Chapter 99: Pre-Wedding Appointments & More, Part I
Although surprised, Nathan was very relieved he had not been a burden to Henri. The possibility had concerned him, but his eyes widened with a sense of joy as Henri opened a series of emerald velvet cases.
The Jeweler proudly opened the first case containing a gorgeous set of Emerald stud earrings that matched Millicent's Engagement Ring perfectly. Then he opened a second case with small drop earrings, all in the same style setting for everyday wear. Next, he opened a third case holding a similar pair of more substantial-sized drop earrings also for daywear.
With the three sets of earrings came three matching necklaces, first a single oval pendant on a beautiful golden chain to go with the smaller stud set, followed by one composed of smaller oval Emerald and pave Diamond stones matching the first pair of drop earrings that were set in a circlet that lay at the clavicle, then the same style in the larger stones that hung lower on the neckline and matched the larger drop earrings. Of course, a series of two matching bracelets followed for all three sets, which could even be worn singly, together, or mixed if so desired, just like the necklaces.
Given his practical, orderly tendencies, Nathan had designed everything to be mixed and matched in whatever way Millicent desired.
The pieces were simply elegant and matched his Bride's engagement ring perfectly, all in the identical unique Cartier setting of oval Emeralds with the same signature pave Diamond mountings.
"Henri, you have done such a tremendous job. These pieces look exactly like my drawings, and are even more beautiful than I imagined!"
"They are truly stunning, Sir. Your designs were very comprehensive, and an absolute delight to work with. The pieces look exactly like your beautiful Bride. Miss Bradford is going to be elated with everything, from the Emerald and Diamond stud earrings to the drop earrings, to the pendant, to the necklaces, to the bracelets! I assure you, Sir, they are one of a kind and coordinate perfectly even down to the size ratios!"
Nathan looked over all his creations for his Bride one last time, very pleased at the end result, knowing Millicent would love each piece and use them often if not most of the time.
"Now for the formal wear. Are you ready, Sir?"
"So very ready, Henri! I was more nervous designing these, as they are much more opulent than my simple taste. But you were right to remind me as I know they are needed, given Millicent's social obligations and her work with her Foundations."
"I did as you asked and reviewed them for possible changes, but in all honesty, Sir, there were none to be made. The pieces are simply exquisite exactly as you designed them."
Henri opened the largest velvet case sitting in front of Nathan, the entire suite of formal jewelry leaving him speechless.
Both men simply stared for a few moments.
"I had no idea they would be so striking."
"They are stunning, Sir! They are very substantial pieces and positively exquisite. Nothing like them exists anywhere. They're appropriate for evening wear in any part of the world. What a magnificent gift to give your future wife just as is! But to know you designed them specifically for her, will mean they will be beyond treasured. These pieces are truly Wedding Gifts from the heart and soul. I must say I'm rather embarrassed that in all my years of working with jewels, I've not done something similar. The flexibility of the mix-and-match pieces you designed is just fascinating. As stylish as Miss Bradford is, I can assure you she is going to be just as intrigued, matching the entire suite variations with her various dresses and gowns most elegantly."
"I'm pleased you approve. That leaves us her Christmas Present, Henri. I must admit I have one very important question: how did you get her to give you Auntie Luciana's Pearl necklace?"
The necklace referenced was a very old, very expensive, and most treasured Pearl necklace that had belonged to Millicent's great-great-grandmother Bradford. The Pearls were brilliant white South Sea Tahitian Pearls, perfectly matched, and very rare being so large. Auntie Luciana was now the one in charge of the family piece, and as she had made it clear, she was leaving the necklace to Millicent in her will, she was most insistent that her niece wear it for her Wedding. Of course, with no thought that the Bride's Groom might want to be a part of the jewelry she wore, nor that the Bride might prefer to wear a piece gifted by her Groom.
But in Auntie Luciana's defense, even with all her many beaus, her single marriage had occurred a very long time ago, lasting only a matter of months.
No one except Edward and Victoria knew the tragic details, but because of them, they had taken Auntie Luciana in as their own.
In Millicent's words: "Thank goodness, Nate, at least the Pearls are white! Just think, she could have me wearing black, blue, silver, or even pink Pearls on my Wedding Day!"
And Millicent wasn't exaggerating as everyone close to Auntie Luciana knew one didn't say no to her no matter the circumstance.
Since Millicent had her heart set on wearing something her Groom had gifted her, she had been quite upset over her Auntie's insistence. That was when Nathan secretly stepped in, deciding to surprise her and personalize the piece specifically for her via an added Cross, designed and purchased by him.
"To answer your question, I asked Miss Bradford what jewelry she had selected for her Wedding. I must confess, Sir, that although that question brought her to tears, her mother quickly smoothed everything over. So thankful Mrs. Bradford was here. I suggested due to the age of the necklace that it should be brought in for me to ensure the knotted cording was secure, as the worst thing would be for the Pearls to scatter as the Bride walked down the aisle."
"Very clever, Henri!"
"Of course, the cording was secure, but the problem was the Tahitian Pearls were very difficult to match. Thankfully, I happen to be friends with the top South Seas Tahitian Pearl Expert of all Polynesia. I explained our situation and your wish to match the piece with a Cross pendant, but that the Pearls had to match the necklace perfectly in order for it to work."
"Do you still have the necklace here?"
"I do, Chief. At first, I was worried about showing you something your Bride is wearing for your Wedding. Then I realized you designed the Cross pendant which she will be wearing as well. So, I think we are in the clear, and Mrs. Bradford agrees that you should see the pieces together. Be ready, Sir. I'm not joking when I say this entire piece should be displayed in a museum along with David and the Mona Lisa."
"No pressure there, Henri," chuckled Nathan, which broke through Henri's formal exterior resulting in a deep chuckle of his own.
"None whatsoever, Sir!"
Henri went to his private safe and removed a very old, worn leather case covered in mottled velvet. To be honest, the piece was so ancient most of the velvet was worn down to the actual cracked leather.
Henri reverently handed the black case, such as it was, to Nathan, who stood so that he could lay the case open on the Jeweler's desk, and view the piece under the light of its high-intensity lamp.
Henri observed Nathan carefully for his initial reaction, as the large Cross the Groom had designed for his Bride was now attached to the necklace for his viewing.
"Astounding. Just amazingly…I don't even know the word. You are right, Henri. This is truly extraordinary. But I must thank both you and your friend profoundly. The Pearls of the Cross are indistinguishable from those of the pendant; they are exactly the same color and size. The work is quite remarkable."
"I must admit, when Miss Bradford brought the necklace to me, I thought it couldn't be more beautiful. But with your Cross, well, it's just magnificent. All that aside, the sheer beauty of your wish to personalize this for your Bride and assuage her disappointment in having to wear this, is again, a gift from the heart and soul. You know, I think it was just that her choice was taken away, and no Bride wants that. Now that you've personalized it specifically for her, I believe she will be full of joy to wear the piece as it now stands because the additional pendant totally reflects her. And more importantly, you are a part of it, Sir. I doubt there is any greater love."
Nathan nodded his affirmative in confirmation, overwhelmed at the thought of his and Millicent's love, unable to utter the words that were within him.
Their love was unfathomable, even to them, existing beyond what they had ever imagined was possible for a man and woman to experience. But nevertheless, it was there between them, all-consuming, all-encompassing, beloved, deep, fiery, real, passionate, and treasured each and every moment, to exist without doubt, forever and always.
In their very souls, both he and Millicent knew that no matter what their future brought, their love was everlasting.
Now, one no longer existed without the other.
Even the very mention of her lifted him to a place higher than he had ever known before, and the same was true for her.
They were truly soul mates, both independent, yet singular in spirit, together as one.
"Sir…"
"Oh, sorry, Henri. You were saying?"
"How would you like me to wrap this, Sir?"
"I'm gifting the Cross for Christmas. But Henri, I think I prefer to wrap this one myself if you don't mind wrapping the Wedding Gifts."
"Allow me to make a suggestion, Chief Inspector. I do believe you should wrap the two pieces together just as they are shown here so that Miss Bradford can see the full impact of both the necklace and the cross together. Just be sure they are stored in a safe."
"I will definitely see that they are kept securely. However, I do believe we've forgotten the most important piece! Is the engraving finished on Millicent's Wedding band?" asked the Groom, excitedly.
"I thought you'd never ask! That Wedding Band may be your brightest of stars. She has no idea you have designed it for her, has she?"
"No, and I want to keep it a secret for now."
"Here, you are, Sir! I believe you'll be very pleased with our collaborative effort! Of course, I don't have the Engagement Ring to show you how beautifully it all fits together as that happens to be on your Fiancee's hand. I'm afraid there was no getting it off. But I assure you they fit perfectly."
"I love that the split band is made of the same pave Diamond setting that borders her Emerald. Actually, I'm amazed you were able to do that, Henri."
"I'm afraid I can't take the credit. It's such an unusual technique and not often utilized due to its complexity, but gratefully, Cartier shared their technique and even sent one of their jewelers to assist me. That style of pave inlay, which I could have never figured out on my own, just makes both the Engagement Ring and the Wedding Band one of a kind, and so very special. I will say, the way you have split the band allows it to fit perfectly around her Emerald. You were right to want it symmetrical. That improves the look and makes the ring more perfectly balanced. Also, it will be much more comfortable for Miss Bradford to wear. Which is most important, as, after all, she will be wearing this band her entire life."
Those words sent strong electrical impulses up and down Nathan's spine, in the best way possible.
Both were silent, gazing at the Bride's brilliant Diamond-set Platinum Wedding Ring, with Nathan holding the flashing band up to the light and squinting to read the tiny inscription he had specified along with their Wedding date engraved inside.
Intimate words of love meant only for his Bride.
Their Wedding, their Marriage was really happening. Just around the corner, and he couldn't be more elated…
"Momma, these dresses are almost as pretty as my Wedding Dress! How can I choose?"
"Let's see. Without thinking about it, which did your eyes go to first?"
"The purple one with the red sash."
"Mine too. So that's number one!"
"And the emerald is my second favorite, and the gold is my third."
"Excellent choices, Allie! Let's see, you need one for your Christmas Party, one for our Ladies' Bridal Luncheon, and one for our Pre-Wedding Dinner."
"And Darling, don't forget our girl will also need something dressy for…" Victoria quickly caught herself just in time to not spoil the surprise and rephrased. "For our gift delivery on Christmas Eve Day as well as for our Family Christmas Dinner."
"Which do you think is best for what Mother, Sophia?"
"The purple with that red sash would work perfectly for the gift delivery on Christmas Eve Day," suggested Victoria. "It's just so vibrantly beautiful!"
"Since your father will be in his informal Dress Uniform for the Pre-Wedding Dinner, the gold dress is perfect, Sweetheart for that," noted Sophia.
"Which would leave the emerald dress for Christmas Dinner with the Family. Does that work, Allie," asked Millicent.
"I like that idea, Momma. But we still don't have anything for your Bridal Luncheon."
"Just a moment, Miss Allison, I'm afraid we've overlooked a couple of additional selections," nodded Andre to his assistant.
When the assistant returned holding up the first dress, Allie gasped, then stuttered.
"That…that is…gorgeous!"
"It truly is, Sweetie," agreed her Gramma.
"I don't think you could possibly do better for the Bridal Luncheon, especially since I'm wearing lavender for that too! Will we match or clash, Andre?"
"The two of you will coordinate beautifully with this dress."
"I love for us to match, Momma," grinned an excited Allie.
"Me too, Angel. So that's settled. But we still need something for your party."
The assistant then unzipped a gorgeous red plaid taffeta dress with a broad red sash.
"This says Christmas Party all over it," giggled Allie.
"Do you like it?"
"I love it and it won't show stuff if I drop any food or get it wrinkled. Will this work, Grandmama?"
"Beautifully, my darling Allie!"
"Ready to try on your selections, Mademoiselle Grant?"
Allie made a face as trying on clothes was the last thing this tomboy wanted to do.
But she sighed, put a grin on her face, and decided to be ladylike and grateful instead.
After all, that was what her Momma did, and these WERE the prettiest dresses she had ever seen, except for her magical Wedding Dress.
"Yes, Sir! I'm ready…"
"Thank you, Henri, for your meticulous work! Thank you for your kind-heartedness, and generosity. Thank you for your patience while putting up with a novice want-to-be designer. I just wanted to do this so badly, for Millicent. But I couldn't have done it without you. I hope this wasn't too difficult."
"Not at all, Sir. An absolute delight working with you."
Henri paused as though he wanted to say more but was unsure how to say it.
"The truth is, Sir, Miss Bradford is the darling of the Bradford Family as well as Montreal and all of Canadian Society. Always has been, and always will be! Whenever she is shown in the papers wearing a piece of my jewelry, I have customers clamoring from everywhere for me to make them the same item. Which to their consternation, I always vary just a bit out of respect for Miss Bradford having one-of-a-kind. As you know, over the years, I have given a hefty discount to the Bradfords because of that very thing, along with their high volume of purchases. But the truth is, I owe Miss Bradford, in particular, so much more than a mere discount. Full disclosure, the bulk of my business is due to that Young Lady, and though I've offered, she's never accepted a cent's payment. Sadly, she only allows me to contribute heavily to her Foundations. Yet, I've thought a lot about this, Sir, I wish to, I need to gift these larger pieces made with love, to the man who truly designed them, for the woman who has made my family and me a millionaire many times over. I won't accept no for an answer, Sir, because this is the right thing to do. I will make much more than what these are worth just by your wife wearing them. And for that, I am most grateful. I have enjoyed making your designs come to life, as you are quite talented in design, so this has been my honor. But please, Sir, don't destroy my dream of gifting these pieces to you for your Bride. It is the only thing I can honorably make as your Wedding Gift."
"No, Henri, I can't possibly give them to Millicent as though they are coming from me without having paid for them. I do appreciate the sentiment, but I'm sorry, the answer is firmly no."
Henri's rather formal face was now showing utter dismay.
But Nathan soon noticed a sudden unexpected twinkle in the man's eyes, along with a sign of resignation and acceptance.
"Then, against my hopes, I suppose I will have to charge you, after all, Sir. Allow me to draw up the papers…"
Allie very quickly tried on her dresses, wanting more than anything to go shopping for Scott and his mother.
As expected, with Andre in charge, everything fit perfectly and even looked more beautiful on Allie's slender frame than on the lush hangers.
"Ready, Momma! I really want to pick out stuff for the Hayes."
"Looks like our work here, is done, Andre," declared Victoria, who had already privately arranged for everything to be put on her bill.
"Thank you ever so much, Andre! Thanks to you, everything is just perfect!"
"I do believe our Tomboy is now at least part Princess, Mademoiselle Bradford!"
"Don't be so sure, Andre. Allie and I both are itching to go fishing!"
Andre just burst out laughing, shaking his head in both amazement and delight, because he knew Millicent was serious.
Allie and her grandmothers giggled and led their girl to the Bradford Limousine, while Millicent waved goodbye with a grin...
Lloyd quickly transported the Ladies to the back entrance of the chicest and largest department store in all of Montreal, known as 'The Lafayette Gallery,' a smaller version of the original in Paris, France.
Mrs. Colby, the Main Manager, and her entourage of Assistants met the Bradford Party at the back entrance, promptly as scheduled.
An extensive book and toy area had been set up as Christmas possibilities for Scott. Allie immediately gravitated there and started searching for things she thought he would like.
Across from this section, another area had been filled with possible gift selections for Sarah, both personal and for the home.
Sophia and Victoria made their way through the items there, as Millicent got to work on their clothing selections.
After an hour or so, their selections were made.
"Will we always have to use the back door, Momma," wondered Allie.
"Most of the time, Sweetie, yes. Unless we set up an appointment after the store is closed," answered Millicent honestly.
"Momma, is that because we need Uncle Tom to keep us safe?"
Her daughter was quick, and both grandmothers exchanged a knowing look.
"Yes, Allie it is because we need Uncle Tom and his Security Team to keep us safe. Do you understand why?"
"I suppose so. If we need them to protect us in Hope Valley, it makes sense we'd really need them here because Montreal is huge!"
At least, Millicent was thankful Allie hadn't seemed to notice the Security Vehicles that went before and after them, as she had been too busy talking with her doting grandmothers.
"That's right. Is that okay with you, Allie?"
"Yes, Ma'am. I mean you've had to put up with it your whole life. And so has Grandmama and Grandpapa, so I can do it too! Besides, I love my uncles, and so far, shopping for dresses worked out okay."
Millicent smiled reassuringly and placed her arm around Allie's shoulder.
"We'll all do our best to make it as easy as possible on you, okay, Sweetheart?"
"I know. Will you help teach me what to do next so I can choose the Hayes' Christmas ornaments and stuff?"
"Absolutely, I will."
"Mrs. Colby, I think we've selected enough toys and gifts, but my daughter would like to select Christmas decorations for this family who have none. They need everything but a tree, wreath, and lights, literally. Can you bring a selection for her to choose from?"
"Indeed, Miss Bradford. What colors were you thinking, Miss Grant?"
"Well, Scott likes blue, but I think they need reds and greens too so it will look like a real Christmas. Oh, and Mrs. Hayes' favorite color is purple, but Mr. Hayes' is brown."
"Allie, how do you know that?"
"Mrs. Hayes mentioned something about the purple in the sky, and how she loved it so. And Scott said his Papa liked brown like the tree trunks."
"Very observant! That's excellent, Allie," complimented Millicent, proudly. "We already have the brown covered via the pinecones Uncle Hendrix and Uncle Albert are getting. You might want to add some decorative wood pieces if you see any."
Once again evidence her daughter was carefully thinking of others, which made her Momma smile.
Without a doubt, Allie was going to be okay…
