleared her throat at about the same time Godfrey did but wasn't about to say anything unless her parents made her.
"Allie…" chided Nathan, knowing his daughter knew by the look on her face.
What was surprising to the ever-observant Nathan, was that Godfrey had the same look!
The Butler cleared his throat again, seeming to be unable to speak, just like Allie.
"Allie, what's happened?" asked Elizabeth, beginning to be very suspicious.
"Please don't be mad at him. Please don't, Mama!"
"What did Jack do, Allie?"
"Well, Mama…"
Godfrey intervened.
"Miss Allie is not at all to blame. She is perfectly innocent in all this, and simply is trying to protect our little culprit."
"What did my son do this time?" asked Nathan, not sure he really wanted to know.
But it was obvious whatever he had done included getting rid of all his socks for yet a second time!
"Sir, I take full responsibility," interrupted Godfrey. Let's just say Master Jack has disposed of all his socks, again!"
The grandparents, having known of Jack's prior offense, all raised eyebrows at this, but Little Jack's mother was getting angrier by the minute.
"But how? He's a three-year-old on a train!" exclaimed Elizabeth, thinking at least he couldn't have disposed of them by fire.
"Mrs. G, I'm afraid the socks have been disposed of permanently. But I plan to remedy the situation as soon as we arrive in Hamilton."
"Godfrey, what did my son do?"
"Best to not talk about it at Breakfast, Mrs. G," and he gave Elizabeth a warning glance, which basically answered her question.
Nathan immediately understood, too.
"And then there is the matter of the first half or second half, as the case may be, being left in a trail on the railroad tracks!" added Godfrey.
Both parents sighed.
At least their son was innovative at a young age!
"Son, where did I tell you your socks were always supposed to be?" asked Nathan, gently.
"Dror and feet!"
"Well, he has perfect memory," he whispered to Elizabeth, who wasn't amused.
"Jack, are they in the drawer? Because they're not on your feet."
Little Jack stuck out his lower lip.
"No, Sir, Daddy. No dror!"
Jack paused a moment then added more, with a broad smile.
"Socks all gone bye-bye!"
Nathan was trying his best to not chuckle.
"Well, maybe there are just too many temptations with so many pairs of socks! Next time, why don't your Mama and I keep your socks hidden, and give you two pairs at a time. Do you think you can keep up with two pairs?"
"Es! One on feet and one in dror! I put socks there!"
"But can you keep them there? That is the question!"
Little Jack nodded up and down, batting his little eyes, causing both parents to melt.
"I sorey, Awee," and that's when the tears started.
"Come here, Son. Let's finish breakfast together."
Jack wiped his little eyes as Nathan lifted him up and placed him on his lap.
Still sniffling the boy started the slightest smile while looking at Allie, who smiled back at him broadly.
His sister's smile made Jack's smile get bigger and bigger till he was his happy little self again!
Allie clearly loved her little brother, and he clearly loved her!
And that was something much more important than socks!
She hadn't wanted to tell on him. It had been a mess, a big mess, and they hadn't been able to use their water closet after his little escapade! Godfrey had had to share his own instead!
Fixing it was going to require a Steward, and a Mechanical Engineer, who probably would wish this little task had not been included in their job descriptions!
But that was of no concern to Little Jack.
In no time at all, he had fallen fast asleep in his father's arms…
In a couple of hours, thankfully, all was forgotten about Jack's grand sock escapade!
Everyone had dressed that morning in their best clothes, and was ready for their grand arrival in Hamilton!
As the Train's rattling wheels came to a grinding halt, loud gusts of steam escaped and the warning whistles sounded.
Nathan noticed quite a large welcoming party in the distance outside, waiting to greet them.
Of course, the family was there with flowers for the Ladies!
He even remembered some of the servants from the hotel in Regina, but correctly surmised this was probably only a small part of the staff waiting for them at Elizabeth's home!
He couldn't possibly know that in addition to his sisters-in-law and brother-in-law, there were two governesses here for his own children along with Arabella's own British governess.
But why did he have this strange feeling?
"It's alright, Darling, they are just here to see that the children are cared for as we tend to our social obligations," explained Elizabeth, who obviously felt quite comfortable with the arrangement.
Nathan was nonplussed, and couldn't help the puzzled look he gave back to her.
Governesses, especially for his own children, were just a completely foreign concept and an altogether unwanted one to him.
Why he and Elizabeth could most certainly take care of their own children!
"I promise it's alright. You'll see!" and she reached over to kiss his cheek. "We're going to be quite busy!"
"I'm trusting you, Lisbeth!"
He managed a smile, after all, he was entering Elizabeth's home territory, and obviously, things were going to be done differently here than he was accustomed to!
Somehow, he would manage.
Even if it killed him trying!
Because this was the least he could do for the mother of his children!
Although it was an odd feeling for all of the Grants to be debarking with no luggage, all being amazed that that was even possible, it was nice to not be so encumbered.
William and Grace exited first, with Madelyne and Archie just behind. There were hugs and welcomes from all the family members and beautiful bouquets of flowers for the Ladies.
After them, Nathan exited carrying Little Jack, while Elizabeth and Allie waited for his assistance.
Archie quickly took Jack, to free Nathan's hands, then he lifted Allie from the platform first, who instantly ran to hug Arabella!
He then lifted Elizabeth down into his arms, and they were immediately engulfed by Julie, Viola, and Anthony!
"We're so happy you're all here! We've been waiting and waiting!" cried Julie, hugging both her sister and her husband.
"Great to see you, Julie," and Nathan kissed her cheek, genuinely pleased to see his boisterous and vivacious sister again.
"We've been counting the days!" smiled Viola.
"We're so glad to see you again!" and Nathan kissed her cheek as well, also just as pleased to see his more reserved sister.
Then Anthony embraced him, as the sisters all three talked to each other at once!
"Ready to ride English, Old Chap?" teased Anthony.
What Anthony didn't know, was that Nathan could ride bareback, if necessary, without any problems at all!
"I'll give it a try, Anthony! Can't wait to get on a horse!"
"Just wait till you see the Stables! You'll have your choice of incredible mounts!"
Elizabeth suddenly pulled herself away from her sisters for a moment, so she could check in on her husband.
"Darling, are you ready for Hamilton?" asked Elizabeth, face all aglow.
Suddenly, Nathan realized he just needed to think of all this as an adventure, which caused his face to relax.
Because that's exactly what it was. For Elizabeth, for Allie and Jack, and for him if he would allow it to be.
After all, he was with family, the people he loved most in this world!
"For you, my Love, anything!"
And Nathan's smile, unlike when he first saw the governesses, was as genuine as it could be, as he kissed his darling Lisbeth for all to see...