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Chapter One hundred and forty-three
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Deepening Friendships with a Future
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Johanna Blake and Jane Samuels invited Elizabeth to join them for lunch to discuss the wedding plans. They debated about including Grace Thatcher, but decided it would be better for them to know the bride's vision for her wedding day before involving her mother. In addition, they were looking forward to getting to know Nathan's choice and deepening their friendships, since they shared the Mountie Academy, the choir, and Knox Presbyterian Church in common!
Having settled around a table at Victoria's Café where they ordered a light lunch, Johanna brought out her composition book and pen.
"I know March is coming quickly, but can you tell us what your plans are so far? You reserved the Chapel at Depot, right?" Johanna's pen was poised.
"Yes! We decided on a four o'clock wedding and Nathan is contacting our pastor from Hope Valley because he has been very influential in our lives. The Chaplain at Depot recommends someone local too, as we need a minister here in Saskatchewan to pronounce our marriage and sign the certificate, so Nathan is talking to Pastor Huntley for that part."
Looking down at her hands, Elizabeth hesitated before looking from Johanna to Jane, and speaking softly, "I don't know how much you know about my family and my father's business, but he has done very well. He has leased apartments in Le Chateaux Qu'Appelle and is using one as his business address for a newly established western office. Because of his investment, Father has a connection with the Hotel and has offered to host our wedding reception there."
"That is lovely, Elizabeth. You seem embarrassed though. Are you?" Jane questioned.
"Not embarrassed, just not wanting to be set-apart as wealthy or different or high society. I had enough of that in Hamilton and was grateful to be known as Elizabeth, the school teacher, when I came west. In spite of being known as Miss Thatcher, few knew my connection to Thatcher Shipping and I was therefore able to be myself and be accepted as one of the townspeople and make some dear, true friends."
"My Father's wealth is his and, although he and my mother are very generous, I supported myself through my teaching salary. My first husband acquired land on which he planned to build a house for us, but when he died, I was able to use his pension to pay off the loan and now that property is saved for my son. I'm only saying this because I learned to live and to appreciate a simple life and now Nathan and I are going to try to maintain our values for the sake of our children and our integrity. In spite of the home Nathan has inherited here in Regina, we are endeavoring to see that as God's gift and provision, not something we deserve. I am grateful to my father for taking upon himself all the wedding expenses, but we are still trying to keep it somewhat simple."
Johanna reached her hand across the table to cover Elizabeth's. "My friend, you need not explain or be embarrassed or try to defend your situation or choices. I immediately was drawn to you for you, before I learned more as Josiah got to know Nathan. Please be yourself? Don't give a thought to status or assets! Our worth is as beloved daughters of God and we accept gifts from His hand. I, for one, look forward to your reception at Le Chateaux!"
Jane agreed, "I do too! Can you describe the room to us? Tell us your color scheme and if you need help with decorating?"
"First, you will hardly believe the ballroom when you see it! It is very old-world, European in feel and is a stunning venue. As a matter of fact, Nathan was quite hesitant to use the place as he feels it is ostentatious and too large, but he has accepted it as Father's gift to us and we have discussed ways to adjust the scale to fit our event! The Hotel will handle everything, decorating, flowers, catering, serving, and really they are hosting the reception for us."
"Well, that makes it easier for us then!" Johanna laughed as she continued. "Have you chosen flowers or ordered invitations?"
Laughing, Elizabeth nodded. "You don't know this, but my mother is well known amongst Hamilton society and has planned and hosted countless dinners and galas and charity events. It is second nature to her! I was actually surprised that, as much as I detested the requirements of society when I was younger, I did learn a lot from my mother about planning and hosting! I even used that knowledge in little Hope Valley as I helped with weddings and community events there! Anyway, Mother and I have ordered the invitations, ordered flowers, and I even chose my dress, those for my attendants and for our mothers! We are not letting any grass grow in our planning!"
"My goodness! You only got engaged on Christmas and you already have all of this accomplished? I am impressed!" Johanna grinned and nodded as the waitress brought their orders to the table. "Thank you!"
"You are welcome. May I get anything else for you? Another beverage or a pot of tea?"
"I think we would enjoy another pot of tea, please? Thank you, Deborah." Elizabeth requested.
"Of course. I hope you ladies enjoy your meal."
"You know our server?" Jane asked.
"It is a long story but if I tell you now, we'll not get to chat about any more wedding items! I promise I will share with you in the future. It is funny!"
"I'll hold you to that. Shall I pray?" Johanna offered and then led them in a prayer of thanksgiving for deepening relationships, the joy of love and marriage, and the food before them.
"What I am most interested in finding out from you, Johanna, is the protocol at the Chapel since I have never attended a Mountie wedding anywhere!" Elizabeth settled her napkin on her lap.
After describing the ceremonial aspects of a Mountie wedding, the ladies moved to the topic of flowers, colors, and dresses before questioning attendants.
"Nathan will have his brother, Judge Bill Avery whom you've met, as well as his best friend from his Academy days, Constable Gabriel Kinslow, and of course, Jack! Your husband, Jon, and Wes Murphy have agreed to be ushers. Nathan did not want a long line of groomsmen up front, so we limited our wedding party."
"Allie is the only one here in Regina for me, so that was partly why we had to hurry with their dress selections. My sister, Julie, who you met over the holidays, will stand with me as well as Rosemary, a dear friend from Hope Valley. You will meet her soon as she and her husband, Lee Coulter, are visiting in a couple of weeks. Rosemary is the wedding and event planner in Hope Valley, among her many other talents! Currently she owns and operates the Valley Voice newspaper, and used to do a lot of dress designing for our local dress shop. Prior to that she was an actress in New York, so she sings and plays the piano, plus is a wonderful cook. There is very little that Rosemary can't do."
"I look forward to meeting such an accomplished woman! Whatever brought her to your small frontier town?"
"She had once been engaged to my husband, Jack!" Giggling, Elizabeth continued, "By the time she came to reignite their relationship, we had already fallen in love. I confess all our relationships were extremely strained upon her arrival as I was jealous that she set her sights on Jack and was rather intense in her pursuit! Well, actually, when a certain businessman moved to town to open a lumber business, everything changed. We became good friends and they are happily married now. As a matter of fact, Rosemary and Lee are my son's guardians should anything have happened to me and Nathan set up the same for Allie should anything have happened to him. I can't wait for you to meet them. Both salt of the earth with hearts of gold!"
"We aren't giving you time to eat much, Elizabeth!" Johanna laughed as she pointed to Elizabeth's hardly touched meal. "Go ahead and eat and we'll share some things about ourselves. I have a feeling we three will need many, many lunches to get to know one another!"
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Enjoying his hot soup and sandwich at his desk, Nathan put a call through to Joseph Canfield in Hope Valley. "Joseph! Nathan here. Hello from Regina."
"Nathan, my brother! Good to hear from you. How are you enjoying being engaged?"
"It is wonderful, yet I am ready to take the next step as soon as possible! March fifth cannot come soon enough. How are you and the family?"
"We are all healthy and busy as ever. Did you know we now have two schoolteachers and soon will also have Laura Campbell part-time. The town is growing, Nathan! The oil business is recovering from the explosion, Coulter's Lumber is expanding, and the renovated Hotel and restaurant are thriving. Doctor Marshall is sharing responsibilities with Faith Carter and their wedding is planned for this coming May. We are expanding, although I understand we will be losing another friend to Regina soon. Bill told me you know and he is busily wrapping up his cases so he can travel in a couple of weeks. I will, well actually, we all will miss Bill very much."
"I know you will. Changes are difficult in spite of being necessary and often bringing joy. Are things at school going well for Angela now?"
"They are. We are very grateful and Angela is thriving! How is Allie?"
"Allie is my delight, Joseph. I am so proud of how she is maturing and how thoughtful she is. Her youth group and her girlfriends are very important to her, and she is loving chorus and her home economics class as well as literature and art. There are so many opportunities for her here in Regina and she has found her place in just a few months time. Actually, we both have found abiding friendships as well as ministry opportunities. The pastor at Knox requested that I share a poem every Sunday in Advent, plus a few extra times. The light is definitely not hidden under a bushel here in Regina!" Nathan laughed remembering Joseph's admonition to let his gifts be known.
"Good to know you paid attention, Nathan! How are the wedding plans coming along?"
"Coming together very well, but that is why I am calling. The invitations are being printed so have not been posted yet, but Elizabeth's father is inviting many of you folks from Hope Valley. He is providing train tickets as well as accommodations in a downtown hotel where he is hosting our reception so we are hoping many of you will attend. Elizabeth and I have a special request for you though, Joseph. Would you consider performing our wedding? According to the Chaplain here at Depot, he recommends we also include a local pastor to sign the certificate so I will be asking my pastor at the Presbyterian Church in town and you could share the service. Would you be willing to do this for us? I know it means missing a Sunday in Hope Valley."
"I am honored to be asked, Nathan, however, do you think they would accept me at your Mountie Chapel?"
"The minister doesn't have to be associated with the RCMP, so why not?"
Joseph was quiet, then cleared his throat and whispered, "I mean with the color of my skin…"
"Oh Joseph! Those who are my friends will not have any problem with anyone's skin tone. As a matter of fact, here at Depot, one of our faculty is on loan from Barbados to study Mountie training methods and is accepted among everyone that I know."
"Oh? Well, let me talk to Minnie as we'll need to find someone to keep the Café open for us. What about the children? At least Angela?"
"They are invited as well. We may not have all the families able to attend as it is not a school vacation, but please do discuss this with Minnie and the church board? We will understand if you cannot arrange it, but we absolutely hope you do. We want you to perform the ceremony, Joseph, as you have been a blessing and mean so much to both of us."
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With a few minutes left in his lunch hour, Nathan went in search of Josiah Blake.
"Come in," Josiah's voice welcomed Nathan as he opened the door. "Nathan! How are you?"
"Very well, and you?"
"Also, well. What can I do for you?" Josiah motioned Nathan to a chair.
"Elizabeth and I have been talking and we want to discuss something with you and Johanna. Would you be free to meet at Victoria's Café on Thursday for supper? We want to have you over for a meal, but must wait at the moment, plus we wanted to talk to you without the children around. Could you check with your wife and let me know? We would have to time it before choir practice, but our discussion need not make us late."
"I imagine Thursday would be fine, although I need to work out the logistics with transportation. Shall I call her right now?"
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With Allie and Jack sharing supper and the evening with the Thatchers and Hudson at the Hotel, Nathan and Elizabeth got settled in their seats at Victoria's Café while awaiting the Blake's arrival. They quickly chose their menu options for the evening and welcomed their friends.
Closing their menus, Johanna and Josiah looked from Nathan to Elizabeth and asked what was on their minds?
Nathan began, "We have been observing Allie and Jared and have come to some conclusions we want to discuss with you. I know you assured me that you had family rules for your teenagers to wait to date and to choose someone in whom they are interested, and we were fine with that a couple of months ago. Things have changed now and we have a suggestion."
Josiah put up his hand, "What has changed? Has Jared overstepped with Allie? I will talk to him immediately, although I am surprised."
"No, no, not at all." Nathan reassured the Blakes, "Jared is a model gentleman. We do see his interest in Allie though and observe they are drawn to each other, like magnets, as Allie appears to share an interest in Jared. Knowing there is a two-year age difference, we don't want to interfere with something that God might be doing."
Elizabeth interrupted, explaining, "We trust Allie and are getting to know and trust Jared. We are lifting any family rules on them although encouraging them to continue to explore their relationship in group settings. Still those are limited so we have a proposal for you. What if we gather our two families once or twice a month and have a light, soup supper and a family game night? That would give them additional opportunities to get to know one another in a relaxed atmosphere, under our watchful eyes. Actually, that's the wrong choice of words. Better to say we don't want to discourage them or force them to feel as though they must sneak around, but to encourage them as part of our family group."
Watching the Blakes closely, Nathan added, "I know the opportunities at Youth Group are limited, but if they share additional time together with us all, they may feel less pressure to be exclusive with their other friends around." Nathan chuckled. "I am not playing matchmaker with my daughter, but feel Jared is someone we would like to have her get to know before he departs for college and they can only write letters."
Laughing, Josiah admitted, "This is not the way I expected this conversation to go! You make some valid points though and we have observed their mutual interest. That was why we hosted the group of friends after the visit to the home for the aged and before our caroling. It was a chance to spend time with each other."
"What you are suggesting is allowing them space to see what God has for them together, if anything." Johanna pondered for a few moments. "I would love to do this as Jared could benefit from more contact with you, and eventually with Zachary."
"That's true," Josiah agreed. "I don't know if you heard anything, but Jared felt a call on his life after hearing one of your poems, Nathan. He believes the Lord is pointing him towards the ministry! I know Johanna hoped he'd go in the direction of the Mounties, and for a while Jared was interested in Library Science, but this is new and I can see him becoming a wonderful pastor. I am encouraging him to meet with our pastor to discuss aspects of being a pastor and preparation for ministry post high school. He has a year to research and apply for his next educational steps."
"I wasn't aware of this change, but we can join you, making it a matter of prayer for him. Jared is a serious young man, but with a kind and thoughtful heart. His Christmas gift of a poetry book for Allie shows his depth and maturity," Nathan offered cautiously, adding, "Knowing of this interest exemplifies his potential life choice."
"Has Allie mentioned this change of direction, Nathan?" queried Elizabeth.
"No. Last I knew his interest was to be a Librarian and that made her consider that direction as well. Allie is still young, so I am not commenting, except to encourage her that she has many talents and gifts from God. Does Jared know how long his educational path may be?"
Josiah nodded and answered, "We've discussed that it may be five or six years."
Johanna added, "You wish you could see the path laid before them now, don't you? These are our children who must grow to navigate and find their own way. It can be a struggle to trust them and even trust God with them. Do you understand?"
"I do. My path was clear to me as an early teen and, after a year of working full time on the ranch, I began the Academy at nineteen. Hard to believe I was old enough to make that decision and follow through at that age. My brother is twenty-one and at times I think he is young." Nathan chuckled. "I think that means I am getting old!"
"Oh, please no, Honey! Our life together has only just begun!" Elizabeth nudged Nathan's shoulder, making everyone laugh.
"I'm afraid I am late to the table! Yet, with Allie being a teenager, I only feel the delay when I consider having newborns, if God so blesses us." Nathan held Elizabeth's gaze with a tender smile.
Loving the honesty of Nathan and Elizabeth, the Blakes smiled at each other.
After their meal, the couples confirmed their first family night would be the following Friday, and both couples would introduce the idea to their young people, with the Blakes hosting at their home.
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This Friday morning, Elizabeth and Irma Cook were helping Carol to pack as much as possible, while Jake would be available to move and stack cartons to fill three quarters of the living room, along with the furniture displaced by the bedrooms' construction project!
Elizabeth drew a floor plan to include her furniture, Nathan's, and some of the Collins's pieces to fill the very large home. Since they would now have five bedrooms to furnish it worked for them to keep the Collins's beds, add Nathan's and Allie's, plus chests and dressers. The living room was more difficult to plan as they wanted to use Nathan's Craftsman style pieces and most of the Collins's furniture didn't fit with that style, although Elizabeth chose a rocker and small oak chest, planning to discuss the plans with Nathan after supper.
The Thatchers had invited the Grants and Collins's to their Hotel apartment for their evening meal, thus allowing the main house to remain a workplace. This would be the family gathering for their traditional Friday supper before Peter would depart for Ottawa when the movers came the following Friday.
Retreating to Elizabeth and Jack's apartment for the remainder of the evening, Nathan and Allie hugged their goodnights to the Collins's and the Thatchers.
Standing at the window, Allie stared out at the city lights. "This is so different from anything we've experienced before, isn't it? I wonder what our Hope Valley friends will think when they see this view?"
"Traveling so far and being in a large city may be very new to many of them," Nathan commented. "The Coulters, Miss Fiona and Miss Faith and the Marshall brothers are familiar with larger cities and I would guess that Henry is too, but I don't know about the Canfields, Yosts, Weises, Molly or Mike. Do you, Elizabeth?"
"I must admit I don't. I know it will be a new experience for Laura." Hopeful, Elizabeth was praying that Laura could attend the wedding as Jack would be so excited to see her along with the Coulters. "It is a lot to ask for people to travel so far, even without incurring the cost, but I really want many of them to come. It will be such a treat for them and for us to see them again."
"Read me this book again, Daddy?" Jack handed the thick volume, A Child's Garden of Verses to Nathan.
Recalling recent history with that book, Nathan stood and suggested he help Jack get into his pajamas first, then they could read some of the poems and stories.
Allie helped Elizabeth in the kitchen, making hot milk for Jack as they discussed what school friends Allie hoped would attend the wedding before the four of them cuddled onto the sofa for their nighttime reading. Jack was fast asleep in Nathan's arms so soon afterwards, Nathan and Allie departed for home after arranging their Saturday plans.
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