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Nathan & Elizabeth: An Epic Love

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Chapter Nineteen

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Shopping Spree

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Elizabeth and Allie were so excited about their little shopping jaunt, they kept it fun and light on the way to Benson Hills, thoroughly enjoying their time together.

Without realizing how much, Allie's chatter and humming lifted Elizabeth's spirits, making the teacher happily forget all about her frustrations over Lucas's many painful admissions.

In turn, just by doing something so special for Allie and spending time with her alone, Elizabeth made Allie feel so loved, and in a different way than she could remember experiencing before.

For the first time since she was four, Allie was being given maternal love while at the same time she was openly receiving it.

Yes, it could be argued that Elizabeth had offered her that type of love many times in the past as well, though without the promise of being her real mother; the fact that was her added commitment now, made a huge difference to Allie.

Once the pair arrived in Buxton, they both were excited and ready to hit the shoppes!

"How do we know which ones to go to since there are so many?" asked Allie.

"Lucky us, I normally shop with Mrs. Coulter, which means I personally know the three best shoppes in town, and they're all close together. So, if we don't lollygag, we should have enough time to cover all three and still have plenty of time to drive home and get dressed up for your father! Let's see, there's 'Belle Epoche,' Rosemary's favorite, which means it's the most expensive; 'Lace Luxe,' which has the most beautiful undergarments you've ever seen along with some really beautiful clothes, although you have to sift through the fancy things to find dresses that are more serviceable; and then there's 'Regal Grace,' my personal favorite – they even have this giant room in the back with second-hand clothing that is out of this world (most of it comes straight from Paris and they've only been slightly worn)! Oh, and Regal Grace has a ton of beautiful accessories, too! Are you ready to shop?"

"Yes, Ma'am! So ready! I need to find some new camisoles and knickers, too. The ones I have don't fit that well any longer."

"Oh, Allie, that's rough! Tight undergarments are not a good thing. Take it from someone who's had to wear a corset most of her life!"

Allie giggled.

"Which one should we visit first?" asked Allie, curious as to where they would be going now.

"Definitely 'Lace Luxe,' so we can fill your undergarment needs first. You won't find prettier!"

"But, Mrs. Thornton, I've never really had any pretty ones, just serviceable, I guess!"

"Well, that, my Sweet Allie, changes today…"

Inside 'Lace Luxe,' Allie didn't know where to look first.

"Wow, I've never seen anything like this place!" (*41)

"Told you it's the absolute best! Allie, we need to get you measured so we'll be sure to get the right sizes. Are you okay if the saleslady takes you to the dressing room to do that!"

"Sure, I just want my clothes to fit!"

Elizabeth smiled.

"While you do that, I'll find some of the nicest pieces to see what you like, okay?"

"Thanks, Mrs. Thornton."

As Allie was measured, Elizabeth found several beautiful chemises along with some pretty knickers that she thought might fit Allie and fit her age group as well.

But to save time, she asked the saleslady who was assisting her if they had any dresses that would work for Allie and her to wear to a nice dinner celebration for a new family.

While Elizabeth still perused the undergarment section, Allie came out and shared her sizes with Elizabeth, who had guessed them correctly.

"Wait, let me take this one away, as it seems to run a bit too big. That means these that are left will fit you perfectly! Do you see any that you like?"

"I like all of them, but I love the chemise and knickers with the tiny pink rosebuds! When I was little, I had a nightgown just like that!"

"Oh! That's so sweet! Those are my favorite too. They're just feminine enough without being too frilly. So, we're definitely getting those! But do you want multiple sets of those or a variety of different ones?"

"Maybe two sets with the rosebuds and two in plain white?"

"That's perfect, except I think you need a solid set in your favorite pink too! See any that you love?"

"This set with the lace has an almost flesh tone, and I like that! It's so pretty but not too fancy."

"Oh, Allie, I love it too. Let's see if they have your size."

Elizabeth thumbed through the rack.

"Got it! And they even have two sets. But you know what? It's awfully nice to have a pair for every day of the week without having to wash extra. Why don't you pick out one more set that you really like and that will give you a full week of really beautiful underwear? In fact, we'll get two more sets to give you an extra day's coverage."

"Can I mix them?"

"Absolutely! Whatever you like."

"Well, I've never had lace, and I don't think I'd like a lot, but this set just has a little, and I really do like it. What do you think?"

"I think it's just right; not too fussy at all."

"Is it too much to get two sets of these, too?"

"I think that's a perfect collection, which means we've just completed our undergarment purchases!"

"But you didn't get anything!"

"My sister sends me plenty of fancy ones from Hamilton. So, I'm all good at the moment. Let's check with the saleslady who was helping me – she's been looking for dresses that might work for us to wear to dinner!"

As they met the clerk, she was holding two beautiful dresses still on their hangers with her hands lifted high.

"Would either of these suit you or your daughter?"

Allie noticed Elizabeth just smiled as though she were pleased as punch without correcting the lady.

"What do you think, Sweetheart?"

"I think they're beautiful! But do you think they'll work for our dinner?"

"Not sure; why don't we try them on so we can get a better idea…"

On their way to the next store, 'Belle Epoche,' Allie couldn't believe the fancy boxes and bags the 'Lace Luxe' salesladies had wrapped her undergarments in.

"All this is so pretty, even the wrapping! I didn't know they even do this."

"You deserve the pampering! They took extra care to wrap them so perfectly for you!"

"Mrs. Thornton, I was wondering. What does 'Belle Epoche' mean?"

"It means 'Beautiful Age,' and I think it's such a beautiful French term! I always think of a beautiful time period, which I think is just lovely!" (*42)

"I wish I could speak French fluently!" mused Allie aloud.

"Seriously?"

"Yes, I've just always been interested in the language, maybe because of my reading. Also, Dad's taught me a lot of it, like I knew the 'Belle' part, but I had forgotten the definition of 'Epoche.'

"Your Dad speaks French?"

"Fluently!"

"But he's been working so hard lately, I hate to bother him about my lessons. He seems to love doing them with me, though, when he's not so tired."

"Hmm! Your father is so full of surprises! Wonderful ones, too! I think that it's marvelous he's been giving you lessons. Maybe I could substitute for him while he's having to work so hard."

"You'd do that?"

"Allie, I love spending time with you, and I think we'd have so much fun studying French together. Though I admit, I'm a bit rusty, myself. You might end up knowing more than me!"

Allie giggled.

"I doubt that, Mrs. Thornton. But I sure would love it if you'd help us out!"

"What level are you at?"

"I've finished the first primer that Dad had in school, and it's a lot! I think I'm almost halfway through the second one."

"That's fantastic, Allie! Let me know when you want to start again, and I'll begin filling in for your Dad…"

"I can see why that's Mrs. Coulter's favorite store. It's very fancy!"

"You've got that right! Want to know a secret?"

Allie nodded her head.

"She drags me into that store every single time we come to Buxton, but usually, 90% of what we buy is all for her! Though I love it, too, because, occasionally, I find a really special piece of two, like that lavender wrap I got today!"

Allie laughed.

"I can totally see Mrs. Coulter buying out the store!"

"Oh yes, the sales ladies all love her and know her by name! Talk about special treatment!"

As the two entered 'Regal Grace,' the last store on their list, as well as Elizabeth's favorite, Allie, was intrigued.

"Now, this looks like a fun place!"

"It is so much fun! Wait till we get to rummage through that room in the back with all the slightly worn bargains! You're going to love it!"

But on their way to the room, at the exact same time, the pair spotted a white eyelet vision of a dress that had the same tiny pink rosebuds embroidered on it, just like Allie's new set of undergarments, but along with the most beautifully cut scallops at the hem's bottom.

"Mrs. Thornton! That is the most beautiful dress I've ever seen, and it matches, well, it matches what we just bought!" Allie caught herself, unsure if she should say underwear out loud.

"It certainly does, like they were made for each other! Allie, you simply have to try this on! My treat!"

"Thank you, but Mrs. Thornton, but Dad wouldn't like that."

Elizabeth sighed, not wanting to overstep.

"If you think so, but this dress was made for you, Allie. You have to try it on! And if you like it in the least, we simply have to get it!"

"Do you mind to come with me?"

"I'd love to, Allie…"

When Allie came out of the dressing room, Elizabeth thought she had never seen a prettier girl.

"Allie, you look like a fairytale Princess from one of your books! Just beautiful! And with those undergarments you just bought, you're going to feel like one too!"

"I love it so much, but isn't it too expensive? It sure does feel like it!"

"It's a little bit pricey, but nothing else compares, and think how much use you could get out of this. It would cover any special occasion you could possibly come up with. And you know what I keep thinking? I know your Dad will love it, and since we love him most in the world, we should always look our best not only for ourselves but for him, too, right?"

"You really do love Dad, don't you?"

"With all my heart, Allie! The funny thing is, even though I've loved him from the time I first met him, now that I get to say I love him out loud, it feels so extraordinary! Our date last night was so special, it made me feel like the only date I'd ever had in my entire life! Someday you're going to meet someone who makes you feel the exact same way, I just know it! After college, of course! But it's the most wonderful feeling in the whole world!"

"I'm afraid there aren't any boys in Hope Valley who seem to have a brain! Oh, I'm sorry! That's not your fault. It's just that they're not very interested in moving ahead into college. And that's really important to me. But speaking of Dad, he's never been this happy before, Mrs. Thornton, and I know it's because of you. So, thank you, because I love seeing him so happy! And you too, of course!"

"Thank you, Allie! I don't think I've ever been this happy, either!"

"What do you think about the dress? Should we really splurge or just look for something else?"

"Oh, we are definitely splurging on that dress. It is coming home with us for sure. But you'd better watch out because Mrs. Coulter is going to be so jealous! Just wait and see! Oh, we need to remember to get a matching ribbon or two for your hair. Do you have any barrettes?"

Allie shook her head no, which surprised Elizabeth.

"No, well, maybe we can see if they have some pretty ones, or maybe even a headband, so we can fix your hair differently when you want a change."

"Barrettes would be nice, but I don't even know what a headband is. Besides, you need to find something to buy for you," reminded Allie.

"And you need to look for another dress, Young Lady! I don't know why, but I just got a funny feeling we might need a few different dresses coming up. Oh, I see one I absolutely love – look at that lavender. That shade is beautiful, almost like a periwinkle – at least, I think that's what it's called."

"You should try it on; the color is perfect for you! I like that deep rose color for you, too."

"Really? I don't believe I've ever worn that color before. But you know what? I love it, and it reminds me of our first date. There are wild roses in Rose Valley that match that exact shade! Oh, Allie, we have to take you to see it soon. It's just the most beautiful place I've ever seen."

"I really do think you should try both of those on, Mrs. Thornton! And this minty green one, too. It's darker than the one you have, and the print makes it look totally different. I especially love it's on a white background!"

"Oh, Allie, I love that! But you really seem to have an eye for great fashion. Have you shopped much like this before?"

"Never! Dad and I usually just pick something out of catalogs. I guess it's hard for him to go into dress shops with me as men don't usually do that!"

"Oh, of course! You're right. And I'm so sorry. I should have realized that!"

"Don't get me wrong, he's very patient with me and helps me choose, but by using the catalogs, we can do it at home in privacy."

"That makes perfect sense, but now you've got me! Shopping buddies for life! I'm having so much fun. But before I try these on, let's find a couple that you love. for you to try on when I do."

The two rummaged some more but were coming up empty-handed until a saleslady came over with several options in her arms.

"I was noticing you and your daughter shopping, and you both are just lovely with such wonderful taste. But I noticed you hadn't yet made it to our special room. So, I pulled a few Parisian selections that just recently came in that I thought might suit both of you based on your own selections. I'm Miss Erica, by the way! Just sit and make yourselves comfortable, and I'll hold each one up for you to decide. No pressure, but I wanted to swoop these up for you just in case…"

"Well, Alison Rose, judging by the looks of our boxes and bags, we ended up with a lot of 'just in cases!'"

"Did we ever! I've never had such pretty clothes in my whole life. And I think I love that 'special room' most of all! Thank you so much for helping me choose all my new clothes."

"It was my pleasure! And I agree that 'special room' is the 'bomb' as you kids like to say. So, definitely, a girl after my own heart, as that room is my all-time favorite shopping spot, and that even includes all the fancy Hamilton shoppes my mother frequents! But I honestly didn't have to do that much to help you, you know? You really do have excellent taste, Allie, and the more you shop, you'll even become more discerning!" (*43) (*44)

"What does that mean, Mrs. Thornton? Discerning?" (*45)

"Oh, it's just another way to say that you have excellent taste, and you'll learn more and more about what works best for you as you do more shopping! One of the things I love to do is to choose blouses and skirts and jackets so that I can mix and match them, maybe with a sweater or a wrap of some sort. Then it makes you feel like you have a whole new wardrobe when you really only have a few pieces!"

"That sounds like fun!"

"We'll have to do that with another shopping spree before school starts, if you'd like, that is!"

"Oh, yes! I would love that! Thank you, Mrs. Thornton. This has been the most fun day I've had since I don't know when!"

"Me too, Allie! It really has been just wonderful! I can't remember when I've had so much fun shopping. Oh! Don't tell Mrs. Coulter! She will be so jealous, she'll never let us go shopping without her again!"

Allie giggled.

"No, sadly, I'm completely serious!"

Then both girls giggled so hard they ended up going to buy ice cream, chatting and laughing the whole while before heading back to Hope Valley for their special dinner date…

Hard at work back in Union City reviewing the top three unsolved cases of that area, Deputy Commissioner Hal Blevins sighed heavily.

The Tripper case was cut and dried, or so everyone thought, but out of the three, that was the one that intrigued him most. Because every single instinct he had clearly connected that one outlier to the other two cases.

As he took a long sip of hot coffee, the Staff Sergeant entered with a message.

"Sir, you're needed in the secure room. Your assistant is waiting on the line to speak with you."

"I'm on my way. But can you walk with me? I've gone over all three cases as an overview and will get into all the details next, but I'm almost certain the Tripper case isn't at all the outlier it's designated to appear to be."

"What do you mean, Sir?"

"I think it's the impetus for Case #2 and Case #3! While I'm on the phone, can you review it once again with that perspective in mind to see what you can come up with?"

"Of course, Sir!"

"I'll join you when I finish in the secure room," he nodded as the Staff Sergeant unlocked the door. "But, Maxx, after you do that, can you pull any and all cases that could possibly be linked from that perspective?"

"Absolutely, Sir! I'll have them out for you as quickly as humanly possible!"

"Thank you..."

"Christian, Hal here! I want to say good to hear your voice, but this isn't good news, is it?"

"No, Sir, I'm afraid it's not. But no real worries, we're prepared for every contingency. The Chief Inspector is in the middle of a health crisis which requires back surgery. His doctor is advising him not to put it off due to the risk of paralysis, and he will be on complete bedrest after, for several months."

"What date are we looking at?"

"As quickly as possible, Sir!"

"Then we have no choice. Clearly, we progress with Plan B. I just wanted to give the poor guy at least six months of time as Inspector before he had to jump in so aggressively. It's an awful lot to ask of a man, Christian."

"I know it is, Sir! Unfortunately, life, and in particular, Mountie life, doesn't always cooperate!"

"Thank goodness you insisted on both sets of contracts with matching uniforms! At least that's one less worry I've got to contend with."

"The uniforms will be delivered to your executive suite by tomorrow night, Sir! Oh, and Sir, I threw in a few extra Stetsons, as we seem to always get pushback on that ridiculous hat!"

The Deputy Commissioner chuckled.

"Isn't that the truth! Thank you, Christian. Have you heard about the vehicle yet?"

"There's still a delay, Sir! Out of the three on backorder, I have one reserved, but word on the street is that they won't be available till after the new year, and probably not even till spring!"

The Deputy Inspector moaned.

"Not what I wanted to hear. And that's the 1920 model?"

"Yes, sir, sadly it is. But I was able to find two other options instead! You can write a check for him to select his own, but with all the security precautions that are required, I'll admit they are extremely difficult to find, and he'll probably end up in the same situation as we are with the extended backorder. However, knowing how much you like to drive, what do you think about foregoing your Train ticket tomorrow to drive a brand-new black Lincoln Luxury Series Four-Seater Hardtop that meets every security standard we have plus and is sitting right there in Union City? Also, it's produced by Ford Motors Company, the same company from which all our standard-issue cars come. And it's a 1922 model being sold now in 1921.

"Are you serious? I would absolutely love that! These trains are wearing on my last nerve. I've been on so many of them lately!"

"The only issue is that since it's a luxury model, there's a difference in price. Though you do have the authority to approve."

"How much are we talking about extra?"

"With all the luxury additions included, it's right at $7,200. That's about a thousand over what we normally pay at $6,200.00. But I talked with the dealer, and since we already have our contract with Ford, he's willing to leave in the added security that's generally $1000.00 more at no cost whatsoever and knock off $400.00 more, so we're talking a final price of $6,800.00 for everything which brings it down to a $600.00 differential from what we normally spend."

"Woah! Sounds like we need to be negotiating with him for our entire fleet! Just curious, are there additional security precautions included beyond what we normally get?" (*46)

"Absolutely, Sir! Every bell and whistle you can imagine! It's considered to be the safest car on the road and is much more comprehensive than our current security package."

"Then cut a check and have it serviced this afternoon to be completed by tomorrow at noon, if at all possible. I'll pick it up as I leave here, then. I'd like to reach my destination a little early to see an old friend! Where do I pick up the vehicle?"

"Union City Luxury Vehicles, Sir! The address is 2021 Main Street. It's very close to where you are currently working."

"Oh, and Christian, make a note for us to contact this dealer later on when we get our numbers together to see if he can't give us a significantly better deal on our whole fleet!"

"Great idea, Sir! In fact, I've already added a notation to your diary and am in the process of collecting our latest fleet numbers!"

"Don't forget to check the company's service records, too, especially turn-around time. But Good Man, Christian. Not sure what I'd do without you! What else do I need to cover tonight?"

"I've already taken care of the cleaning and painting crew for the Mountie Office. They arrive early in the morning as no one will be there to both clean and paint. As for the main office, the upstairs venue is now officially under contract to be actively used based on the contract hold you made last year. It was just recently painted, though the painters will look at it in the morning in case any touchups are needed, or if a full re-do is required, they will do that as well. A second cleaning crew will also begin there in the morning. The furniture for both places has already been delivered and is in storage at the Train Station there. The cleaning crew will notify the movers as to when the furniture can be moved into both places, and all of that will be completed no later than midnight tomorrow. And, Sir, the phone installers will be there tomorrow as well, and they promise to have the secure phone installed by 5 PM, prior to your scheduled arrival. Just a reminder, in case you decide to arrive earlier, as you mentioned."

"As always, Christian, huge thank you for being the best Sergeant Major out there! Keep in touch! And I was serious about taking off early…"

As was the norm these days, Constable Nathan Grant was hard at work in the RCMP Mountie Office when suddenly his door burst open with the cutest little blonde-haired boy yelling while running toward him full speed ahead, straight into his arms with a giant hug, to boot!

"Mountie Nathan, Mountie Nathan! I got Pal to gallop!"

"You did!" asked Nathan lifting him up, though shocked while giving Bill an 'Oh, no what have you done, Elizabeth is going to kill you and me both look!'

"Yes, Sir! I dropped his rweins. But it was an assident, and he took off really fast. It was so much fun!"

Nathan shot Bill, a look of terror.

"It was just for a few feet. I had Pal's tail. He couldn't go anywhere! You were perfectly safe, Jack Thornton, and you know it!"

Jack giggled.

"Do we have to tell Momma that part, Uncle Bill?"

"If you tell her your part, Bub, you bet your Stetson, I'm tellin' her mine!"

Jack just laughed while Nathan rolled his eyes!

"Mountie Nathan, I wanted you to come to my lesson, too!"

"Oh, Jack, I wanted to so much, but I've got a whole bunch of extra work this week!"

"But you came to my Daycare Treats!"

"I did, and that's because you are the most important little guy I know! I wouldn't have missed it for anything! But that was the one fun thing I got to do all day long! And then I had to come right back to work!"

"Can I sit in your lap and help?"

"You most certainly can! In fact, I have a surprise for you!"

"You do, yes, two, in fact. First, open that top drawer. I think there's a piece of candy in there to tide you over after all that exertion with Pal," throwing more daggers at Bill.

"What's my second surprise?"

"We men, you and I, are taking our ladies, your Mama and Allie, out to dinner tonight at the Cafe. What do you say?"

"YES! That's so great! Can I write a form too?"

"Let me get you one; that one is a completed official form and has to be turned in, I'm afraid."

Nathan pulled out a blank form and handed Jack a pen.

"Be real careful because this one's an official form too. Looks like official ones are all I've got, come to think of it! And since this is your first official form to show your Momma, be really careful and don't get any ink on your clothes, okay? And Mountie Jack, it's called filling out a form."

"Filwing out a form?"

"That's it, Son!"

Bill sat down, smiling as he watched Nathan continue to fill out his real form, holding Jack in his lap, while the boy worked just as hard 'filwing' out his first official form,' and the longer he watched, the tough older man began to cry, he was so touched.

"I love you, Mountie Nathan!"

"I love you, too, Mountie Jack!"

"Bill, are you getting a cold?" asked Nathan, glancing up as Bill was pulling out a large handkerchief.

"Naw," he sniffled. "Just those blasted allergies…"

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41. "Wow," a natural exclamation first recorded as Scottish in origin in the early 16th Century that means very impressed, surprised, or pleased; the word's use as a verb came along much later in the 1920s. Public Domain Information.

42. "Belle Epoch," French term meaning beautiful age or special period of time in history; also, can mean the beginning of a new era. Public Domain Information.

43. "Bomb," the word bomb is derived from the late 17th century from French bombe, from Italian bomba, probably from the Latin bombus much earlier meaning 'booming, humming, buzzing sound,' used in a variety of ways; although also attested to nuclear weapons or the capacity to use them since 1932 and also as slang for something extra in the 1960s or as a major success in theater in the 1950's. Public Domain Information.

44-45. "Discerning," having good judgment or showing good judgment; also recognizing small details while having the ability to distinguish between them. Public Domain Information.

46. "Wow," a natural exclamation first recorded as Scottish in origin in the early 16th Century that means very impressed, surprised, or pleased; the word's use as a verb came along much later in the 1920s. Public Domain Information.