Chapter 124

Family Time Post Party

. . .

Exhausted, the Bradford and Grant Families moved from the Grand Entry to retire to the Living Room where Auntie Luciana was happily presiding.

She simply couldn't wait to offer her commentary on tonight's event, hoping to relive the tantalizing details of the party and then gossip about the entire evening till dawn.

Richard, Margaret, William, and Pippa had already made themselves comfortable in that same room, which meant the whole clan was finally together, with the parents and the couple being celebrated entering to applause.

Just before the guests of honor sat down together, Millicent reached up and sweetly untied Nathan's bow tie, leaving it dangling at his neck.

"There you go, Darling. Well-deserved freedom at long last!"

"Aw! Sweeeet freedom. Thank you, Love!" he smiled as he reached down to kiss her sweet lips, wrapping his arms around her.

The family watched as Nathan then gallantly helped Millicent sit on the comfy sofa, readily stretching his arm around her with ease.

"Wait, if Nathan can go without his tie, so can I," declared Richard, ripping his encumbrance loose as well.

"Hear, hear," cheered Archie as the rest of the men did the same thing.

"Richard, you didn't even give me a chance to beat you," frowned William. "And you know nobody removes a tie quicker than me!"

"Must everything be a contest with you boys?" asked Victoria incredulously. "You both are adults, remember?"

"Yes, Mother, with all due respect, it must. As eldest, I have standards to uphold," laughed Richard.

The innocent statement cut through Victoria's heart like a knife. She loved Richard with all her heart. Despite his penchant for fun, he was a good man with a giving heart who had accomplished great things and made his parents proud.

Had they been wrong all these years to keep his elder brother's existence hidden?

He couldn't possibly know his coincidental and harmless statement of what he knew to be true might wound his loving parents.

Sophia noticed Victoria was struggling and gently reached out her hand to touch Victoria's arm, calming her best friend.

Victoria smiled wanly, letting out a nervous laugh, while Archie and Edward exchanged a glance, understanding the problem but not knowing what to do.

Sensing something was wrong, Margaret stepped in to diffuse whatever that 'something' was.

"Boys, it's been my experience that the real test of a man is tying the tie, not untying it! Which, if done properly, generally takes a woman," she announced firmly.

"That's certainly been my experience," laughed Sophia.

"Mine, too, Soph," agreed Victoria, fighting to stay in the here and now.

"I'm afraid, my Darlings, I must make that unanimous! My dearly departed husband never tied a tie correctly in his entire life! He always fussed and fussed until I finally took pity on the poor thing and set his awful mess straight! But I must admit it was quite entertaining to watch him attempt it, which explained why I always waited until the very last moment to save him. Now, on to more pressing matters of the night. We have a party to discuss!"

"If you don't mind, can you give me just a moment, Luciana, to first explain our traditions to Nathan?"

"But of course! Though I don't see what the big deal is at all. Why, Nathan, these people have more than enough money to spare!"

Nathan moaned audibly.

"So, this IS about money!"

"Nathan, please allow me to explain," entreated Edward, not wanting to leave the task to his daughter, who would have prepared her fiancé had she not forgotten all about the tradition, but especially not to Luciana, who had no patience whatsoever where money was concerned.

To the Grand Dame, it was simple: the more money you had, the more you could do, both for yourself and others! For her, there was no shame in wealth. Of course, she had been born into wealth, but beyond that, she had a remarkable knack for miraculously taking what was hers and multiplying any given sum into a ridiculous figure many times over.

A talent Edward wasn't at all sure how she managed but manage she did!

"The Engagement Box is simply our tradition at Engagement Parties. You are correct! We all bring ornate cards with loads of heartfelt good wishes. But those cards are also packed with something, well, let's just say, something more tangible."

"Oh, no! It really is more money, isn't it?"

"Yes, that, and stocks and bonds. I'll be frank and direct. There is quite a small fortune residing in that box alone. It's just what we do for each other's children. Rather than getting them identical gifts, they will also receive for their weddings, this is easier, and honestly, it is appreciated more. We do it for everyone, Son. It was done for Richard and Margaret and will be done for William and Pippa when they marry, as it is done for all the young people in our circle. I'm sorry. We shouldn't have sprung this on you, but I assure you, it wasn't at all intentional. It really did just slip my mind until I saw it looming there a few moments ago when you made your comment about no gifts."

"Try to think of it as a lovely financial boost, Nathan, given with loving hearts to all our children to ensure they have a strong financial start," explained Victoria, understanding his concern, having been an outsider herself.

"Can't we just give it all to charity?"

"A noble thought, Son, but that's already been done," responded Edward. "Whatever amount is in each card, that same amount has been divided equally and donated to your Mountie Foundation and Millicent's Children's Foundation. That's what we do."

"And you'll soon see, Nathan, just how generous those donations are!" interjected Luciana with a devilish wink, which elicited another low moan.

"But, Mil, what do we do with it all?"

"We'll count it together, then you decide how to spend it, and I'll write the thank you notes," suggested Millicent brightly.

"Why do you make it sound so simple?" he asked, already acquiescing, not wishing to ruin their party over something he couldn't control.

"Because it is simple, my Love, if we allow it to be."

"But what would you want to use it for?"

"Doesn't matter at all to me," she shrugged. "I'm leaving that decision up to you, Darling!"

"Really? Okay!" sighed Nathan, not at all sure what to do.

Nathan slowly looked around the room, one by one, as though he could find the answer within each of his family members.

Suddenly he knew.

"Then whatever the amount is, I say we save it as a backup account for running the ranch."

"That's a brilliant idea, Nathan! Absolutely brilliant!" complimented Edward. "And a very sound business decision, too!"

Millicent reached up to give her fiancé a kiss.

"Now that all that's settled, Nathan and I have something to say. Everyone, it's been the perfect Engagement Party! We are so very grateful. Thank you, Mother, Father, Sophia, and Archie. You too, Auntie Luciana! And Richard, Margaret, William, and Pippa. This party tonight took an entire family! You've given us beautiful memories that will stay with us forever."

"Yes, it did take the entire family, Darling," agreed Victoria. "And a huge thank you to all of you!"

"We're most grateful, Victoria, to you and everyone," reiterated Nathan. "I still can't believe my Darling Millicent got the Commissioner, top Officers, and their wives here. It's been a perfect night, and now I feel more at ease, having met most of Montreal for the first time. Many, I'm certain, will be friends. We both offer a heartfelt thank you!"

"Madame, we have a final round of celebratory Champagne if you wish," announced Geoffrey.

"Yes, please, one final toast of the evening, Edward," suggested Victoria.

"If you don't mind, Dear, I think I'll defer to Arch for this one!"

"My honor, Edward!"

But Luciana had her mind on something else.

"Not until someone brings me that box so I can start counting!" she ordered imperiously.

Everyone laughed, including Nathan.

What could he say?

He was thrilled that he wouldn't have to count that dreaded box himself. Auntie Luciana could give the amount to their accountants. As far as he was concerned, this was family at its finest!

The very thought made him chuckle, pulling his lovely Bride-to-be even closer…


Once Edward opened the bottle of champagne with a loud pop, Geoffrey poured it and passed out a champagne flute to each family member.

Archie stood, and everyone followed suit as he began to speak from his heart.

"We four parents stand here with nary a doubt, thrilled to finally be at this precious moment."

"All those years ago, God blessed us by making our handsome son and beautiful daughter for each other."

"Over your years of growing up, both families have seen your instantaneous and continuous care for each other. And through the years, that care has never wavered in the slightest, except to grow stronger, deeper, and fuller, forming instead, a rock-solid friendship that has already stood the test of time."

"You might not have known what your feelings were at ten years of age, yet we adults had no doubt they were simply the beginnings of love."

"A love that has grown over the years from care and protection to an all-encompassing desire and need, one for the other."

"Our advice is simple, stay best friends forever, just as you always have, and love each other like there is no tomorrow!"

"Do that, our darling children and you'll never go wrong."

"Remarkably, this palpable, forgiving love of yours will only grow and grow into exactly what a real husband and wife should be."

"And what that is will continue to astound you as the years go by, while at the same time sustain you through good times and bad times, eventually lifting you up to a place so high, just shy of God's Heaven."

"A place you can only ever experience together..."

"It has been said: 'True love is the best thing you'll ever find,' and those of us who are married have to concur." *134

"We are so blessed that you, our children, have found life's greatest blessing together!"

Archie then transitioned into an Irish Blessing:

"Here's to you both, a beautiful pair,

On the day we celebrate your love affair.

Here's to the soon-to-be husband,

and the soon-to-be wife,

May yourselves be lovers for the rest of your life!" *135

"To our beloved Millicent and Nathan, God be with you on your life's journey together!"

"Hear, hear!" added Edward, raising his glass to clink with the others.

"Hear, hear!" chimed in everyone else, including Staff.

Nathan first tenderly kissed Millicent, then the couple linked their arms, clinked their flutes, and joyfully sipped their champagne...


After the toast, everyone was chattering away with multiple conversations happening at once throughout the vast room.

"You look especially lovely tonight, Auntie Luciana. Is that gown from your trip to Italy?" asked Victoria.

Poor Luciana was still counting away, continuously making notations on a leather-bound ledger she had insisted Geoffrey bring her, along with her spectacles.

"You noticed," smiled Luciana beaming, taking a moment from her counting. "There isn't another piece of fabric like this in the world. Only one bolt was made and given to me, scraps and all!"

"Well, it's exquisite embroidery. I don't recall ever seeing anything as intricate," complimented Victoria.

"That it is, but enough about my gown! I'm so very proud of you and Sophia, Victoria! Both of you are to be highly commended. This event has turned out to be the most extraordinary one we've ever had. Simply extraordinary. Everyone was relaxed, in the Holiday Spirit, and excited to party. Everything was perfect, and I must say everyone, not just me, was saying so," insisted Luciana. "Even Laura Borden, the Prime Minister's wife!"

"That's very kind, Luciana. Sophia and Victoria have given this party their all, wanting everything perfect for Nathan and Millicent!" interjected Edward proudly.

"You both succeeded admirably," smiled Millicent. "The Party couldn't have been better!"

"I think we're still way too excited to be tired," smiled Victoria, knowing not to ask her sister-in-law how she was feeling, as that would have set off an explosive response.

Luciana tended to think of herself as invincible and didn't like to be reminded of her infirmities.

"Now come, Victoria, we all know there is no better hostess in all of Canada. My Dear, no one comes close to throwing epic events like you," complimented Edward.

"Thank you, Edward! Though, I was taught by the best," insisted Victoria, generously giving Luciana, who had taken her under her wing when Edward's parents refused all those years ago, all the credit. "Enough about me, though. Besides, Sophia and Luciana get as much credit as I do tonight. What delightful tidbits have you learned while helping me hostess, Luciana?"

Besides wanting desperately to change the subject, Victoria was not one for gossip, but Luciana was, so she humored her.

Luciana sat a bit taller and a little more imperiously, having been included as a major hostess.

"Well, since you asked! I have it on good authority the Trobridges canceled their trip to Europe to be here in Montreal for our Wedding!"

"Oh, I hate there was a conflict of dates!"

"My Dear Victoria, they can simply reschedule! They were headed to England to help some young lad who has inherited his family estate, apparently without any funds whatsoever."

"How dreadful for the poor man. I know from living there that those old English Castles can be horribly expensive to maintain," explained Sophia.

"Do you know where the estate is located, Auntie Luciana," asked Nathan, suddenly at attention.

"All I know, Son, is it's between Birmingham and Manchester. Oh, and it's on a cliff somewhere overlooking the ocean! I do remember Maria saying that. She thinks her husband has lost his mind, poor Dear!"

An electrical shock current passed through Nathan's body that placed him on high alert, though he showed no emotion whatsoever on his face.

Nathan sighed heavily, knowing he needed to tell Millicent sooner rather than later but wanting to be sure of his facts before he did.

It would be best if he could wait until after their Wedding when Millicent didn't have so much to contend with. Especially since the news he was expecting would be such a shock to her. But then, again, they had promised to never keep anything from each other.

His heart was so torn, as a part of him simply wanted to protect her.

However, this was getting too close to home, so he listened attentively to Auntie Luciana's conversation as Millicent tightened her grip on his hand, sensing something was wrong.

In that instant, he knew he had to speak to her tonight, even though most of his information had not yet been confirmed. He had to prepare her for what might occur after their Wedding and Honeymoon. Even if it was going to be something that could possibly be contentious.

"I do hope they are still able to help the young gentleman. Was he part of their family?" asked Victoria, suddenly feeling most sympathetic to this young man's plight.

"No, no! Not that I know of. Apparently, some bank made the connection, knowing Luther was interested in investing, particularly in British soil."

"A futile attempt, at best, without any family connections," pronounced Edward shaking his head. "I cannot understand Luther's need for that type of investment."

"Neither can I. Ownership doesn't happen in the old country. It's simply considered financial assistance through a Lord or higher," explained Sophia. "And even then, there is no true ownership, as the lineage is still passed only from family member to family member."

"Sophia is correct, Dad," assured Richard.

"I thought so, Son. What some men will do for bragging rights in name only," noted Edward. "I do feel sorry for the young man, though, as obviously, that's a difficult situation for anyone to be left with."

"Well, not to change the subject," which was precisely what Auntie Luciana was doing. "I did hear that the Bartholomews, I'm afraid, have a broken engagement on their hands."

Nathan was disappointed there was no more information about the British Estate, clearly seeing the conversation was changing.

He made a mental note to contact his team regarding the potential involvement of Luther Trobridge, although they already had explicit information related to both lineage and location, which was exactly between Birmingham and Manchester. There couldn't possibly have been two major estates there, as the area between the two towns was so small. Nathan knew, as he had studied the map in detail.

This had to be the same Estate he had researched!

"I hate to hear that, Auntie Luciana," frowned Millicent. "Sally was so excited about her upcoming Wedding!"

"Oh, no, our dear Sally?" asked Victoria.

"Dearest Victoria, she has decided to become a Nun. Can you imagine how the poor lad feels? It seems he's fled to Australia!"

Nathan raised his eyebrows, amazed at Luciana's expressive storytelling.

"How sad for him, but Luciana, if Sally feels called to the novitiate, we must support her. I'm not terribly surprised, as she's always been such a caring individual. But when it's for a higher cause and you've found your calling, what a brave and difficult thing to do, to break an engagement with someone you care for! I'll chat with Elyssa and tell her how proud I am of her. I do hope you encouraged them."

"I did my best, but they were hoping for grandchildren, and now that's simply not going to happen. I'm afraid they're quite distraught, Victoria."

"Is Sally their only child?" asked Sophia.

"No, they have a younger daughter," offered Millicent. "And she's a lovely young girl."

"My Dear, Evelyn is determined to be a doctor of all things, and you know me, I highly support both girls in their choices, although I confess, I am concerned for Sally to live such an austere life. I suppose grandchildren are possible from the other daughter, but given her career dreams, highly unlikely! At least for a very long while."

"Remember, as Sally becomes a Nun, she will have many riches in the form of blessings from God, Luciana. Bountiful blessings that can't at all be discounted."

"Well, of course, you're right, Victoria. The whole thing just came as quite a shock to Sally's parents. And me, too! Perhaps you should talk to both Elyssa and Harold, Victoria."

"I promise I'll do it tomorrow, Luciana!"

Edward cleared his throat, knowing he wouldn't get the chance if he didn't interrupt now.

"May I have everyone's attention, please? Something happened tonight that I believe we need to discuss as a family."

"I hope nothing bad, Darling?" asked a concerned Victoria.

"No, quite the contrary, Dear. It's something truly wonderful but unexpected. I had a feeling all night long that my new granddaughter needed me, though I couldn't figure out why for the life of me. I knew she was in good hands with Maggie and Jackson, and they were all carefully being overseen by Estella and Hendrix, whom I trust with their lives."

"Is there anything Millicent and I should know?" asked Nathan, concerned about their daughter.

"Yes, Son, but all good! I was experiencing such a pronounced feeling that I went upstairs to check on my grandchildren in person. I listened as many of the children shared their extensive wishlists for Christmas with Santa Claus, some including a live kangaroo and a baby unicorn! I pity those poor parents. When Maggie and Jackson took their turn, I was relieved to know we had already met most of their wishes, but it was their last wish that touched me so. They both thanked Santa for their new cousin, telling him that no matter what they got for Christmas, she was and would be their very best gift of all!"

"Ah, that's so lovely, Richard," mused Margaret, so proud of their eldest son and daughter. "I'm so grateful that the cousins now have each other!"

"Me too, Darling," agreed her husband.

"I was so proud of them as well. When Allie got her turn, she basically said the same thing, but in addition to her cousins, she included her entire new family on her list, as well as all of her extended Aunties and Uncles. Allie told Santa about her Mom being in Heaven and how she had prayed for a wife for her Dad and a Momma for herself while admitting she was praying for a big family, too."

Nathan smiled down tenderly at Millicent, silently thanking her yet again for filling those most special desires of Allie's and his.

"That little girl also told Santa that you, Nathan, had adopted her, and now she was your daughter, so no one could ever take her away. Allie then told Santa she kept praying for a Momma when she was just about to give up, and that's when you appeared on the train, my Darling Millicent. Allie also told Santa that she had finally gotten a Dad and Momma who loved her as much as her own Mom, which was everything she had ever wanted."

By now, Millicent was crying, along with Sophia, Victoria, and Auntie Luciana.

Margaret and Pippa weren't far behind!

"Our girl then said she had thought about this a lot, and she thought it would make her Mom happy and proud in Heaven, if just for this year, her gifts could go to other girls whose Moms were also in Heaven."

Sophia gasped that her prayers had been answered, and even Archie was now in tears.

In fact, everyone was overcome, and most were crying by now, even the men.

"What are we going to do, Edward?" asked Victoria.

"We're going to grant our granddaughter's wish, Darling! I know I can handle the girls' financial and educational needs, but I need you ladies to help beyond that. How do we make this the best Christmas they've ever had when, like Allie, all they really want is a mother?"

"We give of ourselves, Edward. We'll take the day of the Santa Claus Parade and take them all out for new dresses with Allie. Then they will attend the parade with our grandchildren, and the family will take them to eat with us afterward. We'll get to know them and learn what it is they desire and what it is they need. Are we in, Ladies?" asked Victoria.

"Absolutely," nodded Luciana as she polled the room.

At Luciana's nudging, Margaret, Millicent, Sophia, and Pippa readily agreed to help Victoria in any way they could; they also decided they would think up additional ideas that could prove beneficial to the girls during the holiday and beyond…


Upstairs, in her water closet, Allie had bathed, jumped into her gown, and brushed her teeth.

"Ready, Momma!"

"Come here, Sweetheart, so I can brush your hair," smiled Millicent directing her daughter to the chair in front of her dressing table.

Nathan watched lovingly, perched on the foot of their daughter's bed as Millicent brushed their daughter's hair, realizing that Allie had missed her mother doing that all these years.

He had done his best, learning to braid, French-braid, and tie her hair half-back. He had even learned how to tie her ribbons into bows so they looked like the ones the other girls wore. Yet, somehow, he felt they always fell a bit short, although Allie never once complained.

But the truth was, Allie, had needed Millicent.

"Sweetie, I think we are now silky-smooth and tangle-free!"

"Thanks, Momma! I'm so sleepy."

Nathan got up from the bed and hugged both his girls together.

They stayed that way for quite some time, the three of them happily together.

"Time to get you to bed, Young Lady!" nudged Millicent.

Allie jumped into her big bed as her Momma pulled the covers down.

She then pulled the comforter up over Allie, motioning for Nathan to sit on the edge of the bed with her.

"Allie, your Grandpapa is taking you and me to a couple of his businesses tomorrow morning," shared Nathan.

"That's great, Dad! I can't wait!"

"The two of you are going to pick me up at the house after breakfast."

"Okay! Dad, since we've had our Engagement Party, does that mean we're almost married?"

Nathan chuckled as he kissed Millicent's cheek.

"Indeed, it does! You just have till New Year's Eve, Allie-Girl, and then it's official!"

"I can't wait!"

"There's something else you, your father, and grandpapa are going to do tomorrow as well, Allie," mentioned Millicent ever so softly.

"What's that, Momma?"

"Your grandpapa thought it would be a good idea to honor your Mom and help girls here in Montreal who don't have Moms, Sweetheart."

"He does?"

"He does, Allie, and he tells us that was your idea. Your father and I could not be prouder of you. What a wonderful, wonderful thing to do!"

"Does that mean Santa Claus is a snitch?"

Both Nathan and Millicent couldn't help but chuckle.

"No, Allie! Your grandpapa overheard your wishes," explained her Dad.

"Do you think Mom will be proud, Dad?"

"I know she is, Princess."

"Do you think so, too, Momma?"

"I know she is, Sweetheart. And your Dad and Momma are very proud too."

"Let's say your prayers, Allie-Girl," suggested her Dad.

"Thank you, Dear God, for my family, but thank you most of all for my Dad and Momma. Help me to learn all about Grandpapa's businesses tomorrow. And help me to give all the girls whose Moms are in Heaven the best Christmas they have ever had! Please give my Mom a kiss and a hug from me and tell her I love her so much. Amen!"

"Amen," added her Dad and Momma, smiling proudly over her.

Allie grinned as her Momma bent to kiss her goodnight.

"Sweetest dreams, Angel!"

"I love you, Momma!"

"I love you, Angel, to the moon and back!"

A teary-eyed Nathan then kissed his girl goodnight.

"I love you, Dad!"

"I love you, Princess, to the moon and back again!"

Allie watched her parents walk to the door, but something made Nathan turn back, as did Millicent.

"Allie, your Momma and I are so blessed to have you as our #1 daughter. We love you so very much. And though we might not tell you often enough, we're so very proud of you. Always…"

. . .

134. Anonymous Quote, Public Domain

135. Old Irish Blessing, Adapted, Public Domain