The Dreams We Share

Chapter 4 A Successful Trip

Lucas returned to Edmonton after a very encouraging trip. He had spoken to James Peterson, the Minister of Agriculture, by phone and he too had been pleased with the results of his meetings. He had also spoken to Lee who relayed a similar message. Laura's father had been at the speech in Robb and had introduced himself to the minister. He was pleased with their proposal and would be spreading the word in Hope Valley and the surrounding communities where he knew most of the farmers. He had an annual surplus of root vegetables that he would be happy to find a market for.

Lucas and James had not addressed the next phase of the plan which was going to be a more difficult sell. In order for the plan to fully work they needed to convince some farmers to switch to growing different crops that were in a deficit and stop growing crops that were in excess in the province overall. That would take more coordination between the regions, but they hoped the benefits would become more obvious to the farmers once they got the basic plan in motion.

He and James had a meeting that Monday with the Premier to discuss the trip and the implementation steps required to move the initiative forward. He was anxious to get his full support as the UFA was becoming a powerful voice in the Province.

Lucas returned to his home after dinner with the Premiere and a few of the ministers. Their meeting had run late, and they had decided to head to a local men's club for dinner. The mood was spirited as they toasted to Lucas and James for their successful tour.

Marcus was there to greet him. They headed into the library to enjoy a glass of brandy and chat about tomorrow's schedule. They often took a few minutes each evening to look ahead at his schedule so that he was prepared.

"I have cleared your schedule for tomorrow; there was nothing that couldn't be rearranged. I figured it best since you will be picking up the young lady at 1:00. I have also taken the liberty to rearrange the rest of the week so that you are clear of meetings in the afternoon. I am assuming that you will want some free time to show your guest the city."

"Thank you, Marcus, I can always count on you. I hadn't thought that far ahead yet. I will be escorting her to her interview on Thursday morning so clear that morning please. I asked Louisa to ready one of the guest rooms for Allie, am I missing anything?"

"Have you spoken to Gustave about your schedule? Will you be dining in or taking Miss Allie out for dinner?"

"Well, I am guessing we should dine in the first night since she will be tired from her travels, and perhaps the second night as well. I am thinking that I shall take her out for a celebration dinner on Thursday in honor of her graduation. She will have had her interview and can then relax."

"I can make a reservation if you like," Marcus told him.

"That would be very nice of you. How about Chez Etienne at 7:00? I enjoyed the food there when we went there last month."

"I will take care of it. I did look to see if there were any special events while she is here. It may be too stuffy but there is a performance at the symphony this Friday evening."

"She does sing in the school choir, so I think she likes music very much. And certainly, she will embrace the opportunity to experience music on a whole new scale. Please see if we can still get tickets. A box would be wonderful if one is available. I will see if James and his wife and daughters can join us. It might be nice for Allie to meet some young ladies of similar age. If she does come to school in Edmonton, it will help make her feel like she isn't so alone if she has acquaintances here. Let me know first thing in the morning about seating and go ahead and reserve a box if one is available. I will invite them if you are successful in obtaining one."
"I will call as soon as they open and let you know," Marcus replied. "I think I will head up now. I will see you at breakfast."

"Have a good night. I will be following very soon."