Chapter 109: Romantic Double Date
On arrival, Nathan was astounded all over again at the singular beauty and elegance of the 'Au PIED De COCHON,' a restaurant like no other, in a five-star class of its own.
The golden chandelier-drenched Hallway leading to their private dining room was lined with large Palm plants, almost hiding the magnificent art scattered on the dark suede-covered walls.
At the end were two large golden doors, that Nathan remembered led into the private dining room with the huge balcony wrapping around it, which was perfect for dancing under the stars in warmer weather.
But tonight, it was the showcase for a Christmas-clad Montreal all around them, magnified by twinkling stars glistening down from above.
The two gentlemen left their gloves and overcoats on, while the ladies kept their furs on, both carrying muffs along with their kidskin opera gloves, so that they could enjoy the Christmas sights of Montreal, together, in the cold wind.
On a brisk walk around the entire balcony, with partners huddling close together, both couples doubted that anything could be more romantic.
"It's like a perfect little sleepy village, yet fully alive with the magic of Christmas, Darling," noted Nathan.
She reached up to kiss him.
"There's nothing like Christmas in Montreal! I adore this time of year most of all, and to think we are getting married during the Holidays is a dream," admitted Millicent.
"Torontonians would have to agree," chuckled Richard. "Afraid there's nothing like the charm of Montreal at Christmas!"
"It's perfect!" smiled Margaret. "But I'm getting hungry. How about you three?"
"You know me, Sweetheart! I'm always hungry," declared Richard emphatically.
Nathan chuckled.
"Don't we know it! You two go on inside and have some champagne on me. We'll be in soon!"
Millicent waved to her brother and sister-in-law, whom she thought of as simply her sister.
"How did you know I wasn't quite ready to go in?" she asked wondering aloud with a questioning smile.
"It's my job to pay attention, Love. The truth? Neither was I. This is far too perfect."
He gathered her to him and kissed the top of her head.
"You're slaying me in that dress," he whispered.
"But I have my full-length fur on, covering every inch of it," she giggled. "Well, most every inch!"
"But I know what's underneath your fur," he chuckled.
He bent to kiss her neck, meandering slowly across her cheek to her soft lips chilled from the cold.
His hands cupped the elegant low chignon he so loved, then his thoughts went back to her gorgeous face, with his lips never leaving hers.
They couldn't separate, but knew they had to, both breathing breathlessly in unison.
"I love you more than anything in this world, and I am so ready to marry you, and be your husband, your everything, Millicent Bradford."
"You already are my everything, Darling Nathan. You always will be…."
As the couple stepped back into the dining room, Nathan whispered something to the Maitre D for the second time this evening.
He then led Millicent with his hand at the small of her back over to the huge circular sofa in the very center of the room.
The walls were covered in purple suede with golden trimmings carved in gilded wood, while the sofa was covered in a rich purple velvet,
Gold-braided pillows were strewn about for added comfort, and there were even velvet footstools on the floor for the ladies and gentlemen to rest their feet on if so desired.
As they sat, both noticed that Richard and Margaret were holding hands while perusing the wine list, but they had already chosen the champagne Nathan had offered and were enjoying a glass with each other as Nathan had suggested.
"There you two are! Allow me to pour," smiled Richard.
Nathan and Millicent, now both seated, nestled in close to each other.
"This calls for a toast. To Em and my brother, the man of her dreams, and to Margaret, the woman of mine!"
"Hear, hear!"
The four clinked their glasses, but Nathan wasn't done.
"And to Richard, the older brother, and husband who binds us all together, leading the way!"
"Only by months, Bro!" reminded Richard.
"And years by marriage. But still older," chuckled Nathan.
"Hear, hear!" and everyone clinked their glasses together again while chuckling.
"My goodness, Richard, did you order the most expensive champagne on the wine list?" asked Nathan.
"I most certainly did!"
"Remind me never to give him free rein with my wallet again, Darling!"
Millicent laughed.
"I knew you were in trouble! But don't worry, Love! I'll remind you my brother is a scoundrel next time, a very expensive champagne-loving scoundrel!"
"I take offense at that unsubstantiated remark," interjected Richard in his defense.
"Really, Richard? Shall I count the times you've left me holding the bill?"
"Oh, that! Water under the bridge, Em!"
"Sure! Lots of water under the bridge, dear Brother. In fact, Richard, thanks to you, the bridge has been flooded over quite a few times," laughed Millicent.
Richard exploded in laughter, too, knowing his sister was speaking the truth!
"I can't help it if I forget to carry my wallet!"
"How many times have I heard that story? Not to change the subject, but there's nothing like young love, and you two wear it as well as any I've ever seen," marveled Margaret. "Richard, we were like that once."
"We still are, Dearest! We just…"
"Don't always show it," reminded his wife, with just a hint of sadness. "But you two, don't let everyday things get in the way like we did when we first married! The jobs can wait. Precious moments together are what it's all about!"
"Great advice, which we intend to take Margaret. You too, Richard! Buck up," ordered Nathan.
"So noted, Bro! You're right, Darling Margaret. This is wonderful. I'm sorry I don't always show you, but I do always fall in love with you more and more each day," winked Richard, full of charm, depositing a kiss on his wife's beautiful cheek.
The Maitre D cleared his throat.
"I'm just checking to see that everyone is in agreement on having the Chef's Special Holiday Menu?"
"Most definitely," confirmed Richard after glancing at the other three for confirmation.
"With the few additions I mentioned if you don't mind," reminded Nathan.
"Already taken care of, Sir, with pleasure!" nodded the Maitre D, who snapped his fingers and four servers instantly appeared.
"The Chef's first Hors D'oeuvres course is Oysters three ways. First with Champagne Strawberry Mignonette, consisting of Shallots, Fresh Black Pepper, and a rare Aged Sweet Rice Vinegar, as well. Second with Crispy Fried Oysters smothered in a Fiery Remoulade. Third, a Smoked Oyster Spread on Homemade Peppered Crackers, a personal favorite recipe of the Chef that has lasted through many generations of his own family. Please enjoy a taste of all three!"
The Servers placed triple stands in front of each person, and then backed away at the subtle direction of the Maitre D.
"Did you tell them I needed to eat Oysters, Nathan," asked Millicent.
"Perhaps," he smiled with a wink, depositing a quick kiss on her cheek. "Dr. Haversham told us Oysters were the best source of iron, so do your best to eat all these," urged Nathan.
"And, if I remember correctly, the good Doctor ordered me to spoon-feed you!" he added with a grin.
Millicent giggled so sweetly.
"That he did, and I can't think of anything better."
Both couples ended up feeding their partner making the first course as romantic as it could get.
"I would never have thought to mix strawberries with Oysters, but it's divine," noted Millicent.
"Perfection, Sis! Absolute perfection. But truly all three versions are. Do you think the Chef would give us his recipe for the Smoked Oyster Spread? That's perfectly delightful!"
"I'm sure he will, Richard. Just remind me to ask!"
"The last time we were here, he gave Millicent recipes for the entire meal. But…" added Nathan with a twinkle in his eye.
"Don't you dare," threatened Millicent, trying to cover his mouth.
"I'm afraid she fell asleep in the car and left them with Albert," chuckled Nathan.
"You fell asleep on your date?" asked Richard incredulously.
"Richard, I'm sure Millicent had a very good reason," interjected Margaret.
"You did have a very good reason, Darling," confirmed Nathan.
Then he turned to Margaret and Richard to explain.
"She had just endured a very exhausting day in Court, a triumphant one, I might add! She was a trooper to even attempt the evening. All was instantly forgiven," explained Nathan. "Besides she looked gorgeous just sleeping in my arms! How could I ever fault that?"
"Speaking of which, he had to carry me to bed, and I never woke up! I was mortified the next morning when Estella told me what had happened!"
"Likely story, Bro," teased Richard. "Can't keep the attention of your date for one evening?"
"Ignore him, Darling! It's the truth, Richard. Although, you wouldn't have been as gallant about it as my Prince was," insisted Millicent.
"You bet I wouldn't have. I would have teased Margaret mercilessly, and she would have never heard the end of it! Funny, but for the life of me, I don't recall her ever going to sleep on any of our dates!"
"That's because I was too terrified of what might happen if I closed my eyes," teased Margaret, which made everyone, even Richard chuckle.
"Seriously, I'm not that insecure! It was charming and sweet, Richard! I wouldn't change a thing about the evening if I could," grinned Nathan.
Margaret giggled, loving that someone was finally able to hold their own with her ever-teasing husband!
"Excuse me!" interjected the Maitre D as the servers cleared their table.
"The Chef's Amuse Bouche is designed solely for this table. First, we have Crab Lumps drenched in Caviar over a Crab Salad Stuffed Quail Egg. Second, we have a Bacon-Wrapped Scallop served with Apricot Sauce topped with Prosciutto Chards. Third, we have a Dried Fig Stuffed with Sweet Pork Chorizo and Mango on Deep-Fried Pork Belly Shavings, sprinkled with Honeyed Cashews, Enjoy!"
"Which do you want to try first, Darling," asked Nathan.
"Definitely the Crab! They all sound wonderful, but Crab is always my favorite!"
Her fiancé fed her the first delectable bite.
"Oh, Nathan, you have to try this!"
She then fed him his first bite.
"What do you think?"
"It's scrumptious!"
But Richard was ahead of them.
"I don't know. This Chorizo, Mango, and Pork Belly might be the best thing I've ever tasted in my life," bragged Richard.
"It really is delicious," agreed Margaret. "But each and every bite is so divine, it's impossible to tell which is best!"
The meal continued with everything Dr. Haversham had told Millicent she needed to eat, and each thing, if possible, was more delicious than the last!
Their Main Course consisted of Lobster three ways. First, Grilled Lobster with Champagne Sauce. Second, Spicy Deviled Lobster Tails over Seafood Rice. Third, Lobster Newburg in individual Lobster-shaped Puffed Pastries.
"Don't even ask me which I prefer. I wouldn't be able to decide if my life depended on it! But Darling, not another bite," begged Millicent. "I can't!"
"You did quite well, though. I'm very proud of you, Mil!"
Nathan reached for her hand and kissed it so tenderly, full of love for her, causing even Richard to smile at their tenderness, along with Margaret.
The courses flowed, full of unique food combinations, all worthy of a five-star restaurant and beyond, till the meal finally came to the sweetest course of all.
Dessert was an even fancier version of, you guessed it, at Nathan's request: Flambeed Bananas Foster, done tableside, but again with three versions.
First, the dessert was served traditionally with Homemade Vanilla Bean Ice Cream Fried into Balls of varying sizes that were covered with the heavenly Flambeed Banana Sauce. Second, the dessert was served over Miniature Belgian Waffles and topped with a Dark Chocolate Sauce that was unbelievably tasty. Third, the dessert was served with Dark Chocolate Chards placed on top, along with Chocolate Covered Strawberries placed to the side. Bits of Strawberry Slices were also added to the sauce of Flambeed Bananas.
All three versions were divine!
"Talk about a dessert to remember!" noted Richard, feeling as happy as a lark.
Smiling, Margaret patted her husband's full tummy.
But Nathan only had eyes for his beautiful Millicent. He bent close, looking into her beautiful emerald eyes, taking her hand with one hand, while caressing her sculpted cheek with the other, and whispered a proposal over her perfect soft lips.
"Talk about a night to remember, my Darling! It's been perfect with you at my side. But as far as I'm concerned, it's only just beginning. Dance with me?"
"Always, my Love!"
Both couples moved to the dance floor which bordered the circumference of the dining room, following the same pattern as the outside balcony.
Both were in their own worlds, full of that fulminant lifetime love that only two can experience together if they're very, very blessed. And happily, these two couples were!
Floating together with the Christmas Lights of Montreal competing with the stars, and filtering through the candlelight around them, Nathan grinned that lop-sided grin of his that always left Millicent weak in her knees.
"I knew that dress couldn't reach its full potential till you danced with me!"
"You did, did you?"
"And I was right!" he mischievously affirmed. "Totally slain, Miss Bradford!"
They kissed passionately, creating a flame both knew they had to stop before it was a five-alarm fire!
"I've never enjoyed following Doctor's orders so much before in my life, Love!" whispered Nathan into her ear.
She laid her head on his chest, listening to his rapidly beating heart, her favorite thing to do, as he pulled her closer.
"Neither have I, my Darling. Neither have I. And as you said, our special night is just beginning…"
