Chapter Five: The Holiday/Millicent Bradford Ball
The Week went by with all of Hope Valley enjoying Millicent's company, but without anyone learning much of anything about her.
Still, they welcomed her with open arms.
Even Bill had not been able to acquire any details from Nathan, but like everyone else, he was quite impressed and taken with her.
Now, although Bill wasn't successful in getting any information from Nathan, that doesn't mean at all, that he didn't do a little checking of his own.
Bill had a rule he lived by, and that was "Never let your curiosity go unresolved."
So he set about doing his own bit of detective work.
But all in all, Bill was just happy to finally see Nathan smile!
"Nathan, I can't possibly go to a party, much less a Ball! I brought nothing to wear!"
"Millicent, please come with us. I tell you, I can check with Rosemary. She might have something at her Dress Shoppe, and if not, we'll make a trip to Buxton. I know there are several Shoppes there to choose from."
"You wouldn't mind driving me?"
"Of course not! We could make a full day of it. It would be fun. Plus, you can check out my driving!" he laughed.
"That sounds like so much fun! Do you have the time?"
"I'll happily make the time. What do you say tomorrow? We'll leave early, and have lunch there. There's a French Bistro, I'd love you to try, that's surprisingly good. I'll have Allie go to Opal's after School so we won't be rushed. Maybe we can have dinner there too."
"Oh, Nathan, can we find a dress for Allie to wear to the Party?"
"She would love that, and I'm sure with your exquisite taste, she'd be happy for you to select one for her!"
The next day, just as promised, Nathan closed up his Office after Rounds, borrowed Lee's car and he and Millicent were off for a carefree day of fun, eating, and shopping!
"Oh, Nathan, I love having the top down! This is wonderful!" and just as she said that Lucas Bouchard walked out on the Boardwalk, as though he knew she was there, smiling broadly. He even winked, one that neither Nathan nor Millicent could miss, and gave a huge wave!
"Watch out. You're being scoped," warned Nathan.
"By him? You've got to be kidding me. He's too fancy for my taste! I like my Men rugged!"
Nathan laughed.
"What's his story anyway?" she asked curiously.
Nathan just glanced over at her with raised eyebrows.
"Ohhhh! Got it," and she started laughing.
"What are you laughing about? It really wasn't funny at the time!" but he couldn't help himself from laughing too.
Millicent always had that effect on him!
"Well, it's funny now. Nathan, what Woman in her right mind would be crazy enough to choose him over you?" she queried. "Zero."
But then she realized what she had said.
"Nathan, I'm so sorry."
"No need to be, Millicent. But it's a fact. Sadly, Elizabeth did that very thing."
"No, I don't believe that! Something had to be wrong with her thinking."
"How do you know that?"
"Because, Love, I'm a Woman. So, what was it?"
"Truthfully? I knew she loved me, Millicent. I never once doubted it even when she was with him. She couldn't accept the fact, that as a Mountie, I might be killed."
"Oh...now I see. So, she ran away. Out of fear she ran away. But, I thought you said she was strong."
"She was and I think will be again at some point. But, Millicent, this one thing was her Achilles' Heel. She experienced so much hurt losing Jack. In turn, her fear caused us so much hurt."
She reached over and touched his arm gently.
"Nathan, that only says to me how very much she loved you. Don't you see? She couldn't lose you, yet she could lose Mr. Bouchard without any problem."
"I never once thought of it that way."
"I know I'm right. And you do know why she could be with him, right?"
"I tried not to analyze it, so I'd have to say no."
"Well, it's very simple. She didn't love him. She was running away to have a fling. But she was so upset because she was losing you anyway, even without death, that she created this web of lies with that man, trying to make him into something he wasn't. It's really sad when you think about it. She was desperate, Nathan. She was in a pretend world. I bet if you asked her his favorite color or his favorite meal, she wouldn't be able to answer. You see their relationship wasn't about him, it was about you. It was always about you. And I would bet money the Gambler knew it was about you."
Nathan frowned.
"How do you know all that?"
"As I said, I'm a Woman. We know each other, and although I'd never react like that myself, I do understand it. As I said, it's really sad. I mean when you're living in a false world, that false world is bound to fall apart. Hers did, too, and you haven't said, but I know it was in a horrific way, wasn't it?"
He nodded.
"You do understand, although she may not have known it, she loved you through the whole debacle. I'm so sorry you had to go through all this. And even though I don't know her, I can very confidently say, she's in love with you, has always been, and will always be. Now, the Ball's in your court. You have to decide where to take things from here. But do know she loves you. I truly have no doubt about that. And I sit here saying that with a part of me wondering why we've never been a couple. Hmph!"
"Hmm, I guess we were just always too good of friends, bandaging each other up, inside and outside. You know, if I hadn't had you in my life when Colleen died, I wouldn't have made it, Millicent. I'll always love you for being there. We've been pretty lucky with our friendship, haven't we?"
"Yes, indeed we have. Oh, your Mother says I'm to report back to her about the other guy!"
"Of course, she did! And I'm sure Elizabeth, too, for that matter," grinned Nathan with raised eyebrows.
"You've got that right. Wait till I give my synopses. That is plural, isn't it? Synopsis, synopses. Your Mother will be rolling on the floor, laughing! 'Zero competition, Dahling!' she'll say!"
"Yeah, I can see and hear that now! She's probably ready to come to Hope Valley and tear Elizabeth to shreds!"
"Actually, that's exactly what she's ready to do! And if you want to know the whole truth, him too! I think my coming was the only thing dissuading her."
They laughed together at their inside joke, which you had to know Nathan's Mother to get!
Because his mother could very easily put both, Elizabeth Thornton and Lucas Bouchard in their places without any difficulty whatsoever, as she was totally a force to be reckoned with.
And both knew she would do it in the most gracious and mannerly of ways, but still bring them to their knees.
They wouldn't even know what hit them!
"Millicent, I don't mean to sidestep or not answer your question, about why we were never a couple. I guess I just don't have a good answer because you're everything any man could ever want, and more. Beautiful, kind, intelligent, funny, just all the attributes of the perfect mate."
He looked at her and smiled, then continued thoughtfully.
"Maybe it was because you were Colleen's friend first, and she would have had my hide, had I made a pass at you!"
They both started laughed hysterically!
"Oh, my goodness, I had forgotten. That's it! That's exactly it! Now, we can move on, that question's answered. But Nathan, if this Elizabeth ever breaks your heart again, I'm the one who will deal with her, well, that is if I can beat your Mother to her! First or last dibs, either way, you won't be able to stop me, I give you my word on that."
"I love you, Millicent. I really love you so much! And you know what? I won't even try to stop you! But you do know, it's the same, if any man ever breaks your heart, I'll be right there no matter our circumstances. The only difference is, I'm showing up in my Mountie Uniform with my Weapons!"
"You promise?"
"You better believe I promise! We'll shake on it at Lunch," promised Nathan with a chuckle.
"I love you too, Nathan, more than you know! It feels so good to have a real Protector to fight for me. And a Mountie Protector? Doesn't get better than that!"
She smiled and he smiled back, both knowing they would always, no matter what, be the very best and closest of friends.
"You know, I've never needed you as much as I've needed you this week. I think in an odd way, maybe even more than when Colleen died. I didn't want to, but I had to accept her death, which you helped me do. But you know, this thing with Elizabeth, there was always a choice. She just seemed to keep making the wrong choice. Hurting me over and over again in the process. What do I do, Millicent?"
"You clearly love her. And you also are clearly in love with her. I don't believe you've ever been in love before. Am I right?"
"You are right. Given that, how can I know, after all the pain we've been through?"
"Pain comes, but it also goes. Here's the test. Don't answer. Just think about it over the next few weeks. Is my life better with her in it? Or is my life worse with her in it? Is she the Mother of my Children? Or is she not the Mother of my Children? Does this Woman still make my heart soar? Or does this Woman no longer make my heart soar? You're the only one who can answer these questions. And I know you well enough that when you do, you won't get it wrong. Besides, Colleen would come down and have both of our hides if you did!"
"Boy, isn't that the truth! It's funny. I've often wondered what she'd think about it all."
"Oh, I know that answer. She'd say First, she's lovely. Second, she's spirited. Third, she's in love with you and that's all that matters. Colleen would not only approve her for you, Love, she'd approve her as Allie's Mother. I'm sure of it. The only one of those points I might differ on a bit is the third one, because I know you have to work through all this. And I also know it's not an easy thing to do. But Nathan, you will work through it in time. And the only thing I will ever accept for you is a glorious new beginning whoever it's with!"
"Millicent, that somehow takes such a weight off me. Thank you for that. But why am I still so unsettled?"
"Because you're working through it right now, and because she's hurt you to the core, and for multiple reasons, you need to be apart for awhile, but when you come back together, I have no doubt, you'll know if she is the one you want to spend your life with or not. You'll know if she is your forever love or just a temporary one."
She laughed.
"Nathan, you're so intellectual about things, analyzing them, logically thinking them through. This decision is not one of those. This decision you make with your heart. I promise you'll know, and you'll know in a split second. And either way, it will be the right decision. I guarantee it."
"I'm going to hold you to that, you know! Millicent, do you believe in having a one-true love, a soul-mate?"
"Most definitely, Love. Not that you could never love again, but it would never be as great as that one true love, that soul-mate love! The tricky part is recognizing it. I just haven't for sure found mine yet, and God knows, I've sure tried! But none of my flings have been that. They've all come up empty, like Elizabeth trying to be with Lucas. I do know this, you can't manufacture love. It's either there or it's not. Now, you have to nurture it for sure, but it's got to be there first to even be able to do that!"
Millicent thought a moment before she asked the question she desperately wanted to ask.
"Nathan, this is important. I wouldn't ask if I didn't think so. But, may I talk to Elizabeth privately?"
"Do you think that's wise given our current status?"
"Yes, I do. If you trust me. I promise I won't bite or hurt her. I just need to talk to her woman to woman. Besides, I know she's dying to talk to me, too. Don't ask, it's another female thing!"
"Okay, then I'll trust your judgment. You've never steered me wrong. But, I will have to check and see if she would be open to that. I'd actually like for it to happen. I desperately need your opinion. And that's because I value your opinion. In fact, I think it's a great idea! I just hope she's up for it. Maybe Sunday will work, after the Party. Then you'll have more common ground to start from."
The Shopping Spree at Buxton had been a rousing success.
"Allie, do you love it?"
"It's the most beautiful dress I've ever had! Thank you, Auntie Millicent!" and Alli wrapped her arms around her Auntie's thin waist.
"I'll fix your hair in the morning. You decide how you want it, okay? Oh, and Nathan, if you're sure they won't wear Tuxes, this suit is perfection on you. Navy suits you and the lighter teal blue in the paisley tie and handkerchief, well, that color matches your eyes perfectly. You are going to be the most handsome man there, without a doubt! I'm so glad we found it."
"How do you feel about your selection, now that we've gotten it home?" asked Nathan.
"You were right, it's perfect! I'm glad I listened to you! So much prettier than the red one!"
"I think the Grants and one Honorary Bradford-Grant are ready to party!" announced Nathan proudly.
Saturday night, the Party, which had become a full-fledged Ball, was in full swing, with a fancy Orchestra brought in from Union City.
The women of the town had gone all out decorating the Saloon in holiday cheer.
And everything was amazingly beautiful.
The place had truly been transformed into a Holiday Wonderland.
And all of Hope Valley was there!
Elizabeth arrived late to the Ball with Rosemary and Lee.
She looked stunning, in a Red Velvet Gown that showed her decollete and shoulders.
Her skin was beautiful and pale.
She carried a Wrap in the same Velvet Fabric as her Gown.
The Dress was simply cut and oh so elegant.
The Bodice hugged her slim body.
The Waist was fitted and the Velvet part of the Skirt had an Organza overlay, puffing out around her.
Her hair was tied back in a low chignon, the way Nathan loved it and held with a Diamond and Pearl Comb.
Her Antique Drop Earrings, Necklace, and Bracelet were also in Diamonds and Pearls and had belonged to her Grandmother on her Mother's side. They were simple but stunning.
Nathan couldn't help but look, and he couldn't help notice she seemed happier than she had ever been with Lucas, and that gave him encouragement.
Their eyes met, and both smiled.
Elizabeth couldn't help taking in his new three-piece Navy Suit, and the white pinstriped French-cuffed Shirt he was wearing, all new. She had never seen him wear cuff links before, and they looked so elegant on him.
He wore a wide paisley tie with matching kerchief in his pocket, both in a navy and gold paisley but with a light teal blue that brought out the blue of his eyes as she had never seen them.
How had she missed his long dark lashes?
His shoes were black, polished to perfection.
Elizabeth had heard that Nathan and Millicent had gone to Buxton to shop, and clearly, she should be very grateful for Millicent's excellent taste, because he looked like a million dollars.
She had never seen him look so handsome.
Allie looked adorable in a brand-new Teal frock that also matched her Dad's Paisley Tie and Kerchief. It was made of satin with an empire waist and a full skirt that fell about six inches above her ankles. She wore white tights with Ballerina Slippers and her Mother's tiny Pearls at her neck.
Her long hair was tied half-back with one of Millicent's Pearl combs.
And Millicent had put the slightest bit of gloss on her lips, making them shine.
She was positively beautiful and confident, and Elizabeth loved seeing her that way!
Next was Millicent, the Belle of the Ball!
She was truly exquisite in a Teal Satin Gown of a slightly deeper shade than Allie's, with a full skirt falling from its low waist, and the slightest of trains.
The Gown was elegantly styled with a bateau neckline and long sleeves. It was positively stunning in its simplicity, matching Nathan and Allie, but also bringing out the green of her eyes, making her look even more beautiful than ever before!
The back had a modified gathered skirt of Organza that touched the edge of her train and would swing out, moving perfectly when dancing.
She carried a golden minaudiere with a golden cord wrapped around her left wrist.
Her jewelry consisted of Diamond Drop Earrings that were also very simple, but exquisite, and a wide antique Diamond Bracelet on her right wrist.
She wore her hair simply, tousled, and pinned up with an Antique Diamond Comb.
She couldn't have possibly looked more gorgeous, and every single man there noticed, particularly Lucas Bouchard.
Elizabeth also noticed Lucas eyeing Millicent, but it didn't upset her in the least.
In fact, she felt relieved, but thought that perhaps poor Millicent might need warning.
Although, it wasn't her place to do so.
But Elizabeth quickly realized with a smile, that Millicent could more than take care of herself.
As the Orchestra began their melodious music, Nathan started to lead Millicent out on the Dance Floor, but Lucas interrupted them.
"Miss Bradford, May I present myself? I'm Lucas Bouchard, local businessman and proprietor of our venue tonight. May I have the honor of this Dance? It would give me great pleasure."
"Why Mr. Bouchard, thank you so much. How very kind of you. But I'm afraid my Dance Card is full for the night! Nathan and I have a lot of catching up to do in regards to our Dancing. You do have such an interesting name, though. It's just fascinating, you see one of my many hobbies is onomastics, which I suppose makes me an onomastician. You must look up the French meaning of your name. It's really quite fascinating!"
Elizabeth had heard it all, and she had to stifle her laugh with a cough!
For she knew exactly what Lucas's surname meant in French! And it wasn't pretty.
No need to worry about Millicent.
She wished she had had her spunk.
If so, she and those she loved would have never had to go through the mess she had created.
She winked at Millicent who winked back.
"Are you ready to dance, Miss Bradford!"
"Yes, Constable Grant, indeed I am!"
Nathan took her hand and elegantly led her to the Dance Floor.
Elizabeth watched as Nathan took Millicent into the perfect hold, and it didn't take more than three turns, for Elizabeth to know that, surprisingly, or perhaps even shockingly, Nathan was an exquisite Dancer, and that the Couple dancing together had done this many times, also exquisitely together!
She was truly amazed, as she had no idea, having never seen Nathan dance before. Which she also acknowledged was her fault. She was simply astounded, having thought Nathan would not really be interested in dancing at all.
Or had she just underestimated him yet again?
She would never repeat that mistake!
Oh, how she longed to be dancing with him.
"Milli, are you going to tell me what that was all about since I'm not an onomastician?" teased Nathan, because he was sure Millicent had just put Mr. Bouchard in his place!
"Big Mouth in French," she whispered in his ear.
It was all he could do to not laugh, "Oh, Millicent, leave it to you. I truly owe you one."
"Oh, my Darling, he's already Christmas mincemeat. If he can last that long!"
He turned her, shaking his head, but smiling.
"Yeah, and your Dance Card full," he laughed.
"Well, actually, it is. How could I possibly dance with anyone but you? Besides, I'm loving this! So much fun!"
"You would since you're positively the Belle of the Ball! I think they might as well rename this Dance from Holiday Ball to the Millicent Bradford Appreciation Ball!"
"Why thank you, kind Sir! How could I not be? I'm with the King of Dancing!"
He laughed and threw in a particularly difficult step she had to follow, which she did to the tee, on the perfect count, too.
"See, all those years of practice really did pay off! But these people are staring at us," she whispered. "Have they never seen you dance before?"
"Never had a partner."
"Nathan! Well, you do now. Let's show them what we've got!"
"I'm game. But only with you, Millicent. Only with you!"
"Now, see, that's what a good dance partner is supposed to say!"
As the song came to an end, everyone clapped, but as soon as the music started again, Nathan and Millicent picked up where they left off, without missing a beat.
People soon spread apart from them so they could watch what they were doing and try to follow.
Elizabeth took it all in, and surprisingly never once felt a single pang of jealousy.
Nathan and Millicent looked amazing together out there, and she realized that they were very dear, very deep friends. And just as Rosemary had said, in spite of herself, she was truly joyful to see Nathan actually dancing, laughing, smiling, and just having fun in general. This relaxed side of him, she had never seen before and she loved it!
But for herself, she now had no desire to dance whatsoever, unless it was with him, and since she couldn't dance with Nathan, for her there was simply no one else.
Several of the men asked her, including Lee and even Bill, but she politely declined, quite content to simply watch the exquisite moves of the man she loved and his very best friend glide across the dance floor so elegantly.
She couldn't help but wonder if her years of Cotillion would pay off in the same way Millicent's had? Would she look as good dancing with Nathan? Could she follow his lead, as well as Millicent, did?
She prayed she would get the chance to know someday.
She was watching Nathan and Millicent intently when Lucas came up behind her.
"Care to dance, Elizabeth?" he asked.
"No, thank you, Lucas. I hardly think that's appropriate, given our inconsiderate history toward Nathan."
There she had taken control and said what she felt for the very first time with Lucas, and it felt good.
He nodded, "As you wish," and moved on to ask Fiona, and a few others. Elizabeth didn't even pay attention with whom he actually danced.
Her eyes were fixed on the stars gliding across the Dance Floor, with all the difficult, but oh, so very smooth moves.
She was actually learning a few new moves herself, just by watching!
Elizabeth smiled broadly when she noticed Allie and Robert dancing so sweetly together.
"Big Mouth just got turned down by Elizabeth," noted Millicent.
"Is that like our new code name?" he asked with twinkling eyes. "It's not really very nice."
"Absolutely. Why it's the Man's name. I can't possibly help that. I'm merely the onomastician, Darling!" she laughed teasingly.
"Right, I forgot!" he shook his head with a sly grin on his face. "Just doing your job!"
"The Man's seriously having trouble finding a Dance Partner tonight. They're leaving him like flies, as soon as the first dance is over! Oh, my!"
"You know, I honestly don't care what he does. As long as it's legal and not with Elizabeth!"
"That's the spirit!"
He smiled, a real smile, that traveled all the way up to his sparkling eyes.
"You do know she hasn't taken her eyes off you!"
"Millicent, are you teasing me, again?"
"No, I am not. I would never tease about a thing like that!"
"In that case, good to know," and he dipped her.
"Perfection! In more ways than one, Nathan. You have your chutzpah back!"
And he brought her back up to him with a smile, thankful for this dear, dear friend who was helping make him whole again.
"You know, Nathan, I just figured out what Mr. Bouchard needs to do to improve his Dancing. His steps are perfection; you can tell he's been classically trained, but…"
"I knew there was a but coming! But, what?"
"He has no emotion in his dancing! Do you think it's because he's empty inside, too?"
"I have no clue. I just always thought he was too formal to show or maybe even have emotion. But, thankfully, no longer my concern."
"Maybe it's just a matter of him finding the right Woman to open him up."
"Oh, is that what the right Woman does? You all are so complicated, I never know."
"Nathan, not complicated at all, at least if you are one! But, absolutely the right Woman opens you up. I've never seen you more open and vulnerable than when you're talking about Elizabeth. It's a very good thing, Love, not a bad thing!"
"Hmm, maybe we men aren't that in tune?"
"I don't believe that for a second. Maybe for men like Bouchard, but not you. You feel things deeply, Nathan. It's like Colleen always said, you just don't show it."
"You know it's a little scary when your Sister, her Best Friend, and your own Best Friend know you better than you do yourself!"
"Oh, you get to know yourself better when you're with the right one. That's when you really get to go deep. Nathan, I might be on the verge of finding my one!"
"Millicent, that's wonderful, but why haven't you said?"
"I don't want to jinx it. And I'm still not at all sure. But he's all I can think about! It's just so early, I don't know."
"Well, when we get home, tonight, you're telling me every little thing about him and we'll decide if he passes muster to move forward. Promise?"
"Promise! I've not mentioned it to anyone. You're the only one I'd feel comfortable with enough to do so. My parents don't even know that we might have a connection. Although, they have met him," she laughed. "They just don't know who he is! He attended one of our many Social Events!"
"Oh, those infamous Bradford Parties. We poor folk lived for those, just to see how the other half lived!"
"Yeah, and we rich folk only wanted to have a real-life, one like yours and Colleen's, with a mother who baked Cookies, and fixed scraped knees, instead of our Cook and Governess. Is life always that way, Nathan. Do we always want what we can't have?"
"I've never thought about it that way, but you may have a point!"
"Elizabeth, you're looking well!"
"Oh, hi, Bill! Have a seat! I'm feeling so much better. I've gotten all my strength back, and I'm so thankful!"
"Well, it shows. What do you think of our Constable out there, cuttin' a rug? Who would have thought?" he smiled.
"I know I sure didn't. He looks so happy, Bill, that it makes me happy just to watch him."
"That's good, Elizabeth. You do realize his Best Friend is exactly like you, right?"
"What? What do you mean, Bill?"
"Elizabeth, it's obvious. We've often pegged Nathan, puttin' him into a specific box, because he seemed shy, or because he was a Mountie, or because he had a rough upbringing, etc, etc, and he's proven us wrong each and every time. Miss Bradford is from the wealthiest family in all of Canada. She was the only passenger on the Stagecoach. The rest were Pinkertons hired to protect her. I know because I checked. It's ironic, but that world is not at all foreign to Nathan. He is cultured and broad-minded and open to people, no matter what socio-economic class they come from. He doesn't even think about those things. But clearly, he's experienced them and is comfortable no matter the setting. That's a man who is comfortable in his own skin. And those don't come around every day."
"Bill, are you doing a bit of matchmaking?" laughed Elizabeth.
"Nope, I don't have to with this one. Unlike your former flame, this one sells himself, if a woman would just open her eyes," he said pointedly.
Elizabeth wrapped her arm around Bill's.
"Point taken, Bill. And my eyes are finally wide open."
They sat in silence for a bit.
"Bill, have I hurt him too badly to have hope?"
"Why, Elizabeth, this is Hope Valley. There's always hope! But truthfully, what is meant to happen will and what is not meant to happen won't. You're tough, Elizabeth. You're going to be okay either way."
She smiled up at this man she adored and had also hurt.
"Bill, you're being very kind to me. Thank you for not leaving me when I was so horrid to you. I'm so deeply ashamed and sorry. I don't know what came over me."
"It's all in the past, Elizabeth. The important thing is, you made it through! And that's all that matters."
He reached and kissed her cheek.
"Now, tell me about my Godson! How's my Boy doin'?"
"Oh, Bill, he's so happy. I love seeing his excitement over the slightest thing, his wonder at everything he sees. And he's talking a blue streak, I just can't understand most of what he says. But, oh how I love trying to figure it out! Oh, and he's playing nonstop with those Mountie toys you and Nathan made for him!"
"That was mostly, Nathan. I pretty much just sat and gabbed, while he carved and whittled."
The Party continued on, with the entire town having a grand time, all stopping to speak to Nathan and Millicent. Most were concerned that she wouldn't be leaving soon and were delighted to find that she was spending another week with the Grants before she had to go back to her own home and responsibilities.
Truthfully, the entire Ball had been a bit fancier than was usually seen in Hope Valley, and Nathan knew that had been for Millicent.
The food was delicious as always, but even that had been a little more upscale than usual.
Both Bill and Gustav had pulled out all the stops, and truth be known, they had indeed done it for Millicent, to welcome her properly.
Everyone was either deep in conversation, eating, or having a blast on the Dance Floor, with the Ball lasting way past Midnight.
When everyone finally began dispersing, it was with kisses and hugs and Holiday Wishes for everyone!
A very wonderful night had been had by all, especially by Nathan and Millicent!
But even Elizabeth, too, who was beginning to see things much more clearly than she had in a long time…
