Chapter 101

Merry Tree-Trimming Party

Part I

With his visit to the Commissioner completed, Nathan slipped in the back door of the Townhouse, through the enclosed sunroom, and into the kitchen to sneak up behind a very busy Essie.

He first motioned to warn her two kitchen assistants to not give him away, then surprised Essie by wrapping his arms around her from behind.

"Merry Tree Trimming Evening, Essie!" he whispered, giving his sometime nanny by way of the Bradfords, a big old kiss on her cheek while sneaking the closest couple of cookies he could to eat.

She only startled slightly.

"You!"

"Have I died and gone to Culinary Heaven?" asked Nathan. "I'd even settle for Cookie Heaven, which I think this pretty much is! I mean the place truly does smell heavenly, and it most certainly looks like a bakery in here. In fact, it sort of looks like Christmas has exploded in your kitchen, Essie!"

Essie laughed while reaching up to fondly touch his cheek.

"You and that Richard could always charm anything out of me! But Child, I'd know my boys anywhere, sneaking up or not! Fixing one of your favorite Austrian meals tonight, just for you, Son. So, you and Hendrix better hop to it and get busy with those tree lights!"

"Yes, Ma'am! I think we could if we only had a couple of those gingerbread cookies, or maybe four, or…"

Essie chuckled, then sighed, stopping what she was doing.

"I'll fix you two helpless creatures a plateful right now to take to the Keeping Room with you! Some hot Wassail too! That should keep you both busy and out of my way. But don't you dare spoil your dinner, you hear me? Hendrix too! Roasted Goose we're having, and I haven't gone to all this work just to watch it sit on the platter!"

"Yes, Ma'am! Yum, there's always room for your Roasted Goose, Essie! I haven't had that for years now."

"Six to be exact, but we're going to make up for that tonight, for sure!"

"You're a marvel! How do you remember that?"

"I have my ways, and don't you ever forget it!"

She set the platter of cookies down and poured two cups of the steaming hot wassail, steeping away on the stove, while humming an old Austrian Carol, which caused Nathan to smile, as it was one that he immediately recognized, a favorite of Estella's she always sang at Christmas time.

The fact he and Allie were getting to experience the holiday with people he had loved from his childhood, warmed his heart.

Out of habit, Essie started to pick up the tray and carry it for her Nathan, as though he were still that little boy she loved so.

"Oh, no, you don't. I've got it, Essie! I've interrupted you enough as it is," he winked and picked up the tray himself.

Hendrix walked by, shocked that Essie relented, but he couldn't carry the tray himself as his own arms were full of what appeared to be boxes of ornaments.

"Lead the way Hendrix, this is our emergency sustenance for tree prep! Let me set this down in the Keeping Room and I'll help you carry the rest if there are any more of those!"

"That's hardly necessary, Sir…"


When they reached the Keeping Room, Hendrix sat his boxes of ornaments down by the double doors and grabbed the tray from Nathan to deposit on the server inside the room.

"Now, Hendrix, where's a load of boxes for me?" asked Nathan, waiting in the hall.

"In the back hallway, Sir. I've gotten most of them, but still a couple more loads to go. If you're sure, I suppose with both of us we could complete the task in one trip."

"Then it's settled. Lead the way!"

"Happy to, Sir!"

"Does Estella always bake like this?" added Nathan.

"Every single year! We pack up tins to give to all the neighbors. I'm afraid once you've had Miss Estella's Christmas cookies, no other will do!"

Nathan chuckled.

"You've got that right."

"Then there are Miss Estella's theatrical friends, my Club members, and Miss Millicent's foundations' directors and staff, as well as her legal partners and their staff. Everybody gets a tin of Miss Estella's cookies, Sir…"


With the last two loads of ornament boxes finally sitting beside the tree alongside the others, Nathan closed the double doors of the huge Keeping Room, behind them, admiring the sheer beauty of Allie's unadorned Blue Spruce.

It had taken four delivery men, along with four of Allie's uncles to help place the huge Christmas Tree, under Hendrix's capable direction.

But given the sheer massiveness of Allie's chosen tree, even with so many people helping, the whole production had still posed quite the ordeal.

And because the ball of roots was still firmly attached to be replanted after Christmas, the tree had been quite heavy, as well as cumbersome to maneuver.

"I don't know how you did it, Hendrix, but this is truly magnificent," bragged Nathan. "I just wish my child could be satisfied with normal-sized trees, but however tall the ceiling is, that's what she insists on finding! Sorry about all the work this had to have caused."

"I'll admit, Sir, it was quite the job, but I do believe it's worth the effort. I don't believe I've seen a more beautiful tree in this house in all the years we've been here!

"Hendrix, you must have the patience of Job just to have strung all those lights, not to even mention the rest! Which, by the way, I was supposed to help with. Sorry my errands took so long!"

"No worries, Sir! Once I realized that you and I wouldn't have time to put the lights on together as we had planned, I called in two gentlemen to dispense with the task. And I must say, they did a superior job. So much so, I do believe we should make their visit an annual occurrence, especially if Miss Allie is insistent on these larger trees!"

"Well, sadly, with my daughter that seems to be a given!"

Both men chuckled.

"The men did a masterful job with the lights, Sir. But one strand of lights shorted, so Albert had to go get us this new box as a replacement. Which means I do have one more strand of lights to still place."

"Allow me, Hendrix," and Nathan just hopped up on the ladder before Hendrix had an opportunity to do so.

"Here is the last strand, Sir. Let me think. There was one spot on this side that was a bit bare. Just a second! Let's test the lights quickly. I don't want Miss Allie to see till they are all done!"

Hendrix switched on the lights.

"Ah! I see where the strand's needed, Hendrix. I think I can reach it, but where's the end to hook it to?"

"That red ribbon, Sir, is tied around the plug. Perhaps plug it in first, and it will be easier for you to see where to place them."

"Got it…"


When Nathan completed his part in placing the lights, he carefully climbed down the ladder, and the two men stood back, taking in their handiwork.

"Even without ornaments, the tree is simply stunning. And you're right, Hendrix, the men did a masterful job for sure. Do you know how many lights it took? Looks like a million."

"Quite a few, Sir! But there were so many, I'm afraid we lost count. Miss Allie should be very pleased with the end result, though!"

"She'll be ecstatic, Hendrix. Oh, while I'm thinking of it, where can I find a safe to store both Millicent's and Sarah's Christmas presents? I suppose I ought to give you Allie's adoption party presents too, so she won't find them."

"There's actually a safe in your bedroom suite, so I'll place them there, and slip instructions for opening the safe into the front of your Bible. But no worries, Miss Millicent never gets in any of the safes except the small one in her bedroom. I don't even believe she knows the combinations of the others. I'll take care of all this for you, Sir. Shall I do that before the Ladies arrive home?"

"That would be wonderful, Hendrix. But we probably should leave Sarah's out for Millicent to at least see the package. Though, Henri did send a photo with me to show her. May I help you?"

"No need, you've had a tiring day. But I agree. This one has Mrs. Hayes' name on it," noted Hendrix. "I'll set it on the dining table. You just sit here in the Keeping Room and relax. Learn to feel more at home here. This is yours, Miss Millicent's, and Miss Allie's house together now, Sir! And Estella and I couldn't be happier!"

Nathan smiled and moved toward the fireplace to stoke the roaring fire.

"Thank you, Hendrix! I appreciate that, but with Millicent, Allie, as well as you and Estella here, it already is feeling like home."

Hendrix smiled and went to deposit Nathan's valuable gifts...


The groom-to-be sat with one of his arms stretched out along the back of the big comfortable sofa, watching the roaring fire, not at all sure what he had ever done to deserve any of this, much less the gorgeous love of his life!

It had just been hours since they had parted, but oh, how he missed her!

The room was pure comfort, full of warmth, with a touch of elegance thrown in. Well, actually more than a touch, but somehow Millicent made it all work, by always putting together a comfortable room that drew you in, hugged you, and made you never want to leave.

A huge Evergreen Wreath with a large red velvet bow hung over a massive mirror above the fireplace. Perfectly matched Evergreen boughs, intertwined and tied with matching red velvet ribbon, festooned the huge mantle and fell down the sides, draping onto the floor. The same beribboned boughs wrapped beautifully around each of the immense mullioned windows and door frames in the vast room.

Smaller matching wreaths also hung at each window and on each door, including the row of beautiful French doors that opened out onto the back terrace.

Cheery red poinsettias were placed all over, beautifully highlighted against a gorgeous backdrop of warm textured fabrics in various shades of blue, natural, and white.

Substantial pieces of blue and white Medici porcelain were scattered from one end of the room to the other, but oh so tastefully done in unique, eye-catching, but still somewhat traditional, designs.

Anchoring each end of the mantel, were two large Chinoiserie urns, naturally in blue and white. Their rounded temple-styled lids with Lotus-like knobs uniquely added to the urns' overall look. A trio of much larger, but identical staggered urns flanked each side of the enormous fireplace.

The Country French furniture, with several antique wooden-carved French pieces thrown in, including a huge double armoire positioned between the wall of French Doors at one end of the room, consisted of large, comfortable, inviting pieces.

The furniture was topped by huge plump pillows in blue, natural, and both traditional and nontraditional blue and white patterns. Each plump pillow was bordered with large tapestry corded weltings, some fringed, some tasseled, but in a more casual, less formal way than typically seen.

The plush sofa felt wonderful to Nathan as he was sitting on one of the most comfortable sofas he had ever seen. It was also more than long enough to fit his long frame for a good, long winter's nap, which was always a winning criteria for him.

No doubt, the entire room was stately, still honoring the old, but with clear variations in a very young, more modern slant. Even in the draperies. Yet still, with Millicent's elegant taste throughout.

She had done the seemingly impossible by starting with a massive room, yet somehow making it feel spectacularly warm and cozy.

With the exception of his bedroom suite and his private office, which he had not yet had the chance to use, this was the one room in the house, where Nathan Grant felt most at home.

Not only would they be decorating their Christmas tree in this room, but this was also the room, where they would be having their Grant Family Christmas on Christmas Eve.

Nathan couldn't imagine a warmer or happier place for his family than right here!

And that very thought made this room feel more like home than ever…


Still deep in thought, Nathan was silently expressing his gratitude to God for all the blessings he and Allie were being given when Hendrix returned, carrying Persia and her basket of kittens.

He stopped so that Nathan could peek in and pet Persia.

"Good girl, Persia. You're taking such great care of your Little Ones!"

"I did promise Miss Alley that the kittens would take part in our Christmas Festivities, Sir! But rest assured, your Christmas and Adoption Party items are safely locked away. May I get you anything?"

Nathan sighed.

"Thank you, Hendrix. But, what in the world could we possibly want? We've still got some of Essie's gingerbread cookies left!"

Hendrix chuckled.

"You have a point, Sir!"

"Take a seat, Hendrix."

"I couldn't, Sir," replied a skeptical Hendrix.

"Come on Hendrix, I think we both need to catch up."

"Well, if you put it that way, Sir! But at least, allow me to get us some more hot Wassail first."

Before Nathan could stop the man, he was gone, doing what he was most accustomed to doing...


When he returned though, Nathan could tell Hendrix had calmed and was now actually ready for a man-to-man talk.

"Here you go, Sir, piping hot Wassail!"

"Thank you, Hendrix. This definitely hits the spot!"

Hendrix sat down in the big Wingback chair by the Fireplace that was closest to Nathan.

"Sir, since you're not wearing your Stetson here in Montreal, I've placed the hats Miss Millicent bought for you to have here in the city throughout the various appropriate areas. The dressiest ones have already been put in your personal closet upstairs," smiled Hendrix. "The others have been placed in the storage cupboards by both the front and the back doors, so they're easily at your disposal."

"Thank you, Hendrix. But how does she do it? As busy as Millicent's been, she still thinks of ways to make my life more comfortable!"

"The Lady's over the moon in love, Sir, and you happen to be the blessed recipient."

Nathan blushed.

"More blessed than I can even comprehend! And that love is returned a million times over. I can't even think about my life before. How did I ever leave her or allow her to leave me, Hendrix? I must have been insane!"

"Honestly, Sir – don't ask me, except of course for the insanity plea, which I can completely concur with. I personally thought you might have been rendered blind or perhaps taken hostage, only allowed out to see Miss Millicent for brief periods of time when she visited, under gunpoint, of course, and hadn't been allowed to tell us!"

"Very funny, Hendrix!"

"You did ask, Sir! But all is as it should be now. It just took a little while."

Hendrix chuckled, that deep, rich chuckle of his, Nathan had missed over the years.

"Speaking of taking a little while, how are things going with Estella and you?"

"Well, Sir, given that question, it seems I can't at all fault you for your own tardiness! I'm afraid it's rather complicated."

"In what way?"

"It seems I have a competitor, Sir, for Miss Estella's affections."

"Are you sure?"

"Quite sure, Sir. When I take Miss Estella to the theater for her rehearsals, and then again when I pick her up, a gentleman always escorts her before I'm able to get out of my vehicle and do so myself."

"Well, what are you going to do about it?"

"What can I do? Just as you and Miss Millicent have been best friends all your lives, Miss Estella has been mine. Also, I not only see her every hour during daylight, but for most of that time, I'm by her side. We are work companions, Sir. I can't possibly risk upsetting that!"

Nathan sighed deeply.

"I'm an investigator, Hendrix. It's what I do. Let me see what I can find out. Just don't give up and let me do some digging. Most often things are not at all what they appear to be."

"I appreciate that, Sir, and would be most grateful for any assistance you can give me. Excuse me, Sir, while I answer the phone."

Nathan glanced up, having barely heard the ringing.

The call was over almost immediately.

"That was Lloyd, Sir. They're preparing to leave the Hayes' home within the next few minutes. That means with traffic, the Ladies should be home within fifteen minutes or so."

"Have we done all we need to do to make everything ready for the actual tree-trimming, Hendrix?"

"Yes, Sir, everything is prepared. Dinner will be ready the moment Miss Millicent and Miss Allie return. Lights are on the tree, which I'll turn back on before we reenter the room. Snacks are ready for the actual trimming, and as you've seen, cookies are everywhere! I even took the liberty to place your guitar in the corner by the Baby Grand so you can accompany Miss Millicent playing Christmas Carols for us to sing together."

"Hmm! I don't seem to recall seeing that piano before, only the larger one in the living room. Although, it is an amazing piece and fits into the room perfectly."

"Auntie Luciana, strikes again, Sir! She decided to purchase a new one and insisted Miss Millicent take this one. Although I admit, it arrived at our door unannounced. I do believe it's quite the antique though, although it was in poor repair on arrival. We just decided it was much easier to say yes and rescue the piece from being tossed away. But now that it's here, Miss Millicent loves it and uses it most evenings as much of our time is spent in this part of the house. Well, that's when she is actually here!"

"Look at this carving! It's a beautiful piece," remarked Nathan as he reached down and played a few notes. "Sounds wonderful too! Perfectly in tune."

"I'm afraid it wasn't in tune at all till Miss Millicent had it cleaned and tuned. Sadly, the piano hadn't been played for many years. But, Sir, knowing Auntie Luciana, I'm sure it's a French heirloom as that's the only style she surrounds herself with. And for her, only the best of the best, as you well know!"

Nathan chuckled.

"Dear, eccentric, life-of-the-party Auntie Luciana! She's a handful, but impossible not to love!"

"That she is! She's only home from her world travels to attend yours and Miss Millicent's 'Wedding and Festivities' as she calls them. Yet, I should prepare you, only Heaven knows what she's come up with for a wedding gift! I'd be most cautious, Sir, if I were you! Although I doubt it's anything that can be wrapped."

"What do you mean, Hendrix?"

"Sir, she once gifted a white python."

Nathan moaned.

"Are you serious?"

"Regrettably, most serious!"

"Thank you, Hendrix, for the heads-up! I'll file that away for safekeeping," Nathan stretched. "You know, I really can't get over this tree. It's such a beautiful blue spruce, which happens to be the Grant traditional tree. I do love that we can plant it out back, which is another Grant tradition. But I still don't see how we'll have nearly enough ornaments to cover it."

"If we run low, Sir, there are plenty of bows and garlands of every kind. Plus, Miss Estella and I have already set up our craft table in the kitchen, particularly for Miss Allie, but really for all of us. After Dinner, Miss Estella always insists we each make a new ornament every year, just as her family did in Austria! And I must say, she has quite the family collection of handmade straw ornaments, too, many of which are rather large. Her hope is that she can teach Miss Allie how to make them, that is if the child wishes to learn!"

"Actually, that's a beautiful tradition, Hendrix! And I'm sure Allie will be thrilled! I also love for her to learn customs from around the world."

"Oh, and Albert collected a trunk full of pinecones from your ranch for Miss Allie to decorate however she likes. Needless to say, there are quite a few. I do believe we'll have more than enough, Sir!"

"Hendrix, if you'll excuse me, I want to be ready to greet my girls at the car."

"Of course, I'll accompany you to the back closet to locate your new hat, Sir…"


However, Nathan and Hendrix only got as far as the kitchen, and thoughts of hats were forgotten.

Estella was still humming her favorite carol!

Nathan winked and motioned to Hendrix who immediately understood.

Nathan began singing the words in tenor, as Hendrix joined in with his rich baritone, thoroughly delighting Essie so much so that she couldn't help but also join in, taking the lead with her beautiful soprano voice.

The three sounded magical together!

The two assistants stopped what they were doing to listen, mesmerized by the melodious harmony they were hearing.

Yes, the three may have been singing in the kitchen of a townhouse in Montreal, but the truth was, they could have just as easily been singing in a concert on Estella's theater stage, instead!

This favorite German Carol of Estella's, which was also claimed by her own Austria, had stood the test of time from the 17th Century on. And although the original work was written for a choir to sing, this lusty trio was determined to give their all and make it work!

All musically inclined, the three took the tones and pauses of this ancient song's corded melody and somehow made them more than sufficient, via a path of collective breaths joined together, to welcome their own Christmas, 1918:

Lo, how a Rose e'er blooming
From tender stem hath sprung!
Of Jesse's lineage coming,
As men of old have sung.
It came, a flow'ret bright,
Amid the cold of winter,
When half spent was the night.

Isaiah 'twas foretold it,
The Rose I have in mind;
With Mary we behold it,
The virgin mother kind.
To show God's love aright,
She bore to men a Savior,
When half spent was the night.

This Flow'r, whose fragrance tender
With sweetness fills the air,
Dispels with glorious splendor
The darkness everywhere.
True man, yet very God,
From sin and death He saves us,
And lightens every load. (*90)

"Bravo!" clapped Millicent and Allie who had slipped through the Sunroom just as the song started.

"Darling! Allie! We didn't hear you come in," as Nathan moved quickly to kiss both his girls.

First, he picked up Allie to continuous giggles and kissed her, then unexpectedly, he picked up Millicent, lifting her high, hat and all.

"Nathan Grant!" and she laughed that laugh he adored.

"But I missed you," and his kiss right there in front of all proved it.

"How much did you two hear?"

"All of it, Dad. It was so beautiful! But now, I have to check on my kittens! Excuse me, please?"

"Yes, Allie, you are excused!"

"Oh, not that way, Miss! As I promised, Miss Persia and her kittens have been transported to the Keeping Room, Miss Allie."

"Thanks a bunch, Uncle Hendrix!"

And Allie was off like lightning to see Persia and her kittens.

"Stunningly beautiful, you three! With that wonderful Carol, Christmas is truly here," complimented Millicent with a huge smile.

"Welcome home, Miss! Do you need any assistance?" offered Hendrix.

"No, thank you, Hendrix. I left a few things for Allie in the Sunroom, but we'll get those when we go up and change. Have we made you late for dinner, Essie?"

"No, Child, but everything's all ready to put on the table."

Millicent noticed Estella still had tears in her eyes and was sniffling from hugging her boy after they had finished their song.

"I'm sorry I can't seem to stop crying. It's just so good to have you home, Son, where you belong. You are making our Christmas, you truly are! And to have that girl of ours here. Well, it's just beyond! I want every little thing perfect for that child."

Nathan turned back toward Essie, and hugged her again, then kissed her forehead.

"Don't you overdo it, Essie! Allie just wants her family close and that means you. And of course, those kittens," he sighed.

Allie came bounding into the room just after that comment. Seeing her Auntie Essie, teary-eyed, but not having a clue as to why, she ran straight to her, hugging her.

"I love you, Auntie Essie. Are you okay?"

"I am now, Child, my two Angels are home. Quick, you three go now and change into your tree-trimming clothes, while Hendrix and I get everything ready for our dinner. We're having a Tree-trimming Party tonight! Now scoot!"

"Oh, but can I please see the tree all lit up? I could tell it already has the lights on it."

"Let's make it an after-dinner surprise for us all, Miss Allie. How does that sound," suggested her Uncle Hendrix.

Allie thought a minute.

"I like it. Then our whole family can see it together," and she ran to her Uncle and hugged him. "I love you, too, Uncle Hendrix! And thanks again for moving my kittens. They love it in their new room! Boy, you can really sing!"

"Temporary new room, Allie," reminded her Dad.

Hendrix hid a half-smile.

"My pleasure, and thank you, Miss Allie."

Nathan then gave Millicent a quick kiss on the cheek.

"Babe, I'll go get the shopping spoils…"


Nathan delivered Allie's boxes to her room and then he went to his suite of rooms to change while Millicent went to hers.

"Dress comfortably," reminded Millicent cheerily before they parted.

They all three did a quick change to casual clothes and met back in the hall, then arm-in-arm, they happily traversed the grand staircase together.

"Close your eyes, Darling. We'll start on these Wedding gifts tomorrow, I promise!"

"Mil, we are actually drowning in gifts! Allie Girl, I hope you're ready to help open them non-stop."

"I can't wait! Don't worry! Opening presents is my specialty. It's going to be loads of fun, Dad, and these go on and on forever!"

Nathan moaned again, as Millicent calmly giggled.

"Allie, I don't know if I should be more worried that opening presents is your specialty, or that these truly do go on forever," admitted her Dad.

"I'm not worried, Love. I have my fiancé and my daughter beside me. How could I possibly worry about boxes?" asked Millicent innocently.

Nathan stopped to cup his fiancée's chin and kissed her.

"Well, when you put it that way!" he agreed.

"Zeesh, there's a child present!" reminded Allie.

Millicent couldn't contain her laugh, while Nathan gave Allie a serious parental look with raised eyebrows and all, that meant business.

"Afraid you'd better get used to it, Kiddo!"

Causing both of his girls to giggle…

*90. "Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming," our familiar English Title for the German Christmas Carol "Es ist ein Ros entsprungen, sometimes called "A Spotless Rose," German Author unknown, first appeared in print 1599, German Composer Michael Praetorius, 1609, Public Domain