Chapter 107: A Christmas Surprise for the Grandchildren

While the adults were beginning to gather for lunch in the Conservatory, Allie ran down the Grand Staircase with Jackson and Maggie at each side, after checking out all their rooms together.

She called after her Dad and Momma, having caught a glimpse of them in the long Grand Hallway, headed to eat.

"Dad! Momma! I'll just be a minute, Maggie. You go with Jackson and I'll come find you!"

"We'll go look at the Nativity, Allie, before we go to Lunch," offered Maggie. "It's a buffet today, so Grandmama doesn't expect us to be there at any certain time."

"Don't worry, we'll wait for you," promised Jackson.

Allie waved to her cousins, and then went straight to her Momma, who gave her a hug and a kiss on top of her head.

But then Millicent could tell Allie wanted to talk, so she led her and her Dad into a sitting room across the hall for privacy.

"Allie, how has your morning been?" asked her Dad.

"The best! The very best, Dad! Jackson and I are in the same grade and we like all the same subjects. But Auntie Luciana was right. He doesn't like to study after school like Maggie and I do, so he tries to absorb it all in classes. He's a really great rider, though! And he's going to help me ride and teach me Soccer, too! Maggie and I like all the girl stuff, but we both read a ton and both really like to fish, too. Can you believe it? And Momma, she's going to show me how to use her camera! Oh, and the two of us are going to try to teach Jackson to fish too. He already does fish a little bit, but he's just not very good at it yet. I think we can teach him together, though!"

"I have no doubt my daughter could teach anyone how to fish," bragged her Dad. "Your cousins seem like great kids, Allie!"

"They really are, Dad! I love them so much already!"

"And I can tell they love you tons already too!" smiled Millicent. "Why you three already act like three peas in a pod!"

Allie beamed.

"Momma, I love my gifts from Auntie Luciana, but is it okay if I still use my old leather satchel for sleepovers?"

"Absolutely! I think that is wise. Don't tell Auntie Luciana, but we just might save those pieces back for when you're a bit older. How does that sound?"

"Really? That would be great!"

"I think that's wise as well, Allie," agreed her Dad. "But be sure and send Auntie Luciana a very nice thank you for such a lovely gift!"

"I will Dad, and I'm going to give her a painting too, so she can put it with my mother's. Do you think she will like that?"

"I know she will love it, Allie," smiled her Dad.

"She'll be thrilled," agreed her Momma.

"I guess that's it. I just wanted to let you how happy I am! All this time and this was my family right here waiting for me."

Neither Nathan nor Millicent could miss the tears in Allie's eyes, nor their own.

"This is your family forever, Allie," and Nathan gathered both Millicent and his daughter close, kissing them both. "We are so blessed to have each other!"

"Dad, we're finally home with both our families!"

"That we are, Allie-Girl!"

"I love you and Momma with all my heart and my whole family so much! I'm just so happy!"

Once again, not a word about a palatial Mansion, just the people in it, which warmed her parents' hearts.

Millicent kissed her daughter's cheek.

Allie was going to be alright in her new world.

After all, her father had made it a priority over the years to hone her character, and it was paying off in spades.

"So are we, Angel, so are we. And we're both so very proud of you…"


In the exquisite glass Conservatory that over-looked the Estate's many gardens, now covered in blankets of snow, a bountiful Bradford Buffet Luncheon, consisting of all types of Homemade Pasta with numerous Toppings and Italian and French breads, along with every kind of Salad and Dessert imaginable, was now being served for the entire family, including the older children.

All of the family was there or would soon be there, that is, except for their tiniest members.

Since their Nanny and her assistant felt Jacques and Margie were too young to join the family to eat, they were still being fed in their Nursery with their parents checking in on them, regularly.

Although it was freezing cold outside, there was nothing but family and warmth inside, with two roaring fireplaces crackling and popping, one at each end, providing both warmth and ambiance.

It was Sophia's favorite spot in the whole house, especially in spring when the gardens started to come alive…


In the Grand Entry, Allie insisted that her Dad and Momma walk to lunch with her cousins which gave her parents an opportunity to observe first-hand just how remarkably these three were getting along.

Both Nathan and Millicent were amazed to see that Allie, Jackson, and Maggie acted as though they had always known each other, although they had just met hours ago.

Lagging behind the children, Nathan whispered to Millicent.

"All that worry, and not a single word about the Mansion, just her cousins and family!"

"You've raised her very well, indeed, Darling! Our girl's going to be just fine."

Nathan bent for a quick stolen kiss.

"Amazingly, I believe you're right!"

"I am. You'll see!"

"I love you, Milli!"

"And I love you so, Nate…"


As soon as the couple and children entered the beautiful Conservatory with the winter light streaming in, Millicent hugged every single one of the Servers while introducing Nathan and Allie to each of them, most of whom had been with the Bradfords for years and years.

All of them remembered the Chief Inspector and were delighted to see him again, along with finally getting to meet Allie, whom they had heard so much about from Mr. Bradford and the Grants.

As the last attendees, although not technically late, they had missed grace, so they collected their plates and made their way to their seats at the table, where each bowed their heads to say a silent prayer before eating, with Nathan holding Millicent's hands, and Allie holding the hands of her cousins.

As the prayers were finished, the entire table instantly and robustly came back to life, as was a common occurrence at the Bradfords.

The Servers couldn't help but smile as their 'life-of-the-party' Richard began wrapping up one of his many tall tales at the huge luncheon table, leaving the grandparents, and William laughing so hard they couldn't stop!

Nathan joined in as well, as soon as he caught the gist of the story.

"It was the last time that old coot, all three hundred pounds of him ever played squash or tennis with me again! I had had just about enough of his superior, holier-than-thou attitude! But I did get a twenty-five-thousand-dollar donation for my foundation out of him before I had to help the poor man get dressed in his street clothes," shuddered Richard. "Yes, he was that tuckered out after two games! He couldn't bend to put on his shoes. And we didn't even finish the set, much less the match. Believe me when I say I don't ever want to live through the horror of dressing that disgusting man ever again, I mean it!"

"My brother, Richard, the manservant," chuckled William. "Oh, I would have paid good money to see that!"

"I think we all would, Son!" chuckled William and Archie, until Nathan couldn't help but join in.

"Although the sheer absurdity of the whole incident plays over and over again in my mind, haunting me through my nights. Why my staff mercilessly teased me for a month about the old man transporting his geese with their webs nailed to a two-by-four to the court! How was I to know he was going to market when I challenged him?"

"How positively cruel for the poor geese! Surely you didn't allow them to stay in that inhumane way did you?" asked Sophia.

"No, Ma'am, four of us freed every single one of them while the old man was trying to change into his tennis wear! He was so out of breath that he didn't even notice the geese had been freed! But I did tell him under no certain terms if I ever heard of him transporting his geese in such a cruel way again, I'd report him to the authorities, and if that didn't work, prosecute him myself!"

"But will the poor things' webbing heal?" asked Sophia, still concerned imagining the atrocity.

"No, afraid not, Mother," admitted Nathan. "The damage done to the webbing is permanent. But the good news is it won't hurt them either as long as no infection sets up. So let's hope for the best!"

"Thank goodness for that," declared Richard. "I wasn't sure. But I tell you I was afraid to play against the poor man after all that. He hyperventilated when I told him that I'd report him to Animal Control, the Mounties, etc! I was literally afraid he might have a heart attack on the court! The only saving grace to the whole debacle was that it took him so long to get changed, it gave me enough time to lead the charge and save the geese while collecting a full hundred thousand from the audience I commandeered to watch the match. But you try to rescue four geese squawking with flapping wings! It was no small feat, even for the four of us, they were overpowering! We did look pretty silly, though I actually think the show the geese put on is why we collected so much money. Overall, though, not bad for a two-hour non-lunch 'lunch!'"

"Bradford through and through, Son," chuckled Edward. "Proud of you, especially for saving those geese. What was Talbot thinking?"

"Richard, I do hope you didn't embarrass the old gentlemen about having to help dress him, though I don't condone his methods nor his awful treatment of the geese," chided Victoria. "But he is your elder and deserves a degree of respect for that!"

"Never, Mother, I kept my ghastly opinions completely to myself. But I was so upset, poor Margaret definitely got an ear full when I got home!"

"He's not kidding. Worst of all, I had to have lunch with Monsieur Talbot's wife the very next day at a fundraiser for three of the smaller hospitals I was working with. I thought she was going to attack me when she marched over to my table and asked if I was married to THAT Richard Bradford," chuckled Margaret. "I can laugh now, but it was much too scary the day after Richard's atrocious interlude! She's quite intimidating. Why she didn't speak to me for six months even though she's on two of my committees!"

"That's because I exposed his faux charity, and cleaned its pockets out the very next day, via a case I had already been working on," grinned Richard.

"I knew there was more," declared Edward. "Then what did you do?"

A huge grin came across Richard's face.

"I kindly offered to restructure his charity for him, free of charge, as I told him I was sure the rampant fraudulence had all been a horrid mistake by his staff, and he wouldn't want his good name besmirched because of wayward employees. Besides what wasn't said, but clearly implied, was that I would make everything public knowledge and turn him in to the authorities if he didn't agree. What could he do, but allow me to 'fix' it all for him?"

The entire table erupted in laughter.

"No more about Monsieur Talbot, Richard," begged Edward. "My sides can't take it, Son! Especially after all the fraudulent dealings I've had to call that man out on over the years. Thanks for taking one for the teams of humanity and good business practices everywhere!"

"That could only happen to you, my dear Richard," and Victoria just shook her head never sure what new antics Richard would encounter to share next.

"Excellent job, Son," complimented Edward. "But now, I happen to have a very important and timely announcement to make to everyone."

Richard tapped the edge of his goblet.

"Of course, Father, my real-life tall tale has ended and the table is all yours! You have our full attention."

"Archie, Sophia, your mother, and I have a very special treat in store for the grandchildren today. Nanny and her assistant are coming with us so that even Jacques and Margie can also attend, giving you and Richard, Margaret, a well-deserved break!"

"What is it, Grandpapa?" asked Jackson, knowing that when his grandparents had surprises, they were very good ones indeed.

"What is our surprise, Grandpapa," asked Maggie, anxiously.

"To celebrate Allie joining our family, we are taking you children to the matinee performance of 'The Nutcracker Ballet' as soon as we finish our lunch!" (*102)

The children couldn't contain their excitement, with Jackson whooping and the girls clapping their hands.

"You'll love it, Allie. It's so beautiful!" grinned Maggie. "Mama took me last year!"

"This is the best, Grandpapa. Thank you all," smiled a most grateful and excited Allie. "I've never seen 'The Nutcracker Ballet,' ever, but I've read the 'The Nutcracker and the Mouse King' lots of times. It's a favorite!" (*103)

"'That, children, is the story of the hard nut, and now you know why people say, that was a hard nut to crack, and why it is that nutcrackers are so ugly,'" quoted Richard with dramatic emphasis, using his hands and arms. (*104)

"We've read it many times every single Christmas," assured Nathan with a loving smile directed toward his daughter.

"I should have remembered that story when dealing with Monsieur Talbot," chuckled Richard dryly.

"Touché, Brother," laughed William along with the others.

"Well, today you're seeing the Ballet, Child! And we're all going to have so much fun, seeing it together for the first time. We might just have to make this a Christmas Tradition each year," suggested her Grandmama.

"Nathan, could Allie stay with us all day? William wants to take the older children riding after the Ballet, and I want to share a new painting technique with Allie when they're through riding," asked Pippa.

"Please, Dad? Please, Momma?"

Nathan glanced at Millicent for her approval.

"Of course, Pippa. That's so nice of you and William," smiled Millicent.

"Can Allie stay all night with us here for a slumber party, too?" asked Maggie, pleadingly.

"Are you sure you're up for that, Mother, Sophia?" asked Millicent.

"Of course, we're sure, Darling," insisted Victoria. "A wonderful slumber party it is and a full day and night with the grandchildren. I can't think of anything better!"

"But Allie doesn't have a gown or robe or slippers," noted Millicent. "I'll have to go pack a bag for her."

"No need, Dear! Your mother and I already bought her everything she needs when we were at The Lafayette Gallery shopping for Mrs. Hayes and her son. We were thinking ahead and wanted Allie to have a set of bedclothes here with us, just in case they were needed. Her new lavender gown, robe, and slippers are already unboxed and put away in the bedroom she chose!" explained Sophia.

Millicent glanced at Nathan.

"How could we possibly say no, Darling?" she asked.

Nathan smiled and nodded his agreement.

"You just promise to use your best manners, Allie," insisted her father. "And help your Grandmothers!"

"And have the time of your life!" smiled her mother. "Welcome to your new home, Allie!"

"Yes, welcome, Child! We're so happy you're here," added her Grandmama. "This will always be your home, just as your Gramma and Grappa's ranch is your home."

"I love that," beamed Allie. "It already feels like home because my family's here!"

"Speaking of which, your daughter chose your old childhood room, Millicent. Which couldn't be more appropriate!" smiled Victoria.

"I love it, Momma. Grandmama didn't tell me, but I could tell it was yours! And it was my favorite of all the rooms. You have so many books! And I love how all the sun shines in and how it looks out over the gardens. I can even see the stables in the distance if I look really hard."

Millicent bent to kiss her daughter's cheek.

"I think that room was meant to be yours, my Angel. I am most honored for you to have it. Whatever I've left there is yours, too, books and everything else, so you just enjoy all of it…"


Outside on the front Portico, the parents kissed and hugged all their children goodbye, with firm admonitions to behave and do what their grandparents asked.

As the grandfathers directed the bundled-up children into the waiting limousines, while still chattering away, Nathan and Millicent obtained a private promise from both grandmothers that they would tuck Allie in for the night, especially since she was at that questionable age, where she probably would be too embarrassed to ask.

"She'll have two grandmothers fussing over her tonight, Son! Our girl will be just fine!" winked Millicent's mother.

"Oh, Mom, Allie placed your Angel on our tree at the Townhouse. It's really beautiful. You'll have to come and see," suggested Nathan.

"We'll all come over to do just that!" promised Sophia. "Won't we, Tori?"

"Just name the time, we'll be there, Darlings!" agreed Victoria. "Can't wait to see your first Family Tree!"

At last, safely inside the cars, the children, delighted about their special surprise, were even more so to see that their Auntie Pippa and Uncle William were also accompanying them.

"Three cheers!" shouted Jackson.

"Hip, hip, hooray!" "Hip, hip, hooray!" "Hip, hip, hooray!" the children, even little Jacques, all shouted in unison, as Pippa and William entered their cars.

It was going to be a grand day for the Bradford Children!

Nathan and Millicent, along with Richard and Margaret, stood on the front portico waving their children, as well as their adult companions, off on their new Christmas adventure...


"Great day, you two! Allie fits in like she's always been here. I don't think I've ever seen my children so happy," noted Richard, still outside on the Portico.

"You haven't, Dearest. They've been more excited about meeting their new cousin than anything else I can remember. Why, haven't you noticed? The three of them have been inseparable, and they haven't stopped chatting since they met," agreed Margaret.

"Oh, Margaret, if you ever need help with Jacques or Margie, Allie's your girl," winked Nathan.

"As she mentioned, she's helped with Nathan's neighbor's, the Coulter children: a four-year-old boy named Oliver who adores her, and his twin sisters, Sophie and Sadie who are still infants," explained Millicent. "Allie's even learned to be quite helpful with the babies!"

"My goodness, that's more experience than my own children have! I'll have to talk to Allie and see how involved she wants to be. But right now, Jackson and Maggie would be quite upset with me to pull her away from them! Maybe Allie can teach the two of them how to interact with the little ones more beneficially!"

"Not a bad idea, Darling," agreed Richard. "Jackson and Maggie could use a few pointers on how to deal with the little ones a bit better."

The four started to turn and walk back inside, but lingered on the portico instead, watching the limousines grow distant as the light snow continued to fall, the men pulling their partners to them for warmth.

"Look at this view! It's one most don't get to see from this vantage point, as I imagine guests hurriedly get into their cars to leave," mused Nathan.

"It's stunning. I used to play on the front lawns when of course I was supposed to be in the back gardens. But I loved the front so," admitted Richard. "Just this wide expanse of land, and in the summer so perfectly manicured. Made the best soccer field ever!"

"I can totally see that," agreed Nathan. "You're on this summer when the weather is clear."

"Challenge accepted! Soccer on the front lawn it is," agreed Richard.

"You know we need to make new plans, compliments of our parents, for our newly revised and now freed-up day," suggested Margaret.

"Millicent and I are stopping by Dr. Haversham's on our way home. But why don't the two of you come over after that to spend the day with us at the Townhouse," suggested Nathan.

"Please do! We'll put you to work helping us unwrap Wedding presents. We haven't even begun and I promised Nathan we'd get started," explained Millicent.

"We'd love to help, wouldn't we, Richard?" nudged Margaret.

"Mixing up all the cards on my sister's and brother's wedding presents? I'm in if you promise me as many of Essie's Christmas cookies as I can eat! Oh, and her special Wassail, too!"

"You help us start opening that mass of presents, I'll personally see that you have all of Essie's cookies and all of her Wassail you could ever want! But no mixing cards, Richard! And that's a non-negotiable if you want cookies or Wassail," declared Nathan.

"Or if you still want to be my Best Man," he added in a threatening tone.

Richard chuckled.

"I'll behave! You're not taking that honor away. Hate to tell you, Dear Bro, but have you seen the Ballroom, yet? Afraid it's also packed sky-high with gifts!"

Nathan just placed both his hands over his face to Richard's glee.

"No, Richard! Not the Ballroom too!"

But Richard used that bit of minimal distraction for maximal impact, gathering both fists full, then quickly hardening his two clumps of snow, and squarely hitting Nathan smack dab in the back with both.

"Richard Bradford, that's the last time you get away with a trick like that! You will pay big time, Brother," and before Richard could stop him, Nathan had two huge snow clumps of his own, packed to shower his brother on impact.

The couples paired off with Millicent helping Nathan and Margaret helping Richard as laughter and snowballs were volleyed fast and furiously back and forth among the four across the Bradford front Portico.

The couples were having so much fun, that the part of the Security Team closest to them decided to get in on the action, most congregating behind their new Mountie, but some helping Richard since they loved Margaret so much, and to also even the two groups out.

But by now, it was all-out war!

Icy-packed balls of snow flew back and forth through the air, with no one off-limits, making the 'fight' even more lively and interesting.

As well as somewhat dangerous, with the Ladies often having to take cover.

But of course, the two grown boys in the center of it all were focused solely on taking each other out, and with a vengeance too, carried through with childhood pride.

Neither even noticed when Margaret and Millicent slipped through the front doors and watched laughing from the warmth inside.

Geoffrey quickly procured Hot Cocoa, oozing with Marshmallows for the Ladies.

"Thank you, Geoffrey. This will hit the spot perfectly," smiled Millicent.

Not only standing in warmth, Margaret and Millicent could also feel the warmth of the Cocoa inside, while still cheering both their men on through the mullioned windows.

Now toasty warm, Millicent and Margaret couldn't stop laughing, as both looked over at each other, shaking their heads, with the same identical words coming from their mouths.

"Boys will be boys!"

Margaret chuckled and added.

"And grown men, especially when Richard's involved, will really be boys in the worst way possible! Have these two always been so competitive?"

"Oh, dear Sister, you have no idea…"

*102. "The Nutcracker Ballet," Adapted from the Book 'The Nutcracker and the Mouse King,' Prussian Author E.T.A. Hoffman, 1816, Composer Pyotr Tchaikovsky, 1st Performance in Russia, 1892, Public Domain

*103-104. "The Nutcracker and the Mouse King," Prussian Author E.T.A. Hoffman, 1816, Public Domain