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A HOPE VALLEY CHRISTMAS

Chapter VII

"The Sunday to Monday Before Christmas"

"Withhold not good from them to whom it is due,

When it is in the power of thine hand to do it.

Say not unto thy neighbour,

Go, and come again,

And to morrow I will give;

When thou hast it by thee (at present)."

Proverbs 3:27-28*

. . .

The Café, decorated beautifully with brand-new Holiday trimmings following Rosemary's lead, was abuzz with Sunday Morning Church-goers, rushing to fill the entire space for lunch.

Allie, dressed in a pretty red and green plaid wool dress with a red bow in her hair, was in her element, thrilled to be eating a fancy Christmas Break lunch with both her Father and her Uncle Bill, who was currently busy in the kitchen.

But having placed her order, she was now the social butterfly of Hope Valley, flitting from table to table, greeting all her friends.

Her reserved Father sat quietly, saving their table in front of the window, as person after person came by, complimenting him on his solos from this morning's service. All of which was very kind of them, but Nathan was chagrined that not a single person left before they pointedly and not so subtly mentioned something complimentary about Elizabeth!

As the last person, at least for the time being, went to their table, the Constable just shook his head.

Could these people be any more obvious?

All he wanted was to get on with his life, apart from Elizabeth, as she had made it so. And yet, at every turn, there she was.

Even now, glancing up and through the wreath in the window, there she was again, literally standing outside chatting away with a couple of parents, dressed in a winter-white coat, causing Nathan to gasp at her beauty.

How could she just keep getting more and more beautiful? And especially so since her recent breakup. Could Allie be right that her teacher had made a grave mistake?

He jerked his head, forcing himself to look away, to get back on track, a track that did not include Elizabeth Thatcher Thornton.

Nathan quickly grabbed a weekend paper, the Holiday Edition no less, and busily started reading in an effort to avoid conversation with the Café's newest diner.

But in spite of his attempts to avoid her, as she entered, his keen observation skills told him in one covert glance that Elizabeth looked very different from the few times he had seen her coming in and out of the rowhouses, as well as the day they had taken Jack Christmas Tree hunting. And most differently from the last time he had seen her in town.

That had been the infamous day of the very public, highly heated break-up juxtapositioned against a majestic and peaceful Cerulean Sky, only two short days ago.

He had steeled himself from the moment that encounter had occurred, yet despite his best efforts, his thoughts kept meandering back to her, making the intense pain she had caused all that time ago resurface, no matter how hard he tried to alleviate it.

There was definitely a new air about her that he couldn't remember seeing before.

But today, he refused to watch, just as he had not even glanced in her direction this morning at Church, although he couldn't help overhearing as Rosemary jumped up to greet her.

"Elizabeth, you look so different! In a good way!"

He heard Elizabeth's excited answer, too, full of softness.

"I am different, Rosemary, in the best of wonderful ways! God has forgiven me for all the horrible things I've done, and I feel like a monstrous weight has been lifted from my shoulders! I'm truly happy for the first time in a very long time."

Had he heard right? Elizabeth had asked God to forgive her? Had that included what she had done to Allie and to him? Was she truly sorry?

"I believe I can actually face the Holidays now!" she added.

"Here, let me warm up your Coffee, Son! Hmm, Elizabeth sure looks a hundred percent better without that man hovering over her!"

"Bill, stop!"

"My, touchy, aren't we? You finish reading whatever you're attempting to read, and I'll have our meals out in five!"

Nathan sighed, this time with relief.

Surely, with Allie's chatter, even though the entire town would be watching, he could get through a single meal…

"Wow, Uncle Bill, that was the best meatloaf I've ever had! Oops, sorry, Dad."

Wisps of Elizabeth's and Rosemary's conversation were floating through his head.

"What? Er…no offense taken, Allie."

"Dad, may I go to Emily's and see her Christmas Tree with Opal after we finish eating? Her mother says it's okay. Pretty please?"

Nathan swallowed and nodded, unable to drown out the noise of Elizabeth in his head.

"Dessert, Son?"

"Bill, if you and Allie don't mind, I need to pass on dessert, and ride out to check on Mrs. Wilson's calf."

What he didn't say was that he simply needed to get away from Elizabeth to clear his mind, and if anything could do that, taking a ride on Newton, would.

In his uniform, as he was officially still on duty, Nathan rose, causing quite a stir at that nearby table whose conversation he kept overhearing.

"Elizabeth, are you okay?" asked Rosemary.

"What?"

"Your face just blanched white."

"Oh! No…no, I'm fine, Rosemary. Truly fine!"

Nathan stooped to give Allie a kiss.

"Be good, Allie, and behave! I'll see you at home for dinner. Don't be late."

"Sure, Dad! I won't be."

"Bill, thanks for lunch," and Nathan turned to leave.

The Judge just shook his head.

"Somethin' tells me, Kiddo, that Dad of yours doesn't even know what he ate!"

Allie giggled, but then as she noticed Mrs. Thornton blush close by, she understood.

"Uncle Bill, can we talk? Adult to adult?"

"Anytime, Sweetie! Shoot!"

Allie cleared her throat and assumed her most grown-up tone.

"We've got to do something, Uncle Bill. Dad isn't himself."

"Tell me about it! And sadly, Girl, we both know why."

"Well, you're older than me, so what can we do?"

Bill chuckled.

"Doesn't mean I have the answers, Kiddo! Wisdom about some things doesn't always come with age!"

"I know! This is complicated, right?"

"I'll say! But here's our Chocolate Cake with Homemade Peppermint Ice-Cream. Thanks, Minnie! I say we dive in…"

Out on the farm, checking Mrs. Wilson's newborn calf, Nathan was relieved to see what appeared to be a very healthy baby.

He smiled, watching the little one suckle; no problems there!

A thorough check showed no nasal mucous, her eyes were bright, her ears perked, and the calf was breathing easily. The skin around her neck was elastic when pulled back, showing no signs of dehydration. None of the joints were swollen, although, its legs were still a bit wobbly, which was to be expected at this early stage.

"All in all, a very healthy specimen, Mrs. Wilson! I think we're in the clear. Just be sure she gets lots of water over the next few days, so she doesn't become dehydrated. And watch her closely for any signs of infections, via discharges or swelling of any kind."

"You are a Saint, Constable Grant! I don't know what I would have done without you with my Farm Hand gone! I've got some breads and goodies for you to take to your Sweet Girl! Oh, I hear Elizabeth has finally come to her senses. Thank the Good Lord up above! You two make the most darling couple! Pfft! That other guy was the biggest mismatch I've ever seen in all my days!"

Nathan cleared his throat, and patted the mother and her child one last time, while politely ignoring the obsequious comment. Then with a sigh, he followed sweet Mrs. Wilson into her kitchen, where both diligently washed their hands.

But then Mrs. Wilson went to her huge pantry.

"Here's a Figgy Pudding I made last night, to go along with your Christmas cookies. I threw in some of my best homemade Jams and a few canned goods too, along with the Sweetbreads! Hope you two enjoy!"

"My goodness, this is more than we can ever eat!"

"Take it. Keep the Figgy Pudding in the Fridge, and it will last till Christmas! The cookies will last through the week too. Save some of the canned items back, if you need. But who knows? Perhaps you'll have someone and her son to share it with soon in the form of company," the elderly lady smiled.

"Mrs. Wilson, that ship sailed a long time ago!"

"You never know, Son, there are return voyages, you know," winked the elegant lady, as she loaded Nathan up, standing by Newton. "Why Mr. Wilson and I couldn't stand each other the first time around, but when he came back from college, well, now that's another story entirely!"

She chuckled, and Nathan couldn't help but join her.

"You're a precious soul, Mrs. Wilson. Thank you for all this!"

"Thank you, Dear Boy! From the bottom of my heart!"

Nathan waved as he rode off, having no idea where he was headed, but relieved to be heading there alone.

Why he couldn't even escape Elizabeth out in the countryside...

Before too many miles, Newton automatically took his master to a familiar place, a place both loved, although now, in reality, it only held bad memories for Nathan.

Bill's land.

At the partially-frozen stream, Nathan dismounted, remembering.

He sat on the log, kicking his boot against the snow-covered dirt clumps, deep in thought.

"I can't," she had said.

He recoiled as he could feel her slipping away all over again.

Why hadn't he been more experienced in the ways of love?

Why hadn't he stopped her?

Why hadn't he kissed her?

Perhaps actions would have been more beneficial than words.

Instead, by declaring his love, he had pushed her full throttle into Lucas's arms.

And deep inside, he knew it!

"Why did it have to happen this way, Dear Lord? Why? We had something so beautiful, and she just threw it away! Now, for nothing. She's lost us both. Although with him, I still don't think she had much to lose."

He watched as Newton mosied to the stream for icy refreshment.

"Where is my refreshment, Lord? Where is my solace? Why, oh, why can't I put this all behind me? Where is my peace?"

Suddenly, a sunray beamed its way over his stretched-out form, warming his body, and comforting his very soul. His questions were answered, making it very clear, his refreshment, his solace, was in the Lord, just as it always had been. He just needed to turn this mess over to Him, too.

And that's exactly what Nathan Grant did.

Craving sweet peace, the Constable knelt in the snow, wet jodhpurs, boots, and all, and gave his conundrum, his pain, as well as his love for a woman that would not go away, all to the Lord on High…

As he and Newton made their way through the bitter cold, Nathan planned to stop at his office to check on a couple of expected telegrams.

His first view of the town lightened his spirits. How could one look at this picturesque town dressed in its Holiday finest, and not be encouraged? He was viewing love in action, as the people had come together and given their all to make this gift of beauty possible.

Before he forgot, he needed to get a treat for Newton from inside his office and fill his water trough from the well out back.

But when they reached his office, Nathan was astounded to find that Newton's trough was already freshly filled with water, and a nice, shiny red apple sat on the edge of it.

Dismounting, Nathan picked up the apple, ran it against his serge out of habit, although it wasn't needed, and fed it to Newton, who was thrilled with his shiny treat. Then Nathan loosely looped his steed's reins around the post so he could easily drink, while Nathan went inside.

As he opened the door to his office, the wonderful aroma of steaming hot Coffee hit him in the face once again.

And there on his desk lay a huge piece of Chocolate Cake. Wait, what was this? A bucket of ice with two dips of Peppermint Ice Cream in the center and a Candy Cane on top!

Bill simply had to stop this!

Nathan wasn't used to being pampered.

And the thought of not knowing who it was from, if not Bill, really irked him.

Mostly because the alternatives, especially one, were troublesome.

"But, Grant! You certainly can't pass up Chocolate Cake with Peppermint Ice Cream and Hot Coffee!"

He eagerly poured him a cup, and sat down gingerly, still unsure whether or not he should believe what would most definitely be Bill's denials to come.

As he ate his delectable Cake and Ice Cream, he scanned his telegrams.

"Good! Nothing that can't wait till tomorrow!"

He stretched back with his dessert, and placed his long legs across his desk, just as Bill entered.

"Hey! How did you get that?" asked Bill.

"From you, Bill. Come on, enough is enough. Fess up!"

"I love you and all, but sorry, Son, this is not me! I've been busy washing up from our lunch!"

Nathan sighed and quickly finished eating his anonymous treat.

"I don't know about you, but I've got to go get Newton stabled. I can't take any more surprises!"

"Hmph, wish somebody cared enough about me to do nice things for me and give me treats around Christmas!"

Both men walked out onto the Boardwalk, admiring the bunting and evergreen around them.

"Lucas is lying low," noted Bill in a low voice.

"Well, he can stay low as far as I'm concerned."

And in one elegant gliding movement, Nathan was astride Newton, nudging him toward his stables.

"See you later, Bill!"

And with a tip of his Stetson, Nathan was gone…

At the stables, Nathan slowly led Newton to his stall, ready to spend much of the afternoon caring for his beloved horse.

However, he was shocked to find Newton's stall clean as a whistle! Especially, since it had been in utter disarray earlier. In fact, so much so, Nathan had planned to take a good hour or more to clean it.

"Hey, Seth! Did you clean Newton's stall?"

"Not me, Constable! But sure does look nice, doesn't it?"

"Yes, mighty nice. Why this morning's water has already been drained and replaced with fresh, and Newton's feed is ready to eat!"

"Looks like all you have to do is get that bridle and saddle off and give him a good brush down, Sir!"

"Right. Seth, did you see anyone do this?"

"Afraid, I just got here, Sir!"

"Could you keep an eye out?"

"Of course, Constable. All of us watch after Newton…"

Walking home, Nathan wasn't at all sure what was happening, and he wasn't at all sure what he was going to do with the rest of his day.

He glanced at his watch.

"Two whole hours alone," he muttered to himself.

Maybe he'd start re-reading one of his old books.

As he neared his rowhouse, he noticed Elizabeth coming out of Rosemary's carrying an empty basket and holding onto Jack.

He tried his best not to look, yet he couldn't help but notice how relaxed she looked. Better than she had ever looked with Lucas, even when he was wining and dining her!

Maybe she really was better off without him.

"Na'tan!" shouted Jack, running to him as fast as he could.

"Jack! How are you doing, Buddy?"

Jack reached for Nathan to lift him, which he quickly did.

"There you go, up to the skies!"

Jack giggled, followed by his infectious laugh.

"Hello, Nathan! Your songs were beautifully done this morning! They were truly breathtaking. Thanks for finally sharing your wonderful voice with us!

"Thank you, Elizabeth."

But then there was nothing for either to say.

"Jack, come, we have to get you in from the cold. Tell Nathan goodbye!"

"Bye, Na'tan! Me wuv ou!"

"I love you too, Jack..."

Nathan turned to his porch, not wanting to watch mother and son retreating to their own home.

Taking the steps two at a time, he raised his eyebrows, as he saw a box sitting in his door frame.

He reached to get the box, then opened his door, took off his coat, laid the box down, and hurried upstairs to change out of his serge.

Downstairs, dressed in his casual clothes, he started a fire in the fireplace and one in the kitchen stove for warmth.

After making a pot of hot tea, he stretched out in his easy chair, stretching his long legs across the large ottoman.

But then, remembering he needed to find a book to read, he got back up to head toward his bookcase.

Before he did that, though, he thought he'd better open that box and see if it was something important.

"Well, I'll be."

There, in his lap, was the exact same book he had been meaning to order, the very one he had wanted so desperately to read.

It was "The Magnificent Ambersons," a newly published historical novel that had already won the Pulitzer Prize! The book chronicled the changing fortunes of three generations of an American dynastic family. The protagonist was George Amberson Minafer, an arrogant, spoiled grandson of his wealthy grandfather who had founded the families' wealth. The story was about this powerful man's grandson and his gradual descent from the highest aristocracy in the land to the lowest of the working classes. A most humbling journey. And in the storytelling, the book had much to say about the social history of the United States, something that interested Nathan, the historical buff, greatly. (*22)

But how could this be? No one knew. He had said nothing about wanting this, even to Allie. And definitely not to Bill.

More puzzled than ever, Nathan sighed heavily, then went back to his comfy chair excited to read, although concentrating was hard.

Not because of the book at all. It was even more fascinating than he had expected! But who knew this was the exact book he wanted so desperately?

After he had read at least six chapters, tired from his early morning and full day, Nathan Grant fell asleep sprawled across his chair…

And that was where his daughter found him, with his new book spread open across his chest, just before their regular dinnertime.

"Dad! Dad, wake up!"

"Allie?" stretched Nathan, covering his eyes with his hand.

"Look what I got, Dad. This present was on our porch! And it has my name on it? Isn't it pretty? May I open it, please?"

"Of course, if you want to," he answered hesitantly.

Allie tore into the beautifully wrapped red package, first untying the huge bow.

"Dad, look! It's a whole set of sketching pencils for my drawing!"

"That's truly wonderful, Allie. Does it say who it's from?"

"No, Sir! No card, no anything! Just the sketching pencils, and look, Dad, there are so many! All different colors too! I love them!"

What could Nathan say? He couldn't possibly dampen his daughter's enthusiasm. Yet he was growing very concerned…

Early, Monday morning, after he had fixed Allie a light breakfast to eat and grabbed a quick cup of coffee for himself, Nathan saw that his daughter was situated for the day before he left.

"Now, Allie, I want you to come into town to my office at lunchtime, and we'll go to the Café for lunch! Sound good?"

"Two days in a row? Yes, Sir!"

"And Allie, I want you to keep your doors locked, do you understand me? Both doors!"

"Do I have to?"

One look told her yes. Nathan didn't want to say, but he felt he should be cautious where Allie was concerned. What if this stranger wanted more than to leave gifts?

"Yes, Sir! I'll be careful. I promise. But can Opal come over so we can paint together?"

"Yes, just use the kitchen table and clean up after yourselves."

Actually, it made Nathan feel better that Allie would have someone with her for the morning.

She'd be at the Switchboard for the afternoon. No, today, she would be at the Infirmary helping Faith, something new Allie wanted to try to see if she might be interested in medicine. Nathan had agreed to let her balance both during her Christmas Break, but after school started, she would have to choose one.

"Have fun, Allie!" and Nathan kissed the top of her head. "Love you, Sweet Girl!"

"Love you, Dad! See you at lunch…"

As Nathan trekked to the Livery to get Newton, he went over everything that had seemed to magically appear, while trying his best to figure out what was going on, but again, purposefully excluding the one probable suspect who had the power to greatly complicate things.

Imagine his surprise inside the Livery, when he found Newton in full Mountie regalia just standing there in his stall, with blanket, bridle, saddle, and all, like he was wondering why his master was late!

"Who did this, Boy?"

But Newton seemed so happy he wasn't telling, and none of the stable hands were in sight!

Nathan meticulously checked every single thing to make sure Newton had been safely prepped for riding.

Not a thing was out of place.

Thank goodness, it had been someone who knew what they were doing!

Otherwise, they could have caused an accident!

And with that thought, Nathan knew his list of suspects had dwindled considerably, down to two.

"Come on, Newt..."

Newton, ever obedient, followed without Nathan even holding his bridle.

But the pair soon ran into the Judge.

"Bill! This has got to stop!"

"What has to stop?"

"Somebody…never mind. You'll just deny it anyway!"

But what if Bill was actually telling the truth?

It was a possibility Nathan had to entertain, whether he wanted to or not.

"Deny what, Son? I just had breakfast! But I do need to talk to you about a case I have today that might get rowdy."

"Follow me, Bill," sighed Nathan, as he knew it was impossible to keep Bill from sharing...

When the men reached Nathan's office, both seemed surprised to find Newton's trough newly filled with fresh water, but there was a carrot sitting on the edge today, instead of yesterday's apple!

Inside, was the steaming hot pot of coffee, now becoming a regular addition, with a breakfast box on Nathan's desk.

Nathan poured them two cups, and the men sat, reviewing Bill's case as they drank their coffee.

"It looks like I need to make an appearance in full regalia around 2 P.M. That should take care of any outbursts, Bill!"

"I'd appreciate that, Son! Hey, I did tell you about Allie's Adoption Party, didn't I?"

"Allie's Adoption Party? No, Bill, you did not! But I think you're confused since Allie's adoption is over and done with. She's my daughter now legally, Bill, and thankfully, nothing's going to change that!"

"Of course not. But think about it. Thanks to Elizabeth's craziness, Allie's actual ceremony was pretty much it! Nathan, the whole town should have been there celebrating with you and especially our girl, Allie! And that's why this town is going to throw the biggest Surprise Adoption Party ever! Are you in?"

"Bill, have you even discussed this with Allie?"

"No, it's a surprise! Besides, my granddaughter loves parties, Nathan. I don't have to discuss it with her! Anyway, it's already planned and done!"

Nathan rolled his eyes.

Obviously, there was no talking the 'town' out of this one!

"Do I even get to know when?"

"Oh, sure. Coat and tie, tomorrow evening, 5 P.M. sharp, at the Café!"

"Well, since I don't have a choice, I'll be there! But how am I going to get Allie dressed up on a Tuesday evening?"

"That's your problem. Just both of you be there promptly at 5:15 instead of 5 to give us a chance to prepare! All spiffed up, too! Oh, and bring a gift! A really special father-daughter gift!"

"Bill, there's no time to go to Union City or Buxton!"

"Florence has ordered in quite the selection just for this very event. In fact, she's already got several things for you to choose from. She'll wrap them too, free of charge!"

Then with that directive and an undecipherable grin, Bill was out the door, finally leaving Nathan to eat his breakfast in peace.

"Good grief! Peach French Toast, Peach Syrup, Bacon, and Eggs just like I like them! Biscuits and peach jam too. Couldn't have ordered better myself…"

As the day, wore on, someone or 'someones' was/were taking Pastor Canfield's sermon seriously.

When Nathan tried to pay for his and Allie's lunch at the Café, he was told it had already been paid for. But who? The Café had already emptied out from the lunch crowd.

At day's end, he walked to the Infirmary, so he and Allie could walk home together.

"This is nice, Dad. Just you and me! And everything looks so Christmasy and pretty!"

"Yes, it is very nice, Allie. Hey, how about Chili and Cornbread for dinner tonight? Sound good?"

"Sounds great, Dad! Especially if I can put Grandmama's onion and pickle relish in it!"

"You're as bad as your Grandfather!"

"Woo hoo! Allie, Constable Grant! You have these packages that were requested to be delivered this afternoon!" called Florence, who was running directly to them with the two packages in her hands.

"Who are they from, Florence?" asked Nathan, seriously.

"Afraid there's no name. They were dropped on our counter when I walked into the back storage to find a certain kind of shovel, and poor Ned was helping a customer with some type of odd grain. Afraid the both of us haven't a clue!"

Nathan let out a slow breath. What else could he do, but accept the packages?

Especially without knowing what was in them.

"Thank you, Florence. But if this happens again, can you please let me know who the person is…"

Father and Daughter walked on home, companionably, each carrying their package.

Allie was excited while her father was becoming more and more puzzled, or perhaps more and more frustrated would be a more accurate description.

As they reached their rowhouse, there was a wicker food hamper, one neither had ever seen before.

"Yay, a picnic hamper! That means we've got food, Dad!"

Nathan lifted the hamper as Allie opened the door. And both went in, quickly maneuvering out of their winter gear.

Allie went straight for the hamper.

"Dad, you aren't going to believe this! This hamper is full of Chili, Cornbread, and Brownies! Here's the exact dinner we were going to make!"

"Allie, that's impossible!"

"It is, Dad. I promise! I'm going to go change before I open my gift!"

"I'm right behind you, Allie!"

All Nathan could do was shake his head, climbing the stairs behind his daughter…

"This Chili is really, really good. Dad, I think it's Miss Minnie's. She made it for me one day when I was visiting Angela."

"Hm! It is really good. That's for sure."

"But these aren't her brownies!"

Nathan trusted his daughter's taste since she was as skilled as the Mounties in matters of observation.

"I just don't understand all this, Allie!"

"I say we just enjoy it. I told you it was Christmas magic!"

"Yes, you did," chuckled Nathan.

"Dad, may we open our boxes, please?"

"Yes, how about we go sit by the fire? I want to finish my new book!"

Both got cozy, under their afghans and opened their boxes.

Allie shrieked, and Nathan let out a low whistle.

"Dad, look at these lures! They're the bomb!"

"Allie, these lures are very expensive. Much too expensive to give as a gift! I would give them back, but I don't know who to give them to!"

"I say we use them and go fishing, Dad!"

Why couldn't Nathan just sit back and enjoy this attention, like his daughter?

It wasn't a bad idea!

But the truth was, he couldn't.

Something just didn't make sense.

And it brought all his spidery Mountie senses to the forefront…

. . .

*21. Proverbs 3:27-28, The Holy Bible, King James Version, Public Domain

*22."The Magnificent Ambersons," Booth Tarkington, 1918, Public Domain