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Nathan & Elizabeth: An Epic Love
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Chapter Seventy-three
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Friday of Wedding Week
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Part III
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Though the Bride and Groom had experienced rather intense mornings with early breakfasts, then respective enjoyable and leisurely late brunches with their families, they totally relaxed, elated to realize their forever was beginning in a matter of five and a half hours upon their exchange of vows, while still missing each other desperately.
At both rowhouses, their voluminous mound of newly gifted Honeymoon luggage was ready and waiting for pick up by the Station Master's Head Porter just outside their front doors promptly at 2 pm.
"And you thought your father and I couldn't get it all packed," teased Eleanor at the Grant rowhouse.
"I just worried about finding enough room to pack all those clothes in, Mother, even with our new luggage. I've never had so many clothes, much less seen that many in one place other than at a store!"
"I'll admit, Son, that might have been a problem had Grace not seen that both our Bride and Groom were properly outfitted with more than enough luggage to spare!"
"Oh, Mother! You do realize, as a Mountie, I'm used to traveling very light!" chided Nathan. "Light, like a duffle bag!"
"But my Darling Son, that is exactly the point! You aren't traveling as a Mountie on this trip of a lifetime, but a new Husband! Elizabeth's new husband, and like your daughter, your mother, your future mother-in-law, and sister-in-law, your Bride is an excellent dresser who cares how she looks!"
"Gramma's right, Papa!" chimed in Allie. "Mama always looks good!"
"Are you two implying I don't?"
Both Allie and her Gramma exchanged feigned looks of horror!
"It's not that you don't look good, Nate, but there's always room for improvement," explained Eleanor in a 'not about to budge her opinion' voice. "And now, my Dear Son, is the time to improve if there ever was one!"
"What can I say, Son? We're surrounded by brilliant women," winked Archie, loving and proud of both his Ellie and Allie. "Best to listen!"
"On that singular point, we can all agree, Father."
"Besides, Nate, they only want you to look your best for your new Bride! There's nothing wrong with that!"
Archie paused, glancing up a second time to make sure he had previously heard what he thought he had heard. Nathan had often called him 'Father' growing up, though he had seldom used the term since his incarceration. So, it especially touched Archie's heart that on this most important day of his Son's life, he would choose to use the endearment again.
In gratitude, he reached out and clasped Nathan's shoulder!
"Anything else we can help you with, Son?"
"Not a thing! William and I have a surprise for Elizabeth, so I'll have to go to the Train Station with him in a few minutes. Then, after I return, we'll just have to wait till William brings Jack by to dress him and attach his medal properly. Originally, Jack was going to ride on Newton with me and Allie with Elizabeth in her carriage, but because Rosemary needs Jack to carry the rings and walk down the garden path with Goldie to help her toss the flower petals, Elizabeth decided she would just take Jack in her carriage as well, to make all that go more smoothly. Especially since Rosemary will have Goldie and all the other female Attendants in the carriage just in front of Elizabeth," explained the Groom.
"Is it okay if I wait with you here till Jack comes to change, Papa? Then after, I can go to Mama's to change for the Wedding, since all my things are already there!"
"I love that, because that means we'll get a little more time alone," smiled her Papa. "And you always have a way of helping me relax, Allie! Can you do me one favor, though, Princess, when you do go to your Mama's?"
"Sure, Papa! What's that?"
"I have a letter I wrote last night, and after midnight, too, before I went to bed. I'd love her to have it to read before our Ceremony if she has time!"
"That's such a lovely gesture, Son," smiled his mother, ever the romantic. "One last love letter before your marriage! I am sure your beautiful Bride will be thrilled and make time to read it!"
Nathan blushed red, then smiled, still glad he had taken the time to write to his Bride.
"Sure, I'll take it to her, Papa! She'll be so happy!" grinned Allie.
"When will all the men be arriving here, Nathan?" asked his mother in an attempt to change the subject and save her son from further embarrassment.
"Probably about the same time Allie leaves for Elizabeth's. They'll just kind of wander in via staggered clusters, starting with Bill, Patrick, and the Commissioners."
"Anything big planned, Son?" asked Archie.
"Just need to put some coffee on! Rosemary ordered trays of sandwiches and sweets from The Café that Coop will deliver here and at Elizabeth's, though I think the gals are getting fancier food, since we men prefer more substance. We all decided to gather here, relax for a while together, and then prepare for our formal procession to Rose Valley for the big event! We'll get dressed in our dress uniforms, then ride out on our Mountie horses. The plan is for Finn and his men to escort us, along, of course, with Security, all of whom will also be on horseback."
"Sounds like quite the procession!" complimented Eleanor. "And truthfully, I can't think of anything more appropriate for my Son's Wedding!"
Nathan grinned.
"Hadn't thought about that, Mother, but yeah! I guess it will be quite the procession, between our Mountie horses and all the carriages!"
"You seem so relaxed, Nate," observed Arch. "Without an ounce of nerves!"
Nathan grinned that lop-sided grin of his.
"You know, I really am completely relaxed. And remarkably, there's not a single nerve in sight!"
His father chuckled knowingly.
"That's because when it's right, it's right, Son…"
At Elizabeth's rowhouse, the family's delicious brunch, compliments of Minnie, had been eaten, leaving everyone to sit around the living area, sharing stories together!
Since it was going to take the Ladies a lot longer to complete doing their hair and makeup, as well as dressing, they were planning to gather at Elizabeth's rowhouse a little earlier than the men, and though they also hadn't set an exact time, they all planned to meander in between noon and one PM to get started.
With one exception, that is! And that was Goldie, who would be taking her nap till the hour before the women all left together in their carriages.
"Mama, can I please go see Papa and Allie, now?" asked Jack for the fourth time this morning.
"It's way too early, Jack! You will have to be very careful after you dress in your uniform, so you don't wrinkle it, Son. Why don't you find a book to look at or something to play till then? That will help the time to go a lot faster!"
Elizabeth handed him one of his newer books so he could look at the pictures and see what words he recognized.
Still, Jack was anxious to go see his Papa.
William glanced at his pocket watch.
"You know, Jack, how about we go see your Papa now, not to dress, mind you, as your Mama's right, it's much too early! But I need to go check and see how he's doing."
"That's a lovely thing to do, Father! Will you please tell my Groom I love him and miss him desperately! Tell Allie I love her too, and for her to come whenever she's ready!"
"I will, my Darling! Come, Jack, let's be on our way!"
"Oh, please wait a minute! I just thought of something," and Elizabeth jumped up and retrieved a letter from her desk.
"Father, can you and Jack please give this to Nathan? I wrote it for him after our time together last night."
"We'd be happy to be your private couriers of romance! Won't we, Jack?"
Jack smiled profusely, not having any idea whatsoever what that meant, but if his Grandpapa was game, so was he!
"It is much appreciated," expressed a flustered Bride. "Jack, behave and mind your Grandpapa!"
"I will, Mama!"
Elizabeth quickly kissed the letter and handed it to her father for safekeeping, though by now, she was feeling a little flushed with embarrassment.
Before the pair left, she turned to her mother to change the subject.
"You know, Mother, we're all here together except Viola! I wish so much she could have been here with us today!"
"I know, Dear! Me too, desperately. But you know how impossible their schedules are, not to mention the vast distance between us," commiserated Grace.
William turned to say a final goodbye, quickly voicing his agreement with his wife.
"Have to agree with Grace, Lilibet! Looks like we'll just have to settle for Viola and Victoria being here in spirit! And you know they most certainly are. Why, I promise, they would be here in a heartbeat in person, if only they could…"
Although this little surprise had been previously planned with Grace and Julie back in Hamilton, not a word had been said about the matter to anyone else, except between William and Nathan.
Though earlier, Nathan had privately shared the plan with his parents so they would also be in the know.
But Allie and Jack, not knowing the secret, wanted desperately to be in on whatever was going on, so in order to have a second car, Nathan called Lee, who happily joined them, driving the children as well as serving as backup transport that might be needed for any extra luggage.
"Where are we going, Uncle Lee?" asked Jack.
"Oh no, you aren't getting it out of me that easily! You'll have to guess, Young Man!"
"Wait! After the turn you just made, I know we're going to the Train Station, but who could we be picking up?" wondered Allie.
Jack shrugged.
"Everybody I know is already here, Allie! So, don't look at me!"
Allie giggled at her little brother and ruffled his hair.
"Me, too, Jack! And Papa didn't give any hints whatsoever! Must be really big, though, because all the Mountie top brass are already here!"
In Nathan's car, he and William were also discussing the same matter.
"William, we are cutting this about as close as humanly possible!"
"I know! They called earlier in the week between stops and said they had a hard time getting away from New York. Apparently, there was an outpouring of funds for their charity event there, and they had to do a follow-up brunch the next morning. Then, after they finally boarded, their first Train had issues with its steam boiler, and they had to disembark and switch Trains altogether, which put them even further behind! I'm just grateful they're making it for the Ceremony, though barely!"
"Does Elizabeth suspect at all?"
William chuckled.
"No, not at all, Son! But I do know she is going to be elated! Oh, and I am supposed to tell you that she loves you very much and is missing you desperately!"
Nathan grinned, reddening a little at the obvious glee in which his about-to-be father-in-law was relishing over delivering the intimate message.
"Exactly the same from me! Will you please relay that message as well? But also add 'to the moon and back a million times!'"
William smiled, warmly chuckling, despite Nathan's further reddening face.
"I love that! I most certainly will relay your sweet message, in its entirety! Oh, and before I forget, my daughter, your almost-wife, kissed this and asked Jack and me to hand deliver it!" winked William, slowly taking the love letter from his inner suit pocket and handing it to Nathan, who blushing, placed it in his own jacket.
"I have one for her as well, but I've already asked Allie to deliver it when she arrives. Which is probably for the best, given all the commotion this little surprise is going to bring!"
"You are always so considerate, thinking of my Lilibet!"
"I love her, William! How could I not be considerate?"
"One of the many things I love about you, Son! And one of the many things that tell me my daughter is in the best of loving hands. Oh, have you gotten a chance to sign those papers we discussed regarding the Trust Funds for Allie and Jack?"
"You're absolutely sure this is exactly the way you want things?"
"I'm absolutely certain."
"It's an awful lot of money, William!"
"Your two children, along with Victoria, are my three grandchildren, and they will share equally, along with any future grandchildren, in their Trust Funds. As far as my Will, as Executor, you will see when you return from your Honeymoon, my three daughters and their spouses, if Julie ever finds one that is, will share equally in the bulk of my Estate. But just to prepare you, Son, so that you won't be receiving another shock, the grandchildren are well-cared for there as well."
Nathan sighed, before he responded.
"Since Elizabeth agrees about the Trust Funds, Bill thinks from a legal standpoint, it's better for me to sign both sets of documents just after the Adoption Papers are signed rather than before. He has them together for that purpose, along with the one naming me Executor of your Will to sign sometime later at our Reception, before we leave on our Honeymoon. Seriously, William, I'm glad to be able to help, but I'm just not at all sure I'm your best choice. In fact, I feel certain that you have much better colleagues than me to best serve in that capacity."
"You are indeed my best choice, Nathan, my only choice. Lionel may be an Earl, but he is not the least familiar with business except for the running of his Estate. Besides, my attorneys won't let me name someone living outside of the country. It becomes way too complex. As for colleagues, that's a specter that's been hanging over my head for quite some time! Believe me, Charles is a great guy, but I don't want him determining how my Will is carried out. Don't you see what a relief this is for me? I apologize for pressing you, and I know I have, but you finally agreeing to serve as my Executor allows me to keep all my personal matters within the family, instead of leaving them to my business associates! I can't tell you what a tremendous relief it will be for you to officially assume that mantle for me. After tonight, I can get back to the business of making money unencumbered by needless worrisome thoughts!"
Nathan chuckled.
"Spoken like a true businessman, Sir! But may I go on record now to say all of us much prefer to have you here with us, for a very, very long time to come, before my services for that are ever needed!"
"That's why this is such a pleasure to have resolved that ever-looming Will closure within my own family, Son! Coming from you, I am certain your words are true! And I have complete trust in your capabilities as well as your moral code in overseeing it all. I can't say that about anyone else I know, because that level of trust is simply not there."
"But, William, this isn't one and done on either of the four fronts, as I am sure I will be calling on you for advice and clarification time and again, over the Trust Funds as well as your Estate."
"Good! It will be nice to be consulted about family matters for a change from another family member, as well as a great way for you to learn! Also, the first time you come to Hamilton, my entire barrage of attorneys will meet with you and go over all the particulars related both to the Trust Funds and my Will. I'll be happy to join that meeting with you as well so that there can be no doubt as to my wishes for both."
Though the Groom was being very polite, William could see this was not at all the conversation Nathan wished to be having on his Wedding Day.
"I'm sorry, Son! I promised you and Elizabeth I wouldn't speak of all that today, except as a reminder regarding the signatures. So, do forgive me, and now that that's done, let's just consider all that business is completed with this little discussion!"
"That's okay, William. It's your lifework – your legacy for your family. I understand why it's so important to you."
"I appreciate that, Son!"
As Nathan pulled up and parked his car, with Lee pulling up and parking right behind him, he and William waited for the children.
"Lee, come! You're welcome to join us!" called Nathan.
"You all need your privacy. I'll wait right here for the children and any extra luggage that needs to be taken."
"Well, Lee, from personal experience, I can assure you, there will be plenty of that," chuckled William.
"Who are we meeting, Papa?" asked Allie.
"We don't want to spoil the surprise, Sweetheart!"
"Do you know them too, Grandpapa?"
But before William could answer, all bedlam broke loose as the train pulled to a raucous stop.
Nathan grabbed Jack, and William protectively put his arms around Allie.
Suddenly, their entourage of guests were on the platform, with Nathan rushing to help them down as he handed Jack off to William and Allie.
"Welcome Earl, Countess, and Viscountess of Etherington to Hope Valley! Your Lord and Lady Etherington and Lady Victoria, I'm Nathan Grant, and I am so delighted to meet the three of you! Elizabeth has no idea you are coming, and she is going to be absolutely elated when she sees you!"
Nathan kissed Viola on both cheeks.
Regal was the first word that came to his mind, yet there was a familiarity in her eyes that reminded him of Elizabeth, though much more formal. However, the spunkiness and preference for levity he clearly saw whenever he looked at Julie was entirely missing. This was a woman who knew what she wanted and deemed important, society being one of those things at the top of her list,
The entire family was dressed to the nines, with the Countess dressed in navy and bedecked in a suite of contrasting emeralds, which were part of her day jewels. Even in New York, people stopped and stared at her magnificent jewel suites for both day wear and night wear, not to mention the unimaginable reaction the Countess would receive in Hope Valley. Although Nathan was not at all sure as to the latest Ladies' fashion in England, he knew that what his new sister-in-law was wearing was quite expensive and head-turning no matter where in the world she would be wearing it.
Her outfit was a designer travel suit in a rich navy and most stylish cut, made of summer silk covered by semi-attached panels of summer hand-tatted lace that swayed as she walked. It was accessorized by a huge matching hat with an opulent lace bow, lace gloves, lace shoes, and an emerald-covered handbag in miniature, that looked to be like something carried by royalty.
Her golden-brown hair was her lustrous crowning glory, the perfect complimentary coiffed statement, melding together a woman of great importance and stature, who paid exquisite attention to detail in dress and every other matter that came into her life.
She was so cosmopolitan and sophisticated, that Nathan couldn't help but wonder what she was like with Elizabeth and Julie, or even just family alone.
"Very impressive welcome, as outside of England, one seldom gets all that gibberish right! But none of these Earl/Countess/Viscountess – Lord or Lady titles for you, Nathan, as we will be family in a matter of hours! My British family and I are delighted to finally be here! As I'm afraid it was touch and go for a while, whether or not we would be able to make the Wedding Ceremony, and I was positively panicked! I'm Viola, by the way, your new sister-in-law! This is my husband Lionel, your new brother-in-law, and our daughter Victoria, whom we call Tori, your new niece! Tori, this is your new Uncle Nathan!"
"Hello, Tori, so very nice to meet you. And this is your Auntie Elizabeth's and my daughter, your new cousin, Allie, and your Auntie Elizabeth's and my son, your cousin Jack, whom, of course, you already know!"
"Allie, this is an absolute delight. I'm your Auntie Viola, your Mama's eldest and wisest sister!"
Allie giggled and kissed her new Auntie's cheek, though being British as of late, Viola turned her second cheek, yet Allie didn't miss a beat.
"You're beautiful, Auntie Viola! It's lovely to meet you! Welcome to Hope Valley!"
"The delight is all mine," insisted Viola. "And thank you, Dear, as you're quite beautiful yourself, as well as charming, like your father!"
"Thank you, Ma'am!"
"It's wonderful to meet you, too, Lionel! I've heard so many wonderful things about you," assured Nathan, welcoming his new brother-in-law with first a handshake, followed by a hearty embrace.
"Wonderful to meet you, and so thankful that we are finally here. Viola was on pins and needles that we might miss this grand event!"
Then William stepped in to greet his eldest daughter!
"Oh, Viola, my Dear! How wonderful it is to see you and hold you in my arms again," smiled a very proud William. "How your mother and I have missed you!"
"Hello, Dear Father!" smiled Viola.
"Lionel, Son!" welcomed William as he hugged his son-in-law, then bear-hugged his granddaughter, who laughed at her Grandpapa's gregariousness, which, being British and very reserved, was the one thing she remembered most about him.
Nathan noticed the three gentlemen and two ladies standing behind the Earl and Countess Etherington, whom William had previously arranged transportation for to The Queen of Hearts via the hotel's transport car. Though he was unsure exactly as to their roles, he assumed two were Security, one was a butler, one was a Lady's maid, and one was a governess, which William later confirmed.
"Please take their luggage to the three cars parked on the right," instructed Nathan while tipping the porter and his several assistants handsomely.
"Mama! May I please go with my cousins?" asked Victoria.
Nathan noticed the older woman presumed to be the governess, startle and step forward to intervene.
"Of course, Dear! But do follow Allie's instruction, as she is eldest of the three and therefore in charge!" interjected Lady Etherington.
Then Viola turned to the presumed governess to reassure her in a low voice.
"Miss Evans, Victoria will be fine with her cousins. Miss Allie is quite used to taking care of Master Jack, who is also Victoria's age."
Nathan could see Miss Evans was not totally convinced and, though perturbed, was trying with all her might not to let her face reflect her hesitation in the least.
Allie smiled at the governess and her Auntie, then immediately took over watching Jack and Tori, both six years of age, chatting away, protectively shepherding them toward Uncle Lee's car.
Once the three cars were loaded up with luggage, Nathan seated Lionel in his front passenger seat, which William had been sitting in, and helped seat Viola in the back seat with her father so they could converse more privately…
As Nathan reached his rowhouse, he slowed his car and said his goodbyes.
"Since I'm banished from being anywhere near my beautiful Bride, I'll hop out here and let William finish driving you to Elizabeth's! Though I would love to see her face when she first sees the three of you as she, too, will be beyond thrilled to have you here!"
"Nathan, thank you so much for receiving us at the Train Station," noted Viola gratefully. "It's been positively lovely to meet you! Congratulations, though I can see already that my sister is the lucky one!"
"Thank you, Viola! We are both very blessed and very happy, indeed. Again, we are thrilled you are here with us! I can't thank you enough for coming. It means the world to us both that you've traveled so far. And Lionel, you're welcome to join us men in a pre-Wedding get-together this afternoon here at my place."
"I just might take you up on that, Nathan!"
As William and the Etherington's waved goodbye to Nathan, Allie waved to her Papa, smiling from Lee's car behind them, letting him know she would get her little brother and cousin to her Mama's, then would come back home for a while, to say goodbye to him.
"Is all this security around us?" asked Viola, ever aware of her surroundings.
"Yes. Viola!"
"But, why, Father? Is it for us?"
"Well, yes, as you will now be Nathan's family, and as such, the Security is for all of us. But what Nathan didn't tell you is that he is now Chief Inspector Nathan Grant, which means he shares third rank with one other in the Mounties, and now requires 24-hour security, as does his family."
"Sounds like the head of Scotland Yard!" interjected Lionel.
"Very much like that, Lionel, but with all things Military, of course!"
"My goodness, that must be a very important rank, indeed!" declared Viola.
"That it is, Viola! He's so humble, though I assure you most men in his shoes wouldn't be! He's quite impressive!"
"I know he's quite handsome, striking even! And so mannerly; unexpectantly quite elegant," mused Viola aloud. "I do believe in all our travel that he's the first American or Canadian to have gotten our formal addresses correct! And without any prompting whatsoever!"
"He pays extraordinary attention to detail, which makes him a great Mountie! Still, it's abundantly clear that his family comes first, above all else. He's not perfect, Viola, none of us are, and he would be the first person to insist he's not! But from where I'm sitting, he comes awfully close. We are very blessed to have him in our family…"
At Elizabeth's rowhouse, since Grace and Julie were in on the surprise, they held back and let Elizabeth open the door.
"Viola! It's you! It's really you!" and with the realization fully setting in, Elizabeth was immediately overtaken by tears, as was Viola.
The two sisters couldn't stop crying and began hugging each other in consolation over their utter delight of being together again.
"We are so sorry to be running so late! We were supposed to arrive this past Monday, and it seems every possible obstacle arose, to delay us. I'm just thrilled we are here before the Ceremony!"
"Come! Come in, now, all of you!"
Elizabeth greeted Lionel with a hug and kiss, then Tori with the same.
"My goodness, Tori! How you've grown since I saw you last! You are growing up to be such a beautiful young Lady, and I see you have met my beautiful daughter, Allie, too!"
"I've been taking care of Jack and Tori, Mama! They are darling together! But I'm going to let you all visit and talk while I go back and check on Papa one final time."
"Oh, Allie, how is he?"
"Excited! And not at all nervous! Oh, thanks to Gramma, he's packed and with lots of new clothes too!"
"New clothes?" asked her Mama, shocked.
"Gramma ordered a whole new wardrobe from her designers in London as a Wedding Surprise!"
"I hope your father hid his reticence?"
Allie giggled.
"With Grappa's and my help! But it really didn't matter since Gramma wasn't budging!"
"I can imagine it now, though you'll have to tell me all the details later! Just don't forget to come back in plenty of time for you to get dressed so we can leave together!"
"I'll leave lots of time, Mama! Bye Jack, Bye, Tori!"
The children hugged Allie, and then Allie said goodbye to all the adults.
"Bye, everyone!"
"Bye, Allie!" "See you soon, Allie!" "Lovely to have met you!" rang out as a chorus of goodbyes.
Then the Bride turned her attention back to her two sisters, who were already hugging and talking a mile a minute!
Then it dawned on Elizabeth.
"Oh, no!"
"What's wrong, Beth," asked Viola.
"Oh, Viola, I wish I had known so I could have bought you and Tori Wedding clothes to stand as attendants with us!"
"Not a worry! It's already been done," assured Grace. "Knowing they were doing their best to get here, I checked with Rosemary and made a call to that lovely owner of "Happily Ever After!" in Union City, who sent us via the train an identical outfit for Viola, but in her favorite color, as well as a similar one to Goldie's, for Victoria! And I must say they are both stunning! They're labeled with your names and hanging with all the others, but I do need you both to try them on in case Rosemary needs to tweak them a bit!"
"Let me take you upstairs now! I just can't believe you are here!" insisted the beyond-elated Bride.
As Elizabeth took Viola and Tori up the staircase with Rosemary, Grace took two small, perfectly wrapped packages, holding her finger up to her mouth to warn Julie to keep her secret, and added them to the stack of gifts on the dining table that Elizabeth had placed there to give her Bridal Attendants.
Julie smiled back and lifted her own finger to her lips to confirm that their mother's secret would be kept.
"That the three of us are together again, Viola," continued Elizabeth, now in her bedroom. "And for my Wedding Day. This is pure perfection, and what a spectacular Surprise Wedding Gift! I couldn't possibly want another single thing, as now my family is complete, just as it should be…"