. .
Chapter One Hundred Seventy-five
. .
Tours and Thankfulness
. .
"They're here!" Allie excitedly announced from the kitchen, having been watching from the window.
"Shall we make a receiving line to greet everyone and make the introductions?" Nathan asked. "Sorry, I didn't think of this before."
"We can do that, but let each of us introduce ourselves so you and Elizabeth don't have to do it for everyone, Son." Archie suggested.
Peter spoke up, "Good idea, but Elizabeth and Nathan, you should be first and then Archie and Ruth and Zach, Carol, me, and the Kinslows closest to the front room."
"Sure. Once everyone is in the living room we can divide them up for tours, okay Elizabeth? Allie?"
Hardly having enough time to nod, the porch door was flung open and voices could be heard.
"Here they are!" Jack announced as Aunt Rosemary and Uncle Lee opened the door and ushered Patrick inside, followed by half of Hope Valley!
"This is so exciting and you make such a beautiful couple. I can clearly see your love and joy!"
"Oh my word!"
"Land of Goshen! This place is huge!"
"Well, there is no mistaking you and Nathan are brothers."
"Just graduated? Congratulations, Constable Grant!"
"I didn't get to tell you yesterday, but I love your new hairstyle, Elizabeth, and I love how happy you are with our dear Nathan."
"Who would have guessed we would be here and celebrating your marriage to Elizabeth! I am so happy for you and for Allie and the Thorntons. God meant this to be!"
"This house! Wow!"
"Oh! Lovely to meet you, Mrs. Grant, and you both are living here now too? In that charming cottage down the path? How wonderful for all of you!"
"This place is unbelievable! And it is yours?"
"Thank you for allowing us to see your home!"
Awed comments and congratulations filled the hallway until everyone had been greeted and had met those in line.
Nathan moved to stand in the living room doorway and projected his voice, "Welcome!" He waited for quiet, then continued, "Welcome to you all! Let me answer a few questions while you are all together, then we will divide into groups to tour the house. First, yes, this house was procured with an inheritance and Elizabeth and I are blessed to now call it home." Nathan blushed correcting himself, "Well, after Saturday we will both call it our home!"
Elizabeth squeezed his hand as Nathan continued. "My parents, Archie and Ruth, have just relocated to Regina where Dad will work for Lee Coulter in his new business venture. They live in the cottage where Allie and I lived since our arrival."
"Yes, the charred remains of the stable will be rebuilt in the coming months, and yes, my shoulder is back to normal now. Thank you to those who prayed."
"We have a new Constable Grant in our family as my brother, Zachary, just graduated from the Academy this past Tuesday and will be moving to his new assignment on Prince Edward Island next week."
"There is a studio apartment in one wing of the house which is where the Collinses stay when they are in Regina, since Mountie Headquarters has moved to Ottawa. They are in the midst of packing since they depart Regina next week and will be sorely missed. Please respect their privacy and only take a quick glance from the doorway? Thank you."
"You will see many original oil paintings on the walls, most of which were painted by my sister, Colleen, who is Allie's birth mother, although there are a few Allie Grant originals around as well. The key hanging in the kitchen is the one you gifted to me when I departed Hope Valley and the clock on the mantle is from you as well. Thank you again for those meaningful gifts. Thank you to Florence and Molly for the beautiful needlepoint pillows, one of the Jack Thornton Schoolhouse and Church and the other of Newton. The needlepoint in my bedroom, along with Allie's and my quilts, showcase the artistry of my mother."
"You will see various family groupings in photographs around the place, so enjoy a bit of our history and celebrations." Nathan looked at Elizabeth, asking, "Did I miss anything important, Honey?"
The endearment was not lost on many in the group and later they commented and rejoiced.
Using her teacher voice to reach across the room, Elizabeth added, "Although the furniture is mostly Nathan's, you will see that my belongings, photos, books, and dishware have been moved into this house, even though Jack and I have been living at the Hotel. We are looking forward to joining our family together here upon returning from our Honeymoon trip."
"After you tour the place, please help yourself to punch and cookies to fortify you for your motorbus tour. We hope you enjoy the sights of this fine city."
"Yes, we do and are grateful to William Thatcher for organizing that." Nathan spoke up again, "Now if a few of you would please follow Allie into the bedroom wing, a few follow Elizabeth through the kitchen to the studio apartment, and those remaining can see this middle section of the house with me to begin with. Enjoy and thank the Lord along with us for his marvelous works and provisions!""
"Any questions?" Elizabeth queried.
"Is it too much to ask that we get a peek into the Cottage?" Florence requested.
"Of anyone is interested in the Cottage, my parents have agreed to allow a quick visit and they will guide you as it is now their home. Please just give them a few moments to get back there once we finish touring this main house?"
. .
"What a lovely home, you two. I can see you have blended your belongings in anticipation of blending your family. I sense so much joy and peace in this place." Abigail wiped away a tear, "I am so grateful for these blessings for all four of you and you can welcome so many people here!"
"Thank you. The home was filled with family and extended family numbering twenty people over Christmas, and for our New Year's Day Engagement Open House there were over twice that! Carol and Peter have welcomed us and all our family and friends as their own, so I have taken mental notes on how graciously she has hosted. I hope to follow in her footsteps once we settle-in."
"Well, you always were a warm hostess for school events so I can see you continuing that in this home."
"Thanks. Here I have a lot of assistance with our Allie. She paints and sews, is learning piano, cooks and decorates, and is very helpful. She and Jack love each other very much and she babysits him too!" Elizabeth placed her hand on her friend's arm whispering softly, "Abigail, I could never have dreamed I would be so happy and know such love. Nathan is truly a precious gift from God and I am grateful."
"We all are grateful, Elizabeth," Faith interjected, having overheard, "and can hardly believe we are here to witness your wedding to your forever love. Nathan is a good man. Although I miss him and miss Allie back in Hope Valley, how good of God, you know? Nathan has loved you and patiently waited for you from his early days in town."
"Was it that obvious to others?" Elizabeth asked softly.
"His tenderness to Jack and the way he looked at you was visible love to many of us. And, my friend, there was no denying your interest and longing glances at Nathan when he wasn't looking, even during those years when you accepted the attentions of another man. Nathan has been so patient and God is rewarding him, and you too. I recall telling Nathan that something was always in the way of him getting together with me. We know for certain now that it was his faithful love for you, Elizabeth, and now his joy is so beautiful to see. You are blessed." Faith held her gaze, "It does my heart good, and Ben's as well, to see you healed and to see you so peaceful and joyful."
"Thank you, Faith. You saw me at my worst, but cared for me so lovingly," Elizabeth paused before adding, "and here we are."
As the doctor hugged her former patient, Elizabeth whispered in Faith's ear, "Plus, I am so happy for you and Ben. He isn't the Mountie you once said you wanted, but he is perfect for you."
. .
Near the sweet treats set out in the dining room, Nathan was conversing with Ned, Henry, and Lee, discussing the renovations that Lee had seen in progress.
"It has worked beautifully, my friend, and now you have plenty of space for your family," Lee lowered his voice, "and by space I mean plenty of room for your readymade family and for some additional little ones!" Lee nudged Nathan's shoulder.
"I hope so, God-willing."
"Rosie and I are thrilled to be nearby now to share your present and future joys, Nathan."
"Now that we have a contingent of Hope Valley citizens in Regina, Florence and I may have to plan another visit in the future!" Ned confessed, "We miss you something terrible, Nathan, even though Paul is a great chap and a great Mountie. Now that both Bill and the Coulters are here, well…" Ned shook his head.
"Change is difficult, Ned, but we haven't all left town," Henry interjected then turned to Nathan, "I am happy for you, and for Elizabeth."
Taking Henry's extended hand, Nathan pulled him into a brief hug. "Thank you, Henry."
"…and for your special Allie and Jack junior too…"
. .
"Brother, can I meet with you and Elizabeth for a few moments while the ladies visit the Cottage?" Joseph inquired.
"Sure," Nathan waved to his fiancée and the three of them retreated to the study and closed the doors.
"I just want to go over tonight's ceremony. I know we spoke of the logistics, but I have prepared a few words to introduce the symbolism of washing each other's feet. Is there anything you want to include or to share?"
"I'm uncertain if I should say it or if you should, Joseph…" Elizabeth began, then paused, "yet it needs to be said. My reason for doing this is to show everyone, Nathan, our family and guests, especially the ones from Hope Valley, that I am sorry for rejecting Nathan and his love, but I vow to love, and serve, and appreciate him from this moment on." She took Nathan's hand and lifted it to her lips. "What do you think, Nathan?"
"You know you don't have to show me, Lisbeth, but I do understand your desire to show our Hope Valley friends. Wouldn't it be too emotional for you to speak though? Maybe Joseph could say what's in your heart?" Nathan looked at Joseph.
"I could say exactly what you have said just now, Elizabeth, but attribute it to you, of course."
"Okay. Would you please add that I need to humble myself before Nathan and have them witness this act of service? If you can say all that, then please do." She squeezed Nathan's hand. "I can always whisper something private to you, Honey."
"That brings up a concern I have," Joseph acknowledged. "what you are doing is very personal and focused on each other and one, people could think it is embarrassing to watch, or two, feel it is awkward to remain silent for all that time. What do you think of Angela playing some quiet background music, that is if there is a piano available?"
"I like that idea, Lisbeth. We know her talent and everyone would enjoy listening to her and not have to merely focus on us. Could we call Mr. Durand and request a piano in the room?" As Elizabeth nodded her yes, Nathan continued. "Do you have any music in mind, Joseph?"
"I do. Lately she has been playing J.S. Bach's 'Well-tempered Clavier' and I thought it might be a beautiful backdrop. Would you like to ask her? I can make sure she gets familiar with the keyboard early, and Minnie can walk her to the instrument as I speak, so she would be ready to play when you walk to the chair."
"That sounds perfect, Joseph. I can't thank you enough for helping us with this. By doing this tonight, it means we can concentrate on our vows tomorrow." Elizabeth released Nathan's hand and hugged her dear pastor.
"Yes, thank you, Brother," Nathan added and was the next to hug him.
"Can you please call Mr. Durand right away, Honey? Then we can ask Angela."
. .
"Nathan stood in the doorway of Allie's bedroom, conversing with the teenagers and it was there that Elizabeth found him.
Nodding her head, she whispered, "No problem to have a piano. Shall we ask her?"
As Nathan nodded, Elizabeth spoke to the young ladies, "Angela? Sergeant Grant and I have a request for you. Would you be willing to play the piano for us tonight during a very special part of our dinner? Your Dad said you've been playing one of Bach's pieces recently and it would be lovely."
"Sure, Mrs. Thornton. I would be happy to."
"Wonderful, Sweetheart. Your Mom and Dad will guide you as to when to begin and end, and I can request a chair beside the piano for your mother."
"Okay. Could I play the piano to practice beforehand? You know, just to be sure?"
"Your Dad mentioned that might be helpful, so he can follow-up with the Hotel manager for timing so you can enter the room." Nathan and Elizabeth moved to the window seat, to hug their willing musician as Nathan spoke, "Thank you, Angela. You are blessing Mrs. Thornton and me, as well as all our guests. Now enjoy your conversations!"
. .
"Do you know why, Allie?" Opal asked curiously after the adults left the room.
"I don't, but thank you for your willingness Angela. I look forward to hearing you play again."
"So, Allie, describe your Maid-of-Honor dress to us, unless we can see it? Is it here?" Emily visually searched the room.
"No, it is already in Miss Bess's apartment because I will be dressing there. You know the Maid-of-Honor has a job to do, so I will help her dress, along with Aunt Rosie and Aunt Julie. It will be so fun!"
"What color is your dress?" Emily queried.
And until it was time for the guests to depart for their city tour, the young ladies discussed all things wedding and romance related!
. .
"Bye Allie-girl." Nathan hugged his daughter as she gathered her coat to accompany the tour. "We will see you at the dinner tonight. Enjoy your time with your friends, but stay with Laura and Mrs. Weiss please when you are outside and if you are in the Hotel, please make sure they know where you are at all times? Remember this isn't Hope Valley!" He kissed the top of her head, adding, "Thank you."
"I promise I will, Dad. We have so much to talk about that won't be a problem. Bye, Miss Bess, see you later when I come to get dressed."
"Okay, Honey. Enjoy your friends." Elizabeth responded as she leaned back against Nathan as they stood on the porch watching the motorbuses depart. Sighing, she commented, "I think everyone appreciated this visit and the house, don't you? Now they can visualize us living here when they return home."
"True. It was a nice chance to connect informally and I think they got to know us better this morning than they ever did back in Hope Valley!"
As they gave a final wave to their friends, Nathan turned to Elizabeth. "So what do you have planned for the next few hours?"
"Should we tackle the gifts that have been brought to us here?" Elizabeth responded. "One of us can open and the other can write a list? That is, unless you have plans?"
"I want to take Zach to lunch, just the two of us brothers, but we can do that tomorrow when I am forbidden from seeing my beautiful Bride…" Nathan bent to kiss his Elizabeth then picked up the conversation, extending his hand, "Lead the way!"
"That is a wonderful idea, Honey. Let's get to those gifts now."
. .
.