Chapter 87: Traveling to a New Life Part III
Inside their Bedroom, once Allie had changed into her gown for her afternoon nap, she went to the Bathroom to brush her teeth while her Momma prepped her bed.
"Here we go, Allie, covers all down and ready!"
"Thanks, Momma! And Momma?"
"Yes?"
"Thanks for helping Dad to relax about the dance. I was really worried, but your being here made everything a lot easier.
"You've got it, Angel! It's just a hard thing for Dads with lots of mixed emotions about their Little Girls growing up. But always remember that's just because your Father loves you so very much!"
"I know. Momma, do you really truly think everyone will love me in Montreal?"
"I know they already do love you, Allie," and Millicent gave her daughter a reassuring hug.
Allie smiled.
"That's really cool!"
"And Allie, don't forget your Gramma and Grappa are going to be there at the Train Depot to greet you with my parents!"
"Then since I already know Grandpapa, Grandmama will be the only one I meet new?"
"Yes, when we get off the train. Then we'll go to our Townhouse and meet Uncle Hendrix and Auntie Essie. Oh, and we'll meet Uncle Albert in the car! They all already love you, Sweetheart. There is not a single thing to worry about. I promise."
"But what if I embarrass you?"
"Allison Grant, you could never embarrass me. Just always, always be yourself, Sweetheart! Everything works out when we stay true to ourselves."
"Will there be reporters and photographers like in Hope Valley?"
"Honestly, I'm afraid there is going to be many more and much worse. But Allie, if I know your Grandpapa, he will have done everything possible to make it as private for us as he can. But if for some reason he's not able to do that, we are a family together, and we do everything together, including this. You just stand between your Dad and me. You are totally safe with us. Your Dad and I will handle everything, I promise."
"Thanks, Momma! Why am I so sleepy?"
"Because you, Sweetie, were so excited last night about the dance and this morning about our trip. It's totally normal! You get some rest now. It will be dinner before we know it!"
Millicent bent to kiss Allie.
"I love you, Momma."
"I love you, too, Sweet Girl! And here's a little surprise for you!"
Millicent reached into her trunk, pulled out Allie's Bear, and dangled him for Allie to see.
"Cuddles! Momma, I feel so bad. I left him home because I thought I was maybe too big to bring him, but the truth is I was already missing him!"
"Well, I for one, just couldn't stand to leave Cuddles at home all alone while we were traveling. Besides he belongs with us in Montreal too. I hope you don't mind!"
"No, I don't mind at all! Thank you, Momma. I love that you brought him!"
After she placed Cuddles in bed with Allie, Millicent pulled the cover up over Allie and kissed her daughter, then reached to grab her needlepoint, closing the door quietly behind her...
"You look stunning, Mil!"
"I look the same as when I left you, Love!"
"And you looked stunning then too!"
Millicent laughed and sat down beside him.
"No more than how handsome you look still! Cuddles has been reintroduced to his rightful owner and is very much loved!"
"He is, is he? All is right with the world," and he reached to kiss Millicent on the cheek.
"What's your book, Love?"
"I'm re-reading a couple of volumes of the Ranch History that were a little confusing. This one's fascinating yet not nearly as fascinating as you!"
Millicent smiled, but he could tell she was thinking about something.
"Nathan, I'm worried about Allie. She's a bit overwhelmed with all this. She's even worried about everyone loving her, and I assured her they already do, that her Gramma and Grappa will be there to meet us too. But she asked about the photographers and reporters. When we do get there, please just concentrate on shielding her. I've been through this so many times before, it's the norm for me. I can take care of myself as long as we both take care of her. She's just a little girl and without doubt, the most important one."
"We will, Darling! Allie's going to be fine. It's going to take both of us some getting used to, but we Grants will rise to the occasion, I promise!"
"I think she's extra tired too, with all the excitement of the Dance, the Trip, and our Wedding! It's a lot for one little girl!"
"I suppose it is, as it's a lot for us, too. But you, my big girl, come closer. Is it crazy that I've missed you?"
She giggled and snuggled into him, as he automatically placed his arm around her, holding her close.
"Mil, Allie will be fine. I promise. It's just going to take some time. We'll have our family dinner tonight, and that will take her mind off all this. At least now she's shared about the dance, and that was obviously on her mind in a big way! Now that she's talked about that, maybe she can start to relax a little."
"I suppose you're right. I hadn't thought about that."
But as soon as they agreed and felt some relief, there was a loud knock at the door.
"Just a sec, Mil."
"Who's there?" called Nathan.
"It's Tom, Chief!"
"Come on in, Tom!" offered Nathan, opening the door wide.
"I'm afraid I have bad news, Sir! I've been going through the Passenger Manifest, and there are definitely two reporters and two photographers out of Montreal on board. I have asked about the dining situation tonight, and it appears the Dining Room is full of Guests that don't include them."
"But you're worried they could be one of the guests under an assumed name?"
"Yes, I am. I'm sorry to interrupt, Miss."
"No problem, Tom. Thanks for being so thorough. Is there any way we can tell that the four newsmen aren't included at Dinner?"
"Afraid not, Miss."
"Unless we have them detained in their own car during the Dinner meal. And have Colten verify each diner. If affirmative that they're all just guests, then maybe a lockdown of passenger cars, so to speak, would work," suggested Nathan.
"That's genius and would definitely work. But I'm afraid it will take your clout to make that happen, Sir!"
"I'll talk to Colton. We wouldn't be able to do it every night. But I think it might work for tonight. You two do realize, however, the remaining Dinners will most likely have to be taken in our Suites?"
"Oh, Nate, I'm so sorry!"
"Millicent, Love, there is nothing for you to be sorry about. Tom and I are sorry you have to go through this. We'll make tonight work and see how it goes. Even though we're running the risk that there might be other reporters and photographers we haven't identified. But we'll take the risk tonight in order to eat normally. How does that sound?"
She nodded, thrilled to have him with her for many more reasons than one.
She absolutely adored him and was head over heels in love, plus he always seemed to know what to do, no matter the situation.
All that made her so very proud of him.
Plus, she felt completely safe when he was with her.
"Shall I call Colton, now, Sir?"
"Yes, please do, Tom…"
After talking with Colton in their Security Suite across the Hall, and then returning through his own Suite's door, Nathan turned his full attention back to Millicent.
"Now where were we?" he smiled.
"Did you get everything taken care of, Nathan?" asked Millicent, rushing to the door to greet him.
"Yes, my Darling! No worries for tonight."
He took her in his arms and kissed her tenderly.
"Thank you, Love! Allie was so looking forward to having dinner in the Dining Room, I didn't want to disappoint her."
"Why don't we watch the scenery before it gets dark?"
"I'd love that. Do you know where we are?"
"Yes, in Heaven!"
"I meant literally!"
"So did I!" he chuckled, which caused her to giggle lightheartedly.
He ushered her to sit down and scoot into the banquette first so she would be next to the window.
"Oh, my! Look at that old Barn. It looks like a soft wind could blow it down!"
"Or the passing of this Train!" grinned Nathan.
"Nate, don't say that! What if there is livestock inside?"
"No livestock, Darling. That Barn is much too dilapidated. But speaking of livestock reminds me of our horses at the Ranch. I can't wait to see them!"
"One, in particular, no doubt! A certain Black Feather, I believe!"
"Guilty as charged. I've really missed him! But don't tell Newton!"
He shushed her conspiratorially.
"Your secret's safe with me, Love! I can't wait either. Why does the Ranch just feel so much like home already?"
"Because it is, Mil. It was meant to be ours. I have no doubt about that. It will be our haven away from the city and all the media circus. And I'm sure Allie's going to love it as much as we already do! How can she not?"
"I have a surprise for you!"
"You do?"
"Just wait till you see the place now! I didn't want to say anything to Allie till later, but Albert and Grace have already moved in! Although Albert is going to still act as our chauffeur till after our Wedding Celebrations. He said he's not about to be left out of all the Wedding fun!"
"Good for Albert! I like that man a lot! I've actually missed him, along with Essie and Hendrix."
"They've all missed you too! I know you haven't known him as long as Estella and Hendrix, but Albert's a good man, Nathan. And the more I've worked with Grace, well, she's a Sweetheart! The nicest lady you'd ever want to meet. Another Auntie for Allie for sure! And she's a gardener extraordinaire from the photos I've seen, with all sorts of plans for the Ranch."
He looked at her quizzically. He knew her too well. And because of that, he fully expected their Ranch renovations to be completed, even though she hadn't said a word!
"Millicent, have you completed the Ranch House?" he asked suspiciously.
"Almost, maybe," she admitted with a grin. "But I had tons of help! Mother helped a lot too. So, I can't take all the credit."
"Now, I really can't wait!"
"I hope you love it, Nathan. I will say, now it really feels like home! Our home!"
"I'm sure I will love it. Now, I can't wait to see all the changes!"
"I even finished Allie's room there as well. On the phone, she told me she wanted Lavender and Mint Green with touches of rose pink, and that's exactly what I did. It's so beautiful, Nathan. Simply stunning! I just love it. I hope she does as much!"
"I'm sure she will be thrilled, Darling!"
She snuggled closer to him, as they watched the green meadows overcast by the setting sun, both feeling so blessed.
"I want us to always take time to watch the sunset together, wherever we are," she mused, laying her head back against his shoulder. "Just like the sunset, we watched on the Ferris Wheel!"
He touched her slender neck with his roughened large hand, looking into her eyes instead of the scenery, but finding even more beauty there.
"I agree, Mil. I will never ever forget that perfect sunset that I'm convinced was ordered just for you and me, on our Engagement night!"
"And here I didn't even know it was our Engagement night!"
Neither could help but be lost in the other, as they scooted even closer together, remembering those magic moments.
Nathan reached for the current volume he had been reading about the history of their Ranch that he had conveniently left on the table and opened the book to a place he had marked that held a poem that spoke to him, and was perfect for this conversation.
He smiled at Millicent and spoke in a low resonant voice, so only she could hear.
"For some reason, this poem by Rainer Maria Rilke was thought to be significant enough that it was included in our Ranch's history via a handwritten insert. I suppose that means we are going to experience a lifetime of beautiful sunsets, my Love. Speaking of which…"
"Slowly the west reached for clothes of new colors
Which it passes to a row of ancient trees.
You look, and soon these two worlds both leave you
One part climbs toward heaven, one sinks to earth.
Leaving you, not really belonging to either,
Not so hopelessly dark as that house that is silent,
Not so unswervingly given to the eternal as that thing
That turns to a star each night and climbs...
Leaving you (it is impossible to untangle the threads)
Your own life, timid and standing high and growing,
So that, sometimes blocked in, sometimes reaching out,
One moment your life is a stone in you, and the next, a star." (*79)
"That's so beautiful, Nathan. Definitely a promise of gorgeous sunsets on our Ranch."
"Tell me about our Ranch, Mil. And everything else you've done."
"The Library is so you!" she looked up at him with glittery eyes. "I think that room just might be my favorite in the whole house if you don't count the observatory where we'll take a lot of our meals. Oh, and the kitchen is to die for, truly the heart of the home. But, I do hope you especially feel at home in your Library with all your books!"
"I'm sure with you having decorated it, I will! As long as you fixed it for the both of us to use together!"
"I did! It's really different from what you saw before. Very different. Much lighter and brighter, much more you, and much more us!"
"I can't wait to see it! Millicent," and then he changed the direction of the consation without even meaning to.
"Darling, are you set on me always staying with the Mounties?"
The question came out of nowhere, yet she wasn't startled at all.
She knew Nathan well enough to know the answer to this question was important to him.
Yet the answer was in her heart, without even having to think about it.
"No, Love, I'm set on you always doing what you passionately want to do! Why do you ask?"
"The truth? I see us more and more in Montreal as Allie grows up."
"Do you love the city that much?"
"I really do! But I also don't know what else is out there for my future, our future together."
"That's the magic of it all."
"Doesn't that scare you, Mil?"
"Not at all! Life is vast and wonderful, Nathan. There may be tremendous opportunities out there we can't even perceive now for all of us. Opportunities meant to stretch us into whom we are supposed to ultimately be."
"That's very wise, beyond your young years, Millicent Bradford!"
"Just truth. Always stay open to what presents itself. That I learned from Mother. The Cree goal and our goal is a life well-lived, my Love, and that means doing what makes you happy. What makes you happy will make me happy!"
"I love you, Millicent Bradford, much, much more than you can imagine. You, above all else, are my future, no matter what comes. That is the one thing I'm positively certain of..."
After dressing for Dinner, Nathan whistled as Millicent and Allie came out of their Bedroom into the Sitting Area.
Millicent was resplendent in a velvet gown of deep Rose, that wrapped around her low-cut bodice, and fell into folds that encircled her waist and stretched to the floor in a short train maintaining the angular folds of fabric. The gown was sleeveless with a long wrap in the same Rose-colored fabric lined in silk, and she wore a single strand of pearls at her neck along with her pearl drop earrings and pearl bracelet.
The gown was high fashion from Paris, and felt so different than most of her clothes, streamlined and slender, as though it was ready to leave one era and meet the soon-to-be simple, but flamboyant 1920s!
Nathan was pleased to notice Millicent had just added the bracelet of pearls without removing her diamond ones.
She looked positively regal, and he was so very proud to be standing by her side.
Allie wore a dress that Millicent had bought her, that coordinated perfectly together with hers.
It was a cashmere knit of the same color but much lighter toned, high-waisted, and midi in length, with a narrow cumberbund made of patterned satin, the same color as Millicent's deep Rose intermingled with ivory.
She had also bought matching ivory tights and ivory leather ballet flats that fit Allie perfectly.
Millicent had braided Allie's hair in the French Braid her daughter preferred, with slender deep rose ribbons intertwined, and she looked like an Angel!
"You two, without doubt, are the most beautiful Ladies on the entire Train!"
"You, my Love, haven't yet seen any other Ladies on the entire Train!"
"I don't need to," he chuckled, kissing her cheek, then Allie's.
"You look quite handsome, yourself!" smiled Millicent.
"Thank you, I aim to please! With you two beauties, I have to work hard to hold up my end of the bargain."
Millicent giggled, straightening his bow tie.
"I never can get these bow ties right," he fretted.
"Lucky for you, you have me," she winked.
And with that one gentle tug perfecting his tie, he fell in love with her all over again.
"I'm so excited we get to go to Dinner, Dad! I've always wanted to eat on a Train!"
"Well, that dream is about to come true, Allie, and in high style, too," as he proudly offered an arm to both Millicent and their Daughter…
In the Dining Room, they were given the more private large Banquette that was set in the far corner.
It was exactly where the couple had sat on their previous trip to Hope Valley together, and both smiled remembering their special meals there as a newly engaged couple.
Now they were here with Allie, and one step closer to their marriage.
From couple to family, it felt both right and wonderful!
The lighting for Dining was dimmed to offer a lilting romantic aura along with the flickering candles, but Nathan was thankful for the relative darkness not only from the romantic perspective but also from the perspective of Millicent hopefully not being seen enough to be recognized, although he couldn't help but notice all the diners had stopped and stared as they entered.
He helped both Millicent and Allie to be seated, as the Steward immediately came to assist, bringing them large menus.
"Wow! This menu has everything in the world on it! What should I order, Momma?"
"What appeals to you most?" asked Millicent.
"I think the Roasted Chicken with Rice. It sounds really good. It has Peppers too and I love Peppers!"
"Yes, that does sound good. As for the Peppers, you're a girl after my own heart. I love to cook spicy!"
"What are you having, Momma?"
"I think I'm having the Shrimp Salad, and perhaps a tiny bit of Alfredo Pasta for my main course. Remember, I have a Wedding Gown to get into! What about you, Nathan?"
"Definitely, the Filet, Rare, a Baked Potato, and Salad!"
"I think we've just ordered our meal, then!"
Nathan reiterated their order to the Steward.
"Wonderful choices, Sir! You won't be disappointed."
The three sat so happy to be together, elegantly dressed and dining out as a real family, with Allie chattering incessantly, but charmingly so, delighting both parents...
Later, as the Steward served their delectable meal, Nathan thought he noticed a slight movement at the table next to them that was odd, where the Gentleman appeared to be reaching under the table for something.
But the Gentleman noticed Nathan observing him, and quickly left whatever it was lying on the floor while seemingly returning his full attention back to his meal and his tablemates.
Nathan nodded, letting the Gentleman know that he had noticed, and then turned his own attention back to his Girls.
The three held each other's hands, and Nathan began their prayer.
"Dear Heavenly Father, we thank you for this time and the elegant family meal that the three of us are preparing to enjoy together as a family. Thank you for our first day of travel, and for the traveling mercies, you have so far granted us. Please bless the food we are about to partake for the nourishment of our bodies, and above all else, help us to be mindful of our love together as a family, with each of us seeking your will for our lives. In your most Holy Name, Amen!
Thankfully, after their prayer of Grace, the family began eating their meals which were totally delicious, beyond what they had hoped.
"This is the best Chicken Dish I've ever had," exclaimed Allie. "So fancy, too!"
But suddenly an elderly lady walked up to their table.
Tom jumped up and was immediately behind her, but Millicent shook her head no, as she didn't want the Lady to be embarrassed.
"Excuse, me. You're Miss Millicent Bradford!" she said loudly enough for all the Dining Car occupants to hear. "Why, I'd know this beauty anywhere! Your photos are spread all over our Montreal papers. But I must say as pretty as you are in those pictures, you're even more beautiful in person. And this must be the Gentleman you're engaged to!"
"I'm sorry! What is your name?"
"I'm Mrs. Benjamin Overwright, of course!"
"Do you know my family, Ma'am?"
"Hardly! Just like to keep up with the news, Dearie!"
"Very nice to meet you, Mrs. Overwright. I hope you are able to continue your meal before your food gets too cold."
"Ah, my meal, but of course. Just thrilled to meet you! I know who he is. That man, there. You see, he was in the papers too. In all those beautiful Engagement Photos. But the girl, now, I don't know her. Pretty little thing, though."
"Thank you, Mrs. Overwright, why don't I escort you back to your table?" offered Nathan, standing up, so that his offer wasn't really negotiable.
"Oh, how lovely, but of course! And my, you are handsome! So tall, too! How could I possibly refuse? Just wait till my friends hear this! Escorted by an Officer, too! Because I know that's what you are. A really important one too. It said so in the newspaper."
Millicent reached out her hand to a nervous Allie, as the boisterous Mrs. Overwright wrapped her arm through Nathan's.
Tom followed them back to his own table, while Millicent turned her attention to Allie.
"It's alright, Sweetheart! These things sometimes happen. Just try to ignore the whole thing, and let's continue with our Dinner, shall we?"
"But Momma, wasn't that rude of that Lady?"
"Yes, it was, but perhaps she meant well. We just have to hope for the best, Allie."
Nathan returned from having deposited Mrs. Overwright at her table.
"Are you two okay?" he asked concerned.
Both nodded.
"Thank you, Nathan, for diffusing the situation. I was just explaining to Allie that sometimes these things happen. Now, let's all eat the rest of our delicious meal. It's wonderful that we're all together, and we need to enjoy each other's company and our food."
After they completed their meal, the Steward came with a trayful of Miniature Desserts that delighted Allie to no end, helping her forget about their meal's unpleasant interruption, while selecting all her favorites from the tray.
But when she lifted the first dessert from her plate to put into her mouth, the Gentleman Nathan had previously observed jumped up and took a rather ungracious flash picture right in her face.
Millicent gathered a startled Allie to her, as Nathan was up in an instant, taking hold of the not-so Gentleman's arm.
"I'm Chief Inspector Nathan Grant, and you are invading my Daughter's privacy."
"Afraid it's my job, Sir!"
"Not with my Daughter, it's not! We are having a private meal, and I don't approve of any photos of her whatsoever. Will you please give me the camera?"
"Not a chance," the man muttered under his breath, pushing the camera out of Nathan's reach.
But Tom heard the exchange, standing behind the man ready to tackle him if need be.
Bending the man's free arm ever so 'gently,' with more pressure than was necessary, Tom began to speak most authoritatively.
"I'm afraid there's every chance, Sir. You see the Chief Inspector is one of the highest-ranking Officers, not only on this Train but in all of Canada, under only the Commissioner himself. You, Sir, as a passenger on this Train will do exactly as he has so kindly requested, or you will be placed under house arrest by said Officer."
The Gentleman looked at Nathan whose eyes had turned cold even in the dark, and that was when he knew he was bested.
"Take it," he responded tersely. "I have your Wedding to cover! And I can hardly do that from jail, now can I?"
"As long as you cover our Wedding properly, or you won't be covering it at all, Mr. Amstetter. And I never forget names. Do you understand me?"
Nathan's voice was low but full of steel.
This was his family he was protecting.
"Understood fully, Sir. My deepest apologies."
"Apology accepted. In the future, I'd appreciate you remembering that my family and I are human just like you, and we also value our privacy, too," nodded Nathan icily, sitting back down with the camera and its film.
Tom ensured the man returned to his table, ushering him there personally, checking to make sure there were no extra cameras at hand, as Nathan turned to Millicent and Allie.
"Would you rather finish Dessert here or go to our Suite?"
"Can we stay, please?" begged Allie.
Nathan looked at Millicent for her wish.
"It's fine, Darling. Our Dinner has been wonderful. It would be a shame for us to ruin it and leave early. Besides, we shouldn't allow anyone to ruin our time together. Then they win."
Totally understanding what she was saying, Nathan smiled with pride, and the three began eating their Desserts again, trying to act as though nothing had happened.
It wasn't long till they were all happily chatting away as a family again in spite of the disruptions, even completely forgetting, once again what was now the awful two-fold unpleasantness their Dinner had brought…
(*79) "Sunset," Poem by Rainer Maria Rilke, 1875-1926, Public Domain
