Chapter 114: A Second Engagement

As Lloyd delivered Allie with her new cousins, Jackson and Margaret, to the Townhouse, it was quite the commotion.

Millicent and Nathan greeted them all at the back door with welcoming hugs and kisses.

"Hi, Momma! Hi Dad! We can't wait to see Persia and her kittens!"

"Thanks for having us Auntie Millicent, Uncle Nathan," smiled Maggie, ever sweet and proper.

"I've never seen twelve kittens all at once, before," enthused Jackson. "May we see them now?"

"Of course, you may! Allie you'll have to lead the way," encouraged Millicent.

And just like that, the children made a beeline to Persia and her kittens!

"Thank you, Lloyd!" offered Nathan. "Could they be any more excited?"

"My pleasure, Sir. They're chomping at the bit to see those kittens!" chuckled Lloyd. "Just call when you need me to retrieve Miss Maggie and Master Jackson. Also, I'm to tell you, Miss Allie has a standing invitation to accompany them as well, as I'm afraid the three are pretty much inseparable by now!"

"It's clear you're right about that," chuckled Nathan. "I don't believe we're going to be able to pry them apart!"

"Mr. Bradford also mentioned he has some work for him and Miss Allie to do together later this evening if she returns. I believe he is hoping she will, Sir. You can tell he adores her!"

"Ah! The two of them planned that little work project when Edward visited us in Hope Valley, Lloyd. Allie may be twelve, but she thinks she can help her grandfather with his many businesses. Heaven help us all! Particularly Edward!"

"You never know, Darling, Allie has a solid head on her shoulders!"

"She is also very opinionated, my Love, and although she works, has no real business experience, while her grandfather is the master! Although, I must say, I suppose it's a good thing she's never daunted and will take on absolutely anything."

"Just like my Father, Love!"

"You're right about that! You would have thought the two were two peas in a pod when they were together!"

They were quickly interrupted as Allie ran back to the back door, this time holding two of her kittens. Though they were still young, Persia had grown to trust Allie with them without being upset, now knowing she would bring her little ones back to her.

"Where is Uncle Hendrix and Auntie Essie, Momma?"

"Oh, sorry, Sweetheart! They're out doing a bit of Christmas shopping but they should be home in an hour or so, and they have a surprise for you, too."

"Fun! Will you or Dad tell us when they get here, Momma? We have so much stuff to tell them about!"

Nathan and Millicent glanced at each other, wondering how long it would take their precocious daughter to figure out Estella's and Hendrix's news.

"We most certainly will, Allie," assured her Momma with a wink…


When Estella and Hendrix returned home, Allie was at the back door before they could get their coats off!

"Hi, Auntie Essie! Hi, Uncle Hendrix! Maggie and Jackson are here with us and we have tons to tell you!"

"Hello, Sweet Girl," cried Essie as she drew Allie close to her.

"Welcome home, Miss Allie," offered Hendrix, with a quick hug and kiss, as Nathan and Millicent walked in.

"Momma said you had a surprise for me. Wait a minute! Something's different," insisted Allie.

"I win. Told you it would be instant," whispered her proud Momma to Nathan.

"Whatever do you mean, Miss Allie?" asked Hendrix.

"Auntie Essie is glowing, and so are you, Uncle Hendrix! Hmm. Of course, I already know you two love each other."

"You do?" asked Hendrix in alarm.

How could the child have possibly known that?

Flushed, both Estella and Hendrix looked helplessly to Millicent and Nathan, as they innocently shook their head to verify they hadn't said anything.

Then Allie shrieked as loud as could be!

"Auntie Essie, is that an engagement ring?"

"Yes, Miss Alison Rose, it most certainly is."

"It's so beautiful! But that means you gave it to her, Uncle Hendrix! We're having another wedding! Do I get to be in it?"

"Allie, it's customary to congratulate the Bride and Groom prior to asking questions," reminded her Dad.

"I'm so happy! A great big, huge congratulations to both of you! Does that mean we all get to live together?"

"Well, definitely when you're in Montreal, Miss," assured Hendrix, unsure of what other plans would be made for the family, when the Grants returned to Hope Valley after the Wedding.

"Allie, please give your Auntie and Uncle time to breathe before bombarding them with any more questions," warned Nathan.

"I just need to know, Dad. There's so much to do! And we have to be here for the Wedding!"

Overcome, Allie quickly passed her kittens to her Momma so she could properly hug her Auntie and Uncle in all her excitement.

There were a couple more shrieks along with the hugs and kisses that brought Jackson and Maggie to the back door to join in the family's unexpected excitement and sheer happiness…


Nathan and Millicent rode with Albert to transport the Children back to their Grandparents for a second night together, with incessant chatter from all three along the way.

"Dad, will you and Momma make sure Auntie Essie and Uncle Hendrix know I love them and I'm so happy for them! I wouldn't have left them, but Grandpapa needs my help this evening. And Maggie and Jackson and I promised Auntie Margaret, we're going to play with little Jacques and Margie after we finish!"

"Sounds like a very busy night, Allie, but don't worry. Between us, I think your Auntie Essie and Uncle Hendrix know you and your Dad and I love them very much, but they're also probably glad to have a little quiet for just a bit, since everything is so new between them!"

Albert helped them all out of the car, thrilled he had stayed on as chauffeur through Christmas.

"Sorry, Albert," noted Nathan apologizing for all the children's commotion.

"Not at all, Sir! Reminds me of my own when they were young!"

The truth was, nothing made Albert happier than children laughing and chatting, reminding him of his own so many years ago, all now adults.

And this year all of his children along with his and Grace's grandchildren were visiting them in their new house at the Ranch for the Holidays.

What a special Christmas it was shaping up to be...


Nathan and Millicent had to laugh when Geoffrey opened the door to as much excitement inside the Grand Hall as there had been in the limousine, if not more.

"Welcome, I must say, Sir, the House is alive like never before with these three back," whispered Geoffrey.

"I hope Allie hasn't been too much trouble, Geoffrey," asked a concerned Nathan.

"Oh, no, Sir, not at all. Just the life of the party, Sir, and that's a very good thing," grinned the normally solemn Butler.

Both sets of grandparents helped their visiting family remove their winter outerwear, including coats, scarfs, gloves, and hats.

"We can't stay long, Mother, we have mounds of gifts to tunnel through. But we wanted to see Richard and Margaret and give you some exciting news."

"Understood, Darling. Edward, why don't you and Archie take Allie to your office so you three can get your work done and be ready for dinner. Sophia and I will join Nathan and Millicent with Richard and Margaret."

"Jackson and I will go change, Allie, while you're with Grandpapa and Grappa," smiled Maggie.

Jackson, however, like his father before him, had other plans.

"But let's go visit Cook, first, Maggie…"


Allie chatted to her grandfathers the entire time it took them to walk to Edward's huge office.

She quietened when they arrived at the massive wooden doors.

"I guess you need a big office when you have a lot of businesses. Right, Grandpapa?"

"I suppose so, mon petite choux! You two sit and warm yourselves by the fire. I'll get the files we need."

"Grappa, did Grandpapa tell you what we have to do?"

Archie winked at his granddaughter.

"That, he did, Love! A worthy endeavor it is, too, if I do say so myself. And leave it to our brilliant Granddaughter to figure it all out!"

Rifling through his desk, Edward remembered that important day in his office. He had asked Miss Blanchett, his main Assistant for a priority list that included all his businesses. It had taken her several days, but she had mastered the task perfectly listing them alphabetically and numerically, much to Edward's dismay.

"Thank you, Miss Blanchett, this is perfect, yet I'm afraid it will never do! This is much too thorough. I should have been more clear. You can't allow me to see the number, and the individual names can't be numbered, although alphabetical is fine. You see, my new granddaughter is determined to take the list and count all my businesses for herself! And I promised I would put the task in her capable hands."

"Ah!"

At first dumfounded, Miss Blanchett's confused look soon turned to a sly smile.

"I'll happily make the necessary corrections, Sir!"

"Thank you, very much, Miss Blanchett. I'm most sorry for any confusion."

"Don't give it another thought, Sir. This is much more important!" she added with a wise smile. "I shan't say a word and I'll take care of the entire matter myself, right away, Sir!"

When she returned, she proudly handed her boss the newly 'revised,' more pared down list.

"I hope this is much more satisfactory, Sir! Although I must admit, I'd be embarrassed to submit it for any case other than this. But this definitely takes precedence!"

With one glance, Edward breathed a sigh of relief.

"It's perfect, Miss Blanchett! Perfectly imperfect! Thank you, immensely," he added as his smile broadened.

Remembering it all now amused Edward, but now, he only had to retrieve the three files.

He cleared his throat as he reached his granddaughter and best friend.

"The truth is Allie, I rely a lot on your Grappa's business instincts. He has very good ones. So, I thought things would go faster if the three of us counted them together. What do you say?"

"I think that's a great idea, but the three of us need to agree and keep everything between us in this room a secret. Because I was thinking, Grandpapa, and I don't think how many businesses you have is something that should get out to people outside our family."

"Very, very wise, Allie," agreed Edward, amazed that she had thought all this through so carefully at such a young age.

"And I was thinking, maybe we should just keep the number here in your office, so nobody will see them."

"She's got a point, Ed, I think this should just stay here, like Allie says. Under lock and key," he added with a broad grin.

When they heard a knock, all three turned to see Geoffrey open the wide doors with a broad smile and a tray of Coffee and Milk, followed by an under Butler with one tray of appetizers and another of fruits and sweets.

"I thought the three of you might need some sustenance, Sir! It's still a while till dinner!"

"Thank you, Geoffrey, we're just about to get started."

Once everything was situated, Geoffrey checked in again with Mr. Bradford.

"Anything else, Sir?"

"No, thank you, Geoffrey. Everything looks wonderful."

With the doors closed, Allie spoke up.

"We'd better get busy, I guess! Because I think this might take us awhile," she urged, so seriously.

The two grandfathers had to bite their tongues not to chuckle.

"You're most certainly right, Sweet Child. Let's get busy. I have a folder for each of us to count. Then we'll add our numbers altogether. How does that sound?"

"Perfect, Grandpapa, but I want the thickest one!"

'Work ethic just like mine,' mused her Grandpapa shaking his head, with a proud grin...


As the Engagement news had been announced, the very next night, the entire Bradford and Grant Families pulled together to throw Hendrix and Estella a Surprise Engagement Dinner at the Bradfords which included the Families and Staff.

Hendrix looked handsome in his tux, and Estella looked beautiful in a gorgeous tailored baby-blue gown with jeweled belt and a chiffon overskirt that floated out about her when she walked. Her silky hair was pulled into a beautiful French Twist, held together with a jeweled comb that matched her belt.

"This is such a wonderful Christmas surprise, and we couldn't be happier for the both of you," announced Edward.

"We're most appreciative, Sir, and so very happy," assured Hendrix, smiling down at a radiant Estella. "We're so grateful for the beautiful décor, the delicious foods, and most of all to be with family and friends."

"Hear, Hear," cried Richard. "Another toast to Hendrix and Estella, our second Bride and Groom!"

Victoria had seen that then entire meal had been catered so that the entire staff was sitting with the family, enjoying the meal together.

A grand time was being had by all with the entire family as well as their staff sitting in the formal Bradford Living Room together enjoying the celebration.

No corners were being cut, with everything as elegant and extravagant as Millicent's and Nathan's Family Engagement Dinner had been.

A fact Nathan greatly admired that the Bradfords made no difference between their family and their staff.

Afterwards there would be a surprise Gifting from the families as well as the Staff members who were also family to Hendrix and Estella, where all kinds of wonderful items, along with some racy items (yes, Auntie Luciana was in attendance, being most generous in her opulent gift-giving, nor was she afraid to shake things up!) would be received to help move them forward on their new journey together.

But first, there were some details that had to be resolved.

"What about a date?" asked Richard.

"We're a bit hesitant to announce a date, as we don't want to interfere at all in our Grant Wedding."

"There is nothing that will interfere in our Wedding, Hendrix. When do you and Estella wish to marry?"

"We're both of the opinion, that the sooner, the better, Miss!"

"That's wonderful! Why don't we plan it for when Nathan and I return from our Honeymoon? I'm afraid it's a bit selfish on our part, but we definitely want to be here whenever you do marry."

"That would be perfect, Hendrix, if that is what you and Estella want," agreed Nathan.

Of course, Nathan, Millicent, and especially Allie, were all hoping for them to have the Ceremony when they could all be together to take part.

"You name the time, Essie, and I will plan the entire Wedding, with you of course telling me what to do! We'll make it just perfect," offered Victoria. "From the Gown to the Church and Reception. All compliments of Edward and me! And, since I'm about to finish Nathan's and Millicent's Wedding, I'll surely be a pro by then!"

Everyone chuckled.

"Ah but, Mrs. Bradford we couldn't possibly…"

"Nonsense, you're family. It isn't accepting at all, Hendrix. It's just our distinct honor and pleasure!"

"Then would it be possible to plan our Wedding for after the Grant Wedding's Honeymoon as we were discussing," asked Hendrix hesitantly. "What would you think about that, Estella?"

"I absolutely love that idea! We've waited much too long as it is, Dear Hendrix! And with Mrs. Bradford's expert help, I'm sure we can make it all happen and beautifully too!"

"Oh, can I be in it?" asked Allie excitedly. "I can practice in Momma's and Dad's!"

Everyone laughed.

"So, you're Momma and my Wedding is practice mincemeat, right Allie?" teased her Dad.

"Dad! I didn't mean that," insisted his contrite daughter.

But Estella quickly assured her precious girl she would most definitely be in their Wedding!

"Miss Allison Rose, will you please be my junior Bridesmaid? And Miss Maggie, too? I couldn't possibly get married without you two standing by my side.

The girls were elated, and instantly started planning.

"Now, will you, Miss Millicent, although then you'll be Mrs. Grant, please be my Matron of Honor, along with Miss Margaret?" asked Estella.

Millicent glanced at Margaret and knew each was excited as the other.

"Oh, we love the sound of that, Essie! We'll be thrilled to be standing right by your side!"

"And you, Sir, would you please be my Best Man, along with…Richard?"

Nathan glanced at Richard for the confirmation just as Millicent had done, but there was no question, as both men were grinning.

"Our honor! Wouldn't be anywhere else, Hendrix," assured Nathan.

"Which brings us to the matter of Master Jackson. Would you be willing to stand by me and escort both your sister and your cousin?"

"Really, Uncle Hendrix? Two girls? That's the bomb!"

"I'm afraid Master Jackson is definitely your Son, Richard," noted Hendrix dryly.

The entire room erupted in laughter…