Chapter 123
A Special Guest Departs
. . .
The night flowed on, but so did this party of parties!
Trays of elaborate finger foods containing caviar, fois gras, truffles, various exotic fruits, and creative miniature desserts filled stations conveniently spaced around the Ballroom.
The food stations were manned by entertaining Chefs who kept very busy throughout the night preparing their made-to-order flambeed foods, just as the guests requested, but with their own unique touch, including bites of duck, filet mignon, lobster, shrimp, and quail, served in several unique ways.
This created an illustrious competition between the chefs, causing the guests to frequent not just one food station but instead circle through all the stations, not wanting to miss a single delectable creation!
Accompanying each food station was a beverage station that offered every imaginable kind of thirst quencher, although champagne appeared to be the celebratory drink of choice for the evening.
Though on an exhaustive high, the couple of honor could have happily danced all night.
As was the same for most of the remaining couples, particularly a few exuberant Mountie Officers and their partners.
The only actual conflict of the night fell to the Prime Minister and a few of the local Businessmen who vehemently disagreed with him politically regarding his use of conscription, many of whom had sons impacted. When World War I began, Canada relied entirely on its men volunteering for its Military, and from 1914 to 1915, at least 330,000 men did, in fact, volunteer.
However, many more men were needed, and that became a hot topic of debate for the 1917 election, with the current Prime Minister Robert Borden advocating for compulsory enlistment, otherwise known as conscription, into the armed forces.
Though Prime Minister Borden handily won the election, the topic was still hotly debated and frequently contested. *130
"Gentlemen, must I remind you, this is a celebration, not a political debate," reminded Edward. "Shall we continue in a more social vein?"
"But of course," nodded the Prime Minister. "Our apologies, Edward. A happier topic is most welcome."
"Agreed! But this isn't over, Robert!" threatened Monsieur Moreau.
"Nor would I expect it to be. I'll be happy to meet with you next week, Jacques! Just give me a call, and we'll work you into the schedule."
The conversation soon turned away from politics and back to business, a much safer topic...
Although Nathan and Millicent were the ones whose engagement was being honored, the couple was also helping host the event, taking that responsibility very seriously.
"Hate to bring bad news," interrupted Richard, purposefully dancing close by with Margaret.
"But Mother feels you two are needed at the front of the house soon to say your goodbyes as people begin to leave. Although, as I told her, it doesn't look like anyone is thinking about leaving at this point!"
Nathan chuckled.
"One last dance, Richard!"
"And here, I thought you'd never ask!"
"As if," Nathan narrowed his eyes. "With your gorgeous sister, Richard, not you!"
Richard smirked gleefully.
"But I do want to thank you, Richard, for staying so close by when needed. You've been a tremendous help with introductions throughout the night," complimented an appreciative Nathan.
"Especially with all the businessmen and their titles since I was unsure of so many. So, thanks for stepping in and saving me," smiled Millicent.
"My pleasure, Nate, Em!" as he stretched to kiss his sister on the cheek and tap Nathan on the shoulder.
"Here, it seems my husband has some redeeming qualities after all," teased Margaret.
"I'll just savor the compliments, Sweetheart. Allow your gallant husband to relish them as they come!"
Margaret rolled her beautiful eyes, swatting her most debonair husband on the shoulder, though she loved him dearly.
"You, behave, Richard Bradford!"
And with that, Richard, laughing, whisked his ever-surprised wife across the dance floor until she was breathless, while Nathan and Millicent, laughing too, cuddled closely into a much slower pace.
The easy camaraderie between the two 'brothers' had been evident throughout the night and hadn't been missed by their guests.
Though it wasn't at all needed, they were amazed at the apparent closeness between Nathan and Richard and Nathan and Millicent's parents, which further ensured immediate universal acceptance that Nathan was already one of them.
Indeed, all of Montreal welcomed Nathan with open arms. The businessmen were impressed with the young's man's accomplishments, as well as his bravery and rapid advancement in The Royal Canadian Mounted Police. While the women, well, they were utterly charmed by his stellar looks and reticent but gentlemanly manner.
Since the Chief Inspector was wearing a tux tonight, most women spent much of the evening imagining what he would look like in full dress uniform.
Little did they realize they would soon blissfully find out at the Wedding!
Millicent had had to hide her chuckles as best she could many times throughout the night; since many of the women were so mesmerized around Nathan, they seemed unable to speak, beginning to stutter in her fiancé's presence.
Nathan, though oblivious as to the reason for their nervousness and silence, did his best to make them feel welcome, which only endeared him that much more to all the ladies!
Millicent was simply amused and even proud, as she would have had it no other way. She loved that the ladies could appreciate some of the same things in this man she loved completely. Jealousy never once entered her mind; so great was their love.
"You held true to your promise, my Darling," grinned Nathan.
"Which promise was that, Love?"
"You never once left my side the entire night! And though I left you momentarily to dance with our mothers, you waited right there for me."
"Even then, I had to encourage you to leave," she teased.
He chuckled.
"It's true! I had to tear myself away from you, though it was the perfect cause to honor our mothers!"
"Who were positively delighted to dance with you, by the way! Yet still, you did struggle a bit, leaving me."
"I did, didn't I? Leaving you is a term I don't wish to keep in my vocabulary, Love. We've done it once, and that was more than enough!"
"You know, when your fiancé is as handsome as mine, it's rather difficult to leave him, too."
"I still can't get over the fact you got my Colleagues here, Darling. Even Commissioner Anderson seems to be having a grand time. I know they're here only because of your astute love and sweet attentiveness to me as well as everyone else. You're like your mother in that regard, Milli! You take care of everyone and miss nothing. And that's why I've enjoyed our party so immensely. Thank you for that!"
"That was exactly my mission, Chief Inspector. No feeling like a fish out of water tonight! At least not for my man!"
He chuckled, loving being her man.
"No, not at all! And I don't think so ever again!"
"Just never forget, Nathan Grant, you are the one who is always at the top of my care list."
"Which makes me the luckiest man in the world!"
"I'm so content," she whispered, laying her head on his shoulder. "Meeting stranger after stranger has been arduous and tiring for both of us tonight. How could it not be? There have been so many people wishing to speak to us. And I know that isn't easy, especially for someone who isn't a big fan of crowds. But, despite all that, you've risen to the occasion and made many new friends tonight, my Love. Friends who will never let you down."'
"I have. You know, friendships tend to evolve over time for me. But maybe that's why the friendships I have developed stand the test of time. Deep down, I feel confident that the same thing holds true for tonight! And there are a handful of people that stand out in particular."
"That makes me very happy, my Darling! I'm sorry Bill, Lee, and Gabe couldn't be here. But they will be soon."
"Sooner than we realize!"
"You know, you were so attentive to each couple tonight, humbly and patiently listening to every single introduction. And although you might not know it, you charmed each and every single one of our guests!"
"Hardly!"
"No, you did, Love! I can't tell you how many people mentioned how wonderful you were. Just like me, they couldn't help but be impressed!"
"My gorgeous fiancée might be a bit prejudiced," he chuckled.
"Please, I'm an attorney, and attorneys deal with facts. But would it be awful of me, Darling, to say I'm looking forward to our Honeymoon?" she asked with all sincerity.
"Awful? Ten days away, alone together? What could possibly be better? Personally, I'm now counting the hours."
She giggled.
"So am I…"
As the children had been too excited to eat, it had taken some maneuvering by both Estella and Hendrix to calm them down.
Finally, they got everyone settled into the magical two-story playhouse, which Edward and Archie had previously transformed, with Pippa's help, to look like an authentic Gingerbread House for the Holidays.
The children's meal was now a new exciting, magical adventure, given their new location for dining.
At last, alone, just outside the playhouse entrance, Hendrix took a moment to comfort Estella.
Both shed tears when Allie made her selfless plea to Santa Claus, even though they had done their best to hold them back.
Yet with Allie hidden along with the rest of the children inside what was now the Gingerbread House, Estella suddenly let her tears lose, unable to hide them a moment longer.
"That little girl has been through such great loss at such a young age, too. If it's the last thing we do, Hendrix, we will shower that child with all the love in the world every single day of our lives!"
"There, there, Dear Estella. Of course, we will. We are very blessed to have Miss Allie in our lives. We were right earlier! It is like having a piece of Miss Colleen back. And like you, I'm so very grateful."
"Yes, we are so blessed, Hendrix."
"But neither Miss Colleen nor Miss Allie would want you all teary-eyed during the Holiday Season."
"I know you're right, Hendrix. I truly do. But what will we do when she leaves us to return to Hope Valley? That's going to happen sooner rather than later, and I'm not sure I can bear it without her at the house."
"My Dear, Dear Estella, we'll be married and have our own life together very soon."
She nodded, thrilled they would be together as husband and wife at long last.
"And that makes me so happy, Honey," she insisted, yet still she was inconsolable.
"Something simply has to be done, Hendrix! I don't know what, but something!"
Hendrix wrapped his strong arms around her.
"My Darling, we'll simply have to cross that bridge as we come to it…"
Downstairs, after-dinner-chatter remained exciting and rampant throughout the entire night.
In fact, the whole house was alive with conversation and laughter from the adults to the children.
Though some couples were still dancing in the Ballroom at this late, or more accurately, early morning hour, at Victoria's gentle prompting, Nathan and Millicent began to leave the dance floor and meander back to the main living rooms so that they would be readily available to say good night to any departing guests.
But before they could exit, Richard called out after them.
"Kiss her one last time, Nate! You know you want to!" taunted Richard.
"Desperately," grinned Nathan as he did just that, but so romantically.
Millicent beamed as Richard chuckled, while every other woman in the Ballroom was simply jealous.
"Boy, Grant, you're making me step up my game, for sure!"
That remark brought a laugh from his beautiful wife, Margaret, who was close by.
"Thank goodness," she deadpanned.
The rest of the Ballroom joined in the laughter, clapping for the guests of honor as they turned and waved, then exited to mingle with the guests preparing to depart...
"Clearly, my Dear Victoria, whether formal or informal, you of all hostesses know how to make your guests feel at home," complimented Mrs. Vandington. "All you have to do is simply look around at everyone relaxing!"
And she was right; feel at home they did, none seemingly wishing to leave.
Although some guests still remained in the Ballroom dancing, most had happily spread throughout the vast house, particularly in the double living rooms and entry hall, enjoying the beautiful Holiday Décor and the company of the other guests.
Auntie Luciana was holding court in the first living room while William and Pippa, deftly beyond their years, were very capably tending to the guests in the second living room across the hall.
Edward's Nativity Scenes were an extraordinary draw in both rooms.
"This is simply the most enthralling Nativity Scene I have ever seen. You must tell us, Dear Edward, where you found it!" pleaded Mrs. Harrington.
"This one, old Chap, is better than I've seen in the homeland!" offered Mr. Blayton.
Edward proudly shared the requested information with his friends, hoping they, too, would find room in their homes for such a sacred Holiday testament.
Indeed, this entire exciting night had been a family affair!
Grateful, Nathan and Millicent immediately began to spend a few moments chatting with each guest they came upon, thanking them once more for coming and telling them how lovely it was to meet them for the first time as a couple.
A bit later, from their peripheral vision, they noted Edward, Victoria, Archie, and Sophia making their way through the crowd to take their positions at the front of the entry, so they wouldn't miss a single guest as they left.
There, whenever their guests chose to leave the party, they would be offered one last thank you, along with their best wishes for a beautiful Holiday and three exquisite mementos of the night.
Each gift box contained an elegant sterling silver picture frame, which held the Engagement photo of the happy couple as well as a beautifully engraved ornament, a pair of silver bells commemorating the evening's event with the date, along with two duplicate dessert boxes identical to those served at their dinner.
Each guest was thrilled, and as most had brought hostess gifts, there was quite a large mound at the entrance for Edward and Victoria to tunnel through later.
After circling through the two main rooms over the next couple of hours, the crowd finally and slowly began to dissipate, with both sets of parents attentively and cheerily thanking their guests as they left for their homes, making sure to distribute their mementos.
Sometime much later, after all the commotion and many goodbyes, and with the last guests at hand, as was the Bradford tradition, Nathan and Millicent slipped on their coats and stepped out onto the cold stone entrance to walk the last two lingering guests to their limousine…
"Goodnight, Monsieur and Madame Ritz! It's been an absolute delight to meet you and your wife. We look forward to seeing you at your hotel, as well as the Wedding!"
"Wouldn't miss that Wedding for the world! See you there, Chief Inspector. You've got a gem in our Millicent!"
"Don't I know it, Sir! She's a perfect, priceless gem. Thank you!"
"But now, having met you, I'm beginning to think you are the same. I now completely understand your Bride's choice and concur! I must say, the two of you make quite the dynamic couple."
"My husband is positively correct, my Dears! The two of you make the loveliest of couples! I completely concur with your choice as well, Millicent," smiled Madame Ritz warmly, offering Nathan a sly wink.
"He's extraordinary! And quite the dish, as well, my Darling Girl," she chuckled.
Millicent beamed and giggled as she drew closer to her mother's dear friend and took her hands.
A red wave of embarrassment crept up Nathan's neck, splattering onto his face as his fiancée began to speak.
"Thank you, Madame Ritz. Between us and the whole world, my soon-to-be husband is quite extraordinary, indeed! And the dish of all dishes as well! But that means the world coming from you!"
Millicent embraced the elegant older woman, who never minced her words or opinions.
Although, unlike Auntie Luciana, who was sometimes too direct, Madame Ritz always tempered her every word and opinion with genteel softness.
Nathan grinned nervously but took the older lady's hand, bending over so gallantly to leave a formal kiss, charming the Grand Dame even more than she thought possible!
"Thank you, Ma'am! And thank you, Sir. I've very much enjoyed our conversation."
"So have we! It's not often to come across a new acquaintance who is so authentic. You know, Son, it's been said that 'Authenticity is at the heart of success,' a statement I personally ascribe to. In your case, I have never met a man more authentic, and I can assure you because of that quality alone, there will be many great successes in your future!" *131
"That's a most encouraging thing to say, Sir! Although I must admit, I've never thought about anything in terms of success, but rather in terms of simply doing my best at whatever I endeavor."
The accomplished older gentleman smiled.
"That's exactly why you are already such a success and will be an even greater one," chuckled Monsieur Ritz as he slapped Nathan on his shoulder. "You just mark my words! I am a man who's seldom wrong!"
"I'm greatly honored, Sir!"
"Just a fact! If your guests are anything like you, Young Man, I'm especially looking forward to hosting your visiting townspeople, now more than ever! Victoria has given me rigorous instructions, you know!" smiled Monsieur Ritz before he continued.
"To put it bluntly, she has left no detail undone, paying attention to every possible contingency, many of which I would not have even thought of myself. I understand she expects you two to be very active in making that happen. So, get ready! I know that woman certainly keeps me on my toes!"
Monsieur Ritz couldn't help but chuckle.
"Yes, Nathan and I have been forewarned and are more than happy to do so. Our guests are such good people who live a very simple lifestyle in Alberta. Though they would never complain, some would say it is a rather difficult one. However, you'd never know that from listening to them. Whatever the task, they simply roll up their sleeves, smile, and get the job done," enthused Millicent. "We love them dearly, and it truly means the world to us that they are coming all this way just for our Wedding."
"For some, this will be the only real vacation they'll ever have," explained Nathan. "So, we want to show them the time of their lives while giving them beautiful memories to last a lifetime!"
"I give you both my word; they will have the best Montreal offers and then some! I will personally see to it, just as Victoria has requested. They will receive only the best of the best of the VIP tours. And in addition to the royal treatment we will give them, Victoria insists we make them feel at home. I understand there is a schedule for the rest of your families to assist you, ensuring that goal."
"Yes, Sir! With you, our parents, and the rest of our families, I have no doubt we'll accomplish our goal," she smiled as she reached up to kiss Monsieur Ritz on his cheek. "Mother wanted to keep them here at the Estate."
"But with both sides of the family coming in for the Wedding, including grandparents, uncles, aunts, nephews, nieces, and cousins, there simply isn't space," explained Nathan.
"Then, of course, there's Auntie Luciana, who has apparently taken up permanent residence, who would probably scare those who don't know her away and have a good time doing it," laughed Millicent.
Then her face turned serious.
"Thank you from the bottom of our hearts! It means the world to us that all of Hope Valley has the grandest of times!"
"It does indeed, Sir! A most sincere thank you," added Nathan.
With his arm wrapped comfortably around Millicent's waist, Nathan gazed so lovingly at her radiant face, made rosier by the cold.
He smiled as she stepped up to say a final goodbye to Madame Ritz in the European way, kissing each cheek.
Looking at her back, he couldn't help but admire his fiancée's elegant French Twist.
How he loved this woman!
After waves to the last distinguished couple, Nathan and Millicent retreated inside and contentedly closed the door behind them, relieved to be back with their families...
"Our last goodbye to our last guests! They seem exceptionally nice, Darling. But now to relax!"
"They really are, though not quite as nice as you, Dear Nate," she teased, reaching up with a sigh to kiss his cheek. "Monsieur Ritz is technically in the transportation industry but is better known for his ownership of The Ritz-Carlton Montreal, the fanciest and most luxurious hotel in the city, which he built and opened in 1912." *132
Millicent could tell Nathan was interested in learning more, so she continued explaining everything.
"His original Hotel is The Ritz in Paris which opened in 1898. The Montreal hotel was originally meant to be patterned after London's celebrated Carlton Hotel, which he also owns. But later, when César Ritz was brought into the project locally, everything changed for the better, and the group gained the best of both worlds, the Carlton and the Ritz. The man is iconic and so visionary. Our guests are in excellent hands with him, Love!" *133
"César Ritz?" asked Edward. "Absolutely, he is the best of the very best hoteliers worldwide. There is no other, and probably never will be. Our guests will be in excellent hands, Son." *134
"Good to know!" smiled Nathan. "I'm looking forward to their arrival soon."
"Dad, Momma!"
Nathan and Millicent looked up to find their daughter and her cousins scampering down the Grand Staircase.
"We had the best time ever!" gushed Allie, who promptly gave her parents hugs.
"Santa Claus came! And we got to put on a play, too!" described Maggie.
"Then we ate our dinner in the Gingerbread House," added Jackson excitedly.
"The Gingerbread House?" asked a confused Nathan while his daughter went to thank her grandparents for their fabulous party.
"We'll give you a tour later," winked Archie, who had gladly helped Edward with the revisions. "That Pippa is an absolute whiz!"
"Thank you, Grandmama and Gramma. Our party was the bomb," smiled Allie as she ran to hug each of her grandparents.
"I take it that's good?" asked Victoria.
"Very, very, good! It means the best, Grandmama!"
"The very best, or so I'm told," nodded Sophia with a wink, grinning from ear to ear over her granddaughter's enthusiasm, which was just like her mom's.
"Momma, may I please spend the night? We have so much to talk about. It will take a long, long time," their daughter explained most seriously.
"It will, will it? Nathan, are you okay with Allie staying?"
"Allie, you didn't pack a bag," reminded her father.
"But, Dad, I have most everything," reasoned Allie. "And Gramma and Grandmama got me a nightgown and robe, remember? Even slippers!"
Millicent cleared her throat.
"What am I missing?" asked Nathan.
"I packed a bag for Allie, Darling, just in case, if that helps make your decision."
"You did? How did I miss that?"
"Albert slipped it in the car's boot for me and passed it off to Geoffrey before our party started. Allie has a complete change of clothing, as well as her toothbrush, although I think she already has one of those here, too. Is that okay, Love?"
"Okay? That's perfect. Sorry, I didn't think of it."
"That's my job now!" she whispered. "No apologies needed."
His smile was one of wonderment. Caring for Allie had never been a chore, but having another adult as a backup was a novel and beautiful thing.
"Thanks to your Momma, looks like you can stay Allie-girl!"
"Thank you, thank you, thank you, Momma and Dad!"
Allie hugged and kissed them both, as did Maggie and Jackson.
"We'll come to tuck you in before you settle down to sleep," promised Millicent as she kissed Allie's cheek.
"Thanks, Momma," and off the trio ran to the kitchen for some needed craft supplies, then up the back staircase.
As Edward watched the children scamper off, he struggled with whether he should share what Allie had said to Santa earlier tonight, but smiling after them, he decided to wait till things had wound down a little more.
"Well, Edward, it looks like you and Victoria get the presents tonight," noted Nathan, glancing at the large piles of hostess gifts. "And I must admit that's quite the relief."
"Well, perhaps the presents to unwrap, Son," chuckled Edward. "Though I hate to disappoint you, there are presents of sorts for the soon-to-be Bride and Groom, as well!"
Nathan was shocked! Looking around, he had seen none.
Victoria and Sophia laughed, knowing too well what was waiting.
"My dear Son, have you not seen the guests dropping off cards into that large box all evening," asked his mother.
"Well, yes, but I thought they were just cards," noted Nathan, beginning to feel concerned.
"Want to do the honors, Edward?" smiled Archie.
"You'd better come sit down for this one, Son. Perhaps we should all sit down in the living room with Luciana...
. . .
130. Conscription Status in Canada from 1914-1918, Public Domain
131. Anonymous Quote, Public Domain
132 - 134. César Ritz, Swiss Hotelier, Founder of Multiple Hotels: The Hotel Ritz in Paris and Montreal and the Hotel Carlton in London (the Forerunners of the Modern Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company), Known as the 'King of Hoteliers,' and 'Hotelier to Kings,' February 23, 1850 – October 24, 1918, Public Domain
