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Chapter One Hundred Seventy-six
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Acts of Service and Love
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While Elizabeth retreated to her apartment to meet Allie and dress, Nathan, who had dressed at home before they left, took Zach with him and they checked out the Prairie Lily Room, the larger of the three dining halls on the Mezzanine level.
The room was trimmed in dark wood with a coffered ceiling above. In between wall panels the room was a creamy color which was a beautiful backdrop for botanical paintings of the famous Prairie Lily, the Saskatchewan Province's wildflower. Richly draped windows let in warm sunset tones and upholstered chairs were coordinated in tapestry patterns of maroons and greens with touches of orange and gold. Linen-draped round tables were set, along with two simple, but distinctive and elegant candelabras separated by a low bowl of white and cream roses, interspersed with dark maroon berries, and ivy that matched the room's décor.
In a front corner stood an upright piano, also adorned with a floral arrangement, and between two windows on the front wall was an upholstered chair angled beside a small, draped table that held a frosted glass hurricane lamp, a silver basket that held a few lush towels and linen cloths. A white porcelain pitcher of water sat inside a matching porcelain bowl, tucked safely between the chair and table. More than satisfied with the arrangements, Nathan stepped across to hide his guitar behind the piano, grateful his father had transported it here earlier while he and Elizabeth opened gifts. He carefully tuned it before laying it back in the case.
"Finished?" Zach questioned then began to softly play a familiar hymn when Nathan took a seat beside the piano.
"Sounds good, Bro," Nathan commented, "I sure hope you can find a church or school or somewhere for you to play in Summerside."
"Thanks. I'm hoping so too, but taking advantage of every opportunity before I depart," Zachary responded.
"Speaking of which, how about you and I go out for an early lunch tomorrow? It will be good to just share brother-to-brother and I am restricted since I cannot see Elizabeth until the wedding. Shall we leave at half-past ten? I need to stop at the bookstore then we'll go to Victoria's at eleven? That gives me time to bathe and dress before we must leave for the Chapel."
"I would like that, Nathan. I thought of asking but you have had so much on your schedule," Zach chuckled, adding, "It would be good and I'll keep you distracted!"
"I may need that since Allie won't be home all day between seeing her Hope Valley friends and wedding preparations with Elizabeth!"
"Think of it as the responsibility of your Best Man!"
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Nathan knocked at the Thatcher's apartment door, even as other guests immerged from their rooms down the hallway and headed towards the elevator. Nathan waved and commented, "See you soon!"
"Well, hello everyone!" Nathan announced as he was welcomed into the parlor where the family was seated, ready, and waiting. "I've come to pick up my Bride and see my daughter."
"Is that Dad?" Allie hurried through the door from Elizabeth's and went straight into her father's arms. "Hi, Dad… I've been really busy, but I do miss you, you know…"
"Do you now? I'm glad to hear it because I've missed you too!" Nathan backed away enough to see Allie's new dark lavender dress. "Wow! You look stunning and I really love your hair with the side part and those curls. Will you wear it that way tomorrow?"
"Close to it, but maybe with a hair comb? Aunt Julie will help me."
"Sounds great, because…" Nathan's attention was drawn to his Elizabeth who entered smiling.
"Hi, Honey!"
"Hi, my Love…" Nathan inhaled quickly then continued, "You take my breath away! Beautiful, just beautiful…"
Elizabeth twirled around, causing the bottom of her dress and the sheer, flowing jacket to swing and flip, and her hair to bounce enticingly. Her medium toned sky blue dress had a sheer panel across the shoulders, with a solid and slightly blouson bodice and a waistline that was somewhat hidden and snug to her waist and hips. A jacket matched the sheer panel and she wore a long pearl necklace and pearl drop earrings. With her new hairstyle, Elizabeth Thornton looked every bit a modern woman and Nathan could hardly take her in!
Finally she moved towards him and holding the back of her head, Nathan leaned in to gently kiss his Bride.
From somewhere in the room William spoke up, chuckling, "I believe it is time, dear ones," and the family began to move towards the door amidst excited chatter.
Nathan held Elizabeth back to wait for an elevator they could take by themselves and pulled Elizabeth towards himself. With her hand on his waistcoat, she admired her handsome Groom, asking, "Did you notice my dress matches the blue in your tartan, Honey?" Elizabeth patted his necktie, noting that he wore the key tie clasp she had given him at Christmas, then she straightened his necktie and collar.
Nathan stretched his neck as she did so, with a slight groan. "Can I unbutton the top button later?"
"My handsome Groom, you are the guest of honor tonight, so I am sorry, but formality prevails. You may unbutton it when we return upstairs." Elizabeth kissed then patted his cheek.
Catching the elevator operator's eye, Nathan apologized, "Excuse us, Upton. Tomorrow is our wedding day and we cannot wait."
"I'm thirty-eight years happily married myself, but I still remember those days! Enjoy and if I don't have a moment to say so later, congratulations and God's blessings on the two of you. I appreciate you and your family."
"Thank you, Upton." As the elevator door opened, Elizabeth took Nathan's arm and whispered, "Are you ready, Honey?"
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Lovely harp music and tables full of conversing guests greeted the Bridal couple as they entered the Dining Room.
"Oh! It's the harpist from our Engagement Party, Honey. Father must have hired her for tonight as well as tomorrow! How lovely," Elizabeth smiled as she and Nathan made their way to their front table, joining their parents, Aunt Agatha, and Zachary.
As Nathan held her chair he glanced at the dear faces around the room, unable to contain his smile. Unspoken, but the words in his mind were, 'It is finally happening!'
Serving as the hosts, both William and Archie stood to greet the guests. William began, "On behalf of our families and our Bride and Groom, we thank each of you for coming and participating in this special event. I hope that you have introduced yourselves as we have some Mountie friends here who are a part of the wedding party. Nathan would you like to introduce each one and their wives?"
Nathan stood, commenting, "Gladly. As I introduce you, please stand for a moment? Tomorrow each Mountie will be easier to identify, but tonight they are not in uniform! First, most of you know my brother, Constable Zachary Archer Grant, who is my Best Man. Thanks, Zach."
"Now seated at the table on my right is the R.C.M.P Commissioner, Peter Collins, and his dear wife, Carol. Next to them are the Chief Superintendent at Depot, Tim Stewart, and his wife, Sylvia. Most of you know Judge and former Mountie Inspector, Bill Avery and his lovely lady, Adeline Foster. Bill is one of my groomsmen. Thanks, friends."
"At the table on my left is Constable Gabriel Kinslow, a Mountie brother with whom I graduated who has been serving in a town near Hope Valley, and his bride since Christmas, Lillian. Gabe is one of my groomsmen tomorrow. Also seated at their table are Sergeant Doctor Wes Murphy and the lady he is courting, Ardis Ross. Wes is my officemate and Ardis is one of Allie's teachers at St. Anne's Academy. Next we have Sergeant Jon Samuels and his wife, Jane, and Sergeant Josiah Blake and his wife, Johanna. Johanna has assisted us as our wedding planner so we are grateful for her time and efforts. Jon and Josiah are also fellow instructors at Depot and Allie attends school and youth group with their children, so, you can see our connections are multifaceted!" Nathan chuckled then concluded, "Elizabeth and I want to thank you all who have traveled so far as well as those who are assisting with our wedding. We are grateful."
Applause filled the room as Nathan sat and William spoke again, "For you Mounties let me introduce Nathan's parents, Archie and Ruth Grant. My wife, Grace Thatcher, and I, William, are Elizabeth's parents. My youngest daughter, Julie is one of Elizabeth's bridesmaids and she is attending with Dr. Bradley Marshall, the gentleman she is courting. Elizabeth's other bridesmaid is Rosemary Coulter who is accompanied by her husband, Lee. They are just moving to Regina to establish a furniture store, so you can ask them about that!"
"Finally, but serving a very important role is our Maid of Honor, Nathan's daughter, Allie Grant, and Jack Thornton, Junior who will also participate tomorrow. We all hold these children most dear." William began a round of applause, then added, "Oh, I don't want to neglect to introduce Rev. Elwood Huntley and his wife, Estelle, and Pastor Joseph Canfield and his wife, Minnie. These pastors are officiating at tomorrow's ceremony and we are grateful for them both. Thank you, Gentlemen." William nodded, then turned it over to Archie requesting that he give thanks.
"Dear Heavenly Father,
On this momentous occasion we welcome you into our midst. Nathan and Elizabeth have walked a long journey to arrive at this day, this place, and this time, yet we know you have guided them and brought them together. We give you praise and thanks, asking your every blessing on them and their new family from this day forward.
We thank you for joining our families and for many in this room who are a part of our extended family as well. You have truly blessed us all.
Now we take this opportunity to give thanks for this meal, and for the hands who have prepared it, as well as for those who are hosting it for us.
May we all rejoice in You this day and this weekend.
In Your Great Name we pray, Amen."
As Archie took his seat again, the wait staff entered bearing deliciously fragrant courses, thrilling the Hope Valley residents with the elegance and the selections. So much of this trip had been new to them, that they would have memories to savor for years to come!
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As guests were finishing their entrees, Elizabeth excused herself to go remove her stockings, then slipped back into the seat beside Nathan.
When the staff began to clear the tables, Pastor Joseph moved to tell the harpist that there was a special ceremony planned now, so if she could please await the dessert course. He walked to the front of the room, while Minnie and Angela made their way to the piano.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, may I please have your attention. We have a special ceremony this evening that was requested by Elizabeth, our Bride. Elizabeth? Nathan? Please come forward?"
The room was quiet and family and friends looked around at each other wondering what was happening as they watched Nathan pull a white basin from beside the armchair, place the pitcher of water on the carpet and sit down as Elizabeth stood behind him, her hands on his shoulders and his holding hers.
Pastor Joseph began, "Our dear couple will be enacting a Foot-washing Ceremony this evening. For those unfamiliar with this tradition, it is occasionally performed at weddings, but more often performed on Holy Thursday in liturgical churches to remember Christ washing the feet of his disciples in the Upper Room."
"Our Lord, though the King of Kings, put aside his heavenly robes to enter our world as a baby in order to become our Savior. The night he was betrayed and before he went to Calvary, our Lord laid aside his garments and gird himself with a towel, then knelt before his closest followers and washed their feet. It was a shocking demonstration of humility and love, something that at least one disciple protested, until Christ said, 'If I wash thee not, thou hast no part of me.' Therefore in remembrance of Christ's act of service, Elisabeth requested this symbolic ceremony tonight."
Joseph paused to control his emotions, then continued, "Elizabeth desires to wash Nathan's feet as a visible demonstration of her commitment to serve him, the man who has served her in so many ways for so many years in Hope Valley. She also desires to humbly demonstrate her gratitude for his patient love and his forgiveness of her rejection during some of those years. Having walked through those times as pastor and counselor to each of them separately it brings me great joy to see them now together, pledging their love and faithfulness to each other and to their Lord. It is important to Elizabeth that you dear ones from Hope Valley, those who saw her reject Nathan's love, will now witness this act of service, humility and promise. Please observe and as you do, pray silently for them and I will close with a prayer at the end. Elizabeth? Nathan?" Joseph motioned to them, then nodded to Minnie.
As Angela quietly played Bach's music, Elizabeth knelt before Nathan, placed a towel across her lap, then untied and removed his shoes and socks. Lifting his feet one at a time, she poured water from the pitcher and let it fall over his feet and into the basin, then gently rubbed his feet before lifting each one and drying it with the towel. No one but Nathan was close enough to see, but the water was mingled with her tears causing his eyes to fill as well. Somehow, she helped him don his socks and shoes, then tied the laces and looked into his face. Both were deeply moved.
As he stood, he held out his hand to help her up, guiding her to be seated. Nathan knelt before his wife to be, handed her a fresh towel to drape over her legs, then unbuckled her shoes and slipped them off her feet. He then repeated as she had done, silently wondering at how petite and delicate she was. He held her feet gently, taking his time to be certain they were dry, then slipped her shoes back on her feet and buckled them. Moving the basin and pitcher aside, he remained on his knees in front of her as he took her hands in his and looked into her face.
Whispering, Nathan confessed, "I will always remember this moment, Lisbeth, and your promise to me. As I said when I asked you to become my wife, I am a man most blessed. I love you with my whole heart, dearest Elizabeth and thank the Lord for you." Lifting her hands to his lips he gently brushed a kiss across her knuckles.
Gathering her courage once again, Elizabeth spoke, "I vow to love and serve you for the rest of our days, dear Nathan. I don't deserve such love, but I am and will be forever grateful for you."
Pastor Joseph spoke aloud, "Let us pray."
"Dear Lord,
We are moved and not quite certain of our words at this sacred moment, except to give you thanks for the marvelous works you have done. Thank you for the privilege of witnessing this tangible expression of love and we ask You to pour out Your bountiful blessings on this special couple. Protect and provide, guide and keep them in all their ways and may they continue to glorify You.
In Your Holy Name we join together to say, Amen."
Angela continued to play finishing her second time through the piece and the harpist joined her to the end, making a beautiful rendition.
Elizabeth slipped out the door, accompanied by Julie, while Nathan stood inside the door and waited for her return. Now with her silk stockings back on and her tears dried, she returned, took Nathan's hand and they took their seats. Those at their table gave them space to concentrate on each other and it was only as the desserts were served that Grace and Ruth spoke softly to their daughter and son.
Grace shared first, "That was the most beautiful act I have ever seen, Elizabeth. Thank you for the privilege of witnessing that and, Nathan, thank you for faithfully and patiently loving our Elizabeth. I can hardly contain my joy tonight."
Wiping her eyes, Ruth followed, "Grace is right. It is a privilege to see you both and your love for each other. Thank you, Elizabeth, for recognizing and loving our dear Nathan. He is so deserving and I am so grateful he now owns your love and devotion. I think a parent cannot be more happy and I love you both."
"Thank you, Mother and Mom," Elizabeth whispered, "We love you too."
"Yes, thank you both," Nathan added.
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As guests began to enjoy their desserts, Allie came to her parents and wrapped them both together in a hug. She had no words to say, but her hug conveyed her love and gratitude.
"We love you, Sweet girl," Nathan whispered as he patted her hand.
"I know…" was all she could voice at that moment.
After wiping Allie's face, Elizabeth asked, "will you distribute your postcard books and the embroidery kits now, Honey? Oh, and remember to tell Angela that the Schumann recording is from all of us, please?"
"I will and I'll tell her."
So as Allie walked around the tables with her basket, the Mounties excused themselves to rehearse their positions in the arch formation in preparation for after the wedding. They stood on the Mezzanine and listening quietly to Josiah's softly spoken commands. Each made note of their assigned position, as well as where their fellow instructors should stand to demonstrate their Mountie precision. Josiah instructed them to stand on either side of the aisle inside the sanctuary until he gave the command to march outside, retrieve the lances and take their positions.
"Thank you, Gentlemen! This will be another memorable part in the Grant wedding!"
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Glancing around the Dining Room, Nathan took note of the many empty dessert plates and spoke quietly to those at his table, saying, "please excuse me for a bit." He gave Elizabeth brief kiss on her cheek then stood and motioned to his father to follow him. As Nathan lifted his guitar from its hiding place, he whispered to Archie who nodded and grinned.
Archie spoke loudly, drawing everyone's attention to himself, while Nathan moved the chair out from the side of the piano.
"Excuse me, Ladies and Gentlemen? Excuse me?" As all eyes moved between Archie and Nathan, Archie continued. "Before this special evening draws to a close, we have another treat offered by the Groom to his Bride, again before all of us. Please give your attention to our Nathan? Thank you." Archie nodded his head to the harpist who stilled, then back to his eldest son, looking forward to a solo.
"Thank you, Dad. Lisbeth, this is for you. I know you asked me to sing at our wedding, but I've chosen to sing in this setting before those dearest to us. The melody is an old Celtic tune but the lyrics are original. You may wish to imagine the place where we first met, dear to many of us present, the beautiful place that gave us hope and a future beyond what we could dream."
Nathan began to fingerpick a melody as he shared the title, " We Will Join Our Lives Together."
"When the stars above are shining in my dreams you wander dancing
and I take your hand in my hand as we dream our life together.
Heart-to-heart we'll sing forever.
For we're bound to one another, pledging love for worse or better
in both sun and rainy weather we will join our lives together.
When the morning dawns with beauty awakening your lilting melody
and I will add my harm'ny as we daily build our family.
Side-by-side we'll make our mem'ries.
For we're bound to one another, pledging love for worse or better
in both sun and rainy weather we will join our lives together.
When we ride with noon's warm breezes waving o'er bright golden grasses,
midst tears of loss or lilting laughter we'll give thanks for all our blessings.
Holding close our hopes and promise.
For we're bound to one another, pledging love for worse or better
in both sun and rainy weather we will join our lives together.
O, I give my life to you, Love, sure as sun and moon above us.
The stars, the wind, the lark's songs tune my heart to always be yours.
You're my hope, my life, my true love.
For we're bound to one another, pledging love for worse or better
in both sun and stormy weather we will join our lives together." (*101)
Returning to the table surrounded by soft applause, Nathan moved his chair closer and placed his arm around Elizabeth. Her glistening eyes were filled with love and gratitude and something he dared not name or think about until tomorrow evening.
Reaching up to gently caress his face, Elizabeth kissed his cheek, whispering, "Thank you, my dearest Love."
His answer was to squeeze her tighter to him, whispering a feather-light kiss on her temple.
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Thanks to Hudson, Jack was upstairs in bed sleeping soundly after another exciting day. Allie had returned home with her Uncle Zach and the Kinslows, while Archie and Ruth gave the Collinses a ride back. In both vehicles, much appreciation was expressed for the evening, the unexpected ceremony, musical surprise, and how precious were Nathan and Elizabeth. Gathering in the living room, the family and the Kinslows processed the evening, listened to Allie recount the experiences of her afternoon, and firmed up plans for the following day.
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Having received many hugs and words of affirmation from their guests, and having said their goodbyes to each one, Nathan and Elizabeth retreated to her apartment. Glad for some moments alone, they sat close together on the sofa.
"Was the dinner all you expected, my Love?"
"Nathan, it was far more. I loved the foot-washing and it is hard to express how beautiful your song was. I will need to hear it again, and often, for the words to fully take root." She tilted her head as she leaned on his shoulder, confiding in him, "It was a very sweet thing to do… I mean to sing it to me and to let others hear it. After tonight I guess everyone knows how much we love each other."
"I don't think anyone has doubted it, Lisbeth, least of all those closest to us."
"How do you think the dinner went?" Elizabeth searched his handsome profile as she played with his fingers.
"I believe it went well, although I was a little embarrassed a couple of times. It was hard to watch you wash my feet… I wanted to stop you, gather you in my arms, and tell you that you didn't need to do that."
"Oh, but I did. I have no regrets, Honey… well at least about tonight, except that I could hardly stop crying."
Nathan admitted, "Same."
The Bridal couple leaned on each other, sitting in comfortable silence until Elizabeth questioned, "Do you have the thank you notes and checks ready for Joseph and Ellwood, and the gift certificate for the Blakes?"
"I do. Gabe has them in his serge pocket and he will hand them to me during the reception when I'll distribute them, along with Bill's. I'll give Gabe his groomsman's gift certificate in the morning, and Zach's gift to him at lunch."
"Did you give Minnie the money for the Kinslow's certificate to Hope Valley's Café?"
"I did. How about you? When will you give your ladies their bracelets?"
"When we dress at the apartment, because I want them to wear them for the wedding."
"Have we remembered everyone? Will your father take care of the harpist and organist?"
"Yes, he said he had that taken care of, plus paying the musicians at the reception. I think we are all set. I guess I will next see you at our wedding, Honey."
Nathan spoke, "I know we often don't see each other until dinner time, but it feels as though it is so long before I will see you tomorrow, Lisbeth."
"I know, but we'll be busy and I imagine the hours will fly past."
"Not fast enough for me, my Love." Nathan shifted, tucked a lock of hair behind her ear and held her face in one hand as he bent to capture her lips. Clearing his throat, Nathan admitted, "I think I better go. Until tomorrow… when you walk towards me and our lives are joined together. I love you."
"I love you too…"
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