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Chapter Ninety-two
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Family Joy
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At Depot, Nathan made a quick call to the Thatcher row house in Hope Valley, hoping to catch William. As he answered, Nathan was jubilant. "William! It's Nathan. Elizabeth and I are courting!"
William could hear the joy in Nathan's voice even before he spoke the words, but as the words reached his ear, William reacted in a most undignified manner. He whooped! "Yes! Yes! YES!"
Nathan could hear the tears in William's voice. "You have no idea how happy we are, William! I'm overjoyed to hear your reaction too!" Nathan chuckled.
Barely calming his excitement, William inquired. "Tell me, Son. How did this happen?"
"We have been through ups and downs this week, William, but after a particularly difficult misunderstanding we found our way to truth and confessed our love for each other. Then, yesterday, we spent the day together and went on our first lunch date, then baked cookies and talked and talked, and then talked some more. Elizabeth read me a very special letter last night and, as we sat together watching the fire, I just asked! As you can guess, her answer was an immediate 'Yes!'"
Nathan chuckled, remembering. "William? I confess, we are doing things out-of-order. As Elizabeth mentioned at lunch we spoke our love to each other before our first date!"
Laughing, William assured Nathan. "Son? It is your life, your love, your courtship. You may do it as you please. Just inform everyone before the wedding please? Oh, and as I said, you already have my blessing for that!"
"Well, we are not there yet!" Nathan grinned. "But you have my word I'll be in touch!"
"I know you will! So does Grace know yet?"
"Elizabeth joined Allie and me for breakfast so we could tell her and Elizabeth was planning to tell Grace when she returned to the main house." Nathan explained. "Our plan is to call my folks later this afternoon, then we will tell Carol and Peter and the news will become public!"
"Oh! I hope Grace calls me! I wish I was there, but I know you both needed the space to find your way." Admitted William. "For now, I'll let you go, Son, but let me pray for you quickly?"
"Yes, please."
"Dear Lord, This is a joyous answer to many years of prayers. Prayers sent heavenward by Nathan, by Elizabeth, my guess is by Allie as well, by Nathan's parents and Grace and me. Thank you doesn't seem like enough to say, but we are so grateful. Lord, bless and keep them both. Make your face shine on them and guide them. Meet all their needs, including wisdom for each next step, and give them overflowing joy as well as peace. We give you praise and thanks. Amen."
"Amen. Thank you, William. That blessing means a lot." Nathan cleared his throat. "I better get down to work, but keep praying please?"
"Always, my Son. Always. Have a wonderful day… that was an unnecessary remark!" William laughed. "Good bye for now."
Laughingly, Nathan agreed. "Yes. You too and good bye for now."
Glancing at the photos on his desk, Nathan felt a rush of joy. He quickly opened the back of the framed photograph of young Allie and himself, sliding out their photo to reveal the hidden 'keeper' photo of Elizabeth and him at the Flynn's wedding reception in Hope Valley.
'Finally, this photograph can see the light of day! Thank you, Lord, for Carson's foresight to take this photo and gift a copy to me.' Nathan studied Elizabeth's face preserved behind the glass and gently traced it with his finger. He set it on his desk in a place protected from the sunlight pouring through his window. Nathan tucked Allie's photo into the small Bible he kept inside his top drawer, making a mental note to find another frame to keep that one safe and back on display.
'Now to get some coffee?' Nathan glanced at the clock with a sudden realization. 'I know I won't be able to hide my grin from Wes, so maybe I will go observe some classes to keep myself occupied today?'
Nathan found his notebook and pen, then wrote a quick note to Wes telling him he'd be in classes most of the day and he would see him at the concert this evening.
His mind having wandered during the quiet of a quiz in the horsemanship class, Nathan had decided to collect his lunch at the mess at noon and return to his desk for a project he had thought would bless Elizabeth.
Pulling out some sheets of typing paper, Nathan began to fold one page to make an envelope. It wasn't turning out as he remembered. Yuriko, the Japanese woman who taught Allie and Nathan how to make these origami envelopes, had been hired by the owner of the boarding house to clean, make beds, do laundry and assist with meals. It was her influence that resulted in Nathan's enjoyment of rice!
A plain piece of paper should form an envelope that, when unfolded became the page upon which you could write a note. "Oh! The original paper has to be square!" Nathan exclaimed under his breath with a sudden remembrance.
Having cut a new page to become a square, Nathan tried again, folding the page diagonally, then forming a small crease in the center of the longest side. Once he made the remaining folds, the envelope's flap fit perfectly in the small diamond-shaped pocket on the back. "Excellent!"
After completing ten of them, Nathan opened one to begin a note to Elizabeth. He intended to give her a series of notes to cover the days she would be on the train plus those days back in Hope Valley before his first letter would arrive. On the first page Nathan wrote:
'My dearest Elizabeth,
I miss you even though I am writing this while you are still in Regina. I am praying for you and for God to lead you, lead us as to when you should make the move. I hope it will be soon!
Elizabeth? You have been the love of my life since you walked into the Hope Valley office that day, so long ago. At that moment, you walked into my heart. There has never been another woman to compare with you and I thank the Lord for you every day.
I love you beyond words, my dear Elizabeth. You have my whole heart.
Always yours,
Nathan'
Letting the ink dry before refolding the first note, Nathan pulled out the next envelope and unfolded it.
'Elizabeth, my dearest,
As I gaze at your photograph, I long to see you in person. To see your beautiful face, to look into the ocean depths of your sapphire eyes and to someday taste your kiss, to hear your melodious voice and your lilting laughter, and to feel the softness of your blushing cheek. The fact that I can cause that blush continues to amaze me. What a privilege to call you mine and to belong to you, My Love.
I long to feel you squeeze my hand and to draw you close to my side, to inhale the fragrance of lilies-of-the-valley. So you! Yet now I know the time will come! This is not just a dream…
So, tonight I will see you in my dreams, until we are together again.
Grateful, and joyfully yours,
Nathan'
In another note, Nathan shared more words infused with love and promise.
"My Sweet Elizabeth,
As I ponder our week together, I remain amazed at all that God accomplished for us. I am guessing the good people of Hope Valley will be incredulous, although I believe many will be happy and relieved. I predict Bill will say, 'Finally!' I will probably call him before you arrive.
You are the answer to the prayers of many!
My dearest Love, the most beautiful of Creation's seasonal offerings pales before you, for you are God's creation just for me. I am honored and blessed and at times rendered speechless. So for now, I will leave you with this expression…
You are my forever love,
Your Nathan'
Having completed a half-dozen notes and glancing at the clock, Nathan decided to fold his pages and place them in a larger envelope in his briefcase, He then decided to observe one more class before he would depart early. Without hesitation, Chief Superintendent Tim Stewart had permitted Nathan's taking both yesterday and few hours of this afternoon off, plus had given permission for Zachary to attend the concert in town to support his niece.
In her bedroom at the Collins's home, Elizabeth laid out her evening clothing, shoes, shawl and clutch. She decided to wear her new grey coat with the silvery fur collar. The dress she had chosen on their shopping excursion was a silver-colored silk, the slender skirt overlaid with beautifully draped, loose layers cut on the diagonal and alternating with a matching silk in a leaf pattern. The neckline was simple and the sleeves long, cuffed and buttoned with the same leaf pattern as on the layers. Although she rarely wore heeled shoes, her new gray leather ones would be fine since Nathan was so tall. She had always been cautious to wear low heels when with Jack, but that was no longer a concern.
Crossing to the dressing table, Elizabeth chose a long string of sterling silver beads she had purchased in Union City, which complemented her silver drop earrings. She wore her grandmother's sapphire which was set in white gold on her right ring finger. Searching in her traveling jewelry case, Elizabeth found a couple gold chains for Allie to wear around her neck. They would match her gold earrings and be just the finishing touch to wear with her new dress. She carefully laid them in a handkerchief, wrapping and folding them to keep the strands safe from tangles.
Lifting her hairbrush Elizabeth brushed out her waves, deciding on a thick braid. Winding it around at the base of her neck she formed a low chignon and, once pinned in place, she searched for just the right accessory. Finding a silver filigree comb, she deftly pushed it into place. The view in the hand mirror as she turned on the seat confirmed that it was the right choice. 'Oh! Where is that gray silk scarf? I might need that if there is a breeze or any flurries!'
In Grace's bedroom, she debated as she looked from one outfit to another. Due to the formal venue, she decided on a navy silk dress with matching lace accentsthat she had purchased in Union City. The bodice was the new loose style, nevertheless she wasn't quite ready to go out in public without her corset! She brought out the woven shawl that William and gifted to her, deciding to wear it as a scarf under her long navy coat and then keep it around her shoulders during the concert. She clipped a small bunch of silk flowers that coordinated with her shawl onto her navy hat, chose long gold chains, bracelets and dangling earrings. Elizabeth had promised to style her hair in a French twist, making certain she could still wear her hat. Glancing at the bed and dressing table, Grace approved her choices and went next door to knock on Elizabeth's door.
"Oh! Sweetheart! You will look stunning and Nathan's heart will skip a beat when he sees you in that beautiful silver outfit!" Grace entered just as Elizabeth found the scarf she'd been searching for. "Are you ready to fix my hair?"
Grateful to have missed Wes today, Nathan found a note from him on his desk. 'Nathan, we are ships passing in the night! Pastor Huntley called and requested a call today or tomorrow. Something about reading another poem this week? I may have to visit Knox on Sunday! See you tonight. Wes'
Nathan chuckled to see that Wes might attend as it would be the perfect time to introduce his friend to a certain lovely art teacher! 'Thank you, Lord!' Realizing he better not assume, he added, 'Your will be done, Lord,' as he dialed the Knox Presbyterian Church office.
"Hello, Ellwood. Nathan Grant here. You called about a poem?"
"Nathan! Thank you for calling back. If you are willing, I have a plan for my upcoming sermons and each one coordinates with one of your poems. Would you be willing to read one each Sunday through January second?"
"Oh? You don't think that's too much, Ellwood? I don't mind if you use them or read them yourself. Do you really want me to do that every week? Won't people wonder why…"
"I will introduce the poem each week and mention you are reading this at my request, Nathan. No one will think anything of it, but will concentrate on your words and images. I am excited about this, plus who better than the author to read and get the pauses and inflections as intended? This week will be 'The Journey.' That is such a unique take on the road to Bethlehem. Are you willing, Nathan?"
"I guess so. I mean it is good to get people to ponder during this Advent season and if God can use me in that way, I am willing." Nathan found his notepad and pencil as he asked. "Do you want to give me a list of the others?"
"Yes! Pen in hand?" Ellwood Huntley read his choices for the next four weeks. "Oh, I forgot, on Christmas Eve I would like to have you read 'Night it Was.' Combined with special music, carols and the children's pageant, I will make that poem the message for the evening."
"Uh, Ellwood? Allie and I are singing a duet for that service and she is assisting the children. I don't want it to be a Grant family service. Would you please read that poem? I will gladly go over it with you ahead of time if you are concerned about the cadence and all. It will have more import coming from you." Nathan offered. "I will gladly read on the five Sunday mornings."
"Oh? Okay, I see your point! I'll take care of Christmas Eve. Thank you so much, Nathan. Your words will enrich the Advent season for all of us." Ellwood admitted. "By the way, will you be attending the concert this evening? My two sons will be singing in the chorus again this year!"
"I will indeed. Allie has a solo part so we are all very excited." A sudden thought came to Nathan. "You know you may be the one to ask since you have attended before. Is the attire formal? I mean I have a tuxedo. Should I wear it?"
"Some do and some don't, Nathan. I would advise you to inquire about what your date will be wearing if you have one, or ask the Commissioner? This is my wife's special dress-up event of the season, so I have a feeling I will come home to find she has laid out my tuxedo ready for me to wear!" Ellwood chuckled. "Seeing that I am in a pastor's robe every Sunday, she has fewer opportunities to even see me in a suit, so I don't mind!"
"Well, I get that as I am so frequently in my serge that I enjoy a suit once in a while. Can't say I relish the necktie, but so it goes!" Nathan laughed. "I better say goodbye as I now have another item on my list for the afternoon. Maybe I'll see you tonight?"
"I'll look for you, Nathan, and thank you so much! God bless you." Ellwood signed off.
"God bless you too!"
On the way home, Nathan stopped to get two bouquets of roses, hoping the florist had the deep, rich red he so loved. He emerged from the shop, with the perfect color, a dozen for Elizabeth to celebrate their courtship and a half dozen for Allie to give to her after the concert. Flowers safely laid on the passenger seat, Nathan headed home to talk to Elizabeth and get out his tuxedo.
Reading, Elizabeth was waiting in the Cottage when Nathan returned home. He heard her voice as he opened the door, so he quickly hid the roses behind his back. "Good afternoon, Lisbeth!"
She rose from the sofa and came to meet him at the door. "Hi, Nathan."
"Oh, Lisbeth! Your hair looks beautiful! You look beautiful! I have something for you to celebrate our courtship." He brought the deep, red roses from behind his back, whispering, "For you, My Love."
"Oh, Nathan! These are beautiful!" Taking them from him, Elizabeth lifted them to her face, inhaling their heady fragrance. "Thank you!"
"You are welcome, Lisbeth. Since you are here, may I keep Allie's with yours? I'm thinking of asking if Peter or Carol could bring them to the Hall as I want them to be a surprise for Allie at the end of the program." Nathan asked hopefully.
"Nathan… you are so amazingly thoughtful. You have this courting and fatherhood mastered. Allie is going to be so touched." Elizabeth's eyes glistened to think of Allie's surprise. "Of course we'll keep them together in my bedroom and I'll give them to Carol when you come down here to change later. Allie will never guess!"
"Thank you for helping with the surprise…" Nathan hesitated. "You know? I keep wanting to call you 'Honey.' May I? I know I use that endearment for Allie, but may I use it for…?"
Elizabeth placed her finger on his lips, quieting his words. "Shhh. I would love to be your Honey, Nathan. I am liable to use the same term for you though." She looked at him coyly and he was almost undone as she reached up on tiptoe and kissed him on his cheek.
Choosing humor to make himself more comfortable, Nathan responded. "Honey, eh? My mother is the only one who has ever called me that!" He grinned, continuing softly, "I think I like it though!" Shedding his overcoat he hung it on the coatrack and followed Elizabeth into the kitchen to find a vase. "I have a situation to discuss before we can call Mom and Dad."
"Oh?"
Finding a vase below the sink, Nathan straightened and began to fill it with water. "Would you like me to wear a tuxedo tonight?"
"A tuxedo? Oh, Nathan! Really? Yes, please do!" Elizabeth exclaimed excitedly. "May I see it? What necktie will you wear? A Bowtie or?"
As Elizabeth set the roses in the vase, Nathan spoke quietly. "Follow me. I prefer to wear straight neckties when possible. I have never been a fan of the bow. Maybe because I hate to tie them?" He laughed as he opened his closet and reached to the back to extract a fabric garment bag. He hung it on the corner of the door, unbuttoned and unfolded the cover to reveal his tuxedo jacket, trousers with the satin side stripe and crisp white shirt with a wing collar. "I have either a black or white waistcoat and either black or white bow ties or neckties. I have all the options because you never know what the Mounties will require! In this case I will let you decide what is proper, Lisbeth, but you will need to tie the bowtie if that is your preference!"
After making her choices, Nathan laid them on the bed, laughing. "I knew you would choose a bow tie! There was a certain gleam in your eye when I mentioned it! Now, will you please wait in the front room so I can change out of my serge? I'll go casual for our soup supper, then change afterwards."
As Elizabeth walked down the hallway after closing his door, Nathan could hear her enthusiasm.
"Ohhh my! This is so exciting!"
"We better call Mom and Dad. Are you ready?" Nathan had carried one of the dining chairs over next to his desk chair. He held the chair for Elizabeth, then sat beside her and lifted the receiver.
"Dad? Good afternoon! Is Mom nearby? Could you get her to the telephone? We'll wait."
Had Nathan been able to see into the little house in Calgary, he would have seen his father shrug his shoulders and take Ruth's arm to lead her to the telephone table near the door. Ruth's expression was one of excitement even before she heard any news. Somehow, mothers seem to know!
"Hello, Son. We are both here!" Ruth said, trying to retain her composure.
"Well, I am seated here with Elizabeth. Mom? Dad? We are officially courting!"
Ruth burst into sobs and with his arm around his wife, Archie was having difficulty not crying tears of joy himself. "Oh! Nathan! Elizabeth! This is just wonderful news!"
"Isn't it? We think so!" Nathan, concerned because his mom was sniffling and hadn't yet spoken, asked. "Are you okay, Mom?"
"Oh, Honey! I am overcome with happiness. God bless you both, you dear children! God has answered our prayers." Ruth looked into Archie's face. "Our prayers, Archie! God has heard and answered after all these years!"
"Yes, he has, Mom. Tonight is Allie's concert and we have to go up to the main house for supper, but would you like to speak to Elizabeth for a moment?"
"Yes, please! Oh, Elizabeth, Sweetheart! I have heard so much about you… from Nathan and from Allie and from Archie when he went to Hope Valley. I am sure you are more beautiful than they describe, but just know I long to see you! I am so grateful for all God has done!"
"Oh, Mrs. Grant. I am too. It is lovely to speak to you, but I look forward to seeing you in-person. Hello again, Mr. Grant. I'm glad I got to meet you a few years ago, but grateful to learn that you and Mrs. Grant are reconciled. We all have so much to be thankful for! God has been very good. I am healing and finding great peace as I trust God, but now I know such joy to be courting dear Nathan. I can assure you that love him very much."
"He is worthy of all your love and devotion, Elizabeth, but you probably already know that, right? He is the best young man I know and he will treat you like royalty, Elizabeth. I know, because he has always been devoted to me and we all see his devotion to sweet Allie." Ruth sniffled slightly. "It has been so long and I couldn't understand why God hadn't provided a woman to recognize and love our dear Nathan. Finally, he has."
"Yes, Mom, he has." Nathan agreed. "I couldn't be more grateful or happy. As Elizabeth said, its been hard for us, and for Allie too, to keep our heads out of the clouds today!"
"Oh, Son? How is Allie with this news?" Archie asked, concerned.
"She is overjoyed! Evidently this was her birthday wish this year, and I know she has been praying for Elizabeth every night. I imagine she has silently prayed for God to bring us together as well!" Nathan chuckled. "She has asked me pointed questions at times! Checking on her old Dad's heart!"
"Ah ha! I bet. She is probably so excited she will be getting a little brother too, right?" Archie asked.
"Well, we aren't engaged yet, Dad, but it is hard to not think ahead so she is excited about young Jack! He isn't here with Elizabeth on this trip, but I hope he will come next time!"
Elizabeth spoke up. "When he finds out that I've been with Mountie Na'tan, or Daddy Na'tan as he has said more than once, he will be anxious to visit as soon as possible!"
"How long are you staying, Sweetheart?" Ruth had known Elizabeth had come because Nathan had called for prayer earlier in the week.
"I'm here until Tuesday's train. I have to go home because Jack's birthday is on Christmas Eve, but I hope to travel back here soon after." Elizabeth looked at Nathan as he draped his arm around her shoulders, approvingly.
"I wish we could talk longer, Mom and Dad, but we have a schedule to keep with our special chorister today! Thanks for all your prayers and please continue? We have so much to learn and plan and discuss and dream about!" Nathan was grinning and it could be heard in his voice.
"Of course, Son. You, and Elizabeth, have our daily prayers. Allie too! Please tell her we wish we could be there in-person, but she'll have to write and tell us about the program and all the details!" Archie couldn't wait for another long newsy letter. Allie's letters were the best!
"Oh I will. I am sure you'll get a long missive describing her night, the music, the hall, her new outfit, everything and more!" Nathan chuckled. "We need to go now though. I love you both!"
"I am sure I love you already, knowing your wonderful son. Lovely to talk, Mr. and Mrs. Grant, and thank you for your prayers." Elizabeth concluded. "Good bye for now!"
"Good night, dear girl." Ruth responded. "Good night, Son. Give a hug to Allie? Oh, Elizabeth dear, give a hug to Jack and we include him in our prayers now as well."
"Thank you." Elizabeth responded, eyes glistening.
"God bless you both. Keep in touch, okay?" Archie requested.
"Of course, Dad. Love you and love you, Mom! Good night."
"A tuxedo, Dad? Wow! This is a big deal!" Allie grinned having caught a glimpse of the formal wear laying on her father's bed. "Mrs. Thornton, Dad rarely wears a tuxedo! Of course it would have been out of place in Hope Valley, even at weddings, but we are privileged tonight! Wait until you see him!"
"I understand that Grampa Peter will be wearing one as well!" Elizabeth mentioned.
"And Reverend Huntley too!" Nathan shared as he asked. "Did you know he has two sons in the Boys' chorus?"
"No, I know I've seen them at Youth Group, but I don't really know who is in the Boy's Academy chorus. Well, except for Jared, of course. There were so many of them, and all in their uniforms, when we rehearsed together in Page Hall, I couldn't identify individuals!"
Glancing at the clock, Nathan said, "Allie-girl? Do you want to keep your uniform on till after supper? Oh, and Elizabeth are you going to help Allie with her hair, or?"
"Oh, Mrs. Thornton, would you?"
"I'd be happy to, Allie. Also, I brought some gold necklaces for you to borrow. Taking the folded handkerchief from her pocket, Elizabeth continued. "I think they will be perfect with that rounded neckline. Shall we go work on your hair now?" Nodding at Nathan, Elizabeth calmed his concern. "It won't take us long, Honey." She blushed and smiled at Nathan. "That just slipped out!" She giggled as she followed Allie down the hallway.
Nathan followed to watch from the doorway and was glad when they decided on a simple style that kept Allie's hair long and over her shoulders As Nathan sometimes did for her, Elizabeth suggested she just roll the sides back and tuck in a hair-comb.
"Allie! I have just the barrettes to use instead of the combs. They are gold toned and will be perfect. Let me fix it with combs now and we'll get the barrettes when we go up to dinner!" Elizabeth admired Allie. "There. Okay?"
"If you think they'll match then, yes. Perfect!" Allie stood and quickly hugged Elizabeth then turned to her father. "See that didn't take long, Dad! Are you ready to go for supper?"
Upon arrival at the main house, Grace was waiting to speak to and hug Nathan. As soon as he handed the vase of roses to Elizabeth, he turned to Grace as she engulfed him in a strong hug. Whispering into his ear, she offered her congratulations. "I am beyond happy, Nathan. You and my Elizabeth are perfect for each other and you have my daily prayers. Allie too! We'll talk more soon."
"Thank you, Grace. Sorry that everything is so rushed tonight! We'll talk later maybe?" Nathan patted her shoulder as she backed away. "I spoke to William this morning. Did you talk to him?"
"Oh my goodness! Did I ever. We are already making plans!" Grace winked then took Nathan's arm to head into the dining room together.
Returning from her bedroom, Elizabeth took her seat next to Nathan.
After the hot bowls of chicken noddle soup were served and Peter had given thanks, Nathan winked at Grace and took Elizabeth's hand. "Uh, Peter? Carol? We have some news. Elizabeth and I are courting!"
Silence ensued as they absorbed the news, but it was quickly followed by laughter, tears and exclamations of joy. "Oh! God be praised!" Carol exclaimed.
Peter practically shouted, "Yes!"
"You know, right, Grace?" Carol asked, knowing the answer as she saw Grace's shining eyes and wide smile. "Who have you told? Is it public knowledge? Oh! I am so…" Carol stood and came over to Nathan and Elizabeth, putting her arms around their shoulders! She leaned between the two of them, saying, "This is just the best news! An answer to our many prayers! Congratulations and all God's blessings!"
"Thank you, Carol!"
Peter rose and went to the couple as Nathan stood. Extending his hand to Nathan, Peter placed his hand on Elizabeth's shoulder and spoke a brief prayer. "The Lord bless thee and keep thee: The Lord make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee and give thee peace." (*32) Peter reverently made the sign of the Cross, concluding, "Amen."
"Yes, Amen. Thank you, Peter." Joining in making the sign of the Cross together with Elizabeth, Nathan then opened his arm to give his friend, benefactor and commissioner a hug. "We covet continued prayers."
"You have them, Son. Congratulations to you, too, Elizabeth. You have a prize here."
(*32) Numbers 6: 24-26, King James Version, Public Domain
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