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Chapter One Hundred Seventy-two

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…and a Ladies' Tea

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"This is a lovely thing to do, Mother, giving us a few private moments with our dear Bride-to-be," Julie glanced around the private dining room as the ladies sat around an elegant table set with fine china, crystal, sparkling silver, and delicate lace linens.

"Well, the menfolk took Nathan to lunch so we need to share our perspectives on marriage and bequeath our womanly wisdom on Elizabeth! We also have a few gifts to bestow, and some are not appropriate to open in mixed company!" Grace laughed and caught Ruth's eye. "Although the Matron-of-Honor won't arrive until tomorrow, there are just too many things going on to wait until then, so Ruth and Carol and I thought we could welcome you dear ones while we celebrate our Bride."

"I'm so glad you are with us, Allie. We must catch-up on all the latest news about school and youth group and friends!" Julie winked at Allie who blushed sweetly, remembering their talks over the holidays.

"Dad and Miss Bess have arranged for me to have Thursday, Friday, and Monday off from school, so I will have time to be with all the family and my friends coming from Hope Valley! It's going to be busy, but fun!" Allie grinned, "And wait until you see the house and my new bedroom. It's beautiful!"

"I've heard about this new house from Julie! I'm looking forward to seeing it myself!" Aunt Agatha commented. "Now, Allie, tell me about your school activities? My niece has told me you were her prize pupil back in Hope Valley."

"She did? Thank you, Miss Bess," Allie's cheeks pinked as she looked adoringly at her mother-to-be. "Miss Bess always made our lessons interesting so it was easy to do well."

"Yes, Elizabeth has a calling to teach!" Turning from Allie to her niece, Agatha continued, "Will you find a position here in Regina now? Or remain at home? I would imagine living expenses for a family in the city are far greater than in your little frontier town."

"Agatha!" Grace exclaimed immediately as she searched for words to cover her sister-in-law's intrusive inquiry.

Straightening in her seat, Elizabeth softly and calmly replied, "Nathan, my husband-to-be, has more sources of income than the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, although his position there is adequate to comfortably provide for us. He is a good, kind, and generous man, Aunt Agatha, and we will want for nothing."

"If you say so, although you won't match the social status you had in Hamilton. But what about your teaching aspirations?" Agatha was determined to push her questions in spite of those around the table who sat wide-eyed and stunned.

"When I departed Hamilton, I left status and social encumbrances behind. I had to learn a lot of life-skills from kind-hearted townspeople so I am indebted to many. In Hope Valley, I also learned to appreciate the love and support of community, the depth of true friendships, the meaningful interactions with my students, and the joy of a simpler life. Nathan and I intend to stay true to those ideals and are forming a wonderful community of friends, alongside the joys of our extended family here in Regina. With God and all He has provided, we want for nothing."

Elizabeth continued, "As far as teaching? I will be teaching two beautiful children-life lessons, music, cooking, etc. and I am working on writing some children's stories. Those joys and loving and caring for my husband and home will fulfill more than I could ever have dreamt."

Pausing, Elizabeth decided to be bold, "Aunt Agatha, I hope for my sake at least, you will accept and open your mind and heart to Nathan. He, his daughter here, and his parents all deserve to be welcomed, appreciated,

and loved by us all. We are a beloved family to each other and our connections run far deeper than blood, society, and wealth dictates."

"Well said, Elizabeth," Carol spoke up. "Everyone around this table adores Nathan and we are in turn grateful to know him and be included in his love. He is deserving of every happiness."

"Thank you for saying that, Carol," Grace looked embarrassed and grieved.

Also taken aback by her aunt's forthright manner, Julie moved the tiered plate-stand closer to Allie inviting her to help herself. Addressing her Julie questioned, "Sweetheart, I recall you describing the Faculty Tea you helped prepare at the Academy. Is this tea anything like that one? Are there any of your favorite tea sandwiches here?"

Taking the cue, Allie replied as she placed a couple sandwiches onto her plate. "It appears that there are watercress sandwiches and those are Dad and my favorites! The ones I decorated looked different though."

"The ones you decorated were made with cream cheese and fancy vegetables like at the Engagement Party, right? You should have seen the beautiful platters served at that event! Plus, all the food was created and decorated by Carol and Ruth and Hudson and Irma and Allie and Elizabeth and even Bill Avery! Mother and Father and I even helped sometimes!" Julie giggled and added, "It was great fun, beautiful and delicious and no caterers were needed!"

Deciding to help keep the conversation redirected, Ruth expounded, "We have many fine chefs in our family, even the Judge! Did you meet him in Hope Valley?" Without waiting for an answer, Ruth continued, "We enjoyed culinary delights for over a week! We probably won't have time to prepare a lot this weekend, but I may have prepared some cream puffs this morning and I know Carol made her famous fruit scones! They will be added to our fare, at some point!"

"Yes, if I can eat anything in these next few days, I would love one of those puffs. They are favorites, Mom, and maybe you can spare a scone for my breakfast one day, Carol?" Elizabeth asked as she prepared a scone with clotted cream and jam. "These probably don't compare to yours, plus I know Nathan and Allie make wonderful scones!"

The conversation began to take an easier route as they included Lillian and had her describe her Christmas wedding and reception, then discussed the plans for the coming days with the arrival of friends from Hope Valley.

After a while, Grace stood to collect a large basket of gifts and envelopes, along with a few larger packages and set them on a chair that Carol moved beside Elizabeth.

"What is this? I didn't expect any gifts!"

"Well, that's part of the surprise, Sweetheart! Please begin to open them while we enjoy another cup of tea." Grace handed a few sheets of paper and a pen to Lillian who had offered to keep a list, knowing how helpful that had been for her wedding events. "Thank you, Lillian."

Opening the top gift, Elizabeth discovered a stunning hair comb, a deep, blue sapphire surrounded by tiny diamond chips and pearls. "Mother, this is gorgeous! Where did you get it?"

"This is from your father and me, and if you wear it Saturday, you will have something old, new, and blue! I had a jeweler form it from an old brooch that belonged to my mother. I never wore it because it wasn't my style, but it included all the gemstones so I had it reconfigured… you could say, made new! Do you like it?"

"Oh, I do! All the sentiment it embodies makes it all the more lovely and I will happily wear it. The design is simple and not ostentatious, so perfect for a special occasion," Elizabeth passed the box around for all to see. "Thank you, Mother."

"You are welcome, Sweetheart."

"Now, Elizabeth, you must open this box from me." Julie reached into the basket and extracted a long velvet box. "Here is your borrowed item to wear."

Elizabeth giggled as she opened the box to reveal a bracelet that included a tiny sapphire surrounded by seed pearls. "So you found it? Where did you hide it or were you just trying to prevent me from finding it?"

Laughing, Julie glanced around the table and explained, "This bracelet reminds us of a day of sibling rivalry that was unmatched. There was pulling and pushing along with copious amounts of tears, especially when I hid the bracelet from Elizabeth and then couldn't find it anywhere. It really was lost, Elizabeth. I had placed it in one of the dresser drawers but evidently it slid behind and was safely hidden below the drawer for years. I had forgotten all about it until I was sorting my dresser and had Hudson lift out the drawer and place it on my bed. That was a few years ago, but I thought it would be a fun reminder of our competition in our youth! Just remember though, this is borrowed from me, not gifted."

With a mischievous sparkle in her eye, Elizabeth parried in return, "If I remember correctly, Granny gave it to all of us girls to wear on special occasions. You just claimed it as your own…" Elizabeth hooked the bracelet around her wrist and held it out for all to see. "So, thank you for remembering that."

"You do not remember correctly and I am just lending it to you..."

Grace interrupted, admonishing, "Now girls, let's not argue. It's just jewelry after all."

"If I may interject with the truth?" Aunt Agatha chuckled, "I was visiting when your Grandmother bequeathed that and you are both correct! She gave it to the three of you to each wear when you were presented to Society and said that since Julie would be the final one as the youngest, she could keep it." With a satisfied tone of finality, Agatha added, "There that settles that."

"I think you need to open more gifts or we'll be here for a few hours!" interjected Grace.

Giggles surrounded the table as Elizabeth blushed. She shrugged her shoulders and commented, "Well! Thank you for the memories, Julie." Elizabeth apologized, "I'm sorry, everyone, it's just unfinished business between sisters I guess."

"I guess I should be glad I don't have a sister!" Allie contributed as everyone laughed. "Please open that one, Miss Bess?"

"Of course, Honey," Elizabeth lifted out a beautiful lace-edged, linen handkerchief with delicate white flowers embroidered in one corner. "Oh, how lovely!" Looking at it closely before glancing at Allie, Elizabeth inquired, "Wait! Did you embroider this?"

Blushing slightly, Allie spoke softly, "I did. It's not as extravagant a gift as the others, but it means a lot to me. The handkerchief belonged to my mother and I thought it was so beautiful I wanted you to have it because you'll be my new mom. Since, it's not new, I embroidered it to make it more special. Will you carry it for the wedding?"

With watery eyes, Elizabeth reached over to hug Allie, saying, "This might be more precious than any other gift, because you are gifting me something precious to you. Thank you, Allie. I will cherish this and carry it with me on Saturday."

Elizabeth smiled tenderly and shared her desire, "As a matter of fact, I was waiting to surprise you, but I will tell you now. I would like you to be my Maid-of-Honor. Aunt Julie and Aunt Rosemary will help you, so there isn't that much extra for you to do, but it would mean a lot to me to have you right beside me. Will you do this for me?"

"Really? You want me to stand with you as more than a Bridesmaid?"

"I do, Sweetheart. You are your dad and my First Daughter, so deserve the privilege." Elizabeth wiped Allie's tears and added, "Oh, Allie. We have so much joy ahead of us. I love you, Honey."

"I love you too, Miss Bess…"

With no dry eyes around the table, the luncheon continued and Elizabeth opened a stunning white, hand-stitched, smocked and button front nightgown, its tiny mother-of-pearl buttons catching the light. Ruth had made her future daughter-in-law this original design from the softest, finest cotton and it was breath-taking.

Elizabeth also received a lacey pair of garters from Lillian, a silky peignoir set Rosemary had left behind for her, multiple sets of lush, thick towels embroidered with the initial 'G' from Aunt Agatha and sets of beautifully hem-stitched bed sheets from Carol.

"All of these gifts mean so much to me and I will enjoy each one. Thank you!" Elizabeth glanced at each special woman gathered around the table.

"Please help yourselves to more tea, ladies?" Grace offered. "We have some thoughts to share with our Bride before we dismiss. Ruth? Would you please share first?"

"Sure. Elizabeth, I am so thrilled that you are becoming my daughter-in-love. I can see how you adore Nathan and Allie and that brings such joy to this mother's heart. Nathan gave up so much to help on the ranch, to delay his Mountie training, then to care for our sweet Allie. He never complained nor thought it a burden or unfair that others didn't have the same responsibilities."

"You will find as your children grow that one of the greatest joys is to see their character emerge and to see them exemplify the values you tried to instill in them. He has raised our Allie to be a sweet, loving, and beautiful person on the inside and we are all grateful. Nathan has blessed us all by his kindness, willingness to care for those in need, and his generous heart. I am…" Ruth choked up for a moment before she could speak again, "Sorry… I am so grateful for how God has turned trials into good and produced a man of such stellar character. Elizabeth, thank you for seeing his worth and for loving Nathan. You make him so happy and he is so deserving of every happiness."

"Please indulge me as I brag about my son," Ruth glanced around the table, "but he is a unique blend of characteristics. Nathan is sensitive, thoughtful and trustworthy, while also wise, strong and protective. That is what I want to mention to you, Elizabeth. I know you now know why he moved to Hope Valley. Please understand that his protectiveness is a result of his Mountie training, his role as a man, and also his loving heart. Remember to filter his actions through those attributes if you are ever tempted to resist his leadership in your family? If you grow to admire, respect, and love him even more than you do now, he will give you all his best and you will be blessed."

"I will, Mom. I promise you," Elizabeth whispered as she wiped the corners of her eyes.

"Well said, Ruth," Carol agreed. "Nathan is an honorable, Godly man and Peter and I are so proud of him and his choices. Not that we have a right to be proud like you do, Ruth, but we see what God has done in his life and it is endearing."

"Elizabeth, I would add that the life of a Mountie wife can be a challenge. After your loss, you understand more than most, but I'm referring to the fact that the Mounties expect a lot from their men. I believe Nathan will not need to take long weeks away from your family now that he is at Depot, but there may be late hours over which he has no control. I would suggest that you work diligently to communicate with each other, so there is no unfinished business between you. Also, I recommend that you find a few Mountie wives with whom you can confide and commiserate if needed." Carol smiled, "Although all of them have been transferred now, I depended on Mountie wives during numerous challenges in Peter an my past."

Ruth extended her comments, "You have the added challenge of blending your family and raising your children together right from the start. From what I see you are both sharing responsibilities and doing well, so keep praying for wisdom as you move forward and communicate. Also know your extended family loves each of you and we are here if you need us." When Ruth finished, she nodded at Grace.

"Sweetheart, your Dad and I haven't always been the best of examples, but God has been gracious to us and I can honestly say that we are happier together now than ever before. I believe our family trials have taught us and molded us and we are grateful for our second chance. My advice parallels Carol's in this. Keep talking, sharing and praying with each other. Those times have become precious to your father and me and I am sure they will strengthen your marriage."

"Actually, let me add another thing." Grace held up her hand and spoke, "You know that Nathan's writings have blessed William and me, so I would suggest you read his writings regularly because they give you insights into his soul and may also spark understanding and growth in your own life. His words are deep and moving."

"Thank you for that reminder, Mother. I will take more time to read his thoughts as we settle in to our marriage. I know many of his poems are beautiful and rich."

"Elizabeth, I am learning just by listening to these wise women, and since I am newly married, I have little to share except what an older woman shared with me. Respect your husband and always give him first place in your heart. Honor him in your conversations with your children and with those outside your family too. That's all."

"That's very wise, Lillian," Grace commented.

"Yes, thank you for sharing that, Lillian. Maybe we can be in touch more, now that we'll be married?"

"I would like that, Elizabeth."

"I don't speak from marital experience but rather from observations of others. Be his biggest encourager. It sounds as though you have a lot to appreciate in Nathan, so look for those things you can support and encourage."

"Thank you, Aunt Agatha, I am trying and will continue to do so."

"Well, I guess I am next though not an expert like you others. What I can say is that, Elizabeth, you have a prize. I think Fiona told me she had called Nathan 'a Dish' when he first came to town, but I mean more that his physical attributes as fine as they are!"

The ladies laughed softly with Julie's way of expressing herself, but they all agreed.

"I mean Nathan is what every woman would want. I think I have found a man similar to him in Brad, so we can both be thankful our menfolk are diligent, conscientious, and hard-working. They are both devoted to serving others and willing to sacrifice when needed. I believe I see that in both Nathan and Brad."

"Yes, Julie, I see it too… even the 'Dish' part!" Elizabeth giggled.

"May I say something? My Dad is the best man and father I know. He has never raised his voice at me, although I've given him plenty of opportunities to get angry. He corrects and punishes me but always stays calm and explains and teaches me too. He always tells me what he expects, praises me for good behavior, and encourages good deeds. I don't think anyone knows how much he has done for people in Hope Valley, and how he has stood up for what is right in other places we lived, like Fort Clay. The Mountie motto is to 'Maintain the Right' and my Dad is really good at that. Miss Bess, you can trust him with Jack because Dad really loves him and wants him to grow up and be a good man."

Allie colored slightly as she became aware of the older women watching her, then spoke quietly, "Dad has loved you for a really long time, Miss Bess. I'm so happy you love him now too, because you make him so happy."

"Oh, Honey, I do love him and I am so thankful that he loved me so patiently for all those years. I don't take it lightly that God has given your Dad to me, to you, to us. We are privileged aren't we?"

Nodding her agreement, Allie reached over to hug Elizabeth and once more the ladies all dried their eyes as they witnessed this sweet love.

"Thank you, ladies, for all your words of wisdom. I'm so glad we could bless Elizabeth this special afternoon. Now we need to please pack the gifts and place them on that cart so the staff can bring them upstairs."

"I do feel blessed by what you've shared and by your thoughtful gifts. Thank you everyone." Elizabeth glanced around the table, then stood and began to repack the boxes.

"I need to do my job," Allie grinned as she stood to help.

Laughing, Elizabeth winked at Allie, "Thanks, Honey."

Grace stood, then explained, "We hardly need more to eat, but I believe there is a light buffet awaiting us at the Grants. Shall we go upstairs, freshen up, and collect the men folk?"

"Yes! I am anxious to see your new home, Elizabeth," Aunt Agatha exclaimed "and to meet your groom!"

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On the way over to the Grants, Julie, Elizabeth and Allie shared the back seat while Carol sat in front, conversing with Jake as he drove them home.

"Bessie, remember we must go out tomorrow morning to try on and pick-up my dress. Have you thought more about what we discussed?" Julie whispered conspiratorially.

"I'm still thinking, Jules, but I'm leaning towards a yes." Elizabeth looked at Allie. "Can you keep a big secret from your father, Honey?"

"I can and I will. If he asks I'll just say it is Maid-of-Honor business!" Allie giggled.

"Good idea." Elizabeth smiled and confided in Allie whose eyes widened as her jaw dropped.

"May I come to watch?"

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