I thought you said you were rusty.

Elizabeth giggled, as she walked Athena, a Belgian draft horse closer to Nicolas' own horse Jupiter.

I lied, she laughed as she adjusted the broad brimmed hat that was keeping the sun out of her eyes. Nicholas had arrived that morning, right at noon, with Skye Morrow's elegant riding habit, that after changing into, was too long on Elizabeth's shorter body. The brown knee high leather boots, looked to be brand new. They were a couple of sizes too big for her and Elizabeth wished she was wearing thicker socks.

Elizabeth put on the clothes and went downstairs only to meet a very hungover Lance who was just coming home after a wild night out. Lance was filling Nicholas in on the party they missed out on. They left Mrs Wexford's mansion just as her little dog tried to attack Nicholas, and just as she was about to lecture her grandson about the indecency of yet another drunken night out.

After making their way to South Horse Stables, Nicholas took her along the trails of Greenwich's back country, where the wide open spaces and extensive pathways made for an exciting, very scenic ride. The brilliant colors of the fall landscape created a vivid, romantic atmosphere, and Elizabeth couldn't remember the last time she had so much fun.

Elizabeth leaned forward and stroked the brown horse's blonde mane.

Nicholas how tall is your Mom,? she asked as she tried to tuck in the shirt with her gloved hands.

Not that I'm complaining, this is a beautiful outfit, but it was obviously made just for her. My pants keep falling down.

Oh? Really Liz? I like the sound of that, Nicholas' eyes twinkled.

Very funny Nicholas, Elizabeth laughed as she tightened the leather belt. She poked him with her riding crop.

I'll use this to keep you in line if necessary, she threatened as Nicholas helped her mount Athena. The two of them cantered on the grassy field taking in the fresh air and the quiet calm that came from being miles away from New York City.

Nicholas pulled on the reins. I think Mom's five foot nine.

She won't mind that I'm wearing this,? Elizabeth asked.

Nicholas shook his head. No, not at all. She doesn't ride too much any more. She probably doesn't even remember that she has all these riding clothes here.

Nicholas studied Elizabeth, and how comfortable she appeared on Athena. Her blonde braid peeked out from under the brown hat and her eyes looked especially pretty under the shadow of the wide brim. She was clearly not a novice.

So you've been holding out on me huh,? Nicholas spoke as they increased the pace. I had no idea you were so good on a horse. Makes me want to know what else you're good at. How long have you been riding?

Well, I first started riding when I was eleven….. no twelve. You remember Lila Fowler?

Nicolas nodded.

She had a horse named Thunder and I was pretty obsessed with him, Elizabeth continued. I have always loved horses.

I used to read everything I could about them and then my parents allowed me to taking riding lessons.

And then Lila's father bought her a horse. I had never had any reason to be jealous of her until then.

It got to the point where I was letting her copy my homework, and was hanging around with a group of girls that I didn't even like too much, just so I could spend time with that horse.

I spent my days dreaming that Thunder was mine. And Lila didn't even appreciate him. She was proud of being his owner, but not much else.

Elizabeth's eyes glistened as she reminisced.

How long have you owned Jupiter,? she queried, as the black horse swung his tail from left to right.

Jupiter isn't mine. He's my Aunt Eleanor's horse. She's too old to ride him. And since he's a polo pony, he needs special exercise. She still comes out here to see him, but with her age, she just doesn't have the energy to groom him like she used to. So whenever I'm here, I make a point to spend time with him.

How far away does she live from here? Elizabeth asked. They approached the stables that were up ahead, separated from them by a wide grassy pasture.

Not too far. Maybe fifteen minutes. She lives in Belle Haven.

Oh? Where's that?

Belle Haven is out on the peninsula, south of here, Nicholas explained. She's pretty close to the water, up on a hill. My mother spent a lot of her childhood there. It's an old house, it's kind of the running joke in my family, that my aunt is the same age as it. And the views, the views of Long Island sound are pretty incredible.

More incredible than the Pacific? Elizabeth teased.

Well,Nicholas said, reaching out to caress her cheek. The water is a lot calmer here.

Maybe I should take you there? I'd like to introduce you to her, properly. I told her I was going to take you riding. She remembers you from yesterday.

Ummmm, Elizabeth hesitated. She brought her horse to a stop and turned towards him.

Come on Liz, he pressed. I have something special I want to show you.

All right, Elizabeth conceded. It's just that…..

Just what? Nicholas face turned to concern.

Elizabeth bit her lip. I feel like I'm trespassing into a whole new world. Everyone here is just so…

Rich?

Yes, that's it.

It's just my aunt. Her bark is worse than her bite.

She'll like you, once she gets to know you.

I'll take you back to Abigail's to say goodbye and get your things, and then we'll take the train to the city. My aunt is close to the station.

Deal,? he said, holding out his hand.

Well….Elizabeth smiled. I don't know….. Maybe...

Race you,! she yelled as she squeezed her legs and the horse took off ahead of him.

Heyyyyyy! You cheat! That's not fair!

Nicholas sped after her watching as she took one fence and then another. He caught up to her as they reached the corral. The groomsmen approached them, ready to lead the horses in their stalls. Elizabeth giggled as Nicholas got down, his lips pursed in mock anger.

You're lighter than I am, that's the only reason you beat me. You'll have to come back, let us have a rematch. I'm on to your tricks,he joked as he pulled her down from the horse. He held on to her for much longer than was necessary, watching the way her eyes sparkled in triumph. Elizabeth blushed as Nicholas stared at her. It reminded her of the first time they met, when he followed her every movement and tried to monopolize every moment of her time.

We'll have to do it another time. And then I'll win again, she smiled, giving him a squeeze.

A stable boy took hold of Jupiter's reins and led the horse to his stall. Elizabeth ran her hand along Athena's mane as the young man returned to take her in.

We'll see, Nicholas replied as he grabbed her hand and the two of them followed a path out to the parking lot.

Half an hour later, Nicholas pulled up into the driveway of his aunt's home. The home was, as Nicholas said, situated high up on a hill, surrounded by a grassy lawn and several weeping willow trees.

Elizabeth looked in awe at the architectural wonder.

This is amazing. It's like a giant dollhouse,! she remarked as they stood on the wide wrap around porch. They entered the heavy wooden door where they removed their jackets and hung them at a mirrored hall stand that stood in the vestibule. Elizabeth removed her shoes while looking inside at the impressive foyer.

So, are you ready for the grand tour? Nicholas asked as he removed his own boots.

Are you sure your Aunt Eleanor won't mind? Me walking all over her house?

No, of course not, he replied as he opened the entrance to the foyer. She's probably still at her bridge club.

I thought you said she was home, Elizabeth said, trying to hide her nervousness at being alone with him.

Come on, I won't bite.

She smiled as he held her arm.

This is the parlor, he said, leading her into the pocket doors on the left of the wide hallway. The room was a decorated with a pale blue silk damask wallpaper. Ornate rococo plaster covered the walls as well as the ceiling, which was at least fourteen feet high. The room was about thirty feet long and fifteen feet wide. At the far end of the room, there was an expansive carved white marble fireplace mantle with a large built in mirror.

I can barely see myself in the mirror, Elizabeth giggled, while she stood on her toes. I can only see my head.

Well, you look great, Nicholas stated admiringly. It doesn't matter,because this house has lots of other mirrors, he said, as he led Elizabeth to the leaded stained glass window in the center of the room.

It's so pretty, she exclaimed, admiring the intricate scrolls and colors.

If you think this is nice, wait till you see the stairs, Nicholas said, as he led her out of the room. They walked out of the parlor through a second set of doors and further on to the right of the main hallway. A large stained glass window served as the backdrop of the elegantly carved rounded staircase that curved up to the highest floor, where another stained glass dome served as a skylight.

Wow, Elizabeth said in wonder, as she looked at the beautiful glass rondels that made up the pattern. She turned her attention to the art deco figural lamp at the bottom of the balustrade.

Does it work,? she asked, referring to the lamp. Nicholas answered by pushing the brass push button switch on the wall.

There's another switch upstairs that turns it on and off, Nicholas explained.

I almost expect this place to have gas lighting, Elizabeth remarked, in reference to the graceful sconces that lined the hallway.

That's what they had when they built this place in the 1890's, Nicholas said, as they made their way into the dining room. Elizabeth marveled at the coffered ceiling which was made of deep chestnut wood and pale olive silk jacquard inserts. A series of murals, featuring hunting scenes from the English countryside filled in the spaces between the detailed wood panels. A wide carved wooden fireplace featured another large mirror and a beautifully figured cast iron fire cover.

Is that supposed to be Artemis? Elizabeth asked, pointing at the cover.

Oh? I see someone paid attention in Greek mythology class, Nicholas kidded, as Elizabeth poked him in the ribs. She stood in the doorway, admiring the decor from a distance.

This table is pretty big, for just one person, Elizabeth remarked.

Yes I know, Nicholas agreed. Although my aunt,…. she's pretty busy, for an octogenarian. She does have a lot of good friends in this town. She often has dinner parties.

Exactly how old is she?

Well, every birthday, she says she's eighty five. She's either pretty close to ninety or just past it. I'm not quite sure. I've never asked. I'm a little afraid of her to be honest. There used to be a beautiful Persian rug in this house. I spilled ketchup on it once when I was ten, and she's given me an evil eye ever since.

How often do you come here?

Probably twice, three times a month. Mostly on weekends, when I'm not working. I usually leave here on Sunday evenings, or on Monday mornings, I have to get up a little earlier, to get downtown on time after I arrive at Grand Central. We used to spend Christmas here when I was a kid. We'd fly in, or drive from Boston, and some of the extended family would all stay at this house.

Seeing him looking on his past, telling stories of his youth made her feel closer to him.

Nicholas looked at her, a thoughtful expression on his face.

You know, she wants to give up this house.

You mean sell it? Why? Elizabeth widened her eyes.

Well, it's just too big for just her. It's true that she has lots of friends, but the nights are pretty lonely with just her and her maid Monica . Also, her sister, my other aunt, wants her to move in with her in Westport.

Nicholas grabbed hold of her hand.

Come with me, he smiled.

I told you I had something special to show you. I'll show you what I think will be your favorite room. He took her past the stairs and opened a door that led to the back portion of the house...