Chapter Thirty-Nine: Union City – Part I
Dawn was just breaking, with its morning sun barely visible in the darkness, completely engulfing Hope Valley, along with its bitter cold.
Nathan was helping Millicent on with her fur, while Bill was helping get Allie all bundled up!
"You look so handsome in your, Serge, Darling, but don't you have another coat? That can't possibly be warm enough in this cold!"
"No, this wool is too hot in the summer, but certainly not warm enough in the winter! I'll get my topcoat," he winked.
"And don't forget your gloves and scarf, too!"
He grinned, not used to having someone looking after him.
But loving it.
And loving her.
All he wanted to do was take her in his arms, but there simply was no time for that!
So instead, he smiled straight into her eyes with his eyes full of love for her.
This having her so close, yet so far away was a new adjustment after their romantic week together.
But with each day to come, they would be learning and growing, becoming a family, and oh so closer to their Wedding Day!
His heart practically burst with excitement at the very thought!
This was real, and this was really happening.
Discussing their Honeymoons last night made everything seem much closer, and for that, he was very grateful.
Both had gone to bed with dreams of them!
His life was changing forever in a miraculous way, and he wasn't remotely thinking about money or security.
But, on this particular day, Constable Nathan Grant was particularly happy, perhaps a touch smug even, as he had a huge surprise awaiting Millicent and Allie…
Millicent glanced away just long enough to check Allie, making sure she was alright and ready.
"Are you feeling alright, Sweetheart," asked Millicent, feeling of her forehead.
She was wide-awake and practically dancing, full of excitement, but she looked a little pale to Millicent.
"I'm fine, Momma. I was just so excited, I couldn't sleep much!"
Something wasn't right, but Millicent couldn't quite put her finger on it.
"Everybody got everything?" asked Nathan.
"I'm ready!" confirmed Bill. "My back's broken from that Settee, but other than that, I'm rarin to go!"
"Oh, Bill, we've got to do something about that. You can't possibly sleep like this all week!"
"Aw, Millicent, I'm a tough old bird! I'll work the kinks out before you know it!"
"Well, you shouldn't have to!" sympathized Millicent.
"Got everything, Allie?" asked her Dad.
"Yes, Sir!" grinned Allie. "We're ready, Dad!"
"Then, we'd better get going and get started on this big celebratory trip for one Miss Allie Grant!"
"Good morning, Lee! We really appreciate you doing this!"
"Good morning! My pleasure, Nathan! Hope you all are dressed warmly. They say the temperature's going down at least another 5 degrees today!"
"Don't even say the words," warned Bill.
"Everybody in?" asked Lee
"All in!" called Nathan.
"Uncle Lee, I'm so excited! We're going to Union City!" exclaimed Allie. "And I'm getting a new dress for our Christmas Dance!
"That's what I hear! Wish Rosie and I could go with you, too, but I've got meetings today! And Auntie Rosie's furious with me! She was going to ask if we could tag along to Union City!"
"Oh, that would have been so lovely to have you two join us!" exclaimed Millicent.
"Thank you, Millicent. I'll pass on the message. Maybe that will help ease her grief!"
The men laughed.
"Hey, you! Don't you laugh, you're about to find out just what this married life's like, Nathan!"
"And I'm looking forward to it immensely, Lee!" assured Nathan, as he grinned over at Millicent, who was on the other side of Allie.
Both Millicent and Allie couldn't help but giggle at Lee.
"And I know, Millicent, you think you'll never be like that, but let me tell you, it happens!"
The whole car burst into laughter, making Lee turn red, realizing what he had said.
"Not that I wouldn't take the world for her!" he added as a point of clarification. "They broke the mold with my Rosie…"
The Security Team, happy to be easing into their job and looking forward to seeing the outlying area, had already boarded by the time, the Grant Family arrived!
Bill helped Allie up to the Platform, and Nathan assisted Millicent.
"You look absolutely beautiful, Millicent! As always, but especially so, this morning!"
He kissed her lightly.
"I'm just so happy, Love. Dreamt about our Honeymoons, not one but two! And really looking forward to this day. I believe this is going to be a big day for you! Mark my words - a very important, special day."
"Well, that's a lovely idea, but what makes you say that?"
"Woman's intuition," she laughed.
She was right about one thing.
He already knew of one thing happening today, that he hoped would make them all very happy, indeed!
Bill knew the Conductor and had made a call to reserve the very best seats, all the way in the back of the Passenger Car.
They were the two sections across from each other, and each had a table with opposite-facing booths, that were quite plush.
Bill nodded to Security, and proceeded to get settled, as Nathan and Millicent stopped to speak to their Team.
"Good morning, Gentlemen," smiled Millicent, who had her hands on Allie's shoulders.
"Good morning! Are you all ready for our big day?" asked Nathan.
"Yes, ready to see your big city, Constable!" teased Tom.
Tom Baylor was not only the oldest and most experienced of the men.
He was also the one in charge of the Team and would serve as Nathan's and Bill's liaison.
"Well, it's certainly not Montreal, I can tell you that! But it's nice, just the same! Gentlemen, I'd like to introduce our daughter, Miss Allie Grant. Allie, this is Mr. Matt Logan, Mr. Kyle Hanson, Mr. Tom Baylor, and Mr. Lance Emory.
"Hello, it's nice to meet you," said Allie with a broad smile.
"Delighted from all of us, too! It's a pleasure, and we look forward to getting to know you better, Miss Allie," nodded Tom.
Allie beamed, but Nathan could tell, if they could not, his daughter was still clearly sizing them up.
"Allie, we'd better get seated. The train's about to start," nudged her Dad.
Allie whispered to the men, "We'll talk later!"
"Mil, let me help you with your coat."
"Thank you, Nathan."
"Allie?"
He hung both coats on the hook by their seats.
Then Allie sat down by her Uncle Bill, still stealing furtive glances, sizing up the new Gentlemen.
Bill grinned to Nathan and Millicent, who had just sat down, across from them, with Millicent scooting in next to the window across from Bill, and Nathan across from Allie.
"We're ready to take off. May I offer you some coffee and tea?" asked the Conductor.
"Tea for me, Sir!" grinned Allie.
"Tea for me, too. Cinnamon if you have it, with honey and cream!" requested Millicent with a smile.
"Oh, can I – may I have cinnamon, too?" asked Allie. "With just honey!"
"Of course, Miss," smiled the Conductor.
"Black Coffee for us Gents," ordered Bill.
"I'll be right back," then the Conductor turned to the Security Agents. "Ready for refills, Gentleman?"
"Yes, please!" answered Tom.
"Dad, I better go talk to these people, now that we're getting started."
"Allie, you be nice," her Dad warned. "And don't overwhelm them."
"I won't Dad! I just have a few questions."
Her Dad pursed his lips and gave her another warning look, knowing exactly how she could be!
Bill stifled a laugh, "There she goes!"
The three couldn't help but overhear the first question, which needless to say took the men quite a bit aback, coming from a twelve-year-old girl.
"Can you tell me where each of you was trained, and where you graduated in your class?"
Her father put his hand over his head.
Allie had pulled out a notepad with a pencil, and was taking notes!
Bill guffawed.
Millicent had a somewhat surprised look to see her daughter's spunk in action, which was a little difficult to describe, as it was mixed with a bit of shock, along with a healthy amount of pride!
After they had all answered her first question, which had actually been two in one, Allie asked another one…
"Have any of you taken any Mountie courses?"
Nathan covered his face with both of his hands.
"Do you know how to ride a horse? Because Momma rides, and I'm learning, and that's gonna be pretty important! Especially living in Hope Valley!"
The men admitted they weren't yet that good but were taking lessons.
"Well, I'll help you, too!" she insisted. "I'll add it to my list!"
Yes, Allie was a list-maker too.
She got the habit, quite expectedly, from her Dad who was constantly making lists!
"Have you ever had to shoot someone?"
And that's where her squirming Dad stepped in.
"Allie, I think you already have quite a bit of information," and he helped her up and turned her shoulders toward her seat. "I assure you these nice Gentlemen are extremely good at what they do, or they wouldn't be here!"
"But, Dad! I have six more questions!"
"Later, Allie, thank the Gentleman for being so gracious!"
"Thank you, but there's still a lot more I need to know! Dad, I didn't even ask them about being my Uncles, yet!"
"My apologies, Gentlemen!"
With that, Bill shook with laughter!
And although he was trying his best to keep it inside, he was failing miserably, as Nathan politely but firmly led Allie to her seat.
The four Agents couldn't help but chuckle!
"Your tea will be here any moment, Allie! Besides, we need to plan our day!" insisted her Father.
"Oh, Dad, don't forget my dress! And I really need shoes, too!"
"How about you and your Momma shop for that, while I'm with the Commissioner?"
"Sure, that will work!" agreed Allie, excitedly.
"Are you two ready for a huge surprise?"
"Yes! I love surprises. How big is it?" asked Allie.
"I'm game! Love surprises! Especially when I get to know what they are," laughed Millicent.
"It's extremely big, Allie! I thought it was time we go shopping for a family car today!"
Allie exploded and Millicent beamed!
"A Car! A real live Car, Dad?"
"Well, I don't think they're living things, Allie, but yes, a real car!"
"Are you sure about this?" asked Bill skeptically. "I'm not sure I like my Mountie drivin a car on a full-time basis!"
"Well, it won't be a full-time basis, Bill. Just for the Family. But, yes, I've thought a lot about it! And we just can't keep pestering Lee, every time we need to do something. I've been checking the market, and there's a dealer in Union City who has just about everything for us to choose from."
"I think it's wonderful, Darling. Our first family car!" agreed Millicent, excitedly.
She had never actually gotten to choose a car before, as the Limousines came from a fleet of her Father's.
Nathan gave her a look filled with such love, excited that she, too, was so excited about the idea.
"You'll need to have a car, too, Mil! Can you drive?"
"I most certainly can drive! Albert taught me, on the country roads surrounding town! Although they," and she nodded toward her Security Team, "They say it's too dangerous for me to drive in Montreal."
"That's great you know how, Mil! Somehow, I thought you would, although I'm afraid I agree about driving in Montreal! But, here, I don't think it's as big a problem. It's all so open, without traffic."
"Oh, Nathan, that's so exciting that I'll actually be able to drive!"
"But you'll have to have Bill, me, or Security with you until they have their own transportation!"
"That's okay! Do you know how wonderful it is for me to finally be able to drive? That is such a gift, Darling!"
He reached to kiss her cheek, knowing exactly how freeing it was to imagine that very thing, happy he could give her this little bit of freedom.
"I'll take care of getting a couple of cars for the Security Team to share, to use after the Wedding. But for now, I thought we would do fine with the one car for us! Are you in, Bill?"
"Aw, like I have a choice!"
They all laughed.
"But seriously, be glad to help out, Millicent!"
"What kind of car were you thinking of, Darling?"
"Funny, you should ask," and he proudly pulled an Automobile Magazine from his briefcase. 'What do you think of this one? I hit it lucky because Ned and I were talking about vehicles while you and Florence were getting groceries, and he had this magazine!"
He had clipped the page.
"It's absolutely beautiful, Love!"
"May I pretty please see, please?" begged Allie.
"You most certainly may, and please share with your Uncle, Allie, so he can see too."
"Wow!" enthused Allie. "This is the bomb!"
"I second that! It's a beauty! Why I might even have to ride in that!"
"They're holding it for us to look at. It's a Hispano-Suiza and was shipped in as a special order from Paris, where it was actually made. I was reading up on them last night, and they are supposed to be one of the most comfortable cars on the road."
"But aren't they expensive?" asked Bill. "Sure does look it!"
"Yes, more than the North American Cars, but apparently the people who placed the order had already put a huge down payment on it, which they lost when they decided to buy a more expensive car from another dealer. So, if we want it, they'll let us have it for the difference, which is more than reasonable. In fact, almost the same as I originally expected to pay. Just a little more, but nothing I can't handle. The thing I like most about it is that the engine is actually made by the same people who made the engines for the planes used in the war, so you know it's got to be reliable. I want comfort for my Girls, but most of all I want safety!"
"But what about working on it, Nathan?" asked Bill.
"Mechanically, the dealer assures me, they seldom require work other than routine maintenance, which they can handle. He also assures me his work crew will be able to handle any problems that might come up, although major repairs could take a bit longer due to parts being shipped. That's really the only downside."
"I can't wait to see it! It looks really wonderful. How did you find out about it?" asked Millicent.
"I called the dealer from work yesterday afternoon after Ned gave me this. I remembered them from when Allie and I were in Union City, and they told me about the Hispano-Suiza. Then, when I asked Lee for his opinion, that was the exact same dealer he had used and recommended them highly! If you all are okay with it, I thought we'd stop by Barrett's Autos first!"
"Definitely!" agreed all.
"Dad, is it that color?"
"Yes, Allie, it's a royal blue with a cream top and interior, just like the picture!"
"Will we drive it home, Dad?"
"No," Nathan glanced over at Millicent, as both knew that wouldn't be possible without Security following, for that long of a distance. "If we decide we want the car, the dealer will see that it's delivered, Allie!"
"The only problem, I see with it is, Mr. Bouchard might be green with envy!" suggested Bill. "This sure does make his look outdated!"
Millicent and Allie laughed.
"Great day, I hadn't even thought about that. Do people really think like that?" asked Nathan.
"Afraid some do, Darling. Not sure if he's one of them or not. However, I do know he likes to have the very best! But let's change the subject from him. Allie, what sort of dress are you thinking you want?"
"Well, let's see. I want it to be longer than I usually wear. I think that will look more grown-up, and I was hoping," and she glanced at her Dad. "I was hoping to get dressier shoes."
Millicent immediately knew what her daughter meant by that, yet she could see Nathan hadn't a clue, and she was concerned that he might not be on board with heels, even low heels.
"But, you have dressy shoes, Allie," reminded her Dad.
"Dad, all the girls are wearing little heels and I don't have any. I don't want to be the only one there, wearing flats. They'll think I look like a little girl."
"Heels?" her non-plussed Dad asked, barely able to get the word out.
"Just teeny tiny ones, Dad! It's not a big deal. They'll just look nicer with our long dresses," reasoned Allie.
Bill watched as Nathan became slightly flustered.
The truth was Allie was growing up, and Bill knew it was hard on her Dad.
Why it was even hard on him!
Millicent looped her arm through Nathan's, hoping to soothe him, waiting for him to comment, so she could better tell where he was at about all this.
Although she already had a fairly good idea.
"I just don't know. What do you think, Mil?"
"I think it's a fairly normal thing for a twelve-year-old to want their shoes to match their fancier dresses. They're just a bit more festive and require fancier shoes. After all, this is a Christmas Dance. But, Allie, I will tell you, you don't want to go too high, then it will just make you so uncomfortable, you won't be able to dance. I think a really low heel is the answer to your problem. It will actually look a lot nicer, too, because they're so much easier to walk in and they'll make you look all lady-like, which is the very thing you want."
"That sounds good, Momma!"
Nathan visibly breathed a sigh of relief, all the while thanking God for Millicent.
"Well, you Girls have fun shopping! I hope we can all at least have lunch together before I meet the Commissioner. Allie, this is your day, have you thought about where you want to eat?"
Allie's eyes literally lit up.
"Can we go to Cosette's? I want some salmon wrapped in that shiny paper. And I'd love to have some of her Macarons! They're my favorite! And she has so many flavors!"
"It's 'may,' and yes, Cosette's sounds like the perfect choice for your big celebration. We'll have to call and make reservations from Barrett's, the Car Dealer's."
"Is this eatin place fancy?" asked Bill.
"Not too much! Just typically French, warm, and cozy! Besides best Steak Frites this side of Hope Valley!" assured Nathan.
"Well now as long as steak is in there somewhere, that doesn't sound too awfully bad!"
"Millicent, do you think you're going to have time to look for furniture with the men, now that we know we have the house next door?"
"I think so, I'm pretty quick with my shopping, and I made up a list of things yesterday afternoon, they'll need, hoping the rowhouse would work out. I thought we'd find Allie's dress and shoes first, then use the rest of the time to shop for furniture. Will they ship everything, Nathan?"
"Yes, generally via the Train. I suppose it depends whether or not they have what you need in stock, Love. But we bought a few pieces from Mason's when we first moved to Hope Valley, and they were very accommodating. They have the biggest selection by far, so Bill, you might want to take everyone there first!"
"Will do. Are you feeling okay about your conference with Winston?"
"As much as I can be. I made a list of a few things I want to talk with him about, too. So, I hope he has time to go over all of it. The only thing, Bill, since he knows we want to stay in Hope Valley for Allie, what in the world could this be? It's not like he's going to offer me an Inspector's position to cover such a small town."
"No, but he's sure got some idea up his sleeve. Aw, just relax, and don't even try to second guess the man. I tell you, he's a logical, very thoughtful man. At least I thought so, till he took my Serge, that is…"
The Grant Entourage took two cars from the Union City Train Depot to Barrett's Autos.
For safety's sake and easier transport, Nathan rented the cars for their entire day in Union City.
When all eight of them saw the Hispano-Suiza, they were saving for Nathan to see, it was instantly unanimous!
There was no need to even look at anything else.
The vehicle was stunning!
This car was indeed a keeper.
It sat lower to the ground than most, and although it was a sedan, it was very sleek and styled more like a coupe, in a beautiful royal blue with a treated cream leather top and cream leather interior.
It was stunning!
And it was impossible to tell who loved it most!
The dealer was nice enough to loan a second of his cars for Security to use to follow them when Nathan took out the car for a trial fun with Millicent, Allie, Bill, and the Dealer all riding with him, leaving their rental cars on his lot.
"I probably shouldn't say this, Mr. Barrett, but this is a very smooth ride!"
"It really is, Constable! Truthfully, I'd keep it for myself, but I just ordered a Rolls, and there's no way my wife is going to let me have a second car with that coming! You just called at the right time, as it came in just yesterday. But it sure is a beauty, had I known the people who had ordered it would back out, I might have just held off on the Rolls, and used this instead!"
"Dad, we just have to get this!" begged Allie.
"Can't believe it, but it's got my vote, too! Like the looks of it better than any of the other cars I've seen!"
As Nathan drove, he glanced through his mirror at Millicent who smiled and nodded, and that's when the final decision was made.
"Sounds like we need to head back and sign some papers!" grinned Mr. Barrett.
As this was Nathan's first car, even he was beside himself with excitement.
"This is so exciting! Our very first car together! It's just stunning! And to think I get to drive it!" exclaimed Millicent, excitedly. "Thank you, Darling!"
He glanced back through the mirror, at her beautiful face, wanting to kiss her so badly, it hurt.
He was so proud to be able to do this for Millicent on his own, prior to their funds being merged.
It was important to him.
Although, somehow, he wasn't at all sure how, but even the Bradford money was becoming less and less of an issue.
Perhaps, Millicent was right, as, with him and Allie focusing on their own Charities, the whole situation no longer felt so overwhelming!
Whatever the reason, he was most grateful.
And so very happy…
Back at the Dealership, Nathan asked about delivery.
"I'll shine it up even prettier than it is now, service it, and make sure everything is in tip-top shape! Would next week be okay for delivery?"
Nathan reluctantly agreed, but when he explained to Mr. Barrett why he couldn't drive it home tonight, and that he would be returning to buy two more cars within the next couple of months, Mr. Barrett suddenly changed his mind.
"You know what? I think we can do better than that! What Train do you go back on tonight?"
"The Seven O'clock Train."
"I tell you what, let me make a call and see if I can deliver it for you via your Train, with our compliments. I can put a rush on the servicing, and have it ready to load by then, if they have room, that is."
"That would be most kind, Sir!"
Mr. Barrett made the call, and sure enough, there was plenty of room on tonight's Train.
"I can't tell you how much we appreciate this. My Fiancee is here only for the week, so this will give her some time to enjoy it and also make transportation for the week a lot easier. Quite frankly, I was dreading having to borrow my neighbor's car, yet again!"
Mr. Barrett chuckled.
"Just glad I could help! It's been an absolute pleasure doing business with you, Constable, and I hope you enjoy this car for many years to come! I must say it's the most beautiful one we've had on the lot! Until my Rolls comes in next week, that is!" he teased.
After Nathan took out insurance and wrote the check to pay for the car, Mr. Barrett signed the warranties and the service agreement.
"Of course, we take care of our vehicles, but a lot of auto dealers don't, so I like it in writing and signed, so there is a binding legal agreement between us, leaving no doubt. I assure you, you're in good hands with us!"
"Mr. Barrett, Lee Coulter, my neighbor, told me the exact same thing!"
"You thank Mr. Coulter for me. That's a very nice thing to know! You come back to me, personally, when you're ready for those two additional cars. Here's my number. Just call first and make sure I'm here! I'll make you an excellent deal…not very often a man has to purchase three cars at once!"
They actually finished purchasing the car in a lot less time than Nathan thought it would take.
But the happy event set the tone for the entire day!
Millicent was so thrilled to see the exultant look on Nathan's face.
It was undeniable.
There was just something very special about a Man's first car…
"You know we've got a good two hours before our lunch reservation. Why don't we go on to Mason's Furniture now, and get that out of the way, so you and Allie can have your afternoon free to just shop and have fun?"
"I'd love that! And I think the Men would like to see what furniture they're getting for the rowhouse. That's perfect, right, Allie? Leaving us all afternoon to just shop and have fun!"
At Mason's, Millicent proved her worth as a shopper extraordinaire.
She went down her list in record time, with two assistants helping her, involving the men in the decision process, to ensure they would be as happy as possible in their new surroundings.
"Oh, and I want a Hide-Away-Bed for Bill!" declared Millicent. "With a nice plush mattress!"
"Way to go, Mil, now he'll just move in permanently!" laughed Nathan.
"He's our chaperone and our guest, Darling! He deserves the very best!"
"I'm with Millicent! Sounds like a plan to me! I don't mean to complain, but that thing of yours is not the most comfortable in the world to sleep on. Last night I thought I'd just move to the floor for tonight, like campin style. Has to be better than that stone of a thing you call a Settee!"
A Hide-Away-Bed was added to their list, although Nathan was still a bit unsure, fearing Bill would just move in, although Bill, of course, was elated!
As it turned out all four Security Agents chose different bedroom furniture and were very pleased they got to make their own selections.
But the four couldn't seem to agree on the living areas.
To be honest, they were out of their element, mostly chatting with Bill and Allie, instead of focusing on the job at hand, leaving Millicent to do almost all the work!
Allie was using all this boring furniture selection time, to dig for more information from her potential new Uncles, as they were pretty much a captive audience!
And of course, instead of reigning her in, Bill was egging it all on!
"I tell you what, Gentlemen. I'm going to choose the largest, most comfortable sofa and chairs, then let you decide what you like best from those. How does that sound?"
"Much better and simpler, too!" agreed Tom, and all the others shook their head in agreement. "Frankly, we're going to be happy with whatever you think is best!"
Before too long Millicent had not only the living room furniture selected, but the kitchen and dining, too!
"We love your masculine choices. How did you do that?"
"I could tell by looking at you four, you'd want something sturdy, yet comfortable, and that's exactly what you now have! I think the lighter leather will brighten up the place too. It will be comfortable and easy to take care of. And we'll add some bright fabric for cushions and drapes. Oh, no I forgot drapes!"
"Not a problem, Miss Bradford, we have a whole drapery division," prodded one of the Assistants.
"But I don't have the measurements!"
"Wait, Darling! I think Lee wrote them on the back of this. No, I stand corrected, Rosemary wrote the measurements on the back of this!" he grinned. "Which doesn't surprise me at all!"
"Oh, you've got to love that woman! She thinks of everything. An absolute dynamo! Remind me to thank her, Love! She saves the day yet again!"
Millicent chose a masculine plaid and paisley in deep blues and greens and purchased huge tapestry throw pillows to match.
"And don't forget the rods!" reminded Millicent.
"I'm glad you mentioned that. Let me get them now!" replied the second Assistant.
"Goodness, Mil, I think our place is going to need a re-do next to theirs!"
She laughed.
"Maybe just a few tweaks here and there! But honestly, I love it just the way it is!"
Then she turned back to the Assistant finding the rods.
"Is there any possible way you could ship all this on the Seven O'clock Train tonight to Hope Valley?"
"Of course! We have a shipping arrangement with them that's no charge to you. So, there should be no problem whatsoever. I assure you we'll have it delivered there in plenty of time to be on the same Train as yours!"
"That's wonderful. Thank you! You've been such a huge help!" thanked Millicent. "Both of you!"
"I can't tell you how excited we are to sleep in our own beds tonight! Guys, we're moving in!" exclaimed Tom.
And the guys all high-fived each other.
"No more Saloon!" from Lance.
"No more inebriated tangos!" from Matt.
"No more loud noises!" from Kyle.
"No more being woken up all night long!" from Tom.
"But what about putting our beds together?" asked Lance.
"Bill and I will help! We'll get it done tonight!" assured Nathan.
"Oh, no, Allie. We've got to buy blankets, sheets, and towels, too. Will you remind me after we finish your shopping, Sweetheart?"
"Sure, Momma!"
"Miss Bradford, if you'll tell me the colors you'd like, I can get those things for you and add them to your order for shipping."
"Oh, Miss Tilman, that would be a huge help. Thank you so very much! Okay, let me just write on our old list…"
Which was exactly what Millicent did, leaving detailed instructions for pillows, blankets, quilts, sheets, and pillowcases, as well as towels and washcloths for bath and kitchen!
"Again, thank you so very much. That saves us so much time, and lets us concentrate on this young lady, whose celebratory day this actually is!"
Then Millicent turned to her entourage.
Everybody ready for lunch?" asked Millicent, cheerily.
"So ready," smiled Nathan. "Allie, Cosette's, here we come…"
Note: A huge Thank-you to Sabrina Wernetshammer for her suggestion that Judge Bill Avery needed a much more comfortable bed than that Settee for his chaperoning duties! Sabrina, Bill, and his back, certainly thank you for his comfy new Hide-Away-Bed! It was invented by Sarah Elizabeth Jacobs Goode, in 1885. She was one of the first African-American women to obtain a patent from the U.S. Government when she created the folding cabinet bed, which also functions as a desk!
