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Chapter One Hundred Eighty-eight

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Tender Hearts

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Approaching the Hotel's front desk, Nathan requested that their pre-arranged dinner to be sent to their room. "In addition, please could we replace the appetizers with hot soup tonight? Thank you. Oh! We also have several packages that Eaton's was delivering here for us. Please call us when they can be brought to our room?"

"Sergeant, the packages arrived a short while ago and are on that luggage cart." The clerk pointed to the purchases and offered to have the porter bring them up immediately.

Glancing at Elizabeth who had hung back near one of the columns, she nodded and he agreed. "That will be helpful. Thank you." Nathan reached for a pen and small piece of paper upon which he wrote a quick note, ending it with 'It's a surprise.' As he handed it to the clerk with a nod, he requested aloud, "Could I bother you for Hot Chocolate to be brought up while we await our dinner? It is bitter cold out there today!"

"Of course, Sir. Gladly. You take Mrs. Grant right upstairs and we'll be along shortly."

. .

After the packages had been delivered along with the hot beverage, Elizabeth immediately searched her luggage for a warm, winter nightgown and then found the heavy bathrobe they had just purchased. "I'll be out in a minute, Nathan. I want to change into warmer clothing!"

"I will stoke the fire while you do that, Honey."

When the bathroom door opened, Elizabeth could see Nathan had removed his formal clothing and donned a wool cardigan over his Henley and pajamas.

As he turned to face her, he shrugged. "I saw what you were wearing and decided to get comfortable myself. Come sit by the fire, Honey, and get cozy."

Nathan brought the tray of Hot Chocolate and some biscuits to her, setting it on the ottoman, and drew the other armchair next to hers before retrieving a blanket from the back of the sofa. "There, Sweetie, does that feel better?"

"Oh yes. I got so chilled…" She paused, "And then, when I was trying to distract myself from the cold, all I could think about was our shopping excursion and what you said..." Elizabeth sipped her beverage. "Why did you say it was awful?"

Nathan scrunched his nose and chuckled, "Lisbeth, I was completely out of my element. All those lacey garments…. It was embarrassing and I didn't know where to look. I couldn't exit that department soon enough!" Realizing she was not smiling, he confessed, "I'm sorry. Did my comment hurt you?"

"A little… On the train you asked me to accompany you to choose some nightclothes since you didn't know my size. I thought you wanted to be there…" She paused, "with me…"

"Ahhh. I did say that and I do want to shop with you, but… it was a lot and I…" Looking embarrassed again, warmth crept up his neck as he quieted.

"It was a lot and you what, Honey?"

"You probably didn't notice, but we were being watched. A couple salesladies kept observing us and even a couple customers took note." He gulped, "I guess I thought it would be just us and I didn't expect scrutiny in such a private moment. I'm sorry if I hurt you. I really am."

Elizabeth set the mug of chocolate on the side table and half turned to her Husband. "I forgive you, although you really didn't do anything wrong. I forget how observant you are and didn't think you noticed those prying eyes. I will have to remember that particular department is fraught with pitfalls for a new groom." She giggled as she stretched to stroke his cheek. "I'm sorry I was insensitive to your discomfort. I guess I expected the confident Mountie all the time." She patted his cheek then leaned over to kiss this dear man who was just getting used to being a husband.

"I used to choose Allie's clothes from a catalog until Rosemary offered to help Allie get some pretty ladies clothing in recent years. Today was a first!" Nathan shook his head, admitting, "It was difficult to not imagine you in those lacey items… after last night… I mean…" His voice trailed to silence.

Giggling, Elizabeth explained, "I didn't even think of that. You have seemed so confident and sure of yourself during our intimate times…"

"I'm glad you think so, Lisbeth, but I don't feel confident. I just know we are finding our way together and I hope that you are satisfied…" This time it was Nathan who was hesitant.

"Oh, Nathan!" the Bride exclaimed. "Please put your mug on the tray?" As he did so, Elizabeth lifted the blanket he had placed around her and proceeded to sit on his lap, draping her legs over the arm of the chair. She adjusted the blanket over them both and kissed him gently before snuggling into his chest. Whispering, she shared her truth, "I love you with my mind, body, and soul. All of me, my Love, every single part of me… and I love our loving!"

"You do?" Nathan whispered, adding, "I am not trying to solicit praise, Lisbeth, I really am amazed if I am doing it all correctly."

Pulling away slightly, Elizabeth cupped Nathan's cheek and held his glance as she responded, "I do, Honey. I love our loving. Every connection we have I adore and I feel so comfortable with you." Blushing, she nonetheless searched his eyes as she questioned him, "What I wonder is… how do you know what to do? What might please me? I mean…"

It was Nathan's turn to blush and although he tried to avert his eyes, Elizabeth wouldn't let him, pulling his face back to face her.

"I ah… I know the biology having been raised on a ranch, plus we had Cadet training at Depot, although it was rather clinical. We needed to know the questions to ask, how to ask them, how to be sensitive to a female who might have been the victim of assault, and from that instruction you can deduct a lot. I hate to lessen your opinion of men, or of some Mounties, but they are men too and some less tactful than others, so over the years I've overheard some coarse talk, including from the inebriated and from criminals."

Nathan inhaled deeply and confessed, "These past few months, a couple caring men have informed me of what a groom should expect and, well… I guess I'm trying to read your cues."

The worry and tenderness Elizabeth saw in his eyes, moved her to tears, until his next concern melted her heart.

"I am not certain if I am getting it right for you so please tell me if I'm doing something wrong, Elizabeth? I may need to be told."

"I promise to tell you," She paused, "And to show you." Elizabeth then proceeded to kiss her husband passionately, leaving no doubt to the depth of her love for him.

As they kissed, Elizabeth took note of when Nathan began to relax, initiate, and deepen their kisses and when their lips parted, she sighed contentedly. She leaned her forehead against his. Her Nathan was himself again!

. .

In the Grant home, the evening was almost painful, knowing these were the final hours before so many family members would depart for far-reaching places on the morrow. Seated on the sofa, Allie snuggled up on one side of her Uncle Zach while Ruth took the other side, her arm threaded through his.

Carol and Grace worked on their needlework, although few stitches were completed as they struggled with blurry eyes.

Archie, William, Peter, and Gabe, played with Jack, increasing the size of Grantville with additional Lincoln Log buildings. The men needed to DO something!

Lillian had offered to make the final meal as a thank you for the many meals the Kinslows' had enjoyed since they arrived, so she busied herself in the kitchen. Stuffed pork chops where almost finished baking in the oven along with a large pan of dressing with celery, onions, walnuts and raisins, while fragrant cinnamon applesauce simmered, and buttery, gingered carrots added to the spicy scents.

Having said farewell to Adeli as she returned to Ottawa on the morning train, Bill would be bringing a chocolate cake when he joined the family for dessert.

Trying to distract his niece from his imminent departure, Zachary asked if there were any special projects or events she was looking forward to before the end of this school year, "Any reports, or plays or artworks or art shows?"

"There will be an art show, but it's just in the hallways at school. I'm working on a painting now."

"Oh? What are you painting Allie?"

"It's a botanical painting. You draw all the different growth stages of a flower or fruit. I'm painting a strawberry, so you begin with a flower bud that opens and in the middle is a tiny, tiny green berry, like a ball of seeds. When the flower petals fall off, the berry begins to grow and eventually becomes red. At the end of the cycle you show a ripe strawberry that is cut in half so you can see the insides."

"Wow! That is ambitious! So it's like what's in a library reference book of plants, right? I'm sure your painting will be beautiful. Are you using watercolor or oil paint?"

"I'm using oils because I can layer on more paint if I don't get it right the first time."

"Ah ha… good thinking."

"Allie?" William asked as he stacked the Lincoln Logs across the room, "Do you know a date for your Spring Concert?"

"I think it will be near the beginning of June, but I don't know an official date yet."

"Oh, Allie…after the wonderful Christmas concert I will be sad to miss the next one." Zach was truly sorry knowing how beautiful the winter event had been. "Will you promise to write and tell me all about the songs?"

"I can do that." Allie searched her Uncle's face. "I just wish you weren't going to be so far away."

"Me too, Allie-girl." Zach kissed the top of her head.

"Me too, Son. This is going to be difficult for those of us left behind." Ruth patted Zach's arm.

"I believe it will be difficult for the entire family, Son. You will be missed…" Archie's voice caught as he contemplated the distance they would soon face.

Knowing the challenges of the Mountie's life and that of his family, Peter spoke quietly, "We will be together in prayers until you complete your assignment, Zachary."

Eyes glistening, Zachary responded, "Thank you, Sir. Thank you all. I appreciate that…"

. .

Choosing to enjoy the warmth of the fire, the newlyweds sat side-by-side on the sofa, balancing their dinner plates on their laps.

"Are you ready for dessert, Sweetie?" Nathan asked as he placed his empty plate on the coffee table in front of them.

"I think so, but I don't remember what we ordered. Do you?" Elizabeth stacked her plate onto Nathan's then lifted the tea cozy to pour them fresh cups of hot spiced tea.

"No. I guess we'll be surprised!" Nathan lifted the silver dome and exclaimed, delighted, "Oh! Lemon Mousse!" He reached for smaller plates and placed the dessert ramekins on each plate along with a spoon.

"Is this difficult to make? It might be a delicious addition to our repertoire! Maybe I'll ask Bill or even Allie!"

Giggling, Elizabeth nudged Nathan's arm. "I thought you said collecting recipes was Allie's hobby, not yours?"

"Well, I am always happy to recommend an addition to her collection…" He grinned, "You might enjoy perusing her book to see if anything tempts you. If you need help, I'll gladly point out some possibilities!"

"I'll keep that in mind." Elizabeth added, "You are so adorable when it comes to desserts!"

"Adorable, eh? Don't tell anyone else or my Mountie reputation will be reduced to nil!"

"Oh, some things are for my enjoyment only!" Elizabeth pointed to her remaining dessert, "Do you want the rest of this? It is delicious but rich."

"If you are sure, I won't say no!"

. .

Awakening to an overcast silver-gray sky, Elizabeth turned to face her husband and realized she was entangled in her warm flannel nightgown. Once adjusted, she watched Nathan's face, the picture of peace once her movement stilled.

She noticed his eyelids lift slightly and smiled as she placed her hand on his face, her tone matching her soft touch. "Good morning, my Love."

"Shhhh… I'm dreaming…"

Giggling, she responded, "Well, I hope you're dreaming of me?"

"I am. I'm dreaming of a curly-haired beauty who is inches from my face! This is a very realistic dream though," His hand found its way into her hair, his eyes still closed. "I believe I feel her warm breath on my face?"

"I wondered how you knew where I was. It was my breath that awakened you and gave me away?"

Chuckling, Nathan shook his head. "Lisbeth, you just squirmed and bounced all over the bed. I could hardly sleep through that!"

Blushing, Elizabeth confessed, "Oops! Sorry. I haven't worn this long, flannel nightie since we married and it is rather confining…" She paused then added, "compared to other mornings."

"I can help with that, you know…" Nathan's sparkling eyes were open and now focused on his bride.

"Is that so?" Elizabeth returned his gaze with a teasing one of her own, turning away and making believe she would rise from bed.

"Whoa there, Wifey!" Reaching around Elizabeth's waist, he drew her towards himself. "No leaving the bed until you've thoroughly kissed your devoted husband." As he leaned over her to nuzzle his face into her neck, he added hoarsely, "Especially since we only hugged last night!"

"I suppose that's only fair," Elizabeth threaded her hand behind his neck and kissed him deeply, ending by asking, "Is that better?"

"It's good. Really good, but it could be better…" He tugged at her nightgown and wiggled his eyebrows, eyes still sparkling.

. .

"Today looks dreary and snowy, plus the wind is still howling." Luxuriating in each other's warm embrace, Nathan glanced out of the window. "Shall we stay in again? Maybe we could dress-up for dinner?"

"You want to dress up?"

"Yes. I think tonight I do!"

"Okay then. I guess I should wear one of the special outfits I brought to please my groom."

"You know you'll please me, dressed up or not, Lisbeth..."

"I do." She reached up to kiss his rough cheek. "So whatever shall we do today?"

"I vote for breakfast first."

"Shouldn't we dress first?" Elizabeth giggled, "At lease appropriately for public view!"

"I guess that's a requirement." With a Mountie's swift action, Nathan rose from the bed and headed across the room. "Beat you to the w/c!"

. .

Hearing water sloshing into the bathtub, Elizabeth stood from the dressing table and drew her robe around herself. She peeked through the doorway into the bathroom. "Oh! Are you taking a bath?"

"I'm drawing the bath for you, you know, to warm you up!"

"Oh, Nathan! That is so thoughtful." She added, "You are spoiling me!"

"As any good husband should, my dear!" Nathan grinned. "I thought I would shave while you bathe, if that's okay? I already washed my hair."

"Of course. Let me get my undergarments," Elizabeth disappeared back into the bedroom and returned with the top of Nathan's pajamas, draping the garment over the chair near the bathtub.

"Oh! Thank you, Honey."

Giggling, she responded, "That's not for you, Nathan."

Confused, he raised an eyebrow at her while his face was lathered with suds. "It isn't?"

Grinning at his expression, Elizabeth spoke while lowering her face and looking up through her eyelashes, "Well, I suppose it is for you… Just keep shaving, Honey."

Immerging from the bath some time later, Elizabeth toweled off then slipped into her husband's pajama top and followed Nathan into their bedroom.

Quietly she slipped onto the bench at the dressing table and lifted her hairbrush, watching her husband's reflection.

Buttoning his dress shirt, Nathan crossed the room, promptly stood behind her and took her brush to begin brushing her curls. What she was wearing didn't register immediately but when it did, he whistled low. "Well, don't you look tempting!" He bent to kiss her neck then caught her eye in the mirror. "Does this mean we should order room service for breakfast?"

"I think that would be wise, that is if you are hungry?"

"I am. What would you like to order?"

"Oh! I want to splurge. How about waffles with fruit?"

"Sounds good to me. Eggs? Bacon?"

"Yes, please." Elizabeth's voice was low, and she averted her eyes. To Nathan, something seemed off.

Nathan stopped midway to the telephone and asked, "Lisbeth? Are you okay?"

With a catch in her voice, Elizabeth answered, "I guess so…"

Returning to his wife, he crouched before her, took her hands and searched her eyes, "What is it? Have I done something wrong?"

"You haven't done anything wrong… You just… You… didn't do something…"

Nathan waited quietly, squeezing his bride's hands, until he saw a tear fill the corner of her eyes. Hoarsely he whispered, "Tell me. This is what I asked you last night. You need to tell me…"

"I only thought when I dressed like this that you would be interested… in me… you know… not breakfast."

With sudden understanding, Nathan wrapped his arms around Elizabeth. "And you think I don't want you? That I don't want to carry you to our marriage bed right now? Honey, now that we're married, I always want to show my love that way. I mean always!" Nathan blushed with the admission. "I just thought we planned to go to breakfast and well… We were in each other's arms about an hour ago and…"

He tilted her chin to allow him to search her watery blue eyes. "Lisbeth, do you think I don't desire you or am not enticed by your beauty?"

"Well, I was afraid I had already lost my allure…"

Chuckling, Nathan held her face in his hands and kissed her with a groom's love and longing. When he pulled back to catch his breath, he whispered, "What do you think now, my Love?"

Giggling, Elizabeth admitted her fear was unfounded, but maybe they should order breakfast.

"Let's do that and then maybe I can prove you are all I desire, my bride!"