. .
Chapter One Hundred Sixty-four
. .
Moving Out and Moving In
. .
On Tuesday afternoon, Elizabeth met Rachel Bell at The Music Store as promised and together they chose a recent recording for Angela Canfield, Robert Schumann's 'Kinderszenen.' Translated 'Scenes from Childhood,' this recording by Eileen Allanna (Thomas) was published by Campbell and Burr in 1920. Since Elizabeth had learned the pieces in her younger days, she was excited to pass along some favorite music to her former student. Not all the pieces were difficult, but the interpretation was essential and the pieces were often played by concert pianists. While there, Elizabeth purchased a book of the same compositions for her to play again and for Allie to learn!
"Thank you so much for accompanying me, Rachel! I probably could have found this on my own as I am familiar with Schumann, but it felt like a daunting task to do alone. I appreciate your expert advice and I know Angela will be surprised and blessed. Actually her entire family will be blessed and maybe the town as well. We never did it while I was there, but I imagine Angela could give a solo piano concert that would be much appreciated." Elizabeth laughed as she paid for her purchases, "I may give the suggestion to one of the teachers who is a former student of mine!"
"I'm happy to help and I'm still so impressed that this young woman is blind and learns the music just by listening." Chuckling Rachel admitted, "When I first met with Nathan, I explained that adding culture to people's lives is one of my life goals, so that's an added bonus."
"Ah ha. I know the suggestion was made for a Spring Concert after the success of the Christmas event, but is it a possibility?" Elizabeth thanked the salesclerk and the ladies turned towards the door. "I confess my life has been full and we've been preoccupied with Nathan's injury, our move, and our wedding!"
"A program is in the planning stages, but not for early Spring, at least not this year." Rachel whispered, "We are considering a May or end-of-the-school-year concert, so if we begin rehearsing in March that gives us almost three months to perfect a program."
"That sounds delightful! I look forward to hearing more about it!"
. .
Carol accepted a delivery from the Dry Goods Store on Wednesday morning and directed the packages to be placed into Allie's new bedroom. Her room was completely painted and Jake had helped hang draperies and sheers on the windows, in addition to installing the glass doors on sections of the built-in bookcase.
Knowing that Allie had been anxious to see her new room, Carol called Elizabeth to inform her of the delivery. "Good morning, Sweetheart! The cushions have arrived!"
"Oh, that's wonderful, Carol! That didn't take them long. My parents and Hudson are out at the moment so I'll call Nathan and maybe we can show Allie her room this evening?" Elizabeth admitted, "I confess I am anxious to see it myself! How is the quilt coming along for Jack's room?"
"I only have a few ties left and it will be ready to place. I'm so glad we decided to make it a tied-quilt rather than stitched. We saved so much time!"
"Yes, you had a wise idea, plus it is a busy pattern! I am almost finished stitching the loops for his drapes, so will bring those this afternoon. Thank you for all you've done on the quilt." Checking on progress, Elizabeth inquired, "What is the status of the other rooms?"
"As you know Irma finished cleaning Allie's room. This morning she completed both bathrooms, so Jake just has to reinstall the mirrored medicine cabinet doors over the sinks and they'll be ready for linens and curtains. Irma has those waiting to iron later today. Right now she is working on cleaning your bedroom while Jake is painting Jack's bedroom. He said he hopes to start on the yellow guest room tomorrow because the crew is still working on the trim in there. It is all coming together, Sweetheart!"
"It is and dear Nathan was so worried about the timing. Of course we couldn't do it without Jake, Irma, and you! By the way, will you join us for dinner tonight? Nathan has the pork loin at the Cottage, so that can be cooked very quickly and he was going to have Allie help him with cutting vegetables this morning. I have a pan of brownies in the oven, so you can just come!"
"I would be delighted to join you, Elizabeth. Thank you!"
. .
Upon arrival at home, Elizabeth and Allie prepared the pork so it would be ready to cook just before Nathan arrived home. Allie was willing to watch Jack while he played and she read her literature assignment. She was keeping ahead so she could relax during their move and the wedding events.
Therefore, after they set the table together, Elizabeth joined Carol in the main house, her tote filled with decorating items.
After calling her greeting to Carol and depositing her tote beside the ironing board, Elizabeth hurried to Allie's bedroom to open the delivered packages.
"Oh Carol! These are perfect!" The first package contained heavy white drapes that looked hand-woven and contained small nubs and threaded imperfections that added character. "These are so cozy, especially since Nathan and I have a corner room. Now lets look at Allie's cushions."
"These are so pretty and it's the exact look I was going for! I think Allie will love her private space," exclaimed Elizabeth, thoroughly enjoying making this young woman's room feminine, yet sans pink and ruffles. It was a room to grow with.
The two ladies fit the seat cushions onto the window seat then arranged the throw pillows against the window frame. For now, the room was ready for Allie and her dad to see.
Purposely avoiding peeking into the nursery and the master bedroom per Nathan's request, Elizabeth checked in with Irma and Jake and thanked both of them profusely. She then joined Carol to iron the window treatments that Jake had promised to hang until it was time to head to the Cottage.
. .
"Hello, my dear family! I could get used to this!" Nathan entered the cottage and was immediately greeted with hugs and kisses. He winked at Carol who stood across the room, watching approvingly and smiling with joy.
"Would you please change right away, Honey? I'd like to take you and Allie to see something at the main house."
"Sounds intriguing." Nathan quickly went to his bedroom saying, "Be right back."
"Thanks for staying with Jack and the food, Carol. We shouldn't be too long." With a wave, Elizabeth ushered Nathan and Allie out the door.
. .
As they entered through the double doors into the bedroom wing, Elizabeth placed her hands around Allie's eyes while Nathan opened the bedroom door and turned on a wall sconce.
Together her parents said, "Ta Da!" and Allie opened her eyes!
"Oh! Oh my! A window seat? Is this what you designed especially for me, Dad? I love it. And the cushions and pillows, it's all so pretty!" Allie immediately went to sit in her special reading nook, feeling the fabric and admiring it all with her eyes and hands!
"So you like it, eh, Allie-girl?" Nathan stood with his arm around Elizabeth.
"Like it? I love it. Did you chose the cushions, Miss Bess? They are perfect and these pillows will coordinate with my quilt." Allie wrapped her arms around one of the pillows. "I've never had a room so pretty before."
"I'm sorry, Honey, but this time the room was designed just for you!"
"I'm not complaining, Dad, I'm just appreciating all this." She stood and proceeded to admire every shelf and open every cabinet door.
"Shall we inspect the bathroom next?" Nathan suggested.
"So lovely and light and airy! And big!" Allie exclaimed.
Elizabeth added, "Once we add the towels and throw rugs it will seem less cavernous and more inviting."
"I think it looks great!" Nathan complimented the room before turning to his daughter and placing his hand on her shoulder, "Now Allie would you mind if Elizabeth and I look in our bedroom alone first? We'll call you in in a few minutes."
"Sure. I'll be back in my room, planning where to hang my paintings and all."
Nathan had Elizabeth stand in the hallway with her eyes closed while he turned on a light in their room then came out and turned her around, his hands covering her eyes. "Okay, another couple steps forward. Now stop. Voila!"
"Nathan! This is beautiful. The color works so nicely against the white trim and aren't those radiator covers new? Oh… Honey…" Elizabeth turned in his arms and buried her face in his chest, whispering, "I can hardly believe this is real. This is ours…"
Huskily, Nathan agreed, "I know. We've waited a long time, but our dreams are coming true, Sweetie. This is our room." He leaned over to kiss her hair and she tilted her head to find his eyes then his lips. They shared their first kiss but made it short knowing there was so much to come in just a couple weeks. "Oh, how I love you, Lisbeth."
"And I love you so, Nathan, truly, deeply, forever and for always."
"Let's look in the Nursery or I guess we should name it 'the extra room' until God blesses us with a little one," Nathan took her hand and led her into the small room to see the pale gray walls with the built-ins he had designed. "I think a crib can go right here and the rocker here beside the cabinet. There is room for clothing and blankets and linens and toys and books and, well, everything we need in this cabinet! This even lifts to be a changing table with room for a basket underneath."
Elizabeth was speechless at the thoughtfulness and thoroughness of this man. He had thought of everything!
After another sweet and promising kiss, the couple moved back into their bedroom, took a brief glance into the second bathroom, then stood at the hall door and called Allie to join them.
"Oh Wow! This is great. It's big, but you could still fit in a couple chairs like Gramma and Grampa had in front of the fireplace. So nice!" Allie surveyed the room and moved to touch the drapes. "These are unusual, but I kind of like them. They are thick too. Where will you place the bed?"
"If you'll excuse me, ladies, I want to inspect the other rooms before we go to dinner," Nathan smiled as he overheard his Bride-to-be explain the furniture arrangement and quietly spoke his thanks to God.
. .
Hardly able to believe today was the momentous day, Nathan and Allie completed the packing of their borrowed crates in readiness for the transfer to the main house. Since the move was on the same property, they had lifted out dresser drawers with Bill's help the previous evening, covered them with towels, and stacked them on the floor.
Stacks of wooden crates were filled with books and kitchen supplies awaiting the movers that William had hired. This close to the wedding, William felt it was a small expenditure to assure everyone was uninjured for the big day!
The main house had been filled the previous evening with friends finalizing the cleaning of the built-in cabinets in the living and dining rooms, and scouring the kitchen, ceiling to floor. Grace had established herself as the keeper of a steady supply of beverages and snacks, in between carefully packing the glassware and dishes that Carol had left behind. Those cartons would be stored in the laundry room until the Grants knew what they might be able to use.
Elizabeth, Ardis, and Jayne began to clean the Cottage kitchen and bathroom in readiness for the elder Grants expected arrival, while Allie, Sally, and Rachel were responsible for wiping down the front room bookcases and making every window and glass door sparkle. Elizabeth had a list in every room so that each job could be crossed off once completed and the progress was visible, both in the rooms and on the lists! Bill took on the job of carefully wrapping and pinning hanging clothing in sheets for easy transport, as well as assisting with hanging freshly laundered curtains.
Carol polished the wooden furniture and brushed every upholstered piece even though it had already been done. With construction there was always dust and it might take some weeks for all the dust to settle so she was endeavoring to keep up with it!
While Joshua Samuels played with Jack in Jack's new bedroom, his father, Wes, William, and Hudson rearranged the furniture that the Collins's were leaving behind according to the plans that Nathan and Elizabeth had drawn.
By the end of the evening, both houses were ready for the furniture and crates to be moved! The plan was to first transfer furniture from the Cottage and get that in place before moving Elizabeth's belongings from storage. There would be a couple items they would keep on the back porch until they could see how everything fit!
. .
Now that it was moving day Nathan was grateful that another group of friends would be coming to help he and Allie settle once the movers departed.
Before that Bill promised to bring breakfast then would stay, having so appreciated the assistance of Nathan, Elizabeth, and Grace when he had recently moved. He was assigned to watch over the crates of paintings and important treasures since they were not always properly boxed.
And suddenly, it was time! Elizabeth, William, and Hudson arrived, gathering to stand around the kitchen and enjoy the offerings Bill and Carol had provided, while awaiting the movers' arrival.
Nathan walked the men through the main house and, since he was unable to lift, he'd been advised to wear his sling as a reminder to himself and everyone else! He would stand at the door of the main house and direct traffic. Allie would stay in the bedroom hallway to instruct on the placement in those rooms and the house began to look as though it belonged to the Grants!
Once the furniture was arranged, Johanna and Ellen Blake assisted Allie making beds and unpacking linens while Josiah promised to shadow Nathan and lift or move as needed as they unpacked crates in the main house.
Hudson and Carol made platters of sandwiches, while advising Elizabeth on placement of kitchen items per Elizabeth's request.
Bill offered to bring Grace and Jack along with the food William had ordered for dinner as well as pick-up Jared after his shift at the Library. Jared had tried but was unable to find a substitute so couldn't join the family work crew until dinner time.
If anyone had been able to look from above, they would have seen a group of happy family and friends moving like a well-oiled machine, scurrying from one place to another until everyone was exhausted but thrilled with the progress.
Nathan and Allie could now enjoy the main house and the Cottage was almost cleared out and ready for the elder Grants. Elizabeth felt as though the house was becoming her home once she saw some of her furniture and belongings find their place in their new home.
By early evening, the Thatchers and Hudson took Jack back to the Hotel, the Blake's said their farewells, Carol retreated into the apartment, and Bill had volunteered to help Allie hang her paintings in her bedroom thereby allowing Nathan and Elizabeth a few private moments in the front room.
His legs stretched out and stocking feet resting on the coffee table, Nathan sighed deeply. Nudging Elizabeth's arm, he chuckled, "Well, Honey, it is too late to back out now! There is no way we are going to undo what we've accomplished today!"
"You are right about that! You're stuck with me, Nathan Grant, through thick and thin, ups and downs, sorrows and joys. This is our house and home and this is where we belong. Yet you are the home of my heart, my dearest Love."
"Shall I pray a blessing just between the two of us and the Lord? We'll properly bless the home when we share dinner with everyone, but I want us to commit this home to God together."
"Yes, Nathan, please do. This place is God's amazing provision and we have so much for which we can give thanks!"
Nathan took Elizabeth's hand and began to pray.
"Heavenly Father, We give You thanks and praise for each other and our love. We thank You for all You have done in our lives; for the journey on which You've led us; for the gifts You've given us, and for this home. But tonight, as we celebrate this milestone move we ask Your blessing on this house. May it be a place of love, of joy, of peace, and of blessing to Elizabeth, the children, and to me, and to all others who reside here or visit. May all feel welcomed and at home, for truly this is Your house, Lord. We want to continue the legacy that Peter and Carol have begun here so may Your name always be honored within these walls and may strangers become friends around our table. We dedicate this home and our family to You with our heartfelt gratitude, and we pray in Your Most Holy Name…"
Together Nathan and Elizabeth spoke, "Amen."
Sealing their prayer with a gentle kiss, Nathan whispered, his voice low and filled with emotion, "I think we should call it a night don't you?"
"I suppose we should. You and Allie need your sleep and Bill does too. Just one more kiss, my Love?"
"Gladly, Lisbeth."
After a few sweet kisses, they parted and Nathan said, "Do you know what happened to the calendar that was in the kitchen? We are crossing off a lot of days…" He wiggled his eyebrows.
"Allie took care of that and it is between the two back kitchen windows! Shall we go and mark off another day?" Elizabeth moved to stand.
"Yes! Except I don't know where the pencils are!" He chuckled, "I think I'll be saying I don't know where… for a while now!"
"I do." Elizabeth tugged on his hand, "Come on!"
. .
On Sunday morning, Nathan awakened to a darkened room, but a peaceful, quiet house. He thought he smelled coffee so figured Allie or Carol must be up already. He stretched his stiff muscles for a few moments then arose and drew the curtains apart to find warm sunlight pouring into the bedroom. His spontaneous praise resounded, "Thank you, Lord!"
Having bathed the night before, Nathan shaved and prepared for this Sunday morning, then opened the bedroom door to find Allie's door was open as expected. He stopped for a moment and peeked in, happy with the arrangement and way Allie had settled-in and made the room hers.
"Good morning, Dad! Gramma has made breakfast for us, but we've gone ahead since we figured you needed all the sleep you could get!"
"I appreciate that! Good morning, Allie-girl," Nathan bent to kiss the top of his daughter's hair, then moved to kiss Carol on the cheek, "and good morning, Carol. Thank you for all this!" He spread his hands over the table, then took his place at the head. It felt significant, yet he let the feeling pass as he reached for his mug and poured some coffee. "Hmmmm… This is great."
"We prayed, Dad, but we can pray again if you want."
"Yes, why don't you, Honey?"
"Okay." Allie closed her eyes.
"Dear God, I am so amazed and so thankful for all your blessings. Thank you for Gramma Carol and Grampa Peter and this house. Thank you for this meal. Thank you for Dad and for Miss Bess and Jack and the family we are all becoming. The list is too long and I don't want Dad's breakfast to get cold, but, God, You know how grateful we are. Amen."
As he opened his eyes, he caught Carol's teary gaze and smile. In unison they added, "Amen."
"Dad? I see the calendar is crossed off. You did that?"
"Elizabeth and I did it last night before she left. Sorry, I guess we usurped your job, eh?"
Laughing, Allie responded, "It's okay, Dad. It's your wedding! But do you realize that Grandma and Grandpa arrive in four days and Uncle Zach graduates five days after that? So that means the wedding is only ten days from now?"
"After what seemed like a long, drawn-out wait, suddenly the days are almost here! I need to stay focused on what I must do today or I will be distracted! You're job as the daughter-of-honor is to help your old dad stay on track!" Nathan popped a bite of scone and jam in his mouth before appreciatively thanking Carol again.
"You are welcome, Son. It is my privilege to come alongside and help however I can. I slept well last night. Maybe better than I have since Peter left since I knew you two were in the house as well! Plus, it's not on your calendar but Peter returns in one week!"
"It will be wonderful to see him and see you two together, Carol. I know it hasn't been easy to be separated for so long."
"It reminded me of his days as a Constable! I've been blessed that long separations have been uncommon since he's been at Headquarters."
"When he travels now, I hope you can travel with him?"
"I intend to as much as possible. I doubt he'll have much travel now he is established in Ottawa, except to return here, and I will always accompany him here!"
"As you should! But let us all enjoy the days we have with you before the wedding, okay?" Nathan shook his head, "It is odd to think I won't be around when you and Peter depart and Zach leaves for his assignment. Everything will feel very new and different when we return."
"And Grandma and Grandpa, and Aunt Rosie and Uncle Lee, and Patrick will all be here, so that will make it even more different!"
"You are right." Nathan grinned at Allie, "As it has been said, 'The one constant is change!'" (*97)
. .
(*97) "The one constant is change." Translated in varying ways and not a direct quote, the idea is attributed to Heraclitus of Ephesus, a Greek philosopher, 535 BC – 475 BC. Obviously in the public domain!
. .