Chapter 155: The Ball Part I
"Hurry, Sir! You have one minute to spare!"
"Thanks for everything, Peyton!" called Nathan while jumping out of the Limousine on his own.
"Anytime, Sir!"
Nathan grinned and turned to take the front steps of the Thatcher Mansion two at a time.
Godfrey opened the door before he was halfway up.
"You made it, Sir! I knew you would!" smiled a welcoming Godfrey.
"It was touch and go, but I'm so relieved to be back!"
"Your tux is pressed and ready, Sir!"
"Thank you, Godfrey, but that will have to wait a bit. I'm afraid there is some important business that has to be taken care of first."
Even in his haste, Nathan noted that the Grand Hall was shining and looking even more spectacular than he had ever seen with all the huge white floral arrangements that had been quickly substituted for this special night.
He had to admit they were quite elegant.
The Crystal Chandeliers shone like never before, and the highly polished woods of the flooring, furniture, and walls gleamed, bringing a richness to the area that couldn't be denied.
Between the various pieces of priceless furniture, stood huge golden globed Candelabra lining the hall on both sides, lit with towering tapered candles, resulting in a magical flickering throughout, highlighting the extraordinary evening that was about to begin.
Classical music played softly in the background via the large String Orchestra now streaming from the Main Dining Room.
They would continue to play throughout Dinner and then move to the Grand Ballroom to play beautiful music for an epic night of dancing.
The mood was formal, yes, but also expectant and friendly, a sharing of a special time with friends.
The Family was formally dressed, looking their best, already lined up in a receiving line for their guests.
Somehow having the children there, made this most formal evening more relaxed; it also provided a more familial atmosphere.
But when Allie and Little Jack saw their Dad, and Arabella saw her Uncle Nathan, they all three came running with Elizabeth right behind.
"Dad!"
"Daddy!"
"Uncle Nathan!"
Nathan hugged Allie and Arabella, then picked up Jack, and kissed all three children, one after the other to a cacophony of giggles from the three.
"How are my Girls and Boy?"
Their excited smiles gave them his answer.
"My, Allie and Arabella, you two look so beautiful in your new dresses! Just like Princesses! And Jack, you are smashingly handsome all dressed up. just like a Prince!"
All three children beamed while giggling even more.
'Dad,' 'Daddy,' and 'Uncle Nathan' actually played with them in the Garden each day, and therefore he was the best of all in their eyes!
And honorarily one of their gang, a child at heart.
"Darling, you made it," called Elizabeth.
She ran to her husband, who sat Jack down with Allie and Arabella as he turned his attention to his wife, picking her up and turning her around in the Grand Hall with the rest of the family still lined up anticipating their guests at any moment, but smiling as they watched the new Grant Family plus one niece/ cousin together.
Elizabeth's gorgeous new gown flowed out behind her in a circle following her husband's movements.
Nathan then came to a stop, while kissing his beautiful wife, and doing his best to apologize.
"You look stunning!"
"This old thing?"
"This new thing! Beautiful, Lisbeth!"
And it was.
But he was talking about his wife as much as the new gown.
The Gown was a rich Royal Blue, made of satin with a sheer overlay around the long skirt with a slightly rounded train, that barely grazed the floor. The bodice was tight and cut lower than Nathan had seen Elizabeth previously wear, although he wasn't complaining. The gown was sleeveless with little cap bands that fell across her shoulders. And the whole thing was trimmed in the tiniest of little Royal Blue seed pearls that matched the satin perfectly, and faced every single edge of the couture masterpiece, along with forming intricate paisley designs exquisitely all over the gown.
It was truly exquisite.
And she wore her mother's Sapphire Jewelry that complimented the gown perfectly.
She looked positively regal, and he could barely tear his eyes away, doing his best to focus on the Royal Blue of her own gorgeous eyes, instead, while at the same time she was lost looking up into his.
All he wanted to do was to proudly stand by her side as a husband should and show her off to all of Hamilton.
But that wasn't going to entirely be the case tonight.
"I'm so sorry I couldn't reach you, Love, but it couldn't be helped. And now, I'm afraid I must talk with Father William," he nodded in William's direction.
"What is it, Son?" asked William, suddenly concerned, moving toward Nathan and his daughter.
"Sir, if possible, could I have a few moments alone with you and Mother Grace before we begin? It is quite urgent."
With one look from William, Grace immediately took charge.
"Anthony, Viola, Darlings, you take our place as host and hostess and stand by Maddie and Archie. Julie, Dear, you serve as backup and make everyone feel welcome," Grace directed and then looked squarely at Nathan and could tell, this was going to take some time, so she quickly turned back to her daughters. "First, offer Drinks in the Living Room and Drawing Room. If you're father and I aren't back, start Dinner without us. Then direct the guests into the main Dining Room. If you and Nathan don't mind, Elizabeth, you stay here with the children and greet everyone with your sisters so that you can help with the introductions and perhaps smooth over Nathan's absence, as you two are the guests of honor!"
Elizabeth looked at Nathan, hesitantly.
"It's alright, Lisbeth. Trust me, I'd much rather be standing by you, but this is urgent Mountie business related to the various town businesses. I'll explain it all after our guests leave."
She stood on tiptoes to kiss him.
"And Babe, everything is alright with us, I promise," he whispered in her ear. "We'll have a long talk tonight. Now, just enjoy seeing all your old friends. I'm right here and will always be right here. I just have to do this one thing first. I love you, Lisbeth, and will always love you."
She nodded hesitantly, not wanting him to leave her, but with tears in her eyes, shocked that he knew, she totally understood his hidden meaning, and her previously troubled heart filled with love for him, washing much of her uncertainty away.
But she needed him, needed him to hold her, and needed his wise words to strengthen her.
Elizabeth knew she hadn't treated her new husband as she should have. And because of that, a pang shot through her heart. She had shut him out the last couple of days all because of fear, something she had promised she would never do, knowing he would have never done that to her.
He hadn't deserved her aloof treatment.
Besides, she of all people knew that was not the way to start a marriage.
She and Nathan were in this together; she had learned that teamwork was necessary from her marriage to Jack.
There had been so many times in that short marriage that she had felt more alone than married.
Jack hadn't meant to but she often felt left out of the decision-making process, especially where his work was concerned, being told after the fact what was going to happen instead of being included from the beginning.
But over the last couple of days, by not telling Nathan what was bothering her, she had done the exact same thing to him that she had felt Jack had unintentionally done to her.
She had shut him out.
Deep in her heart, she regretted that and had more than a few apologies to make to her new husband whom she adored.
Perhaps that was why she had reacted so poorly with Godfrey when he informed her Nathan had been called to work.
Why had she overreacted like that?
She knew her husband couldn't say no.
She knew that better than anyone.
No wasn't an option.
This was his job. And it was the Commissioner himself who had requested his presence. He had called him, knowing he was on his honeymoon too.
The truth was, that alone told Elizabeth without question, that the matter had to be extremely urgent.
This was an emergency, and it was not a habit for Nathan to leave without telling her.
He would always do his level best to include her in his plans.
She knew that without a doubt because he always had from the moment they started courting till now.
But she also knew that this was the nature of his profession, that things would come up without warming at times, and he would have to respond.
Why hadn't she just told him what was wrong?
He would have most definitely given her that courtesy.
And knowing Nathan, he would have understood, too.
Watching her handsome husband walk from the Hall with her parents toward the Library, Elizabeth made a solemn vow.
She had thought that she had put all this behind her.
She really had believed that.
She and Nathan had even discussed it at length during their engagement.
It was just this blasted, unwanted anniversary of sorts, that had left her with nothing, but grief and pain, and she had succumbed to letting fear back into her mind and heart, which had created this ugly cycle of groundless angst all over again for what seemed like the thousandth time.
She would make it a point to never let this stand between them ever again.
That she vowed.
And she meant it.
'Don't hate me, Jack. I'm on my Honeymoon with Nathan, just like you wanted me to love again. But I can't live with this fear. Nathan doesn't want me to be crippled like this, and you wouldn't want me to be either. I don't even recognize myself when I get like this!'
Then as Godfrey opened the door with a flourish, to reveal their first guests of the Evening, with a very long line behind them, Lord Anthony and Lady Viola, with brilliant welcoming smiles, seamlessly took over for their Host and Hostess.
Which pleased their guests beyond no end, for in their minds, they were being greeted by English Royalty, which indeed was almost the case given the Townsend's Aristocratic Titles.
And so, the grand Ball Night began…
After explaining everything in minute detail, William was flabbergasted that this whole ordeal had occurred and perhaps was still occurring in Hamilton.
On instruction from his Commissioner, Nathan shared everything with his new Parents-in-law, except the part regarding Lucas Bouchard's involvement as the recipient.
"Nathan, this is just awful! Why, it could have been me, Son! Thank goodness they used faux bills. But how did the bank know to do that? I've never heard of such a thing!"
Nathan had not wanted to answer that, but William and Grace were now family, and he owed them complete honesty.
"Upon being placed in my new position, it was a glaring oversight that came to light in one of the first heists I reviewed, and then again in a second heist. So, I established a policy where faux funds would be kept at all banks across Canada, Sir, to be used whenever a suspicious transfer takes place without a personal visit," admitted Nathan shyly. "That gives us time to rectify any bank issue without any damage or loss. Of course, that is something that stays here."
"Son, that's pure genius! I'm so proud of you, and don't be shy about taking credit."
"It's not credit I'm after, Sir. I just don't want innocent people, like you, who have worked hard for their money, to have it all taken away unscrupulously. This is just my job, Sir!"
"Well, it's still genius, and a job you do admirably, although that's a discussion for another day. But, Son, what do we need to do tonight?"
"Regrettably, I need to speak with all the prominent businessmen who are here tonight. With explanations and questions, I should be able to complete everything within twenty minutes, Sir. Whenever that time period works best for you and Mother, that will be fine."
Grace looked at her husband.
"I think just after Dinner and before the start of the Ball is best, William. I'll have Godfrey bring in chairs and oversee the serving of after-dinner drinks to you Gentlemen in the Library, while the remaining under butlers serve the Ladies in the Living Room and Drawing Room. Does that sound doable?"
"Yes, my Dear, that will work perfectly. Then everyone can relax again for the actual Ball!"
"Yes, I think this little hiccup will barely be noticed, Nathan," smiled Grace. "But, Son, after you finish your Business with the Gentlemen, do you think you could possibly change from your Uniform into your Tux so that you and Elizabeth can relax with our guests? I don't want you to still feel like you're on the clock! After all, you're not only a guest but the guest of honor!"
"And don't forget we get to unveil your books as well as Elizabeth's new book tonight, and I for one can not wait! You two are making me the proudest father in all of Hamilton," exclaimed William.
"And the proudest mother too," smiled Grace. "William and I are so very proud of you both! And with this criminal matter today, even prouder, Son!"
"Mother, thank you! But perhaps it will be more non-obtrusive for me to skip dinner altogether, as I have to be in uniform till the business is completed."
"Nonsense, you will enter the Dining Room with William and me looking quite dashing in your uniform. Then you will escort me to the main table, where you and Wiliam can explain everything to our guests, then we will pass you off to your loving wife," grinned Grace emphatically.
Grace Thatcher for all her High Society ways never failed to impress Nathan with her common sense approach.
He smiled gratefully.
"My honor to escort you, Mother…"
By the time orders had been given to Godfrey and his Staff related to the change in plans for the evening due to the Hamilton International Bank heist, all the guests had been seated in the Main Dining Room, which was more like a Ballroom in and of itself.
It was a room Nathan hadn't remembered seeing before, but any wonderment as to where the Ball Guests would be seated to eat was no longer an issue!
What he hadn't been told was that he had actually seen this room before, at least partially, but at the time of his arrival, the room had been partitioned off for other purposes and therefore was now unrecognizable.
As Nathan entered the massive Dining Room with his resplendent Mother-in-law on his arm, and his Father-in-law at his side, the Thatchers could not have made it more clear to all of Hamilton that they loved and respected their new Son-in-law immensely.
As Nathan elegantly seated Grace and bent to kiss her cheek, William remained standing at the head of the main table, waiting for Nathan to join him.
When Nathan reached his side, William embraced his new Son-in-law.
"Welcome Dear Friends and Honored Guests to the Thatcher Abode," he began heartily. "Grace and I are delighted to have you here to enjoy this special evening with our entire family present! We are indeed fortunate and honored on this auspicious night to introduce to you our new Son-in-law, Chief Inspector Nathan Alexander Grant of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, who works directly under our great Commissioner Blake. He would like me to apologize for having to be in uniform, but I say, Son, never apologize for that. Obviously, he was called out on unexpected urgent business today, that happens to concern all of us Gentlemen present here. He will be discussing that business with all of us Hamilton Businessmen after Dinner in the Library over After Dinner Drinks, while the Ladies will enjoy theirs in the Living Room and Drawing Room. You see a Mountie's work is never done, and the higher you climb the ladder, the more that is true. Having heard the details, I for one am very grateful Nathan was here today to answer the emergency call placed upon him, and when you hear the details, I'm sure you will be most grateful as well!"
"After this business matter is concluded, we Gentlemen will join the Ladies for a most pleasant surprise, that Grace and I are most excited to share with you! After that, we'll all start our evening in the Grand Ballroom, dancing the night away. Son, thank you for being here, for loving my daughter, and my grandchildren, and for taking extremely good care of all of Hamilton today. With you here, it gives me great joy to know we, the citizens of Hamilton, are in the best of hands!"
"Thank you, Sir, and thank all of you for understanding about this slight interruption to what we hope will be a perfect night. I promise to keep you for the least amount of time possible in order to brief you on the latest Hamilton happenings, but I do want to give each of you Gentlemen time to ask questions. Please enjoy your meal! Wonderful to be here, and I look forward to meeting all of you, although I promise I'll blend in better after the red comes off!"
There was a tremor of laughter at Nathan's little joke and blushing slightly in response, he nodded to William, and went to find his seat next to Elizabeth amid a round of hearty applause, leaving most of Hamilton intrigued as to what would soon happen…
Dinner was divine, consisting of Fresh Roasted Cornish Game Hens with a Fresh Papaya Port Glaze accompanied by a Summer Sage & Sausage Stuffing spilling out from within, served with Exotic Mushroom Risotto, Hot Honeyed Almondine Carrot Crescents, Duchess Potato Cups Stuffed with Lobster, and a Decadent Mango Arugula Salad with Various Tropical Fruit Slices thrown in for good measure, topped by a delectable Lemon & Lime Macadamian Nut Dressing. In between courses, there were a variety of Tropical Champagne Sorbets served to cleanse the palate. The meal also included a fabulous assortment of Freshly Baked French Bread in every shape and size imaginable, including France's own intricate Fleur-de-lis pattern.
And that's not to even mention Dessert!
Dessert consisted of gorgeous displays of Macaron Trees, every Tropical Flavor imaginable, and an assortment of exotic Cheesecakes with Tropical Sauces!
Surprisingly, no one seemed dampened by Nathan's future interruption, except they were indeed very curious and even intrigued. talking to each other wondering why the Chief Inspector would possibly need to speak with them.
But all in all, the conversation was scintillating and everyone was on their best behavior while also being in the best of moods.
Well almost everyone.
Little did they realize there was going to be more than one surprise tonight, and although the first one hadn't been intentional, perhaps both would prove shocking.
Elizabeth was a bit chagrined that a dateless Charles Kensington was seated across the table from her and Nathan, but she smiled valiantly, and when introducing Charles to her new husband, she could tell Nathan immediately knew who he was.
"Mr. Kensington, so very good to meet you!"
"Same, er I'm not sure what to call you, Sir."
"It's Chief Inspector, Charles," inserted Elizabeth, a bit condescendingly, for Charles knew full well Nathan's proper title.
But Nathan was not to be dissuaded.
"Nathan will do, Mr. Kensington."
"Then it's Charles, Nathan! Delighted to finally meet the man who stole my Elizabeth."
"But of course," smiled Nathan and then he reached for Elizabeth's hand raising it to table level for all to see, which brought a look of shock to Charles' face. "Although I must say, I don't believe Elizabeth belongs to anyone, and that would be me, her husband, included. It's one of the many things I love about her. Yes, she is my beautiful wife, but she is very much her own person, Charles. Fiercely independent. A beautiful trait for anyone to have. And one of the many reasons I fell in love with her!"
Nathan was totally unaware that all the Ladies sitting within hearing distance were secretly cheering him on, and that each was falling a little in love with him in the process!
Elizabeth beamed looking up at her husband, who bent to kiss her cheek, totally ignoring the sputtering Charles.
From that point on, the couple also decided to ignore the daggers shot across the table at one Nathan Grant from one said Charles Kensington and his rather haughty parents who were also close by...
After a delightful and most unique, memorable dinner, everyone was relocated to their designated areas.
Once all the Gentlemen were seated on the temporary leather folding chairs in the Library, and Godfrey and his team of under butlers had seen that every single one had their preferred after-dinner drink, William rose and reintroduced, Nathan.
"I'm afraid this unfortunate diversion is due to official Mountie business, and I hope you will be patient as my Son-in-law explains why we are all here."
"Hear, hear!" yelled a particularly boisterous elder Gentlemen.
Nathan stood to his full height in the very center of the huge Library, and took on the persona of Chief Inspector, ready to get the job done, as the group became silent, with all eyes expectantly on him.
His presence, without doubt, was commanding, and William particularly relished seeing the immediate change in his peers from curiosity and tolerance to total respect.
Anthony had insisted on coming along for moral support, as well as to look out for his brother-in-law.
Nathan was indeed glad to see a friendly face.
Anthony nodded with an encouraging smile, and Nathan nodded back, then began.
"I know each of you has signed Confidentiality Statements. But as I have very serious news to report as relates to Hamilton, which must remain in this room until this case is resolved, I also must attain your spoken word as well. Do I have your word?"
The men talked amongst themselves.
Nathan asked again, a bit more firmly this time.
"Do I have your word, so that we may proceed, that everything that is said in this room tonight, stays in this room in its entirety? It is of utmost importance as you will soon understand. Your businesses and livelihood depend upon it."
The men agreed one by one.
"Very well. The Mounties are trusting you, and more importantly, the Commissioner and I are trusting you. We are determined to resolve this case, but we need your help to do so."
Now the men were truly intrigued!
"There has been a bank heist as of yesterday at the Hamilton International Bank, to the amount of $250,000."
Loud gasps and a flurry of murmurs resounded throughout the room.
"Is our money safe?" asked a man anxiously.
Ironically it was the one man in the room whose money it was that had been attempted to be heisted.
William stood up.
"Nathan, I'm sorry, but I know you won't divulge the full story here. May I," asked William.
Nathan nodded once.
'Wadsworth, thanks to my brilliant, but take no credit Son-in-law, he devised a plan that all our money was kept safe," explained William.
"Yes, Mr. Sloane, to be fully transparent, I must say the first heist was an attack on your account," admitted the Chief Inspector. "But because the request was made for such a large sum of money, and was not made in person, that triggered an alarm for faux money to be used. So, I am very thankful to reiterate everyone's money is absolutely safe in your various accounts."
There were sighs of relief from every man present, heard clearly around the room.
"How did you know to do that, Son?" asked on elderly Gentlemen.
"When I reviewed my first bank heist, then the second bank heist in my new position, it was brazenly obvious, that this was a loophole that needed to be tied up. So, the Commissioner and I immediately set the procedure into place at all banks throughout Canada. I'm happy to say it has proven highly successful numerous times by keeping everyone's money where it belongs and buying us time to figure out what is going on when a heist actually occurs, or at least soon thereafter."
There were more murmurs, murmurs of both gratitude and shock, even from one Charles Kensington.
Well, at least the shock.
Nathan continued.
"Gentlemen, I need four volunteers. I need an account at each additional Hamilton Bank that you will allow me to use as ruse accounts. If I understand correctly, most of you have accounts at each bank. I can assure you, that no money will be touched in these accounts. We just need the account information for each and your permission to run the faux money through them. Do I have any volunteers? If so, I'll pass these cards around. You can provide me with your account information privately after we dismiss this meeting. There will be a sting tomorrow at 2 P.M. simultaneously at each bank. I suspect we have a ring, and if we don't do it this way, your actual accounts could be put at risk in the future, unless we get all these criminals who are involved."
"And you're sure, it won't put our accounts at risk?"
"No, Sir. In fact, it only serves to secure your accounts more fully. One additional matter. In order for these faux heists to work, there can be no withdrawals or transfers of money till after 3 P.M. tomorrow afternoon."
"What do we do if there's an emergency?" asked a younger Gentleman.
"That's a very valid question. In case of a true emergency, you are to go to the President of Hamilton International Bank, Mr. Harling Bakersfeld, in person, and he will handle the matter, as a special account has been set up there for this very purpose."
In no time, Nathan had the four accounts, one at each remaining bank he needed, with all four men shaking his hand and thanking him.
"It's my pleasure, and also my job, Sirs! The Commissioner and I very much appreciate you sharing your account information for the sting, and you will be compensated for doing so. The numbers will be changed by end of the day tomorrow and handed to each of you personally. They will track back to your old numbers, but will no longer be accessible without the second new number in conjunction with your first. That way your accounts remain the same but with an additional layer of protection without changing any of your financial data."
A man sitting who had spoken up before cleared his throat for attention.
Nathan recognized him again and called him by name.
"Mr. Sloane! You have the floor."
"I owe you a heartfelt apology, Chief Inspector, and I'm gonna say it just like it is. A few of us were laughing at you being in your uniform when we thought you should have had the decorum to be dressed more appropriately for this formal affair, especially Dinner. But I can tell you now, Sir, none of us are laughing anymore. Right, Kensington? Thank you, Chief Inspector, for taking your private vacation time…"
"His Honeymoon time," clarified William.
Charles blanched.
"Sir," Mr. Sloane continued. "All of Hamilton is very fortunate that you came here when you did, and we Gentlemen here tonight won't let your above and beyond dedication to your work go unnoticed. I can assure you of that!"
"Wadsworth is right. We are the benefactors, and we appreciate that more than you can know, Chief Inspector!" another man spoke up, with others joining in agreement. "And I for one am very thankful you are in that uniform, tonight!"
"I would like to add to these statements as a way of clarification. My Father-in-law is right. As are all of you. My selfless brother, although on his honeymoon, had a most busy personal day planned prior to all of this. Yet he was called away early this afternoon in the middle of it, leaving his personal priorities behind, while working the long hours since on your behalf," interjected Anthony with his charming British accent in his most authoritative way. "Giving his all on a day when he and his wife are guests of honor at his Family's Society Ball, no less, much preferring to be celebrating rather than investigating! But yet, investigate he did, and as I noted, he did that for you. Hear, hear for Chief Inspector Nathan Grant and his discerning heart! It's bigger, and dare I say nobler than all of ours put together!"
Anthony's words and the manner in which they were said were impactful and left no doubt that the Gentlemen who had questioned his Brother-in-law's social acumen had indeed been very childish, and very wrong.
It had been a matter of priorities, not social disdain or lack of social skill.
There was a rousing course of returning "Hear, Hear's" from every Gentleman in the room. even one Charles Kensington.
Nathan was surprised Anthony would be so vocal, but his wink didn't surprise him at all.
Anthony had his back, and that was a very good feeling!
What did surprise him, however, was Charles Kensington approaching him with an outstretched hand and heartfelt apology, right there in front of the entire room...