It was a cool, crisp early November morning when Elizabeth took the Metro North to Greenwich. She had never been this far east on the mainland before. She thought of lost opportunities to attend Yale and Harvard. In her junior year of high school, she had secretly applied and had been accepted at both schools. She had told her parents, but decided not to tell the news to anyone else.
All she would have to do was take extra courses to finish early at Sweet Valley High. Elizabeth had seriously considered it for a while. She had welcomed the challenge of taking on the extra work. Her parents were thrilled for her, and she always figured she would have time to decide. She realized now that she should have taken the chance and gone for it.
Her attachment to her sister and Todd had again thwarted her plans. She let her love for them win her over. It was similar to the time when she had been accepted to the writing program in Switzerland. Jessica had gone out of her way to make sure she didn't ever get on that plane. It was typical Jessica. While it was ultimately Elizabeth's decision to stay home, Jessica's scheming and manipulations had almost ruined her chances of going in the first place.
Well, she wouldn't dwell on that now. She couldn't put all the blame on them. At sixteen, she didn't think she was quite ready to travel thousands of miles away from home leaving everything she knew and loved. Mrs Wexford's driver Elias was waiting there for her as she exited the metro north train. He opened the back door for her and she stepped into the luxurious Bentley.
As they left the train station, moving further north, Elizabeth could tell she was in a totally different world. Practically every car that she saw on Greenwich Avenue was a Porsche, a Mercedes, a Range Rover or a Jaguar. She saw at least one Lamborghini. The palatial mansions a midst the bucolic settings were such a huge contrast to her dark, cramped walk up apartment.
The car turned into a long driveway. At the end of it, in front of the fountain stood a Tudor style mansion, the half timbers stood elegantly in the sunlight, the red slate tiles proudly capping the roof and turrets. Elias parked the car and opened the door for Elizabeth. She got out and was about to ring the doorbell when the front door opened suddenly.
Elizabeth was startled as a young man, with wavy brown hair and whiskey colored eyes stood in the vestibule, a bagel in his hand. He was dressed in boxer shorts, and she couldn't help but admire his physique. She looked at the trail of dark hair starting at his belly button and leading down to his…..
Hello there, he said, giving her a once over.
Hi, she said, holding out her hand, which he didn't take. She pulled her hand away, her cheeks burning in embarrassment. He stood there, a cocky smirk on his handsome face as he chewed and sized her up.
Oh Elizabeth, I see you've met Lance, Mrs Wexford said, coming into the foyer. This is my grandson Lance. For God's sake Lance, didn't I tell you we were having company? Go put some clothes on!
He rolled his eyes at his grandmother.
You didn't tell me our guest was coming so early!
Mrs Wexford sighed as her little dog came scurrying at the entrance, barking up a storm.
Shhhhh, Chi Chi, bad girl! Don't you snap at Elizabeth! She climbed down to save you from the big bad train and you have the nerve to bark at her?
Chi Chi yipped excitedly at Elizabeth, wagging her tiny tail while she sniffed at her ankles.
So you're the big heroine then, Lance laughed. Or should I say little. Grandma has been going on and on about you. I should have paid better attention, he said raising his eyebrows suggestively at her. You know, she loves that ugly little dog more than she loves me, he pouted.
I heard that Lance. That's because my Chi Chi is so much better behaved than you Lawrence. Now, I have to make a few phone calls. You stay here with Elizabeth and be a gentleman, she ordered. And get dressed. Just because you're not in the match doesn't mean I want to be late!
I am in the match! He insisted. You think Colin, Nicholas and Eduardo have chance of winning without me?
Really? So you're playing?
Yes, really.
Well, better behave yourself today then. I don't want to hear anything about you and anyone's wife!
I'll behave I swear, he grimaced, as the phone rang. And it wasn't my fault that she couldn't resist me. She's the one who chased me, not the other way around!
I have to get that, his grandmother said. We'll talk about this later! I'm sorry Elizabeth, you stay right here and make yourself comfortable, I have to take this call. I'll be right back, she disappeared into the hallway with Chi Chi scampering at her heels.
So….. Lance said, looking her up and down. Where are you from? You're not from Long Island are you? He asked, wrinkling his nose in distaste.
No.
Good, I don't deal with Long Island chicks.
Ummmm. Really? She shook her head at his impertinence.
Yeah really. Too much drama, especially the girls from East Hampton.
What's up with this guy,? she thought.
OK, she answered, perplexed by his behavior.
So where are you from, blondie, he said winking at her.
I live in Brooklyn.
Where in Brooklyn?
Williamsburg.
In that dump?
Well, that's where I can afford, she raised her chin defiantly.
Oh, OK, I actually know some people there. Not my type of place, but it's not that bad. So you must be the artsy craftsy type huh? Am I right?
Not really. I'm actually originally from California .
A California girl huh? Hmmmm. So Sandy, are you a surfer?
It's Elizabeth, she corrected him. I know how to surf, but I wouldn't call myself a surfer.
So are your boobs real? He asked looking at her chest. They're too small to be fake, he added, smirking at her.
What? Her eyes widened. You have got to be the rudest…
Look Sandy, I don't do Long Island girls, and I don't like fake boobs.
Elizabeth just stared at him open mouthed Are you always this obnoxious?
No. Only to pretty girls. He grinned lecherously at her, showing even white teeth. So are you going to the party tonight?
Yes, your grandmother invited me.
Well, I'll make her uninvite you and I'll take you myself.
Who says I want to go with you? You can't even get my name right!
Come on Sandy, you don't want to dance with Grandma all evening do you?
Why do you keep calling me that?
You'll look much cuter dancing on my arm than on hers, he insisted, ignoring her question.
Elizabeth gave him a look of exasperation. He had to be the most irritating, spoiled….
How old are you anyway?
I'm twenty two, Elizabeth answered.
And you?
I'm twenty five. I'm a polo instructor. I'm the best player on my team. None of them can hold a candle to me.
Elizabeth gave him a pointed look. You're very modest Lance, she said sarcastically.I'm looking forward to watching you play then. That's why I'm here, to observe the match and write about it, your grandmother was nice enough to let me stay here for the weekend.
So what do you do in the city?
I work for City Scoop, she told him.
Oh? That TV show? They have a magazine too right? I would love to see my name in there.
You better write good things about me, aside from my good looks!
Elizabeth rolled her eyes.
So my grandmother met you at the Plaza,? Lance cocked his brow.
Yes, she took me for tea at the Plaza. She insisted after I saved Chi Chi.
I see. So what kind of scoop do you want? He moved closer to her.I know everyone and everything that's happening in this town. Don't believe anything you hear about my little faux pas. I didn't try to sleep with anyone's wife!
OK, Elizabeth just stared at him, not knowing what to make of his objectionable behavior.
You know, you really are cute, he said, sliding his finger down her neck. She jumped back as if he burned her.
I'll ask you to keep your hands to yourself, she looked at him angrily.
You're even prettier when you're mad Sandy.
For the last time….
I know I know, your name is Gidget.
Elizabeth put her hands on her hips.
Lighten up. I'm just having a little fun. I promise to be a gentleman if you promise to let me dance with you tonight.
Maybe, she looked at him.
Good, it's all settled. So are you a virgin?
What? That's none of your business! she said, her eyes flashing at him.
You are aren't you? I usually find that virgins are the freakiest in bed, that is after I teach them what to do. You look like a virgin.
Oh really? And what do virgins look like?
Big blue eyes like yours, or are they green? Hmmmm, a little bit of both, he said coming closer to her.
Hmmphh,! she huffed, backing away from him.
I have to go shower, he said, pouring himself some juice.Want to scrub my back?
No!
Yeah you do. He laughed at her.
To her surprise, she found herself laughing with him.
He laughed more, as he gulped down his drink.
OK, Elizabeth, perhaps a rain check? he said, as his grandmother entered the room.
Lance! Why aren't you dressed yet,? Mrs Wexford tapped her foot on the marble floor.
Give me a break granny! The match isn't till this afternoon anyway. I'm going back to bed.
Laurence, you know I hate when you call me granny, she called out to him as he climbed the elaborate staircase.
Now Elizabeth. I'm sorry about that, why don't I show you where you'll be sleeping tonight.
She guided her up the stairs and took her in the opposite direction that Lance went to.
This is a beautiful house, Elizabeth said, looking at the elaborate woodwork and ceiling.The stained glass is so pretty. How old is it?
It was built in 1910. Mrs Wexford answered.
I prefer this to the huge modern mansions that I saw when I was driving up.
You have good taste, very good taste my dear. Do you know anything about architecture?
No, nothing really, Elizabeth smiled.Except the difference between old and new. I usually like old better. Especially in the city. The prewar buildings are all so gorgeous. She laughed. Dirty, but gorgeous. My mother is an interior designer. She knows a lot more than I do about everything to do with houses.
I do know you like vintage clothes. When I first met you, you were wearing a style I haven't seen in quite a while.
Yes, I like vintage very much. Also, it helps that I can find something elegant without paying a fortune. I really cannot afford to shop on fifth avenue. The vintage stores always have something for a fraction of the price. And the fabric they used back then is nicer than what we have now, well, I think so anyway.
I agree dear, I agree.
Well, here it is, Mrs Wexford said, opening the door. Now you make yourself right at home. This is your bathroom right here, she said opening the door.Take a rest if you want to. I know you had to wake up early for the train. We don't have to be there anytime soon. The match starts at three, and it's not even twelve yet. I was just harassing Lance about the time. That boy is so undisciplined. Or come down with me, and I'll have Margo fix you something to eat?
Margo? Elizabeth asked hesitantly.
Yes, Margo, our maid. She's from Ecuador.
Elizabeth sighed in relief. The name Margo left a bad impression on her mind.
Perhaps later I'll eat something?
Of course dear, take your time. See you later, she said, closing the door behind her.
Elizabeth observed her surroundings. The room was indeed beautiful. A king sized four poster bed filled the center. The carpet was so soft and plush, it was like walking on cotton. The walls were covered with a beautiful creme jacquard paper. Her bed linen was a pale yellow sateen. She ran her hands over the coverlet, loving the luxurious feel of the fabric.
She looked at her watch. She figured she'd take a short nap before they had to leave for the match. She took off her traveling clothes and packed them away neatly. Even though she took a shower this morning, she felt like she wanted to wash the grime from the train off of her. It would never do to get into a bed so beautiful with gunk from the subway and Metro North on her. She opened the door to the bathroom. The bathroom was probably bigger than her bedroom. She looked in admiration at the elegant fixtures and antique tiling.
Wow, Adrienne and Angie would love this, she thought, looking at the large claw foot tub. She got into the shower, enjoying the feeling of the spa head on her back.
This is the life, she thought as she washed herself. The shower gel was so rich, so thick, and smelled like lilacs.
I probably can't afford this stuff either, she thought to herself, noting that the label was written in French. I'd be able to afford it if I took that money.
No Elizabeth, she said aloud as she inhaled the sweet , floral aroma.
That money isn't yours!
Well, I might as well enjoy being pampered, for today anyway.
I'm here for a weekend, living the high life, she giggled in the shower. Even if I have to put up with Lance. That guy makes Kirk Anderson look like the pope!, she thought.
Kirk Anderson had been the sexiest, handsomest guy at Sweet Valley High. He also had an ego bigger than the Grand Canyon. Elizabeth didn't know what brought him to mind, except the fact that he was a huge jerk like Lance was earlier. She dried herself off, loosened her hair and got in the bed.
This must be what it is to be literally on cloud nine. The bed was as soft as marshmallows. Elizabeth hugged the sheets to her body. The fall air was cool, not cold enough for heating, but still chilly. She laid her head on the fluffy pillow, thinking about what she had seen that day. She'd been surrounded by wealth before, but never quite on a large scale like this. Not here in America anyway.
I hope I don't embarrass myself later. The people in this town are a whole new breed of rich. They're going to take one look at me and know I don't belong, she thought apprehensively. Well, who cares anyway,? she yawned. So what if I'm not rich like them? Mrs Wexford is really nice and I know she's one of them. Besides, it will be nice to see the ponies.
At least that's something I know about. I'll just be myself. They're just normal people like me right? How bad can they be? she thought as she felt the lull of sleep overtake her.
