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Chapter One Hundred Thirty-six
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Purchases, a Parade and More Plans
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Having accomplished a great many party preparations on Monday and Tuesday, the ladies went downtown on Wednesday morning. This was the last chance to look at dresses together with the holiday weekend ahead, the senior Grants returning to Calgary on Sunday's overnight train and Julie returning to Hamilton on Monday morning.
Elizabeth, Allie, Grace, Ruth, and Julie accompanied Carol to her favorite downtown dress shop to peruse the latest dresses available.
Elizabeth was fairly certain she wanted her attendant's dresses to be similar to her own, but was indecisive about her own style. Fashion had changed so much during her years in Hope Valley, looser clothing, slim and shorter skirts, elongated waistlines, high-heeled, strapped and buckled shoes, and shorter hair! Elizabeth had rarely kept up with the times as the frontier had few opportunities to wear the latest fashions. Her favored outfits were long, flared, pastel skirts and blouses and she had been hesitant to raise her hemlines, or even loosen her corset.
Envious of Fiona's carefree, modern style, nevertheless Elizabeth was not as bold when it came to purchasing new items for herself. Between trying on various styles, Elizabeth realized that she needed to talk to Nathan! He had loved a shorter outfit that she had worn to church and it didn't seem to scandalize anyone, including him, so maybe the newer style would be okay?
Madam Roche held up two different dresses for Elizabeth and Julie's appraisal. "You need to decide on the style, straight or multilayered, the color and the fabrics; lace, silk, crepe, organza, voile! All are appropriate for a spring wedding if you also provide a matching shawl."
"Oh, I like that champagne color and it will go well with the uniforms!" Elizabeth pointed Julie and Allie towards a lovely gown with a slightly golden hue. "I would like the fabric and colors to be identical for all three of you, if possible. The style for Allie may be slightly different, but the color the same and this would look lovely on Rosemary with her blonde hair, you with your red tones and you, Allie, as a dark blonde. I think this is it for the color!"
Turning to Madam Roche, Elizabeth inquired, "Could they both try on a few styles in this color or something similar?"
Although decisions were not finalized, Julie's measurements were taken and she had given her input on the two dress styles she liked the best while approving the champagne color as a neutral alongside the colorful, brass-buttoned Mountie uniforms. Meanwhile the seamstress measured Allie, the bride, and then the three older women.
The mothers' outfits were easier to choose as Elizabeth approved of three monochromatic tones of a rich midnight blue to contrast the red serge that the groomsmen would be wearing and coordinate with Nathan's blue uniform. Ruth chose a slender-skirted, crepe dress with a long-sleeved jacket and elegant embroidered details on the front panel of the dress and bordering the front edges of the long jacket. The dress accentuated her natural elegance and height.
True to her individual style, Grace decided upon a flowing silk with matching lace inserts across the bodice and down the long sleeves, Hers was also a slender style but with a lace-trimmed overlay that covered the slim skirt until just above the knees. A matching long shawl was ordered should she need the extra warmth in early March.
Carol picked out a dress with a more tailored look which included parallel rows of tiny covered buttons on the natural waist bodice, near the wrist of the long sleeves and near the lower part of the skirt. Tucks on the bodice became seams on the skirt that opened into two panels of narrow pleats.
All three dresses showed their wearers' ankles and they ordered silk stockings and silk peau de soie shoes dyed to match each individual blue, along with modest brimmed hats. Madam Roche explained that she would coordinate the hat embellishments with each dress. Ruth would have an embroidered band matching the panels of the jacket, Grace would wear three lace roses tucked into a ribbon band and Carol's hatband was pleated and ended in a small, pleated fan, attached with a button on the side.
Once those decisions were finalized, the focus returned to Elizabeth. She was torn between a few of the newest styles. Keeping her thoughts to herself, Elizabeth considered. 'If Nathan thinks it is okay, I'm fairly certain I can go with a natural-white-colored, mid-calf length gown, matching shoes with a strap and single button, along with a filmy veil that extends into a train from a headpiece.'
Not wanting the sparkles reminiscent of her first wedding, the headpiece was still undecided. 'Encircled by Lace? Pearls or a floral wreath? A bunched veil and ribbons above my ears on both sides?' She planned to wear her hair in a soft chignon that sat above her neck, knowing that Nathan loved the tendrils of curls that always escaped around her face.
Grace placed her arm around her daughter's waist as they stared into the mirror, whispering, "You are blushing, Sweetheart. What are you thinking?"
With a happy giggle, Elizabeth explained. "I'm thinking about how Nathan, well actually all of our Hope Valley friends, will be shocked at the new, modern Elizabeth! I imagine everyone has only seen these wedding styles in magazines and here, this old schoolmarm is looking like a movie star wearing the complete opposite of what I wore at my first wedding!"
"Since none of us were present and times are changing, I think they will admire the beautiful woman before them. I know Nathan will be speechless and moved!" Grace assured Elizabeth.
"Dad will adore you even in your Hope Valley skirts, Miss Bess, but I know he will love to see you in any of these new styles." Allie waved her hand to include the entire bridal collection and enthused. "But the veils? All the tulle or organza or whatever it is, is just magical!" Allie lifted the voluminous fabric and let it fall dramatically, before suddenly exclaiming, "How can you dance in that though?"
"Most brides drape the length over their arm, but maybe we can fashion a way to attach it to your wrist or waist to allow freedom of movement? Of course, you could also remove the veil for the dancing portion of the reception. Mrs. Thornton, you can think about it and once you decide your style, we can try the options, okay?"
Each woman voted unanimously for their favorite dresses and once Madam Roche took notes for each one, they departed the shop with a promise to call back early the following week.
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Returning to the apartments in Le Chateaux Qu'Appelle, Julie made tea while they called to schedule a time with Archie who, along with Bill, would meet them for a tour after the ladies discussed wedding plans. Checking the mothers' list, they covered guest lists and suggested questions Elizabeth should discuss when meeting with Johanna Blake the following week.
"Has Nathan gotten used to the idea of the Ballroom?" Grace asked hesitantly.
"We are waiting until after the Hotel's opening weekend to ask for a tour of the convention rooms. I heard they are more modest and less opulent, so we may choose that option."
With a glance at the other women, Ruth spoke gently. "Do you have a preference, Elizabeth? Girls have their dreams from childhood and my son will have to understand that."
"I honestly don't care. If I am marrying Nathan, surrounded by family and loved ones, I probably wouldn't notice the room even if it was a barn!"
Laughing, Allie added, "Well as comfortable as Dad is in a stable with all the horses, he wants the formal wedding at The Depot Chapel, so even he won't want a party in a barn! Dad's simple, but still has class. Hope Valley just never saw that side of him, you know, in a tuxedo and all?"
"And that is something I am learning and loving, Honey. Your Dad is easy to please, but a multi-layered man. A man of principle and opinions, but one who is willing to listen, to make others happy and comfortable." Elizabeth responded, blushing. "I'm sorry, everyone! I can praise that man from morn till night!"
"Don't be shy about it, Honey," Carol smiled indulgently as she continued, "We are all in agreement and can extol the virtues of your dear fiancé right along with you!"
"Thank you for your time and input, dear ones. This has been fun and I feel better having shared my dreams and thoughts with you all. I am sorry for my indecisiveness though. The options in the city are so overwhelming after the limited options and simplicity of Hope Valley, not that I want everything extravagant." Elizabeth laughed. "I confess today's oversized bouquets look heavy and cumbersome, so I plan to scale back on those!"
"I am so privileged to share this time with you, Honey," Ruth offered. "Whichever gown you chose will be beautiful and our Nathan will be stunned with your entrance."
"I agree, Bessie. And just wait until your father sees you!" Grace exclaimed dreamily. "I must be certain he carries some extra handkerchiefs!"
Uncapping her pen, Grace added extra handkerchiefs to her list!
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Having been shown the apartments with the Grants and Bill, Carol knew she would attend the Gala so she decided to remain in the apartment with Julie while the others descended the elevator to visit the main floor. The Hotel manager had happily agreed that Mrs. Thatcher could lead her guests on a tour as he had his hands full with last minute preparations for Friday night's Gala.
Quietly the group moved into the Ballroom, standing awestruck along the side wall, admiring the murals and furnishings. Allie held both Ruth and Archie's hands while Grace took one of Bill's offered arms and Elizabeth the other.
"Isn't it amazing? I've read about palaces in Europe and Russia that are decorated like this, but to see it in person? The artist must have laid on a platform to paint the ceiling! I can't say I would want to do that though. The paint might drip in my face!" Allie giggled.
After walking the length of the hallway and observing the mirrors, palms, tall ceilings, shining floors and columns, they decided to sit in one of the furniture groupings to remain out of the way of the staff scurrying about.
"Can you imagine sitting here and listening to a pianist playing?" Allie spoke quietly. "It would be like a free concert!"
Chuckling, Bill commented, "I don't think it is free to anyone who enters those doors, unless they are guests of residents! This is quite the place! Maybe I can bring Adeli to dinner here sometime so she can see it for herself."
"Or, we can invite you to dine with us upstairs if you wish, Bill. The cuisine will be limited, but your company would be welcome. Of course, half the fun downstairs here is people watching!" Grace laughed, realizing she had just admitted a favorite pastime!
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"Tell us about your tour, Mom and Dad? Did you enjoy seeing the palatial Hotel?" Nathan questioned at dinner.
"It was grand!" Archie laughed. "I wasn't trying to make a pun, really! It is just that the closest I have seen to a building like this is the train stations in some of the larger cities. It is impressive!"
Ruth responded, "The Hotel is lovely, sparkling and new. Yet, I'm not as comfortable there as I am in this lovely home, around this dining table with all of you. This has been my favorite part of this visit."
"What was your favorite part to see today, Dad?"
"The view out of the apartment windows… I could look at that all day long, especially on a cold day when I was warm and comfy inside!" Archie laughed. "Probably not the answer you expected, eh?"
"I get it Dad. The wide open spaces, the landscapes and skyscapes? Those views are my favorite parts to a place like that as well, in spite of its elegant beauty." Nathan agreed.
Looking at Elizabeth, Nathan was curious. "And how was the dress shopping, Honey? Did you find a gown?" He wiggled his eyebrows.
Allie responded before Elizabeth could answer. "Dad, we found hundreds of gowns and we tried on a lot of them!"
Smiling at Allie's exuberance, Elizabeth explained. "I haven't decided on a gown yet, Nathan, but we settled on colors and our Moms and Carol chose their outfits. They'll be wearing shades of blue to coordinate with the Mountie uniforms."
Elizabeth smiled. "We also chose the color champagne for Allie, Julie and Rosemary. Our artists approved as their dresses will go with the brass buttons on the serge!"
"Oh dear! By having a Mountie wedding I have severely limited your color options haven't I? I'm sorry, Honey." Nathan's remorse was real.
"Sorry? My love, this will be beyond any dream I ever dreamt! Our wedding will be colorful, but everyone will be stunning. You should see your Mom's dress! She will be elegant. Archie, you will need to keep your eye on Ruth that weekend. We don't want any older Mounties to get any ideas!" Elizabeth laughed and winked at her soon-to-be-mother-in-law. "She'll be the belle of the ball!"
"Uh oh! I thought you and Allie would hold that place! Now I have to keep watch over my mother too?" Nathan chuckled. "No doubt you'll garner some attention, Mom, as will all of you! We men are blessed to be in your company."
"You are learning diplomacy with the females, Nathan!" William grinned. "Excellent statements and all true!"
"What's a belle, Daddy?" Jack piped up, curiously. "How will Grandma and Awlie be bells?"
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Riding into work with Peter again, Nathan left his vehicle for Archie to drive when he brought Ruth, Allie, Elizabeth, Jack and Julie to tour Depot mid-morning.
While he stood observing the Cadet's exercises in the Square, Nathan periodically checked his watch and the parking lot. Hurrying to the car as the family tumbled out, he explained that they could see some of the drills in Parade Square if they followed him. Quickly kissing Elizabeth, Nathan was grateful to see his mother had her cane. Scooping Jack onto his shoulders, Nathan led the family to the sidelines to watch.
Looking up at her son, Elizabeth whispered into Nathan's ear. "You should see Jack's face! He has the best view in town and hasn't ever experienced anything like this!"
Pointing Allie to watch Jack, Elizabeth moved closer to Ruth, Archie and Julie. "Look at Jack's face! Utter glee!"
Grinning, everyone enjoyed seeing the spectacle before them through the eyes of a child.
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When a grey cloud covered the sun, a breeze chilled the spectators, so with one final glance of appreciation for the Troops, Nathan set Jack on the ground and directed his family to the steps of the Depot Administration Building.
"The offices of the faculty and department heads are in this building and my office is down the hall on the right. Since this is a work day here, could we please remain quiet while in the hallways?" Nathan motioned for Jack to "Shhhh…" Then he whispered, "Follow me, okay?"
Opening his office door, Nathan ushered in Archie and Ruth, Julie and Jack while Elizabeth and Allie held back since they had visited previously.
"Wow! Daddy! That's a big desk!" Jack whispered as he headed for Nathan's desk chair. Noting the family photos on display, he added, "Is this yours?"
"Son, you can use your inside voice in here! Yes, this is my desk."
"Do you have my drawer?" Immediately focused on the lower right hand drawer, Jack placed his hand on it and sought permission to open it.
"It's not the same as in Hope Valley, but you may find a sweet in there. Go ahead and open it, Jack."
Half-full of files, the drawer was heavy to open but, motivated, Jack tugged to reveal his reward. "Oh! Peppermints!" Jack chose one and looked imploringly at his Daddy Nathan.
"You may enjoy that, Jack. Peppermints for anyone else?" Nathan bent over Jack and lifted a tin to pass around.
"Do you like my mother's painting there? " Allie questioned, "And mine over here? Uncle Wes was willing to hang these to make Dad feel at home!"
With teary eyes, Archie and Ruth held arms, admiring the artwork of their daughter and granddaughter. "Lovely, Honey."
"Oh look! Uncle Wes hung my painting over on his side!" Allie grinned as she pointed to the painting of a doctor's satchel.
"Isn't that good, Honey? He is very proud of your work." Nathan motioned for his mom to take a seat. "Please get comfortable, Mom? Jack, if I lift you to sit on the edge of my desk, will you be careful? You can better see out the windows that way."
"I'll sit next to him, Dad." Allie offered as she moved to the window side of Nathan's desk.
"Okay." Jack lifted his arms and settled next to his sister.
The door opened to reveal Wes Murphy carrying a tray of mugs, sugar and cream, and a carafe of coffee. "Good morning, everyone! Welcome to our home-away-from-home! I saw you watching the exercises, so stopped at the Mess to get some beverages to warm you. Hot chocolate for you, Allie and Jack?"
"That is so thoughtful, Wes. Thank you so much!" Ruth offered. "Come over here so I can give you a kiss!"
"Thank you, but Nathan and I alternate keeping ourselves hydrated and caffeinated!" Wes chuckled. "He doesn't kiss me though!"
Laughter filled the office.
"If we should go so you can work, please tell us? We'll make short work of the coffee and then take our leave." Archie offered.
"No, no! I knew you were coming for a tour, so there is no hurry." Glancing at Jack who continued to watch the activities in Parade Square, Wes asked, "What did you think of the exercises, Jack?"
Without hesitation, Jack summed up his thoughts. "Everybody is marching the same, and there is lots of red."
Amidst joyous laughter, Wes agreed. "Isn't that the truth!"
A knock sounded on the door as Jack added, "I really like the drums, too!"
"Hello! I thought I heard laughter! Good morning," Chief Superintendent Stewart entered, exclaiming as he exchanged salutes with Nathan and Wes.
"Good morning, Sir!" Nathan responded quickly. "Were we disturbing you?"
"On the contrary, I was delighted to hear laughter as I was passing by." Tim glanced around the family. "I saw you at church on Sunday, but let me introduce myself, Mr. and Mrs. Grant? I am the Commanding Officer here at Depot. Superintendent Timothy Stewart, at your service."
"I recall seeing you, Sir, but it is nice to formally meet you." Ruth smiled.
"I believe we owe you our gratitude for the many hours we were able to spend with Zachary, Sir. On behalf of my wife and me, actually the entire family, thank you so much," Archie extended his hand.
"It was my pleasure! I am glad Cadet Grant could spend time with all of you and you certainly had a great deal to celebrate this Christmas!" Tim glanced at Nathan and Elizabeth, continuing, "A most memorable and happy holiday, which continues this coming weekend!"
"It has been that and more, Sir." Nathan agreed.
"I will excuse myself as I am due in a meeting shortly," The Superintendent explained. "Please save some time for me at the party, Mrs. Grant? We must exchange stories about our admirable Staff Sergeant Major here!"
As Nathan blushed, Wes interjected. "Oh! I think I will find myself in a position to overhear stories like that!"
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Upon returning to the main house, those who had taken the tour met the Thatchers, Bill and Carol and everyone worked diligently throughout the remainder of the day. Baking filled the house with delectable fragrances, items were crossed-off lists, outfits were decided upon and plans finalized.
Carol explained that Irma Cook would be arriving at eleven o'clock on Saturday morning to supervise filling the cream puffs with chicken salad and preparing the platters. Essentially once brunch finished on New Year's Day, the kitchen was Irma's domain and responsibility.
Hudson had happily agreed to return to his role as Butler, overseeing the plans, the schedule and the event.
Julie offered to serve punch as she'd had plenty of practice at Hamilton's events. Elizabeth was grateful because her sister's beauty, poise and friendliness would be an asset!
Bill shared that Adeli was happy to be the photographer for the party, and Bill would handle the beverages, although he was sorry that he had dinner plans with Adeli on New Year's Eve.
When Nathan called to invite her, Rachel Bell was thrilled to attend, even offering to contact a harpist she knew who might be willing to play in the background. When the harpist agreed, her presence eliminated the need to have someone constantly near the Victrola and the delicate notes of the harp would be a lovely backdrop to conversations in a family home!
Just before dinner, William and Hudson departed for the train station to meet David Wright who was due to arrive from Hamilton, having changed his ticket to arrive on Thursday rather than New Year's Eve! David had arranged for a truck to meet his train, as he brought crates of Thatcher Shipping Company files, along with cartons of his own belongings.
William had invited David to relocate and manage this western office, especially important during the months of William's absence. David was grateful for the advancement within the company for whom he had worked for so many years as it was a sign of William Thatcher's confidence in his former assistant.
Once the crates had been loaded on a truck, they drove to the Hotel to get the items moved into the Thatcher Shipping apartment, before bringing David to meet Ruth, Archie, Bill, Carol and Peter and sharing dinner together at the main house.
Offering to fit-in and help wherever needed, David suggested he could assist Jake, taking guest's coats to deposit them in one of the bedrooms.
Shortly after dinner, Jane Samuels called to offer her two daughters and herself to keep the trays filled and looking lovely throughout the party. Sally already had experience at the faculty tea and had suggested this way to help thereby releasing Allie to circulate as it was her parent's engagement celebration. Jon and Joshua would keep their eyes on Jack, playing with him and shadowing him to keep him occupied throughout the Open House.
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Once the Thatcher's car departed for the Hotel and the house quieted, Nathan and Elizabeth stood at the kitchen counter and looked over Hudson's and Carol's lists. They were amazed.
"Honey? I feel surrounded by so much love. Yours, of course, and that of our families, but look at this!" Elizabeth pointed at the list as she exclaimed. "So many extra helpers who are so willing to serve us. I am amazed, grateful and almost shocked! This is like Hope Valley with different citizens and in a different location, but with the same community. We are truly blessed, Nathan."
"We are indeed." Glancing at the teenagers who offered to help serve the food, Nathan commented, chuckling. "I'm guessing that Ellie and Jared Blake, as well as Naomi Best will join the group and they will all have the time of their lives. If we cannot find Allie, we'll know where to look!"
"If that allows them all to enjoy the party, I am thrilled." Elizabeth turned to face Nathan and wrapped her arms around his waist. "How are you, Honey? You're not anxious are you?"
"If I think about it I could be. You know me and small talk! Yet, almost everyone here knows us and desires to celebrate us, so I need to remember that. The only folks we won't know are the neighbors, so I guess I can handle that! Plus, you'll be beside me all the time, right?" Nathan brushed his lips across Elizabeth's then awaited her answer.
"Beside you from now on and for always, my Love."
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