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Chapter One Hundred Seventy-three
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Events Minor and Major
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Nathan took the time to carefully pack his luggage, polish his already shiny low black boots and dress shoes, and arrange his dark blue suit for Friday evening's dinner and his dress uniform for the wedding. Hudson had promised to get the honeymoon luggage loaded onto the Pullman car which was waiting on a siding at the Regina train station, so Nathan wanted his belongings ready to go early. He would carry his garment bag and Mountie satchel with last-minute items he would need prior to the ceremony.
"Dad? Do you need any help? I know my job is to help Miss Bess, but I'm still your daughter and those responsibilities remain," Allie giggled, gleefully.
Chuckling Nathan called Allie into his bedroom. "You can double check that I haven't forgotten anything I'll need for tomorrow and Saturday. Would you please?"
"Sure, Dad," Allie agreed as she began to inspect the pile of clothing stacked in one of the arm chairs.
"Where's the waistcoat that matches your suit, Dad?"
"Oh, that's in the closet, Honey. I'm planning to wear the waistcoat and tie that you made for me to tomorrow's dinner. Is that okay?"
"Oh! I love that, Dad. You'll look really sharp. Why don't I hang it under your suitcoat so everything is together?" Allie quickly moved the waistcoat and shirt under the suitcoat, then questioned, "Do you have two pairs of clean socks saved out?"
"They should be right below my undergarments over there," Nathan pointed to the chair.
"I must have missed them." Allie returned to check again, correcting herself, "Okay. How about handkerchiefs? You might need those you know!"
"Good idea, Honey. Please pull a few from my top drawer? Thanks." Nathan suddenly realized their schedule would soon be filled, so questioned Allie, "Honey? Do you have your overnight bag packed with the items you'll need to dress for Friday's dinner and before the wedding? It would be good to be prepared so you don't forget anything. I will bring your dinner dress to Elizabeth's after we meet with Mrs. Blake."
"I'm a step ahead of you, Dad. My bag is packed and you can bring it today. It's beside the back door."
"Good for you! Will you write it on my list, please? I cannot depend on my memory for even the most major detail these next few days..."
"Allie? Nathan? Hudson is here to take Allie out with the ladies," Zach called from the hallway before returning to assist Carol, Ruth, and Lillian baking cookies to have available for the Hope Valley guests when they toured the Grant's home in the evening.
"Okay, Dad. Enjoy your morning!" Allie gave her Dad a quick hug.
With a hug and a kiss to the top of her head, Nathan responded, "You too, Honey, see you later."
"Bye, everyone! See you later," Allie waved as she passed the kitchen door, excited for the day's events.
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After Julie and Allie tried on their dresses, Madam Roche's assistants carefully boxed their finery amidst copious amounts of tissue paper and Hudson loaded the boxes into the automobile along with the boxes containing Rosemary's dress and Elizabeth's gown and veil. Earlier in the week, Grace had collected her dress, and delivered Ruth's and Carol's outfits to the Grant's. Hudson would bring the wedding party's dresses to Le Chateaux Qu'Appelle where Grace and he would unpack and hang the items in Elizabeth's bedroom closet.
"Merci beaucoup, Madame Roche! I love all the dresses we've purchased from you and I will highly recommend you in the future."
"Oh! Merci, Mrs. Thornton. Merci beaucoup! Please bring a photograph of the wedding party for me to see? You are a beautiful Bride, and your wedding will to be magnifique!"
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With furtive glances up and down the street, Elizabeth, Allie, and Julie hurried from the car and into Martina's Salon.
"I forgot to ask you, Bessie, but do you have the photographs I sent you from the magazines?"
"I do and I have decided on this one," Elizabeth pulled the image from her purse as they were seated in the waiting room. "Not too short and not too long. This shop comes with a glowing reputation from both Johanna and Jane, but since neither of them have curls I only hope Martina is the correct choice…"
"May I see?" Allie hung over Elizabeth's side, "Oh! You will look so different, but I know Dad will think you are beautiful no matter what!"
"That's a great choice, Bessie, and Allie is right. You could wear a potato sack and look stunning!"
Giggling, Elizabeth admitted, "That's exactly what Nathan said!"
"Wait! He knows what you are doing today?" Julie questioned disappointedly.
"Oh no! This will be a shock. We were discussing hemlines and modern styles when he mentioned the potato sack. I do think Nathan is easy to please though."
"Miss Bess? Dad has waited so long for you that neither modern styles nor potato sacks will matter at all!"
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Having seen the vehicles parked in the driveway at the main house, Elizabeth and her attendants quietly closed the car doors, waved at Hudson, and made their way inside the house.
"You go on ahead, Allie, and make sure your father is in the living room, okay?" Julie instructed quietly.
"Hello everyone! We have returned!" Allie motioned behind her back and when Elizabeth approached the living room doorway, Allie announced, "May I present our Bride, the future Mrs. Elizabeth Grant! Ta da!"
Blushing sweetly, Elizabeth rounded the corner and the room suddenly stilled. Everyone froze momentarily, their eyes fixed on her, until they spun to watch Nathan's reaction.
Elizabeth only saw Nathan who, in return, only saw her.
With a gasp and a silly grin, Nathan rose and admired his beautiful bride, "Lisbeth! You cut your hair… and you look great… stunning!" Taking two long strides he was in front of her, cupping the back of her head with his hand holding her bob, and bending to give her a kiss. Upon parting, he whispered, "I love it!" yet kept his hand caressing her soft locks.
"Really? I know you have loved it long, but I like the more up-to-date look now." Elizabeth patted Nathan's cheek, "I wanted to surprise you…"
"Mission accomplished. You look beautiful…"
"Bessie! Wow! Is this what you and Julie have been whispering about since she arrived?" Grace came to the doorway and as Nathan released her daughter, requested her to turn around.
Elizabeth's twirl caused her hair to bounce and unleashed the rest of the joy and compliments from the smiling family gathered around the room. That is until Jack abruptly ran to his mother, crying out, "Mommy! What happened? Who took all your hair?"
Kneeling to hug her son, Elizabeth laughed, "Oh Jack! No one took it, I just had it cut! Do you think you can get used to it?"
"I don't know…" Jack reached toward the back of her head, with an extremely serious expression, "I think I miss your hair…"
Nathan knelt beside them, fluffed Elizabeth's hair and encouraged Jack to do so, "Isn't it soft? I think your Mommy looks really pretty."
"I guess Daddy is right, you do look pretty…" Hesitantly Jack fluffed his mother's hair just as Nathan had done. "I just… Ohhh, it is soft…"
"Soft and pretty!" Allie added, "Did you notice anything about me?"
"Oh, Honey! I'm sorry, I didn't even notice with Elizabeth's transformation. You have a new style don't you. The sides are a little shorter and curled and your hair is parted differently. I like it Allie-girl!" Nathan opened his arm to hug his daughter. "You look very pretty!"
"Now, gentlemen, remember once a lady's hair is styled, you cannot muss it! Right now is okay, but remember not to touch it when we are going out," Julie warned.
Laughter filled the room as everyone knew that was a rule never to be broken!
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Leaving the rest of the family to dine at home, Nathan and Elizabeth headed to Victoria's Café for a final wedding planning meeting with Johanna Blake.
"Honey? I know you said how much you wanted to undo my chignon on our wedding night, but I hope you can forgive me for depriving you of that privilege? You may still brush my hair and I loved it when you caressed it earlier." As he drove, Elizabeth watched Nathan who sported a small smile, "So, are we okay?"
Chuckling, Nathan's grin widened as he explained, "It would take a lot more than the length of your hair to come between us, Lisbeth! We are fine and I really think you look beautiful. The style is complimentary and I love when it bounces and swings! I also think it is especially soft so it will be difficult to keep my hands off of it!"
"You are the one who has permission to caress it, Nathan!"
"Good! We have a lot to look forward to then, my Love."
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When Elizabeth and Nathan approached the table where Johanna was seated, she looked up, startled, "Elizabeth! I love it! When did you cut your hair?" Johanna reached over and hugged Elizabeth.
"This morning!" Elizabeth giggled. "Can you believe it? Julie has been discussing this with me since Christmas and when she got her hair cut she sent me some magazine photographs. She, Allie, and I went to the Salon you had mentioned and voila!" Elizabeth flipped her hair.
Eyeing Nathan, Johanna inquired, "So, what do you think of this new style?"
"I actually love it, but am sorely tempted to play with those bouncing curls!" Nathan blushed as he confessed, locking gazes with his Bride.
Breaking their contact, Elizabeth shared, "I figured that I was wearing my hair up in a chignon more often than not, so why not take the plunge?"
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After ordering a light meal, the Bridal couple and Johanna brought out their lists and began to compare.
"Now, Josiah couldn't come for lunch, but he wanted me to assure you he is taking care of the arch formation. You will walk up the aisle during the recessional and move to the back corner on the brides' side along with your family. While you have a few family photos taken, your groomsmen will exit the church and join the other Mounties you have listed. Maxon will bring the lances. Josiah will lead the formation and you will walk through the arch until you stop behind the dipped lances. When the question is posed you must kiss, at which point the lances will be raised and you will exit, a married couple!"
"This will be so delightful. I've never seen the arch in person so I know it will surprise our guests!" Nathan admitted.
"Josiah will meet with the Mounties who are present on Friday evening and do a practice run, so if your attendants disappear between dinner and dessert, don't be concerned!"
"Oh! Excuse me, Johanna! I didn't think to mention to you that during our dinner, Nathan and I will be participating in a Foot-washing Ceremony in front of our guests and we plan to do it before dessert. Can Josiah wait to pull out the Mounties until after we finish?"
"Oh? I've never seen that before," Johanna questioned, intrigued. "It sounds unique though. Is it just the two of you?"
"Yes, we will share a few words to each other, then I will wash Nathan's feet and he will wash mine. It is something that is especially important to me and I want our Hope Valley friends to witness it as they saw how I rejected Nathan's loving care for so long. They need to see me humble myself before him and promise to always serve him."
"Oh! It sounds as though there is a story there that I would love to know, but we'll save that for another time if you are willing to share." Johanna made a note on her list, commenting, "I will ask Josiah to wait until that ends. I doubt the lineup will take long, He just wants to plan in advance so it goes smoothly in front of all the assembled guests."
Johanna continued, "I will meet the florist at Chapel on Saturday morning to be certain all the arrangements are properly placed and I will keep the boutonniere for your father, Nathan. The florist will bring one for your father, Elizabeth, and for your son along with the bridal flowers delivered to you at the Hotel."
"I've been in touch with Ellwood and he and your pastor from Hope Valley have the details and order of service worked out. They will meet each other at the Chapel early, along with the organist, in order to orient Pastor Canfield, and Ellwood will bring the extra clerical robe for him. As you know, Ellwood has performed R.C.M.P. weddings previously so he is an expert."
"Now, do you have questions? Oh! Is there someone from Hope Valley who can keep track of all of the guests so we get them from the Chapel back to the hotel? Also, who will drive?"
"The Hotel is loaning us three sightseeing motorbuses and drivers, for pickup this afternoon, a tour of the city tomorrow morning, and to transport our guests to and from the wedding. Maybe it would be good to have someone keep a list though? Who do you think, Nathan? Maybe Ned?"
"I was just thinking of him. He would be a good one and we know he can project his voice if needed!" Nathan chuckled along with Elizabeth. "I can also ask Henry to assist him. Shall I ask them upon their arrival?"
"Yes, please? Lee will have his hands full, and Ben Marshall might not know everyone well enough."
"We'll ask Ned Yost and maybe you can remind me to introduce you on Friday evening, so you can coordinate with each other if needed?" Nathan assured Johanna. "We cannot thank you enough for your kindness in helping us organize our wedding, Johanna. You are God's provision!"
"My assistance is minor and is really not as difficult as some weddings I've helped with. I have no responsibilities for the reception venue, or catering, or the cake! Mr. Durand assures me he will oversee all of that since this is one of the first weddings they have hosted at the new hotel. He explained he has a lot of experience in previous hotels though, so it sounds as though you have a seasoned guide to handle the more challenging portion of your celebration!"
"Well, being new in town, we are grateful to you, Johanna, for all you have done," Elizabeth placed her hand over Johanna's, adding, "very grateful."
"I know you are and I am really looking forward to it! It brings us closer together, you know?" Johanna laughed and winked at Elizabeth, "You will be a beautiful bride and a handsome prince of a groom!"
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Bill paced the platform, a dozen coral roses hidden behind his back. When the train arrived from Ottawa, he scanned the exiting passengers, freezing when he saw Adeline Foster. Her beauty took his breath away and she was approaching him before he began to move towards her. Fortunately, he recovered in time to show her the roses and open his arms to welcome her with a long-awaited kiss.
"Adeli…"
"Bill…" dropping her suitcases, she whispered, her eyes shining with emotion. "Oh, it is so good to see you!"
"I don't want to let go of you, Sweetheart! It has been too long…" Bill hugged her again, then glanced down at her luggage. "Is this everything?"
"It is. I left a couple dresses at Irene's house before I moved, so I had less to pack." Adeli lifted the roses to breathe in their sweet fragrance. "These are gorgeous, Bill. Thank you for remembering!" She threaded her arm through his and they excitedly headed towards his vehicle, "You need to tell me the schedule of events!"
"First, do you need some lunch or did you eat onboard?"
"I would enjoy lunch, but do you have the time?"
"I cleared my docket until Tuesday, knowing there would be so much transpiring! Shall we go to Victoria's for old times' sake?"
"Yes, let's do that!"
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"Nathan!"
Nathan and Elizabeth stopped as they departed the Café and turned to see a smiling Bill with a lovely blonde on his arm.
"Bill! Adeli! You just arrived?" Nathan gave her a brief hug before stepping back and reintroducing his bride-to-be, "Adeli? You remember meeting Elizabeth Thornton at Allie's concert? Honey?"
"Lovely to see you again and welcome back to Regina!" Elizabeth extended her hand, which Adeli accepted before giving her a hug.
Laughing, Adeli glanced at Bill, then back at the bridal couple, "Congratulations on the upcoming wedding and celebration! You have a wonderful fella here, and a fine family man! How is Allie, Nathan?"
"Allie is wonderful and will be happy to see you. I confess we may all take a back seat this weekend though as her dear friends from Hope Valley are expected on the afternoon train!" Nathan grinned at Bill who suddenly woke up to Elizabeth's transformation.
"Elizabeth! When did you… You look lovely, but when…"
Laughing, Elizabeth shared about her modern look, adding, "Nathan likes it, so that makes me happy! I will look quite the modern bride on Saturday!"
"Adeli? Bill? If you would like to join all the Hope Valley guests, William has arranged for one of the larger dining halls so they can all share meals together tonight and a breakfast buffet in the mornings. After a motorbus tour tomorrow morning, they will be on their own and can eat in the Hotel's Café, then tomorrow evening is our special dinner that you won't want to miss." Nathan smiled, adding with a teasing tone, "I do recognize that our wedding isn't the only reason for your visit though! Enjoy your time with Bill…"
"I am sorry I won't be able to devote much time to getting to know you better, Adeli, but hopefully you will visit again?"
"Oh Elizabeth, you will surely see me again. Just enjoy your Nathan. That's enough for the bride to focus on for now, right?"
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