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Chapter One Hundred Thirty-eight
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Celebrating an Engagement
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Elizabeth leaned towards the mirror to add another layer of dusty rose lipstick and then made a final glance of her hairstyle as she turned her head from side to side. After examining all the magazines of fashion ideas and bridal wear she was becoming tempted to cut her hair, drastically. The only thing holding her back was Nathan. When they kissed and her hair was down, he loved to burrow his face in it and often commented about how he loved her curls.
For tonight, she had tamed those curls into a braid that she wound into a chignon above the nape of her neck, allowing her to maintain the silhouette of shorter hair while keeping its length. She didn't want to make any changes until after they were married and, thinking ahead, maybe the shorter cut would be more acceptable when they had a baby. She remembered Jack grabbing fistfuls of her hair and promised herself to avoid that with future little ones. Right now though, Elizabeth was pleased with her style and liked that her pearl drop earrings were visible.
Allie called as she lightly tapped Elizabeth's door. "Miss Bess? May I come in?"
"Of course, Allie. Oh my, don't you look pretty! I love you in teal."
Pirouetting as she closed the door, Allie responded, "Thank you. Aunt Rosemary sent me this dress and I love it. Grandma brought this brooch for me because it used to be my mother's. I think it looks nice at the bottom of the collar. Do you?"
Suddenly, Allie took in Elizabeth's dress. "Oh! Miss Bess! You look beautiful. I love the embroidery on the front panels and sleeves! That reminds me of the dress I wore to my concert."
"It is a different type of embroidery, but there are similarities. I usually wear more pastel colors, but I fell in love with the details on this blue-gray dress and knew it would be perfect for this special occasion!"
The bodice was loose with a silver-embroidered panel in the center, a collar that formed a square neckline and three-quarter length sleeves, embroidered at the bottom. The skirt consisted of two layers, the underneath layer straight and slim while the top, and shorter layer, was also embroidered in the center front and the sides gracefully draped. A sash encircled her natural waist so, although stylish, this was not the low waistline of a few of her other new dresses.
With a giggle and a final twirl and glance, Elizabeth was ready to step out to meet her handsome fiancé until she hugged Allie and called her to the dressing table. Lightly touching Allie's lips with the rosy lipstick, Elizabeth winked and stated. "There! You look perfect, Honey!"
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Standing in the hallway outside Elizabeth's door, Nathan inhaled as she opened the door. "Oh, Lisbeth! You are beautiful!" Momentarily flustered, Nathan eventually remembered the corsages in his hands and waved Julie to join them.
"Allie? These flowers are for you. Elizabeth this corsage is for you." Waving Elizabeth's sister towards her, Nathan added, "Julie will help you."
"Elizabeth? Why don't you wear these to the side on your waistband? I've seen that in magazines and it doesn't alter the style of the bodice," Recommended Julie. "Right here. Shall we?"
Stepping back in the bedroom, Julie pinned the flowers and announced, "These add just the right touch! Allie? Maybe you could wear yours on your wrist?"
"Okay. Help me, Dad?"
Attaching Allie's flowers, Nathan bent to kiss her cheek, noticed the lip color, but decided not to say anything.
"To whom do we owe thanks for the flowers? Are they from you, Nathan?" Elizabeth queried. "Oh! You have a boutonniere too! Does Jack?"
"Yes, they are from me and, yes, Jack has a small one. I thought it would make our family special!"
"You are so thoughtful, Honey, and they are special. Thank you." Elizabeth lifted her face to give him a quick kiss, then wiped his lips with her fingers. "Have to be careful tonight!"
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"Good evening! What a stunning couple you make!" Peter said from the front door as they crossed the foyer. "I'm serving as a greeter while David and Jake assist the harpist rolling her instrument into the corner near the piano, and settling it into place."
"Shall I join you, Peter?"
"Oh, no. You need to be free to mingle and maybe get a few treats before we get crowded!" Peter winked at Nathan and grinned at Elizabeth. "You too! Enjoy this celebration!"
"Thank you! I'll do that!" Nathan agreed, steering Elizabeth towards the dining room.
Rachel Bell bustled in, following the gentlemen and the harp while carrying a folio of the harpist's music and apologizing. "I hope we are not too late to set-up? I misjudged the time it would take to load and unload a harp!"
"You are not late! Only one family has arrived thus far and they are helping. May I take your coat?" David acted smooth, but inside he was feeling a strange flutter as he looked into the violet-blue eyes of the black-haired beauty before him. "My name is David Wright and I work with Elizabeth's father, Mr. William Thatcher. May I ask your name, Miss?" He so hoped this beauty was a 'miss!'
Blushing as she glanced at David, Rachel responded. "Hello, Sir. I am Miss Rachel Bell, Allie's music teacher at St. Anne's Academy and the choir director at Knox Presbyterian downtown. Lovely to meet you."
Noting how handsome and studious this tall, red-head looked in his round spectacles, Rachel liked what she saw!
"Please address me as David? This family rarely addresses people formally unless in business! May I call you Rachel, Miss Bell?" He wanted to be doubly sure of her station in life although he had noted no rings on her fingers when she removed her gloves moments ago.
"Yes, please, David. Let me introduce my friend and fellow musician, Mrs. Lucinda Walsh. Thank you for taking our coats."
"You are very welcome. That is my way of helping today! I hope we will get a chance to converse between guests' arrivals. Excuse me." David bowed slightly and headed to deposit the garments in his arms.
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Finding his brother near the food table, Zach laughed and whispered. "Hey, save some for the rest of us, Nathan."
Swallowing quickly, Nathan made an innocent expression. "Now, just because you haven't indulged as you helped set-up the table, doesn't mean I cannot!" Just to show it was okay, Nathan chose another chicken salad-stuffed-cream-puff and popped it into his mouth.
"Well, I'm just letting you know I see that the harpist is here and figured you might want to welcome her and answer any questions she may have before she begins to play." Zach nodded towards the piano.
"Mmmm. Thanks! Try those. I highly recommend them!" Nathan pointed to the puffs as he headed towards the musician, grinning and gathering Elizabeth along the way.
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William met the harpist and introduced himself. "We are looking forward to hearing you this evening and thank you in advance for spending part of your holiday with us. Please see me before you are ready to depart? I will have something for you."
"Thank you, Sir. I am happy to play anytime. This is a lovely home. Is it yours?"
"Ah no, Ma'am. This home belongs to family though." William bowed slightly as Nathan and Elizabeth approached. "Here are today's couple of honor!"
"Please let me introduce my daughter, Elizabeth Thornton. Elizabeth, and her fiancée, Staff Sergeant Major Nathan Grant. This is Lucinda Walsh, our harpist for the evening."
"It is lovely to meet you! When we learned that Rachel had a friend who might be willing to play we were thrilled. Thank you for joining us." Elizabeth shook hands.
"You are welcome. Congratulations to you both, and a happy marriage too. Are there any songs you might like me to include or types of songs or…? I have an eclectic repertoire having played with different symphony orchestras in my career."
"Oh? I would request music of the old Celts; Irish, Scottish, even English folksongs. Classical, sacred and even show tunes from the movies or musicals are fine as well. We'll let you choose, but we'll let you know if we have any specific request. Thank you for playing!" Nathan added, "I hope you can take a break and enjoy some of the delectables? Having been around as everything was created and plated, I can recommend any one of the treats, savory or sweet! We'll let you get to it as we have guests to greet!"
"Hello, Rachel." Elizabeth greeted the woman who stood beside the doorway so she could see the guests and the front foyer.
"Good afternoon! Thank you so much for including me in this party. It looks like a lovely event already and congratulations on your engagement!"
"Thank you, Rachel," Nathan explained. "We have invited some choir members and faculty from St. Anne's so you will find familiar faces, including some who attended the Concert. Please help yourself to the food items in the dining room and mingle!"
Taking Nathan's arm, Elizabeth motioned for them to stand near the door of the living room to begin to converse with the guests who were arriving.
"Hello, Superintendent Tim and Sylvia!" Nathan immediately approached his commanding officer.
Elizabeth continued their greetings, "Welcome to our celebration. So pleased you could come!"
"We wouldn't miss it, my dear," Answered Sylvia Stewart. "We are so happy for you and Nathan. Oh, and his daughter too! What a fine duet they sang together by the way. Can you share with me how you two met?"
As Elizabeth gave a brief explanation, Nathan and Tim chatted to themselves until Zachary moved towards them with Jack holding his hand.
Tim reached out his hand to Zach, with a warm greeting, then bent to address the young boy. "Now how are you related? I see you are wearing a boutonniere so you must be important!"
Jack let go of Zach's hand and extended it to the nice man. "I am Jack Thornton and this is my Mommy and Daddy." He pointed to his parents.
"Really now! This man here is your Daddy? So that means that this man here, Cadet Grant, is your uncle?"
Nodding vigorously, Jack offered. "This is Uncle Zach! Over there is Awlie. She's my new sister." He pointed to Allie. "And that's Grandma and Grandpa and Grandmom and Grandad and Grammy Carol and Grampa Pete and Uncle Bill and Uncle Hudson and…"
"My goodness! You have a big family, don't you!" Tim stood, yet continued to converse, aware this was Jack Thornton's little boy. "Can you explain why we are having this big party? Is it someone's birthday?"
"Nuh uh. I already had my birthday. I'm five!" Jack raised five fingers. "Today is engagem…" Jack looked up at Nathan who was nearby.
"Engagement, Son." Nathan offered.
"Right! For Mommy and Daddy and Awlie and me to be a family!"
"Of course. That is such a wonderful event to celebrate!" Tim Stewart agreed.
"Excuse me, Nathan. Just letting you know we are here and Adeli has her camera ready." Bill spoke softly behind Nathan, then stepped beside him to greet the Superintendent.
Jon and Joshua came to engage Jack, entice him away from the entrance and into the study to play. "Hello friends, Commander. Everything looks wonderful and we'll have fun with Jack! Right?"
Nodding, Jack reached up to take Joshua's hand and they disappeared.
Glancing around, Nathan commented. "The house is filling up quickly! Wow!"
"No one wants to miss witnessing your happiness, Nathan!"
Noticing Nathan's blush, Elizabeth took his arm and stated, "He's right, Honey!"
Throughout the Open House guests mingled, moving freely from grouping to grouping introducing themselves to those they didn't know. A frequent subject of the adult conversations was Nathan and Elizabeth and how perfect they were for each other! After that, conversations included adorable Jack and frequent comments circulated about pretty, poised and sweet Allie Grant and how happy she was about her new family.
The teenagers' conversations centered on the food and who had last seen some of the teen boys in their youth group. Many commented on how lucky Allie was to be gaining a family, and how cute Jack was. One teen was quiet though and stood on the side, smiling and observing Allie.
Jared Blake didn't think he had ever seen a girl as beautiful as Allie. She sang like an angel, had a depth of character most teenage girls didn't have, yet she could be bubbly and giggly and very, very funny. Allie consumed many of Jared's thoughts and his heart thrilled whenever he glanced at her and saw her shyly smile and glance away. And that blush… that pretty pink blush? Jared loved to make her blush with a compliment or just with attention. Tonight, Jared noticed how adoringly she looked at her father and his fiancée and he longed to grow up quickly so he could call Allie Grant his, for that was now his nightly prayer.
"A penny for your thoughts, Jared?" Zachary stood watching Jared watch the young ladies, even while he surreptitiously glanced at Rachel Samuels.
"Oh, hi Zach!" Jared felt warmth creep up his neck as he answered. "I'm observing the ladies."
"I guessed that! A particular lady who has caught your eye?" Zach looked back at the giggling ladies. "One of the guests of honor by I believe?"
"Shhh! I don't want anyone to know! I'm trying not to be obvious." Jared whispered. "How can you tell?"
"I'm in Mountie training!" Zach laughed, continuing. "I'm learning observations skills come in handy…"
Jared looked from Zach to the ladies to Zach again. "Are you observing too? Protecting your niece?"
"Uh, no! My brother is taking care of that!" Zach nudged Jared who immediately saw that Nathan was looking their way.
Zach grinned back, attempting to reassure Nathan that all was well.
"I've never met anyone like Allie. It isn't just her pretty face, her sparkling eyes or her thick, blonde hair, it is her gracefulness and her sweetness and her thoughtfulness…" Jared sighed, "I wish I was older!"
"Being older isn't always an advantage, you know."
Jared spoke in protest. "But, you are twenty-one so you can ask to date anyone now right?"
"Not if she is still sixteen." Zach shared in a low voice.
"The only one over there who is sixteen is Rachel… Wait? Rachel?"
Zach's blush gave him away, but under his breath he acknowledged his interest. "I have to wait two whole years to date her, plus, joining the Mounties, I can't marry for five years! I don't know how I will manage all that time!"
"Oh my goodness. I guess I have to wait five years too, but at least we are closer in age. I'm sorry for you, man. Let me know if there is anything I can do to help!"
Zach responded quietly, "Don't tell anyone and maybe we should both pray for each other."
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Gathered near the punch bowl, Elizabeth and Julie were conversing with new friends, Johanna Blake, Ardis Ross, Jane Samuels, Sylvia Stewart, Claire Collins and Rachel Bell. Of the group, Elizabeth felt especially drawn to three of the women and realized she was grateful that two of those were married to friends and one was courting a friend of Nathan's. Encouraged by their openness to her and the support of relationships with their menfolk, Elizabeth quietly shared some stories of her history in Hope Valley and the challenge of moving to Regina.
"I am not sad though. To be here, or anywhere with Nathan and Allie, is a dream come true. Sometimes I just wish I could bring a few old friends to join me here as well though. You'll eventually meet one of those friends, as Rosemary will be in my wedding party."
"Rosemary is the life of a party, very outgoing, but a very capable woman." Elizabeth continued to share. "Although she is a former theater actress, she ran the dress shop for years, designing and stitching many wonderful original outfits too. Now she owns and runs the town newspaper, so she has had many successful careers!"
"My, that is unusual. What drew her to such a small town?"
Elizabeth laughed, "A very special man! My first husband actually, but once he made clear that his interest was with me, it was another great fella that kept her in town!"
"So, she is married, but works these jobs?"
"Oh yes. I believe on the frontier the delineation of responsibilities of men and women is less defined. If a job needs doing, someone just steps in to do it! We even have a lovely American woman who came to town to install the telephone and decided to stay, even though the telephone company planned to transfer her. Fiona began a barbershop that serves both men and women, and worked for a while assisting the oil company. She is now beginning a photography business on the side! A few widows are self-taught in assisting in the doctor's office, helping to operate the Mercantile and the switchboard, while another operated her own candle-making business and organized and led Sunday services when we didn't have a pastor. She is now taking some training to enable her to run the town library. Oh! Our wonderful Doctor is a woman too! Also, when I first arrived, the mayor was a widow who lost her husband and son in the mine collapse and then she opened a Café, which is now operated by the Pastor's wife! So… the opportunities for women are extensive!"
"That's impressive! Don't the menfolk feel threatened by all these successful ladies?" Rachel inquired.
"Not really. Everyone pitches in to help the town function so there is no competition. We also have women who are devoted to stay home with their children or help work the farm or take in laundry or hire out to clean. No one is too proud to work and no one is frowned upon for investing in their marriage or children. Dare I say it is the best of all worlds?"
"This sounds like a town I would like to visit sometime!" Claire commented with admiration.
"You should! Hope Valley is a beautiful location and now, finally, we have a hotel that accommodates women and families!"
"My sister didn't mention that when she first went there the town was called Coal Valley and she was hired by the widows to teach their children in the only available location, the Saloon!" Julie paused for effect. "So, the transformation into Hope Valley and a very close knit community has taken a lot of work!"
"What are you ladies discussing over here?" Nathan sidled over to stand beside his fiancée. "Is this a women's only convocation?"
"The subject was women, Nathan, but the discussion doesn't have to be segregated, especially from you!" Jane spoke up. "We are enthralled with Elizabeth and Julie's recounting of Hope Valley! Some of us would even like to visit!"
"Oh? I guess I never thought of it as a place to interest a tourist! What have you been promoting, Honey?"
"Just real life visionaries, hard-working people, who live and love fiercely to build their community." Elizabeth explained.
"Well, that's the truth! They will miss Elizabeth's presence in town, but I am thankful she is now here with me. Someone will fill the void she has left, but I cannot imagine being without her." Nathan wrapped his arm around her waist and gently kissed Elizabeth's temple.
"There is a new Mountie in town to replace Nathan, but that man has his work ahead of him to fill Nathan's shoes. Nathan was dedicated, well-respected, and much appreciated." Elizabeth stated proudly.
Everyone observing Nathan and Elizabeth saw their love and support for each other displayed in those few minutes and there were no doubts about their future marital happiness.
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As the party approached seven o'clock, Nathan glanced at his wristwatch and whispered to Elizabeth in a rare quiet moment, "The party is over, yet no one is leaving! You were right!"
He shrugged his shoulders.
"I noticed!" Together they took note of the various groups and couples who were chatting and laughing together.
Steve and Barbara Barrows, the youth group leaders, were in deep conversation with Zachary, each sharing their experience working with young people. The Barrows requested that Zach consider helping them if his upcoming Mountie assignment allowed it.
Reverend Ellwood and Estelle Huntley were invested in a conversation with Adeli and Bill, although not identifying it as a counseling session. Nevertheless, they had learned of the challenges Bill and Adeli faced if they were to pursue marriage and offered wisdom and friendship, along with a promise to get together early in the upcoming week!
George Maxon was charming some of the older married ladies and more than one was silently running through their lists of eligible ladies with whom they could match him! No one was more surprised than George was, he was surrounded by women!
In the study, Jack was playing with whatever man gravitated to the room since his electric train had been set-up in a well-protected corner! The men took turns sitting on the ottoman or armchair, getting as close as they could get. Halfway through the party, William had asked permission to set up a small version of Grantville to entertain Jack, but although he agreed with the idea, Nathan chuckled, recognizing that the reasoning was faulty. The train was for the entertainment of the menfolk!
A Doctor at Regina's General Hospital, the neighbor to the left, Elliot Moore, was deep in conversation with Wes Murphy while his wife, Enid, was sharing with Claire Collins and Dan Richards since Enid had known Dan's family. Joined by Irma and Jake Cook, they tackled cleanup in the kitchen after consolidating plates of leftover food.
A neighbor to the Collins's right side, Hank Dunne, a former Mountie, had found Commander Tim Stewart and Isaac Best and mentioned that his brother was Sergeant Adam Dunne, an instructor at Depot, leading to lots of Mountie talk!
Dora Dunne had joined Carol, Ruth and Grace, along with Esther Best to discuss recipes and party planning after high compliments for the variety of delicious foods offered for this gathering. All of them had learned of new favorites they planned to create in the future. Allie had snuggled in next to her Grandma Ruth when recipes were mentioned and the other young ladies had found places in the circle to listen.
Seated together on the bench in the hallway, David Wright and Rachel Bell were enjoying each other's company and even before they parted, had made a dinner date for the following Friday!
At half-past seven Lucinda Walsh had to depart with her harp, so guests began to realize it might be time to say farewell! Slowly friends and neighbors said their reluctant goodbyes, offered thanks for the lovely celebration and congratulations to the happy couple.
As the clock chimed eight, Nathan decided to help David, Bill and Jake collect the remaining coats from the bedroom and drape them over the sofa, chairs and the piano so Archie could help Jack get ready for bed. Once Jack was in his pajamas, Archie carried him into each of the rooms to wave goodnights and hug his family members. Unexpectedly, this served to help the stragglers collect their coats and be on their way amidst many well-wishes for a very Happy New Year to all.
By nine o'clock cleanup was completed, leftovers sorted and stored and everyone decided to call it a night. Even Nathan and Elizabeth felt they could not stay up any longer, so stole a few private moments in the study, before Nathan and Allie headed to the Cottage.
"I'm exhausted, but it was a lovely party, Honey." Elizabeth laid her head against Nathan's strong chest. "Don't you think so?"
"It was. I confess it was just too long and no one seemed to realize it was a come-and-go open house!" Nathan chuckled. "Still we have wonderful friends and I am grateful for each one that attended. I'm also grateful that I don't have choir tomorrow and only have to read one final poem in the series that Ellwood requested."
Nathan leaned his head against his fiancée's soft hair. "You truly look beautiful tonight, Lisbeth. I was so proud to have you on my arm!"
"Me? I was the one proud to show-off my handsome husband-to-be! You were wonderful tonight, you know? You made everyone feel welcome and comfortable and I noticed you made a few connections to help people find someone to talk to."
Elizabeth patted his chest then looked up into Nathan's face. "Did anyone mention your stunning waistcoat and tie? Did anyone notice that Dad and Father had matching ties?"
"A few people did and I was glad to tell them Allie had created them for each of us! People were impressed, as they should be! Remind me to tell Allie about the comments tomorrow? Speaking of Allie, I better be going. I love you, my Sweet Lisbeth, and we are getting closer to March every day!"
Nathan kissed Elizabeth, softly and slowly.
"Oh, how I love you, dear Nathan. Good night…"
After a final kiss, Nathan took Elizabeth's hand and kissed her diamond ring. "My bride-to-be! Sweetest of new year dreams…"
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