Chapter 157: The Ball Part III
After getting over their initial shock from William's surprise announcement, the crème de la crème of Hamilton Society grabbed their books in the Grand Hall and rushed, forming two lines to have them personally signed by Elizabeth Thatcher Thornton Grant, Novice Author, and despite his anonymity, the very well known, N.A. Grant, Established Author with a huge following no less.
To say their guests were delighted was a huge understatement.
The mystery of N. had finally been solved, and right here in their own town, putting them on the literary map for an entirely different and welcome reason.
While the authors were busy signing away, the Grant and Thatcher Parents proudly stood off to the side with Godfrey and watched as their adult Children both meticulously and thoughtfully honored the wishes of each and every guest.
"Our surprise was everything I thought it would be and more, Grace! How can this not help Elizabeth and Nathan when they arrive in New York City for their Official Book Tour? If nothing else, this is a taste of what's to come, almost like a practice session here in Hamilton. Why the reception has been simply overwhelming! Everyone is beyond delighted!"
"They truly are, William. What a special night this is for them! For all of us, really," agreed Grace with a radiant smile.
"I don't mean to brag, but I never thought I'd see the day my Son would publicly admit he is the author of those books! I'm so proud, I could burst," interjected Archie. "And to see Elizabeth publish her first book at the same time, I tell you, this is only the beginning for those two! Their literary future awaits, and it has the potential to be whatever they wish to make it!"
"Yes, Archeford, it can truly be whatever our children desire to make it, which is quite an extraordinary position to be in! I'm just so proud of both of them," mused Madelyne with a profound mixture of a mother's love and pride. "It's like a weight has been lifted for him by no longer having to keep the secret, but more than that, our Son can now authentically and truthfully be himself. His complete self. That's what I'm most grateful for!"
"It's been a long time coming, Maddie. Colleen is here with him tonight. I can feel it. And she's here with us, too. I have no doubt!"
"Yes, Love, I've already felt her presence, and she is as proud as we are! That girl worshipped her brother as he did her! Talk about two peas in a pod, those two were truly inseparable."
"You know, the part that amazes me is our guests' extreme reactions, so much more excited and thrilled than I had imagined. It's like our children, well especially our Son, who is more seasoned, is a really big deal in the literary world. And that was proven by the intense Press reaction! How in the world has he kept this secret for so long?" asked Grace.
Madelyne had tears in her eyes, which Archie noticed, quickly handing her a huge white handkerchief.
It took her a moment to answer Grace's question.
"It's just that Nathan is so humble. He doesn't like to bring attention to himself. Never has! But I think it's because of Elizabeth's love that he can finally open up more and admit who he truly is. With Elizabeth, he is truly fulfilled, truly whole again. And, for that, we are eternally grateful to our new Daughter!" she explained.
"Oh, we can't tell you the difference he's made in our Daughter! Elizabeth is truly happier than we've ever seen her. She seems more at peace when she's with Nathan and finally safe again. And she hasn't felt either since losing Jack. In fact, just to be blunt, perhaps it's because of her lost love with Jack. I know she loved him with all of her heart, but I've never seen her look at any man the way she looks at your Son. William and I thought we would never see the day that would happen. I can't tell you how many nights we lay awake praying for her to find her way out of the darkness, back into the light."
Madelyne gave Grace a quick hug, which Grace returned, with tears in her own eyes.
William and Archie smiled while turning to glance at their wives, then moved back to watching their adult children.
"We have a lot to be thankful for, Arch!"
"Yes, indeed we do, Will! We most certainly do…"
While the long lines of guests made their way to the Ballroom, after having their book signatures completed by both authors, the under butlers stored each couple's autographed books in their appropriate personalized book satchels.
There, they placed them alphabetically in the Grand Hall, ready for the guests' departure at the Ball's end.
After more numerous autographs and personalized messages than could be counted were completed, finally, the last book was signed, and other than the servants, Nathan and Elizabeth were at last alone, exhausted but also exhilarated.
"You didn't tell me signing books would be this hard, Love!" smiled Elizabeth.
"You got off easy," he grinned.
"Oh, no, Darling! I forgot. You had a ton more than me to sign as you had multiple books to my one! Are you alright?"
"Yes, except for my right hand being in a permanent cramp! We'll have to do something later tonight, so I'll be able to shoot tomorrow if need be."
Elizabeth looked alarmed.
"Not that I'm expecting to have to do that at all, Lisbeth," he grinned, reaching to kiss his beautiful wife. "A Mountie just has to be ready for anything! And a gun is always much more prudent to have than not, even when it's not used."
"Of course, you're right! I know! I'll ask your mother what to do after the Ball. She'll know!"
"Great thought, as she absolutely will! And while you two do that, I'll call Bill with some Mountie info," he sighed while reaching for her hand. "Can we just sit here for the rest of the night?"
"No, Sir, you cannot! Chief, Mrs. G. follow me!" directed Godfrey, who had abruptly and magically appeared! "The two of you can do much better than this!"
The couple obediently did as they were told, following behind Godfrey, with Nathan's hand lovingly at the small of Elizabeth's back.
Although Godfrey was walking briskly, it still took Elizabeth quite a while before she realized where Godfrey was taking them.
"Where's this?" asked Nathan curiously. "Have I been here before?"
"This is the east wing. It houses our bowling lanes!"
"You have bowling lanes? In your house?" asked a shocked, wide-eyed Nathan.
"Yes, two. But I'm quite sure Godfrey isn't taking us bowling!"
Godfrey overheard and couldn't resist a hidden grin.
"No, Mrs. G., there will be no bowling tonight! However, the lanes haven't been used in quite some time. It might be fun to re-open them later on in the week for everyone."
"Don't tell my Dad! He's practically a pro," moaned Nathan.
"I didn't know that! Father loves to play too. Although he's not very good. Now, Mother, that's a different story!"
"Grace bowls?"
Somehow Nathan was having difficulty imagining his refined Mother-in-law being a bowling champion!
"We'll have to play and you'll see for yourself!" she taunted. "But be very afraid!"
Suddenly Elizabeth got this excited look on her face!
"Godfrey! Now, I know where we are going."
"And where exactly is that?" asked Nathan.
But that was when Godfrey stopped and unlocked a set of double doors, opening them wide.
"This was the most private place I could think of. You have Champagne, Coffee, and Tea, with a few hors d'oeuvres. You two need to relax a little before the onslaught of the Ballroom."
Elizabeth threw her arms around Godfrey.
"Godfrey, I love you! You always know just what we need! Thank you, thank you, thank you!"
"You're quite welcome. I shall return in twenty minutes time to help you make your Grand Entrance at the Ball. Oh, and Miss, I thought you both might want to freshen up; if so needed, everything is waiting for you."
"Thank you, Godfrey, this is just perfect! Finally a few private moments together without interruption!"
"My pleasure, Sir! Only twenty minutes, but do enjoy!"
Godfrey smiled slightly, then turned to leave the couple.
"This is very nice. Where are we, Lisbeth?"
"This is Granda's old apartment. When she got so she couldn't make it up and down the stairs very easily, Mother came up with this idea, and Father ordered the renovation of what used to be spare rooms. We girls spent many happy times together with Granda in these rooms!"
"They're quite lovely. I know I've never met her, yet this somehow feels like her."
"It is her. Blue and Yellow were her favorite colors, and she wanted to constantly be surrounded by them. Here's her portrait!"
"She's a lovely Lady! Very imperious, though."
"She really was both, Nathan! Let's just say she lived up to our name for her," laughed Elizabeth.
"But she gave me this," he reached for her hand and held her ring finger. "And for that, I am forever indebted."
"I still can't believe I have her ring, now your ring. She would have loved you, Nathan!"
"And I already love her! Darling, we only have a small bit of time. Come sit! What would you like to drink?"
"Oh, can we celebrate our book-signing with just a sip of Champagne? I'm afraid any more might upset my tummy!"
"A sip of Champagne for the Lady it is!"
Nathan twisted the bottle just so, to release the cork, resulting in a celebratory loud boom along with a slight spray of fizzy bubbles.
Both couldn't help but laugh, and laughing together felt good.
"Nathan…"
"Not now, Lisbeth," he said the words softly with the kindest of eyes. "Everything will be all right. Let's talk about it later tonight when we have enough time to really talk and settle it once and for all. For now, let's just celebrate what we've just accomplished and enjoy these quiet moments together."
"But…"
He placed his index finger over her lips, and stretched for the Champagne Flutes, grabbing both of them in one hand, then handing them off to his wife.
He poured the slightest amounts as she held the glasses watching him intently the entire time.
She was bursting with apologies, but he was right. They needed to talk, and there was no way everything that needed to be said could possibly be said in this timeframe.
She just felt so guilty because she knew she had hurt the one person who was most precious to her in the world.
But Nathan wasn't acting any differently than the adoring husband he always was, whom she loved with all her heart.
"To us, and our literary endeavors!" he offered with that crooked grin of his.
"To us, and our literary endeavors!"
They clinked their glasses, each took a couple of sips, and then both set their glasses down in order to focus on each other.
He first propped her feet up on a huge ottoman.
"I worry about you tiring, but you look so beautiful, Lisbeth. Breathtakingly beautiful. This gown will look lovely for one of our New York City events."
But as he said the words, other things were on his mind as his lips fell gently to her clavicle and traveled up her neck with the softest of kisses.
She didn't deserve him, the guilt was consuming her, especially since she realized she had so easily succumbed to the fear she thought she had conquered, they had conquered together.
How could she have been so weak?
"I'm so sorry, Nathan."
"I know you are. As long as we're together and open with each other, we can't fail, Lisbeth. Do you believe that?" he asked looking up at her, his face as close as it possibly could be to her own without touching.
She thought she felt the flutter of his eyelashes against her skin.
"I do believe that, with all of my heart," she whispered, barely able to breathe.
They kissed each other hungrily, finally with nothing between them because her issues had been set aside, and each relaxed a bit, knowing they'd resolve everything tonight just like Nathan said.
But for now, before they faced everyone again, this was what they needed.
Each other.
And a few stolen moments alone…
As it was almost time to leave for the Ball, Elizabeth retouched her hair at Granda's dressing table, then started touching up her makeup, while Nathan washed his face and brushed his hair at the lavatory, then splashed on some of his cologne that Godfrey had left there.
Granda's apartment was so isolated that Nathan almost wished he and Elizabeth were staying here, but then somehow, he knew Grace would never hear of that, as their own bedroom was extremely nice and in the thick of the family action!
Of course, they wouldn't want to be this far away from the children, so in fact, Grace had placed them perfectly.
As he looked into the mirror, Nathan's mind wandered back to his discussion with Godfrey, wondering what the Butler needed to talk to him about.
Then he remembered that look in the Conservatory that he had seen each morning, at least once if not more during most breakfasts, and he was then sure he had a pretty good idea what the subject, or more correctly whom the subject of the coming discussion was going to be.
And the thought made Nathan smile.
Godfrey, of all people, deserved happiness, and if the elegant Miss Bertie made him happy, he was a lucky man indeed!
What was even better, it was quite evident that Godfrey made Miss Bertie happy!
The more Nathan thought about the two, the more he realized just how well they did go together, and he couldn't help but smile, as he was fairly certain that new romance was in the air.
After straightening his tux jacket, and completing one final check in the mirror, Nathan walked into Granda's bedroom till he was behind Elizabeth, standing there watching as she finished putting on her lipstick via the mirror at her Granda's dressing table.
Elizabeth glanced up at her husband's reflection, and got butterflies, as though she were a teenage girl.
She couldn't help the resultant gasp that escaped her partially done lips.
"Are you okay," asked Nathan, concerned.
She giggled.
"It's just that I have the most handsome husband, and sometimes that just pleasantly surprises me all over again!"
As soon as she finished and put away her lipstick, he kissed the back of her neck as a way of thanks for the compliment, then reached to help her up from her chair.
"Are you ready to dance, Love?"
"With you? Absolutely. These few moments alone have been heavenly. Thank you, Nathan! Oops, hold still," and she reached up to straighten his tie just slightly.
"Twenty minutes alone? With you? How could it be anything else but heavenly! It's Godfrey, we need to thank," he winked.
"Yes, we definitely do. There you go, perfect!" she smiled.
His hands fell from her waist to caress their babies.
Then he bent to her tummy and whispered.
"You two Little Munchkins ready to attend your first dance?"
Elizabeth giggled.
"Munchkins, eh? Well, I don't know about the two 'munchkins,' but I know your wife is ready!"
That was when Godfrey knocked on the door.
"Coming, Godfrey!" called Nathan, as he offered his arm to his beautiful, glowing wife.
He touched her face, ever so slightly, tenderly moving his roughened hand along her jawline, and she could see all the love in the world reflected there in his handsome face and those brilliant blue eyes.
"I don't know what I did to deserve you, Nathan Grant, but I'm so thrilled you're by my side."
"I love you so, Lisbeth! It seems I can face anything with you by my side…even a formal Ball!"
"Touche!"
Godfrey cleared his throat as the door opened to reveal a jubilant couple.
"Ah, the privacy was just what you needed!" he winked.
"Yes, indeed it was. I don't know how you got to be so brilliant, Godfrey, but Elizabeth and I are forever grateful! Not just for tonight, but for all the many things you do for us, our parents, and the children, to make all our lives better each and every day!"
"It's my honor, Sir! Shall I escort you to the Ball?"
Elizabeth grinned before she answered Godfrey with a broad smile.
"The Grants are ready to shine, Godfrey…"
After traversing the rather lengthy distance to the Grand Ballroom, Godfrey opened wide the Ballroom Doors to reveal a most exquisite Ball taking place.
The Full String Orchestra was in place at the far end of the Ballroom on a gilded elliptical dais, raised just enough so that the music wafted over the many people in attendance.
Happy couples were waltzing around the room, delighting in each other, enjoying the music and the light-hearted spirit that was everywhere, as well as the perfect summer night.
This was a true Summer Ball overlooking the grandest of gardens in full bloom with a glorious view of the Sea in the distance.
The walls were covered in the palest blue damask silk with life-sized landscapes hanging everywhere that had to have come from European masters.
White marble floors gleamed underfoot, forming the perfect stage for all the marvelous dancing that was sweeping across it throughout the night.
Candelabra lined the walls with lit tapered candles that flickered throughout the massive space.
The huge cascading Chandeliers were too numerous to count but magnificent in their bearing, bringing the entire massive room alive with sparkling light that appeared like stars lost in the blue ceiling above them.
All the wide glass doors along the Garden wall had been opened to allow a gentle summer breeze from the Sea not far beyond to coolingly waft over the dancers.
The setting was gorgeous as the scents from the garden joined with the abundant white flowers that appeared to be everywhere around the room, identical to the same white flowers that lined the Grand Entry.
The white against the pale blue was exquisite, serving as a backdrop for the gorgeous couture gowns, swirling about.
The entirety of the Grand Ballroom was quite extraordinary to behold, yet Nathan still couldn't quite comprehend that this elegance was part of the same house his wife had been born and raised in.
The entrance to the Grand Ballroom was indeed breathtakingly Grand, drawing you into the magical space as though it belonged in some ritzy hotel instead of a home, although in this case, the home was clearly a mansion.
Nathan and Elizabeth stood on the gilded circular dais, with flowers all around them, waiting with Godfrey to be introduced when the current waltz came to an end.
William immediately noticed and hurried to greet his Daughter and Son.
He was determined the honor of introductions would be his tonight, and his alone.
He kissed Elizabeth and embraced Nathan, and smiled as the two waited for their introduction.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, may I present our guests of honor, my Daughter and Son, Elizabeth Thatcher Thornton Grant, and Nathan 'N.A.' Grant, our visiting authors extraordinaire! Enjoy this magnificent evening!"
There was thunderous applause throughout the Ballroom, receiving their guests of honor, and though Nathan would have rather been anywhere else, he bowed his head slightly in gratitude for the accolades. Then with a smile, he held up his wife's hand to lead her onto the Dance Floor while the Music was just ending one waltz, as the lovely 'Summer Waltz,' a favorite of the couple began. (*128)
"You didn't tell me how very grand," he mused.
"I didn't want to scare you away! The Thatcher Ballroom is the largest in Hamilton. And as thus, many High Society Functions are held here, along with many Charitable Functions as well. This room has adapted to whatever the need has been over the years, from emergency hospital, to classroom, to church. You name a community need, this room has fulfilled it, as well as all the magical nights it has held for dancing and romance."
He smiled, and drew her closer.
He had one goal. And that was to get closer to the fresh open air. To achieve that goal, he had to move her across the entire ballroom's width, toward the open doors overlooking the garden.
As he swept her across the dance floor, people started to move back, leaving a wide swath for them to dance so elegantly within.
There was a collective gasp, as they were shocked this Mountie from Hope Valley could glide across the floor so elegantly, as well, if not better, than any Gentleman dancing in this vast Ballroom.
But neither Nathan nor Elizabeth could miss one familiar couple. As they passed Viola in Anthony's arms, the couples exchanged nods with the most brilliant of understanding smiles. It seemed that the Townsends were enjoying the Ball as much as anyone there!
It was the first time Nathan could remember ever seeing Viola totally relaxed while having a grand time, full of fun. Her whole countenance had changed and she was indeed more beautiful than he had ever noted before. Was it love?
Both Elizabeth and Nathan hoped so, and it looked like their hope was being fulfilled right in front of them, as Anthony was also beaming!
Only the Family wasn't surprised about the younger Grant's dancing expertise, since they had observed the couple dance numerous times together, and they knew what a glorious couple they were, literally commanding any dance floor they chose to reside on.
The Hamilton guests were smitten, though, unable to take their eyes off this beautiful couple whom the Ball was being held in honor of.
As soon as the Waltz was completed, Nathan and Elizabeth were besieged by well-wishers, with Nathan's goal of fresh air at least temporarily halted.
"Is there nothing that man can't do," muttered Charles, who had held out thinking the Chief Inspector couldn't possibly beat him here on the dance floor, but just after one waltz, he already had.
Charles turned, and there was Julie.
"May I have this dance, Miss Thatcher?"
"Only if you don't mess up and call me Elizabeth!" ordered Julie.
Charles chuckled, then took her into his arms, and as they began to dance, there was a silence between them till Julie finally spoke.
"You know, Nathan, my new Brother-in-law, is really quite amazing, handsome, and wonderful too. The kindest man I've ever met!"
"Do you have to remind me? I thought…"
"You thought my sister was going to end up with you. Don't you remember, when you two graduated, I warned you it was a lost cause?"
Charles snickered.
"You did, didn't you?"
"I did! The two of you didn't love each other, Charles! You never did. Elizabeth was your conquest. You don't even know what you would have done with her had you gotten her!"
Charles thought about that, and although he didn't want to admit it, Julie was right.
"Charles, when you turn me, look toward the right corner of the room."
Charles did as Julie asked.
"What?" he asked.
"Emily Hanover has been in love with you since she was sixteen years old, but the only one you ever saw was Elizabeth. Look at Emily, Charles, she is absolutely gorgeous and as lovely as they come. Why not make the effort to get to know her before men a whole lot smarter than you do so?"
"I don't know how to give up Elizabeth," he admitted. "I think she's become a habit!"
Julie laughed, raring her head backwards.
"You mean the thought of Elizabeth. You've never had her to give up, Charles. That's an impossibility. My sister is madly in love. And I reiterate, she was never, and is never going to be yours to give up! She loves you, Charles, but only ever as a friend. And you know that! Now, Emily, on the other hand…"
Charles eyed Emily, a blue-eyed, raven-haired beauty, and was shocked to find someone just as beautiful as Elizabeth, someone even more elegantly refined, and someone that could always make him laugh.
His heart had been breaking all night, but one look at Emily, and something stirred inside him.
And if he were to be perfectly honest, although he wasn't quite ready to do that with Julie, Emily stirred something inside him that Elizabeth never had.
He was silent as he finished the Dance with Julie, but she wasn't.
"Be a man, Charles, a real man. I dare you to dance with her!"
"You dare me?" he asked incredulously.
"I double dog dare you!" she practically screamed back, causing everyone around her to stare at them.
She blushed slightly, then spoke in a much lower voice.
"I double dog dare you!"
"Julie Thatcher, you're on!"
Julie looked up to see a fire in Charles's eyes that had never been there before.
"And while we're at it, Charles, isn't it way past time you leave Father's employment and open your own company?"
He looked at her blank-faced.
"H…how did you know?" he stammered.
"I'm not dense, Charles!"
He had been scared, and she knew it. She also knew he was holding on to the impossible dream of her sister. Better to dash both dreams at once, and get this man moving!
"You could have the most beautiful, wonderful life Charles, but you've been wasting it all on my sister!"
He couldn't argue. That was exactly what he had done all these years. And he knew it.
As the waltz was coming to a close, he bent and robustly kissed Julie.
"Ewe…" she balked.
"Julie, you are beautiful and brilliant. You just watch me!"
Julie was left dumbfounded, as Charles made his way to her father.
She was so intrigued she had to move toward them so she could hear.
"Mr. Thatcher, I know one shouldn't mix business with pleasure, Sir. But this is important. I'm giving my two weeks' notice as of now. I have a company to build, and a life to live!"
"Charles, I knew you had it in you! Why do you think I kept you at Thatcher Shipping so long? Proud of you, Son, and the very best of luck with your new company. All I have to say is it's about time!"
Charles accepted William's firm handshake, along with his support.
"I've learned from the best, Sir, and for that, I'm truly most grateful!"
And that was how the chain of Kensington Fashion Boutiques was born that would soon be envisioned throughout all of Canada, the United States, and Great Britain.
Julie was in a state of shock. Little did she know there was more to come. A lot more!
She watched as Charles scanned the ballroom.
Was he searching for Emily?
Julie scanned the Ballroom as well, and sure enough, Charles soon found Emily.
She edged as close to the couple as she could possibly get without being super obvious, and couldn't believe the words coming out of Charles's mouth.
"Emily, you look devastatingly beautiful tonight. I was wondering, would you be my date for the remainder of the Evening?"
"Charles! I…are you sure?"
"I am."
But Emily was hesitant.
"Charles, can we walk out onto the Balcony and talk?"
"Of course," and Charles took her arm to escort her to the Balcony overlooking the Garden.
The two stopped at the Balcony wall, looking out over the garden and onto the water.
"The truth is, Charles, I won't be second to anyone or for anyone. I've loved you since we were Juniors in High School, but you've only had eyes for Elizabeth all this time. I won't be second to her. And I won't be your second choice either. So, there you have it."
She looked straight ahead, afraid to look into his eyes. Afraid of what she would see. She suspected it would be more love for Elizabeth. And she couldn't take that, not tonight.
"You're right I've only had eyes for Elizabeth all these years. But that was only because I was stupid. She's never loved me Emily. I think I saw her as this thing to conquer to impress her father and secure a position in his company, maybe someday even own it. But I don't want that any longer."
"You don't," she asked in a shocked voice. "Wh…what changed?"
"I just gave my two weeks' notice to Mr. Thatcher."
"You did?" she asked, positively shocked.
"I'm going to start my own company, Emily. A Fashion House. The company I was always meant to start."
"Congratulations," she said without emotion.
"Don't you see, I thought I needed the Thatchers, but tonight I realized, thanks to Julie, that I don't. I don't need Mr. Thatcher, and I don't need Elizabeth. Emily, I've never felt for Elizabeth what I've felt for you tonight. Never. Not once."
She slowly turned and looked up toward his face, still half afraid to do so.
"What did you feel for me tonight?" she asked tentatively.
"I felt a spark, a belief we could change the world together, and have incredible fun doing it."
The two were silent.
"Don't you realize Emily? It's only ever been you who could make me laugh. Only you!"
"That's funny, it's only ever been you who could make me laugh, too!" admitted Emily.
"I think we might just belong together, Emily."
"Hold on there, let's just try dancing together first, Charles Kensington, the Third! Only dancing!"
"Okay, you win. Only dancing!"
She looped her arm in his, but he couldn't resist making one addition with a wink as they headed back into the Ballroom.
"For now…"
(*128) Summer Waltz, W. E. DeWitt, Herrmann Strachauer, 1872, Monographic, Boston, Massachusetts, Public Domain