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Chapter One Hundred Seventy-one
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A Gentlemen's Lunch…
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"Zachary! Please come in," Peter saw Zach standing in the doorway of their studio apartment, knocking. "What can we do for you?"
With watery eyes, Zach slowly entered and spoke quietly, "Nathan just told me that… you were our family's benefactor for all those years. I… I don't know how to thank you."
"Ah ha. I had forgotten we had told Nathan to tell you after graduation. Well, you know now, but there is no need to thank us or feel indebted, Son. God gave the abundance to us and we shared what we could. We are delighted you and Nathan found each other and know your family. It's been wonderful for us to have gotten to know you these past months and we look forward to hearing all about your success in P.E.I. You may consider us adopted grandparents if you wish since we are all part of God's family!"
"I would love that, thank you. I'm still shocked, but so happy to learn we have that connection. Thank you, Peter," Zach extended his hand and was enveloped in a hug. "Thank you, Carol," He moved to Carol to hug her tightly. "I just… I have no words, but thank you…"
"You needn't say any more, Son, but did Nathan tell you to keep this information private?"
"He did," Zach nodded, "and great will be your reward in Heaven."
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Bill and William had arranged for Archie, Peter, Gabe, and Zachary to pick-up Nathan at Depot for a lunch they organized at Le Chateaux Qu'Appelle. Upon arrival the men followed the Maître d'hotel into a private dining room and Nathan was surprised to see Bill, William, and Hudson waiting at a large round table set for eight.
"Surprise, Nathan!" Bill exclaimed as he stood to welcome the arrivals. "William and I have stolen you away for a private meal together before all the wedding festivities fill the rest of your week! Have a seat, Son."
"This is a surprise. Thank you in advance!" Nathan grinned, grateful for each of these men who meant so much to him.
"By way of explanation, I ordered a luncheon buffet of appetizer platters, a few soups and a variety of sandwiches from which we can choose. The staff will bring the selections in shortly now that we are all present since I know some of us must return to work after we eat. Peter, would you please pray a blessing now before the food arrives?"
As the men circulated around the buffet table and filled their plates, they enjoyed light conversations about the upcoming schedule and arrivals. Settled back at the table, William shared Bill and his reason to gather today. "We may have some words of wisdom to impart, along with some light-hearted advice to give while the ladies are not around." William chuckled, "At the very least we can offer our congratulations and prayers as you embark on life as a married man!"
"Oh? I guess I should listen carefully then as some of you are experts!"
"Yes, you should listen carefully. You want to avoid the mistakes we may have made!" Bill encouraged him, chuckling. "This is time to confess our successes and own up to our failures, a chance to discuss the mystery of 'the way of a man with a woman,' as the Bible says. We may not always understand, but neither did King Solomon and he was one of the wisest men ever known…" (*99)
Everyone at the table laughed heartily, although they quickly stilled when Hudson raised his hand to gain their attention. "I am the elder of this group and never married, although I knew love in my youth. Still, in my observations over my years of life and of service, I can agree with that verse you quoted, Bill. Sometimes the perspectives of men and their women were so clear cut to me, but they seemed clueless about how to cross the divide. My advice is to listen, every day, at all times. Sometimes a hint of understanding for yesterday's or even tomorrow's impasse can be found when discussing a completely unrelated subject. I find the mind and heart of a woman are mixed up together and do not fit into a neat and separated ledger column as is often the case with men." Hudson smiled before continuing, "I believe you have already learned that in raising a daughter, Nathan, but it is good to keep that understanding in mind to avoid frustration and better understand Elizabeth."
"Good advice, Hudson. I might add that cultivating a sense of humor can help in those tight spots and if you find that something you do brings her joyful laughter, remember that. Keep it in your toolbox as it might come in handy someday!" Peter shared earnestly, "Our first argument as a married couple was the placement of a towel. I was used to spreading it out so it would dry whereas Carol would refold it to hang and look nice on the towel rack. Neither of us could grasp why the other was so set in their ways. She solved the problem by assigning me the towel rack hidden behind the bathroom door while she took the ones visible from the hallway! If we get into a disagreement now, I just mention that I must check the towels and we find our way back together in laughter."
"I confess there is little I have to offer for marriage, but I understand what you are saying having been raised with women. I could not logically understand some of my mother's rules and ways of doing things as I got older." Zach added, "Now that I have the Mountie training instilled in me, I can fall back on their authority for some choices which make total sense to me!"
This statement was readily understood by the Mounties and former Mounties around the table.
"Although I was raised with sisters, I had forgotten how quickly a woman's mood can change! Not that Lillian is moody, but she has days when she is more emotional than others. I talked to a doctor friend of mine who explained it is sometimes part of a woman's monthly cycle so that helped me better empathize and understand. I am sure I have a long ways to go as our marriage is still so young!"
"Just wait until a baby is on the way, Gabriel," William shared. "That is when the changeable moods are most noticeable, but they are worth going through for the joy of offspring!"
Peter spoke quietly, "My perspective is very different, but with every miscarriage, Carol and I learned to share our disappointment and continue to comfort one another in our losses, even though we kept hope alive for some years. Those experiences deepened our relationship like nothing else could have though and we found ways to 'have' children by following God in praying for and being a part of the lives of children not our own by blood. We have no regrets now though, and some of you have helped us be a family along with you!"
Nathan caught Peter's eye and mouthed the words, "Thank you."
"I'm afraid I speak with little experience, but the Pastor who married us encouraged me with some verses from Proverbs, '…rejoice in the wife of your youth."' (*100) Gabe turned a deep shade of red yet continued, "Sorry, this is a little embarrassing for me to say, but he also said to read the Song of Solomon."
Meanwhile Nathan glanced at his father, remembering his fatherly suggestion, then looked down at his plate, blushing as well.
William gave validity to Gabe's words, "There is no need for embarrassment, Gentlemen, intimacy is God's gift and a beautiful part of marriage and that is wise advice to heed."
With mumbled agreement around the table, William inquired, "Archie, as Father of the Groom, do you have any pearls of wisdom to share?"
"You know my history, so I have more failures than the rest of you. My first advice would be to marry a Godly, praying woman, because that made all the difference in my marriage and family. It was because of Ruthie that Nathan and Allie have turned out so well. I can remember times when she presented an issue so clearly and I stubbornly and pridefully followed the lure of my own way of acquiring income and my entire family suffered as a result. Now, I am grateful that Ruthie has been forgiving and willing to take me back. I guess my advice would be to pray together each day, and share a time of devotion and discuss insights you are learning. Those times have become most precious to us nowadays."
"Wise words, Archie. I am learning that too. The trials of recent months have drawn Grace and me closer to each other and made the difficulties worth it." William paused, "So I guess my words of admonition are to include each other in all your plans and find ways to walk together into your future. You, Nathan, have an added challenge that none of us experienced. You enter marriage with two dear children who need both a father and a mother. That includes the challenge of finding private time with only each other. We all…" William looked around the table before continuing, "We all should covenant to pray for you two as you grow together and share parenting responsibilities. By Elizabeth's accounts you have both relied on each other already, but it will become more immediate to navigate 'who said what' or 'who wants what' in the day-to-day interactions in your home."
"That is something for which I am thanking God frequently, that God brought Elizabeth into our lives to help Allie in these teenage years. I need her support and wisdom, just as she needs to learn how to raise a boy!" Nathan shared quietly.
"And just in the short time I've been here, Brother, I see how you step up to care for Jack and be a role model for him. I also see the admiration and respect in Elizabeth's expressions as she observes that and I believe she is very grateful. Lillian and I have both noticed this as she has a lot of experience with the orphan children."
Coloring somewhat, Nathan just responded, "Thank you. I am trying."
"It's more than trying, Nathan," admonished Bill. "You are succeeding and Jack adores you. I believe you bring all your parenting experience from raising Allie, so that is to your advantage as you join your families. You already know the ways and wiles of children and how to discipline with love and instruction. We just have to look at our Allie-girl to see you are an excellent father."
"Amen to that!" William spoke up and others agreed.
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A couple of hours after the men dispersed. William went into to the apartment to get Grace and Jack to head to the train station to meet his sister, Agatha Thatcher, plus Julie and her beau. Elizabeth had chosen to remain behind to continue her preparations for the honeymoon, while David Wright drove his own automobile to help transport luggage as you never knew how much Aunt Agatha Thatcher would bring even for a short stay!
David had offered to have Jack sit on his shoulders to see the train arrive and Jack was a happy little boy as the view was far better than from the platform.
"It's coming! I see it!" Jack pointed up the track and instructed, "Look everybody!"
"You keep watch for Aunt Julie and Aunt Agatha, okay?" Grace requested, "That would be a big help!"
Once the screech of brakes stilled and the steam dispersed, Jack squealed and pointed, "There! Over there! Aunt Julie! Hi!"
The Thatchers and David moved towards the exit Jack had identified and welcomed the travelers with open arms. "Hello! Welcome to Regina! Hello there, Bradley! Our time with you in Hope Valley was brief, but I do hope we can get to know you some amidst all the wedding activities!" William shook Dr. Bradley Marshall's hand after greeting his sister, Agatha.
"Hello, Julie! You look lovely and very stylish!" William admired then hugged his youngest daughter, questioning, "Was the trip pleasant?"
"Hello, Father! We had a good trip, especially since Brad was with us. It was fun to spend time without the Hamilton and work distractions!" Julie looked up at Jack at that moment, exclaiming, "Why Jack! You grew really tall since I last saw you at Christmas! Can I have a kiss?"
When David set Jack's feet on the platform, Jack went into his Aunt Julie's embrace. "Hi Aunt Julie! Mommy says I am growing taller because my slacks always get too short."
"I can imagine! Do you remember your Great Aunt Agatha? She might like a kiss too!"
"Hi…" Jack spoke shyly having previously met his great aunt yet not having spent much time with her on her visit to Hope Valley.
"Hello, Lad! Your Aunt Julie is right. You are growing up!" Agatha Thatcher bent over to accept a hug and kiss. Standing straight, she glanced around the station, "Regina is a larger city than I expected. I do see an abundance of red serge around, but I'm surprised to see so many other well-dressed travelers!"
"Oh, you may be surprised, Agatha," explained Grace as she hugged her daughter and whispered, "I really like it," as she caressed Julie's shorter hair style and patted her cheek.
"Regina is a growing city and a fast-developing area. It is a younger city than Hamilton, but has most of the same opportunities. You are correct though, there is far more red serge!" William explained. "Agatha, the vehicle is right over there so if you, Grace, and Julie can make your way over, we will follow with the luggage."
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Aunt Agatha commented as they rode the elevator, "Well, Le Chateaux is as impressive as others I've seen, so that is in its favor." She continued addressing her brother, "the prairies are flat though, aren't they? I am always struck with the topography when I travel west."
Exiting the elevator, the group entered the Thatcher accommodations.
"Darling, you are glowing! A beautiful bride!" Agatha greeted Elizabeth inside the Thatchers' apartment while Julie waited for a sisterly hug before making her way to Elizabeth's guest room.
"Thank you, Aunt. I am happier than I can remember!" Elizabeth smiled sweetly as she followed her mother showing Agatha her guest quarters At William's and Grace's residence.
After Brad returned form depositing his luggage in David's apartment's guest room, the Thatchers were seated in the parlor.
When Julie joined them in the parlor, Grace explained their immediate plans, offering a beverage, "Ladies, can we provide a glass of water or a cup of tea?"
Knowing that Agatha Thatcher was an old-fashioned and formal matriarch, Hudson fell back into his role as butler and quietly waited for direction from Grace.
"Tea, please, Hudson? Thank you. We ladies have plans but, Bradley, you and William will have a light supper here with Jack and Hudson before we head to Nathan's and Elizabeth's home for a couple of hours."
While Hudson retreated to the kitchen to prepare tea and cookies, Jack leaned against Julie's knees staring at her. In a quiet moment, he voiced, "You look different, Aunt Julie…"
"Oh! My short hair style! I keep forgetting everyone hasn't yet seen my forage into the modern era. What do you think?" She tweaked Jack's cheek, adding, "I look different, but I love you the same, Jackie-boy!"
Looking at the tall blonde seated next to her, he questioned, "Who is the doctor? Is someone sick?"
"Oh, Jack!" Julie giggled, "No one is sick! Dr. Brad is my beau so he is our guest at the wedding. Maybe it would be easier to call him Uncle Brad? Is that alright with you?" She glanced at Elizabeth who nodded her assent. "Why don't you get one of your favorite toys to show Uncle Brad?"
Nodding, Jack quickly disappeared.
"I hope that name is okay, Brad?" Elizabeth explained, "We have a large extended family of extra aunts, uncles, and grandparents, so it is the easiest way to show adults the respect they are due."
"As a pediatrician, I welcome being an uncle to someone rather than their surgeon! Hopefully, Jack and I can become friends."
"You can count on that," William interjected, "just know that trains are highly favored, along with chocolate!"
"Excuse me, but in an hour, we ladies will enjoy Afternoon Tea downstairs, in honor of our Bride. You will meet our dear ones, Ruth Grant, the Groom's mother, and Carol Collins, the Commissioner's wife, who is a integral part of our extended family. We are including Lillian Kinslow, the wife of Nathan's Mountie colleague and one of his groomsmen, and Allie will join us after school. Agatha, we must ask Hudson to give you and Bradley a City tour so you can see Allie's Academy and Depot Division."
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(*99) Proverbs 30: 19 'There are three things which are too wonderful for me, yea, four which I know not: the way of an eagle in the air, the way of a serpent upon a rock, the way of a ship in the midst of the sea, and the way of a man with a maid.' King James Version, Public Domain
(*100) Proverbs 5: 18b, King James Version, Public Domain