Chapter 103
The Tree-Trimming Party Ends & A New Day Begins
The silver and gold ornaments spread all over the tree, balanced by antique glass ornaments in red, all sparkling, surrounded by the Tree's flickering lights, made the entire Keeping Room come magically alive with the wonderful spirit of Christmas.
"This is going to be the most perfect Christmas ever!" exclaimed Allie, so full of excitement she could barely contain herself.
"Yes, Allie it most certainly is! But you're the most important part, making this Christmas especially special here in Montreal for all of us, my Angel!" explained her Momma with a hug and a kiss.
By this time everyone was hungry again, everyone except Millicent, that is, and moved toward Estella's spread of fancy Hors d'oeuvres, still kept warm by the insulated silver domes covering them.
Millicent poured herself another cup of Wassail, and took one tiny vegetarian appetizer, then headed toward her piano, which she started playing in the background.
The song was "Bring a Torch, Jeanette, Isabella!" which she very softly began to sing, first in her native English, then in her native French, as she had been bilingual from her earliest years.
Her beautiful voice drew her entire family to gather by Auntie Luciana's Baby Grand, along with their plates and cups of food and drink:
"Bring a torch, Jeanette, Isabella!
Bring a torch to the stable call!
Christ is born, tell the folk of the village:
Jesus is born, and Mary's calling.
Ah! Ah! Beautiful is the Mother!
Ah! Ah! Beautiful is her Son!
Who is that, knocking on the door?
Who is it, knocking like that?
Open up, we've arranged on a platter
Lovely cakes that we have brought here
Knock! Knock! Open the door for us!
Knock! Knock! Let's celebrate!
It is wrong when the Child is sleeping,
It is wrong to talk so loud.
Silence, now, as you gather around,
Lest your noise should waken Jesus.
Hush! Hush! See how He slumbers;
Hush! Hush! See how fast He sleeps!
Softly now unto the stable,
Softly for a moment come!
Look and see how charming is Jesus,
Look at Him there, His cheeks are rosy!
Hush! Hush! See how the Child is sleeping;
Hush! Hush! See how He smiles in His dreams!"
"Un flambeau, Jeannette, Isabelle -
Un flambeau! Courons au berceau!
C'est Jésus, bonnes gens du hameau.
Le Christ est né; Marie appelle!
Ah! Ah! Que la Mère est belle,
Ah! Ah! Que l'Enfant est beau!
Qui vient là, frappant de la sorte?
Qui vient là, en frappant comme ça?
Ouvrez-donc, j'ai posé sur un plat
De bons gâteaux, qu'ici j'apporte
Toc! Toc! Ouvrons-nous la porte!
Toc! Toc! Faisons grand gala!
C'est un tort, quand l'Enfant sommeille,
C'est un tort de crier si fort.
Taisez-vous, l'un et l'autre, d'abord!
Au moindre bruit, Jésus s'éveille.
Chut! chut! Il dort à merveille,
Chut! chut! Voyez comme il dort!
Doucement, dans l'étable close,
Doucement, venez un moment!
Approchez! Que Jésus est charmant!
Comme il est blanc! Comme il est rose!
Do! Do! Que l'Enfant repose!
Do! Do! Qu'il rit en dormant!" (*93)
"Bravo, Darling! Simply exquisite! And you say you can't sing," chided Nathan, with a kiss to her temple.
"Momma, that was so beautiful!" cried Allie. "You can really sing and play too!"
"Just for family," she winked. "What's next? Any requests?"
"How about 'There's a Song in the Air,' Miss Millicent? That's one of many favorites," requested Hendrix.
"Can you play that one, Darling?" asked Millicent.
"I sure can!" and Nathan lifted his guitar from the corner, as Millicent scooted down on the left side of her piano bench, making room for him to sit with her.
Nathan ran through a few chords, tuning his guitar.
"There, I'm ready! You start, and I'll join!"
Millicent began to play the introduction, and Nathan joined, with the entire family singing the lyrics:
"There's a song in the air! There's a star in the sky!
There's a mother's deep prayer and a baby's low cry!
And the star rains its fire while the beautiful sing,
For the manger of Bethlehem cradles a King!
There's a tumult of joy o'er the wonderful birth,
For the virgin's sweet Boy is the Lord of the earth.
Ay! the star rains its fire while the beautiful sing,
For the manger of Bethlehem cradles a King!
In the light of that star lie the ages impearled;
And that song from afar has swept over the world.
Every hearth is aflame, and the beautiful sing
In the homes of the nations that Jesus is King!
We rejoice in the light, and we echo the song
That comes down through the night from the heavenly throng.
Ay! we shout to the lovely evangel they bring,
And we greet in His cradle our Savior and King!" (*94)
"Can we sing 'Away in the Manger,' pretty please," begged Allie.
"We most certainly can," smiled Millicent. "That's one of my favorites too!"
"Away in a manger, no crib for a bed,
The little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head.
The stars in the bright sky looked down where he lay,
The little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay.
The cattle are lowing, the baby awakes,
But little Lord Jesus, no crying he makes.
I love thee, Lord Jesus! look down from the sky,
And stay by my cradle till morning is nigh.
Be near me, Lord Jesus; I ask thee to stay
Close by me forever, and love me I pray.
Bless all the dear children in thy tender care,
And take us to heaven to live with thee there." (*95)
"I love that one!" smiled Allie.
"Miss Estella is singing "Toyland" as a solo in the Christmas Play at her theater," announced Hendrix.
"Hendrix!"
"Well, you are, and from what I've heard, it's beautiful."
Estella blushed.
Millicent had already started playing the song, with Nathan joining in, so Essie wouldn't have a chance to back out of singing it:
"Toyland, toyland
Little girl and boy land
While you dwell within it
You are ever happy there
Childhood's joy land
Mystic merry toyland
Once you pass its borders
You can ne'er return again
When you've grown up, my dears
And are as old as I
You'll laugh and ponder on the years
That roll so swiftly by, my dears
That roll so swiftly by
Childhood's joy land
Mystic merry toyland
Once you pass its borders
You can ne'er return again." (*96)
Everyone clapped, led by Hendrix.
"Essie, that is just spectacular! No wonder you're on the stage," complimented Nathan.
"Can I see you? Can I see you in the Play?" begged Allie.
"There are still a couple of showings. If you all can work it into your schedules, I could get you all VIP tickets for a Matinee!"
One look at Nathan told Millicent they were in perfect agreement.
"We'll just make it work, Essie. Of course, we have to see your performance," promised an excited Millicent. "You, too, Hendrix!"
And so, it was settled, thrilling Essie that she would have her family at another one of her performances. Hendrix included, of course!
The family next sang Millicent's second favorite Christmas Carol, "The First Noel," saving her favorite for the coming Wedding:"
The First Noel the Angels did say
Was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay
In fields where they lay keeping their sheep
On a cold winter's night that was so deep
Noel Noel Noel Noel
Born is the King of Israel!
They looked up and saw a star
Shining in the East beyond them far
And to the earth it gave great light
And so it continued both day and night
Noel Noel Noel Noel
Born is the King of Israel!
And by the light of that same star
Three Wise men came from country far
To seek for a King was their intent
And to follow the star wherever it went
Noel Noel Noel Noel
Born is the King of Israel!
This star drew nigh to the northwest
O'er Bethlehem it took it's rest
And there it did both Pause and stay
Right o'er the place where Jesus lay
Noel Noel Noel Noel
Born is the King of Israel!
Then let us all with one accord
Sing praises to our heavenly Lord
That hath made Heaven and earth of nought
And with his blood mankind hath bought
Noel Noel Noel Noel
Born is the King of Israel!
Noel Noel Noel Noel
Born is the King
Born is the King
Born is the King of Israel! (*97)
Nathan suggested they sing a fun Carol as their last one, saving his favorite for the coming Wedding, and his second favorite for Christmas Eve Night.
Everyone was most excited with his suggestion to sing "The Twelve Days of Christmas:"
On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me
A partridge in a pear tree
On the second day of Christmas my true love gave to me
Two turtle doves and a partridge in a pear tree
On the third day of Christmas my true love gave to me
Three french hens, two turtle doves
And a partridge in a pear tree
On the fourth day of Christmas my true love gave to me
Four calling birds, three french hens,
Two turtle doves and a partridge in a pear tree
On the fifth day of Christmas my true love gave to me
Five golden rings
Four calling birds, three french hens,
Two turtle doves and a partridge in a pear tree
On the sixth day of Christmas my true love gave to me
Six geese a laying, five golden rings
Four calling birds, three french hens
Two turtle doves and a partridge in a pear tree
On the seventh day of Christmas my true love gave to me
Seven swans a swimming,
Six geese a laying, five golden rings
Four calling birds, three french hens
Two turtle doves and a partridge in a pear tree
On the eighth day of Christmas my true love gave to me
Eight maids a milking, seven swans a swimming,
Six geese a laying, five golden rings
Four calling birds, three french hens
Two turtle doves and a partridge in a pear tree
On the ninth day of Christmas my true love gave to me
Nine ladies dancing,
Eight maids a milking, seven swans a swimming
Six geese a laying,
Four calling birds, three french hens
Two turtle doves and a partridge in a pear tree
On the tenth day of Christmas my true love gave to me
Ten lords a leaping, nine ladies dancing
Eight maids a milking, seven swans a swimming
Six geese a laying, five golden rings
Four calling birds, three french hens
Two turtle doves and a partridge in a pear tree
On the eleventh day of Christmas my true love gave to me
Eleven pipers piping,
Ten lords a leaping, nine ladies dancing,
Eight maids a milking, seven swans a swimming,
Six geese a laying, five golden rings
Four calling birds, three french hens
Two turtle doves and a partridge in a pear tree
On the twelfth day of Christmas my true love gave to me
Twelve drummers drumming eleven pipers piping
Ten lords a leaping, nine ladies dancing
Eight maids a milking, seven swans a swimming
Six geese a laying, five golden rings
Four calling birds, three french hens
Two turtle doves and a partridge in a pear tree. (*98)
"That's the most fun song of Christmas!" exclaimed Allie. "I love it!"
"It's not only the most fun song, Miss Allie, but a song based on faith as well," noted Uncle Hendrix.
"Are you sure, Uncle Hendrix?"
"Oh, but I am. You see, the real twelve days of Christmas start on Christmas Day as we honor the Birth of Christ, and extend through January 6th, the Day of Epiphany, which is also called the Three Kings Day, or the Coming of the Magi, the three Wise Men."
"Really?"
"And there you have the twelve days of Christmas. Also, if we think really hard about our faith and various mentions in the Bible, we can apply each day's gift to an aspect of those mentions."
"Really?"
"Really, but whether those comparisons were originally meant to be or not, doesn't really matter, Child. if you allow yourself to always put your faith first, then your own connections follow and they are real for you!"
"Very wise words, Hendrix," agreed Nathan.
"I love that Uncle Hendrix! Now I'll always remember that the Twelve Days of Christmas is a lot more than just a fun song! Now, it will make me think about the birth of Jesus and the three Wise Men, too. But I'll have to think about those gifts."
"I'll be more than happy to help you with those, Miss Allie," promised Uncle Hendrix.
"And so will I, Miss Allison Rose," added Auntie Essie with a broad smile...
This special family night ended in loads of laughter from all, and even though no one wanted to leave the Keeping Room, it was way past time to tuck Allie in.
"You have a big day tomorrow, Allie, meeting your cousins and spending the day with them and your Grandparents!"
"I can't wait, Momma. It's going to be so much fun! I hope my cousins love me!"
"They most assuredly will love you, Allie, just as you will love them! You're their very first cousin, just as they are your first," reminded her Momma. "And cousins are to be treasured! Are you ready to be tucked in?"
"You two sit right there and enjoy that fire," interjected Essie. "How about Uncle Hendrix and I tuck you in tonight, Miss Allie?"
"That would be fun!"
But Allie ran straight toward her Momma and her Dad for goodnight hugs and kisses, as well, which her parents lovingly gave to their girl.
"Are you sure that's okay, Allie," asked Millicent.
"Yes, Ma'am. You and Dad need alone time, Momma!"
"We do, do we?" asked Nathan.
"Yes, Sir! Goodnight! I love you, Dad. I love you, Momma! And Dad, this is the most beautiful Christmas and Christmas Tree we've ever had!"
Nathan smiled.
"Yes, Princess, thanks to you, it most certainly is!"
"We love you, Sweet Girl," smiled Millicent, blowing another kiss. "Good night, Essie! Good night, Hendrix! Thank you both for a wonderful night!"
"Our pleasure, Miss Millicent. Good night, you two…"
Nathan immediately pulled his darling Millicent closer to him, as she snuggled into that perfect spot that was hers alone.
No words were necessary as the couple watched the fury of flames dancing to and fro in the massive hearth before them.
With Nathan's arm wrapped securely around her, Millicent held his other hand securely between both of hers.
They were finally alone, home together, basking in the sweetness of their first Christmas together as a family and a couple, deliriously and so completely in love.
And though both of them could have stayed there forever without saying a single word, inside Nathan was struggling
What if something was really wrong with his Millicent?
As a Mountie, he knew a lack of appetite could indicate a myriad of things, not all of them good. And she had looked so pale lately. Even now, her hands felt cold wrapped around his much larger one.
Did she not trust him? No, that was ridiculous. She trusted him implicitly, and he knew that was true even now.
But how should he broach his concern without questioning his own trust in her?
"Nathan, my Darling, we need to talk. Well, I need to talk. I need to explain something. I noticed your concern at the table when you were feeding me. Please know it was never my intent to cause you any worry at all!"
"The truth is, I am worried, Milli, so very worried. You haven't been eating. You're even pale, Darling, and your skin is cool to my touch. How can I not be worried?"
"I forget how terribly observant you are, Love," she remarked as she released her hand to reassuringly and tenderly touch his cheek.
"What is wrong, Millicent?"
"The truth is, I'm simply exhausted. There was an awful lot that had to be done in order for us to start our new life together, so I simply plowed through it all! Mother insisted that I visit Dr. Haversham before I traveled west for the Mounty Ball, just to be sure everything was okay. And it is, Darling! I promise it is. I was a little anemic, so he gave me some iron supplements, which should have increased my appetite. But they acted the opposite on me, taking away what little appetite I had. The anemia causes me to look pale, as well as making my hands feel cold. It wasn't important to mention as we were already correcting it, and then when I saw you, I was so wonderfully excited, I just didn't think about any of it. I was feeling better, Nathan, I just wasn't hungry because of taking the iron."
"You're sure," his eyes pled with her to not leave anything out.
"I'm positive, Darling. Dr. Haversham says I'll be good as new after the stress of our Wedding is over."
"But what's making you nervous about our Wedding? What's stressing you, Babe?"
She glanced down for a split second.
"It's not the Wedding, I just want it to hurry up and be here!"
"Then what is it, Mil? This is me you're talking to, Love!"
"Darling, I know you love me with all your heart, as I do you. And I know Allie adores me just as I do her. But what if this Bradford lifestyle with all the restrictions that go along with it becomes too much for either or both of you to bear? Say after our Wedding, when you're actually in the middle of the restrictions, but then it's too late to go back to the life you know and love? I'm the one you both will resent because I will have been the one to cause all the changes. And I won't be able to make everything right again. It will be too late!"
She looked so terrified by the thought, he knew she was truly worried.
Nathan sighed and did the only thing he knew to do.
He knelt down on one knee in front of her, taking both her hands, while flashing his most engaging smile.
"Millicent Alexandria Bradford, soon-to-be Grant, you have my heart, all of it, and you have Allie's heart, all of it. Neither one of us can even imagine a life without you in it. There might be new things to learn, and even hurdles and struggles to go through and overcome as we adjust. But know, deep inside, there will never be any turning back. Not by me, and not by Allie. We are fully committed to you, Darling. Just as much to you as you are to us. The three of us move forward wholly together, as one unit, one family. Besides my Darling, look around you! Look at the vast material things you are giving us without any question whatsoever. Then magnify all that by a million, and know how much we treasure you and your love for us."
Her throat caught as she began to sob and she wrapped her arms around his neck, releasing her one last concern.
"I love you, Nathan Alexander Grant!"
"And I love you, my Darling! More than you can ever possibly know..."
*93. "Bring a Torch, Jeanette, Isabella," Originated from the Provence Region of France in the 17th Century, Translated into English in the 18th Century; The music was originally not meant for Christmas, but was first considered to be dance music for French Nobility, Public Domain
*94. "There's a Song in the Air," Written in 1874 as a poem by Josiah Holland, Published in 1874 in a 'Sunday School Journal' and republished in 'Complete Poetry Writings,' Music 'Christmas Song' by Karl P. Harrington, Public Domain
*95. "Away in the Manger," Previously thought to be the work of Martin Luther, but now thought to be completely American in origin; the two most common musical settings are by William J. Kirkpatrick in 1895, and James Ramsey Murray in 1887, Public Domain
*96. "Toyland," Lyrics, Glen MacDonough, Music, Victor Herbert, First Production, 1903, NYC, Public Domain
*97. "The First Noel," Cornish Origin, First published in 'Carols Ancient and Modern,' 1823, and 'Gilbert and Sandys Carols,' 1833; Both edited by William Sandys and arranged and edited by Davies Gilbert for 'Hymns and Carols of God;" Current four-part arrangement by John Stainer, 1871, Public Domain
*98. "The Twelve Days of Christmas," Frederic Austen, 1780, Public Domain
