Chapter Seventy-eight
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Moving and Moving On
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In the final week of April, Archie and Eileen took the train to Calgary, rented a small truck and filled it with furniture and as many family treasures as they could. They planned to make the return trip in two days, with one overnight along the way. When the truck pulled up to the Grant homestead in Hope Valley on Saturday afternoon, there was great rejoicing.
The first to see the truck arrive, Allie cried out. "They're home!"
Her announcement resounded throughout the house and Elizabeth, Nathan and the children hurriedly congregated on the front porch, welcoming Archie and Eileen with warm hugs. With Nathan's call, Bill, Lee and Mike arrived to help unload the vehicle and settle the little house along with fitting-in the belongings the Grants had kept at the row house. Once the unloading and settling were complete, Rosemary arrived to join the men for a large extended-Grant-family meal to celebrate the 'Welcome Home.'
On May first the elder Grants were fully moved and happily spent their first night in their newly-built home. Archie and Eileen were experiencing a second honeymoon phase of their marriage and growing closer with each passing day. Their own home further solidified their commitment to their future together and to Nathan it was especially heartwarming.
Eileen and Archie also continued to cultivate their friendships in the Hope Valley community as they invited Molly or Ned and Florence or Joseph and Minnie or Lee and Rosemary for dinners in their new home. Although entertaining friends had not been part of their early family life, Eileen had honed her skills serving meals to the ranch hands and now with her delicious cooking and Archie's charm and conversational skills, their friends never turned down an invitation to spend time together even though the dinner gatherings were small!
With multiple generations on the same property, family dinners and evenings were easier and Nathan was grateful that Elizabeth had his mom nearby as her pregnancy progressed. The two women happily fellowshipped and shared the responsibility of laundry and shopping and meal preparations, even on days when Nathan, Elizabeth, Allie and Jack needed some separate family time. Since Laura was teaching school and no longer serving as a nanny, Eileen gladly babysat Jack in the afternoons so that Elizabeth could dedicate some time to writing or teaching piano to interested young people in town. Elizabeth was developing a regular roster of aspiring young musicians.
Living so close also made it easier for Nathan and his father to ride into town together in order to leave one vehicle available to the women for shopping, attending doctor appointments and visiting friends.
Weekly Sunday night suppers with Bill and Milk'n'Honey family times became an established tradition for all the extended family members. The Coulters kept extra bathrobes in the guest room closet and the story times allowed Elizabeth to share her children's stories and collect input from all of her expert listeners. Of course, Nathan was relieved he did not have to repeatedly read 'The Tale of Peter Rabbit' much as he loved the children's story!
Together Elizabeth and Nathan prepared mailings of additional stories as they eagerly awaited news on the publishing of the story of Mr. Caterpillar. The publisher's acquisitions editor had contacted Elizabeth to approve a title change to 'Mr. Caterpillar Learns to Fly' but final illustration plans and dates for publishing this first book had yet to be announced. When Elizabeth was under contract to publish a multi-book series she suddenly realized she had found what was in her heart. In addition to being a wife and mother, Elizabeth had a new calling and dedication to teach children through her stories!
Rosemary occasionally offered her design expertise to Elizabeth and Allie as they planned each painting to accompany a particular page of the stories, so together it was a family enterprise. It was not unusual that the Coulters would join the Grants for dinner and when the table was cleared, lay out the stories and artwork on the dining room table. Always thrilled to help her friend in any way possible, when she and Lee joined the Grants for one particular Sunday night supper, Rosemary's effervescence noticeably overflowed.
After a prayer of blessing, everyone began to pass the serving dishes. Nathan observed Lee's telling grin and immediately asked. "So, what is going on?"
Together Rosemary and Lee cried out the news, "We're expecting!"
Although they had hardly sat down to eat, everyone was immediately out of their seats, overjoyed! Laughter, hugs, and exclamations exploded. Excited shouts of "Congratulations" accompanied copious tears of joy and Nathan retrieved extra napkins to pass around. Reaching Lee's seat, he motioned for his friend to stand and enveloped him in a hug. Bill and Archie were next to hug Lee, but Elizabeth, althoughthe first to stand, still hadn't let go of Rosemary. Allie and Eileen and the menfolk had to wait in line!
"Oh, Rosemary!" Elizabeth could not have been happier. "When? How far along are you? How are you feeling? Our babies will be the same age! Have you had morning sickness? Can you eat everything or... This is wonderful! Oh… Oh I am so happy for you…"
Finally escaping Elizabeth's tight embrace, Rosemary welcomed hugs from the rest of the family and tried to answer the questions. "Everything is fine and Faith confirmed this yesterday. I still can't believe it. Our babies will both come in the autumn!" Rosemary paused. "What else did you ask?"
Lee spoke up, "How are you feeling, Sweetheart?"
"Oh yes, that! I'm feeling fine! Isn't this the best news? We are so excited."
Nathan motioned everyone to be seated again. "You're eating for two now, Rosemary! I think this deserves a second prayer of blessing. Shall we?"
Everyone took hands around the table and Nathan prayed. "Lord God, We rejoice at the new life you are bringing into our family! Praise you, Lord! We pray for your protection and loving care for Rosemary and the little one. May that child grow healthy and be a blessing to us all. Thank you for the special gift you have bestowed on Rosemary and Lee, and help us to know how to support them in this new journey. In Your Name we pray."
The family joined in agreement. "Amen!'"
Nights were peaceful in the Grant home and no nightmares returned to disrupt their sleep for which Nathan and Elizabeth were equally thankful to God. Elizabeth's pregnancy was progressing without complications and if she avoided very rich foods, she had minimal discomfort.
Allie was flourishing with Elizabeth's piano tutelage and availability for advance math questions. Allie loved learning new recipes with Elizabeth or her grandmother, and diligently worked on new artwork that the family hoped would accompany more of Elizabeth's children's stories.
Archie was enjoying his work at Coulter Lumber and Lee was grateful for Archie's expertise, especially with so many new orders to fill. Expansion of the Infirmary was almost complete and a dedication was planned for mid-June..
Construction of the new school building and accompanying library had begun and, although it might not be completed before the next school year commenced, the building was on track to open its doors before winter's cold set in.
Nathan had settled into a routine in his office and Commissioner Ash was extremely pleased with both the number of cold and current cases that were being resolved in such a short amount of time. In between investigations, Nathan thoroughly enjoyed re-writing the manuals and, even when acknowledging Providence, the Commissioner patted himself on the back for his part in finding Nathan Grant, the right man for this challenge. Detective Mark was invaluable as he made a few fact-finding trips outside of Hope Valley and, in-between investigative cases, he assisted Nathan with research as he collected historical information in preparation for the History of the Mounties project to begin.
Nathan corresponded with Lucas Bouchard over the course of a few weeks, encouraging Lucas in his fledgling faith and continuing to inform Lucas that he was forgiven all of his confessions. After completing a final letter to Lucas, Nathan addressed the double envelopes and wrote a brief note to the Commissioner.
Before sealing, Nathan read his letter one final time.
'Lucas,
Thank you for your many letters. Each one has surprised us in some way, but we see God at work. As we've said before, we both forgive you.
We are sorry for the choices you made, for the consequences of those choices that you are experiencing now, and for the future consequences before you. Nevertheless, God is with you and will continue to forgive and heal. He still has a plan for you, even behind bars. Ask the Lord for daily guidance and, when you seek Him you will find Him.
To me, the following quote from St. Augustine sums it up. "Trust the past to the mercy of God, the present to His love, and the future to His providence."
We will not continue this regular correspondence now that the air is cleared between us. I believe it is time to return to following the established RCMP procedures between prisoners and Mounties as your case is progressing towards your trial, so this is our farewell letter.
With our prayers,
Nathan and Elizabeth'
Nathan sealed the envelope and laying his hand on it prayed for the Lord to continue His work. Then, patting the envelope, Nathan breathed a sigh of relief. That chapter was closed.
Summer plans for the family trip to Prince Edward Island were finalized and the Grants couldn't believe all that lay ahead. Archie and Eileen would accompany Nathan, Elizabeth and the children on the train to Hamilton where they would visit with William and Anne in the Thatcher mansion for a few days. This would allow everyone to enjoy the parks, horseback riding and outdoor play before the next leg of the train journey. Anne also planned to take Eileen, Elizabeth and Allie shopping in preparation for their seaside holiday and they returned with beautiful flowing, summery dresses and straw hats. Anne also purchased brimmed, straw hats for the menfolk although very much doubted they would wear them. Still, instead of the red and white striped hat bands she opted for solid navy blue… just in case!
From Hamilton, William Thatcher arranged for a private railcar to accommodate the entire family, thereby allowing the railcar to be switched and connected to another train in Montreal. Their railcar would meet a ferry for the one hour crossing of the Northumberland Strait from Cape Tormentine, New Brunswick to Borden-Carlton on Prince Edward Island. The biggest surprise was that the S.S. Prince Edward Island was new and a large enough ferry to accommodate multiple railcars and automobiles. With Thatcher Shipping and Transport's considerable connections, William had arranged for the family's railcar to take the ferry across and connect with a train on the Island to take them to Charlottetown. There they would disembark to spend two nights at the Victoria Hotel before hiring automobiles for the final drive to the north shore.
Upon arrival at the Dalvay-by-the-Sea estate, Allie and Jack were overwhelmed with all the new experiences, sights, sounds and now, smells of the salt air. Instead of running and exploring the enormous house and surrounding porches, the children held back, shyly clinging to the hands of their grandparents.
"Welcome, ladies and gentlemen, and Miss and Master too! I am delighted you have arrived safely and I'm certain you will thoroughly enjoy your stay on Prince Edward Island! If you will follow me into this parlor, I will inform you of the arrangements." Mr. Burns led the way and, once the family was seated, introduced himself and explained. "There is a group of friends, three older couples actually, and one honeymoon couple staying one more week who are here at this time. You may see them at meals, but the place is so large only half of the rooms are occupied, so you'll enjoy a lot of freedom and privacy."
"Our cook, Mrs. D., posts a couple menu choices a day in advance and you can choose the mealtimes at that time as well. If you chose to picnic or take a day trip we can provide a sack lunch with advance notice. Breakfast is a buffet served in the dining room from seven to ten each morning."
"A morning or sunset sail is available from a friend of ours, again with advance notice. I would recommend you sign up as a family and you will sail as a private party in that manner. Croquet is set up on the front lawn for anyone to enjoy and a badminton net is located on the side lawn. Mallets, ball, shuttlecocks and rackets are located in the covered wooden boxes on the side porch. A horse and wagon or carriage tour of the Anne of Green Gables inspirational sites is available on Tuesday and Thursday mornings."
"Weather-permitting, a band concert takes place every Friday evening under the gazebo and is open to the public. A schedule of readings or concerts is posted in the entryway and, by ticket only, these are open to outside visitors. Your attendance is included in your stay, but to assure enough seating, we ask you to please reserve your seats by signing your intent in the entryway guest book. All these events are available to you in addition to a library of books to enjoy, board games, jigsaw puzzles and more. There is also a piano in the Seaside Room which is available to you guests apart from the scheduled concerts. If you need assistance please look for the bell-pull in any room and someone will come to help you. Also, if you need childcare to allow you to attend an event, my daughter, my wife and I are available." Mr. Burns stopped to be certain he had covered all the information. Satisfied he had, he asked if they had any questions before he took them for a tour of the home.
"Thank you so much for all of this, Mr. Burns. This is more than any of us expected, but I am certain this will be a family holiday to remember!" William extended his hand to Mr. Burns.
Murmurs of agreement circulated around the room.
Mr. Burns pulled Nathan and Elizabeth aside. "Mr. and Mrs. Grant, once you get your parents and children settled, I will escort you to your cottage and inform you of adjustments in the schedule that are unique to you. Please meet me here in the front parlor when you are ready?"
"We will. Thank you, Sir." Nathan placed his hand on the small of Elizabeth's back and they began the tour.
On the second floor, the family had been given a bedroom wing that included an open sitting room with wide windows at the end of the hallway. At the beginning of the hallway, and closest to the stairs, was a set of double wooden doors that could be closed to keep a curious young boy contained and safe!
"Dad. Mom. Look! A four-poster canopy bed! So dreamy and lots of pretty purples too. And look, a window seat that looks out on a flower garden!" Allie exclaimed hurrying from one item of furniture to the other. "And a vanity with a stool! I feel so grown-up!" White eyelet curtains, vanity skirt and bed-skirt assured the room felt feminine and summery. Continuing the theme, embroidered floral pillows on a white background graced the bed. Watercolor prints of flowers adorned each wall and a vase of garden flowers sat on her dresser, next to a few seashells. A small fold-top desk sat beside a window and Lucy Maud Montgomery books were lined up between bookends on the top of the desk. This was a retreat designed perfectly for Allie Grant!
"What a special room, Allie-girl. Perfect for making summer memories, drawing and writing all your stories, eh?" Nathan remarked, happy for his daughter. "Let's go check on Jack's room next door now."
"Look! Look! Look!" Jack spun around in the middle of the bedroom carpet. Unable to verbalize his delight, he hopped up and down as he took in his big-boy room. The bed was wide and so high he needed to climb steps to get to the top of the mattress. Walls were paneled in polished wood and the fabrics' color scheme was dark blue and white. Photos and paintings of sail boats hung on all the walls. In keeping with the nautical theme two pillows adorned the bed, one with an anchor and the other with a ship's wheel. "I love it! I love it all!"
Blakeson's room was next to Jack's and also sported a sailboat theme, but had an additional special treat on the mantle. A model ship held the place of honor and garnered a lot of interest. While the Thatchers and elder Grants were directly across the hallway from the children, William and Anne's room sported a collection of sailor's valentines displayed on the walls and mantelpiece.
When Archie and Eileen entered their room, they both had tear-filled eyes. Over the mantle was a stunning oil painting of waves and grasses along the seashore. Antique photos of sail boats and seaside views filled other walls with another oil painting of a village set behind salt ponds and marsh grasses hung over the bed. The dark woods of the furniture stood out perfectly from the pale blue walls and the drapes, upholstered chairs and bench at the foot of the bed were a subtle pale blue and brown shell pattern.
Eileen gasped in delight and grabbed hold of Archie's arm as she took in the sight. Archie placed his hand on that of his wife and they walked the room admiring all the details. Open windows let in salty, sea breezes and the sea view was delightful. They paused to listen to the distant calls of the seagulls. Lovely twin floral arrangements sat on either side of the mantle and the fragrance was light and fresh and sweet. They drank in the scents.
Having moved on from the years of trials and hurt and having found a deeper love than they thought possible, this holiday together promised to be Eileen and Archie's honeymoon to remember.