Chapter 131

The News

. . .

Millicent snuck down the stairs extra early on a search mission, determined not to wake Nathan, Essie, and the children.

Hendrix, her partner in crime, was always up before anyone else and wasn't at all shocked to see his mistress entering the kitchen at such an early hour, especially since he had seen her urgent note left late last night on the front hall console.

Still, when he saw the determined look on Millicent's face, he simply poured her a cup of hot tea, adding in her honey with a splash of cream, and greeted her with a smile.

"Good morning, Miss! At least take time for some hot tea before we begin our search. I insist since the attic is often chilly! I brought your sweater as well, just in case."

Millicent smiled.

"You take such good care of me, Hendrix! How can I ever thank you?"

How she would miss this man who had been in her life, taking care of her for as far back as she could remember and beyond! There hadn't been a single day her whole life through, except when she was traveling, that he hadn't been there with his cheery good morning full of confident assurance for starting the day.

The fact was, she loved him like a second father and Essie like a second mother. For in truth, that was what they really were to her. Their bond was unbreakable. They were simply family.

Little did she know, as excited as they were for her marriage to Nathan, Hendrix and Essie were already profoundly struggling with the thought of missing her, as well as the rest of her new family, upon their return to Hope Valley.

"'Thank you' seems so trite. But I do thank you, and good morning, my Dear Hendrix," she beamed, kissing him on the cheek. "How was Essie's and your dinner last night? Very romantic, I hope?"

The blush creeping up her Butler's neck told her all she needed to know.

"Ah! I see! Tres bien!"

"Le Pied de Cochon was amazing as always, Miss! Absolutely spectacular, and Estella was as thrilled with our night out as I was! Your roses most certainly added to the air of romance since, regrettably, I was a bit remiss in that department. And my, that champagne may have been the best I've ever tasted! Louis, the Maitre D, pulled out all the stops, as he is a member of my club, and was elated to see both of us there. You know, you're the favorite of all his customers. He even made us promise to tell you that you are the favorite of his peers as well."

"That's so sweet! Louis is an absolute gem and helped me arrange everything for you two last night. All the Maitre D's are always taking the best care of us. But Hendrix, you're now part of a couple, so please, never be remiss with roses. They're so important to us women. And they're Essie's favorite! Especially the red ones, with the longest stems you can find! They're a wonderful way to say a special I love you!"

"I'll certainly keep that in mind, Miss. I'm learning slowly but surely. I do love her so much. She looked so beautiful last night! You should have seen the look on her face when she saw those roses. I didn't have the heart to tell her you remembered, and I had forgotten. Lesson learned! Believe me, after that, I promise forgetting roses won't ever happen again."

"Good! Oh, Hendrix, you know how I love my words, especially names! I know you already know that French attorneys are called 'Avocats,' which is the equivalent of your Barrister and Solicitor combined in the UK. But did you know that the French term 'Maitre' is also an honorific for a Barrister who dispenses appeals or petitions in the proceedings of a French Court of Law? In fact, the noun 'cher maitre' means a person who is a master or model in any art or profession. Don't ask me why, but I find that fascinating! And I think Louis will too!" *143, *144, *145

Hendrix chuckled.

"I did not know that! But then again, I seldom do! You and your obscure words, Miss! What will I ever do without you here to heighten my vocabulary every single day? I never know what I'm going to learn next. But just wait till I tell Louis that one. His head will balloon into the stratosphere! He'll be hanging out his shingle, thinking he is now a bona fide Barrister!"

Millicent giggled along with Hendrix's jolly laugh.

These two partners in crime, alone together, wasn't at all a bad way to start the day…


While Hendrix and Millicent were busily going through school papers hidden away in the attic, Essie was downstairs busily hosting Breakfast for Nathan, Allie, Jackson, and Maggie.

Since each of the children wanted to say Grace over their meal, Nathan suggested they all take turns.

"You start, Mags! See, there are some perks to being the youngest," winked her Uncle Nathan. "Then Jacks, then Allie-Girl!"

"Dear God, thank you for our breakfast that Auntie Essie fixed for us. Thank you for her, Uncle Hendrix, Auntie Millicent, and Uncle Nathan. And thank you for our Cousin Allie. She's the best ever, and we love her so much! Oh, and please help Jacques and Margie to not get in any trouble today."

Sweet Maggie, ever the mother, kept her eyes tightly closed while nudging her older brother, whispering loudly just as in Essie's stage whispers, "Your turn!"

"Thank you, God, for this day, and thank you for these pancakes. Auntie Essie makes the best ones of all. Please talk Uncle William into taking all of us kids riding today. Oh, and thank you for Uncle Nathan and our cousin, Allie, too. They're the best, and they make our family so much more fun!"

Allie opened her eyes enough to see if Jackson was finished, then promptly closed them and began her prayer.

"Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for this food we are about to eat but thank You most of all for Auntie Essie making us pancakes. Thank You for all my family, my old family, and my great big, new family, especially my Momma and my four cousins. Please keep everyone in Hope Valley safe and bring them to our Wedding soon. Amen!"

"And everyone said 'Amen!'" smiled Nathan while all did so resoundingly.

Estella stood to pour steaming hot maple syrup over everyone's pancakes.

"Now, be careful, you three! This syrup is piping hot, and you don't want to get burned!"

When Estella finished, Allie spoke up, concerned.

"Dad, where is Momma? I haven't seen her all morning."

"She's working on a project with Uncle Hendrix, Allie."

"She should be here to eat with us at any moment along with your uncle, Child," assured her Auntie Essie.

"Wow, Auntie Essie, these pancakes are the best! I didn't know you could put strawberries in them," marveled Jackson. "Wait till I tell Mama about this!"

"Son, you can put just about anything you want in pancakes, as pancake batter is very forgiving!" chuckled Essie.

"Forgiving? How can pancake batter forgive anything?"

"It's a twist on words, Jackson, meaning the batter will grasp onto just about any fruit you can imagine and taste good in the process!"

"Even watermelon?" Jackson's eyes widened.

"No, Silly! Even I know that doesn't work," declared Maggie most pragmatically.

Essie smiled as Nathan chuckled.

"Well, perhaps not watermelon! But just about any kind of berry you can think of. And don't forget bananas, of course," she explained. "Oh, and peaches work well, too!"

"Bananas are my favorite!" announced Allie.

"That's because you haven't had your Momma's Tropical pancakes yet!" interjected Nathan, wishing he had some of those delectable pancakes right now.

"Can we please try Huckleberries, Auntie Essie, the next time I visit," asked Jackson, remembering his manners. "They're my very favorite, and I have to eat them plain unless Cook makes a pie. Nobody ever puts them in anything else except pie. And I really don't like pie at all."

"When Huckleberries are in season, we surely can, Jackson! Just remind me. But I've never in my whole life heard of a boy not liking pie! That must be because you haven't had my coconut cream pie or my strawberry pie with lots of whipped cream. We'll have to fix that!" winked Essie, making a mental note to send her pie recipes to Lottie, Richard's and Margaret's cook.

What Lottie cooked was delicious, but she was relatively young and hadn't had the opportunity to refine her repertoire as of yet. Essie was more than happy to take her under her wing, especially since pies were her specialty. But honestly, what wasn't Essie's specialty where cooking was concerned?

And that reminded Essie of something else she needed to discuss privately with Millicent and Nathan regarding their daughter and their honeymoon.

However, Essie's answer satisfied the boy, giving Nathan a moment to ask Essie about her dinner with Hendrix.

"Essie, did you and Hendrix have a grand time last night?"

"Did we ever! Miss Millicent made reservations for us at the Le Pied de Cochon, and the entire evening was positively delightful! Scrumptious too!"

"Essie, that's the best restaurant in all of Montreal! Perhaps all of Canada. I'm crazy about their lobster. We should have made that a double date," winked Nathan.

"Well, next time we will, Son," she winked.

"Can...I mean, may I come too?" begged Allie.

"When we can work it into our schedule," assured her Dad. "We promise to include you, but you must choose your best dress! It's a pretty fancy place."

"Am I the only one who hasn't eaten there?" asked a despondent Allie, who hated to be left out of anything.

"Don't worry, Allie. Jackson and I haven't eaten there either," assured Maggie. "Mama says it's too fancy for us till I'm twelve."

"Mags, your Mama's right. You'll enjoy it a lot more when you're a little older. Besides, waiting for something makes it twice as good!"

Maggie beamed.

She loved her new uncle, and she especially loved it when he called her 'Mags.'

It was already 'Mags' and 'Jacks' as far as their Uncle Nathan was concerned, and the two adored his playfulness, along with his humor and attentiveness to them.

Nathan glanced up to find Millicent and Hendrix standing in the doorway, but he could tell by the look on her face they had had no luck in finding Allie's Lullaby.

"Momma, Uncle Hendrix, there you are! We missed you," exclaimed Allie.

Disheartened, Millicent plastered on a bright smile anyway and came to kiss each of the children good morning.

"Did you sleep well, Jackson, Maggie?"

"Yes, Auntie Millicent, but Allie and Maggie talked all night long."

"You did, too, Jackson!" declared Maggie.

"Yep, you did, Jackson," agreed Allie.

Millicent giggled.

"Jackson, I'm afraid you're outnumbered two to one!"

Then she reached for her daughter.

"Good morning, Sweetie!" she grinned, kissing and hugging her daughter before moving on to Nathan.

"And good morning to you, too, Love!"

"Good morning, my Darling! My morning just got a whole lot better!"

Millicent chuckled.

"You'd better say that!"

The family was surprised but also delighted to see that Hendrix, taking a cue from Millicent, deposited a quick kiss on Essie's cheek as well, while Nathan had risen to help seat his fiancée.

No sooner had Millicent and Hendrix been seated when the phone rang.

"Excuse me, Miss, Sir!" nodded Hendrix as he left to take the call.

The family continued to eat as Essie fussed over Millicent, ensuring she had as much iron as possible in her specially prepared breakfast.

Thankfully, her color was coming back, but still, not much of the weight, although since she looked a bit healthier, she was as beautiful as ever, if not more so.

Hendrix was back in an instant but remained standing, most formally, at the door.

"Sir, Miss, Judge Avery, from Ile-À-La-Crosse, would like to speak with you both!"

"Oh, tell Uncle Bill hello from me! Can I talk too? But where is he? Where's E La Cross?" asked Allie confused.

"It's a town, Allie, in Saskatchewan. After your Momma and I finish, we'll come and get you if your Uncle Bill can talk longer," explained her Dad, unsure what type of mood they'd find the Judge in.

Nathan helped Millicent from her chair as they both hurried to the phone in the hallway, praying for good news.

Bill was family, and his happiness was of the utmost importance to them.

Nathan took the phone's earpiece, holding it so that Millicent could also hear.

"Bill, it's great to hear from you! We've been so anxious to know how you've been doing. How are things going?"

"Not at all well…" he began and stopped, sounding as sad as Nathan had ever heard him before.

Nathan's and Millicent's hearts did a joint flip as they looked at each other, chagrined, feeling so terrible that they had urged, practically insisted their friend take this next step, now only to fail?

Instantly, they blamed themselves as Bill's adventure obviously hadn't gone as the three had hoped and prayed.

"Bill, we're so very sorry," apologized Nathan. "We shouldn't have pushed you!"

"So terribly sorry," added Millicent. "Especially me, as I pushed you the most. I'm so sorry we got it wrong, Bill!"

Bill broke out into laughter.

"Don't be, you two! It's goin' better than I could have ever dreamed! She said yes, yes, yes! As of last night, Addie and I are an officially engaged couple, and I'm so happy I'm about to pop. You two are the very first to know!"

"Bill, remind me to trounce you soundly and thoroughly for that awful scare! I promise you, there will be payback. But this is marvelous news! Truly marvelous. Congratulations, and best wishes to the beautiful lady," beamed Nathan. "We can't wait to meet her!"

"Bill, you're in a ton of trouble for pulling off that little stunt of yours, but we couldn't be happier! This is just the best news ever and exactly what we wanted to hear! We're so proud of you," added Millicent. "Do I get to speak to your lovely Bride-to-be?"

"Sure, she's right here!"

Bill turned from the phone and explained to Addie that Millicent wanted to speak with her.

"This is Millicent, my colleague, and along with Elizabeth, the daughter I never had," explained Bill. "She's also the barrister who is fixing all this mess for us, Addie. She wants to talk to you."

Adeline was nervous but ever so grateful to this stranger who felt like anything but.

"Millicent, there are simply no words. You've given me my dignity back! I can't thank you enough, and though I don't know you yet, I feel as though I already do, so very well. I am forever indebted to you."

"Adeline, you just live a glorious life with Bill! That's more than thanks enough. All of that's my job and my distinct honor and pleasure. Although I am appalled at what you've needlessly gone through. But enough of that for now! We'll discuss all the details later, in person. Welcome to our family! We already love you and can't wait to meet you. You are coming to our Wedding here in Montreal with Bill, aren't you?"

Even Addie could hear the hope in this stranger's voice but was still hesitant, as she didn't want to interfere in any way, especially being the outsider in this new world she was entering.

"Are you sure?" she asked hesitantly.

"We are absolutely sure! I can't wait to meet the magnificent woman who's stolen Bill's heart! You're part of us now. And it wouldn't be right if you weren't here for our big day! We already have a room prepared for you in the Guest Townhouse next to Bill's."

Millicent could hear Addie's tears before she could collect herself.

"Bill's right. You must be an absolute angel! I don't deserve this, but I am ever so grateful for all your hard work."

"You deserve everything wonderful, Adeline, and we'll see that you get it! I can't wait to meet you. We're going to be fast friends. I just know it!"

"Somehow, I know it as well! And I can't wait to meet you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart, Millicent! You've literally given me hope back, along with my life!"

"For always, Adeline. For always! We're literally counting the days till we get to meet you!"

"Well, now that that introduction has been made, Millicent, do you mind if I talk to my Little Mountie? I want to tell her our good news!" grinned Bill.

"Allie will be shocked and elated, Bill. We haven't told her a thing," admitted Nathan. "Here, talk to Millicent while I go get her."

"Just don't give her a heart attack like you gave us, Bill," admonished Millicent with a laugh.

"Millicent, how are you doin'? I've missed you three so much."

"We're doing great, busy as can be, but we've missed you too! Tell me about you and your fiancée, Bill! How did you propose?"

"We couldn't be more elated. I've never felt like this in my whole life. Addie says she feels the exact same way. It took chocolates and roses and the prettiest ring this side of Union City, along with some beggin' but by some miracle, thank God, she said yes! And I'm the happiest man alive, aside from Nathan, that is!"

"Well, right alongside him! Love is pretty wonderful, isn't it?"

"You've got that right! I should have done this years ago," declared Bill.

"Yes, he should have," chuckled Addie, along with Millicent, as she heard her.

"We did our best, Adeline. We knew you were the one as soon as we heard about you! You should see how Bill's eyes light up at the mention of your name!"

"And mine light up at the mention of his. I just can't believe he's here and that now, we're finally together forever!"

"It's amazing when it's right, isn't it? I only felt half-alive before Nathan! Oh, here's Allie. Congratulations again, Bill, and the very best of wishes for a beautiful life, Adeline. We love you already!"

"We love you, too, Millicent and Nathan, and I can't wait to meet our Allie!"

"Likewise, here's our girl!"

Nathan reached for Millicent as her 'Uncle' Bill told his granddaughter his news.

You could hear Allie shriek throughout the house with excitement.

"You mean I get another Auntie?"

"You most certainly do, Little Mountie, and she's a beauty too!"

"That's just the bomb, Uncle Bill, the total bomb…"


Later, downtown in the fashion district, Albert pulled up in front of Angelo Blasi's Tailor's Shoppe.

The man held the distinction of being one of the most famous Italian Tailors of the early 1900s and was, proudly, also the tailor for Millicent's father.

Blasi emulated her father's beloved structured English tailoring with luxurious fabrics and exquisite attention to detail while simultaneously adapting the more modern style of his contemporary, Vincenzo Attolini. *146

Therefore, his suits were more relaxed than most in style and were quite elegant, tailor-made for a thinner, athletic body style, but with a younger look, which suited not only her innovative and fit father to a tee but also her youthful fiancé.

As the couple entered the Luxury Shoppe, the owner himself came to greet them effusively at the entrance.

"Benvenuta, Mademoiselle Bradford! Welcome! What an honor!"

"Buongiorno, Signore Blasi! This is my fiancé, Chief Inspector Nathan Grant. Nathan, this is Angelo Blasi, Father's personal tailor, and now yours if you're so inclined."

"It's a pleasure, Sir! I believe you have a few wardrobe items saved back for me to take on our Honeymoon."

"The pleasure is all mine. Benvenuto! Welcome! Indeed I do, but now that I've seen you in person, I may need to make a few additions. Those eyes of yours are striking. As is your stature and frame."

"I agree completely, Angelo," cooed Millicent. "Nathan deserves only the best. But may we trouble you first for assistance in another matter?"

"But of course. What may I do to help you two?"

Nathan spoke up.

"We need a new suit for a man we've never met. However, I do have his measurements from his wife."

"But of course! Perhaps, he could come into the shoppe to see me? That way, I'll personally see that everything fits perfectly."

"I'm afraid that's impossible in this case, Angelo. Would you be able to simply go off the measurements we have? And if it's at all possible, we desperately need something suitable for a dinner tonight," explained Millicent.

Signore Blasi took the measurements, looking them over intently.

"I believe I have the perfect thing. Do you have a color preference?"

"Signore Blasi," began Nathan.

"It's Angelo to you, Chief Inspector."

"Angelo, I appreciate that. We would prefer perhaps a navy pinstripe or solid, something rather simple that can serve a lot of different needs. We understand the man has not had a new suit for quite some time."

"Ah! But of course," Angelo was used to Edward helping people in need; of course, his daughter and new son would be doing the same thing.

"Matteo," called Angelo briskly. "Please pull the suits we have available in this size, all in the color of navy. Be sure to bring the last one we worked on, as that cut is a classic."

"My pleasure, Sir!" Matteo smiled at the couple, obviously impressed with Nathan's muscular physique, taking it all in with a discreet glance.

"I'm glad the gentleman's measurements are of a standard size; he should be quite easy to fit," reassured Angelo with a brilliant smile, happy to be of assistance.

Yet, Angelo was truthfully much more interested in dressing this handsome man standing before him.

Chief Inspector Grant would be the perfect walking advertisement for his textile art. Angelo, himself, couldn't have chosen a more perfect specimen. Shockingly, and most happily, the man looked like a model!

Yet Angelo sensed the gentleman would be intensely embarrassed if he actually said so out loud, and so he refrained from offering the compliment.

"Now, allow me to show you what I've put back for the groom-to-be," smiled the jubilant tailor. "Please be seated."

No sooner had Nathan helped seat Millicent in the sitting area than a tray was carried to them with coffee and tea services.

"May I pour for you, Sir?" asked a butler.

"Tea for the Lady, with honey and a splash of cream. Black coffee for me, please," smiled Nathan.

"Thank you for doing this with me, Milli. I'm afraid I'm not quite used to all this."

"I'm delighted you asked. Nothing makes me happier than to assist you, my Love. And you know me, shopping I can always fit in! Especially when it's for you and Allie!"

"That's because you have perfect taste!"

"That, my Darling, is because I love you!"

She smiled as he grabbed her hand.

Two assistants under the astute tutelage of Angelo brought out two different racks of clothes, one full of suits that had been made explicitly to Nathan's measurements; another of shirts, slacks, sweaters, and jackets.

"You are under no obligation to purchase any of these, but if you see anything you like, we'll have you try them on so that my discerning eye can make any necessary adjustments," smiled Angelo. "And I must warn, I am most particular. Not a thread misses my watchful inspection!"

"Your work is exquisite, Angelo. I'm not sure I've ever seen such fine detail before," admitted Nathan.

"Molte grazie! Or as you say 'Many thanks!'"

"You're very welcome! Millicent, what do you like?"

"First, what catches your eye, Love? That's the most important thing. You must select something you're attracted to, so you'll ultimately feel comfortable in it."

Nathan stood and sifted through the hangers selecting a classic black suit, a navy double-breasted suit with a little more edge, and a deep gray tweed with leather buttons and stylishly cut collar and cuffs.

"Although the gray tweed is a classic, older fabric, the cut is most youthful. An excellent and unique choice, Sir that will last a lifetime! All three will serve you well and look magnificent on you!"

"These are absolutely perfect, Nate! The colors are practical and will look wonderful on you, too. What do you think of this dark blue? It's not quite navy, but different enough to make your eyes pop. Oh, and this deep rich brown?"

Millicent held both suits out for him to see, and she was right. The cuts of both were exquisite, and the colors just a little different than typically seen, but not so outlandish that he would stand out, or so he thought.

Ironically, what Nathan Grant still didn't seem to grasp, was that he would stand out no matter what he wore.

"I'll try these, then. Love, do you mind selecting matching ties and suspenders while I try these on? I know I need the suspenders in black, and if we get the gray, that color also. Navy and brown, I have."

"Of course I will! Consider it done! But why don't we choose an assortment of shirts to match now so you can take them back to the dressing room and try them on with the suits? Then I'll accessorize, and after you come out, we can look at the more casual pieces together."

"That sounds perfect," he squeezed her hand, hating to leave her.

He couldn't help realizing this was the first time he was selecting an entire wardrobe all at once, but their Honeymoon was more than reason enough to splurge.

Though he had shopped with Millicent many times over the years, never for as much as this!

Oddly, with Millicent and her excellent taste beside him, he found there was no longer that pressure he had always experienced when shopping.

Instead, he was beginning to enjoy making the selections with her.

The beautiful differences this woman made in his life were amazing, even in the little things, perhaps especially in the little things.

He kissed her cheek, bending to whisper in her ear.

"How can one man be so happy, my Darling?"

In response, although he thought it was quite the impossibility, he was suddenly encapsulated in a total freefall all over again, her jubilant face making him fall deeper and deeper and deeper into their cavernous love...

. . .

143. 'Avocat,' the Equivalent of a UK Barrister & Solicitor, Combined, French Translation, Public Domain

144. 'Maitre,' an Honorific for a Barrister who Dispenses Appeals or Petitions in the Proceedings in a French Court of Law, Miriam-Webster, Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary, 1913, Public Domain

145. 'Cher Maitre,' a Person who is a Master or Model, Miriam-Webster, Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary, 1913, Public Domain

146. Italian Tailors Angelo Blasi and Vincenzo Attolini, early 1900s, General Public Information, Public Domain