Chapter 152: The Unexpected

At 11:30 A.M. Cedric, one of the many chauffeurs opened the door for Miss Allie and Miss Arabella under the open portico at the side of the Thatcher Mansion.

"Thank you, Mr. Cedric," smiled Allie brilliantly, as Godfrey met his two girls at the limousine to escort them inside.

"You are most welcome, Miss Allie, Miss Arabella!" nodded Cedric with a smile.

"I trust you've had a lovely morning, Miss Allie, Miss Arabella!" called Godfrey.

"Oh, yes, Uncle Godfrey! It was great. We met a new friend named Sallie, and she's going to write to me in Hope Valley! Her Mama died and she has a broken leg, but I think she's going to be all right!"

"So sorry to hear all that, Miss. But thrilled she is better."

Allie nodded.

"You know, I think she's going home with her Dad today, and that's a very good thing! He misses her and really loves her," smiled Allie.

"A very good thing, indeed, Miss! And I suspect you two might have had something to do with her going home?"

"Allie did, Uncle Godfrey. I was playing with a few of the smaller children!"

"Well, proud of you both as all of that is most important. There's Miss Bertie now waiting for you with Master Jack! Lunch is ready to be served to the four of you in the small Family Dining Room."

"Jack! Miss Bertie! We have so many stories to tell you," called Allie.

"Miss Allie, do you mind to escort Master Jack to the Dining Room? I need to speak with Miss Bertie for a few moments."

Allie, ever perceptive, glanced at a flushed Miss Bertie, then again at her nervous Uncle Godfrey.

"Sure, Uncle Godfrey! Here Jack, take my hand. We get to have lunch together! Just the four of us. You two take your time. We'll be fine. But Uncle Godfrey, can you eat with us? That would make a perfect five!"

"We'll see," he answered not at all averse to the idea, although he wasn't at all sure what a 'perfect five' was.

As the three skipped off, Bertie blushed even brighter.

"Miss Alberta?"

"Yes, Godfrey? And you know it's just plain Alberta or Bertie whichever you feel comfortable with."

Godfrey cleared his throat.

"Alberta, I was wondering if tomorrow, after the Ball, we might have a late lunch together in town at LaBelle's."

"Oh, Godfrey, I would be delighted. I've always wanted to eat there!"

But then she seemed flustered.

"But of course, wherever you choose would be more than fine with me," she stammered. "As long as you're there. I mean I'm happy if I'm with you, wherever we are."

Godfrey stepped closer and took her hand for the very first time.

Something he had wanted to do for as long as he could remember.

And with great relief, smiled that she didn't at all pull away, instead comfortably intertwining her fingers into his.

"That's exactly the way I feel too, Alberta…"

Promptly at 11:45 A.M., Edward, Auntie Edith's elderly Butler appeared in her Drawing Room.

"Luncheon is Served, Madam!"

Madelyne and Grace were eager to assist Auntie Edith up from her regal chair, but the old Grand Dame was having none of that, as she quickly waved them aside.

Edward simply strode to his Mistress and offered his arm as subtlely as he could, assisting her quite handily in her own hampered endeavor to rise.

Then he elegantly led the still spirited Mistress of the House into the Dining Room, with Grace and Madelyne following suit, closely behind.

As they entered, even Grace was impressed.

The old, quite beautiful Blue Dining Room was aglow with shiny pieces of a coveted Meissan Porcelain Dinner Service in a beautiful Rococo pattern that was decorated with coral florals and life-like birds, two of Auntie Edith's passions.

Additional rare serving pieces sat on the antique Edwardian Buffet Sideboard and filled the massive Georgian Hutch that lined one entire wall of the huge room.

An exquisite Silk Damask covered the walls and the Irish hand-tatted lace-clad table was set with generous place settings which included the finest King George Silverware by Gotham, as well as an assortment of French Cut Crystal Stemware that elegantly finished off each place setting immaculately.

Tall Sterling Silver bud vases sat in front of each place setting, filled with a single coral rose, matching the huge bouquet in the center of the table.

Auntie Edith had seen that the flowers from her garden matching her china pattern were arranged and displayed not only on the table but throughout the house, lending an air of cheer, along with a sweet fragrance making the old somewhat dilapidated house feel like a real home again!

The Lady of the House was having a field day, overseeing her Butler and his many servers, finally entertaining again in the elegant way she and her generation had been accustomed to.

Even Grace was impressed.

It was as though she and Madelyne had been transported back into a more gracious time, where serving was an old-school art, long lost to the busyness of today.

The table was laden with every kind of elegant lunch faire that could be imagined.

And as Auntie Edith took her place at the head of the long table with the assistance of her trusted Butler, Madelyne was so thankful to see her so happy again.

She was in her element entertaining the two Ladies.

But only Auntie Edith, her Butler, and her beloved Housekeeper knew that today's luncheon was no ordinary event.

Even they could tell things would not go according to the plans of their guests.

Because the plans Grace and Madelyne had made were not necessarily the plans this elegant elderly lady had made.

As Auntie Edith had made a most important decision, and no matter what, those who knew her best, knew she would not be swayed.

Now to just convince the two ladies before her that her plan was best.

And she of all people was up to the challenge...

In the car, Elizabeth remained silent as Viola seemed to be processing what had just happened in Dr. Jenkin's Office.

The Sisters were on their way to LaBelle's where Julie would meet them as soon as her luncheon was finished.

Elizabeth noticed the large oval Ruby ring encased by diamonds that sat on her sister's ring finger.

It was a stunning work of art with more history than the city of Hamilton itself had and the ring itself had been passed from generation to generation of Townsend wives.

To be perfectly honest, the piece looked like it belonged on the hand of a Queen, instead of a Lady.

But ironically, Viola had never once shown or even mentioned the ring to her sisters.

She simply wore it as her Engagement Ring, paired with simple platinum bands of diamonds that sat on either side of the large oval stone.

Their mother had told them its history.

That ring, along with Viola's suite of rubies had given Nathan pause when she had worn them traveling to Hope Valley.

Although he had been relieved to see that the Townsends were indeed traveling with Pinkertons.

"Viola," Elizabeth started to ask.

But Viola stared straight ahead.

"Don't Elizabeth. Just don't…"

Looking out over the busy harbor, as their lunch was being prepared by the Yacht Chef, Archie and William were silent, having just boarded, taking in the sites around them.

William respected Archie's refusal to his proposal, but somehow, he couldn't let it go.

The offer was a sound Business Proposal.

There just had to be a way to make Archie see he was perfect for the job.

And William Thatcher intended to find it.

"How does it feel being back on a boat, Arch? Although I'm sure this is a mere toy compared to the ships you're used to."

"Smaller yes, but from what I see, very nice, Will! Very nice indeed. Beautiful harbor view."

"Yes, this is where I come, when all else fails. My happy place, I suppose."

"The water always has a calming effect for a troubled soul. Part of the reason I always felt so at home there."

And there it was again.

Archie had just admitted even as a young lad, he had been a 'troubled soul.'

Why was that?

'Some people must just be born that way,' surmised William.

'It just doesn't seem fair. Help me Lord to reach this man, and remove him from these invisible chains that still bind him.'

"Gentlemen. Chef would like to know whether you wish to eat inside in the Dining Room or out here on the deck?"

"Arch?"

"The deck, of course. This sea air is glorious…"

On the ride to Hamilton's Mountie Headquarters, Nathan was feeling frustrated at what he left behind.

"Sir, do you know what this is all about?" asked Peyton, one of the chauffeurs, as he slid in behind the wheel.

"No, Peyton, I don't. But this has to be very important. I'm on leave so the Commissioner would not interrupt our Honeymoon if it weren't urgent! I hate to ask, but we have less than fifteen minutes to get to the Officer's Manse."

"I'll have you there within twelve, Sir! You just sit back and relax!"

"Thank you," responded Nathan as he sat back ramrod straight and sighed inaudibly.

There was something about being in uniform, that made an officer take on a different demeanor, and relaxing was not a part of the quotient.

Per his training, Nathan knew he should be focusing on whatever lay ahead, but that was hard to do, when you had no inkling as to what that was.

But what he couldn't get out of his mind was his new set of circumstances. He was now a husband. And a father times two, on the way to being four.

He allowed himself the luxury of closing his eyes for a moment, still sitting ramrod straight in the back seat, alone.

This was the first time he had to leave his new wife without even a goodbye or explanation as to why. Because there was no time to reach her had he been able to. And even if there had been, there was no reason to give other than his Commissioner had requested it, which in reality meant no choice.

What horrible timing!

Not to even mention the Ball that was being held in his and his wife's honor tonight!

He was not simply missing a dinner, he was missing his introduction to all the people who were important to his new in-laws, in the form of a formal Ball no less.

'What a way to win points with your new Father-in-law and Mother-in-law, who do everything on such a grand scale. All of Hamilton will now know I've left my entire family in a lurch!'

He hated that people would think that, and he knew they would, especially as much as he respected his in-laws.

And that's what hurt him most, the misperception of what kind of man he was…

Having seen Nathan off to Mountie Headquarters, Anthony decided there was no time like the present.

He was determined to win his wife back, or perhaps to win her for the first time, if he were to be honest.

Viola had married him, but she had always held something back.

And now he knew exactly what that something was, having seen it between Nathan and Elizabeth.

Viola had always held back her love.

She had performed her wifely duties, yes, even enjoyed them somewhat, but even Lord Townsend could tell her heart was never fully in it.

"Lester, can you please take me to the best Jeweler in town?"

"Happy to do so, Sir! I'll take you to Edmonton's. The Thatchers are all patrons, Lord Townsend! They have the best of everything there from Paris to London to Milan to New York!"

"That's perfect. Exactly what I need. Thank you, old Chap! Oh, and can you have twelve dozen hot pink roses mixed with large white orchids sent to the Carriage being prepared at the Thatcher Stables?"

"But of course, Sir! Consider it done!"

As he slid in the back seat, Anthony began to wonder if his wife even knew how to love.

She loved Arabella he supposed, although it was in a much more reserved manner than say his own mother, and she had been an older generation, as well as titled and therefore also extremely reserved. But Viola was even more so. His wife wasn't happy and he was not at all sure she had ever been.

But Lord Anthony Townsend intended to rectify that. He might not be able to make her love him or even their children, but he could sure try his best to teach her, and he could most definitely figure out ways to make her happy.

He had listened when she thought he hadn't even heard in the first place. And he also had a very good memory. Both skills he intended to put fully into place on this very day.

"Why, oh, why, haven't I done this before…"

"What is it my Love," asked Miss Bertie, kneeling down in front of a pouting Jack, who was clearly upset, and was not wanting to be seated at the Family dining table at all.

Even though yes, the room was perfectly set for a party of four.

"Me show Awee my picter!"

"Did you draw, Jack?" asked Allie.

He shook his little simpering head vociferously up and down.

"Where is your picture, Jack?" asked his sister.

"It's on the fridge in the kitchen, Miss Allie. Could you bring it to us, Godfrey?"

"Of course, Alberta. I'll be right back!"

"Now, Jack, your Uncle Godfrey is bringing your drawing. Let's get seated for lunch, shall we? That way everyone will be able to see your beautiful drawing before we eat!"

Jack sniffled, smiling through his tears, then climbed up in his chair with his Miss Bertie's assistance.

Being the great governess she was, she quickly had all three children seated and ready in a great frame of mind for their meal by the time Godfrey arrived with Jack's masterpiece, despite Jack's little hiccup.

"Here we go, Miss Allie. May I present Master Jack's masterpiece!" announced Godfrey rather formally with a bow that cause Jack to giggle.

"It's beautiful, Jack! Look there's you and me, and Mama and Dad!"

"Famwe!"

"Yes, it's our family! We're the Grant Family!"

"I Jack Gwant!"

Allie smiled.

"Yes, you are because you're my brother! So that makes us both Grants."

"I want a baby gurl, Awee!"

"I want a baby boy," laughed Allie.

"I suppose you two will accept and love whatever the good Lord has planned to give you, children. And since it appears he's bringing you two, your chances are very good, indeed! Now, Miss Arabella, would you like to say Grace?"

"Yes, Ma'am!"

Bertie was so glad to see Arabella actively take part in their activities. It had taken Miss Allie to open the girl up. And Bertie could see that the cousins had clearly bonded, and none too soon in her estimation, as Arabella was starved for love.

"God is great. God is good. And we thank Him for our food. By his hands we must be fed, give us Lord our daily bread. Amen!"

"Amen!" "Men!"

"Miss Bertie, I wish I just had a baby sister or brother to love. I don't care which."

"That's lovely, Arabella. Perhaps you'll have one or the other sooner than you think!"

'Goodness knows, the poor child does need love,' mused Bertie, sending a quick prayer to God for good news from the visit this morning with Dr. Jenkins.

All was now right in the children's world again, as they each excitedly ate their Lunch of their favorite foods that Cook had prepared just for them.

Godfrey, after having served the small party of four and set another place setting, sat down with his favorite people to form Allie's 'perfect party of five.'

But as he took his first bite of Macaroni and Cheese, albeit with bits of fresh Lobster, along with very fancy peanut butter and fresh jam sandwiches, Godfrey looked up over his glasses, to find that a flushed Miss Bertie had never looked lovelier…

Auntie Edith's luncheon was delicious, and presented as superbly as any Grace had attended. She found herself tabulating pointers she desperately wanted to remember to discuss with Cook. As well as old-school serving tips she wished to discuss with Godfrey.

They had truly been transported back into another, more gracious, time.

The meal had been a rousing success, along with Auntie Edith's fabulous gift for entertainment, making her guests feel they never wanted to leave.

Now the Ladies were talking over a Tropical Fruit-filled Pavlova, that was as delicious as Grace had ever tasted.

"But, Auntie Edith, Grace wants to help. To be here as a resource for you."

"My darling, Madelyne, I am most grateful to both you and Grace. I truly am. I do understand and it makes perfect sense if I were staying in Hamilton."

"What do you mean, if you were staying in Hamilton? This is your home."

"I've given this a lot of thought and I've decided that if you'll have me, I'm coming to the Ranch with you and Archie when you return from New York."

"You what? I mean of course, we'll have you. You're family. But I don't understand."

"There is no easy way to say this. So, I'll just plow right through. I've had the most wonderful life. My dear, Theodore was the most magnificent spouse. No, we weren't able to have the children we longed for but we had love and lots of it! That was more than enough. The truth is, I'm ready to see him again. Almost. But not till I've spent some time with you and my, well your, beloved horses. I'm dying Maddie, and don't be all sad. Dr. Jenkins referred me to a specialist, I think they call him an oncologist or some such thing. They've done all they can do. I've stopped the radiotherapy treatments because I want to live for the rest of the time I have left."

Madelyne couldn't help her outburst of tears. This was clearly not what either guest had expected. Both ladies had expected to meet defiance in their plan for eldercare, but this was much worse. Much, much worse!

"Now, now, my dear Maddie. They believe this is a very slow-growing cancer. So, this isn't to be sad. I could have two or three good years left. Maybe even four if the Good Lord blesses. It's a blood thing, my Dear. A slow-growing type of Leukemia, I believe they called it. But I want my time spent with the people I love in the countryside like we grew up in. That's who and what I love. And if you'll have me, I'll bring Edward, and of course, my housekeeper, who will take care of the entire household. Both have agreed to accompany me and help with all the bother I'll cause."

"You won't be a bother, Auntie Edith. You could never be a bother!"

"Still, I don't want to put extra work on you, my Dear."

"What will you do about your home?"

"It will be put on the market as soon as I leave with the proceeds going to my estate, which will ultimately go to you and Archeford."

"We don't want your estate, Auntie Edith. We want you!"

"Well, I'm not about to leave a dime to that whimpering little witch of a niece who thinks she's getting everything! So, I'm afraid you are stuck! Which brings me to another most important point."

"What is that?"

"I want you two Ladies to help me sort through things while you're both here in Hamilton. I want you to have everything you like, Maddie. The china, the crystal, the silver, the art, even the furniture if you like. We'll ship it all to the Ranch. In fact, we'll build a proper Ranch House one that makes life easier for you."

"But, Auntie Edith, I love my home."

"And so do I! But there's nothing wrong, Dear, with making it bigger and better. Who knows we might even start over!"

Madelyne made a weak noise that although unintelligible, Grace knew exactly what it meant.

At a time in her life, when Madelyne thought she would lighten her load, it just became unbelievably heavier, thrust with the care of a beloved and charismatic Auntie who was also quite domineering.

It was then and there, that Grace decided she would be taking her best friend, Maddie, shopping tomorrow after the Ball.

Of course, shopping didn't solve all problems, especially not this one, but it sure would help…

Julie burst into LaBelle's to meet her Sisters, elated to tell them her news!

The Maitre D was well versed in the antics of one Miss Julie Thatcher, and he could tell today was no different than the others. She definitely had something up her sleeve. And was about to burst again, to tell someone!

"This way, Miss Thatcher. Your sisters are waiting in the private dining room."

Julie followed as though she were floating on air.

Finally, her news was important, and she couldn't wait to share it!

"Lady Townsend, Mrs. Grant, Miss Julie Thatcher has arrived to join you!"

The Maitre D gallantly held Julie's chair for her, as she excitedly sat down and commanded the whole table.

"Julie," smiled Elizabeth glad for the break from a very subdued, non-communicative Viola, who didn't even raise her head to acknowledge her baby sister.

"I have news! You two are going to literally die!"

"Let's do hope not, Julie! What is it this time?" asked Viola, none too patient as she had heard Julie's various adventures before.

"You are looking at the new Assistant to the Director of the most prestigious Art Gallery in all of Hamilton!"

"Congratulations, Julie! That's wonderful news!" smiled Elizabeth proudly.

"Well, I don't believe it! How, dear sister did you manage that?" asked Viola churlishly.

"It was announced at my Luncheon today. Just after! And here Godfrey was upset at me for planning the event!"

"Godfrey was upset that you planned it on the day of Mother's Ball, Julie, not that you planned it," explained Elizabeth.

"Can we just stop here a minute, please?" asked Viola, tremulously.

"Viola, whatever's wrong?" asked Julie.

"I'm four months pregnant. I can't go back to my home in England, and we don't even know for sure my baby will arrive safely. There, that's what's wrong."

Elizabeth gave Julie a warning look, who quickly realized that was enough about her good news.

There was an undercurrent that alerted all three sisters, and although this was a public place, thank goodness they were alone in the private dining room, because there was about to be an eruption.

"Why is it for my entire life, there is always something more pressing from you two than what I'm going through. Elizabeth is pregnant with twins. I'm just pregnant. Julie gets a new job, I'm just married to a Lord. Why is it always, always about you two? Why can't it never ever be about me?"

The words came through with seething rage, so much so that neither Elizabeth nor Julie knew how to respond.

"Mademoiselle, may I take your order, please?"

Julie hesitated.

"I'll just have whatever my sisters are having," she answered quietly.

"Very well, Mademoiselle!"

As the Maitre D left with his last order, the sisters sat as Viola fumed in silence.

Julie looked to Elizabeth for direction, but Viola saw and became even more furious.

"There you go, the two of you always in cahoots. Do you even have a clue as to how it feels to always be on the outside?"

"You're not on the outside, Viola. Whatever are you talking about?" braved Elizabeth.

"Whatever am I talking about?" screeched Viola. "I'm talking about my entire life, Elizabeth! I was the one who always had to take a backseat to the beautiful, intelligent Elizabeth, and the darling, rambunctious Julie. I'm the one who wasn't heard. I'm the one who wasn't seen. I was just there. Making everything perfect for my perfect sisters. Always doing the right thing, while you two lit up the heavens!"

Both Elizabeth's and Julie's mouths fell open.

Where was this hatred, this resentment coming from?

The three sisters sat in silence from that point on.

In fact, their entire meal was eaten in the eeriest and heaviest of silences…

"Lunch was wonderful, Will. Thanks for doing this."

The men had just finished their incredible lunch and had risen to watch the open waters the Captain had now moved them into.

"This is the life, Will. Not another boat in sight."

"Just the water, and God's nature. As I said this is my escape. Somehow the water grounds me and prepares me for the onslaught of another business day."

"Are you happy, Will?"

"I am learning to be, Arch, if that makes sense."

Archie chuckled.

"It makes perfect sense. The older I get, the more I'm beginning to think life is all about us learning that happiness already exists within us, not outside of us."

"That's profound, and probably accurate. Are you happy within, Archie?"

"I'm happy when I'm with Madelyne, and I'm happy that our relationship has been repaired. I'm also very grateful and thrilled that Nathan and I are back on track. But as much as I want to say I'm happy inside, if I'm honest, the most I can say is I'm at peace inside. I've finally accepted all my faults and have learned to live with them."

"But don't you think you owe it to Madelyne and Nathan to not live with them? Your faults, I mean."

"What are you saying, Will? I can't just throw them away! Regrettably, they are a huge part of my life."

"Why can't you? Just throw them away, I mean. Madelyne and Nathan both have forgiven you, and Colleen is in Heaven, which means she has also forgiven you. They've thrown them away. Why can't you forgive yourself, Arch?"

Archie ran his hand through his white hair and looked out over the churning water.

"I don't know, to be honest. I guess because I still feel so terrible for what I did."

"What if you took that energy and channeled it into something positive?"

"What are you? A Psychiatrist?"

"Take the job, Arch, excel in it. Let success replace your demons."

"I can't, William! You would be giving me something I don't deserve. You would be taking all the risk!"

"And you think I deserved the first business deal I ever made? No, Archie, I did not. It was as underhanded as they come. I started my business based on a lie. There you have my dirty secret. And I carried it for years till finally, I had to bury it in that sea out there."

"How did you do that?"

"I apologized to God first and foremost, and He forgave me. But I couldn't apologize to the man I had betrayed, because he had long since died, along with his family tragically. So, I couldn't even make it right with them. But I wrote a letter to him anyway, and threw it as far as I could out into those waves, at the same time trusting God to deliver it. You have to trust, Arch, you have to replace the pain with something good."

Archie nodded slowly, knowing deep inside that William was right.

This burden he was carrying was getting heavier, not lighter as he had expected.

And he wanted rid of it once and for all…

The Officer's Manse which Nathan had never been in before was quite opulent as Mountie Offices went.

"Commissioner Blake, Chief Inspector Nathan Grant reporting for duty, Sir!"

"At ease, Chief Inspector Grant!" barked the Commissioner. "Please have a seat."

The Commissioner pointed to a pair of large red leather wingback chairs sitting in a private corner.

Nathan stood, waiting for his Commissioner to choose his choice of seats.

"First, my apologies for having to summon you on your Honeymoon. Mrs. Blake will have my hide, but I can't do this without you, as you'll soon see."

"Yes, sir! Happy to help, Sir!"

"But have I taken you from something?"

"My parents-in-law are holding a Society Ball tonight, Sir with my wife and me as guests of honor. I do believe most of Hamilton has been invited. We are to be there by 6:45 P.M. dressed formally to receive guests, Sir!"

"I'll do my best to have you there. I can't promise, on time, but I will try. I would presume that the holders of our accounts in question would be in attendance tonight?"

"Sorry, Sir?"

"Let me explain from the beginning, Nathan. I'm actually here on a routine visit to check on the Officers that man this Post, but it appears I walked in on a huge bank heist."

Nathan looked puzzled.

"Here in Hamilton?"

"Yes, at the Hamilton International Bank. Does that name ring a bell?"

"Yes, Sir, it does. That's where my father-in-law does his banking."

"I just heard that. Him and all the other most prominent businessmen in this town, who I'm assuming will all be at your Ball tonight."

"I would assume so. What's happened?"

"Well, thanks to your recommendation of the banks holding a sum of counterfeit bills on hand when a large sum is suspiciously transferred without a personal visit, that's exactly what was done. That idea of yours saved a Mr. Wadsworth Sloane from bankruptcy. He owes you his deepest gratitude."

"Where was the faux money sent?"

"There's the rub. Hope Valley."

"Hope Valley?" asked Nathan incredulously.

"Yes, and we haven't been able to locate the receiver. The bank there, per our instructions, is holding the faux payment till we release it. Bill and Gabe have already been notified and have the bank under twenty-four-hour surveillance."

"But what do you mean, there must be a name for the recipient."

"There is, but Bill feels sure it is not accurate."

"How can it not be accurate?"

"The name is a Mr. Lucas Bouchard, who seems oblivious to the fact that a large sum of money has been sent to him. He hasn't been to the bank once, and hasn't acted like anything is off-kilter, according to Bill."

"Bill's right. He's an upstanding businessman. I doubt he'd be involved in anything like this. What do we know from this end?"

"Not a lot. This is the bank teller who was involved in the initial transaction."

The Commissioner reached into the file laying on the table and handed Nathan a photo.

"This can't be!"

"What's wrong, Son?"

"This, Sir, is Lucas Bouchard…"

As Anthony entered Edmonton's, the Jeweler the Thatchers frequented, he was met at the door, by Mr. Edmonton, himself, the proprietor, who immediately recognized Lord Townsend as his friends' titled son-in-law.

"What an honor, Lord Townsend! How may I be of service to you today?"

"I'm looking for something quite extraordinary. A ring if you will."

"What type of ring, Sir?"

"A diamond. Something very unique with presence."

"Yes, Sir," and Mr. Edmonton bowed his head ever so slightly.

When British Aristocracy asked for something unique with presence, this jeweler knew that meant something quite remarkable with history if at all possible.

And he had the very thing.

"Follow me, Sir. I think I have something quite suitable."

Anthony followed Mr. Edmonton into his private offices, where the Jeweler asked him to sit, and a Butler soon appeared with a glass of champagne.

Anthony absent-mindedly took the glass and watched as Mr. Edmonton had an assistant open what appeared to be a private safe.

As the Jeweler carried the still-closed velvet box over to him, Anthony realized that the piece he was about to be shown had historical significance, as the royal insignia was encrusted just above the logo for the House of Garrard, meaning the piece had belonged to Royalty.

Anthony sat his flute of champagne down on the table beside him to give his full attention to what he was being shown.

As Mr. Edmonton opened the velvet box with a flourish, the flash of light was almost blinding.

"The diamond is a perfect European Cut Round Solitaire, ten carats weight, with baguettes one carat each on either side for a total of twelve carats."

"It is quite stunning."

"It once belonged to Queen Alexandra, and was worn after her coronation quite frequently till her husband gifted her with a second ring, that was actually composed of two smaller diamonds than this one. But I am told there was personal significance with both of those diamonds and that's the ring we most often see her wearing."

"While that is quite impressive to me, I'm afraid that part might not impress my wife, Lady Townsend, at all, who appears to be rather annoyed that we Brits tend to pass our engagement rings from generation to generation."

"Ah, I'm afraid the American Women and the Canadian Women always want something they can call their own, Sir!"

"So I am learning, and rightfully so! I'll take this, that is if you can give me a new box in addition to this one my wife will consider used, albeit by the Queen."

Mr. Edmonton knowing Viola personally, chuckled.

"I'm afraid you have your work cut out for you, Sir!"

"You can say that again, Mr. Edmonton! I most certainly do…"