Chapter 104: Allie's Excitement

To say the Grants' breakfast was being rushed by a certain very excited young lady was a huge understatement.

Surrounded by the dining room's calming blues and greens, the family was happily eating away, except for one who was too excited to eat, and was more than ready to jump in the limousine this very minute with her Uncle Albert!

"Allie, eat your pancakes," insisted her Dad.

"But Dad, my cousins are waiting for me!"

"Your cousins are eating their breakfast, Allie, and you need to eat yours," reminded Nathan firmly.

"Your father's right, Miss Allie," agreed her Uncle Hendrix. "I know your Grandmama, and she's not about to let Master Jackson and Miss Maggie start their day without lots of nourishment. And she will most certainly expect that we've done the exact same thing for you!"

Millicent smiled in agreement, noticing that, thanks to her daughter, Hendrix and Estella were feeling much more comfortable sitting at the dining table with their newly enlarged family for meals, which was the way the lady of the house had wanted it all along.

The three of them, Millicent, Hendrix, and Estella, had always been family together and she had often cajoled them into eating with her. But she had only managed to do so informally in the kitchen on a regular basis, and only formally in the dining room infrequently.

So, it particularly warmed her heart for them to now feel part of her new family because they were. And always would be.

It had been the three of them for a very long time, however now, most happily, it was the five of them.

"Besides when you get to your grandparents' house, you don't want to get hungry and have to stop to eat in the middle of whatever it is that you're doing with your cousins! Right, Dear Girl?" asked her Auntie Essie.

"No, Ma'am!"

"Allie, Auntie Essie is right. There is an awful lot to explore at your Grandparents' house and grounds! It will take you quite a while," explained Millicent. "Also, your Grandmama will insist that you choose a room to call your own."

"She will?"

"Yes, Sweetie, every grandchild has their own room that stays yours permanently, so that it's there for you whenever you need it. Except of course for Jacques and Margie, who still reside in the Nursery."

"Wow! I guess I had better eat then. Will my room be close to Jackson's and Maggie's?"

"I'm sure it will be if you want it to be!" smiled Millicent.

"I'm just so excited, Momma!"

"We know you are, Allie! And we're all really excited for you! Besides, I bet Jackson and Maggie are every bit as anxious to meet you as you are to meet them!"

That brought a smile to her daughter's face.

"I bet there are lots of rooms at Grandpapa's."

"Yes, Sweetheart, there are more than enough rooms for everyone. Actually, you'll have quite a few to choose from," and Millicent glanced at Nathan, wondering if they should say more.

But Nathan was unsure too, as they were in uncharted territory.

Millicent's townhouse was one thing, and more than elaborate enough, but the Bradford Estate was entirely on a different level!

"Come to think of it, even my old bedroom will be an option," added Millicent, thinking that was safe.

All both parents wanted was for Allie to feel at home at her new grandparent's house, and most certainly not to be overwhelmed by its palatial rooms and grounds.

There were some things that were just difficult to explain to a child without her seeing them first, like her Grandparents' many homes, as well as their own Ranch.

So many changes were a lot for a twelve-year-old to take in.

And as Allie was already going through so many changes, both parents were concerned first and foremost, as any good parent would be, that their daughter wouldn't change from her core values and sweet self, thinking she was better than anyone else because she now had more.

They were doing everything in their power to keep her grounded.

But most parents didn't have to maneuver their children through a different kind of world, especially one that was completely foreign to them while making sure those children maintained their integrity, as well as their grounded and singularly unique personalities.

"Here, Child, this stack of pancakes is hot," interjected Essie as she swapped out Allie's now cold plate for a warm one with a fresh stack of hot banana-blueberry pancakes on it.

To ensure the stack was steaming, Estella added two large pats of butter which immediately melted down the sides.

Then she poured hot Blueberry Syrup all over the pancakes that already had sliced fresh blueberries and banana slices sprinkled over them, as well as in them!

"Now, tell me that doesn't look enticing enough to eat, Miss, or I don't know what does!"

Allie took a single bite, and then her eyes widened.

"These pancakes are the best! Just like Momma made in Hope Valley!"

"That's because your Momma made them for you. She even added the bananas because you like them. Now, don't you disappoint her and let these get cold too. You eat this stack up right now, Miss Allison Rose, while it's still hot!" ordered Estella.

"I will, Auntie Essie! Thank you, Momma. These are the best!"

"Well, your Auntie Essie taught me how to make them! So, she still gets all the credit!"

Essie smiled slightly at the compliment, but that same smile soon widened as she realized her Miss Millicent was doing her best to eat the plate of delicious food she had set before her.

Intuitively, given Millicent's anemia, Estella knew her charge needed something much healthier than pancakes, so she had made a full breakfast full of bacon, sausage, eggs, gravy, and biscuits with homemade butter and jams, which Nathan was thoroughly enjoying along with his pancakes, and Millicent was at least attempting.

Estella then glanced at Nathan, whom she assumed had spoken with her Millicent about their lack of appetite concerns last night.

Then as only those who have known each other a lifetime can do, Nathan smiled back with a slight nod, answering Essie's subliminal assumptions in the affirmative.

"Auntie Essie, when will I get to see you perform?" asked Allie, anxiously.

She was doing her very best to make the most of her time in Montreal, trying to cram everything she could into these few weeks.

"As soon as my busy family can work it into their schedule," she winked. "I can pretty much get matinee tickets any afternoon, Child. But oh, how I wish I could get tickets for a night performance! The lighting is just spectacular and there's such a feeling of excitement in the air!"

"Would getting tickets for an evening performance even be possible, Essie," asked Millicent.

"I'll be happy to check, Miss, but I'm afraid it would take a miracle. You see this play is being billed as an Operetta, and all the Opera fans are grabbing up tickets as fast as they can!"

"Don't feel any pressure, Estella, but if you do stumble upon some tickets for a night performance on any night, that is, other than the night of Victoria's Engagement Party for us, we'll find a way to be there," assured Nathan.

"Oh, I would love that, Darling," exclaimed Millicent. "There's something about going to the Theater at night that's just so special! Everyone dresses in their gowns and tuxes, and it's just so lovely getting to see everyone!"

"That sounds like so much fun, Momma. May I go too?"

"Absolutely, we're not about to go without you, Sweetie! Besides, you have all those pretty party dresses to choose from. You'll love the theater your Auntie Essie performs in. It's one of the oldest and most beautiful buildings in all of Montreal. Oh, and they decorate the entire place for Christmas, too, making it even more magical! I can't wait for you to see it!"

Hendrix cleared his throat, garnering the courage to speak.

"Miss Estella…er…any night is fine for me as well. Even if it's on my Club night, no worries. Your play takes precedence over all," smiled a nervous Hendrix, which caused Essie to blush.

Hendrix never gave up his club night, which told Estella she was, after all, special to Hendrix. But how special, she still wasn't sure, as the man seemed to be as slow as Christmas in the romance department! Nor was she sure whether or not the ruse she had established to make Hendrix take note when he delivered her to and picked her up from the theater, was having any impact at all!

"Hmph!" sighed Estella aloud, without meaning to, discouraging Hendrix all over again.

An astute Allie noticed her Auntie's blush, but her father and mother held their breath, very thankful she didn't say anything.

"Momma, how long will it take us to get to Grandpapa's and Grandmama's house when we leave here?"

"I'm afraid it depends on traffic, Sweetheart, but less than an hour for sure! Probably closer to forty minutes. Mother's and Father's home is just on the outskirts of Montreal, so they can have lots of land with stables for all of their grandchildren to ride and do all sorts of fun things, but close enough to take part in all the fun activities the city has to offer as well!"

"I can't wait to ride Rapunzel! Do you think I can today?"

"Allie, you'll have to wait and talk to your Uncle William about that, since he's the one who's offered to teach you to ride. He may have other plans for the day," answered her father.

Allie scrunched up her face, disappointed at the possibility.

"Do you think I could at least visit Rapunzel, Dad?"

"I think we can manage that, Sweetie. A girl and her horses! Perhaps your Momma and I can take you to the Stables if your Uncle William can't," he smiled, finding it hard to deprive his daughter of such a simple request.

"I miss Cookie and Serena and Newton!"

"I do too, Allie," agreed her Momma.

"I'm sure your Uncle Bill is taking good care of all three. But I have to admit I miss them all too," admitted Nathan. "Newton definitely deserves a break from our work, though, I think he already misses our regular rounds."

"As do you, too, Love?" asked Millicent.

"A little," admitted Nathan. "But it will all work out, as the Academy is built and we find our way further into our new jobs."

"Auntie Essie, may I have another pancake?"

"My pleasure, Child! Told you they were good!"

Allie giggled.

"Just wait till your Momma fixes her Tropical Pancakes, Allie," winked her Dad. "They're the 'bomb' as you would say!"

"Is that a bit of a hint, Darling?" teased Millicent as she lovingly touched Nathan's arm ever so lightly.

His sea blue eyes instantly met her deep-sea emerald eyes, as both melded together in an ocean full of love.

So lost in that love, without thinking Nathan automatically clasped Millicent's free hand and drew it close as he raised his eyebrows, and flashed his lop-sided grin, all for this woman he adored.

"Brother," chuckled Allie. "It's getting real deep in here!"

Her Auntie and Uncle couldn't resist low chuckles, but neither parent even heard their daughter.

When Nathan's mouth could find the words to respond, he spoke them without thinking, still lost in Millicent's beautiful eyes.

"It most certainly is a huge hint, Love! Your Tropical Pancakes…are hands down…my all-time favorite…"


After maneuvering expertly through heavier morning traffic than usual, Albert finally pulled the Grants' black limousine up to the snow-covered grounds of the massive Bradford Estate.

"We're here, Miss Allie," he turned and smiled.

Allie let out a most unladylike, but delighted squeal, which caused her new Uncle to chuckle.

She didn't even notice that their Security Cars were there, pulling away, as usual, to park in tandem just outside the gates.

Nathan was grateful for that and that overall, the Chief of Security, Monsieur Gaston Garnier, and his Team had been very discreet for his daughter's sake, as neither Nathan nor Millicent wanted to unnecessarily alarm her.

But her father couldn't help but notice that impressively the transition from their own Security Team to that of the Bradfords' proceeded seamlessly. Albert had obviously gone through the steps many, many times before, and probably could now go through the process automatically, without even thinking.

Instantly, two guards came out to open the huge gates with a broad smile and welcoming wave to the newest Bradford member who was halfway sitting on the backseat of the limousine.

Allie waved back cheerily with a huge grin for both men.

But as Albert drove forward, slowly making their way up the long drive to the Bradford Mansion, Allie got so excited she was literally dancing on and off her seat.

There was nothing her parents could do but smile and understand, as their daughter was a bundle of excitement and joy, but also a little apprehensive and nervous too.

This first meeting with her remaining relatives was so important to her.

"Momma, are you sure I look alright?"

"You look perfectly beautiful, Allie!" reassured Millicent.

"And my hair?"

"Your French braid is exactly as it should be! No loose strands whatsoever!"

"And my bow?"

"Let me see," and Millicent tugged and straightened it one last time to reassure Allie it was perfectly placed, even though the effort wasn't needed at all.

Both parents realized it was indeed a huge thing for their daughter to finally be meeting her cousins and remaining Auntie and Uncle, whom she had corresponded with and even spoken to on the phone, but had never met.

They hadn't said anything about the possibility of meeting Auntie Luciana, technically her Great Auntie, because you never knew if she would be there or out, flitting about.

But they were as delighted and happy for her, as she was excited...


The leafless branches of the tall Norway Maples on both sides of them, now covered with pockets of snow, towered over their limo, offering a comfortable wintry canopy of seclusion, with patches of bright blue skies peeking through.

"Look at the sky, Allie," suggested her father, trying to help her relax. "It's going to be a beautiful day!"

"Yes, Sir," but his daughter was so nervous, she had barely looked.

Millicent and Nathan, holding hands behind her, exchanged a quick apprehensive look, as both parents were anxious as to how Allie was going to react to this magnificent home lying ahead of them, now that they were finally here.

Since they hadn't known how to prepare her, they had simply decided in the end, it was better to say nothing at all, thereby hopefully, not making the Estate that big of a deal.

But both knew Allie had never experienced, or even seen, anything like what was looming before her, and now, suddenly this massive Estate was her home too.

Would this grandest of mansions be overwhelming, overpowering to such a little girl?

Would all the luxurious amenities soon be taken for granted?

How could they not be?

But then Allie, beyond her years in wisdom from just being Allie, as well as being a Mountie's daughter, had surprised them and understood the need for Security, while even garnering quite a few new 'Uncles' in the process!

Which had been delightfully and totally unexpected on the part of her parents.

Perhaps and hopefully, they prayed, they would be pleasantly surprised today, as well…