Chapter Seventeen: Dinner with the Bradfords - Part II
Although the four of them were placed comfortably, even cozily, together at the round table, there was also a massive linear dining table that ran the length of the room, and it was impossible not to notice the many long tapered candles that had been lit, lighting the entire length, interspersed with numerous bouquets of deep Pink Roses in identical Sterling Silver containers, beautifully matching the huge bouquet on their own table.
Nathan wouldn't even venture to guess how many the table would hold, but Victoria had outdone herself in seeing that the room was alive with beautiful perfection from end to end.
It was quite the extravagance, but Nathan also knew that after dinner, Victoria also sent the flowers to the local hospital, often delivering them to patients herself, just to brighten their day.
It was an extraordinarily beautiful and large room, most formal by anyone's standards.
It was also a most elegant evening with the men looking handsome in their tuxes and the women looking gorgeous in their evening gowns.
But given all that, the evening still felt like it was very much the dinner of a family who cared for and loved each other deeply, because their love for each other was palpable.
As the four sat together, they gathered hands, and Edward said Grace in his strong, resonant voice.
"Dear Father. We come to You with much gratitude for this most special night where we have the honor and privilege to officially welcome our newest Family Member, Nathan Grant, as our Son, although he's always been part of us! We ask your richest blessings on Millicent and Nathan as they find their most beautiful way together! May you shower them with Life's richest Blessings. We thank you for the bountiful food we are about to receive, and we thank you for those who have prepared it. We ask that you bless it to the nourishment of our bodies. In Your most Holy Name, we pray! Amen!"
Which was followed by everyone adding "Amen!" just as it would have been in Hope Valley.
Dinner started with elegant Bites of an Heirloom Tomato Tart as a Dinner Hors d'oeuvre, followed by Bouillabaisse, a traditional Fish Soup infused with Saffron, Orange, Thyme, and Chili, a favorite of Millicent's.
Victoria always saw that the Soup was served when her eldest daughter visited, an attention to detail of good mothers everywhere.
Next came Fois Gras spread on Toast Points as an Appetizer, followed by Artichoke Salade as their Salad.
This In turn was followed by Coquilles St. Jacques, Scallops with Button Mushrooms & Gruyere Cheese baked in a Shell as the Fish Course, a favorite of both Millicent and Nathan.
Next came the unique and delectable Main Course, honoring Nathan, as this was a family favorite of his, Braised Pork Loin with Pearl Onions, Shaved Apples, & Split Grapes in a thick Reduced Sauce of Home Brewed Cider, that left the Pork so tender, it fell apart on the fork!
He had never tasted anything like it, except at the Bradford's!"
"Oh, how I've missed this. Thank you for having it!" he thanked Victoria. "It never disappoints!"
This was followed by a refreshing Champagne Sorbet as a Palate Cleanser.
The Chef himself came out from the Family Kitchen to the Dining Room, as Cook was off this week, away visiting her mother.
She most definitely would have been there, though, had she known Miss Millicent and Master Nathan were going to be visiting!
The Chef presented the Dessert Course, Baked Alaska, with a flourish, and very theatrically flamed it table-side, serving it proudly.
The Baked Alaska was spectacular, another of Nathan's and Millicent's favorites, tasting every bit as spectacular as it looked!
Nathan and Millicent held hands throughout the meal, every chance they got!
Both Edward and Victoria smiled at each other, as they noticed neither could keep their eyes off the other.
"I'm dying to know what your Parents said when you told them. I'm sure they were every bit as happy as us!" declared Victoria.
"They were and they basically said the same thing as you two! Glory be that we finally figured it out! Father gave us an Irish Blessing of Anam Cara, a Celtic Soul Mate type of love," explained Nathan.
"Oh, how beautiful! I do wish they were here for us to celebrate together," said Victoria wistfully. "How I miss them!"
"Oh, Mother, we invited them just yesterday, and they agreed to come for a couple of days toward the end of the week!"
"Marvelous! Archie and Sophia will stay with us! I'll call Sophie tomorrow and let her know we're here!"
Nathan smiled.
Victoria had always called his Mother Sophie or Soph, and his Mother had always called Victoria, Tori!
They had been close friends from the first day they met!
And there would be no question, his parents would want to stay with Edward and Victoria!
When Colleen passed, Victoria had been the first one at the Ranch, taking charge of everything.
She stayed for three days and two nights, without once going home.
His Mother had been too grief-stricken to even speak, but she had never forgotten that Tori had been there, taking care of everything for her, when she couldn't do so herself!
"Mother is so happy to be getting a daughter again! She's already told us that the Grant parents will always side with Millicent! No questions asked!"
"That's alright, Son! That just means the Bradfords will always side with you! And if 'no questions asked' is the rule, that will be our rule, too," winked Edward.
"Thank you, Sir! That is much appreciated!" grinned Nathan. "I was feeling rather outnumbered."
"Wait, why does this feel like you two are ganging up on me?" asked Millicent.
"It all evens out, Darling! Welcome to coupledom," assured her mother. "Shall we move to the Living Room? I believe Nathan and your father might want some private time alone!"
"Yes, my Darling Victoria, we Gentlemen will retire to my Study, if you beautiful Ladies will be so kind as to excuse us…"
Edward and Nathan helped with Victoria's and Millicent's chairs, walking them to the Grand Hallway.
On arrival, Edward kissed his beautiful wife, as Nathan kissed Millicent and the Gentlemen and Ladies parted ways for the rest of the evening.
Victoria took her daughter's arm and led her from their Dining Room down the central marble floored Hall to their gorgeous Living Room, in muted Yellows and Blues with touches of Teal and Gold, where they could be comfortable to catch up and talk as only Mothers and Daughters can do, especially after true love has been found.
Massive fireplaces anchoring each end of the Room, were alive with roaring fires, crackling and popping, spilling out waves of warmth into the huge Room, giving an air of hominess, despite the massive space.
Victoria curled up in the corner of a pair of comfy chintz love seats, by the far fire, motioning for her beautiful Daughter to do the same.
Geoffrey knocked lightly.
"Yes?" asked Victoria.
"Ma'am, a tray of Chocolates, along with Hibiscus Tea and the tiniest splash of Bourbon if you so desire. It's fruity and floral and pairs perfectly together. Enjoy!"
"How lovely! But do we have just the tea?"
"Yes, Ma'am. In the pitcher. The Bourbon is separate in this tiny pitcher if you'd like to add."
"Thank you, Geoffrey," smiled Victoria. "I'll pour."
As Geoffrey quietly exited the room, Victoria poured their tea, leaving the Bourbon out altogether, and turned to her daughter, ready for girl talk!
"Tell me everything, Darling!"
"Mother, I'm so deliriously happy, I don't know where to start," began Millicent…
At the opposite end of the Long Grand Hall, Edward led Nathan into his huge Personal Library/Study which was more of a complex than a room.
This was comparable to photos Nathan had seen of Suites in Palaces, elaborate in decor, thankfully minus the gilded gold furniture, but definitely formal, although in a most masculine sort of way!
Every Sofa or Chair he saw, was upholstered in the softest and richest of buttery caramel tufted leather.
The rest of the room was covered in Mahogany wood, polished till it gleamed, including floors, furniture, and walls.
The only fabric seen was velvet, in a myriad of masculine shades that complimented the buttery caramel leather perfectly.
The heavy velvet hung down around the massive Windows, along with rich golden fringed cording, puddling into the floor as though the velvety yardage was in fact endless.
Other splashes of the velvety colors appeared on the huge sofas and wingback chairs throughout the entire area, as huge pillows, also heavily fringed in plush gold cording.
The room was very masculine, yet most comfortable and indeed stunning.
'It's a room that reeks of money, but in an odd way, comfort and warmth, too,' thought Nathan.
Edward led him to a particularly massive sofa, curved with matching ottomans that were as large as tables.
The huge pieces sat in front of an entire wall, with a stone fireplace towering to the top of the room's twenty-foot ceiling, serving as its focal point.
"Nathan, you, of all people know our lifestyle, and I'm so pleased that it's never intimidated you! You and your family have never judged us because of our money, nor have you seemed the slightest bit impressed by it, which in turn has impressed me all the more! But, as you know, our lives are sometimes complicated because of it. It's imperative you fully understand that, as you are now officially a part of this Family."
"Sir, I love your daughter completely. I'm honored to be asking, and I am asking you, for Millicent's hand in marriage. I know I'm not wealthy or famous, and I could never offer her this kind of opulent lifestyle. But, Sir, I love Millicent more than life itself, and I know Millicent loves me as I love her. I am able to give her everything she needs to live a happy and full life. In fact, I give my word, that I'll spend my life ensuring she's cared for and loved the best she possibly can be."
"I'm counting on that, Nathan. Truthfully, I can't imagine giving my daughter's hand to anyone but you! Victoria and I know it's you that makes her happy, and only you. You already have her heart, Son! So, yes, without question or hesitation, I proudly give you my daughter's hand in marriage."
Edward leaned in and grinned conspiratorially.
"I just refuse to think of this as losing my daughter. Instead, I view it as just gaining a son. I believe that's the secret, to get through this Son, so you'll know when the time comes with Allie! Victoria and I are the fortunate ones, here, because we're gaining as wonderful a son as possible, and for that we're both very grateful."
"I appreciate that very much, Sir!"
"However, I must also confess, I've struggled over this conversation since your call yesterday, not in my answer, as I've already joyfully given you the affirmative, but in what is my responsibility to share with you in good faith, that, God forbid, might also keep you away from my daughter."
"Because if that happened, I would never forgive myself. And Victoria would never forgive me, either. So, I'm giving you the lead. I thought we'd start by you asking me questions and if you stumble across information I have been withholding or you feel you need to know, then it's meant for me to share it, and I will."
"I can assure you, Mr. Bradford…"
"Not Mr. Bradford. Let's start with Edward and hope to move to Father at the Wedding. Would that be doable?"
"I think both are very much doable, Edward!"
They both smiled and reached to shake hands in agreement with each other.
Nathan moved to the edge of his seat to get closer to his future Father-in-law, so that he could speak directly with him, eye to eye, knowing this was a most important conversation.
"Edward, I assure you, there is nothing that could make me turn away from Millicent. But I am concerned. I need to know why there is such an extensive Security Detail surrounding her twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week."
"And there I have my answer. Leave it to you to hit the nail on the head within seconds. Another reason I know my daughter will be safe with you, Nathan."
Edward sighed deeply.
"Cognac?"
Nathan nodded and waited as Edward poured, something he had never seen the man do before, as that task had always been delegated to a Butler.
But Nathan had noticed earlier, that when they entered Edward's Study, that Edward had locked the doors behind them, leaving no access to them by anyone, whatsoever, not even his trusted Geoffrey, who was generally always by his side.
"Nathan, what I'm about to tell you, only Victoria knows. We made a painful but necessary decision many years ago, to not tell our children, in order to protect them from needless tragedy."
"However, my wife insists I tell you this now, believing you have a right to know. As I mentioned, I wasn't as certain, but given your question, I now know Victoria was right, as she usually is! A good lesson, Son, I've learned to trust a woman's intuition, especially Victoria's! And I know you can trust Millicent's intuition too. She has a very good head on her shoulders, both with common sense and business."
"I haven't spoken of this in years, and you'll understand why as we progress. Just bear with me and I will do my best to get through this as matter-of-factly as I can."
Edward covered his weary face with his hands and paused.
"Truthfully, I don't know how to start, other than just coming out and saying it."
Nathan was concerned, but silent, as he had learned long ago it was better to be quiet and let the person with the story have the floor.
"Richard is not my eldest Son. And Richard and William are not my only Sons."
Nathan was shocked but given his professional training did not show it at all.
"Victoria and I had a Son, ten months to the day after we married, and named him Edward James Bradford, III."
Nathan noticed that Edward's eyes went soft as he spoke of his firstborn Son.
"He had my facial features, but Victoria's dark hair, and he had lots of it! He also had Victoria's darker complexion, just like Richard and William do."
"Oh, how we loved him! You love every child, Nathan, but your first is somehow different. Not that they're better at all, and not that you love them more, just that they're first! And you as parents are learning everything for the very first time. So, perhaps you're more attentive, out of necessity."
"We held him for hours, watching his every first move. We'd rock him to sleep and then stare at him the entire time he had his eyes closed. He was the first grandchild on both sides and my, he was adored! That little baby did the impossible. He brought our families together after so much discord. Oh, how both sides loved him!"
Edward smiled, remembering his beloved Son.
But then Nathan saw a cloud come over both Edward's eyes and words.
"Little Edward was only five
months old for his first Christmas. We decorated our apartment to the hilt, pretending he understood what Christmas was, as well as all the decorations!"
"We sang Christmas Carols to him that Christmas Eve instead of his regular lullabies and the little boy loved them, gooing and gurgling. He was such a happy baby!"
"We sang and held him till finally he fell asleep and we felt guilty keeping him from his crib and Hermie, his stuffed Rabbit. Victoria wanted to pray a Cree Christmas blessing over him, but she wanted him awake to receive it, and he was sleeping so soundly by that time, I talked her into waiting till Christmas Day. So, we kissed him and whispered Merry Christmas, left his door slightly open in case he cried and went back to the Living Room, doing our best to perfect his Christmas, placing some toys under the tree, and wrapping a few in brightly colored Christmas paper with wide red ribbon in velvet. Don't ask me why I remember that. But truthfully, I remember every single detail of our most special Christmas Eve. The part with the three of us together, that is."
"We were so very happy, Nathan. It pains me to think of how happy we were. We had everything. So much love! We were a Family. A perfect family of three. You could literally reach out and touch our happiness. It was everywhere, filling our apartment!"
Nathan saw the tears that formed in Edward's eyes, and instinctively, with dread, he knew what was coming next…
"We finished wrapping Edward's gifts and Victoria made us hot Cocoa with Peppermint. She even put Peppermint Sticks in the drink for us to use as stirrers. We drank that, celebrating Christmas Eve, together, hoping it would help us sleep, But, both of us were too excited to sleep, as we were having our first Christmas with our son, so we just cuddled up on the Sofa in the Living Room."
"I must have dozed off because I awoke fully, a few minutes later, to Victoria's blood-curdling screams for Edward. I jumped up and ran to the Baby's bed. She was in shock with her arms locked on the crib, rocking back and forth. Her face was filled with horror, and she was crying 'My Baby! my Baby!' Over and over again. By that time, our neighbors heard our screams because by now, I was also screaming Edward's name to the top of my lungs! They called the Mounties to come, and I remember they were there almost immediately, or maybe by that time, we just had no sense of time, but Edward was gone. And all of our previous memories were replaced with the most excruciating pain that can exist for a parent."
Nathan realized that this brilliant, strong, even tough man, who pretty much held Canada's financial future in the palm of his hands, and could buy anything in the world he desired, had just been brought to his knees reliving this horrible and traumatic memory, from so many years ago.
His loss, Victoria's loss, was visible, stagnant in this opulent room, stripping the opulence and wealth away, leaving only raw emotion and pain in its place!
"The Mounties made the case their top priority, and of course, we hired the top private investigators in both Canada and the United States. But there were no leads. None at all."
"The Inspector assigned to the case became convinced the kidnappers were two males, who had successfully kidnapped other children, and that they had entered from the wrap around balcony of the apartment, through a small window in the nursery. As it turned out he was eventually proven right, although it seemed humanly impossible, as the window was decorative and very small."
"Six months went by, and a lead came by way of another case. A Jewelry Heist gone bad. One of the robbers was very small and wiry - the others were arrested. But the Inspector, who thankfully was the same Inspector on our case, was suspicious, and let it appear this one got away. But, of course, the Inspector's crew closely surveilled him around the clock, instead."
"He was apparently living in a warehouse, and when they went through his things while he was away, they found Hermie and the quilt Victoria's Mother had made for Edward. I can't tell you how upsetting that was. And why they kept the evidence, I'll never know. The Inspector got lucky, I suppose, because when they went back to arrest the wiry guy, his roommate was there, a big burly man, who broke down into a blubbering mess."
"He confessed to the kidnapping, and admitted that they both had done it together. But we were never given a reason, nor were we told who was involved. At their trial, a full year after Edward had been taken, they insisted they had only kidnapped him, that they didn't harm him, they had only left him at a point for pick up, but they had no idea for who."
"The Authorities didn't have enough to charge them with murder, although the experts involved in the case believed that was exactly what had happened. That they had murdered our Son because they could. I never understood that, because I paid every ransom they demanded. Why wouldn't they have kept collecting ransom? But there was no Edward."
"The trial happened thirty-five years ago over a period of several months. Victoria insisted on sitting with me in the Courtroom every single day of the trial, saying she wanted them to not only see her pain but to feel it. Sentencing was on the Fifteenth of January, 1884. I'll never forget that day. My wife also insisted on being there for their sentencing. I'll never understand how she did that. But she was strong, so very strong. She could only say she was doing it for Edward. That it was all she could do. Finally, the two men were sentenced for stealing our Firstborn Son – thirty-five years each. It didn't really help relieve our pain over Little Edward. It just relieved us with the knowledge, that they couldn't do it again to another innocent child and his or her unsuspecting parents, at least while incarcerated. They get out this Fifteenth of January, 1919."
"That's why we're ramping up Security. And Nathan, I know you can take care of yourself, but Allie is my grandchild now, which means she is at risk, too, and has to be automatically added to our Security Coverage."
"Sir, I…"
"Nathan, you of all people know I'm right. This is your child, Colleen's child, and now Millicent's child, and our grandchild. We must protect her at all costs. I know this is a moot point, but all the grandchildren are treated equally, and yes, a Trust Fund will be established for Allie just like the rest of them, the moment you and Millicent marry. The same will be done for any other children you and Millicent have. And Victoria and I hope there are many!"
"If this tragedy with Edward has taught me anything, it's that order of birth, or sex at birth, shouldn't determine inheritance. You do need to know, Nathan, although it may go against convention, my four children will inherit equally - my daughters equally with my sons."
Nathan sat stunned, bringing his hands to his face, thinking, trying to grasp it all. He had always assumed Richard would inherit, not Millicent too.
"And among other things, Millicent gets the Steel Industry. She knows it almost as well as I do!"
To say this was a shock was putting it mildly.
Nathan didn't know what to feel…so instead, he concentrated on Edward.
"Edward, I can't and don't want to imagine you not being here. Money is money. People are people and that's what counts. You are loved Edward, more than you know, and not for your money, although I'm sure it seems the opposite at times. I'm so very sorry you and Victoria have had to suffer such a massive loss. I know it's been with you since the moment it happened. And I admire your strength to come back from that, to live your lives, and still build your loving Family."
"I appreciate that, Son. It hasn't been easy. Still isn't. It wasn't easy for us as a couple either, but in the end, we made it through, and it's made Victoria and me even stronger. If you can survive the loss of a child, you can survive anything. But through all our blessings, all our happiness, that root of heartache stays, grounding us, letting us know our limitations. Humbling us, showing us just how weak we are as humans, and how susceptible to tragedy we are without a moment's warning. We finally just had to give the whole situation over to God. And yes, we did have a burial in the Family Crypt, but the space is unmarked for now, except for a short verse."
"Do you mind my asking what verse you chose?"
"Jesus said, 'Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.'" Matthew 19:14 (*4)
"The perfect verse for Edward James Bradford, III, Sir!" voiced Nathan reverently.
Tears welled up in Edward's eyes.
"Thank you for that, Son. You're the first person to speak his name in many years. In some odd way, it validates him, confirming he lived and he mattered."
Edward was visibly shaking and openly crying, grieving his lost Firstborn.
Nathan rose and stood behind Edward as he cried, placing his hand on his shoulder, comforting him, but he soon found himself shedding a few tears too, along with his soon-to-be Father-in-law.
The two men stayed there together, Edward sitting, Nathan standing over him, until Edward could again compose himself.
"I'm sure this isn't at all what you expected, Son. But, Victoria and I are so elated to officially welcome you to the Family. We love you as a Son already, and can't imagine anyone with Millicent but you. However, we're a complex family because of the wealth, and you must have questions, especially after what I've told you!"
"Millicent and I haven't discussed location as to where we'll be living yet, as it seems, I still have an official proposal to make," grinned Nathan shyly.
"But, wherever we are," he continued. "I now understand the reason for the heightened Security, and yes, I do concur that it is indeed prudent, especially now, of all times. Do your children know any of our conversation at all? I just don't want anything to be awkward between Millicent and me. And I just can't keep anything from her."
"They know nothing about our firstborn, or that he even existed. Victoria and I only ask that you keep this confidence as long as you can. But we do understand the timing will be your decision. We want to spare Millicent this agony during what should be the happiest time of her life. We just pray that when you do share about our Edward, you do it in confidence, with the greatest of compassion and love, and we know that's exactly how you will handle it. It's just that we're not quite ready to share it with the entire Family. But we knew the Security would be a point of question for you, as this is your area of expertise, and we felt you had to have all the information, to best protect Millicent, Allie, and even yourself."
"To answer your other part of your question, the four children only know about their own Trust Funds, which I forgot to mention are quite huge, and their children's Trust Funds, which, come to think of it, are also quite large by anyone's standards. Perhaps just not as massive as those of my own children," he laughed.
"All four children also know they will inherit equally, and they are all in agreement over the decision, but then again, I suppose they have to be, as I admit I didn't really offer them a choice in the matter! But I assure you, Richard and I had several long talks about it prior to the decision, and he was in total agreement. William was too young to be included in the discussion at the time."
"But, truthfully, Nathan, there's more than enough for everyone.
It's an awful lot of money, and I truly wouldn't wish that sum on anyone. This way, my children will at least be sharing the load.
All of them will be, well actually already are, extremely wealthy. As you will also be on your marriage."
He could see the look of disbelief on Nathan's face.
"This is my best advice: don't let the money bother you, Son! As you, yourself, said, 'Money is money and people are people.' It's only the people who count! And it's the love that you and Millicent have that's important! That's what's going to sustain you, not the money."
"Edward, I do appreciate you and Victoria considering Allie equally as your grandchild, more than you can know, but Edward the trust fund isn't at all necessary. Could we just…"
"No, Nathan, I could never live with myself if I knew Allie wasn't being treated equally with the others, or cared for just as much. Victoria and I have discussed this, and we're both in total agreement. She comes into our family as family. And that's that."
"Is it at least possible to withhold the trust fund for Allie till she's old enough to appreciate it?"
"Absolutely, and that's basically the way they're set up. The children will have access to money for College, of course, but they don't receive income till they're twenty-five, and it's very restrictive as to how much they can access at a given time, even then. I'll show you the standard format we use, but if you feel it needs to be altered in any way, we'll do that, before your Wedding, so that it is all ready to go upon your Marriage."
"Sir, can I ask you one other question, that's extremely personal?"
"Anything, Son!"
"Would it have bothered you if Mrs. Bradford had been the one with all the money before you married, and you had been the one without?"
Edward did an unexpected thing.
He leaned back and roared with laughter.
"You do know how to cut to the chase, Constable, like no other I've seen!"
Then he turned serious.
"I didn't make all my money, Nathan. I inherited a large bit of it. Now, yes I've built it into something much, much larger than what I was given, but the truth is I'm not sure I could have made it at all, had I not had that initial hefty inheritance to build on. So, although, I've pretty much had the luxury, or curse, of money, my entire life, I'm not sure I would have made it at all without that huge financial boost as a start."
"Now as far as Victoria is concerned, there's nothing that could have kept me from her. Not a single thing. My parents were appalled I had fallen in love with a Cree Indian. It was beneath them and our supposed social standing. Their prejudice was out in full force, and they were positively loathesome to Victoria! But I fought them every step of the way, even threatening to walk away from the family businesses! And I meant it, too! You see they had this wealthy debutante they were sure I was meant to marry, who brought another entire fortune along with her, that conveniently merged with our businesses quite nicely."
"But Victoria had already stolen my heart. A pauper, a billionaire, it would have made no difference. You see, it's not about things, and money's a thing, Nathan, it goes back to people just like you said."
"And when you're talking about love between a man and a woman, well, that most certainly has nothing at all to do with money. It's all about the heart, Son."
"Nothing else matters, but the heart…"
(*4) King James Bible, Matthew 19:14, Public Domain
