Hope for Tomorrow
Chapter 15
Page 43
Flamin Mamie came on stage with thunderous applause. Apparently she had been touring throughout the province and had gained raving reviews. News traveled fast with the telephone now, so tickets had been selling fast. The ladies didn't know she was going to be singing, in fact most of them never even heard of her. Rosemary, of course, not only heard of her, but knew quite a bit about her.
"I never miss the latest on the inside scoop of the celebrities. One can never be behind on these things, we have to keep up with the famous personalities," Rosemary declared confidently. "In fact, when I was a star, the photographers followed me around."
"Rosemary, who is Flamin Mamie?" Elizabeth asked, "is she a movie star?"
"No, right now she's famous for her sultry singing style. You'll see how she works the crowd."
"Yea, the men are sure enjoying this!" Molly grumbled.
Mamie was dragging her long silk scarf around the men at each table and blowing pouty kisses to each of them. Men who had empty laps, Mamie would sit on, while running her fingers through their hair, that's if they had any, while singing a seductive song.
The Hope Valley men were behaving themselves for the most part, but a few, like Mike and Kevin, had their laps available and inviting. Dee was relieved that Nathan had his legs tucked under the table as did Lee. The retired Mounties were singing along with Mamie, "A Good Man is Hard to Find," which caught her attention. She looked over to their table not knowing who she was dealing with as they weren't in uniform. As she continued over to them she sat on Christopher's lap. He laughed enjoying himself so Mamie grabbed his hand walking him up to the stage with her to join her in song. That's when Nathan excused himself got up and left for the restroom.
Over at the ladies' table, Dee had just told the others that she was leaving for the restroom. She explained to Rosemary that the baby was always laying in a position now that was causing her to use the restroom more often, and someday soon she'd know what she was experiencing. When she entered the hall where the restrooms were, she rushed inside and just missed seeing Nathan as he turned the opposite way for the men's room.
The music was very loud and rowdy now. Elizabeth and Flo were hoping that the soft piano music would start up again soon.
Kathy nudged Sue and was telling her, "You know Sue, this Mamie person is way too racy for my taste!"
"Oh, I agree," Rita nodded.
"Look the men are actually being well behaved though!" Kaye spoke up.
"Except for Constable Christopher Herrmann, he's right there having a swinging time with that woman!" Molly said in a disapproving tone.
"Well, he's not married, so that explains it," Rosemary interjected.
When Dee came out of the restroom, she practically bumped into Nathan.
"What are you doing here?" she cried out stopping dead in her tracks.
"I'm here with the men for Bill's party, so what are you doing here?" Nathan asked incredulously.
Dee began to laugh, "we've been here for quite some time, celebrating Molly's bridal shower!"
"I didn't know you were coming here!" Nathan joined in the laughter, "what a funny coincidence. Wait until the others find out!"
"Maybe we shouldn't say anything," Dee suggested.
"Why not?" Nathan was surprised.
"Let's not say anything and then when Dr. James Scholl comes out to sing, you come and get me to dance and we'll go out on the dance floor, what do you say?" Dee asked with a smile.
Nathan grinned, "I like how you think my clever wife!" he gave her a quick kiss on her forehead and winked, then left to go back to his table.
Christopher went back to the men's table laughing at trying to sing and dance with Mamie. He ribbed his buddies that they missed out on the fun. They all joked at how silly he was up on the stage and imitated him, causing them to roar with laughter.
Nathan joined his table at the same time with a smirk on his face. "Mamie done now?" he checked.
"Yes, you missed Christopher up there, he really was a clown," Lee said.
As Mamie disappeared behind the curtain, James Scholl came out with Dianna Star and they both sang from opposite corners of the stage and met in the center singing "After You're Gone."
James Scholl then sang solo, "When You Look in the Heart of a Rose," which had the ladies swooning.
"Oh, Darlene," Vivian smiled, "he is so handsome".
"His voice is so smooth," Darlene felt giddy.
When Mr. Landis returned to the piano playing as they sang, "Poor Little Butterfly is a Fly Gal Now". That's when Nathan looked over at Dee, got up from his seat and strolled across the room over to his beautiful wife, saying, "May I have this dance please?"
Dee stood up and placed her hand in Nathan's as the two of them smiled widely. "Of course you may!" Dee smiled lovingly.
The ladies sat there stunned, but not nearly as much as the men who had no clue that the ladies were there. As the husband and wife went out on the dance floor, it didn't take long for the rest of the men to come over to their wives and the couples joined Dee and Nathan.
The Chickadees all followed Jane out on the floor as she reminded them how to dance the fox trot. Soon everyone from Hope Valley were enjoying the night and gave both Molly and Bill the floor to dance solo as they glided across the floor.
Hope for Tomorrow
Page 44
The couples were having a fabulous time trying to fox trot together. Jane was in her element showing them the steps on the side of the room as they watched others dancing across the floor. Once they felt confident, they meagerly joined in and it didn't take long for them to be part of the fun. Bill and Molly came in from the dance floor to take a rest and watch their friends.
"This is good practice for our wedding reception, Bill!" Molly pointed out happily.
"These new dances are definitely pushing me out of my comfort zone. I'll be watching more than doing, I'm afraid," Bill countered.
"Oh, Bill, don't be a spoilsport. Jane will teach us privately, all we have to do is ask."
"Humph"! Looking at Molly Bill studied her face as he asked, "How long were you ladies here before us?"
"Long enough to have drinks, appetizers, and dinner. Why? Where were you?"
Molly seemed suspicious.
"We were at the bar to the left of the entrance and had a few drinks before we came into the dining room," Bill answered.
"Why didn't you come in and watch the show?" Molly inquired.
"I'll let you in on a little secret Red," Bill got closer to Molly as he leaned into her he whispered, "we knew you ladies were here!"
"How in the world, Bill?"
"When we parked our own automobiles we noticed the valets parked all of yours right where we were parking. So, we laughed about it, and when we came in we saw all you ladies eating, drinking, and laughing, having a good time! We didn't want to spoil your fun."
"So, instead you sat at the bar?" Molly confirmed.
"Yes, until we heard that Flamin Mamie was going to come out soon. Constable Herrmann decided to really play it up flirting with Mamie, just to get your attention!"
"Oh my heavens, Bill! We thought you didn't know we were there and we quieted down and kept pretty much to ourselves. Although Jane kept insisting we go out on the floor and dance. She wanted us to have fun!" Molly smiled as she shook her head. "I should be mad at you, but it's too comical that we both wound up at the same place."
"Now, look at everyone they're all having a great time!" Bill grinned. Dee and Nathan finished their dance and soon came over to join Molly and Bill.
"Are you two having a private discussion?" Nathan asked.
"No, have a seat," Bill answered.
"Dee please do, I think Nathan has something to share with you!" Molly looked directly at Nathan.
Dee looked stunned. As she turned to Nathan, Bill nodded his head at Nathan and shrugged. "Oh brother," Nathan sighed.
After Nathan told Dee the same story Bill just told Molly, Dee looked shocked, staring at Molly. "Oh my! This is too funny! Whoever heard of a bridal party and bachelor party winding up together in a different town?"
"This has got to be a first!" Nathan agreed.
"I think this worked out better than if we had planned it!" Dee admitted. As they all looked at the dance floor, they smiled from ear to ear. "Look, Kevin is dancing with Elizabeth!"
"Right next to them is Mike dancing with Katie," Molly pointed out.
"All the other couples; Lee and Rosemary, Ned and Flo, Joseph and Minnie, Faith and Carson, and Jesse and Clara are out there as well as Dottie and Henry!" Dee added.
"Hey, some of your Mountie friends, Bill, are out there dancing too, look, Nathan nodded.
Bill began laughing, "Yep, there's Herrmann dancing with one of your Chickadee friends."
As Dee and Molly checked, they saw Janice out there with him.
"Ha-ha! There's John Michaels too dancing!" Nathan added.
"Dee, I think that's Lucianna with him!"
"Good for her, she loves to dance!" Dee looked pleased.
When Lee and Rosemary joined them, of course, Rosemary was filled in on the scoop of the men knowing the ladies were already there. They were delighted too.
Rosemary asked what they thought of Dr. Scholl as a singer. The men were amused, but Dee, Molly, and Rosemary were amazed at his voice.
"He has a smooth velvet-like voice," Dee complimented him. "He could easily give up his dental practice and develop his talent going farther if he went full time."
"We were surprised to see cranky Mr. Landis out there playing on the piano," Lee said.
"From what Minnie explained, he was cranky, if that's how you describe his persona because he missed music. He used to be a music teacher before he was the superintendent," Molly explained.
"I understand that, I would never want to give up teaching music to work for some bureaucracy!" Dee wholeheartedly agreed. "I'm glad he's back in music, and we all are benefiting from it!
With that, they all clanked their glasses and gave one more cheer to Molly and Bill before they headed home.
Hope for Tomorrow
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Saturday in Hope Valley was quiet. Most of those who were out dancing late slept in late and were groggy this morning. It had been a surprisingly happy time last night after the men and women joined in together. None of them had expected how well it turned out!
Having a late night out meant the town was slow getting started. Thankfully, it was a Saturday and time was theirs to use as they saw fit. Nathan was a bit late arriving at the livery so Newton gave him a bit of trouble letting him know he didn't like to wait for his morning grooming and feed.
"Newton, you'll be happy to know that today, you will be joining the Grant family in your new home! We have a nice stable all ready and waiting for you. It'll be really helpful because I can come out to see you any time!" Nathan smiled affectionately while brushing Newton down.
"Now there's a pretty little filly coming to live with you to. She's Allie's girl, and her name is Penny. You met her once before and it seemed like you liked her," Nathan was just about done.
"I'm going to saddle you up and take you for rounds, just like we used to before I got talked into buying an automobile. Just you and me. Ready?"
As Nathan rode Newton out in the country, galloping through the countryside, it was invigorating. They always galloped for a while chasing away foxes, bunnies, and raccoons among other critters. Birds startled, would fly away with their wings flapping as fast as they could. The wind in Nathan's face was exhilarating and he loved the feeling of the rush. When they slowed down to a canter they roamed through the farmland and greeted the farmers working outside with a wave and hello.
Nathan's eyes were always alert and keen looking for any trouble or anything that looked out of the ordinary. It was a relief not to have those Toliver men around anymore, but there would always be others to watch for that would cause trouble. Although, not this morning, it was calm and peaceful just as it should be. Nathan had grown so fond of this town and the people in the countryside, that he felt at home everywhere he looked. Smiles, waves, and hellos were always beckoning him to stop and visit.
His Ma had told him about the new family that attended mass last Sunday in the O'Neill's barn. They were a large Italian family of seven, the Morettis. Mr. Moretti worked for Lee and was a hard worker. Emily learned that Mrs. Moretti was a sister with Mrs. Romano who owned Romano's Italian Diner in Brookfield. Ma had shared with him that the Morettis were staying in a cabin out in the countryside between Hope Valley and Brookfield. This morning, he was riding around looking for their home. He wondered if Mountie Gabe had met them as he wasn't sure if they were living in his territory or Gabe's. He had seen the family in town and figured they were closer to Hope Valley than Brookfield, so he kept searching.
Out in a field he caught sight of a cabin that he hadn't been to before. It was farther out than he had been used to going. As he came closer, he slowed up Newton as they sauntered up to the cabin. He saw a few people outside and as he approached he realized the woman was hanging out laundry and a child was also outside gathering eggs in the chicken coop.
He dismounted Newton and walked up to the woman hanging the laundry, "Excuse me, ma'am, I'm Sargent Grant and wondering if you might be a member of the Moretti family," he inquired.
The woman stopped hanging her laundry and looked at Nathan puzzled. She knew he was a Mountie, but she was a bit unsure of why he came out to her home, "Buongiorno!, how can I help you?"
"Good morning to you too. By any chance are you Mrs. Moretti?" he asked hesitantly.
The woman tucked her loose curls back under her scarf and brushed her apron then shook her head affirmatively, "Si, I am. Is everything all right?"
As she asked, the little girl came running to her mother a bit leery, "Mama, who is this man dressed in red?"
Mrs. Moretti nodded smiling, "Lucia, this nice man is a Mountie Sargent Grant, please say hello."
"Buongiorno!" the little girl whispered, "my name is Lucia".
Nathan knelt down to get eye to eye with her. "Buongiorno Lucia! It's nice to meet you. I see you are collecting eggs. That's great that you are helping your mama."
He stood up and explained that he was just there to meet the family and introduce himself, "There's nothing to be concerned about. Most folks are quite friendly around here. You met my Ma, Emily Grant at the O'Neills last Sunday at mass and she told me about the new family in the area."
"Oh, si, the German lady. She was very nice to all of us. My name is Carlotta, you're welcome to come inside and meet the rest of the family, if you'd like."
"I would, thank you," and with that Nathan tied Newton up to the fence railing and followed Carlotta inside.
There Carlotta introduced him to her husband, Gino, and the other children, "Our sons, Giovanni and Vincent, and our other daughters, Maria, and Natalia."
Gino shook hands with Nathan as they exchanged greetings. The cabin was neat and orderly, and he smelled the homemade tomato sauce simmering on the stove. "Please have a seat," and pointed to the dining table.
As Nathan sat down, Carlotta told Maria to fetch their guest a cup of coffee. When Maria brought the coffee, Nathan thanked her and began by asking when the family arrived and how they came to Hope Valley.
Gino explained that they arrived a few weeks earlier. They were looking to move close to family and Carlotta's sister lived in Brookfield where she and her family owned and operated the restaurant, Romanos Italian Diner. Her sister and husband owned the cabin they were living in.
"When they opened the restaurant, they added living quarters above for themselves yet still kept this cabin. So, when we told them we were heading this way, they offered us their cabin for us. Nice, si?" Gino explained.
"Yes indeed. Are the children in need of a school? We have a wonderful school in Hope Valley, Jack Thornton School." Nathan said.
"Not now, I home-school our children," Carlotta informed Nathan.
As Nathan looked around he noticed a violin and flute on shelves above the sofa. "Who is into music?" he asked.
"All of us!"
"All of you?" Nathan was surprised.
"Si, our family loves to sing and so we entertain at festivals and soon at Romanos. Vincent plays the accordion too. We are going to start a choir at St. James Church." Gino said proudly.
"That is wonderful," Nathan grinned, "My wife is the music teacher and I know she'd love to meet your family."
"Tomorrow," Carlotta suggested, "after mass."
"Well, there's 5 of us, with another on the way. My wife, daughter, mother, and father, so I think we could arrange a short visit. Thank you." Nathan said as he stood up, getting ready to leave.
"Arrivederci, see you tomorrow!" Carlotta and Gino both said as they closed the door.