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One Hundred Sixty-three
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The Gift of Music
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"I think I got all the paint off of my hands and the specs from my face, Allie. Would you please check if I missed anything?"
After inspecting her father, Allie informed him, "You look great, Dad. Miss Bess will love to see you in this waistcoat again!" Kissing her father's cheek, she added, "I do too!"
"It is my favorite waistcoat and necktie, not just because it is handsome work, but because it was made by you, dear Daughter," Nathan donned his suitcoat, then helped Allie with her dress coat. "You are looking lovely tonight, Allie-girl. That teal outfit is one of my favorites! We'll have to make sure that Aunt Rosemary knows how much we love it!"
Buttoning his overcoat, Nathan turned to Allie, "Ready for our night out on the town?"
"Just a minute, Dad," Allie adjusted her father's necktie, then patted his chest. "Now we are. Do you have the tickets?"
Patting his chest pocket, Nathan assured her he was prepared and offered his arm.
. .
"Hi everyone! I left the car in the circle so we can't be long, but I wanted to officially pick up my date at her door! Ready, Honey? You look stunning!"
Already dressed in her overcoat and finery suitable for a concert, Elizabeth admired her man, "I'm ready to go anywhere with you, my handsome Groom!"
Allie rolled her eyes as she caught her grandfather's gaze and giggled, "This might be a very sweet concert!"
"Enjoy it, Sweetheart," William grinned, "You look beautiful and I've heard good things about the musicians!"
"Now you be good for Grandmommy, Grandaddy, and Uncle Huds, okay? I think they have a special treat for you tonight, something sweet and gooey in front of the fire! You'll have to tell me all about it tomorrow!"
"Oh yum! I'll be good. I promise. Love you, Mommy. Love you, Daddy, and love you, Allie!" After kisses were distributed, Elizabeth stood and thanked her parents and Hudson. Just as Nathan stood, Elizabeth exclaimed, "Oops, Nathan! Bend over. You have paint in your hair!"
Slowly Elizabeth worked some flecks of paint out of Nathan's silky hair. Softly she admitted, "There, I think I got it all, but I could keep looking for more if we didn't have a concert to attend!" She gently straightened his hair and reached up to kiss his cheek as he stood straight.
"Mmmm… I could get used to this!" Nathan gave his half-grin and kissed her cheek in return.
"Okay, now I'm ready to go," Elizabeth smiled, taking Nathan's and Allie's hands in her own. "I can hear the melodies calling to us!"
. .
"What a delightful duo," Elizabeth whispered as intermission began! "We must have Wes and Ardis for dinner as a thank you for this lovely Christmas gift!"
"We should. In fact, I think we need to thank him for even more that these concert tickets. He took wonderful care of me over these past weeks." Nathan stood to stretch his legs, "Shall we walk around for a bit? I want to show off my beautiful girls!"
Elizabeth and Allie immediately stood, each taking one arm as they side-stepped out of the row and moved towards the lobby, both proud to be accompanied by this tall, devastatingly handsome man with the clear blue eyes.
. .
"Nathan? Elizabeth? Well, well, well! You didn't mention you'd be attending this concert yesterday! Where are you seated?"
As Nathan began to describe the location of their seats, Josiah Blake was joined by his family and followed by Wes Brown, Ardis Ross, and Jon and Jayne Samuels!
"Hello, hello! I was hoping you would be up to attending tonight, Nathan. Good evening, Elizabeth, and Allie! What do you think so far?" Wes questioned after shaking hands.
"We are thoroughly enjoying it. How about all of you?" Elizabeth asked as she gazed from one friend to another in their circle.
"I love the cello! It is so melancholy and sets a mood that I l adore," Johanna Blake responded.
"Whereas I enjoy the cello, but the piano even more!" Nathan offered, "I mean one piano can almost play the parts of an entire orchestra!"
Jared moved to stand near his sister and Allie and, after greeting Allie, questioned, "How about you? Are you liking the instruments and choice of pieces?"
"I am. I confess I often close my eyes and daydream, letting the music wash over me, so I find concerts very relaxing!" Allie blushed knowing she was not going to confess the content of her daydreams!
"I bet I can guess those daydreams, Allie!" Ellen elbowed her friend as she whispered teasingly.
Tossing her hair, Allie responded, "I'll never tell…"
"You don't have to. I already know!"
"Ellen!" Allie sounded momentarily shocked.
"I don't know what she just said to you, Allie, but that is the exact same tone of voice I have to use with my teasing sister! Good for you. Ellen needs to be kept in line!"
"Why..." Ellie batted her eyelashes at her brother, "me?"
The teenagers' banter was interrupted by the arrival of their music teacher and choir director, Miss Rachel Bell accompanied by David Wright.
"I am so thrilled to see all of you here, taking in some culture! Are you familiar with any of the selections thus far?" Rachel questioned the young people.
Allie nodded, "I don't know the names, but I recognize some of the melodies. It's good to have a program guide!"
"Good evening, Rachel! David! I didn't know we would be meeting here this evening!" Elizabeth smiled as the circle of friends expanded once again. "I am glad to see you though. I wondered if you could advise me on the purchase of a couple recordings for a blind student back in Hope Valley? Angela is gifted and can memorize and play many classical pieces as well as play the hymns for our Sunday services and school concerts, but she has no opportunity to increase her music repertoire in a small frontier town. Would you be able to meet me at The Music Store downtown and recommend a couple record albums some afternoon after school this week?"
"Blind and memorizing classical music? Does she see at all?"
"No. She has been learning Braille for the past couple of years, but she lost her sight many years ago," explained Elizabeth.
"Angela was six when she went blind," Allie ventured.
"And how old is she now?"
She is sixteen, but catching up on her schoolwork because she couldn't attend for a long time. It was Mrs. Thornton that introduced her to Braille and brought her into our class. Angela is one of my best friends back home and someone everybody admires."
"That's true Allie. She is an amazing, gifted, and sweet young woman," Nathan agreed. "I believe she will be attending our wedding so you'll have an opportunity to meet her in a few weeks."
Allie nodded, "I'll be glad to introduce you, Miss Bell."
"I would love that. So, Elizabeth, could we meet at The Music Store at four o'clock on Tuesday? I'm sure we can select some music for this talented girl."
"That would be perfect. I'll tell you more about her when we meet. Thank you so much, Rachel! Oh, do you need a ride from the Academy?"
Laughing, Rachel admitted quietly, "No thanks. Claire can drop me off at the store rather than at the Hotel. David will pick me up. We usually have dinner together on Tuesday evenings since so many other evenings are full!"
The lights dimmed a couple of times and a chime sounded.
"I guess that is our signal. It was lovely to see all of you and I hope you enjoy the remainder of your evening!" Nathan nodded around the circle, then pulled Wes aside, "Thank you so much for this special treat!"
"Would you like to join Ardis and me at the Café for some dessert afterwards, Nathan?"
Uncertain, Nathan spoke softly, "Let me ask my girls about it and we'll talk at the end, okay?"
"Sure, I thought I would invite the Blakes, Rachel and David, and the Samuels as well. You let me know!" Wes grinned and patted Nathan's shoulder as they separated to return to their seats.
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"Wasn't that a delightful evening? You even had extra time with Jared and Ellie at a private table, eh, Allie-girl?" Nathan teased as he re-entered the vehicle after walking Elizabeth into the Hotel and kissing her at the elevator. He sought Allie's expression in the mirror.
"It was wonderful, Dad. Thanks for letting us go. I may need a nap after church tomorrow though. It's a good thing we aren't meeting with the Samuels this week!"
Nathan chuckled, "We all might need that nap! We'll have to write a special thank you note to Uncle Wes for tonight!"
"Yeah. Isn't it nice that Miss Bell will go with Miss Bess to get music for Angela? I wish she could hear Angela play the piano! She would be so impressed."
"There will be a piano in the dining hall where we'll have the dinner, so maybe then? Although I'm not sure if Rachel is on that guest list, so maybe not, unless Rachel can meet the Canfields in the afternoon or something? You know, you and I have plenty to plan and take care of that day! Let's not try to arrange things for others on such a busy weekend! I have to manage my time!"
"You know I can't wait and Miss Bess was telling me she feels the time is speeding up. I think she's right! It won't be long until Grandma and Grandpa arrive!"
"First we have to move into the house, Allie!" Nathan chuckled grateful it appeared the house would be ready on time.
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"I know you only committed to participate over the Advent and Christmas season, Nathan, but would you consider continuing with choir? We miss you and would love it if you could return," Rachel Bell was exiting the choir room on Sunday morning as Nathan and the family walked down the hallway.
Pausing to answer the choir director's question, Nathan released Elizabeth's arm and waved her to the sanctuary door, "Save my seat, Honey?"
Responding to Rachel, Nathan spoke quietly, "Not right now, Rachel. I have a couple moves to help with along with my own, preparations for my brother's graduation, the arrival of family and friends, and the wedding itself! As I mentioned to Wes, I believe I'll have enough to handle as a newly married man and father to a newly blended family so I need to keep a flexible schedule. Thanks for asking though."
"Just know that whenever you are ready, you'll be welcomed back!"
"I'll remember that. Thank you."
. .
As Reverend Huntley began his morning sermon, he explained, "Here in Regina, we eagerly await even the smallest indication that spring is nearing. I can report that I've noticed a few signs promising spring. I imagine you have become aware too? Strong winds, both Chinooks and cold, strong winds; birdsongs in the mornings, slightly warmer temperatures, the changing angle of the sun… and maybe a crocus or two?"
"We read in the Song of Solomon, chapter two, verse eleven and twelve, 'For lo, the winter has past, the rain is over and gone; the flowers appear on the earth; the time of the singing of birds is come, and the voice of the turtle dove is heard in our land;' (*94) Although I doubt the rains are gone, the winds that howl and whip, and the singing birds got me thinking of a poem I read in our own Staff Sargent Major Grant's book, entitled, 'Windswept.' Let me read it to you."
"With one final, stormy blast
the wind sweeps out the dying year,
broken branches, dried leaves and twigs,
litter and rubbish, piled in corners like so much rubble—
leftover.
But, it is these dead and broken bits
the birds of Spring will use to build their nests
—in some weeks' time—
recycling to begin the cycle of life once again.
Lord, if with You nothing is wasted,
will You use the crushed and broken bits
swept from my years
to nurture new growth in my life?" (*EMH)
Having paused for a few moments, the Reverend continued his message, "Join me in considering this perspective and praying this prayer. The signs of spring will be upon us and they can be a lesson in awareness of new beginnings, and a reminder to pray for God to continue to mature us…"
As Reverend Huntley exhorted his congregation, Elizabeth squeezed Nathan's hand and, seated on the other side of Jack, Allie looked up at Nathan adoringly, so proud of her dad. Taken off guard, Nathan colored slightly and lowered his head. From behind, Bill placed his hand on and patted Nathan's shoulder, while Nathan closed his eyes and prayed silently, 'Let the lesson touch hearts, Lord, not the fact that I wrote the poem.'
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"Thank you for the invitation, Grace, William. We were out so late last evening, I would have to resort to breakfast-for-dinner today or something with melted cheese!"
William Thatcher chuckled, "Well now, that wouldn't be a bad idea. I know I enjoyed it when you prepared that menu for me!" Leaning towards Allie, William confessed, "The advantage of living at Le Chateaux is that we can enjoy their Sunday Breakfast Buffet with ease! I made our reservations for half-past twelve so we have a few minutes to freshen up before we go down."
"It's too bad that Uncle Bill couldn't join us today, but I guess it's good for him to be friends with Uncle Hudson," Offering her assessment, Allie added, "They can keep each other company sometimes."
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As the family, accompanied by Carol, trouped out of the Restaurant after their delectable and satisfying brunch, they noticed David and Rachel were seated near the front window, deep in conversation. Nathan placed his hand on his daughter's shoulder and gave her a quick shake of his head to discourage her from interrupting her teacher's meal.
Yet, as the elevator rose, Allie questioned, "Did you see Miss Bell?" She sighed before adding dreamily, "Maybe it's because it's spring, but everybody seems to be in love…"
Laughing, Elizabeth added, "I guess you are surrounded by so much wedding talk you are especially tuned to notice, Honey! But I can't deny that love is in the air!"
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Back in the apartments, they found Bill and Hudson playing chess. Rising to greet the Thatchers, Hudson pointed to a tray of tea and cookies on the sideboard. "I believe the tea cozy has kept the beverage hot, but I can make another pot if you prefer?"
"Thank you, Hudson, but Allie is going to nap on Elizabeth's bed, Nathan and Elizabeth have some things to discuss, and William and I will watch Jack in here. You go back to your game with Bill! Dare I ask who is winning?"
"That is yet to be determined," Bill grinned at Hudson as he sat down.
"Thanks for watching Jack for a while, Mother!" Elizabeth headed for the sideboard, "I do think I will take a cup of tea. You, Nathan?"
"I'm all set for now. Maybe later."
"May I join you for a few minutes? I have an update to give you," Elizabeth's father inquired following them towards Elizabeth's apartment.
"Sure, William, but is everything okay?"
"Yes and no. I received a call from my colleague in Prince Edward Island and, I'm sorry to say, the house I wanted to lease for us is not available this year. There is an extended family reunion with various stays throughout the season so he is unable to offer any time to us." William paused for the news to sink in before continuing, "He did reserve time for us for next summer though."
"That's too far in the future for me to even consider at this time! I confess I am getting through one-day-at-a-time right now!" Nathan leaned forward, resting his elbows on his thighs, "This is disappointing, but I suppose we could look for another large house to lease?"
"My friend knew of none that match the size and beach location of his, but I have another idea. What if we travel via Pullman from Hamilton to Montreal, then south to Boston or New York City? There are wonderful options for seaside holidays near either place. Cape Cod, which is south of Boston, is beautiful. It offers beach houses, small towns, an unhurried pace, sailing opportunities, grand views, peaceful picnics, bathing, beachcombing, lighthouses, walks, and drives… Delicious seafood abounds too!"
"Traveling the length of Long Island from New York City offers the same, with the addition of less people as the place I know about is more remote. It's actually an island with beautiful properties. My sources are trustworthy and give these options high marks for the type of holiday we were hoping for. I was thinking we might even travel north to Prince Edward Island on our return trip and stay in Charlottetown for a few days. That would allow us to visit the areas that Lucy Maud Montgomery frequents, so Allie would be overjoyed."
Not getting any response from the Bride or Groom, William offered, "If you prefer to make it a family trip, or even an extended honeymoon, Grace and I are happy to keep the children with us either in Hamilton or during the holiday by-the-sea. What are your thoughts?"
Nathan looked back at Elizabeth, his eyebrows raised, "Lisbeth?"
"My response is that if I am with you, I would love any option, Nathan," Elizabeth gently rubbed his back, while glancing up at her father. "I'd love to have the children enjoy it with us, along with you and Mother, and even Hudson, but it would also be a blessing to sneak away and let you care for them. I recognize that being newlyweds with a teenager and a five-year-old might not offer as much privacy as most newlyweds enjoy, so we might enjoy some time alone."
Blushing, Nathan spoke softly emphasizing the word 'know.' "I know we will enjoy that!"
Turning to William, Nathan spoke, "I've been allotted one month, so whatever we can fit into that would be fine, especially if we take the Pullman. We'll just have to bring a library of books, games, and art supplies for the children… and for us adults. May we have a few days to discuss this? I guess the other question is, do you have contacts to help plan the trip because my contacts are limited to Canada's Maritimes, plus I don't have the time to devote to holiday planning right now."
"I can gladly make all the travel arrangements, especially since I have David here with me. I would advise you to decide on which location though so I can make reservations this month. I know summer places might fill-up quickly as winter departs! You both let me know, okay?"
"Thank you, Father, for your help with this. I can't get excited about it yet, but it will be in the back of my mind I am sure! A coastal holiday would be a dream come true."
"Yes, thank you, William. Can you tell me the name of the island you mentioned? I can go to the Library and find some maps."
"Sure. Quahog Island is between Green Haven and Oyster Ponds on Long Island's North Fork and North Harbor on the South Fork." (*95)
"Can you write that down for me, William?" Requested Nathan. "Thank you."
"Gladly. I'll excuse myself and let you two talk!" William winked at Nathan but said nothing else as he departed Elizabeth's living room for his own.
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Nathan leaned back against the sofa once again and took Elizabeth's hand in his. While playing with her fingers he quietly asked, "What are your thoughts, Lisbeth?"
"I need to go to the Library and find information on both locations. I guess the coast is the coast, so it probably doesn't matter, but it would be nice to know some more. The advantage with Prince Edward Island is that we know a lot about the area from the Anne books. I wonder if any fiction has been written about these others. I might have to ask a Librarian to research that!"
"I confess that the idea of Prince Edward Island appealed to me because it was one house, a limited location, and that sounds very relaxing. I am not inclined to want to tour around this summer. I'd rather stay near the house, walk the beach, read, talk, play games. Life has been so full and with so many changes, that I would like to relax and be still." Nathan paused momentarily, "I've heard of Cape Cod as there were people from Coastal Massachusetts, and that hailed from Boston, whom I met when I was serving in the Maritimes. Maybe our criterion should be the size of the house, the proximity of the beach, and a peaceful location?" Nathan covered a yawn and smiled apologetically, "I think I'm tired, do you mind if I put my head back and snooze?"
"I don't mind and I will join you," Elizabeth whispered as she reached for a crocheted throw, arranged it over them both, and snuggled into Nathan's side.
He kissed the top of her head, inhaling the fragrance of lilies-of-the-valley, and slid his long form forward so he could rest his head against the back of the sofa. As Elizabeth adjusted her head against his shoulder, Nathan momentarily considered how significant it was that the fragrance of his Elizabeth was a reminder of a Valley, a valley of Hope that had given him the love of his life. Within minutes he was sleeping, dreaming, and emitting a gentle whiffle of a snore.
Listening to his rhythmic breathing and the soft music wafting in from her parent's living room Elizabeth splayed her fingers across his chest and succumbed to dreams of being with her Nathan… wherever he was.
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Awakening after a rejuvenating nap, Elizabeth carefully rose and retrieved Nathan's book of poetry. Returning to his side, she snuggled against him slowly flipping the pages until she found the poem she had read recently. Glancing up at Nathan, she found he was watching her.
Elizabeth barely whispered, "When Ellwood read your poem this morning, I was thinking about the other one I read that referred to the spring rain, 'Heartbeat.'" Gazing back at the page she read silently.
'The rhythm of Spring rain tap dances against the windowpane
as cycles of changing seasons mark off another year.
While writing the daily ebb and flow of tides across a calendar page,
the moon's wax and wane counts each month's midnights.
Within the morning rise and evening fall of work, eat, sleep, and Sabbath rest,
flow patterns of peaks and valleys—life's stages, sorrows and joys.
Everywhere nature beats in life-rhythms, and as moment-by-moment of time ticks on,
a life-giving flow pulses through each heart.
Life—a heart's beat—
is so much more than a swirling sound heard through a stethoscope.
And when life's stresses press me—like a trembling lamb—
to the chest of the Good Shepherd, I hear His heart beat for me.' (*96)
Nathan watched the thoughts cross Elizabeth's face, loving that she invested her time in pondering his thoughts and knowing him. As she closed the book, she leaned against his shoulder and rested her hand against his chest. He could feel his heart beat faster as she splayed her fingers open again and he pressed his hand over hers.
A fleeting thought crossed his mind, 'Soon, I can press my hand, press my ear against her beautiful heart…' The realization made Nathan's heart sing.
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(*94) Song of Solomon, Chapter 2: 11-12, The Holy Bible, King James Version, Public Domain.
(*EMH) 'Windswept,' Original Poem by E.M. Hunter, Self-published in 'Illuminations,' Copyright ©2014
(*95) Please note: Although I am referring to real locations, these place names are imagined by me (therefore offer opportunities to be creative.) They will not be found on any map.
(*96) 'Heartbeat,' Original Poem by E.M. Hunter, Self-published in 'Illuminations,' Copyright ©2014. Words are adjusted to fit medical treatments used in 1921. The original version, written when my father had open heart surgery in 1999, reads:
"… Life—a heart's beat—
is so much more than just an illuminated pattern scrolling across a screen..."
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