Twenty minutes after Elizabeth went to sleep, she heard a sound in her room. Terrified that it was a mouse, she opened her eyes, turned on the dim nightlight next to the bed, and experienced déjà vu when she saw Lance standing over her, a wicked smile on his face.

Lance! What are you doing in here?

I came to give you your last chance Sandy.

You're unbelievable! Elizabeth was amused despite her irritation. Two nights before my wedding and you're in here pestering me!

Would you prefer if I come tomorrow? Then it will be one night before your wedding. One last bit of fun before Nicholas gets the key to your chastity belt.

Elizabeth grabbed a cushion and whacked him over the head as he sat down on the armchair next to the bed. He held his head and they both started laughing.

Shhhh! Elizabeth said between giggles. If anyone catches you in here…..

They won't. I just came to tell you good luck on Saturday, Elizabeth. He smiled rakishly at her. I'm bringing a date, in the hopes that you'll be jealous.

Elizabeth rolled her eyes. Yes Laurence, I'll be green with envy. She placed her hand dramatically on her forehead. I'll cry in my wedding cake when I see you dancing with some other woman.

That's more like it, Lance replied. He got up suddenly and walked towards to door. I'm about to head out to a club in the city. You want to come?

Elizabeth folded her arms. Absolutely not! No thank you.

Last chance, Lance said teasingly, as he walked towards Elizabeth and gave her a kiss on the cheek. She picked up the cushion again, and he ran out laughing before she had the chance to hit him again. Elizabeth shook her head and pulled the covers over her. She shut her eyes, hoping to fall asleep…...


Karen woke up once again that night, and Elizabeth got up with Cara and her mother, attempting to soothe the baby. She sat with her mother after Cara went back to sleep, and Alice once again expressed her feelings of being upstaged by Skye.

Maybe you should take me back to Nicholas' aunt's house, Alice said, so I can get away from that woman!

Mom, Elizabeth replied, you'll have plenty of time to work on the house once Nicholas and I leave. And after we're gone, Skye will be staying there until we come back, so you might as well get used to her. Besides, I want you to help me with my final decision tomorrow, about the dress….

On that morning, a few hours after arriving in Greenwich, Elizabeth had taken Alice to the old mansion, to give her mother a glimpse of her next project.

The truth is, she had brought her mother away in the attempt to get her as far from Skye Morrow as possible! Earlier in the day, Alice and Skye were practically on the verge of throttling each other about every little detail! So to prevent World War III, Elizabeth requested that Abigail's chauffeur Elias drive her and her mother south and away from the back country, towards Belle Haven where the house was situated.

Eleanor, who had been visiting Abigail's house at the time, invited herself to tag along, just in case Elizabeth decided to pull a fast one and try to see Nicholas on the sly. The Bentley pulled up at a safe distance from the house and Elizabeth admired the wide expanse of grass covering the front lawn that lead up to the elegant wrap around porch.

Wow!, Alice exclaimed as they sat in the car, admiring the structure. This is it? It looks like a beautiful dollhouse,! she said, examining the steep pitched roof and gables.

That's the same thing I thought when I first saw it, Elizabeth remarked.

The house is much higher up than I thought, Alice observed. The views of the water must be gorgeous.

Oh, they are, Elizabeth agreed. It's not only the water, it's everything. Especially now with all the leaves changing.

Long Island is just about seven miles across the water from here, Eleanor added. She motioned to the left of her. My grandparents had the option of buying the land that is right on the water. But they decided on this spot instead. It's better, in case we have a storm. We don't have them often, but, being this high protects me from flooding. I have amazing water views without being right on the water.

They looked upwards to the slope and saw Ned raking the colored leaves scattered on the lawn. Little Nathan was doing his part by gathering a small pile, and putting them in a wheel barrow. Nicholas looked carefree and happy as Elizabeth watched him running on the grass kicking a football with his father, Steven, Enid's boyfriend Ray, and some cousins from Boston. He was so beautiful, so poised, even with leaves in his dark hair and what looked to be mud on his shoes. She sighed dreamily as Eleanor, who was seated on her left, gave her a look of disapproval.

Hmmmm! She grunted, her sharp eyes focused on Elizabeth.

You'll see him soon enough, she said, noting Elizabeth's looks of longing.

So Alice, Eleanor continued, when do you plan to start work on the house? It was built in 1896 and the majority of it is still original. It's in good condition if I do say so myself. I hate to leave it, but an old lady like me doesn't need all that space. Better let the young people make the most of it while I go to live with my sister in Westport. Monica is coming with me, so Elizabeth, you'll need a new maid once I'm gone.

I won't need a maid, Elizabeth declared. I mean….. she said, her face turning red with embarrassment when Eleanor peered at her.

Yes you will, Eleanor pressed. You're going to have to get used to servants Elizabeth. My nephew is accustomed to certain standards. Living in a small apartment is quite different from a place like this. You'll need help. And you're an industrious young woman, I'm sure you'll be busy with other things besides polishing the silver.

Elizabeth wanted to argue that she could do it all on her own, but she thought better of it once she saw the look her mother gave her. It would never do, to argue with Nicholas' elderly aunt.

Alice eyed the old woman, her blue eyes full of anticipation. Anyway we can go in there now,? she almost drooled, looking hopefully at Eleanor.

Certainly not! Eleanor replied. You and your daughter had better not be trying to pull the wool over my eyes! If I let you tour the house, Elizabeth might conveniently creep off with my nephew. And we can't have that!

She tapped her her walking stick on the back of his seat, altering Elias that it was time to drive back towards Abigail's home.

I won't,! I promise,! Elizabeth insisted, biting her lip.

Patience dear, patience,! Eleanor chided as Elias started up the car and headed north to the back country. Elizabeth knew her mother was practically salivating at the thought of beginning the restoration.

As soon as my daughter and Nicholas get on that plane and land safely in Bora Bora, Alice schemed, gazing at the wide porch as they drove away, I'll start my work. Don't worry, she assured Eleanor. I plan to keep it as authentic as possible. We'll only upgrade what's necessary…


It was the next morning, November second, and everyone gathered in and around Mrs Wexford's huge dressing room, where there was a dedicated section of closets that housed her lavish collection of vintage frocks. Her maid Margo was on hand, tidying up after the women, and Elizabeth felt guilty as she watched her scurrying all over, laying dresses on tissue paper, and placing them in back into archival boxes.

The seamstress had arrived that morning with all the dresses for the bridal party. While still in Sweet Valley, Skye had called Enid and Cara, gotten their measurements, and sent them to a Mrs Barber, who specialized in bridal wear. When Elizabeth had first told Skye that she intended to wear one of Abigail's gowns for her wedding, Skye took it upon herself to choose the style of the dresses without even consulting Alice.

The dresses resembled what was popular during the Edwardian era, a loose, floor length silk tulle Roman style gown, fitted over sumptuously soft charmeuse, that hung straight from the wide waistband towards the hem.

Skye estimated that Alice was about five foot four inches, somewhere around a size eight, and had a dress made without her knowledge. Alice had initially planned to wear a deep plum velvet gown that she specially bought from Lytton and Brown.

She had also planned on going to a bridal shop in Sweet Valley with Cara and Enid to choose their dresses. But when she told Cara about it, her daughter in law looked away and informed her that Skye said she had it all covered.

She was stubbornly against the idea of wearing the dress that Skye had gotten made for her, but her resolve was broken once she ran her hand against the beautiful silk fabric. Alice's dress was a shimmering medium blue that enhanced the beauty of her eyes. Skye had decided on a deep red that complimented her dark hair and tall, svelte figure. Cara and Enid had settled on a light olive green that suited both their skin tones.

I'm just happy I can fit in the dress, Cara said, referring to her recent pregnancy. I love how it's loose fitting, especially around the mid section. My waistline is not quite back yet, she grinned sheepishly.

You'll look fine Cara, Alice assured her, as she admired her own dress in the mirror. No one expects you to lose all your baby weight all at once.

Cara gave her mother in law a grateful smile.

I have to admit that this really is nice, Alice remarked as the seamstress hooked her up in the back. And it fits perfectly. Thank you Mrs Barber, Alice smiled in the mirror at the woman behind her, and you too Skye, she said through clenched teeth. I love the color.

It was nothing, Skye beamed.

For the rest of that morning, there was a flurry of activity around Elizabeth, and another onslaught of whispering in her ear with advice and suggestions that almost drove her delirious. The latest argument was about what color icing to use on the beautiful Wedgewood cake that Elizabeth settled on. Skye wanted to go the baker's before midday, to give them the final instructions.

This was one of the few things Skye let Elizabeth choose by herself. She had always liked the look of Jasperware and thought it would be nice for a wedding. Alice insisted on traditional blue while Skye had her heart set on pale green. Elizabeth liked both colors, although she was partial to the blue. But she didn't want to tell Skye that! She was beginning to get closer to her soon to be mother in law, and was actually very happy that she got to spend time alone and bond with her before the wedding.

But she couldn't tell Alice that! She listened to the voices around her. Cara, Enid, Skye, Mrs Wexford, and Eleanor, all seemed to be talking at the same time, and Elizabeth couldn't keep up. Even little Alex kept running around the room, offering her various pictures of items from the sample cards the chefs had sent.

Elizabeth's grandmother had just arrived, and pulled Alice and Elizabeth aside, wondering where Jessica was. Alice took it upon herself to explain the situation as delicately as she could, and Elizabeth was given questioning looks from her father's mother ever since. Elizabeth had been so involved with the upcoming day, that she hadn't even thought much of Jessica. The last time she had Jessica on her mind was last week at Bloomingdales. She and Skye were having lunch when Skye brought up the topic of her sister.

I don't mean to pry Elizabeth, Skye started lightly. But…what about your sister? I haven't heard you mention her. I know the two of you were so close, and I know that something isn't quite right because you've never talked about her coming to the wedding.

Well, Elizabeth began. You're right. She isn't coming. I…I don't want her here. I no longer even think about her as my sister. She...she did something to me that I find…..Elizabeth shook her head…. that I find unforgivable. I cut her out of my life and….Elizabeth sighed. We no longer speak.

I understand, Skye replied, holding her hand and staring at Elizabeth intently. It's not about her marrying your old boyfriend is it? Elizabeth, her dark eyes were serious, I have to know. I couldn't let you marry my son if I felt there was any feeling there for another man.

No,! Elizabeth exclaimed. Todd has nothing to do with it. It's something else, that Jessica did.

She lowered her voice and her eyes watered. I never want you to even think for one second that I would…..that I would even consider marrying Nicholas if I didn't love him or if I had any feelings for someone else.

What my sister did almost destroyed me, Elizabeth continued, as a tear escaped. Nicholas already knows all about it. I haven't even told my parents what it is. It will hurt them as much as it hurt me. But I have to admit, they do think it's primarily about Todd, and I haven't let on that there is more to it.

You don't have to explain more, Skye said, her eyes relieved. Whatever it is, I'm sure you have a pretty good reason for it…

No…no, I want to tell you, Elizabeth asserted. I want you to understand. We'll be family soon, and I want you to be aware, in case she ever tries something. She held her breath and grabbed Skye's hand, and went on to explain the entire matter.

When she was finished, Skye stared at her, an appalled look on her face. But how could she do that? That poor young man, his poor family. How could she let you pay for her crimes?

Elizabeth shrugged and lowered her voice. I can't understand it myself. If it hadn't happened to me, I wouldn't believe it. I would never believe that she would do that to anyone, far less her own sister. Just thinking about it frightens me. It takes me back…back to how horrible it truly was, and…Elizabeth locked eyes with Skye….. I don't want to go back.

I remember…..Skye said, her eyes far away. I remember the night when Regina had that party when we first moved. Your sister was the first one there. She arrived at the house with your sister in law. I didn't have much of an opinion of her except that she was a very beautiful girl. And then….for weeks afterwards, I remember her calling Nicholas on the phone, and he was never interested in returning her calls. She left several messages…I asked him why and he told me that she didn't appeal to him.

You see Elizabeth…..Skye continued….my son had it right from day one. He's made mistakes with other girls, but with your sister, he was right on target. I can see why you don't want your parents to know. I don't know how I would cope if I found out a child I raised could be capable of something like that…


Liz,? her mother's voice rang out, bringing her back to the present.

How about this one? Alice stood in front of the mirror with a beautiful silvery oyster white gown that looked like something a first class Titanic passenger would wear.

That's gorgeous!, Mrs Wexford said, standing next to Alice and looking at the gown approvingly. One of my favorites.

Elizabeth sighed, feeling suddenly overwhelmed. It's beautiful, but...it's too white though. I think I want something a bit darker, more like a deeper cream, something that won't wash me out completely. My reception dress is almost white, and I want something a different color.

I agree with Elizabeth, her grandmother chimed in. And it's way too long.

If Liz wears that, she'll be tripping all over the train,! Skye chimed in, giving Alice a smirk of victory. And she'll look like the snow queen in it!

I going to have to pull this off and pretend that Skye and I haven't already chosen which one I want to wear, Elizabeth thought to herself as her mother's face fell.

Alice went back to the closet, carefully laying the gown in it's place. Elizabeth watched as her mother placed layers of acid free tissue between the folds of the fabric. Elizabeth wanted to laugh despite her guilt, as Skye gave a her a conspiratorial wink….


Jessica opened a sleepy eye and stared at the elegant wooden clock that was laid on the mantle at the side of her very comfortable king sized bed.

Nine thirty…..That means it's six thirty California time. That means I don't have to wake up yet.

She closed her eyes, and willed herself to go back to sleep. After a late flight towards the east, that much to her annoyance, was delayed by two hours, she finally left Sweet Valley sometime after nine, and arrived at JFK after six this morning. She had taken a taxi to the famous hotel and was more than pleased when they gave her a key to one of the best suites she had ever been in.

The ride from the airport was quiet and uneventful, but the excitement that raced through Jessica's heart at being in New York City more than made up for it. As she traveled along the route through Queens, Jessica looked to the south at the twin towers, that dominated the skyline of lower Manhattan.

I have a twin too, she spoke silently to the illuminated buildings. And I'm going to be standing next to her, just like the two of you stand tall and together forever. We belong together just like you!

They got off the expressway and as they approached the Midtown tunnel, she admired the Empire State building that was still lit in orange and yellow in honor of Halloween. Unknown to Jessica, Elizabeth's apartment building was just three streets to the right of her. They exited the tunnel and drove up towards Central Park South and the Plaza Hotel. She paid the driver, and a very cute uniformed bellhop immediately took her suitcase into the hotel's elaborate lobby.

Jessica walked inside and was immediately captivated with the high coffered ceiling and lavish chandeliers above her head. She checked in at the front desk, and advanced to the seventeenth floor and her suite, escorted by the bellhop. Jessica tipped him and walked throughout the suite.

She went right to the window and pulled back the fine silk curtains to see the foliage of Central Park right in front of her. It was still dark outside, but Jessica didn't need light to know that her view was beautiful. She went into her mosaic floor tiled bathroom and was immediately drawn to the gold plated fixtures and the hotel's logo in the fine porcelain sink. I'll have to use my soaking tub later….maybe tonight.

This is the life, Jessica said, as she looked in the mirror.

Yuck,! she exclaimed, when she saw how tired she looked. I have to sleep, so I can look good for tomorrow. I'll wake up around midday and hit the shops. And I'm going to get a dress to impress that will make me the hottest thing at Liz's wedding!

Oh….and some shoes too!...