Come on Thunder,! Elizabeth said, as she jump over the railing. Good boy,! she patted his neck as he took the two others. Why haven't I ridden in so long? I'll do all of Lila's homework, as long as she lets me spend time with you. I don't care. I'll even do Ellen's and Janet's too. Wait a minute, what's that tickling my neck? She felt a hint of moisture on her forehead. Hmmmmm, is it raining,? she thought. She felt the same moisture on her cheek. What on earth,? she woke up abruptly. There stood Lance, over her, a cheeky grin on his face. After splaying a series of kisses on her face, he had taken a lock of her hair, and was running it along her neck.

Lance, what are you doing in here? She pulled the covers up to her chin.

I just came to wake you sleeping beauty. He smirked at her. You look really sweet when you're sleeping. Don't look so frightened. Gidge.

For the last time, my name is…..

I know, I know. So granny wants to know if you want anything before we go?

Did she send you to wake me up?

No, she'd never do that. She'd freak if she knew I was in here now. Her virile grandson in a fair maiden's bedroom? He snickered.

Elizabeth gave him a stern look. You really are something else Lance.

But I'm fun aren't I?

I guess. I'm very aware of your kind of fun.

Elizabeth, she heard Mrs Wexford's voice approaching.

Oh no,! she gasped.

I better hide, Lance whispered. She'll kill me if she finds me in here.

She watched as he ducked into a closet as there was a knock on the door.

Come in, Elizabeth called out.

Good to see you're up Elizabeth. Mrs Wexford approached the bed. Did you have a nice rest?

Yes, Elizabeth said nervously, the bed is very comfortable.

I'm glad. Now, it's just past two.

Really? Elizabeth exclaimed, looking at her watch. I didn't know I slept for so long. I must have been more tired than I thought.

It's alright. Just put your clothes on and meet me downstairs. We'll take a picnic with us and eat right there on the lawn. Wait till you taste the artichoke pastry. I told my maid Margo to pack extra ones for all of us. And my friends too. It's to die for! Now where is that boy? She sighed. He seems to have disappeared. He's probably hiding somewhere, just like he used to when he was little. I tell you Elizabeth. One of these days you'll have grandchildren. Better hope they're not mischievous like my Lance.

Lance? Lance? She left the room and walked down the hall, still calling his name.

At that point, Lance emerged from the closet.

Do you know how much trouble I'd be in if she found you in here,? Elizabeth hissed at him. Your grandmother was nice enough to invite me here, the last thing I want is for her to think I'm some kind of tramp,! she exclaimed, angrily at him.

Relax. Grandmother knows all about sex. How do you think my father came about?

Ha ha! Elizabeth whispered, annoyed with him. Get out so I can get dressed, she said,

You need help with that?

No! She picked up a pillow and threw it at him.

OK OK. See you later…..Sandy, he said laughing as he left the room.

Elizabeth had chosen a brown dress with an aqua blue floral print. The dress was simple, yet elegant, and very worth the twelve dollars she paid after finding it on the clearance rack at Macy's. She braided her hair around the crown and secured the length with hair pins. It was a style that she had always liked, and Adrienne taught her to do herself. She rubbed some moisturizing sunscreen on her face, neck and hands as Mrs Wexford walked in.

Here are some gloves Elizabeth, her hostess said. It's just tradition, ladies covering their hands. Looks more formal, she said, putting on her own pair. You look lovely dear, Mrs Wexford said. How I wish I was young and pretty again. Although I was never as pretty as you. Enjoy your youth Elizabeth as much as you can, before you turn into an old crow like me.

But you're not an old crow, Elizabeth insisted.

Oh yes I am. How old do you think I am dear?

I don't know? Late sixties?

Ha! I like that. You flatter me. I am seventy eight.

Well, I hope I'm as active as you when I'm seventy eight, Elizabeth said.

I have to be active. With a grandson like Lance.

Did I hear my name? He waltzed into the room, munching on a pastry.

Lance! What are you doing in Elizabeth's bedroom?

I'm just here to help you two down the stairs, he said, looking innocently at his grandmother.

Elizabeth had to admit he was very sexy. He was wearing a hunter green polo shirt with tight white breeches.

Shall we? He grabbed both of their arms as they made their way down the stairs and out to the car.

Oh, let's not forget our parasols, Mrs Wexford said, as Margo handed Elias a picnic basket. You put lots of artichoke puffs?

Yes Mrs Wexford, the maid answered.

We ladies have to protect our delicate skins, she said pointedly at Elizabeth as she handed her a frilly sunshade from the umbrella stand.

I'm escorting the two loveliest ladies in Greenwich today, Lance said, kissing his grandmother on the cheek. He turned to Elizabeth and winked at her.

I'll give you yours later, he mouthed.

She poked him in the ribs.

Ouch! He groaned exaggeratedly as they got into the car and Elias drove off towards the field. Elizabeth couldn't help but smile at Lance. As annoying as he could be, Lance was pretty funny. She looked at the beautiful trees, inhaled the fresh air and all the hesitation she had about today vanished. She was going to enjoy herself, forget about feeling inferior, and write a great article.

Five minutes later, they arrived on the field. They watched as Lance went off, going towards where the ponies were kept. Elizabeth looked at the scene in front of her. They was an array of color, vibrant leaves and exquisitely dressed people everywhere, and like she and Mrs Wexford, most of the women were shading themselves with parasols.

Come here young lady, Mrs Wexford called. I'd like to introduce you to my friends, Louise Henderson and Maggie Pelham. If you want to know all the good gossip, those two old biddies have the four one one on everything and everyone that happens on the east coast. And yes, I know the lingo you young people use nowadays.

Ahhhhh Abigail there you are. We thought you were boycotting the match, ever since Lance got fired and kicked off the team, the woman introduced as Maggie sneered.

He didn't get kicked off Maggie, Mrs Wexford insisted. Nor did he get fired. He 's managed to smooth things over somehow. Besides, he's the best player here. And I'm not saying that because he's my grandson.

You're right Abigail, he really is good. Too bad he can't keep his pants zipped when it counts.

Mrs Wexford gave her friend a dirty look.

Will he be at the party tonight?

Of course. It's practically the most important party of the season.

Elizabeth observed the two women who had joined them. The one named Maggie was a tall, thin woman. She had stark grey hair, sharp grey eyes and a huge string of pearls around her neck. Her companion Louise was pleasantly plump, her hair dyed an obviously unnatural shade of red. She assumed that both women were well over sixty, possibly in their seventies.

And who is your little friend Abigail? Louise asked. Please don't tell me this is Lance's latest.

Actually no. This is Elizabeth Wakefield. This lovely young lady is a life saver. She went down to the bowels of the earth to save my Chi Chi from a certain death.

And then she went on, retelling the story of Elizabeth's bravery.

Oh? Wakefield is it,? said Maggie, sizing Elizabeth up and down. We know some Wakefields in New Canaan. Any relation?

No Mrs Pelham. I'm a California native.

Ohhhh, California. Hmmmm. I have been there a few times. Do you live near Newport?

No, I'm from a small town outside of Los Angeles.

I liked California, but not Los Angeles. Or San Francisco. Too many hippies when I was there.

So... You ride the subway Elizabeth,? Louise interrupted in horror. I would never be caught dead in that contraption! My mother never let me ride the train when I was a young girl.

Oh don't see such a snob Louise, Mrs Wexford said. There is nothing wrong with the train. I rode it often, in my youth. Besides, Elizabeth is strong enough to lift herself up to the platform.

Well, I did have some help with that, Elizabeth smiled.

Well, you're a very brave girl, Maggie said. And pretty too. How old are you?

I'm twenty two, Elizabeth answered.

Hmmm, old enough to have some rose wine I suppose, Louise said, as she summoned an elegantly dressed waiter. Are you sure? You don't look much older than eighteen.

I'm sure, Elizabeth laughed.

Well dear, will we see you at the party tonight?

Yes, I'm looking forward to it.

A waiter came by with a tray of pale red liquid. Mrs Wexford turned to look at her after handing her a glass.

You know what Elizabeth, I must say that you have passed my test.

Oh? What test is that?

Well, you're a very beautiful young girl, and I haven't seen you once make a beeline for the men around here. With your youth and good looks, you could have them eating out of your hands if you wanted it. Your clothes are elegant, but very understated, and I don't see you carrying around a bag that cost more than my first car. I know all the tricks that young ladies play nowadays, trying to ingratiate themselves into society, and I haven't seen you try to play one of them.

Jessica would be playing all the tricks, she thought to herself.

Well, I'm not really looking for a boyfriend, she explained, her cheeks turning pink. I guess I'm more focused on my work for now.

Well, that's nice, but you know what they say. All work and no play…

Elizabeth pulled out her small notebook and wrote down all her observations of the event so far. Most of the articles and snippets she wrote didn't require too many words, but she wanted to make sure she remembered everything.

I'll bring you to meet the players at half time, Mrs Wexford said. They're all very nice, well mannered young men. You already know Lance. Eduardo is from Argentina, Nicholas is from….

Abigail Wexford,! a voice called out.

I'll tell you all about them later Elizabeth, she said as she turned to the newcomer.

Hello Eleanor, she answered as a tiny elderly woman made her way towards them. She held an elegant walking stick that was topped with silver and mother of pearl, and Elizabeth wondered if it served any real function except as a beautiful accessory. It's owner obviously had no problem with walking, Elizabeth observed, as she quickened her steps.

How is it that boy of yours is playing today? I was speaking to Nicholas and he told me Lance was playing in the match!

I know nothing of it, Mrs Wexford responded, her nose in the air. And Lance didn't do anything wrong. If anything, she was the one who tried to seduce him! She has an appetite for all the young men, in case you haven't noticed.

So are you telling me that your Lance is innocent? Ha! That boy chases every skirt he lays his eyes on. It's the Cutler strain that has him like that! I knew it when Edward married Ashley all those years ago. Womanizers on her side of the family, all of them,! Eleanor said, shaking her bony index finger at her friend.

Don't you insult my daughter in law Eleanor. Ashley might not be my favorite person, but it's not her fault when Lance is notoriously popular with the ladies!

So you admit it then!

I admit nothing. Lance is no angel, but I truly believe him this time!

Hmmmm! Young people nowadays, Eleanor said, noticing Elizabeth for the first time. And who is this? You're not Lance's new girlfriend are you?

No, she answered as piercing blue eyes looked her over. I only met him this morning. She half smiled, blushing, not knowing what to say.

Excuse my manners Elizabeth, Mrs Wexford butted in. This is one of my oldest friends Eleanor Dumfries. Although, with her accusations about Lance, she said pointedly, looking at the other woman, I don't know if I want her to be my friend.

Hmmmm! Eleanor grunted again.

Eleanor, this is Elizabeth Wakefield. She's my guest for this weekend.

How do you do? Eleanor asked her.

Elizabeth was about to answer when she realized she wasn't expected to.

Wakefield? You're not from Darien are you? I can't stand those stuck up people in that town. They think they're the best thing in Connecticut!

No Mrs Dumfries. I'm actually from California.

California,? Eleanor practically spat look on her face was pure distaste. I went there once. And there was an earthquake. And an aftershock! Never again! Although Beverly Hills was pretty nice, especially Rodeo Drive. Do you know it?

I do, but I actually live in a small town about an hour away from there. It's not somewhere I go to often.

I see, Mrs Dumfries said, looking Elizabeth up and down.

The two older women chatted for a while, as they waited for the match to start. And what of your nephew,? Abigail asked her friend. The divorce has been finalized then?

Eleanor nodded her head. Yes, thank god for small favors. She sighed exaggeratedly. You know I don't approve of divorce under any circumstances, but I am glad Nicholas is no longer tied to that gold digging tramp! My only regret for him is how much he'll miss his son.

Well thank heavens she didn't get her claws on his money,! Abigail smirked. His mother saw to that! I've been warning Lance about women like that from the time he could talk! Although he can't seem to stay away from them. It's a blessing that he's nowhere ready to get married, not yet anyway.

I just hate the scandal! Luckily Abigail, your grandson is always giving everyone something to talk about. Nicholas' divorce is stale news. No one cares about it anymore. It's bad enough that Eduardo is living in sin with that woman from Barcelona. If you want to talk about scandal...

Now Eleanor, young people don't care about these things any more. It's perfectly alright for them to live together. I don't like it either but...

Elizabeth tuned the two older women out and scanned her surroundings. She giggled inwardly when they started giving their opinions on the more garishly dressed women at the event. The carried on with a lively conversation about who was sleeping with who, who was cheating on who, whose credit card got rejected at Saks, and most importantly, who was broke. Out on the field, she felt like she had come home. The smell of hay, leather, and saddle oil filled her nostrils and she wondered why she hadn't ridden in so long. Horses had always been one of her passions. Whether she was riding, jumping or grooming them, the calmness that enveloped her while sitting in a saddle had always been something she cherished.

She looked at the players seated on their horses. Lance was there, laughing at what one of the groomsmen was saying. He caught sight of her and winked. A dark haired figure caught her eye. There was something very familiar about him. She lost focus as a group of women walked in front of her, their perfume mixing in with the smell of fresh grass. She looked forward again and sucked in her breath at the dark haired man turned to where she could see his face. Was it? She peered at him. It was!...