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Chapter One hundred and Thirty-five
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Wedding Decisions and Party Preparations
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Having collected the mail to bring to Depot, Nathan joined Peter for a ride to work and decided to ask a few questions.
"Peter? Elizabeth and I have been compiling a list of guests for our Engagement Open House. Are there any people you want to invite since it is at your home and may be the last gathering you host before you relocate. Are there people at Headquarters? Depot? Neighbors? Friends?"
"I was talking to Carol last evening and the only one associated with the RCMP would be Tim and you already included him and Sylvia. Most of my close colleagues have relocated to Ottawa at this point and, other than at church, most of our friends were connected to the RCMP. We would like to invite our neighbors if we could?"
"Of course. I have only waved, but this would be a wonderful time to meet them and let them know the plans. They are probably wondering who has been coming and going lately." Nathan chuckled. "Back in Hope Valley, we would be close friends with the entire town by now, but my priorities have been different here."
"I sensed that in Hope Valley! They are a welcoming and friendly group of people. Will you be inviting many of them to the wedding?"
"We plan to. William already has rooms reserved so we'll see how many can make the trip. We would love to see them." Nathan stared out the window for a moment, envisioning Hope Valley with snow. "I don't really know how to go about this, but how do I obtain permission to use the Chapel for our wedding? And can we have our own pastor from home perform the ceremony? Oh, and Bill had to return his Mountie uniform when he retired, so can we find that or borrow another or is it even possible to have him wear it now? I want him to stand up with me, so does he need to wear a uniform to do so?" Chuckling Nathan added, "If you want to discuss this on the way home, that's okay! I just don't know where to begin!"
"I can answer to get you started. Contact Chaplain Thom as he keeps the schedule for services and activities at Chapel. You don't need permission, just reserve the date and time. Ask him about the clergy? He may want to talk with your pastor before he agrees to have him preform the ceremony, but I doubt it will be a problem. Still, investigate it with him."
"Now, regarding Bill's uniform? Let me find out about that? I'll get my assistant to investigate as I don't know why Bill had to return it. Normally men keep their uniforms in their retirement. As far as protocol for groomsmen, ask Thom about that please?" Peter pulled into the parking lot beside the Headquarters building. "Did I answer all your questions?" Laughing Peter, commented. "I know, 'answered' is a relative term as I am delegating all the final answers to those who are in the know!"
Joining Peter's laughter, Nathan was grateful. "It's a place to start, Peter, so thank you!"
. .
Nathan deposited the internal mail in the Academy office and stopped in to see Tim for a moment.
"Tim! I want to thank you again for your generosity in allowing Zachary so much time with the family. I think we were a blessing to him and I know he was a delight to us!"
"I was so glad to do that for you all, Nathan. Did he tell you I gave permission for New Year's Day? I could not imagine him unable to celebrate your engagement with everyone." Tim grinned. "He's a good young man. After the holidays, I would like to meet with you to discuss his future assignments? I have some ideas but would appreciate your input as a seasoned Mountie, as well as his brother!"
"I would be glad to discuss it, Tim, although I am not certain what I have to offer! We'll deal with that in the New Year though. I won't keep you now as I have some friends to invite for Saturday. You and Sylvia are planning on stopping in, right?"
"Yes. We are looking forward to it! Have a good day, Nathan." Tim exchanged salutes with Nathan before he departed.
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Checking his list, Nathan decided to find Drill Sergeant Maxon, but as he was involved in drills and exercises, Nathan left a note on the Sergeant's desk to please call his office. Next stop was Isaac Best.
"Good morning! How was your Christmas, Isaac?" Nathan extended his hand.
Standing and shaking hands, Isaac Best motioned for Nathan to be seated. "Cold and snowy and very unlike our island Christmases! It was a treat to see and experience the snow and Naomi and Esther have already written letters home to Barbados to describe their delight! How was yours, Nathan?"
"A delight for another reason. Elizabeth and I are engaged!" Nathan beamed.
"Oh my goodness. What happy news. When did this happen?"
"I asked her in front of the family after we had opened our gifts on Christmas morning and she said 'Yes!'"
"I would guess she would. You two showed us you were very much in love at the girl's concert. No doubt you are meant for each other. Congratulations, Nathan! Do you have a date planned yet?"
"We do. March fifth, here in the Chapel!" Nathan grinned. "We are not wasting any time after it took so many years for us to arrive at this point!"
"That is wise as you have children involved too, Nathan. No need to delay!"
"I agree. We are having an Engagement Open House at the Collins's on New Year's Day between three and seven. I want to extend our invitation to you, Esther and Naomi. Do you think you can stop in for a visit?"
"We will be delighted! Shall we bring anything?"
Laughing, Nathan explained. "Please don't! We have a lot of family here and many cooks, so I have no doubt we'll have an abundance of delicious treats for everyone to enjoy! Thank you for offering, but please just bring yourselves. Oh, and no gifts, please? We just want to share our joy!"
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"Good morning, Nathan. Have you recovered from the excitement yet? I know I haven't!" Wes stood to shake hands. "I just got here so the coffee is piping hot."
"Good morning, Wes. Oh, thanks for that! I didn't even think of picking up coffee. I hope that doesn't mean I will be distracted for the next few months? I may depend on you, brother."
"Not a good plan! I almost left without my boots today!" Wes grinned. "I'm not kidding. I was standing at the front door, having gathered my hat and gloves, and looked down to check how icy the steps might be when I realized I was still in my bedroom slippers!"
"Uh oh! You have a serious case of befuddlement! Maybe you should see a doctor?" Nathan raised his mug of coffee. "And I don't mean seeing the doctor in the mirror!"
"Funny man." Wes commented. "Which is worse? Forgetting coffee or boots?"
"On a snowy morning, both!" Nathan sipped his brew. "Seriously though, Wes, thank you so much for your generous gift of concert tickets. Elizabeth, Allie and I will enjoy the treat and it was a thoughtful gift. I don't think Jack is old enough to attend though. He would be fine to sit and listen, it would just be too late for him."
"I figured, and you are welcome. Now, I haven't written formal notes yet, but thank you for the handsome Celtic cross paperweight. Did you carve that?"
"You're welcome and I did. Back in Hope Valley I had more time for carving so I brought some unfinished items here with me and that was one of them. I thought it would be perfect for you as a man of God and an Irishman!"
"It is perfect and a handsome piece. I haven't decided if I want it at home or here though! Now about that Allie? Do you know what she painted?"
"The doctor's bag was my request, but I don't know what the other gifts were."
"I love the doctor's kit, but Allie also sent a picture of pansies for my mother! She hasn't even met her yet but Mother adores the gift and the girl! For Ardis, Allie painted a small rose, and both gifts were on a deckle edge page and mounted on a black board, stunning and so thoughtful. You have raised a fine young woman, Nathan. Beautiful, sweet, gifted and kind."
"God's doing, Wes, and I agree with you! Allie is all that and more."
Nathan paused. "Wes, I have a question for you. You know we are hoping to marry at Depot? I have to get answers before this is final, but would you be willing to serve as an usher? I hope to have Bill and a long-time friend, Gabriel Kinslow from my Academy Troop, standing up with me, but would like you to participate too. Would you be willing?"
"I would be honored and happy to usher, Nathan. Who else?"
"I'm planning to ask Jon Samuels as well."
"Wonderful. We'll try to be the last ones in the guard so we can dip the lances! That will be fun."
"Dip the lances? What's that about?"
Laughing, Wes teased. "You'll have to kiss each other before we let you pass!"
"Ah ha. Somehow I don't think that will be a problem!" Nathan stood. "Thanks for the wake-up, Wes." He pointed to his empty mug. "I have some more planning to do! So see you later."
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Sitting in the Chaplain's office, Nathan was grateful that the fifth of March was available and now reserved for his wedding. He would discuss the time with Elizabeth and let Thom know.
"Now, I believe it is easier to have a local minister rather than depend on one traveling long-distance, but if I can talk to this Pastor Canfield, I can better determine the way forward. Would you allow me or Ellwood Huntley to be back-up or even lead the service while Pastor Canfield shares the message and leads the vows? He would not be credentialed to be the officiate for Saskatchewan, so one of us would need to do that at the end. Can you discuss this with your fiancé? If I participated I would want to meet with both of you for a couple sessions before the wedding and I am guessing Ellwood would require that also."
"I will ask Ellwood as he has been a huge encourager for me these past couple of months. I won't go into details, but my fiancé was in dire need of counseling this autumn and our Pastor in Hope Valley was mightily used by God in her recovery. He was also one of my supporters and prayer partners when I was struggling with some things a year or more ago. His presence in whatever way we can use him will be deeply meaningful to us both."
"Okay then. Talk to Ellwood and Pastor Canfield and let me know? I know your maturity already, Nathan, so just rest assured that I would want to plan your ceremony and discuss a few challenges that can be avoided if you and your fiancé address them prior to the wedding. Finances, families, work and schedules, intimacy and faith? I'm not sure you need to have me be a part of any of those discussions, but I would want a report back that they were addressed. So, get back to me in the coming weeks, okay? Oh, and let me know the time of day for the wedding so I don't' have to reserve the entire day. You have first option though on your time of day."
Thom stood and reached out his hand. "Congratulations, Nathan, and knowing this now, I am grateful you had the forethought to decline the position as my backup. You have plenty in your life with marrying and gaining another child."
"Thank you for understanding, Thom. I'll be in touch soon." Shaking the Chaplain's hand, Nathan gave a quick salute and headed back to his office. He wanted to call Elizabeth over his lunch hour, but for now, he had paperwork to complete and a class to observe.
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In the main house kitchen, Elizabeth and Allie were completing their second batch of cookies and while Elizabeth made the meatloaf, Allie was starting an apple crumble for dessert. Ruth had gathered her ingredients in preparation for more meringues and Bill and Carol were pouring over the menu to figure out the timing of each item. While the meringues baked, they decided to have Allie and William make the spiced nuts and retrieved numerous large canning jars to keep the nuts fresh throughout the weekend.
"A recipe that I have often used is cream puffs." Carol suggested. "If made small enough, and filled with chicken or ham salad, they are perfect as one- or two-bite appetizers. We could bake the puffs on Thursday and keep them chilled on the back porch until we fill them on Saturday morning. Unfortunately, we'll require a lot of same-day preparation, but I think we will be okay with all the helpers. We can even designate a few things to be prepped in the Cottage to keep from over-crowding in here."
"Oh, and with fifty or more people, can you borrow any service dishes from church or Depot?" Queried Bill. "Some larger platters of sandwiches or cookies would be helpful."
"I don't want them oversized though, Bill, because we'll continually replenish the patters, so need them easy to carry and exchange for re-filled ones. By the way, I asked Irma and Jake to assist and serve that afternoon and they are happy to do so. They would want to attend, yet would prefer to have an assignment! I also thought I would ask Hudson to oversee, since he is an experienced Butler!"
"Excellent idea. He'll be glad to serve the family again and on such a special occasion! Now, do you have table linens and backups in case of spills? Small napkins and beverage servers? Oh, and flowers? Has Elizabeth chosen those yet?"
"I don't think so. Elizabeth, Honey, may we borrow you for a few moments?"
"I am ready to set the meat in a pan and garnish it, then I'll be able to come." Elizabeth explained as she drizzled a tomato glaze over the loaf of seasoned meat. "Also, I want to refrigerate it. Shall I use the apartment icebox?"
"Yes. Archie, could you carry the pan for her?"
"I'd be glad too." Archie spoke from the living room floor where he was playing with Jack. "Let me know when you are ready."
While Elizabeth and Carol discussed a floral arrangement, Allie carefully placed the cinnamon star cookies into tins on parchment paper layers.
Irma was in the laundry room, ironing small linen napkins Carol had borrowed from neighbors when she had invited them earlier and preparations were progressing!
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"Hello, family! We have brought lunch!" William raised a basket, setting it on a kitchen chair as he followed Grace and Julie into the kitchen. "Looks busy in here!"
Hudson followed his boss with another basket. "I made cranberry bars and date bars this morning! Not as fancy as some foods may be, but delicious and filling. Pretty too if we shake on confectioner's sugar just before we plate them!"
"Grandad? Will you help me with the Spiced Nuts? You wanted the recipe, right?"
"That sounds like fun. Let me wash my hands and don an apron." Looking down at himself while he tied the apron strings, William admonished everyone. "Now all of you are sworn to secrecy about seeing me in a pretty, frilly apron! The investors in Thatcher Shipping might jump ship!"
"Why don't we go into the dining room, Grandad? Will you please bring the nuts and I'll gather the spices?" Allie suggested.
"Are these jars for the nut recipe?" Julie pointed to the Mason jars and when Carol responded, Julie grabbed an apron and carried a tray of jars to the dining table.
Meanwhile Ruth and Hudson beat the egg-whites and once the recipe was ready and the apartment oven sufficiently heated, they piped small dollops on parchment paper and popped them in the oven after sprinkling them with red sparkles.
"What's next?" Hudson inquired. "I can make fudge and it will last a few days." Laughing he continued. "That is if we keep it hidden!"
"Excellent, Hudson! Let me help you with that?" Grace offered. "What flavors shall we make?"
Bill and Carol were busy crossing things off their menu list, even while adding a few new items!
"This will be a marvelous party!" Carol enthused. "We probably should wait until Thursday to bake the brownies as they will also need to be hidden, but we are in good shape so far. Jake volunteered to meet the secretary at church to pick-up glass platters and more small napkins. If you'll excuse me now, I must place the order for flowers."
"Oh, Carol?" William hurried from the dining room. "Please place them on my account? I started it this morning so Lucinda's Florals knows to expect your call."
"Oh my! Really? That is lovely, William. Thank you, I'll do that!"
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"I'm sorry, Sir, the line is busy. Please try again later?" The telephone operator instructed Nathan.
"Thank you, Ma'am. I will." Hanging up the receiver, Nathan looked at his list again and was surprised by a ring.
"Hello? Staff Sergeant Major Grant here." Nathan quickly answered the telephone, having just hung up as he tried to get Elizabeth.
"Nathan! George Maxon returning your call. How are you?"
"Oh! Thank you. Very well, Sir. Did you enjoy your Christmas?"
"It was a whirlwind of family events, but I did enjoy it, and you?"
"It was like no other! I got engaged!" Nathan chuckled as this was such wonderful news to share.
"Congratulations! Who is the lucky lady?"
"I don't recall if I introduced her to you when she visited a few weeks ago, but she was my daughter's school teacher in Hope Valley and has now moved to Regina as we plan our future together." Nathan wanted to be up front now and avoid awkwardness at the party, so he asked, "Have you heard of Jack Thornton?"
"I have. I knew Thomas Thornton when I was in training and I was an assistant to an Instructor when Jack Thornton was at Depot. Does this woman…. Wait. He left behind a widow and baby, didn't he?"
"Yes, He did. My fiancé, Elizabeth Thornton is the widow and her little boy, Jack, will be my son."
"Well, double congratulations then, Nathan. What wonderful news that you will raise the young lad knowing a stellar Mountie as his stepfather."
"Thank you, Sir. It is a huge responsibility but I love that little lad so much! We both bring children into our marriage-to-be, so our joy abounds!"
"I am sorry for your loss too, Nathan, but grateful for this happy future. How old is your daughter?"
"I doubt you know this, but my daughter, Allie, is actually my niece. I've cared for her since shortly after my sister passed almost eleven years ago and Allie is now fifteen. Young Jack is five, so we have an age gap, yet they adore each other so that is a blessing. You mentioned family. Are you married?"
"Me? No. I'm a confirmed bachelor. I don't think my job is conducive to marriage and a family. I do admire you though, Nathan. How wonderful that both of your children will now have a mother and a father."
"Isn't it? God is good. I actually want to extend an invitation to an Engagement Open House we are having on Saturday, New Year's Day at the Collins's home. I wanted to invite you because of your part in bringing my brother into our family as well as a thank you for trusting me with the honor of assisting with the funeral exercises. Plus, I would like you to meet my family!"
"Really? My goodness. This is a first, but I would enjoy that very much. What time?"
"Good! Any time between three and seven. You'll see some familiar faces, including Zachary!"
"Thank you for including me, Nathan. I will be there."
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"Hello, Lisbeth! How are things there at home?"
"Oh, Nathan! How lovely to hear from you. Everyone is busy and we are accomplishing a lot! You would think there was some big event taking place this weekend!" Elizabeth laughed. "We will have plenty of treats, that's for sure. How is your day, Honey?"
"I am getting things checked off my list! Guess what?" Elizabeth could feel Nathan's excitement through the telephone. "I talked to Peter and then the Chaplain and we are on the schedule for March fifth at the Chapel. We just need to decide a time. Isn't this wonderful? It's really happening, Lisbeth! March fifth!"
"I'm so happy, Honey. We should begin a countdown to our special day."
"Good idea! At least I'm making progress on the ever growing list. I now have one for this week and another for things to discuss or do next week! We need to talk to Joseph and then to Ellwood at Knox. Oh, Peter will look into the issue of Bill's uniform. Wes will gladly be an usher and the only one I still need to talk to is Jon. Well, I have to ask Bill, of course, and hopefully Gabriel remembers he is included in my plans…"
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As Elizabeth returned to the kitchen she motioned for Allie to come to her. With an arm around her shoulder, Elizabeth leaned to whisper in her ear. "We have the date! The Chapel is ours for Mar…"
Allie squealed before Elizabeth could finish her sentence and announced joyfully, "We have the Chapel for the fifth? It's becoming more real now and we can start counting the days…"
Carol exclaimed, "I have just the thing! Just a moment…" She disappeared and returned with a calendar in hand. "I only kept this for the pretty flowers so you take it and begin your countdown Honey!" Carol handed Allie a lithographed calendar for January through March 1921, an illustration of pink roses was bordered with rosebuds and ivy. The fact that it was sponsored by Heckers Flour was in small enough print to overlook. "What do you think?"
"It looks old-fashioned, but the roses are really pretty and it will be a perfect countdown calendar, don't you think Miss Bess?"
"Indeed I do. We'll put you in charge and maybe you can keep it in the Cottage kitchen?"
"Perfect! I'll start it on Saturday…"
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