Chapter 156: The Ball Part II

Having finally completed his Mountie Business, the Chief Inspector began to dismiss the Businessmen who had been so helpful.

But as Nathan did so, unexpected last-minute questions popped up regarding all the particulars related to every possible financial contingency.

He understood because when one spoke of things that impacted business, family, and ultimately money, people took note and were rightfully concerned.

And this little meeting had indirectly involved all three.

Nathan patiently answered each question to the Gentlemen's satisfaction, then officially began to adjourn their meeting for a second time.

"Thank you all for giving us your time, as well as your vote of confidence. The Commissioner and I greatly appreciate your assistance and we will most definitely keep you posted as to our results tomorrow. If there are no further questions, Gentlemen, we have a Ball to attend. For my Parents-in-law's sake and my own if I'm going to stay in their good graces as their Son-in-law, please enjoy!"

The men chuckled and as there appeared to be no questions left after a quick moment of silence, scattered personal conversations began, confirming that the meeting had finally wrapped up.

The meeting quickly came to an official close, with the men forming a line as they exited the Library, with each man formally shaking their Chief Inspector's hand as they individually introduced themselves and personally thanked him.

Nathan stood there at the door, elegant in his uniform, very grateful that William immediately came to stand by his right side, and Sir Anthony came to stand by his left.

All those who had criticized his lack of social acumen behind his back at Dinner apologized profusely, although only a few had been so irresponsible.

And it appeared that little tribe had been led by one Charles Kensington, III.

Nathan was profoundly appreciative that the derogatory remarks had been limited to just the few, and he was happy to accept their heartfelt apologies.

But as he received the men's appreciation and gratitude, Nathan noted variations of one comment over and over, a reiteration of Mr. Sloane's prior comment that his "above and beyond work would not go unnoticed."

Comments including…

"We won't forget!"

"We honor those who take care of us!"

"You'll be hearing from each of us!"

"This won't be forgotten!"

"We can't thank you enough, but we sure will try!"

On and on it went.

Which puzzled Nathan.

However, William wasn't at all puzzled. He knew what his peers meant. And although he felt what his colleagues and friends wanted to do was commendable, he was pretty sure how it was going to be received by Nathan.

In Nathan's mind, today was about simply doing his job, nothing more, nothing less.

And quite frankly, he was not comfortable with all this personal attention that had unexpectedly arisen.

Although, he had to admit Charles Kensington's apology in front of all the Gentlemen, was not at all unwelcome.

When going through the line, Charles apologized again, and although Nathan received his words yet again, he wasn't sure whether the apology was truly meant for him or for his father-in-law, as Charles still worked with William.

Either way, Nathan was willing to overlook it.

He hadn't liked the man's overall tone during Dinner, nor the possessive way he kept looking at Elizabeth from across the table.

But he was confident his wife could hold her own in his absence.

Oddly enough, what had started out tonight to be something Nathan had partially dreaded had ended up being something that seemed to bring everyone closer together.

He was truly thankful for that as he had hated to interfere with the evening's meticulous social plans, especially since they had been arranged by his own Father-in-law and Mother-in-law, even though he knew it was necessary to intervene.

Remarkably, instead of the social faux pax both he and his Commissioner had expected their interference to be, the meeting had gone amazingly well.

In fact, given the seriousness of the situation, everything had gone quite smoothly.

All in all, Nathan was very grateful that it had not been the nightmare they expected.

Now, if only tomorrow's faux bank heists would go as well!

But that was for another day.

Tonight, Nathan Grant, the man, had a beautiful wife waiting to dance with him, and he fully intended to do just that…

Yes, tonight, although it had been interrupted, was a Party Extraordinaire, an Elite Society Ball, in fact.

One honoring Nathan and his new wife.

Celebrating via a Ball wouldn't have been his preference at all, but it was the preference of his in-laws, and because of that he was determined to try his best to enjoy it.

As soon as the receiving line in the Library had come to a close and the last hand had been shaken, the Chief Inspector nodded to William and Anthony. Then both quickly patted Nathan on his shoulder.

"Great job, Son!" praised William.

"Thank you, Sir!" smiled Nathan.

"And I concur!" smiled Anthony.

"Thanks, Anthony, and thanks for your support today and tonight. It meant a lot!"

"Hey, we're not about to let that Kensington Chap stir up negative issues related to any of us! He's already overstepped as much as he's going to be allowed in this family!"

With grateful slaps on the back to both William and Anthony, Nathan exited the Library...

His goal was to slip up to his bedroom to change while William and Anthony moved to the Living Room to find their wives.

After reorienting himself in the hallway, the Chief moved upstairs via the secondary servants' stairway back by the kitchen, running up the stairs as fast as he safely could, removing his Belt, Shoulder Strap, and Serge while he was running.

All the rest of the Gentlemen guests joined the Ladies downstairs in the Living Room and Drawing Room, preparing to escort their partners to the actual Ball.

Grace was doing her best to leave her guests there long enough to allow Nathan to change out of his uniform and into his formal clothes so that William's special reveal could be made in the Grand Hall before moving everyone to the Ballroom and beginning the actual dancing for the evening.

As she walked through the Grand Hall she was very, very pleased with how it was arranged, and looked for Godfrey to offer her nod of approval with a broad smile of thanks.

Godfrey bowed his head to his Mistress and turned to start up the Grand Staircase, very pleased that she was pleased.

Grace floated between her Living Room and Drawing Room, both full of guests, greeting everyone and being as attentive as ever, making sure everyone was being very well taken care of.

The Gentlemen, who by now had all found their partners seemed very content, jovial even, after their meeting with the Chief Inspector, and definitely ready to party.

Which was exactly what Grace had hoped!

They had first been aghast that their money had been placed at risk, then astounded, but lastly, relieved to find that ironically, thanks to a young, forward-thinking Chief Inspector who they had never even met before, their vast amounts of money were all safe and sound in the various Hamilton Banks.

Now, they were truly excited about William's and Grace's promised surprise, for in all the years they had known each other, the Thatchers had never disappointed.

Because of this night's expectancy, which had been built up in a huge way, no one was in any hurry to start the Ball.

Not just yet anyway…

Upstairs in his huge bedroom, Nathan quickly changed out of the rest of his uniform, showered, shaved, and pulled on his proper formal tux.

But he was still struggling with his bow tie when there was a knock on the door.

He was so relieved Elizabeth had come to help.

"Come in, Darling!"

"I'm afraid it's Godfrey, Sir!"

Nathan turned bright red and stuttered slightly in embarrassment.

"Oh, pl…please do come in."

"I'm sorry, Sir! Mrs. G. sent me as she couldn't get away from the Von Sythes. Wondering if you need any help, Sir?"

"You're an absolute Godsend! I don't think I'll ever master these blasted bow ties, Godfrey! They're just not meant to be in my life."

"Sorry, to object, Sir! But they are most definitely meant to be in your new life with Mrs. G., at least occasionally! Here, Sir, allow me to help."

Without much coaxing, Nathan gave in and pulled the strand of silken fabric from around his neck, giving Godfrey free rein.

"I don't mean to complain, Godfrey. And you're right, with Elizabeth, I guess this is now part of my life. Don't suppose you could give me lessons?"

"Just like I did with Mrs. G. and her father before her, I will be most happy to give you lessons, Sir, and in private, too. It will be our little secret, and by the time I'm through with you, I guarantee you'll be a pro in no time!"

"Thank you, Godfrey. I don't know what we're going to do without you when we return home!"

Nathan had to look up twice because the staid Butler standing in front of him actually looked like he was about to tear up.

"Don't even mention that, Sir. I'm not sure what the Thatcher Family, myself included, is going to do without all the Grants here. You all have been a pure joy, Sir! To all of us! I can't tell you how very much."

"That's very kind, Godfrey! And I don't know how you did this, but the tie looks perfect."

"Years of practice, Sir! I'll show you my secret another time. After all, it is part of the job description," Godfrey seemed to hesitate for a second but then continued.

"Sir, I know you'll be terribly busy with the Commissioner tomorrow, but I was wondering if perhaps tomorrow evening when you do get to return home if I could talk to you for a few minutes about a most urgent matter?"

"Of course, Godfrey. It might be late, but we'll make sure that we chat, for as long as you need."

"Thank you, Sir! I was hoping you would say that. That greatly relieves me, as this is something I didn't feel was wise to talk with Mr. Thatcher about quite yet."

Nathan placed his hand on Godfrey's shoulder.

"You know what, Godfrey. I'm not meeting the Commissioner till 9 A.M. Why don't we begin our talk before I leave just after Breakfast, then if we need more time we'll finish when I arrive back home."

"That's perfect, Sir, and most appreciated."

Nathan noticed that whatever was bothering Godfrey was most important, and he was honored that Godfrey would trust him enough to confide in him.

But Godfrey's attention was now back on the family member he was speaking to. He had already crossed one major hurdle. Why not go for the second one?

"Would you mind a bit of friendly advice…er, regarding tonight, Sir?"

"From you, I would relish it! I'm totally out of my league, you know. Although I have attended a few Mountie Balls, that's about as formal as I've gotten. And I'm sure those are nothing like this!"

"First of all, Sir, you are not at all out of your league. Having been with you over the past few weeks, it is you who are above them both in character and heart. My advice is to just be your charming self and enjoy your beautiful wife. This night is in honor of the two of you, and I just didn't want you to forget that."

"That's so kind of you, Godfrey! Truly kind. Actually, that's great advice and makes me feel better already. It's quite obvious this crowd is somewhat intimidating, and I do admit that I'm a little nervous about the unveiling."

"Ah, the books. They are quite extraordinary reads, Sir. Master William has shared them with me over the years. There is nothing to be nervous about. They are quite excellent."

"I appreciate that Godfrey. It's just that I expected to keep silent as their author. I didn't write them for accolades or to be noticed. In fact, I much prefer to maintain my anonymity."

"Why did you write them, Sir?"

"To share my love of history. To make sure our country never forgets what it's taken to get us where we are today."

"That is exactly what you tell them, Sir! Personally, I think it is much better for all this to be out in the open. You have a powerful message, and whether you realize it or not your depth and quiet manner make you a most powerful messenger."

Nathan was taken aback and didn't know how to respond.

But after a long pause, he gathered his words.

"What a kind and honorable thing for you to say, Godfrey!"

"No, Sir, it's you who is the kind and honorable man, and if I may be so bold to say so, you have no competition, Sir, not presently or otherwise. I've never seen my Miss Elizabeth, now my Mrs. G., so content and happy. I know she's struggling a bit now. But I can assure you, that's not at all because of you. Just enjoy your unveiling and accept the coming platitudes because they will be given from the heart. I would advise receiving them as such."

"Thank you. Immensely, Godfrey! I'm glad we had this talk. You truly are a treasure. And all of us are blessed to have you in our lives."

Godfrey's usually solemn face broke out into a huge smile.

The staid Butler liked this Nathan Grant no matter the name or title he was using, given any point in time. In fact, he liked the man, the husband, the father, the family man, the friend, the Chief Inspector, and last but not least, the author.

He highly approved of them all for his Miss Elizabeth, and although he might not ever say, Nathan Grant was his favorite.

"Likewise, Sir. That means a lot coming from you. Now, N.A. Grant, go knock them dead as they say…"

Thanks to a very wise Butler, a more confident and dashing Nathan Grant/N.A. Grant descended the Grand Staircase.

As he reached the Living Room, Elizabeth was standing in the far corner talking to Charles and his parents, wishing she was with anyone else other than them.

But she had been cornered after finally having gotten away from the Von Sythes, while then having circled the room.

There had been no escape.

Smiling at the three Kensingtons, she was inwardly praying her husband would magically appear.

When Nathan walked into the Entrance of the Living Room across from the Drawing Room, he stood there and took a deep breath, drawing fortitude.

But when he located his wife, all was well, as a wave of love intermingled with peace fell over him.

He absolutely could do this with her by his side!

Elizabeth had her back turned to her husband, but Charles did not and he couldn't hide the reaction on his face.

Elizabeth chuckled, knowing that only her husband could elicit that particular look of defeat on Charles's face.

She quickly excused herself and turned with a smile as brilliant as one could be and practically ran to meet Nathan.

Suddenly everything quietened.

Nathan, not realizing it at all, but thanks to Godfrey's assistance looking like a most confident model from the cover of a high-end men's magazine in his formal evening tux, lovingly encircled his wife in his arms and bent to tenderly kiss her, with all of Hamilton watching from both the Living Room and the Drawing Room.

The couple was not only striking, it was plain to see they were beautiful, young, and also passionately in love.

Although no one could say the kiss had been improper, it was a kiss that reeked of deep emotion.

There wasn't a woman standing there who didn't want to be kissed exactly like that.

And there wasn't a man in the room not taking mental notes…

"You look breathtaking, Lisbeth! Absolutely breathtaking!"

"You look devilishly handsome yourself, Darling. The most handsome man in all of Hamilton!"

He blushed.

"I wouldn't go that far."

"You don't have to, I just did for the both of us," she chuckled.

He chuckled too, wrapping his left arm around her waist, while she began introducing him to the people standing closest.

A buzz of excitement flowed through the Living Room and Drawing Room out into the Grand Entry, as Nathan reached to shake the hands of the people whose names his wife was introducing to him, making sure to state each name while looking directly into their eyes.

The Gentlemen had already been impressed, but now it was the Ladies' turn to experience Nathan Grant, and they were mesmerized.

Whispers and rather loud 'whispers' abounded!

"He has such an elegance about him."

"And so rugged too!"

"My, that man is more handsome than a man has a right to be!"

"Can I just take him home with us, Darling?"

And on and on it went, but Nathan was totally oblivious, which caused his beautiful wife to giggle.

"What's funny, Love?"

"Nothing, Darling! Nothing at all!"

She wasn't sure if she would tell him or keep it her own little secret.

But Elizabeth found it quite comical that the sophisticated women of Hamilton were falling in love with her new husband.

"Just save all your dances for me, Darling! I have the feeling, I'm going to have a lot of competition tonight on the Dance Floor!"

Suddenly, it was clear, that something big was about to happen.

What, though, the guests simply didn't know, nor had they been able to guess!

But they did know it would be 'Thatcher-big,' as well as 'Thatcher-worthy,' which was about as big and worthy as it got in Hamilton...

A large fancy Antique Desk with two tufted Leather Wingback Chairs behind it had been set up at the far end of the Grand Hall, with Elizabeth's and Nathan's books lining the remaining Antique Tables along the walls.

Unknown to the couple, the Thatchers had purchased not only multiple copies of their Daughter's new book, they had also purchased the complete set of their Son-in-law's works, providing a set of both for each couple attending, to take home with them as Party Favors, along with a personally monogrammed leather book satchel to carry them in.

With his usual perfect timing, Godfrey opened the front doors to allow the Press to enter including both a slew of Reporters and Photographers.

The Doors of the Living Room and Drawing Room were suddenly opened wide by the Under Butlers, making them appear to be one room joined into the Grand Entry.

William and Grace Thatcher, as Host and Hostess, moved to the Grand Hall, bringing Elizabeth and Nathan, Madelyne and Archie with them.

Not a single person was prepared for what was about to happen next.

William and Grace stood in the center of their ornate and sparkling Grand Entry with their Daughter and Son-in-law beside them on one side, and the Senior Grants on the other side.

Godfrey rang a bell, and silence descended throughout the Thatcher Mansion as couples in both the Living Room and the Drawing Room grew silent and drew closer to see what was happening in the huge Entry between them.

Seeing the curiosity of his guests, William's face lit up with joy and pride as he stepped forward and addressed the socially elite of Hamilton, all of whom were his colleagues and friends.

In a loud booming voice, he began.

"Most of you know my middle daughter, Elizabeth Thatcher Thornton Grant from growing up in our fair city. And by now most of you have met her wonderful new husband, Chief Inspector Nathan Grant, otherwise known as Nathan Alexander Grant. But I don't think you've officially met these important people standing beside us. They are responsible as his parents for giving us this great man, and both Grace and I want to say we could not be more delighted that he has come into our family and brought this wonderful couple into our lives as well. We thank them for sharing their son with us, and we thank Nathan that because of his love for our daughter, Grace and I have found the dearest of friends in his parents, forever friends that are truly family as well. Please meet Nathan's mother, the beautiful, capable, and mesmerizing Madelyne Grant, and Nathan's father, the accomplished, amazing, and wonderfully Irish Horse Rancher Archeford Grant. Although I should probably correct that and say Horse Ranchers together, as we all know behind every great man stands an even greater woman!"

Laughter and cheers ensued, followed by rounds of applause echoed throughout both rooms as Photographers immediately started snapping photos of the joined family.

The men all looked dapper and handsome in their immaculate formal tuxes.

Grace wore a Silver full-skirted gown in iridescent silk, tied at the waist with a Sterling Silver custom wide belt brought together with a Diamond buckle. The skirt fell to a slight train in the back and sparkled out about her as she moved through the rooms welcoming her guests. She wore matching heels and accessorized with several large Diamond Bracelets and large matching Diamond Earrings that had belonged to her mother, and she looked quite beautiful and elegant indeed.

But the same could be said for Madelyne who looked beautifully exquisite in her long Golden sheath with straight embroidered over panels that fell midway to her longer floor-length skirt in both the front and the back. The sleeveless bodice fell loose on her tall, slender figure, and she looked positively regal. The dress was couture, straight from Paris, as Grace had insisted, but Grecian in style, and so elegantly simple that it was stunning. She wore heels in the same silk fabric and accessorized with Large Pearl Drop Chandelier Earrings and an Assortment of Pearl Bracelets loaned to her my Grace, that complemented the metallic gold of her gown perfectly.

But leave it to Madelyne to make sure her own Pearl Bracelet from her mother was mixed in there somewhere!

Nathan had gasped at her beauty when he first saw her, offering her a kiss on her cheek, having never seen his mother so formally dressed up before.

"Mother, you are stunningly beautiful!"

His mother's smile was so proud, not of herself, but of him. She had raised her son well, and couldn't have been prouder of the young man he had become.

"Thank you, Son. It's all due to Grace's magic!"

Nathan doubted that was entirely true, as he suddenly realized his mother had always been beautiful in her own unique way, although the fancy gown and jewelry gave her a new, more classic look, beyond her everyday one, that made her just radiant.

Her son was right.

She was absolutely stunning and everyone who met her said so. This Rancher held her own in beauty, elegance, and strength with every woman attending. She could also hold her own with a horse, as well as one Acheford Grant, which pretty much said it all!

And Archie couldn't have been prouder, nor more grateful that through it all, this woman had loved him, even when he hadn't deserved it at all.

After the family photographs were completed, for now, William continued his speech.

"Many of you also know that our Daughter left the confines of Hamilton years ago for a little town in the West called Hope Valley to teach children there who would have otherwise not had a teacher. She continues to do just that as that is her true passion."

"But there is another passion, obviously besides that for her husband (laughter escaped) that you may not know, and that is she loves to write. I remember her journaling as a young girl, and she has continued to do that throughout her life. Believe me, no one in this house, under any circumstance, was allowed to touch those journals, which were kept under lock and key, away from her sisters and parents, I might add!"

"But as usual, our Elizabeth wanted more, and so, she has written a novel that is just now being published. Entitled "A Single Mother on the Frontier" which was written before her new marriage. Grace and I have been fortunate enough to obtain advance copies for each couple here tonight, and since they are first editions, and you are the friends she grew up with, Elizabeth, as a brand-new author, has agreed to sign them for each and every one of you."

Hearty congratulations were called from all corners of the rooms and there was a flurry of flashes followed by a very loud round of applause for one of their own.

"Leave it to William to wow us!" a Gentleman called out.

"Oh, I'm just beginning," chuckled William which brought even more applause.

"When I first heard of my new Son-in-law, I knew he had a sterling reputation as being one of the very best Mounties. Then when I met him, I knew he was just that and more. It didn't take me long to also know he was one of the very best men I had ever met. Imagine, when he was brave enough to ask for my daughter's hand in marriage, and you know me, I don't ever make anything easy! There was a conversation so long, that Grace had to interrupt us. But it wasn't for the reasons you might imagine. I was so taken with him and his abilities, that in our lengthy conversation he confided a deep secret to me that astounded me, thrilled me, and made me burst with pride. It would be accurate to say I had the audacity to ask how he was going to support my daughter, so he was sort of put on the spot. Well, let's just say I got my comeuppance. He asked me to keep his secret, which I have honored, but that doesn't mean I haven't nudged him to allow me to share his secret with this part of the world, and to my great honor, he has finally agreed. Just goes to show what a nagging Father-in-law can accomplish!"

William paused and he reached for his new Son-in-law's arm.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, it is my distinct honor and privilege to present to you tonight my favorite author of all time, historian extraordinaire Mr. N.A. Grant!"

A cacophony of flashbulbs literally exploded. Reporters wrote furiously, sending one to spread the news to the Editor for the next morning's paper and to spread the news via wire.

Talk about a scoop! This was huge! Unbelievable news!

Why reporters had tried to identify this author since he had begun writing, with zero success!

It was then that the Thatcher Mansion exploded with vociferous applause while amazement and shock abounded.

Without doubt, the Grants Book Tour had officially begun…