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Nathan & Elizabeth: An Epic Love
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Chapter Sixty-seven
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Thursday of Wedding Week
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Part II
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As requested, promptly at half past 11 AM, Elizabeth and the children excitedly entered The Queen of Hearts Dining Room along with the Thatcher and Grant Families. There, she met Sarah Donaghy, Emily Blevins, and Maureen O'Reilly, graciously and promptly re-introducing them to all of her family members, along with Rosemary, in an extended effort to make them all feel at home.
Bill and Lee were also there, with Bill briefing Lee on what was about to happen.
"Our Mounties will be enterin' just before noon, when there will be a brief ceremony takin' place just before we eat. Of course, they've been hush-hush as to what it's all about. But my Mountie Bones and that photographer standin' over there, tell me our Boy is gettin' another medal or two! I'm also pretty sure our Nathan has taken care of another brother of his, as well, but we shall see!"
"Sounds like Nathan has taken to this new job of his like a duck to water!"
"Exactly that, Lee! Couldn't be prouder of my Boy if he were my own!"
"Gentlemen, have some of the Chef's fancy appetizers," offered Mike, serving them on a silver tray per Rosemary's many instructions. "And please, please, rave about them as Rosemary is adamant that they be mind-blowing!"
Lee chuckled, then took a bite as Bill just rolled his eyes!
"Yep, pretty mind-blowing to me, Mike!" winked Lee. "Just be thankful Rosie didn't make you wear white gloves!"
"White gloves?" asked Mike, totally clueless.
"To serve that tray!" laughed Lee.
Mike just rolled his eyes.
"She's your wife, Lee! Can't you do something with her to save us?"
"It's Rosie, Mike! What can I say?"
Mike just shook his head and moved on serving...
"Uncle Bill! Uncle Bill! Papa said I could wear my Mountie hat to lunch!" called out Jack enthusiastically. "It matches my new Mountie uniform!"
"Jackeroo, you look like a regular little Mountie in that red serge. You'd better be careful, or your Papa and his men will have you marchin' right along with them!"
Jack beamed at the thought.
"Come to think of it, where did you get that Red Serge, Jack? I mean, it looks pretty official to me," teased his Uncle Bill in a most serious voice.
"What's official mean, Uncle Bill? I just know it's the real thing!"
"Well, I'll be! Then that means it must be official!"
"I get to wear a uniform just like Papa's at our Wedding, too! It's going to be blue, just like his new one. Mama and Allie say I look really handsome in both my uniforms, just like my papas! I better go show this one to my Grandpapa and Grandmama! And my Grappa and Gramma, too!"
"I'm sure you'll look mighty handsome in both for sure," agreed Bill. "I, for one, can't wait to see you in that Blue Serge tomorrow!"
Jack smiled in agreement and happily scampered off to find his grandparents...
As Mike and two additional servers continuously passed through the group of guests, Gustave was daring anyone except his sous chef to enter his kitchen, with Rosemary at the top of that list.
"Out, I say, or I stop cooking! Mike, get that woman out of my domain this moment!"
"'That woman' happens to be your Boss, Gustave," ordered Rosemary, which didn't help anything at all. "And here, out of the goodness of my heart, I came by to see if you need anything."
"She does have a point, Gustave!" reminded Mike. "About that boss part, I mean."
"Peace and quiet, Madame, with no interruptions if you wish me to cook! Out! Unless, of course, you wish to do all the cooking yourself. And if you so choose, I assure you my sous chef, and I will walk out this very moment and not ever come back!"
"Rosemary, why don't you tend to our female guests? Let's do as Gustave requests. Like now," added Mike urgently, practically pushing Rosemary out of the kitchen and toward Elizabeth.
"If we are going to have any food for lunch whatsoever, will you please keep Rosemary glued to your hip and don't let her meander for a single second!" ordered Mike in a hushed whisper to the soon-to-be Bride.
"Got it!" nodded Elizabeth, taking Rosemary's arm.
Thankfully, at that very moment, Mike led his waiters around the dining room with a new round of even more intriguing appetizers that satisfied Queen Rosemary herself!
"Rosemary, these appetizers are scrumptious and ever so elegant," complimented Grace.
"They really are lovely, Rosemary," agreed Eleanor.
"Your entire establishment is so charming, Mrs. Coulter," bragged Emily. "I couldn't wait to show it to Sarah!"
"Please, it's Rosemary!"
"Rosemary, it is," smiled Emily. "And I'm Emily!"
"And the reality has not disappointed in the least," assured Sarah.
That was when Mike appeared in the center of the now Private Dining Room with an announcement.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, please be seated as our special Luncheon will begin as soon as our Mountie Ceremony is finished. On behalf of Chef Gustave, who will make an appearance after, please enjoy yourselves!"
Mike's Brass Band began playing, with him quickly switching hats and joining in! The music was lively, upbeat, and very patriotic, which signaled the formal 'March of the Mounties' in full dress uniform, led by Finn and followed by his Constables, then Alex and the Corporals.
Just after them, entered the Chief Inspector with Chief Superintendent O'Reilly, both also in full dress uniform, followed by the Deputy Commissioner, and last but most certainly not least, the Commissioner, both also in full dress uniform, now with all their many medals added.
To say the men looked impressive was a massive understatement, as this was a truly awe-inspiring moment, just to be in their presence alone.
As all offered the formal salutes at attention, which were then completed and received by the four Officers, the Commissioner curtly was the first to drop the salute, nodding for the men to gather around them behind his podium, with the Deputy Commissioner and Chief Superintendent to his right, and the Chief Inspector to his left.
Only the Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner knew the agenda.
Though unknown to the rest of those present, the moment was about to become a lot more memorable and poignant than they imagined...
"Welcome to our special luncheon. I am Commissioner Conrad Donaghy, and on behalf of the Officers and men around me, we are delighted to be with you today! It is especially with great pride that we are gathered here in Hope Valley for such a joyous event as the beautiful Wedding of our own esteemed Chief Inspector to his beautiful Lady in both looks and spirit, Elizabeth Thatcher Thornton, who has always resided in our hearts. Tomorrow, we continue our celebration of that wonderful Bridal Couple and Wedding! Still, I would be remiss not to carve out this special moment to honor great bravery, great courage, and great service that in no way can be overlooked."
"In life, there are many different trials that come to us to mold us, to shape us. They either break us or make us stronger. As Mounties, we strive to face those trials with bravery and courage, actively seeking the many lessons that only adversity itself can teach us. The difference is, as Mounties, we face those trials with the added responsibility and risk of literally placing our very lives on the line. But through all the unique adversities, trials, and tribulations we face, we hold our banners of ethics and honor high, continuing to raise them even higher after each battle because we are strengthened and toughened. As we endure both good times and bad times, we are one, a brotherhood together!"
"When the Deputy Commissioner and I hand-picked the Mountie, we felt was meant to fill the position of our Chief Inspector, there was no question in our minds who it had to be upon our first review, and I'm talking about the first review of the first candidate to come across our desk. In the short period of time Nathan Grant has served in this new position, he has brought fresh eyes, a questioning mind, and a unique way of looking at each new case, bringing them to rapid resolution while uncovering new cases in the process. In more than one of those cases he was attempting to solve, he has repeatedly been put in significant personal danger right here in Hope Valley and the surrounding area."
"Bravery and courage – two honorable attributes that go hand in hand. Both of these distinctive hallmarks our new Chief Inspector has in spades, as he has shown us time and time again. It's one thing to be brave, or to take a spontaneous action in the moment, but to have the strength of character to act confidently despite fear and uncertainty, especially when facing great danger to oneself, time and again, that goes beyond bravery into the arena of courage." (*141) (*142)
"Our Chief Inspector just this last week was put in a situation in his own Office and Judge Avery's Office, where he had to make a life and death decision to do the right thing and keep his assailant alive instead of the more certain alternative, which is quite a courageous thing to do. Another words, he had the easier shot, but he took the one laden with more risk, because he was confident in his abilities that he could save both himself and his assailant. This is a man who is able to inclusively weigh all his options in a matter of split seconds and decisively act, not randomly at all, but very methodically, to obtain the desired and necessary result – which happens to always be the best result, the optimal result for the Mounties he serves, as a whole. Was that brave? Yes. But it went far beyond his bravery, requiring a depth of courage that few men possess."
"Chief Inspector Grant, will you please step forward as the Deputy Commissioner assists me in the giving of the medals and certificates?"
"Less than one week ago, knowing how desperately we needed your assailant alive, you assessed and did exactly what was necessary in a perilous situation. As previously referenced, but more specifically, instead of shooting your assailant to his demise, you expertly shot the gun aimed at you right out of your assailant's hand, wounding him instead in the shoulder while saving not only your life but also the life of the #1 most wanted criminal in both Canada and the United States. That is bravery under extreme duress, which in my book is courage personified. And for that action, it is my great honor and privilege to bestow a medal I have only bestowed thrice before in my entire career, and the first man has long since retired from the Mounties. Chief Inspector Grant, aside from your Commissioner, Deputy Commissioner, and Chief Superintendent, you will be the fourth Officer of our force currently wearing this most prestigious medal. For the personal capture of the real Casimir Shaw, I present to you The Star of Courage. May you wear this medal with well-deserved honor and pride, and may you place your certificate in a position of the same! In addition to our personal welcomes, may this medal also be a symbol of our official welcome to our quartet of Officers, Chief Inspector!"
"Thank you, Sir! It is my honor and privilege to serve, particularly with this esteemed and honorable quartet of Officers!"
"The honor and privilege are all your Commissioner's, Deputy Commissioner's, Chief Superintendent's, and the entire Mountie Force's, Chief Inspector Grant!" assured Commissioner Donaghy.
The room broke out in applause for one of their own, whom they were so immensely proud of.
"As I mentioned a moment ago, we Mounties endure both good times and bad times. And yes, we are one, a brotherhood together, standing tall and standing firmly, strongly rooted, always united, in both life and death. For you see, once a true Mountie brother, always a true Mountie brother. There is no better example than the one I'm about to give you! And yes, we are doing things differently for the remainder of this ceremony, though I have no doubt the protocol divergences we are implementing are exactly the way they should be done."
Conrad looked across the table.
"Our youngest Honorary Mountie in this room, most properly attired, I might add, today happens to be the son of two esteemed Mounties. It gives me the greatest pleasure to ask Mountie Jack Thornton, would you like to come and stand by your Papa?"
Jack excitedly looked to his Mama for permission, which she smiled and quickly gave by nodding with an even broader smile of pride, causing Jack to beam and head straight to stand beside his Papa proudly! But not before he remembered his hat and turned back to retrieve it from his Mama, adorably placing it on his own head and squashing it down a bit so it wouldn't fall off, to the delight of all gathered, then, running back again, to his Papa.
As soon as Jack made it all the way back up front in his miniature Red Serge, he reached for his new Papa's hand, and though still at attention, without breaking formation, Nathan instinctively grasped Jack's much tinier one.
That handhold alone stirred the hearts of every single person present, even the waitstaff, as how could it possibly not?
Bill was already shedding tears, as were Elizabeth, Eleanor, Grace, Rosemary, and others, though up until this point, that had not been the intent at all!
No, the Wedding had not yet taken place, but it was crystal clear to everyone that Nathan and Jack were already father and son, and that site alone warmed hearts like no other.
"Less than one week ago, the Chief Inspector committed to solve a mystery we knew Constable Jack Thornton had discovered and begun inspecting over seven years ago. Though we are sadly and tragically now separated by Heaven and Earth, Constable Thornton is still our true Mountie brother and no more so than to our Chief Inspector. Essentially, this was a case that took both men working together in subsequent eras on differing timelines, building on the clues of one uncovered by the other. Miraculously, Chief Inspector Grant was able to pick up where Constable Thornton had to lay down his arms, continuing his great work and carrying it through to a most important conclusion with far-reaching impact for the better to cleanse our entire Mountie force, making it once again the honorable, noble force we each strive daily to make it be. Indeed, with the same nobility that both these honorable young men have upheld during their tenure."
"Yes, this is a dual honor presentation, and it is my greatest honor to preside over and bestow not one medal but two in this most unique case. Honorary Mountie Jack Thornton, Jr., I am going to ask your new Papa to kneel on one knee and pin this medal on your new uniform. But, it is with much love, honor, and deep respect from all of us – (and here the Commissioner's voice cracked slightly, which he did his best to cover, but the raw emotion had escaped) - that on behalf of your beloved father, the great Mountie Constable Jack Thornton, Sr. we bestow on you in his stead, The Distinct and Honorable Medal of Sacrifice, for the supreme sacrifice he and you, his family have made and still make each and every day. We are so grateful for the clues your Papa left us, Son! He will always be an impeccable Mountie. We love your Papa and will always miss him, Jack, as do you, but we are so grateful that his smile lives on forever in your own handsome face!"
As soon as Nathan pinned the medal on his son, he kissed him, and Jack automatically wrapped his arms around his Papa's neck, leaving no doubt that Jack Senior was watching from above, very proud indeed! Suddenly, a peace like she had never known fell over Elizabeth, fully understanding that everything was exactly as it was meant to be. It was a blessed and profound moment, absolving any remaining twinges of guilt for all. This was no competition, nor had it ever been.
This was simply a family that included Allie's mother and Jack's father.
Jack's one hand went back firmly into his Papa's as he placed his free hand over his new medal.
It was clear that everyone, was doing everything possible to honor what was, as well as what is!
"Now turnabout is fair play. Chief Inspector, please remain kneeling, as your son and daughter together are going to assist me in the pinning of this next medal. Miss Allison Rose Grant, will you please come and stand with your Papa and brother?"
Allie came up, looking quite elegant and grown up in a new navy frock from the Buxton second-hand Parisian shoppe that perfectly matched her father's uniform. Her long brown hair was tied back in a low ponytail and tied with a wide navy satin bow matching her linen dress. As an added detail, the bow contained the same narrow red piping as the design of her dress.
There she stood beautifully by her brother and kneeling Papa.
"Before we continue, I need to clarify by relaying that I've been told by both Chief Inspector Grant, who calls this beautiful Young Lady his Princess, and Judge Avery, who calls this beautiful Young Lady his 'Little Mountie,' as well as others, that Allie could hold her own regarding Mountie protocol with the best of us! For the many sacrifices she has also made through the years, sharing her Papa as a single parent, her Uncle Bill, and even her Uncle Gabe with the Mounties, it is my greatest pleasure that we are also officially making you a well-deserved Honorary Mountie, Allison Rose Grant!"
Allie smiled graciously and shook the Commissioner's hand as well as the Deputy Commissioner's, who then both kissed her cheek, as Alex's brilliant blue eyes couldn't help but follow her.
But it was his almost imperceptible swallow, which only his mother noticed while he was standing at attention, that clearly told her everything she needed to know. And with that sweet confirmation, Maureen O'Reilly smiled blissfully at her son's nervous 'tell' that had been present since very early childhood.
And in that magic moment with a mother's wisdom, and an Irish mother at that, Maureen recognized the choice of her son's heart, instantly accepting and loving Allie as her own daughter.
"As your Papa, Chief Inspector Grant is a high-ranking Officer who has just resolved an important case of epic proportions in tandem with Constable Jack Thornton, involving a significant portion of our force and ultimately all of our Mountie Force; it is my humble, and great honor to bestow The Officer Order of Meritous Award on Chief Inspector Nathan Grant, your beloved Papa. Jack, will you please hand Allie this most prestigious medal for her to pin on your Papa's Uniform?"
Jack nodded vociferously and very carefully handed Allie the medal.
"Boy, it's heavy!" he announced to everyone, who, of course, chuckled.
"That it is, Jack, and your Papa is wearing quite a few, too! So just imagine how heavy all that hardware must be for him to bear each day!"
Continued chuckles could be heard throughout the dining room.
Allie pinned the medal on her Papa, aligning it perfectly, and then smiled and kissed him, followed by Jack doing the same.
"Chief Inspector Grant, you may rise!"
Nathan did and proudly gathered his children to him, though still at attention, as the Commissioner pinned their official Honorary Mountie pins on both Allie and Jack, then handed them their official Mountie certificates, already framed.
He then addressed Nathan once more.
"Chief Inspector, may you wear this medal with well-deserved honor and pride, and may you never forget its most appropriate and unique bestowment! May you also place your certificate in a position of honor and pride as well!"
Then, the Commissioner made one last statement.
"Thank you, and a hearty congratulations, Chief Inspector! 'Maintiens le Droit!'" (*143)
"Thank you, Sir! Thank you, Allie and Jack! It is my honor and privilege. 'Maintiens le Droit!'" responded the Chief, along with all the Mounties present, and then the guests all broke out in new applause. (*144)
"At ease, Men!" barked the Commissioner, as required.
Maureen also noticed that her son's colleagues left him the seat across from the Grant Family, which would become officially so tomorrow, though it was clear that in every way that mattered, these four were already a family! Her heart broke a little when she saw that he looked down instead of across the table at them. She respected it if Alex just thought it was a private moment for the family, but could it have been more, perhaps despair over the difficult situation his innermost feelings were certainly guiding him toward?
At that very moment, Maureen resolved to first talk to her husband and then to her son, completing both no later than by day's end.
Everyone immediately found their seats amidst lots of happy crying, ready for a gourmet luncheon extraordinaire, post the most touching Mountie medal ceremony ever, never to be forgotten, as Nathan reached to kiss his Lizbeth, with their children next to them…
Nathan, Elizabeth, their children, and the Grants were all mounting up in the Livery, preparing for their ride to the new property.
Allie was beyond excited at getting to ride her new horse, Collie, from her grandparents! While Archie was riding Jack's new horse, Thorn.
"Papa, can I ride with you?" asked Jack.
"Yes, Son! On the way out, you sure can. But your Mama and I are going to head out in a different direction afterward, so will you ride back home on your new horse with Grappa?"
"I can ride Thorn?"
"Yes, with Grappa, like you do on Newton with me. Okay?"
"Okay, Papa! Can I, Grappa?"
"Yes, Son, you sure may!" grinned Archie. "We'll have a big old time on our way home! Thorne will like having his new owner on board, too!'
"Allie, are you doing okay with Collie?" asked her Papa.
"Yes, Sir! But can you check my reins? They don't feel just right yet."
"Here, Sweetie, they're too long. Is this better?"
"That's perfect. Grappa already fixed my stirrups. Collie and I are ready!"
"Let me check your bridle bit, too."
"Grappa, already did!" assured Allie.
"Then, we're all good!"
"Sure looks pretty great to me, Allison Rose," smiled Eleanor, who had chosen to ride Hero, Bill's horse. "There's nothing like these Mountie horses, though, Son. You can immediately tell they are totally in tune with whoever gets on them!"
"That's true, Mom, as long as you aren't trying to harm their Mountie! They can sense that a mile away!" clarified Nathan. "Car or no car, our horses are still the best!"
"Nathan, I'm ready!" smiled Elizabeth next to Sergeant. "But I can mount myself!"
"Here, Babe! Let me help you up," insisted Nathan, doing just that, giving her a sweet kiss before he lifted her at the waist. "Between the two of us, do we have everything we need for later?"
"I believe we do! Shall we head out to our land?" asked Elizabeth. "Are you ready, too, Scout?"
"'Our land!'I cannot tell you how much I love the sound of that, Lizbeth!"
"Me too, Love…"
"What an idyllic setting, and what a picturesque scene!" cried an overjoyed Eleanor as she watched Scout running and playing with her grandchildren, with all their horses tied near a stream from the tributary.
Then, looking around further, she added.
"It's simply stunning, Elizabeth and Nathan! Look at that mountain range and those hills as a backdrop. And the sound of that river! Every part of the land that I can see is just incredible. I am so thrilled that you both have this. Especially starting out!"
"We appreciate that, Eleanor!" smiled Elizabeth. "It's like our very own paradise!"
"It truly is a paradise! Our very own paradise describes it perfectly, Darling!" interjected Nathan with his lop-sided grin on full display.
"This land is exquisite, Son! And I do mean exquisite!" began Archie, who was also thoroughly impressed with what he was seeing.
"There's plenty of it, too, Dad! But I love that it has it all: the mountains, the hills, the river, the tributary! Plus, we'll have the best neighbors around once we are all settled!"
"Now, if we could just figure out a way to bring our ranch here beside you!" frowned Eleanor, though playfully. "I mean, what could be more perfect than if we were closer to our family, Arch?"
"Funny, you bring that up, Mother, because that's something Elizabeth and I wanted to talk with both of you about."
"Really, Son?" asked Archie, surprised.
"Really. I know you haven't been ready to give it all up, Dad. But this is going to be someday what I hope will be a working ranch patterned after our homeplace," explained Nathan. "What if we used that to both of our advantages?"
"What do you mean, Nathan?" asked his mother, her interest piqued.
"We're not pushing at all. So please don't take it that way. But Elizabeth and I were thinking that maybe when you and Dad are ready to sell the ranch, you could bring your favorite horses here, as well as your extra businesses, and do them from right here on our land."
"Are you offering for Ellie and me to come here and live with you when we retire?" asked a non-plussed Archie.
"That's exactly what we are offering. We'd love you and Mom to run our ranch when you two decide to downsize. This would be a much smaller operation than what you two are used to. But there's room to make it every bit as big, that is, if the both of you would allow me to hire the proper staff to do the grunt work, so the two of you could enjoy what you do for a change and not have to be outside all hours of the day and night!"
"That is so very gracious and thoughtful, Nathan. But we couldn't possibly interfere in your home life, Elizabeth," insisted Eleanor. "You two will need your own family space without your in-laws interfering!"
"Eleanor, with the huge farmhouse we are planning to build, that won't be a problem at all. I do believe we could all live together and all benefit from doing so!"
"But if living in the same house isn't your preference, there is plenty of land here to build you two exactly what you want, and we would be happy to do that for you, as well, if that ends up being your preference," explained Nathan.
"We couldn't let you build us a house," insisted Archie. "No way, Son! We have some money put back, and then if and when Ellie and I decide to sell, there would be that money from the ranch, too. And we plan to put most of all that back to save for your inheritance."
"But, Dad, between us, the thing is Bill is gifting us this land for a Wedding present, so we aren't spending money on the land, and anything we end up putting on it is just going to help increase the overall value, so we feel all buildings should come from our budget."
"Not at all sure about that, Son! But you two have really talked this out and are serious, aren't you?"
"Yes, Archie, we are," iterated Elizabeth. "It's something we really want you both to think long and hard about. We want you two to be able to enjoy your grandchildren day in and day out. We also want you two to think about coming back and sharing our first Christmas together, just as we discussed!"
"Oh, Elizabeth, we would love to have our Christmas with the new Grant family!" enthused Eleanor. "But all this other, we would have to really discuss that and figure it all out together when Archie and I get to the place of making a real decision about our own ranch!"
"That's fair," agreed Elizabeth. "We just want you both to know we are very serious in making the offer, as well as being very hopeful that you'll accept."
"And for that, we are most appreciative," and Archie gave his soon-to-be daughter-in-law a hug as proof.
"We admit, it's tempting as it's such a generous offer," explained Eleanor. "And we do promise to give it serious consideration."
"Dad, can you do this in the meantime, perhaps even while we are gone on our Honeymoon? Nobody lays out a ranch like you and Mom. Lee is making a copy of the plat of our land to give you. Will you both take it back to the ranch and come up with some ideas for locations and prototypes about adding a barn, a chicken coop, stables, and a carriage house?"
Arch and Eleanor were suddenly overcome that their son and his new wife as of tomorrow, were trusting them to help lay out their ranch, though especially Archie.
"We're going back and forth about a combined barn versus a separate barn for the horses. We don't want to be wasteful, but I've always been used to having them separate," noted Nathan.
"There are good, solid reasons for that, Son, all of which you well know! I always say separate is best when possible."
"And I should mention we will have Security on the ranch to guard us," added Nathan. "Which means separate housing for them, as well as extra horses. And don't forget, with your two generous additions, we are now up to six horses for the family alone!"
Archie happily nodded, remembering every detail of what had been said.
This was the first time in a very long time, Nathan had asked for his advice on anything, and that, along with their heartfelt invitation to live with them, felt wonderful, like they were truly connected as father and son, as well as family, once again.
The two couples didn't mark the moment with flowery words, nor any extra related descriptors at all. Still, all four adults felt it and were warmed by the special family moment, following those that had been experienced earlier today, with this one being every bit as important.
And in many healing ways, perhaps more so.
"Son, your mother and I would be honored to draw up a few different options for you both…"
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141-142. "Bravery vs. Courage," bravery is generally thought to be more about spontaneous action and setting fear aside, while courage is generally thought to be about endurance and strength of character to act in the face of fear; courage involves having fear while being ever mindful of the risks, and making the conscious decision to proceed and do something despite the fear and risks. General Public Domain Information.
143-144. "Maintiens le Droit," The Royal Canadian Mounted Police motto translated from French to English meaning 'uphold the right' or 'defend the law;' first advocated in 1873 and adopted two years later. Public Domain.