Chapter 106: Allie Meets Auntie Luciana

The family members found their seats on the far end of the massive living room where Auntie Luciana was holding court, solemnly ruling over everything right by the fireplace, sitting in the most massive wingback that resembled a throne, at least with her sitting in it!

Her silk-heeled feet rested on a low needle-pointed footstool, making her all the more regal, as well as intimidating.

Nathan and Millicent walked the length of the long room with Allie to greet her.

First, both adults kissed Auntie Luciana, once on each cheek, as was her required custom, then stepped back to introduce their daughter.

"Auntie Luciana, this is our beautiful daughter, Allison Rose Grant, known as Allie. Allie, this is our beloved Auntie Luciana, your great Auntie Luciana," introduced Nathan.

"Auntie Luciana to you, Child," boomed Luciana which made Allie smile. "I'm not quite old enough to be a 'great' anything yet, I'm afraid!"

"Pleased to meet you, Auntie Luciana!"

Allie spoke clearly and loudly enough for Auntie Luciana to hear without her hearing aids.

"I like that in a young Lady! Not afraid to speak out. Now, turn around so I can see all of you," instructed her imperious Great Auntie, twisting her hand around.

Allie twirled around, as slowly as she could manage.

"Hmm. You're quite beautiful, Child. Tall and thin. Look just like your mother, you are!"

"You knew my mother?"

"Indeed, I did! And she was a beauty, too! Her complexion and hair were much darker than yours, though. Of course, yours is lighter, more like your Momma's, which I do believe is most interesting. Like a gift from one sister to the other," she mused aloud. "Because your Mother and Momma were certainly sisters as much as your Momma and your Auntie Philippa are by blood. Why I once took both your Mother and your Momma to Prince Edward Island for the whole month of June, with just the three of us girls! And boy, did we ever have fun!"

Millicent smiled at the memory, quickly wiping a tear, missing Colleen, while Nathan glanced at his parents, with all three sweetly smiling, remembering that their beloved daughter and sister had talked about nothing else but the Ladies' wild adventures for the entire summer!

"Now tell me about your schooling. What are your favorite subjects, Child?"

"I love everything, Ma'am! Well, everything except Geography!"

Auntie Luciana cackled.

"Well, that's just because you haven't traveled the world yet with me, Child. We'll fix all of that! Just give us time!"

Allie grinned, as Auntie Luciana continued her interrogation of sorts.

"Then what's your best subject?"

"I suppose it's Math, Ma'am."

"Allie is taking advanced Math classes, Auntie Luciana," explained Millicent.

"But I love art and history and Momma and Dad are teaching me French too!"

"Just like your Mother! She loved those subjects as well, but art was her passion in life! And I have a painting of hers in my Dining Room to prove it! Now what kind of grades are you getting?"

Allie bowed her head sheepishly.

"A's, Ma'am," she whispered low.

"You lift that head of yours, and say that with pride, Young Lady!"

Allie smiled sheepishly, leaning close to her Auntie to whisper privately.

"But, I'm not supposed to brag, Auntie Luciana! And that would be bragging."

"Well, of course, you're not! So, I'll do it for you! The child gets all A's. Do you hear that, Jackson? I know you get those A's, too, Son, just like your cousin and sister, but I bet the girls don't fuss about doing their homework! That's the difference, Son!"

Jackson grinned sheepishly, knowing Auntie Luciana was always going to get on him about doing his homework since he hated it, but he loved her anyway!

"Yes, Ma'am," he grinned and shrugged to Allie, who smiled back at him.

"Tell me, Allison Rose, what do you want to be when you grow up, Child?" asked Auntie Luciana, not at all through with her interrogation.

Allie thought a moment.

"I'm not sure, Auntie Luciana, but Dad says I still have plenty of time to decide."

"Do you ever do odd jobs?"

No one had been expecting that, as the adults doubted that Auntie Luciana had ever held a job her entire life, as her old-school parents would have been appalled!

They had seen that she was kept busy doing society things, and foundation work, which she had diligently applied herself to and been most successful, just like Millicent. Though her niece also managed to work in a man's profession at the same time, which was something Auntie Luciana would have also done if she'd only been given the chance. But times had been even harsher toward women during her youth, expecting them to simply stay home and have children, something she had never been blessed with.

But oh how she had longed for them! Sadly, her short marriage had not yielded that gift.

Even with all the Bradford businesses, Auntie Luciana was only allowed to take part as an honorary board member after she was widowed, which in and of itself was a monumental concession on the part of her parents, and often made her a thorn in Edward's side since she was always bringing up controversial points to discuss.

But the truth was the woman had a masterful mind for business, and Edward had learned to listen to her incredulous ideas over the years, giving her equal respect, often working late at night figuring out ways to implement her outlandish suggestions, which always paid off in the end!

The truth was Auntie Luciana was forward-thinking, and you just never knew what was going to come out of her mouth.

"Yes, Ma'am. I work at the switchboard in Hope Valley after school and on weekends, and I babysit for our neighbors as much as I can. I like to keep busy!"

"Not so much you don't do your homework, I hope."

"Oh, no, Ma'am. Dad makes sure that homework comes first as soon as I get home. I actually do a lot of my reading between calls at the Switchboard. We don't have an awful lot of calls, you see. Hope Valley is small."

"I see!"

"Well, you have a very wise father allowing you to gain experience working! And he's also right about you having plenty of time to decide on what you want to do with your life. One never knows what opportunities will fall into one's lap. Oh, one other thing, how many friends do you have?"

"Oh, way too many to count. I guess I try to be friends with everyone I meet," answered Allie, who had never thought about actually counting her friends.

Auntie Luciana roared with laughter.

"That's my girl! Always have more friends than you can count! Now, Young Lady, that we've been properly introduced, come give me a kiss, Miss Allison Rose Grant, so that I can properly welcome you into the family!"

Allie tentatively stepped forward, but instead of kissing her Auntie, she first did what she always did and hugged her which took Auntie Luciana completely by surprise.

The elderly lady quickly recovered and hugged her new niece back, shocked at her moxie at first, but most of all her show of love and respect that proved genuine affection.

She hugged her girl back and then offered each cheek for not one, but two kisses, as Allie warmly complied.

"You and I, are going to get along just swimmingly, Dear Girl!"

"I love you, Auntie Luciana!"

"And I love you, too, Allison Rose. Welcome to the Bradford Family, Child! There's no going back, now. You're one of us. Forever, come what may!"

Allie smiled brilliantly.

"Even a white python?" she cheekily asked.

Nathan's eyes widened in horror as he realized he shouldn't have shared that bit of information with his daughter.

Auntie Luciana guffawed.

"Either a cobra or python or two! Always white for weddings, though," chuckled the elder lady. "But, since you've spoiled that surprise, and passed the test to boot, Child, you and I together will have to come up with a more suitable Wedding surprise for your parents! I have several options for us to choose from. And you might even add one or two!"

Nathan and Millicent both, as well as everyone else in the room, breathed a sigh of relief.

"Oops, I almost forgot! Geoffrey! My gifts, please!" called Auntie Luciana, clapping her hands.

Geoffrey and an Underbutler soon re-entered the room, both loaded down with rather large beautifully wrapped presents, that they deposited at Auntie Luciana's feet.

"Give us the largest first!" ordered Luciana.

Geoffrey smiled and did as he was instructed, placing the largest present closer to Miss Luciana.

"Now I'll hold onto it as you open it, Child!"

"Goodness, Auntie Luciana, there are so many. You didn't have to do this!"

"No, I did not. But I wanted to! Besides I thought of you when I was in Italy. And there might be a bit of a selfish reason included in these packages. Open, Child!"

"Do I need to be careful in case it breathes or bites, Auntie Luciana?" asked a hesitant Allie most seriously.

The entire room erupted in laughter.

"She's got your number, Auntie Luciana," laughed Richard.

"Pshaw!"

Luciana drew the girl nearer.

"Between us, no, I only do that to the adults who are crazy enough to be getting married when they have no business doing so," she explained in a loud stage whisper. "But don't you worry, that doesn't apply to your Dad and Momma!"

Allie giggled and grinned conspiratorially.

"No, Ma'am, because they really belong together!"

"That they do, Child!"

Allie actually liked this imperious eccentric woman!

Then aloud for everyone to hear, Luciana made her announcement.

"I can't actually say it's not python, however, I can say whatever's inside is not breathing or biting!"

"Whatever's in those boxes better not be breathing or biting, Luciana. Our Allie's still a child," warned Edward meaning every single word.

Allie giggled at her Auntie's glowering look, knowing her father, grappa, grandpapa, Uncle Richard, and Uncle William were ready to pounce and protect her, as Auntie Luciana waved her younger brother away.

But Edward wasn't budging, standing immediately behind Allie, just in case.

He had gone through too many episodes of his sister's bizarre gift-giving, so his trust level was not at all high.

First, Allie took off the beautiful purple ribbon, then tore away the exquisite lavender patterned paper while being careful not to tear it, then she leaned her head over to listen to the unwrapped, but still closed box.

"I don't hear anything. So, I think we're safe!" she announced.

Edward roared with laughter.

"She's got you pegged, dear sister! And rightfully so!"

Then Allie very cautiously opened the big box and looked at her smiling Auntie Luciana.

"This is beautiful, Auntie Luciana. Thank you! I've never had a travel trunk as nice as this before!"

The piece was covered in a very rich white leather (python leather to be exact) both trimmed in gold and engraved in gold.

"It has your full name, Allison Rose Grant, engraved on each piece too, in case a piece ever gets lost! Why I can't have my grand-niece not traveling in style! And don't you all worry about it being white. It's treated with something to protect it from everything! As if it needs it, as of course, the leather is rather rugged on its own. Now, Child, let's open all the others!"

"Auntie Luciana thinks everything has to be white," whispered Victoria to Sophia.

Allie opened a second, slightly smaller trunk, then a couple of pieces of luggage followed by a beautiful train case, and a huge soft-sided satchel, all white leather, all trimmed in gold, and all engraved in gold just as Auntie Luciana had said.

Although Allie, nor anyone else in the room for that matter, couldn't begin to fathom the value of the pieces, she simply saw them as being very utilitarian as well as beautiful and kissed her Auntie once more.

Always a quick study, this time Allie kissed both cheeks without being told.

"Thank you so much, Auntie Luciana. This is awfully nice of you. It's both a beautiful and practical gift," announced Allie. "Those are the best kinds. I love all the pieces! And now that we'll be traveling so much, I promise they'll get a lot of use!"

Auntie Luciana beamed, that her girl was so appreciative, so practical, and so pleased.

"My pleasure, Child. I picked those up when I was in Italy, the only place in the world to buy good luggage. So, they've already been around the world, but all crated up! You'll be the first to use them. They'll last you a lifetime. I'm just happy you love them!"

"Well, it could have been a python!" remarked Allie most seriously.

"I think, Luciana has met her match, Dear," whispered Edward to Victoria, by this time relaxed enough to sit back down by his wife.

"A live white python!" cackled Auntie Luciana. "Why didn't I think of that? But come to think of it, I did commission the entire set to be made of white python leather. It is the most durable out there, you know!"

"I knew it," whispered Millicent to Nathan. "Auntie Luciana and her pythons!"

Allie laughed, as did everyone else in the room.

"Come, Allie, let's go play Hide and Seek," begged Jackson.

"Go, Child! Now that you know your Auntie Luciana, you have a whole house to explore," insisted her Great Auntie.

"Oh no, you don't, Son! Not till your Grandpapa and I have given Allie a complete tour of her new home, Jackson. You and Maggie already know all the great hiding places. And to make it fair before you two go challenging her, first, Allie has to get her bearings to find a few hiding places of her own," explained his Grandmama with a hug.

"Plus, she has to choose and claim her own room, too, Son," reminded Grandpapa. "Arch, Sophia, care to join us for Allie's tour?"

"Would love to, Edward!" chorused both Archie and Sophia at the same time, so happy to have their Allie with them.

But first Allie had to stop and marvel over each piece of the Nativity Set.

"This is the most beautiful Nativity I've ever seen. I can't believe it's life-size! Look at the Baby Jesus. He's like a real baby in a real manger!"

"You're right about the manger. It is actually real, and it comes from the Holy Land where Jesus walked," noted her Grandpapa. "My hope is that the real spirit of Christmas resides in our hearts even more when we gaze at this very special, very beautiful Nativity."

Allie smiled up at her Grandpapa and reached up to give him a kiss.

"Thank you, Grandpapa! It's so special and I love it!"

Then she carefully ran her hand lovingly over the Christ Child's little head and held it for Jackson and Maggie to do the same.

"It is a lovely reminder of our Scripture, Allie. The Christmas story come to life," explained her Grandmama. "It will be here throughout the Holidays for you three to examine in detail whenever you want!"

"I can't help but cry every single time I see it! This beautiful Nativity just makes you feel like you're right there in Bethlehem with the Christ Child," cried Sophia. "I do believe it's my favorite Nativity of all those I've ever seen throughout my life!"

Victoria hugged her best friend.

"It is truly the most special commission, and I do believe my favorite of all Nativities as well. It's the loveliest gift Edward has ever given us all, without a doubt!"

Everyone agreed and offered their gratitude to the patriarch for his thoughtfulness, just as Allie had already done.

"And a child leads us once again, the Baby Jesus and my own considerate granddaughter," smiled Archie summarizing for everyone. "We owe you much gratitude for this special gift of Heavenly love and peace, Edward!"

"It's truly my honor, Arch! Blessings to all of us!"

Victoria reached up to tenderly kiss her beloved husband's cheek, both with tears in their eyes, more in love than when they had first married, a fact not missed by anyone in the room.

Love was in the air, and everyone felt it, as Archie reached to kiss the wife he adored even more than when they had first met all those years ago in London.

Nathan looked into Millicent's eyes, as Richard looked into Margaret's eyes, both couples vowing to do whatever it took to ensure that this would be the same case for them when they reached their parents' same milestone.

There was a moment of heartfelt silence that even the children respected, as Auntie Luciana wiped a tear from her eye, remembering the beloved husband she had loved with all her being, yet lost so many, many years ago.

"Yes," mused Nathan privately to Millicent. "Love of all kinds, permeate this room, all because of two families and a special Nativity Scene, offering its message of the most profound love offered throughout all time, the love of Christ, still very much alive, revered, and treasured."

But it was so quiet in the room, the others heard his words.

Normally, unless he was so overwhelmed with their love, Nathan's words came easily when he was with Millicent, or when putting pen to paper, although he was economic with words around most people. But sitting by his fiancée gave him courage, and allowed him to remember his readings and his own writings.

Unknown to Millicent, the love of her life's words had already been written with pen onto paper, locked away waiting as a Wedding gift from her Groom to his Bride.

But now was the time to speak these words aloud. Words of love never to be broken, hopefully by all present, even the children as well as William and Pippa as they grew into their adult lives.

They were that important.

And so, Nathan spoke his private words aloud clearly though softly, but confidently too for all to hear, as these words were emblazoned on his heart:

"First there is 'Philia Love or Brotherly Love,' present. A love without romantic attraction that occurs between friends or family members, even students at school, when people share the same values and the same respect for each other, just as our two families do."

"Second there is 'Pragma or Enduring Love,' an everlasting love between a couple who chooses to put equal effort into their relationship," and he raised Millicent's hand to his own lips. "Beyond falling in love, they choose to stand in love by each other's side forever, as our parents have so clearly shown us by example. And as Richard does with Margaret, and as Margaret does with Richard. Also, as I do with Millicent, and as Millicent does with me. Just as the younger ones will do someday when they find their life partner."

"Third, there is 'Storge or Familiar Love,' a naturally occurring love rooted in parents, children, and even best friends of all ages. It's an infinite love based on acceptance and deep emotional connection, and all that is here abundantly today, in all of our relationships, no matter the age."

"Fourth, there is 'Eros or Romantic Love,' a passionate love between two people who love each other, commit to each other, and display their love through physical affection, such as touching, holding hands, hugging, kissing, and then with marriage, they become one. It's a mysterious or elusive love to many people, but when you find the right person, it's magical, exactly as it should be."

"Fifth, there is 'Ludus or Playful Love,' a child-like and flirtatious love that's often seen in the beginning stages of a relationship as playful teasing and laughter between two people just seems to happen. Although most often seen in young couples or even friendships, there are older couples like our parents, who are fortunate enough to maintain this type of love in their long-term relationships. May Richard and Margaret, and Millicent and I be that fortunate as well to always include humor and lightheartedness in our relationships, as we each work hard to do just that! Although, of course, Richard already has that love covered in spades for all of us," he added dryly.

Everyone laughed, as they most certainly knew that comment to be true!

"The sixth love, thankfully, is not present as it can be an unhealthy love, a love of weeds that leads to jealousy and possessiveness, known as 'Obsessive Love or Controlling Love.' Which to me, is quite the oxymoron, as neither obsessiveness nor control is truly love. Nor is jealousy or possessiveness."

"Dad taught me a long time ago my friends and I shouldn't be jealous of each other, but we should support each other and be happy for each other when good things happen, didn't you, Dad?"

"Yes, Allie, and you have been much happier with your friends since we had that discussion, haven't you?"

"Yes, Sir, and so have my friends. Because I told them what you told me and we made a pact never to be jealous of each other again, and we haven't been either!"

"I'm really proud of you for that, Allie! Very proud of you, as that's a very grown-up way to behave," complimented her Dad.

Then he moved on to the next type of love.

"Seventh, there is 'Philautia or Self Love,' a healthy love that derives from the soul, where one begins to learn or understand that God has allowed them to be responsible for their own inner well-being, and that each person can find their solace, their peace in Him, eliciting His values for self as well as for interacting with others."

"Eighth, there is 'Agape or Selfless Love,' the Love of God, that He teaches us to have and offer to all others in abundance. It's the highest level of love that exists because it is given without expecting anything else in return. It's the bigger purpose of helping others that is this family's mantra and purpose. A mantra and purpose I'm proud to take on as my own privately, as well as our own together. To show God's love in our daily lives is what we all strive to do, and must continue to do so throughout our lives in order to live our life to the fullest." (*100)

He turned and spoke only to Millicent, but kept his voice loud enough for all to hear.

"I promise you, my Darling, a friendship of Philia, Storge, and Philautia, a marriage of Pragma, Eros, and Ludus, and a family of Storge, Agape, and Philia, our whole lives long, the very best of all possible worlds." (*101)

She understood the import of each word, each promise, and laid her head against his heart, listening to each beat.

"I promise back to you, my Heart of all Hearts, each and every one of the same, always!"

Luciana quietly watched from the distance with a widening and all-knowing smile, as this young couple's lips drew to the other's, and she knew beyond any doubt, as everyone else in the room also knew, that God had clearly made this young couple each for the other, just as their families had always believed.

"Our love has begun all over again, my Darling, between two young people who are part of us," she mused in a whisper as she lifted her eyes to the blue skies outside.

Then in a much louder, booming voice, she added a joyful pronouncement.

"Let the celebrations begin!"

"Agreed, Luciana! That was so beautiful, Son!" declared Archie. "If I've done anythin' right in my life, it was realizin' I couldn't live without your mother's love. For her Pragma or Enduring Love, is what saved me and to this day sustains me. Thank you, my Darlin' Sophia for givin' me that second chance I so desperately needed. And thank you as well, Son, for muddlin' through it all. I will never ever betray your love again! I choose every day to stand by both of you, along with our Allie, and now our beloved Millicent. I'm afraid you're all stuck with me forever, my Loves!"

Everyone chuckled, charmed as always by Archie's Gaelic cadence.

He had a way to make whatever he said sound like beautiful Irish poetry.

Sophia then kissed her husband, knowing without a doubt now, after their storms, his words to be true.

And then she smiled, cheerily and proudly.

"Profound moments never to be forgotten, thanks to my Son, my Husband, and my friends who are my family! We are so blessed to have so much love in this room. But lighter moments, family moments too, both important, and here all at the same time. Now, let's celebrate my granddaughter, and get moving!"

"What do you say we start our grand tour, now? Our Girl has to find her own room," agreed Victoria, her Grandmama.

Allie tiptoed up and kissed her Grandmama's cheek, then her Gramma's and Grappa's, and finally she was ready.

Waving to her Parents, Uncles, Aunties, and Auntie Luciana in a class of her own, off she went, happily hand-in-hand with Jackson and Maggie leading the way, with both sets of her Grandparents chatting and following close behind to oversee this personal grand tour of Allie's new home.

Equally blessed with abundant love, the Bradfords and Grants were now sharing in the love of their Son, Daughter, and Granddaughter, by simply completing a little girl's family.

Together, putting their love into action…

*100-101. The Types of Love, Paraphrased and Written based on Various Research, Public Domain Sources, Public Domain