The ever-efficient Thompson had their car waiting when the ladies stepped outside the sunroom. "Miss Elizabeth, your things are all waiting for you at home," Thompson said with a wink.
Elizabeth smiled and said softly, "Thank you, Thompson," stepping up to give the older man a kiss on his cheek.
Elizabeth was a bit subdued, and her aunts were worried, but they soon realized that she was processing what had happened. As they stopped outside the boardinghouse where Faith lived. Elizabeth seemed to have made peace with everything that had happened.
When Catherine returned with Faith, Elizabeth perked up considerably. The young woman's bubbly personality was infectious, and the somber mood lifted and became festive. Unfortunately, when they attempted to call the Grants, a severe winter storm had hit, and the telephone lines were down and expected to remain so until after Christmas, so there wouldn't be any conversation until the day they met for the first time.
Later that evening, Elizabeth approached her aunt. "Aunt Agatha, what will we do about Christmas? Do you think I'm still welcome at Christmas Dinner and festivities?"
"Of course you are, child," Agatha said. "We will go to church together and then dinner tomorrow night. Catherine and Faith will be joining us. I've already spoken to your mother about it. Even though your father made the ultimatum, Elizabeth, it doesn't mean he doesn't love you. I'd wager he really thinks that he is doing what he feels is best for you.
"I would like to believe it, but his actions say otherwise," Elizabeth said skeptically. Agatha could hear the pain and sadness behind it.
Reaching over to gather her niece in her arms, Agatha said, "Elizabeth dear, I can assure you that your father and mother still love you." She pulled back to look at her niece and still saw the skepticism in her eyes. "Tell me, do you still love your father? Even after everything he said and has done with the ultimatum?"
"Of course I do," Elizabeth replied vehemently. "He is and always will be my father. While I am upset with him, it doesn't change my love for him or that he is my father."
Elizabeth looked at her aunt then and realized what she had said. She smiled sheepishly at her aunt's knowing look and raised brow.
Over the next few days, Elizabeth and Faith became very close and formed a bond instantly. Agatha contacted Grace the next day to ensure they hadn't intended a complete break. Of course, Grace said they would definitely be expecting her at dinner. But Agatha was dismayed when Grace mentioned William's lack of concern and his belief that Elizabeth really was not choosing to leave rather than be a dutiful daughter.
"Grace, you realize that Elizabeth is completely serious about not marrying the Carrington boy, don't you?"
"Agatha, William and I know Elizabeth much better, and we think she is simply being stubborn but will see reason once she has a few days to think it over. You must know how much Elizabeth's choice is hurting poor William since he practically dotes on her. While she is with you, please help her see reason. William and I are counting on you and Catherine, too. Now, I have to go, and I will see you both at church services." Grace said. Then she disconnected the call before Agatha could say anything else.
Catherine came in just then and saw the distress on her friend's face.
"What's wrong, Agatha?" Catherin asked as she sat down and put her arm around her friend's shoulder. Agatha related the conversation to her.
"Well, you and I shouldn't be surprised, Agatha. It's why we suggested the mail-order bride as a solution, remember? I am sure it will get worse between Elizabeth and her parents before it gets better. But I think that she and Nathan will be a perfect match. Maybe once they see that she is happy and serious about her choice, they will begin to repair the damage." Catherin said encouragingly.
"I hope so, Catherine," Agatha said, smiling at her friend.
"Faith and Elizabeth seemed to be getting along really well," Catherine said. "I'm really happy about that since her groom and Nathan are so close. It will also help with the transition for both Elizabeth and Faith."
MEANWHILE IN ABERDEEN
It had been snowing for several days, and the phone service had been out for the last four days. They wouldn't be able to repair it until the snow let up and they could begin to dig out.
Gabe and Nathan were sitting in the office thinking about their brides that would be there in a few days. "Are you nervous, Gabe?" Nathan asked.
"Not as much as I thought I'd be, Nathan. But then I have the letters from Faith, and I have been exchanging, so it's not like I don't know anything about her."
"What about you, Nathan?" Gabe asked.
"Oh, nervous doesn't even cover it. But I trust Ma and Mrs. Hendricks. I'm a little concerned about Elizabeth's wealthy background and what she'll expect. Let's face it. I'm as far away from that as you can get."
A few families, including Alice's, were very vocal about people like Nathan and Gabe, who did not have the same social status as themselves; social status was important to them.
"What do you mean what she will expect?" Gabe asked, suddenly knowing where Nathan's head was at.
Nathan sighed and said, "I don't know what she'll expect from me."
"Do you mean from marriage? Or living?" Gabe said.
Nathan's blush told Gabe all he needed to know. "Look, when she arrives after the wedding, talk to her on the way home. I'll borrow the car to take your mom, Allie, and Mrs. Hendricks home with Faith. You and Elizabeth can ride home in the wagon with all the belongings. It's a long enough trip, so it would be a perfect time to talk to her. I would suggest being honest with her and just coming out and asking. What kind of marriage do you want? Do you know Nathan?"
"I've been thinking about it, and honestly, I would want a happy one that has the potential of being a love match. Since I would like to have more children someday, it would have to be real." Then Nathan blushed again and quickly said, "Though we would have to get to know each other a bit before that could happen."
Gabe laughed and said, "Somehow, I don't think Elizabeth would object to that."
"I'm nervous about how she will feel when I tell her that we have to share a room from the beginning."
"Faith and I are in the same predicament," Gabe said. "I think if you ensure that Elizabeth feels safe and can trust you to be honest with her, she will be okay. All of the women who come out here have had to share a room. If Elizabeth didn't want any of the things you mentioned, she would have said so up front remember? Since Elizabeth is the niece of Mrs. Hendrick's best friend, I think you can be hopeful."
"That is true," Nathan mused.
"Mrs. Hendricks hasn't failed yet," Gabe said.
"Are you saying that you are in love with Faith?" Nathan asked, seeing the look on his friend's face.
"It may sound crazy, I know, but getting to know her through her letters and the two short phone calls, I think I'm well on my way," Gabe said with a smile. "I don't think you have to worry about another Alice, Nathan, but I would also tell her about that. Don't start a marriage keeping secrets."
CHRISTMAS EVE
On the morning of Christmas Eve, Aberdeen could finally assess the damage caused by the winter storm. A few trees had fallen on some telephone lines, so it would have to wait until after Christmas since everyone was celebrating.
Nathan and Gabe had hitched up his mom's sleigh since the roads were impassible by car or wagon. Newton was patiently waiting to pull them. Moira came out with a thermos of hot chocolate for the ride home. She sat up front with her son while Allie snuggled in the back with her Uncle Gabe.
The church in Aberdeen was a lovely chapel with beautiful stained-glass windows. There were lots of trees and a picket fence that surrounded the church lot. It was outside of town, which made it suitable when one needed to think or seek spiritual counseling. Tonight, the church bell was ringing, and the people were beginning to file in.
"Nathan, Gabe, before we leave, we need to talk with the Pastor about the wedding and let him know it will be a double ceremony. The church is already decorated and will be a nice backdrop for the wedding." Moira said as Nathan was helping her down from the sleigh.
"I already let him know, Ma, when I came into town later that day," Nathan said.
"Excellent, Nathan," Moira said. They walked inside and found their seats quickly. Allie wanted to stop and see the wooden manger that Nathan had carved for the church. She had liked it from the moment she saw it, and Nathan made her one of her own that she would get for Christmas along with a baby Jesus and Mary and Joseph. He would add to it every year so that it would hold special memories for her when she was grown.
As the service began and the choir sang, Nathan looked over at the Nativity and began to pray silently. "Lord, I feel like you are guiding my steps in this marriage with Elizabeth. I pray that our union will be blessed with love and children. I pray that you will continue to guide us in our conversations and actions as we settle into marriage. Let your will be done in our lives."
After the service, they spoke briefly with the pastor before loading back up in the sleigh. Moira had poured the hot chocolate as Nathan took the scenic route home. They sang Christmas Carols, and by the time they got home, Allie was fast asleep and didn't even move when she was undressed and put to bed.
As Nathan and his mom sat in front of the fire, drinking a cup of tea before bed, Moira asked about Elizabeth.
"How are you doing, son?" Moira asked, seeing the pensive look on Nathan's face.
"I can't lie. I'm a bit nervous, Ma," Nathan said. "What if we don't get along? What if she doesn't like Allie or Allie doesn't like her?"
"Nathan, she is intimately known by my dear friend Catherine. My friend is widely known for her ability to make good strong, happy matches remember?"
Nathan chuckled. "Yes, Ma, I remember,"
"Then trust me when I say that she strongly feels that you and Elizabeth are perfect for each other. Elizabeth wants to be a teacher, which makes me feel that she will love Allie and be a good mother."
Nathan knew his mother was right. "Gabe said I should talk to her about Alice. What do you think I should do?"
"I think you should since she could see Alice or hear about your history from others. If she already knows the truth, there's no room for mischief. I know you probably think there won't be a problem, but I'm not sure there won't be."
"But Alice is the one who broke it off with me. There wouldn't be any reason for her to be upset about my marriage." Nathan said.
"Oh, isn't there? Nathan, she is coming back from visiting family, and when she returns, you will be a married man. From what I understand, Elizabeth is a pretty girl. There will be some problems arising from that, mark my words." Moira said. "If you give Elizabeth a fair warning, she will be more capable of handling the situation. It will help her be on an equal, if not better, footing than Alice, depending on when it comes out. From what I was told, Alice will be returning on January 5."
I never thought about that, Mom, but now I see what you mean. What are we going to do about the sleeping arrangements." Nathan asked, blushing at the thought of what else that entailed.
"Well, you and Elizabeth will have to discuss it, of course, but you will have to share. There's nothing sinful about it, and I assume you want a real marriage at some point, right?"
Nathan's ears turned crimson as he nodded. "Then it will be easier to start out as you mean to begin. When you decide to take that step is between you and her. The bed is more than adequate to accommodate two people." Moira said flatly. "Son, I know this all seems overwhelming, but I think you and Elizabeth will be all right and find your way together. If a couple communicates effectively, things work out over time."
Nathan just nodded and then, looking at the time, suggested they turn in because Allie would have them up early. Nathan changed his clothes and finally lay down. He tried to read for a bit, but his mind was busy thinking about everything his mother and Gabe had said.
Although he hadn't spoken, in his heart was a secret longing that Elizabeth would accept him for who he truly was and hold him in her heart. That she would do the same for his sweet Allie, and she would be the mother that Allie needed. But his Heavenly Father was already answering that secret unspoken prayer, for it was his will for them. Before long, two hearts longing for the same thing would find it had been answered.
