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Nathan & Elizabeth: An Epic Love
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Chapter Sixty-four
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Wednesday of Wedding Week
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Part I
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Elated, Nathan, Elizabeth, Allie, and Jack were at the Hope Valley Train Station by 7:30 AM sharp, waiting anxiously to greet Nathan's parents and Allie's grandparents, now also Jack's grandparents: Archie and Eleanor Grant, who were expected to arrive some time now before 8 AM, as the train was running a little late.
"I do so hope your mother likes me, Nathan!" whispered Elizabeth as Allie stayed busy keeping Jack entertained in front of them.
"She will love you, Babe! My father certainly did!"
"I think that might have just been a fluke, since I happened to be there. I guess I just didn't realize I'd be so nervous," she admitted.
"Hey! You have nothing to be nervous about! I promise you, they will love you! How can they not?" assured Nathan. "Besides, I adore you enough for all three of us!"
"But what is your mother like? I don't think I've even seen a photo?"
"Well, she doesn't like to have her photo made, which come to think of it, is rather odd since she spent so many years on stage."
"On stage?"
"Yes, didn't I mention that? I thought I mentioned the professional dancer part, but she was also an actress in London before she met Dad. She has the English name of a beautiful English Rose, Eleanor, with the added and lovely Italian name of Celeste, which she used as her stage name. See, her mother's side of the family was all from Italy, and her father's side of the family was from England. And then along came my Irish-Scottish father! I guess you'd say we are quite the mix!"
"An actress and professional dancer on stage?" asked Elizabeth, nonplussed that she hadn't put all this together before now.
"Yes, Love, remember she taught my sister and me to dance! We talked about that. She also played lead roles in a lot of the classics that were interpreted for the theater."
"I must be rattled. Nathan, I've been imagining a rancher all along. Not someone who came from the arts and the cosmopolitan background of London!"
What she didn't say aloud, in her mind, she had imagined someone exactly like Jack's mother, who was rugged and didn't care to know what fashion or elegance was, and as she was the only other female rancher she had met in her life, most definitely was not an actress or professional dancer from London of all places! Why hadn't that sunk in when Nathan had answered her question before?
"She IS a rancher, Darling, and a very good one! Besides being an equestrian extraordinaire, she rides a horse like the wind. And is a whiz at knowing what is wrong with them in an instant. The ranch is so isolated that she often has to play the role of vet as well as just about everything else!"
"Can you describe her for me – her looks, her personality, I mean?"
"She's beautiful, delightful, tall, and full of joy, and like Colleen, the life of the party! The huge difference is that Collie adored the spotlight, while Mother has had her fill of all that and doesn't aspire to it at all, but still, everyone just seems to gather around her, flocking to her like honey! I suppose most would say she's elegant and refined as she's from the old country, but not in a standoffish way. Everyone she meets loves her. You will too, I promise! Oh, and I should warn you: unlike me, she's not at all quiet! Well, perhaps at times, but she's also not afraid to speak her mind, either, like you, actually!"
"Nathan, all the time before you told me, I thought she was elderly and sick because she couldn't take care of Allie."
Elizabeth swallowed.
"No, Love, as I explained, she couldn't take care of Allie because the ranch literally is in the middle of nowhere, and as much as she wanted to keep Allie there with her, there were no other children nearby, no school even, and neither one of us felt that was in Allie's best interest. She needed to be around other children as much as possible. And though I tried in all the places we lived, that really came to fruition when we moved to Hope Valley, thanks to you!"
Nathan thought a moment.
"And as for her age, Mother is quite a bit younger than Dad. She's – let's see – fifty-eight! Oh, and she's also as tough as nails. Had to be with what we went through. But with all the hardships, she's never lost her joy. Except, of course, when we lost Colleen. There were a few very dark years of grief for all of us, but especially for her. There were more days that she went through the motions than not, as she and Collie were extremely close. Another reason she insisted Allie be exposed to new people – people besides us, who weren't grieving so horribly!"
Nathan could tell Elizabeth seemed very rattled and reached down to kiss her.
"Lizbeth, you are the woman I love. Both of my parents know that. They also know you are the only woman for me, period. They already love you, my Darling!"
And with that last affirming comment, the crescendo of the rousing and rushing Train headed toward them, gradually slowing, while coming to a full rhythmically chugging stop with the wheels squeaking shrilly as they made contact, forcefully engaging the brakes, in turn creating shattering sparks flaring against the metal rails, loudly screeching right there before them.
Suddenly, with the train at a complete standstill and the noise now limited to a roaring lull, the doors opened for the passengers to begin disembarkation, to the delight and excitement of the soon-to-be official Grant Family.
Suddenly, Nathan was smiling from ear to ear and waving at Archie and one of the most elegant and stylish women Elizabeth had ever seen, who immediately came running toward them, both also full of smiles…
"Gramma, Grappa, this is my new little brother, Jack!" called Allie, so excited she could barely contain herself.
"And what a fine young lad you are, Son!" greeted Archie, reaching his hand out to shake Jack's.
"Arch, this young lad needs a hug, not a handshake," winked Eleanor as she knelt down on the platform in front of Jack, dressed in her elegant travel suit and heels.
All Elizabeth could think was, that was the most stylish suit and cloche that she had ever seen, or was it just the tall, thin woman wearing them who made them appear so?
At this particular moment, she was so stunned she couldn't have answered the question if her life depended on it.
Archie gathered Allie to him as Elizabeth watched in absolute shock as Jack, who never immediately took up with strangers, wrapped his little arms around Eleanor's long, slender neck (that looked just like her granddaughter's) and gave her the biggest hug he could!
"It is wonderful to finally get to meet you, Jack! You look so handsome, just like the pictures your Papa sent us of you! No wonder I already love you!"
"Can I call you Gramma, too, just like Allie?"
"Absolutely, because that's exactly what I am to both you and Allie, Jack Thornton! I'm the lucky woman who gets to be your Gramma! And that's exactly what I will always be to the both of you! Now, where's our Allie?"
"She's right there, Gramma!" laughed Jack most happily. "Right beside you!"
"Come here, you! Oh, how I have missed my beautiful Allie Girl!" and Eleanor squeezed her so tight, but Allie squeezed her back just as tightly, delighted to have her Gramma right here in Hope Valley, meeting her new family.
"I've missed you so, Gramma!"
"Not half as much as I've missed you, Young Lady! Now, where is this Mama of yours I can't wait to meet?"
Allie took her Gramma by the hand and proudly took her straight to her Mama, while Archie clasped Jack's hand to show his grandfatherly love but also to keep him safe - and with Jack mesmerized, the two looked adorable getting to know each other!
"This is Elizabeth, Mother, the love of my life!" beamed Nathan proudly. "Elizabeth, this is my mother, Eleanor Celeste Grant."
"She is an absolute beauty too, Son! Oh, Elizabeth, it's a delight to finally meet the woman who has made my son so happy! My beautiful granddaughter, too! The two people we love most in this world, and now four. Arch and I are so grateful. Thank you for that!"
Before she knew it, Elizabeth was engulfed in Eleanor's warm embrace, falling immediately in love with this elegant but authentic, warm woman who was about to be her new mother-in-law.
Then it was Nathan's turn to greet his mother, as Archie then greeted Elizabeth.
"Mother, I cannot tell you how wonderful it is to see you again and to finally have you here in Hope Valley!" and just like Allie, Nathan practically crushed her in his hearty embrace.
The immense love between the two was undeniable, and there was no doubt whatsoever where Nathan got his great looks. His tall stature, his dark hair, his long slender neck – everything really but his eyes – as those came from his father since his mothers were dark, dark brown, like Allie's or even darker – but everything else was his mother made over!
Next was Archie's turn to greet his son; though a tad more reserved, the two men embraced lovingly.
It was more than clear both were trying hard to turn the page on their difficult past.
"Congratulations, Son, on your new appointment! I told Eleanor, if ever there was a job made for you, it's this one. I have no doubt at all that you will excel like no other!"
"That means a lot, Dad! An awful lot! Can't wait to introduce you to the team! And show you our temporary offices."
Archie nodded with a smile, surprised his son would feel that way but ever so thankful.
Then he turned to Elizabeth.
"I do so hope we haven't overstepped, Elizabeth, but Ellie and I wanted to bring something special from the ranch for Allie and Jack! A piece of our home for them to have here in Hope Valley. We have brought two smaller horses in cargo, which are the best step up when they are needed from what the children are currently riding. Nathan sent us photos of Pal and Nellie, the horse Allie usually rides, to help us figure it all out. But we thought it was time Allie had a horse of her own permanently and from our stock, too! Also, though we know Jack isn't quite ready yet, we couldn't possibly leave our new grandson out, and the truth is it won't be that long till he's ready for something bigger, but neither massively so! These two are just the right size, plus they are extremely well-trained and as gentle and loving as they come!"
Archie was looking straight at Elizabeth, whom he had just embraced moments ago, respectfully waiting for her approval.
She hesitated only a moment.
"What a lovely gift, Archie! Perfect, actually! Especially for the children to have horses from The Grant Ranch that you and Eleanor personally trained, as well as being the place Nathan grew up! I love it all! What do you say, let's go help our two new family members deboard?"
The children shrieked with pure delight!
And though thoroughly delighted herself, Elizabeth was still in shock at how wonderful this welcome had gone!
She loved her new mother-in-law-to-be instantly, but Eleanor Celeste Grant was not at all what she had expected.
Not even by a longshot…
Back at Cargo, the Station Master had assigned two men to deboard Allie's and Jack's new horses and deliver them into Seth's capable waiting hands, as Nathan had previously made arrangements for their keep.
When she caught her first glimpse of the two horses, Elizabeth gasped.
These weren't just any horses.
Both were stunning and extremely well-bred!
Every bit as pedigreed or perhaps even more so than what her own father stabled, and he had quite a few thoroughbreds.
Allie and Jack were so excited about their new horses, that Nathan was having to hold them both back, since he knew overwhelming these two horses immediately with love should at least wait till they were safely deboarded.
"Papa, look! Is the bigger one mine, Grappa?" called Allie as Archie's presence next to them assured the two horses they were safe.
"It most certainly is, Allie. This one's a Chocolate Horse with a Silver mane and tail, chocolate like your eyes! She's gentle with those she loves, but your Gramma can tell you she rides like the wind."
"Only for you, would I give her up, Sweetheart!" smiled Eleanor, wrapping her arm around her granddaughter. "She's an absolute dream and my personal favorite!"
"But what's her name, Gramma?"
"Well, your Grappa, and I think you should name her!"
"But I might love the name she already has!"
"Her name is Collie, Allie, after your mother! She has the same lively but gentle spirit and an enthusiasm for life, just like she did! She's as smart as they come and also reminds me of you, Dear Child!"
"I love that, Gramma! Collie, it is! She's perfect, and that's the perfect name for her. Mama would love that, and I love her already," exclaimed Allie, crying a little as she was unable to hold back her tears while embracing her Gramma with love and gratitude.
"Papa, is that one mine?" asked Jack in pure awe.
"Yes, Jack, Gramma and Grappa chose this gorgeous Palomino for you!"
"Look at that gold coat, Jack," gushed Elizabeth who was instantly falling in love with both horses. "These are the most beautiful horses I believe I've ever seen!"
"And the mane and tail are silver, just like Allie's horse, Jack. This is one gorgeous horse, and he's all yours!"
"I love him, Papa! He's beautiful! Do you know his name?"
"Surprisingly, we named him before we ever knew your name, Jack," explained his new Gramma. "His name is Thorne because he was born through the night, and we found him as a baby the next morning with his Mama by a hedge!"
"But that's my name, Gramma! I'm going to be Jack Thornton-Grant! Like both my papas!"
"That you are, Dear Child! That you most certainly are! And now you will not only have your Papa's horse, Sergeant, but your own horse, Thorne, as well!"
Archie walked the horses over to Allie, Elizabeth, and Nathan, who was holding Jack so that Jack was up high enough that he could fully inspect his new horse.
Nathan leaned him forward so Jack could hug Thorne's neck, which the boy did fearlessly.
The horse immediately turned to kiss Jack.
"He kissed me, Papa! Thorne kissed me!"
"Thorne already loves you, Son! Just like Pal!"
"Thorne is certainly your name, Son! And that was yet another reason your Gramma and I knew this beauty belonged to you, Jack, plus he has your blonde coloring, though in that beautiful deep gold shade which is rather rare, just like you, Dear Boy..."
After having spent the morning busy at their offices, Nathan and Bill left to have lunch with the Thatchers and Senior Grant families at The Queen of Hearts.
"I can't believe I finally get to meet your mother, Nathan!" grinned Bill.
"I'm excited, Bill! But I guess I should warn you, I don't think Mother was at all what Elizabeth expected! She kept saying she thought she was a Rancher, and that's what both my parents are, but somehow, she still seemed to be shocked. Do you have any idea why?"
"Well, the truth is, Jack's mother runs a ranch, and she's what most would probably think of when a female rancher first comes to mind. Tough, more masculine than feminine, you know, that sort of thing. But see, havin' met your father, I've always personally felt like your mother was probably more on the refined side than what Elizabeth is used to, based on her own mother-in-law."
"Why would you say that?"
"Well, you are an avid reader, pretty much of everything, but includin' the classics; you appreciate art; and apparently, after seein' you dancin' with Elizabeth, you are one great dancer. No offense, but I don't think you got all that from your Dad! Has to be your Mom!"
Nathan chuckled.
"Funny, I never thought about it that way. But you're probably pretty spot on!"
"Oh, and she has to look more like you, too, since you don't look like your Dad except for the eyes."
"Pretty good inspecting, Judge!"
"Where are your parents stayin'? I meant to offer if you needed!"
"Thanks, but they're staying with me. I'm couching it!"
"Hey, at least I have a bed big enough for you in the guest room. You're welcome to it if you like! I mean, you do sort of need your rest for the big day!"
"Hmph! Let me think about that. Maybe I'll take you up on your offer, Bill…"
Though they had invited the Coulters to join them to balance things out as well as spend time with both sets of parents, Nathan and Elizabeth were shocked to find that both their sets of parents took to each other like they were best friends who had always known each other.
"The idea of running a ranch as a business thoroughly intrigues me, Archie. I can't wait to hear all about what you do from A to Z!" declared William.
"Well, there's never a dull moment. That's for sure, William! Where do you want me to start? Because I, for one, am more intrigued by that Shipping Business Elizabeth said you run! Now, as a worldwide business, that's intriguing!"
"Well, you and I are certainly going to get along fine, talking business, grandchildren, and horses all day long, Arch!"
"Throw in some fishing, Will, and we are the dream team!"
"I like the sound of that, Arch! But as far as that fishing, I'm as rusty as can be. You might have to teach me a thing or two there!"
Nathan raised a cautious eyebrow and whispered to Elizabeth.
"Already 'Arch' and 'Will' and 'dream team?'"
"Shocking, I know!" she whispered back. "But, hey, don't knock it!"
Eleanor and Grace were instant kindred spirits, both dressed to the hilt as they were giving their own mini fashion show, and that had most likely initially drawn them together. Still, after just a few moments of talking to each other, it was clear that the two could hold their own socially, and like her daughter, Grace had not at all expected that!
"You are positively beautiful and delightful, Eleanor! I can't believe you were raised in London, one of my favorite places in the whole world. Why, our daughter lives there permanently now, as she married into a titled family there! We have a granddaughter, but sadly, we seldom ever get to see her!"
"Oh, would the family perhaps be someone I know?"
"The man Viola is married to is actually an Earl. His name is Lord Lionel Etherington, which means our daughter is now The Countess, Lady Viola Etherington. Their little girl, Allie, and Jack's cousin, is about six years of age, and her name is Victoria, though the family calls her Tori in private!"
"Oh, I faintly remember the Earl, though he was much younger, but I knew his parents quite well, as well as his elder sister. I've actually stayed with them at their home, Cholmondeley Castle in Cheshire. It's a lovely home with beautiful formal gardens!" (*134)
"Yes, it is! Although we've assisted them with quite a bit of refurbishing due to wear and tear. But it's incredible that you know the Etheringtons as well as their home! Wait till I tell Viola we've met you and are going to be family together!"
"Also, Eleanor," interjected Rosemary. "Your traveling suit is stunning, and it looks just lovely on you! Where in the world do you shop living on a Ranch so far away from a cosmopolitan city?"
"I still have quite a bit of family in London, so they are constantly sending me designs to select from, and as I haven't really changed much in size from when I was there, the designers remember me and can still fit me, without me actually being present!"
"That's lovely, but how do they remember you after so many years in between, if you don't mind me asking?" prodded Grace gently. "I'm not sure our Hamilton dressmakers would be able to do that!"
"I must say all that is my past, Grace, not my present, so I don't really dwell on any of that. But the truth is, all the top designers used to do my costuming for the plays I acted or danced in, as well as my clothing for special events that I had to attend."
"You acted and danced professionally? In what theaters?" asked Grace, thoroughly impressed.
Then, as Julie realized that Eleanor had been an actress and professional dancer in London, no less, she and Grace, along with a thoroughly mesmerized Rosemary, had question after question they were dying to know the answers to.
Elizabeth was equally enthralled, anxious to learn everything she could about her future mother-in-law.
However, in some ways, the matter also totally confounded Rosemary, as she now clearly had competition twice over in dress and professional experience, and Rosemary Leveaux Coulter was not at all used to that scenario!
"Nathan Grant, why did you not tell me your mother was an actress in London?"
"She's my mother, Rosemary. It's just not something we talk about, so I seldom even think of it!"
"It's okay, Son," assured Eleanor. "Although Nathan is right, we seldom ever think of it or speak of it. But yes, I did do a lot of roles, especially with the classics, and I thoroughly loved doing them, at least during that stage of my life. I suppose that's why I was adamant that my children should learn to love all the classic stories as well. Let me see, it's been so long, but the theatres were all pretty much located in what we called the West End and Theatre Land. The main theaters were, of course, The Theatre Royal Drury Lane, The Britannia Theatre, and The Savoy Theatre. Oh, and even The London Hippodrome for special events! But those were mostly for elaborate Dance Events." (*135) (*136) (*137)
"My goodness, Eleanor, those are London's very best theatres!" exclaimed Grace, thoroughly amazed.
"Gramma, you've never even told me any of this!" noted Allie, stunned at the story her Gramma was telling. "It all sounds so thrilling!"
"Someday I will, Princess! But all that's for another day, alright?"
"Were your parts supporting roles," asked Julie, impressed with even that.
"I can answer that," interjected Archie. "My Eleanor always led the show as the star actress! I've seen her as Juliet, Lady MacBeth, Portia, Titania, Cordelia, and many more! And she was always, always given standing ovations! It may have all happened a lifetime ago, as she often says, but every single moment is etched in my memory!" (*138)
"Arch, you've never told me that! That's so lovely, Dear!"
And with that look, if anyone had ever doubted whether or not there was love between Eleanor and Archie, that question was answered for all time.
Their love was deep enough to have gotten them victoriously through the loss of an adult child they both adored, as well as a life that had involved criminal activity via their patriarch, which had brought great difficulty, pain, and even shame that no family should have to bear or face.
'Yet, they've survived, and somehow there's that deep love still there between them that Collie and I always felt,' mused Nathan to himself. 'I need to go easier on Dad. He's paid his due. And more importantly, he's truly reformed.'
But aloud, he offered an apology to all.
"I hate to leave this fine company, but Bill, Elizabeth, and I are expected at the Train Station in a matter of moments to welcome Commissioner Donaghy, Deputy Commissioner Blevins, and Chief Superintendent O'Reilly to our Wedding Week. Perhaps we can all get together here again tonight for dinner?"
It was hard for everyone to keep a straight face, though they somehow managed to do so in answering Nathan as he gallantly kissed each of the Ladies, including his daughter, goodbye on their cheek, with Elizabeth at his side.
Unknown to Nathan and Elizabeth, excitement was in the air over tonight's surprise low-key but very nice 'Fresh Fish Fry and Dinner Street Party,' honoring the Bride & Groom, their families, their guests, and the entire town of Hope Valley, who were insistent on celebrating their love for this special couple.
Thankfully, Hal had approved them leaving the hanging street lights from their most recent Mountie Moonlit Dinner Street Party, as well as the dance floors in front of the gazebo-like pavilion, along with the rental of the tables and chairs, though Rosemary and her team still had quite a bit of moving everything into place as well as decorating to do.
Well, that is with one much more accurate correction: Rosemary would be directing her team of workers, who in turn would be performing the hard labor of moving everything to exactly where their event planner extraordinaire deemed it should be…
At the Train Station for the second time today, Nathan and Elizabeth, along with Bill, were again looking forward to receiving Nathan's esteemed colleagues who were attending their Wedding, with the men proudly serving as the Groom's attendants.
They were anxiously awaiting Commissioner Conrad Donaghy and his wife Sarah, both of whom Elizabeth would be meeting for the first time, Deputy Commissioner Hal Blevins and his wife Emily, along with Chief Superintendent Patrick O'Reilly and his wife Maureen, who were all arriving on the same Train, along with their Security Teams.
"Our Wedding will be quite secure, Darling!" whispered Nathan to Elizabeth.
"Actually, that's one thing to be thankful for," noted Bill. "As you can never be too careful!"
Finn had gathered Nathan's men, who were all in their dress uniforms, to form a Guard of Honor, welcoming the RCMP's top brass to Hope Valley. For the Commissioner, it was his first time to visit, while they would be welcoming back the Deputy Commissioner and Chief Superintendent with a formal twenty-one-gun salute for all!
Although Nathan had been introduced to the Commissioner before, at Mountie Balls and other official gatherings, it wasn't as a top officer, nor was it for extended periods of time, like this would be. And though he had danced with his wife Sarah, he really couldn't say he knew her, though he did remember being impressed with both.
All of this ceremony was backed by Hickam's brass band, which began playing patriotic music as soon as the Train arrived.
As the Train loomed ever closer, both Bill and Nathan, along with his men, stood at attention.
As planned, Elizabeth would remain standing by the Judge while Nathan stepped out to welcome their most important Mountie guests, and at the same time, the women would gather with Elizabeth.
As the Train came rolling into town amidst a roaring cloud of steam and all its inherent noise, it slowly came to a throttling stop.
That was when the band started playing as the Chief Inspector moved forward in a stately fashion to greet each of the dignitaries and their wives.
"Chief Superintendent O'Reilly, Mrs. O'Reilly, a pleasure to welcome you both to Hope Valley, Sir, Ma'am!"
"Chief Inspector Grant, an honor to be here, Sir!"
The two men formally saluted, both equal in rank, dropping the salute at the exact same time, though their eyes told the story of deep regard and respect and what would soon be a true life-long friendship.
Chief Superintendent O'Reilly then led his wife Maureen to stand by Elizabeth, who greeted her warmly with a kiss on each cheek followed by a warm embrace.
But after greeting her, Elizabeth hooked her arm in Maureen's, unable to take her eyes off Nathan, mesmerized watching him fulfill his new role so flawlessly.
Then, the Chief Superintendent returned to stand on the left, beside the Chief Inspector, to receive the remaining guests.
"Deputy Commissioner Blevins, Mrs. Blevins, it is an honor and privilege to welcome you both on your return to Hope Valley, Sir, Ma'am!"
"Chief Inspector Grant, the honor and privilege are all ours, Sir!"
The three men formally saluted, with the senior Deputy Commissioner dropping his salute first, per protocol.
He then escorted his wife, Emily, to stand with Elizabeth and Maureen, who both excitedly greeted her with dual cheek kisses and warm embraces.
Then the Deputy Commissioner returned and stood on the right, beside the Chief Inspector adding a personal nod and touch of the shoulder before the Chief stepped forward again.
"Commissioner Donaghy, Mrs. Donaghy, it is a distinct honor and privilege to welcome you both to Hope Valley, Sir, Ma'am!"
"Inspector Grant, the distinct honor and privilege are entirely ours, Sir!"
The four men formally saluted, with the Commissioner crisply dropping the salute first and his top Officers most respectfully following in the same manner, again, as protocol demanded.
Commissioner Donaghy then escorted his wife, Sarah, to stand with Elizabeth, Maureen, and Emily who all three enthusiastically greeted and welcomed her with dual cheek kisses and warm embraces.
Then, the Commissioner stood on the right, beside his Deputy Commissioner and his Chief Inspector, all at attention, ready to receive the 21-gun salute.
The Train stayed with their passengers watching the ceremony and patriotic pageantry outside their passenger car windows, while as many as could gathered on the Train's platforms.
As soon as the last shot of the honorary salute was fired, the band began, but softly, in order to not mask individual rank introductions, which were led by the Chief Inspector, followed by each visiting officer offering each member of Nathan's team a personal comment of inspiration.
Elizabeth watched in awe, enveloped in the love of these top Mountie wives who had seen it all. Though to her, they were simply her new friends. But their camaraderie was much more than that.
The truth was, Elizabeth felt secure, wrapped in their love, having not a single doubt that this most important role was one of the life roles that had been meant for her, fated for her even so very long ago.
But she was no longer alone, not with the love and consideration of Nathan as her partner and not with this strong sisterhood of women who had automatically and joyfully accepted her into their group as one of them, equally important. For the first time in a long time, Elizabeth knew she was exactly where she was meant to be and with whom she was meant to be. And she wouldn't change any of it for the world.
Such was her immense love for this man, whether a Rancher, a Constable, or having become a Chief Inspector the week before their Wedding, it mattered not.
"Everything is exactly as it should be…" she whispered aloud, happier than ever.
Each of the women around her reached to gently touch this new Bride, showing their commitment of support to her and each other, always.
Once the introductions of Nathan's men were completed, the band grew louder and louder, sending off the dignitaries in style into their waiting cars along with their wives and also the Train passengers who had been lucky enough to have just witnessed this most special event!
Yes, undoubtedly, the Mounties had their proud brotherhood whose passion for protecting the citizens of Canada was infectious, but the wives had their sisterhood, every bit as proud and important...
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134. "Cholmondeley Castle in Cheshire," a country house that is castle-like located in the civil parish of Cholmondeley, Cheshire, England. Contains adjacent lovely formal gardens and is surrounded by parkland. The house site has been the seat of a family since the 12 Century. Current House was built at the start of the 19th Century to house the same family. Built in 1801-1804 by architects William Turner and Robert Smirke. Public Domain Information.
135. "West End and Theatre Land," the terms used to define the Theater District of London in 1921. Public Domain Information.
136. "The Theatre Royal Drury Lane, The Britannia Theatre, and The Savoy Theatre," a few of the more famous theatres of London in 1921. Public Domain Information.
137. "The London Hippodrome," primarily used for circuses and special events in 1921. Public Domain Information.
138. "Juliet, Lady MacBeth, Portia, Titania, Cordelia," a few of the many leading lady characters written by William Shakespeare (April 23, 1564-April 23, 1616). Public Domain Information.