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Chapter 153
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Hope Valley Travels in Style
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Upon further exploring the three specified passenger cars, the Wedding Guests were simply in shock, though in the best possible of ways!
How could they not be truly astonished at the elegant, even luxurious comfort surrounding them, their new home away from home?
Even the Bouchards, who were well-traveled, were impressed and positively delighted.
"In all my years of business travel, I've never seen anything to fit these standards, nor even come close," admitted John Henry. "What a remarkable trip this is going to be!"
"Absolutely enchanting!" agreed Juliet.
The Guests had been divided into three groups of families and roommates, with each group familiarizing themselves with their respective cars, where they were met by the three Conductors assigned to take care of them.
Though most had expected regular passenger seats in a standard passenger car, with the possible exception of Florence for whom Edward had at least implied they would be well-taken care of, 'regular' nor 'standard' is not at all what surrounded them.
"Why, this can't possibly be a train car, much less ours" exclaimed Florence. "I've never seen anything as luxurious as this!"
"My goodness! These beautiful blues and what a mix of luscious textures and patterns," mused Rosemary in sheer awe. "Why this is like a moving five-star hotel. Or even better than the ones I've visited in New York City!"
"You are quite right, Mrs. Coulter," smiled Conductor Willis proudly, then he turned to specifically address Florence.
"Mrs. Yost, I assure you these are the Bradford cars expressly brought here to Hope Valley to house you, their Wedding Guests. We are standing in the communal lounge area that is located at the front of each of the three passenger cars which remains available for your comfort throughout the day, even at night if you so wish for a moonlit ride. This area behind each lounge area houses your private sleeping quarters. Cabin assignments have been made alphabetically and according to the number of family members. The younger children have been given a suite of rooms attached to their parents' accommodations for easy back-and-forth, while the older children have been given separate rooms next door to their parents. As everything is safe and secure throughout the Bradford cars, we trust that is acceptable to all?"
"Oh, absolutely Conductor Willis! Everything is beyond our imagination! Truly perfect," approved Florence.
"If you see two Conductors dressed in similar uniforms pass through, they will be manning the remaining two passenger cars, and they are Conductors Haley and Reynolds. We are all available and at your service for any and all needs."
Not surprisingly, there were collective oohs and aahs, signifying their utter amazement, in all three passenger cars as the travelers peaked into their luxurious sleeping compartments for the first time…
"So beautiful, and look, we even have our own private bathroom with a shower," squealed Faith.
"Look at these Chocolates! Oh, my goodness, they are Belgian Chocolates, the best in the world!" enthused Fiona, popping one into her mouth and feigning groans of ecstasy.
"And what are these?" asked Mei pointing toward the small desk under their window.
There were three leather-bound journals at the desk, one for each person, which Faith went to open.
"Oh, look! Here's a lovely welcome note from Mr. and Mrs. Edward Bradford! There's a journal for each of us, too, with our names and the dates of our trip engraved on the front. When you look inside, there are trip itineraries as well as a calendar for the Grant Wedding Festivites, along with a folder of interesting brochures that have loads of information about Montreal. Oh, this is positively delightful!" gushed Faith. "I can't wait to read. There's even room for us to journal and write our experiences each day!"
"What a lovely remembrance!" noted Fiona.
"Speaking of writing, here are gold fountain pens, also personally engraved, with bottles of black ink for each of us! My, the Bradfords have literally thought of everything!" mused Mei…
"Oh, Lee, look there is a second suite adjoining ours for the children," enthused Rosemary.
"And for me," winked their Nanny. "You two need a bit of time to yourself, so I'll take the night shifts and let you both catch up on some much-needed rest!"
"You'd do that," asked Lee, elated to even think of finally getting some uninterrupted sleep.
"Absolutely, if you two let me nap a bit throughout the day!"
"It's a deal, Dear Meg!" beamed an exhausted Rosemary.
"Don't forget, Florence and I get those precious girls during the day," reminded Mollie. "You promised, Rosemary!"
"That, I did, but are you sure you know what you're getting into with the two of them?"
"Well, there are two of us and we're just a bit bigger than them," laughed Mollie. "The four of us will be fine together. We are mothers you know! You'll see!"
"I don't know what I ever did to deserve friends like this! But I am as grateful as can be!"
Lee looked past his wife to share a knowing look with Mollie, both realizing Rosemary was not about to relinquish maternal checking on all three of her children non-stop, day or night!
"Baby steps, Lee," mouthed Mollie. "It will come!"
Lee nodded, though skeptically, wondering if he was ever again going to get a private moment with his wife…
"Mama, I have my own private suite, between yours and Papa's and Lucas's," beamed Antoinette.
"Oh, Dearest Nettie, it's about time you have your own space! And you'll be perfectly safe between us! Perhaps you can invite the girls over to spend some time with you," suggested her Mama.
Lucas smiled, knowing he'd also be keeping a watch out for his Toni.
"Lucas, you know there are three delightful ladies close to your age on this train. You should perhaps make an effort to get to know them during this trip," suggested a smiling Juliet.
"I'm not sure they'd be interested in getting to know me."
"Well, I am," she winked. "You just need to be the gentleman you already are!"
"Father, help me!"
"Afraid I have no say in this matter except to agree with my Dear Wife!" winked John Henry.
"You know, Lucas, in order to love, or even have companionship in one's life, one does have to first introduce themselves and at least appear interested!"
Toni giggled knowing her brother was completely outnumbered.
"Not you too," moaned Lucas.
"They're all very pretty, too. Though I'm a bit partial to Miss Fiona for you, Dear Brother! I think she might just rein you in and be exactly what you need! Personally, I like her feistiness."
"Rein me in? From what?"
Toni just laughed and quickly closed the door to her sleeping compartment, locking it behind her as Lucas playfully reached for the knob.
"Yourself, Dear Boy," grinned Lucas's father.
Juliet couldn't cover her giggle, as they too shut the door to their sleeping compartment, leaving Lucas alone in the passageway, pondering what just happened…
Bill stood at the door to Adeline's sleeping compartment, watching and smiling at her amazement and delight as she entered her cabin.
"Oh, Bill, look they've left Chocolates for their guests! And here is a journal with a list of everything we're going to be doing for the Grant Wedding. My goodness, they've even left us an engraved gold fountain pen to do our writing with. I don't think I've ever been so pampered!"
"Get used to it, Darlin' because I plan to be doin' a lot of that pamperin' myself, at least as far as you're concerned!"
Addie smiled sweetly at her fiancé.
"Bill, what's this?"
Addie's eyes had wandered to her bed where there was a beautiful package.
"I don't know. Why don't you open it?"
"Bill, did you do this?"
"I wish I had, but afraid it's not from me Darlin'!"
Addie carefully opened the gorgeous package, to find an envelope inside the box which she opened and read aloud.
'We understand that congratulations and best wishes are in order to both you and Bill in celebrating your recent engagement! Although we haven't had the pleasure of meeting you yet, your intended is very dear to our daughter and soon-to-be son-in-law. This means in turn, Dear Adeline, you are very dear to our daughter, soon-to-be son-in-law, and also to us. We wish you a lifetime of joy and love together, but we also know that being apart can be most difficult even when it's a cabin away. Please have the train's photographer take a portrait of the two of you and place it in these to use in your cabins and hotel rooms, warming up both. We are so looking forward to meeting you!
With all our love,
Victoria and Edward Bradford.'
"Oh, Bill!"
He smiled as she lifted the tissue, to reveal two beautiful sterling silver picture frames.
"This is so very lovely!"
"They are lovely people, Addie. I've met Edward and he is the nicest, most giving man you'd ever want to meet! I'm sure his wife is the same."
"I can't believe it, but they've already made me feel so welcome!"
"I'm glad! You know they left us a bottle of really good champagne in my cabin, so what do you say, let's continue this celebration tonight with a dinner for two?"
"I say yes. Always yes, Sweetheart!"
"But for now, I hear there's a buffet breakfast in our private dining car. May I escort you there?"
Addie beamed.
"If you pinch me first! I can't believe all this is real. My life with you, I mean."
"Oh, it's real, Addie, like nothin' before! It's very real! And it's only gonna get better and better..."
As Bill and Addie walked into the elegant dining car together, everyone looked up from their booths and tables, clapping for the couple, and continuing their congratulatory remarks while the stewards served Bellinis and Mimosas along with peach and orange juice punch for the children.
As Lee stood and raised a toast to the couple, Bill and Addie were both deeply touched.
The newly engaged couple then went through the buffet.
"Bonjour! I am Chef Daniel Escoffier and my staff and I are here to fulfill your every gastronomic desire! This morning I am personally making Omelettes to order, as well as Sweet Dutch Babies. As you see we also have every other breakfast food you can imagine for your eating pleasure in the form of a buffet. But first, how may I fix your omelet, Miss Foster?"
"This looks wonderful! I'd love the lobster and shrimp with caramelized onions, leeks, and scallions. Also, lots of herbs, please," smiled Addie.
"A wonderful choice! May I add some crab for total perfection?"
"That would be the ultimate perfection! Yes, please."
The Chef fussed over Adeline's omelet, then placed it just so on her plate, garnishing it with extra seafood on top and a sprinkling of herbs, just as requested.
Bill was almost jealous of the Chef's broad smile.
"And you, Judge Avery? How would you like your omelet?"
"Well, I'm generally a steak and potatoes man."
"Steak and potatoes it is, Judge! How do you prefer your steak?"
"Medium rare!"
The Chef quickly cooked Bill's steak to perfection and compiled the best-looking omelet Bill had ever seen or would soon taste.
"Maybe add some of those caramelized thingies in?" added Bill, having seen how delicious Addie's looked.
"The caramelized onions? Mais oui! A most scrumptious addition!"
"Feel free to go through the buffet as I personally prepare your Sweet Dutch Babies. Do you prefer fresh apples, fresh peaches, or a mix of berries?"
"Mixed berries for me, Chef Escoffier," smiled Addie sweetly.
"Hmph! Apples for me!" interrupted Bill, a little too forcefully.
"Mais, oui, Monsieur. With pleasure. I will deliver them to your and the beautiful lady's table hot from the oven to enjoy at your meal's end!"
Though that leering compliment did not go unnoticed by the Judge, a glance from Addie told him to politely ignore it, causing him to reluctantly do so.
As Bill and Addie started through the Buffet, they were astounded at the selection of food.
"Bill, I had no idea we would have our own private Dining Car, not to mention a private chef! All so elegant, too," whispered Addie.
"Darlin' what can I say? Told you the Bradfords do things up right! But honestly, I hadn't imagined this, not in my wildest dreams!"
"Me neither!"
"What a trip this is gonna be, Darlin'!"
"And what a life, Bill Avery with each other and all of our new Hope Valley friends…"
After their spectacular breakfast, everyone decided to go back to their individual cars.
Some sat together in the lounge areas while others tried to catch a quick nap.
"We only have three hours till lunch," reasoned Opal. "So, we'd better not eat another bite till then or we'll all pop for sure!"
"Yep. That's for sure, Opal," agreed Lee walking behind her. "Which means we'd all probably better sleep this breakfast off with a quick nap!"
Opal giggled, but Lee knew the girls had no intention of sleeping. They were far too excited to even think of such a thing!
"Mr. Coulter, we girls are playing board games in our lounge. Want to join us?"
"Maybe next time, Gals! My bed is calling me for that quick nap I've missed since Oliver, Sophie, and Sadie arrived! Besides those three have given me gray hair to boot so I need my beauty rest too!"
The girls all laughed.
"You're funny, Mr. Coulter!" grinned Angela.
"Lee Coulter, our precious children have not given you gray hair," chided Rosemary, coming up from behind carrying Sadie and holding on to Oliver while Meg carried a crying Sophie behind her.
"They're the cutest, Mrs. Coulter. Do you think we might help you take care of them?" asked Emily.
"I would welcome the help, Girls!" assured Rosemary. "Just let me know when you're available!"
"Bye, for now, you girls have fun with your board games," grinned Lee sheepishly at being caught. "We'll meet up again at lunch! Although I'll be the one waddling out of the Dining Car!"
The girls laughed as Lee acted out the part of a waddling duck, then moved on into the lounge where their Conductor showed them all the available board games. He quickly restaged the area for them, as well, by pulling out a table between the plush bench seats.
"Wow, this is like magic!" exclaimed Anna.
"There you go, Young Ladies! Is there anything else I can do for you? Perhaps serve you a ginger ale?"
"Really?"
"Really! Just say the word."
The girls all looked at each other and made a unanimous decision with Angela leading the charge, nodding yes vociferously!
"That would be great," ordered Emily for all of them.
"Coming right up, Misses!"
Which the girls thought was even funnier…
For the next three hours, the Private Passenger Cars were a hubbub of various activities by some, coupled with a time of quiet by others enjoying their rare time to nap, or to just read in their cabins.
Others simply enjoyed conversation with their family and friends, amidst viewing the beautiful passing scenery.
But all were lazily content, with every whim instantly attended to, almost before it could be voiced.
When their three hours of relaxation were up, all were summoned back to the Dining Car for a formal luncheon.
Given their huge breakfast, there wasn't a person who was at all hungry! Although they were very much looking forward to lunch being served, as Chef Escoffier, had personally assured them if they had enjoyed breakfast, they would be in seventh heaven over his luncheon!
Having experienced his luscious breakfast buffet, no one was willing to risk passing up his offer of a full midday meal, hungry or not, with the entire group practically racing to get back to their Private Dining Car!
Once back in the plush Dining Room, as they were served the most delectable food at their private tables, each and every passenger was certainly beyond thankful they hadn't even considered passing up on the accomplished Chef's offer.
Though there was no mention of an additional full-scale dinner which was sure to be served later that evening, everyone ate to their hearts' content.
It was however safe to say that though fully satiated once again after the most extraordinary breakfast and lunch, every single Hope Valley passenger would be there for Dinner at the appointed time, and with bells on!
"You know, Flo, this travel thing is not half-bad," confessed Ned, as he sat back in his chair between bites, taking a breath from his arduous task of furiously eating. "This is some of the best food I've ever eaten! Do you think we could slow this engine down and add an extra day or two to our itinerary?"
"And miss the Grant Wedding?" shrieked a wide-eyed Florence.
"Never that, my Dear! But on the way back, do you think we could simply slow things down, perhaps just a bit?"
"Ned Yost, you are incorrigible, but I'll tell you a secret," she lowered her voice. "I wouldn't complain in the least if my brilliant husband did figure out a way to do just that…"
