Chapter 127
The Day Continues
. . .
As the trio reached the Wharf, Allie was disappointed that, due to safety concerns, they had to remain in her grandfather's limousine, but with all the things to see, even from her window, she soon forgot to be upset.
"Dad, look at all the ships! They're humongous! I'm going to count them."
"The one in the harbor closest to us, Allie, is one owned by our Transportation Company that oversees transporting our various goods around the world," explained Edward.
"You mean the biggest one is ours?"
"Well, the largest one in the harbor currently," smiled Edward. "There's actually a whole fleet."
"Fleet? What's that, Grandpapa?"
"The word 'fleet' usually refers to 'large groups of ships,' but it can also mean a large group of planes or even cars, or anything mechanical, really, that operate as a unit."
"Do you know how many ships we have?" asked Allie excitedly. "And can I ride on one?"
"You caught me. I'm afraid I don't. Our Transportation Division takes care of all that, based on the volume of our manufactured goods, which is constantly increasing. As the goods increase, more ships are added. But that's an excellent question for you to research today. As far as 'riding,' perhaps this summer that can be arranged, at least for a short distance that is!"
Sitting there, watching his daughter's excitement while remembering his conversation with Millicent, Nathan couldn't help thinking, little did Allie know her 'ride' might come a whole lot sooner than she thought, and not for such a short distance either!
Elated, Allie made a mental note to tally the number of ships in the Bradford Fleet. She felt that was something important that her Grandpapa probably needed to know. And if he didn't, she sure did.
How could you possibly tell your classmates about a fleet if you didn't even know the correct number of ships in that said fleet?
But more importantly than that, Allison Rose Grant was going to get to set sail on a ship!
"Can you see the name on her side?" asked her Grandpapa.
Allie squinted her eyes looking through her window.
"Bradford Enter…prises?"
"That's right. But it's important to know that technically we Bradfords aren't in the shipping business. The ships are a means to an end, and that end is to transport our goods as efficiently and promptly as possible."
"Couldn't we get somebody else to do that for us?"
Nathan sat listening in, amazed at his daughter's interest and seeming comprehension at twelve years of age.
"We sure could," explained Edward. "In fact, all the shipping companies across Canada were clamoring for our business and continue to do so, but we'd be at the mercy of their schedules and still have to pay them a premium price. A great business lesson, Allie, is this: never pay for what you can do yourself! Just figure out a way to make it happen!"
"Hmm. So, you bought your own fleet, and that's how you save money?"
"Exactly! Sometimes you must spend money to save money in the long run."
"That's good advice, Allie, especially since your grandfather has firsthand experience, over and over again," complimented Nathan. "You just have to be very careful what you're spending your money on."
"Dad, I get it. You have to be really careful to make sure you're getting all your money back and more!"
Astounded, Edward and Nathan looked at each other, both wondering how Allie even knew that.
"That's correct, Allie. You must always be aware of what your bottom line is going to be as far as money is concerned," affirmed Edward.
Allie nodded but was still taking the area in.
"Look at all these restaurants! Can we bring Momma and eat here?"
"Maybe this coming spring," answered Nathan, knowing it would be impossible to do so now, given all the Wedding hoopla surrounding them.
"Look! What is that?" shrieked Allie.
Nathan chuckled. His daughter had finally seen the 'elephant of the harbor!'
"What is what?" asked Edward innocently.
"That monster thing over there? And what in the world does it do? It's really ugly!"
"Yes, it is! But you should have seen it before the architects prettied it up!" chuckled Edward.
"Uh oh! Is that ours, too, Grandpapa?"
"Allie, not ours! This belongs to your Grandpapa!" corrected Nathan.
"No, Nathan, she's right. What's mine is ours, and that 'ours' now includes the two of you. All our businesses are family businesses and will belong solely to all the adult children and grandchildren someday!"
"But Edward…" interjected Nathan.
"No buts, Son! That's just the way it is. And I'm not about to leave you or anyone else out. Want to share the hot seat with me? I understand Millicent shared with you about this monstrosity. Care to share with our Allie?"
"Happy to, Edward. Allie, you are looking at a Granary, in other words, a structure that holds grain. Your Grandpapa built it in 1910. Meaning it's eight years old. It's a 'grain elevator' that's fifteen stories high, and it holds almost 3 million bushels of grain!"
"2.7 million bushels, to be exact," winked Edward. "Now that, I do know!"
The three laughed.
"Go, Grandpapa!" cheered Allie, so proud of him remembering that detail.
"I remember Millicent telling me that the structure expels grain at a rate of 150,000 bushels per hour, making the grain trade even more important than the industrial era, which greatly surprised me. That's a huge deal from a business perspective, Allie. If I remember correctly, Montreal is pretty close to surpassing New York as the number one grain port in the world!"
"We just accomplished that, Nathan! This month, we surpassed them, and by quite a lot. Nothing like a friendly little competition to get an entire company going!"
"Congratulations, Edward! That's quite impressive."
"It had to be done, Son. Montreal, as well as the rest of Canada, has to eat, and nothing's more basic than grain. I do wish the structure was less obtrusive, but it was the best we could do and still get the job done. You know, Millicent came here with me many times as all this was being built. Your Momma could probably tell you more about the structure than me, Allie! And don't get her started on steel. That girl knows the Steel Business better than most of my top people!"
Allie smiled.
"I'll remember to ask her about both of them, Grandpapa!"
"As your father said, we'll bring you back to the wharf this spring, Young Lady, when the weather is better and get you a proper seaside meal! Maybe we'll take you to your Grandmama's favorite little dive."
"What's a dive?" asked a puzzled Allie.
"That's a small restaurant, Sweetheart. And this particular one has the best seafood I've ever eaten," explained her Dad. "Your Grandmama took me there when I got your Momma's ring."
"That's really cool, but is that romantic, Dad?"
"Not sure, Allie! Afraid you'll have to ask your Momma about that."
"Well, yum! I can't wait to try the seafood. But to be honest, I'll just love having a new adventure with my family most of all…"
Bill nervously maneuvered the Union City traffic, anxious to reach a more rural area.
Thankfully, the further he drove away from the city traffic into the countryside, he could feel himself relaxing somewhat.
Nature always relaxed him, though usually, that was experienced while sitting on his horse.
Sure, the ring had cost a little, well, a lot, more than he had expected.
"But, hey, you sure can't take it with you!" he reminded himself out loud, as though that would have more impact as far as self-reassurance.
Yet, when Bill had first seen this particular ring, he had had no doubt at all that it was the one. The prominent emerald-shaped, light-colored sapphire was surrounded by an antique mix of round and linear baguette diamonds that formed a most unusual and beautiful frame, showing the center stone off to perfection.
The band of the engagement ring was made of diamonds, perfectly matching the split diamond wedding bands.
More importantly, the Judge was certain that sapphire was the same exact shade of cornflower blue as Adeline's eyes.
Overall, it was an entirely stunning three-piece set of jewelry. One that the Judge was proud to offer to his Addie.
Truthfully, though, he'd be even prouder if she didn't throw the ring right back at him, which he knew was a very strong possibility, if not a probability.
He sighed loud and long.
Hopefully, Theo was right about the ring being impossible for any woman to resist.
He was going to need all the help he could get!
And though most people wouldn't see A.J. wearing something so fancy, Bill did. For to him, she was a princess, his princess. Sure, maybe Addie was, at times, rough around the edges, but he was too. Besides, she had a heart of pure gold.
He simply loved her, and the truth was, he had for a very long time if he were being entirely candid.
Yet he had shelved her away, but she had never left his heart even then.
Not for a minute.
He knew that the two of them had hurdles to climb over. Massive ones, but he was determined. Together, he hoped with all his might they could work through them.
Suddenly, he knew he was totally committed to making that very thing happen, no matter what it took on his part.
After driving further into the countryside, the landscape quickly turned into the wilderness.
So much so that Bill had long ago stopped counting the number of moose, as there had been far too many. But the black bear, now that was a different story! He could tell that number would rapidly increase, though, as he passed through this last town, based on the signage alone.
Thankfully, he had the presence of mind to stop there to refuel and purchase three dozen long-stemmed roses, as well as a vast mixed floral bouquet for Addie's mother.
"Sir, if you need chocolates, there's a wonderful candy shoppe across the street," offered Mrs. Williams, the florist. "The best you'll ever taste!"
"I might just pay them a visit. How much do I owe you for all this? You've done a grand job!"
"Why thank you! I hope they achieve the desired effect! Here's your total."
Bill paid the florist, leaving a handsome tip, and smiled, taking the floral bouquets to place in his car, filling the entire back seat.
This little place was a rather sleepy town, but according to his map, the largest he would see before reaching his destination.
Walking across the street, the Judge entered the quaint little candy shoppe, without encountering a single person.
"What is this place, a ghost town?" mused Bill aloud.
"Good day, Sir. Feel free to look around and let me know if you see anything you'd like."
"Smells wonderful in here, Miss. I can already tell everything's delicious, just by the scent of chocolate alone."
He picked up a couple of boxes of the fanciest chocolates for good measure.
"Oh, best add another big box of those chocolates, Miss. They might come in mighty handy on the rest of this long drive I've got facin' me!"
"Let me wrap the first two boxes, Sir. I'll leave the third box unwrapped and put it in this bag for you to have easy access to munch on. These chocolates will help you stay awake as you maneuver through all the black bears in these parts! Believe me, they're everywhere. Just be sure to keep your windows up!"
"Huh?"
"They'll come after your chocolates if given a chance, Sir!"
"Oh, Dear Lord! Please don't let me get eaten by bears before I even get there. Why A.J. will never forgive me! Especially if they get that ring!"
Terrified, Judge Avery shuddered at the very thought, leaving the young clerk giggling behind her hand as he left the shoppe.
She would have never believed the many brave and sometimes brazen things this man had done for his living over the years…
At the Townhouse, on his way back from the kitchen with Hot Wassail for all, Hendrix rushed to the hall to answer the phone.
"Bradford-Grant Residence…oh, hello, Mrs. Hayes. Delightful to hear your voice, Ma'am. What can I do for you…no, no problem at all…just a moment, and I'll be happy to relay the message. Miss Bradford will be right here."
Hendrix picked his tray back up and returned to what had now famously become known as the 'unwrapping room!'
"Miss Millicent. Mrs. Sarah Hayes is on the phone and would like to discuss a private matter with you."
"Oh, I hope nothing's wrong. Excuse me, Essie and Anna! I'll be right back when we finish. Thank you, Hendrix."
Millicent grabbed her cup of Hot Wassail and took it with her to answer the hall phone, sitting it down on the table there.
"Sarah, hello, it's Millicent. What can I help you with?"
"Miss…I mean Millicent! You and the Chief Inspector have done so much for us already. But I just don't know where else to turn. Scotty has been so despondent lately, and I'm afraid no amount of cajoling or frivolity causes him to brighten. I'm really getting worried."
"Do you know why he's so sad?"
"Scottie has decided that all he wants for Christmas is to see his father. I'm afraid he won't listen to reason, although I've told him over and over again that children aren't allowed to visit the prisons. He simply won't take no for an answer, and I just can't bear to see his Christmas ruined. Especially now that he is finally going to have a real one!"
"Sarah, it is true children aren't allowed in the prisons. But perhaps there's another way. Nathan has been working very hard on something. Though neither one of us is at liberty to discuss the project as of yet. Do you trust me, Sarah?"
"With all my heart, Millicent."
"I need you to give this burden to Nathan and me. I want you to promise to not allow this matter to give you another thought or worry. One way or another, the two of us will make sure Scott has a wonderful Christmas to remember. I give you my word, Sarah."
"But how can I not worry? I want so badly for my son to have the Christmas he desires. He deserves that after all we've been through."
"Yes, he most certainly does! Sarah, the Bible tells us, 'We who wait upon the Lord shall renew our strength; we shall mount up with wings as eagles; we shall run, and not be weary; and we shall walk, and not faint.' We three adults must be patient and wait on the Lord, Sarah. If this is important to Scottie, God's already working on it, and we both know that He's the only one who can truly fix this. I know firsthand, He is already helping us as He alone knows what is best for Scottie. Can you please give us this burden, and with God's help, let us take it on." *139
"But what about your Wedding? You must be so busy already."
"Don't you worry about that! Everything is pretty much on automatic pilot now. Besides, our mothers are capably at the helm! Plus, they have my indomitable Auntie Luciana to assist them when needed!"
Sarah couldn't help but chuckle thinking of her own wedding years ago with their own mothers taking over the helm, despite her many protestations.
Unknown to Sarah, that chuckle was like music to Millicent's ears.
"But what can I do to help with this?" asked Sarah.
"Just pray without ceasing that God will continue to help us find a way. I'm so sorry I'm not allowed to say more. But know that we love you and Scottie, Sarah, and we want the very best for both of you. We won't stop till you have it! Not to mention, neither of us wants you or your son to be disappointed at Christmas."
"I know that, Millicent. I truly do. And I'll never be able to thank…"
"No thanks are needed at all, Sarah. Seeing you and your son happy and healthy is more than enough thanks for us!"
"Thank you from the bottom of my heart! You truly are an angel! Here, my heart was breaking, and now, speaking with you, I already feel better, lighter, somehow!"
"Good, that's exactly what we all want, Sarah! Promise me, when you start to worry, pray for us instead. Then none of us can fail…"
. . .
139. Isaiah 40:31, The Holy Bible, King James Version, Public Domain
