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Chapter Ninety-seven
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With Songs on Their Hearts
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Nathan and Elizabeth decided to eat their meal in front of the crackling fire, so while they waited for the meal to finish baking they sat on the sofa and Nathan took Elizabeth's hand in his.
"Lisbeth, I am thinking we should discuss accommodations together with your father. He might have some ideas to help us plan. Plus, we will be able to let him arrange for the shipping of your belongings so that you don't have to wait until they are sent from Hope Valley. On my part, I will talk to Peter about the longevity of being posted in Regina and then begin to search for a house for us! But in the meantime, you'll need a place to stay." Nathan raised her hand to kiss it.
"Should we try to call him right now?" Elizabeth suggested. "Since Allie's at the Blake's, we have the privacy. We could try their row house first."
"Yes. Let's do that." Nathan stood, brought the dining room chair to the desk while Elizabeth was seated and began to make the call.
"Good afternoon. Thatcher speaking."
"Father? Oh good you are there. Can you talk with Nathan and me for a few minutes?"
"Of course, Bessie. Let me just tell Hudson to go on ahead with Jack and Patrick and I will meet them at the Coulters. We're having dinner there tonight." William explained.
Elizabeth and Nathan looked at each other with raised eyebrows and Elizabeth whispered. "They were taking care of Patrick too? Will miracles never cease?"
"Okay, I am back. We were just bundling the boys when you rang, so Hudson is on his way." William settled into the desk chair. "What is on your minds, Bessie, Nathan?"
Elizabeth motioned for Nathan to speak first.
"Hello, William. Elizabeth and I have been talking about when she could return and where she could stay. Peter and Carol can accommodate Bill in one room and Elizabeth suggested Jack can be on a cot in her room, but that will only work until the end of the first week in January. Peter has scheduled some major renovations to the bedrooms so their house won't be available for guests until the work is done. My plan is to ask Peter about my longevity in Regina and then, depending on his answer, begin a house search either looking to rent or to purchase a place for after we marry." Flustered as he realized what he had said, Nathan quickly corrected himself. "Ah, I haven't asked her yet… but you know… we are aiming… going in that direction… ahh…"
William laughed loudly on the Hope Valley end of the line. "You two are so refreshingly honest! We all know the direction you two are headed, so it is only a matter of time. Let me interject my plans as they may reassure you that you need not rush the house hunt!"
"Grace and I have been talking and planning ahead." William paused, chuckling. "Actually we are a few steps ahead of you! If you, Bessie, are moving to Regina, then we will make Regina our western base and Hamilton our eastern home. I have arranged for my secretary in Hamilton to handle the pending Thatcher Shipping real estate deal and courier the papers I must sign, so I will not need to travel back home until later in the Spring. I may travel to Vancouver or into the States, but I will do so from Regina. I plan to have David and Hudson drive our automobile from Hope Valley, after settling the shipping and the row houses."
Elizabeth was trying to keep up with her father's plans.
"Are you aware that Le Chateaux Qu'Appelle (*55) is opening soon downtown?" William questioned yet gave no time to respond before continuing. "I understand there is a Grand Opening Gala on New Year's Eve and an Open House on New Year's Day. The management informed me that they officially open for guests on January first."
"The apartments at Le Chateaux that your mother, David and you will be approving on Monday morning are those I am planning to lease. I doubt there will be any concerns as they are furnished, luxury apartments and I will be acquiring a large portion of the floor. Since my investment is substantial, the Hotel has agreed to my terms. We can move in any time after the fifteenth. I had heard from Peter about the construction at their house, so this is Providential! Grace and I will move there first along with Hudson, then you, Elizabeth, and Jack can join us just before the renovations begin!"
Nathan and Elizabeth were unable to form words as they listened, but after a lengthy explanation, William questioned. "Bessie? Nathan? Are you there?"
"Ahem… We are here. I am struggling to find words..." Nathan inhaled quickly. "You have arranged to relocate here to Regina just because we are living here? Wow!"
"Well, of course! We'll have Jack and Allie in Regina and we don't want to miss anything in their lives or yours! I can conduct business from multiple sites now that the telephone system is established out west. And with the new Regina airport I can easily return to Hamilton when needed, that is assuming I feel brave!" William chuckled. "As a matter of fact when you return to Regina, Elizabeth, your mother and I will accompany you and Jack."
"Oh my, Father! This is news!" Elizabeth was gripping the telephone! "Can you arrange to transport my belongings?" Elizabeth queried. "Can we return here right after Christmas? That's the timeline Nathan and I have been discussing."
"Yes, I will arrange for all the packing and moving. I will help with Jack, and Mother and Hudson can help you decide how to pack for now and what things can wait until the future. Since the Hotel suites are furnished, we only need our own linens, china and cooking supplies, plus our clothing and personal books and mementos." Pausing, William realized he needed to explain something else. "Bessie? We will ship everything you want though. I have David investigating a building we can rent to store your belongings until you are ready for them. Your mother and I have been busy!"
Sitting there flabbergasted and speechless, Nathan finally found his voice. "My goodness! You seem to be miles ahead of where we are at the moment!"
"I confess your mother and I have been busy. But we were thinking about some of these things over the past several weeks!" William chuckled. "These arrangements are not new!"
"Really?" Elizabeth was in shock, yet thought of a practical question. "What about the row houses?"
"I have talked to Ben Marshall and he is interested in renting your row house, Elizabeth, furnished! So he'll move the new items I bought to your house, Elizabeth, and I'll just turn this house back to the town to do with it whatever they wish. Ben is staying in Hope Valley and courting the good doctor so he is thrilled!"
"That is amazing. The whole idea of all these moves and changes is daunting and exciting. Both!" Nathan gulped. "Yet it sounds as though we don't need to hurry with our plans, at least regarding accommodations!"
"Exactly. No pressure, Son. I have no reason to remain in Hope Valley once Elizabeth departs, in spite of the lovely friends we have made! You and Elizabeth take the pace with which you are comfortable, Grace and I will be alongside, whatever and whenever you take your next steps!"
Nathan glanced at the clock and realized they had to eat soon. "I'm afraid we must go now, William, as we have to meet Allie at church for our caroling evening. It will take me some time to absorb all you have told us, but I can certainly say thank you!"
"Yes, Dad, thank you for everything. Nathan and I have so much to discuss, and there will be so much to talk about when I get back to Hope Valley as well! But, thank you for all you have done. I am, we are blessed!" Elizabeth began to tear up, then remembered a question she had. "What about Julie's plans? When is she arriving and where?"
"She'll be here by the end of the week and travel to Regina with us all. There will be plenty of rooms at Le Chateaux." William noticed the time as well. "We all need to go as I'm expected at the Coulters' now. You both enjoy singing tonight and we'll talk again soon!"
"Give Jack a hug and kiss from me, Dad? Tell him Mommy will see him a few days!" Elizabeth's voice caught. "I love you, Dad."
"Thank you, William. Yes, we'll talk soon."
Nathan waited as William said "I love you both too. Good Bye for now."
Leaning back in their chairs, Nathan and Elizabeth stared at the phone and each other in stunned silence.
Having enjoyed their supper together and added warmer clothing and boots, Nathan and Elizabeth met Allie at church with a tote of extra clothing and boots for her. Bundled up the three of them gravitated to the Blake's and Samuels, and were joined by Ardis Ross and Wes Murphy!
After greeting Ardis, and nodding at the Samuels, Nathan directed his attention to his office-mate. "Wes! Good evening! So nice to see you again tonight. Do you have your singing voice ready?" Nathan grinned.
"I doubt I can compete with the youth we heard last night, but I intend to do my best." Wes grinned.
"I am surprised to see you though." Nathan whispered, ducking his head. "Is this a date?"
"Of sorts. We had dinner together and now here I am." Wes couldn't wipe the smile from his face. He shrugged slightly.
"Oh? Dinner, eh?" Inquired Nathan. "Where did you take her?"
"Victoria's Café. Why?"
Nathan chuckled. "Was your waitress named Deborah, by any chance? She must be so confused!"
Because it was a family event, Allie, Sally, Rachel, Joshua, Ellen and Jared joined their parents as one group, along with Ardis and Wes. As they made the rounds, they discovered they blended together extremely well and could sing with multiple harmonies even though unrehearsed. It would be difficult to assess who was most blessed, the singers or those who received their visits and benefitted from their choral offerings.
Two young people were especially blessed though and didn't want the evening to end. Jared looked longingly at Allie as he said good night and when he squeezed her arm, she had another connection about which to dream!
However two other people, with all likelihood, were the most blessed for Nathan and Elizabeth held hands throughout the evening. Even though encased in warm gloves, there was still a noticeable spark between them!
Nathan loved to hear Elizabeth and Allie sing. Their voices were sweet and clear, stirring his heart deeply.
Elizabeth was thrilled to listen to Nathan's rich tenor and harmonies, as being in this close proximity was a new experience. She silently prayed that this was only the beginning of times when they would sing together and when she could listen to his melodic voice.
Their group had walked to various homes on one side of Victoria Park and sometimes sang as they walked or stood on a street corner for a carol. Music filled the air and many hearts within hearing distance filled with the message of Christmas, the birth of the Christ Child given for us. They sang familiar carols like 'O, Come All Ye Faithful,' 'Hark the Herald Angels Sing' and 'Joy to the World.' After 'While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks by Night', the young people offered to sing one of their favorites from the previous evening's concert, 'Rise Up Shepherd and Follow' and then sang 'Infant Holy, Infant Lowly' with their parents humming if they didn't know the words. For those that heard these friends, who were gradually becoming an extended family, the evening's music was both beautiful and memorable. More than one listener commented that this must be how it was to hear the angels sing and many residents of Regina went to bed that night with a song on their hearts!
Allie was filled with excitement as they drove home to the Cottage. "Thanks for letting me go this afternoon, Dad. It was such fun to see the Blake home and get to know them better. Mrs. Blake said they want to invite us to dinner soon too!" Allie quieted after that pronouncement as her mind was temporarily filled with daydreams.
"Allie? Allie?" Elizabeth repeated a third time. "Allie? How did it go at the Home this afternoon? Did you meet some nice residents?"
"Ahhh… Oh!" Allie returned to the conversation. "Yes, I did meet some of them, mostly ladies. One lady named Granny White, well, that's what she told us to call her, she was really funny!"
"I am glad you had that experience, Allie. Might you be interested in visiting there more regularly? Maybe just to see one or two specific ladies?" Her father inquired, planting a seed.
"I don't know. I don't think I would know what to say or what to talk about." Allie's response was hesitant.
"Maybe we could discuss some questions you could have prepared in advance and if you got stuck in an extended silence, you could introduce a subject by asking them a question? I would be glad to help you think through that." Nathan offered.
Elizabeth looked at him intensely and thinking to herself. 'Is this the shy, quiet, hesitant Mountie I have known in Hope Valley? Nathan Grant is full of surprises! Good ones at that!'
To Allie Elizabeth offered. "I'd be happy to help with that too, Allie. Maybe when I return you and I could visit together and make a couple ladies happy? Let's think about it, okay?"
This time it was Nathan who took note. He couldn't stare intently since he was driving, but he was listening carefully and was both surprised and pleased by Elizabeth's offer. He turned his inner observations into an arrow prayer of thanks.
Later, while sitting before the fire in the cottage, Nathan and Elizabeth discussed the day, the events and their discussion with William Thatcher. Expressing her surprise, Elizabeth also shared her happiness that it appeared the issue of where-to-stay might already be resolved. "That is one less thing for either of us to have to handle, Nathan! Still I am amazed at how readily and efficiently my father has resolved the issue. I think I have a better understanding of how good he is and why he is so successful at business. This is the first time I have seen him 'at work' in this way and I confess I am impressed and admire his thoroughness and planning!"
"He does seem to have anticipated every need" Nathan agreed. "In that manner, he would make a good Mountie. We have to consider every scenario before we implement a plan. William is like that!"
Each one absorbed in their own thoughts, Elizabeth and Nathan sat quietly watching the sparks fly up and sparkle in a disappearing trail as the flames danced their ever-changing movements. Nathan slowly caressed her hand with his thumb.
"Elizabeth?" He broke the silence. "Would you do me the honor of accompanying me to dinner on Monday night at The Crown Restaurant? That is the elegant establishment where your father treated Allie and me the night our dessert was interrupted. I would love to treat you to a special night out." Nathan chuckled. "I mean just the two of us! A real date!"
"Oh Nathan." Elizabeth tilted her head to catch his gaze. "I would love to date you on Monday evening. Formal or?"
"Well, I won't wear my tuxedo, but if you want to wear that silver dress again, I wouldn't mind. You looked stunningly beautiful in that last night."
Blushing, Elizabeth thanked him then admitted. "I have a couple other outfits I can wear, so I can save that dress for another time. But if you like it, I will remember that!"
"Oh, I like it. Please make a note!" Nathan grinned. "You looked sweet tonight too, even though you were bundled up!"
"Well, you were pretty bundled yourself with your Mountie fur cap! Do they make a women's version of that hat?" Elizabeth laughed as she snuggled closer and leaned her head back on Nathan's shoulder.
Nathan thought about how adorable his Elizabeth would look in a fur-trimmed hat like that and decided to make a visit to R.H. Williams Department Store soon. He also might ask Carol about a ladies' apparel shop or hat maker to visit! Nathan's interest in Regina's shops was expanding!
(*55) Le Chateaux Qu'Appelle, designed in the Scottish baronial style, was to be a grand hotel in Regina but was never completed due to World War I and the failure of the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway. Using author's license I have imagined it completed and opening at just the right time for this story! Enjoy!
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