Two weeks later, Elizabeth was standing in a busy dressing room behind her room mate Adrienne, pulling on the laces of a silk brocade corset. Not that her friend needed it. She pulled tighter, making Adrienne's waist even smaller than it already was. They were at the St. Regis hotel, preparing for a Victorian and Edwardian fashion show, where Elizabeth recruited Adrienne and her tiny ballerina friends to present the delicate antique clothing.

Mrs Abigail Wexford had supplied several dresses and accessories from her personal collection for the show, and the petite dancers were the only people Elizabeth knew who could actually fit into the fine lace and silk gowns. Elizabeth was there with Cityscoop's camera crew, covering the show for work, and she quickly found herself immersed with the preparation of the models, as well as producing the show for television.

Enthusiastic spectators, the majority of who were women with their daughters, were seated in the hotel's famous Versailles room, sipping on iced tea, and feasting on delectable sandwiches and small cakes. The proceeds from the ticket sales would be going towards a battered women's shelter in the Bronx. Photographers flitted in and out of the dressing room, capturing the marvelous outfits from a time long gone by.

Adrienne was chatting at her usual mile a minute rate, and Elizabeth could barely concentrate on what she was saying. Nicholas was arriving from London that evening, and Elizabeth felt like she was bursting with anticipation to see him again. She missed him like she never thought she was capable, but at the same time, was anxious about how he would react to her news. She swept her eyes over the room that was surrounded by a bevy of swan like young women, and Elizabeth couldn't help but admire their graceful necks and perfect posture. She giggled suddenly, remembering how much of a disaster she had been at ballet class.

What's so funny? Adrienne asked, looking at her curiously as she raised her slim arms and stuck a hairpin in her bun.

I just remembered how bad I was at ballet.

You took lessons? You Liz? You never told me that, Adrienne smirked at her.

Yes, when I was twelve, Elizabeth responded. I was a complete failure. Your five year old pupils can probably dance circles around me.

She was about to tell Adrienne about how much better Jessica was at dancing than she was, but she decided to keep it to herself. Mentioning Jessica would only invite more questions, and the last thing she wanted to talk about was her twin.

Talking about her means I'm letting her back in my life. And I refuse to let that happen!

There you are Elizabeth, Mrs Wexford interrupted the two young women, as she walked in the dressing room, with her little chihuahua sticking it's head out of her jacket. Her maid Margo was right behind her, holding up a petticoat that was meant to wear over a crinoline.

They're ready to showcase the Civil War era unmentionables, Abigail told them.

How do I look? Adrienne asked, as Elizabeth strapped a caged crinoline to her waist.

You look perfect, Mrs Wexford said, looking at her frilly lace bloomers and camisole. Are the shoes comfortable,? she looked down at the spool heeled boots on the Adrienne's size six feet. They don't hurt do they? The leather is almost a hundred years old and it's pretty stiff. I was worried about that, that you girls might have pinched toes.

No, they're fine, Adrienne assured her. Believe me, wearing these shoes is a literally a walk in the park compared to dancing on pointe.

Well, that's good. Thank you Elizabeth, and thank you so much Adrienne, Abigail said graciously. We usually have preteens modeling for us, because they're the only ones who have feet that small. You and your friends have saved the day….

At that moment, her little dog began to bark at the camera crew. Margo! Abigail cried out. Bring Chi Chi outside and let Elias take her home, she said, referring to her apartment near Central Park. She needs her nap.

Yes Mrs Wexford. The dutiful maid gently picked up the tiny dog and walked out of the room. Adrienne was then called to the runway and they watched her elegantly walk away on the two inch Louis heels.

It's too bad you don't want to model Elizabeth, Mrs Wexford said. I do have some dresses that you can fit into. They're not all size negative two. Take this one for instance. Abigail held up a high necked ivory tea gown from 1905. This one can fit a modern size ten. You'd be able to wear it with plenty of room.

It's gorgeous, Elizabeth remarked, examining the fine cotton batiste material that was embellished with hand made lace. I don't think I've ever seen fabric quite like this. Is this one a wedding dress?

Actually it isn't, although it could be used as one, Mrs Wexford replied. Dresses like this one were commonly used every day, among all women. Wedding or not. You know Elizabeth, I always regret that Lance never had a sister. I'm hoping he'll settle down some day and get married, and then have a little girl. Then I can finally have someone to dress up and make her pretty.

Besides Chi Chi? Elizabeth giggled.

Yes, besides ChiChi, Mrs Wexford laughed. You know I always wanted a daughter…

And if you ever get around to getting married…. Abigail started, her eyes twinkling….. Now don't look at me like that. Eleanor has told me that you and Nicholas are joined at the hip!

Well we…Elizabeth began.

If the day ever comes and you prefer a more classic look, I'll let you have one of my dresses, Abigail offered.

Elizabeth blushed, not quite knowing what to say.

Well thank you, Elizabeth smiled, her stomach knotting again.

Speaking of marriage, Abigail continued, raising her brow. There might be a wedding in your boyfriend's family soon.

Really? Elizabeth said curiously. Who is it? One of his cousins from Boston?

No, Abigail said, her eyes sparkling at the opportunity to gossip. The potential bride, is none other than…..Eleanor herself!

Oh? Elizabeth said in surprise. Nicholas hasn't said anything.

That's because Eleanor's been sneaky with the whole affair. Literally. Abigail grinned. He probably doesn't know. All those trips to Westport, they're just not to visit her sister Alva. Eleanor has a beau! I heard it all from Louise…you remember her don't you?

Yes, I do, Elizabeth said, as a picture of the plump elderly redhead came to mind.

Well, Louise's daughter in law told her everything, and then she called me straight away. Eleanor's been keeping company with Bart Van Buren, she held her chest and whispered, as if it was a government classified secret. Mrs Wexford inhaled dramatically.

No money, she breathed slowly, looking from side to side.

I see, Elizabeth nodded knowingly, trying not to laugh. In the world Abigail and her friends lived in, having no money was considered the gravest sin.

His son spent it all on his mistress in New Jersey! She's from the Jersey Shore. You know what they're like over there!

Abigail's features soured in distaste.

And she's less than half his age! Oh the scandal,! she sniffed exaggeratedly. The shame!

But… I must say…. she added, Bart is a fine gentleman. It's not his fault, that his son has dishonored him. I knew his wife very well, before she died. She was from New Canaan.

I think it's sweet, Elizabeth told her, that Eleanor's dating at her age.

Oh I know Elizabeth, Abigail said. Her old eyes twinkled. It makes me want to find a man myself. I do get looks you know, my old face can turn a few grey and bald heads. At this time in our lives, people just want companionship. So if Eleanor is happy, then I'm happy for her…..


Elizabeth was waiting nervously in the financial district where Nicholas worked. He had come home last night, and they had spent all their time wrapped around each other, making love in his twin sized bed. She was eager to show him their soon to be potential new home, but still couldn't come up with the words to tell him they were soon to become parents.

The butterflies in her stomach were especially busy that afternoon as she anticipated the reaction he would have when she told him about her pregnancy. She met him downtown in Manhattan and whisked him away from his office, hailing a cab at the curb of the building. She wrote the address on a piece of paper and handed it to the driver, who introduced himself as Ali. She put her index finger to her lips and pointed at Nicholas. The driver nodded to her in the mirror, understanding her intent.

Ohhhhh, a surprise for your boyfriend, ahhhhh.! Ali smiled at her in the mirror. I see.

And now, Elizabeth said, whipping out a scarf from her purse. Come on, she teased, shaking the scarf at him.

OK, OK, I'll put it on, Nicholas laughed as she tied it over his eyes.

No peeking!

Why did you have to choose a scarf with fabric so thick? And so dark?

That's the whole idea Nicholas, she said, as the driver made his way through traffic. She looked at Nicholas, waving his hands in front of himself as they drove along.

Are we there yet,? he teased.

No Mr impatient,! she said holding his hand. Just sit back and enjoy the ride.

Are you two from New York,? Ali asked.

No. California, Elizabeth answered.

Ahhhhh. Hollywood?

Not quite. We're from a small town south of there.

Ali played with his beard at a stop light. Is it as beautiful as they say? Everyone has a swimming pool, lots of palm trees, and movie stars everywhere?

Elizabeth laughed. Not quite like that, she told him.

I would love to visit California. So you've been in New York long,? he asked.

Not too long, Elizabeth answered. A bit over a year.

This is nice, where you're going. Ali said, making a left turn in the busy traffic. I've dropped a few people off there.

I sure hope so, Nicholas broke in, as he felt for the window button at his side. I hear noise. Are we in Union Square?

Isn't the whole city noisy? Elizabeth said.

There's always someone protesting around there, Nicholas guessed, trying to determine their location.

Are you trying to get me to tell you where we're going? Cause it's not going to work. You'll just have to wait, Elizabeth scolded, while leaning over and kissing his chin.

The driver looked at them in the mirror as he drove north on the FDR drive. I've been in this city for two years now. In my country, I'm a doctor. But I come to New York and they say my school and papers no good. So I drive cab and save to send for family.

And where is your home,? Nicholas asked.

I'm from Bangladesh.

Oh really? Elizabeth exclaimed.

So how do you like America,? she questioned.

I love it. I love the freedom. But life is really hard here. And I miss my family. It's lonely without them.

Do you get to go home often?

I've been once. When I go home, everyone wants something. They think I'm rich now because I live in America. But it's not so. I have to send a lot of money back home, Ali said, as he approached the midtown tunnel.

We're in a tunnel, or on a bridge, Nicholas said. I know! We're going to Brooklyn. Am I right? He fiddled with the scarf, attempting to untie it. Elizabeth swatted his hand.

Don't even try it. We'll soon be there. They took the an exit out of the tunnel and made their way to Borden Avenue. Almost, she teased.

Can I take this off now,? Nicholas whined.

No! Elizabeth scolded. Five more minutes.

They moved north onto Center Boulevard and then east, turning into forty-eighth avenue where the driver came to a stop. Elizabeth looked at the meter and paid him, giving him a generous tip.

Are we there yet?

Elizabeth laughed at his impatience. Come on you naughty boy, she chided as she helped him out of the vehicle. Thank you, she called to the driver and waved. With her arms around Nicholas' waist, she entered the lobby and guided him towards the elevator. The doorman watched in curiosity and amusement at the two of them, a pretty blonde girl obviously trying to surprise her boyfriend. She went up to him and he supplied her with the keys that the broker left specifically for her.

Nicholas moved his arms in front of him, trying to get a feel of where he was. Hmmmm, we're in an elevator right,?

Yes.

So are we there yet?

You say that one more time…..Elizabeth threatened.

One minute more, she promised, as they advanced to the upper floors.

And if you ask me again, I'll make you stand in the corner!

There better be something to eat, Nicholas demanded. All of this mystery is making me hungry!

Elizabeth giggled and gave him a squeeze. The elevator opened and she guided them to the apartment door. Nicholas listened as she turned the key in the lock.

Come on, she held him as she brought them to the window. Now are you ready,? she asked, untying the scarf.

Finally, he said, as he adjusted his eyes.

Wow, Nicholas exclaimed, looking out the windows. Where are we,? he asked, taking in the panoramic view. Wait a minute, he looked bewildered. Let me figure this out. I see the Empire State building in front of me, and the Chrysler building over there, and the UN over there, he pointed to the right. The bridge is over there and the twin towers are over there, he pointed to the left, so that has to be the east river right in front of us. So we're somewhere in Queens right?

You like it? Elizabeth's face was hopeful.

Nicholas' eyes widened. Are you kidding? I love it. But whose place is this?

Elizabeth bit her lip. You're looking at her.

Wait? What? Nicholas raised his brow. You're renting this?

No. She tucked her hair behind her ear. Not renting. It's mine. I bought it.

This is yours,? he said looking around. But how? When?

About two weeks ago, Elizabeth explained. While my father was here.

This place must cost a fortune, Nicholas remarked, looking around. I mean, these are killer views. We must be close to the top.

We're pretty high up, on the forty second floor. There's only one floor above us in this building, Elizabeth told him, gauging his reaction.

She followed him as he walked over to the kitchen and on to the bedroom. It's two bedrooms, two bathrooms, she said, as he looked into the closet.

And a terrace, he said, opening the sliding door, letting the air blow in. Liz, how on earth did you find this place?

Well, I met an agent on the flight over here last year. I wanted a place, and he was the first person I called. Do you like it,? she asked, holding his hands in hers. I want you to like it.

Are you kidding? I love it. This has got to be the best view of the city. I mean it's just as nice as the one from across the Hudson, even nicer. I've never seen this side of the skyline before, not like this. When you told me you had a surprise I never thought it would be a new place. This place is brand new isn't it,? he said, examining the kitchen counter tops. I mean, it smells new. And the appliances. They're so shiny.

Yes, it's a brand new building. I saw it and felt I had to have it.

But Liz, how can you afford this?

Well, Elizabeth said, bringing him over to the window. See over there? She pointed at a bright Pepsi sign. That's a factory right there. This whole neighborhood is mostly factories. It's kind of a wilderness. So basically…..basically it's not very nice. For now. People aren't exactly lining up to live here. Not yet anyway. The apartments on the lower floors are practically bargain basement prices. By New York standards. That's how I can afford it.

But is it safe? Where's the subway?

It's about five minutes walk to the seven train. We're one stop from Grand Central. And, Elizabeth pointed to a boat moving in the water, the ferry takes you right to thirty forth street, and makes stops to lower Manhattan.

Nicholas looked at her taking it all in. Is it safe? I don't want you walking around here if it's not safe. I don't care how nice the view is.

It's not that bad, Elizabeth assured him. There's a police station right outside of the subway.

I still can't believe you bought this, Nicholas shook his head.

You're not mad at me for not telling you are you?

No. Just surprised. And a little disappointed. He ran his hands through his hair.

Why? Elizabeth's heart pounded.

Well, I'm jealous that you got your hands on this first, Nicholas said. To tell you the truth, I've actually been looking for a new place to buy myself. Perhaps somewhere in the city, somewhere bigger. I wanted to surprise you and you've beaten me to it. And you know….. well….. I was kind of hoping that you know, we'd finally move in together.

She looked into his eyes. He was so cute when he stumbled with his words. It reminded her of the first time she met him, when he was mesmerized at her mere presence.

Well, it isn't mine yet, Elizabeth explained. I should say it will be mine. It will take a while to get all the paperwork in order until closing. I'll be able to move in about a month. And, I was really hoping we'd move in together too. Her cheeks reddened. I mean, well, since we've been talking about it so much.

Nicholas pulled Elizabeth towards him. He could feel her eyelashes tickling his neck.

You mean…..he said.

Yes, Nicholas, I want you to move in here with me. She squeezed her lips together. If you want to that is.

Of course I want to, he cupped her face with his hands, leaning in for a kiss.

Wait, Elizabeth said, pulling away. I…..I didn't want to tell you when you were away.

What is it? A look of worry covered his face. Is everything OK?

Ummmm.

Just say it, don't just stand there Elizabeth,! she berated herself. She closed her eyes and blurted it out.

Nicholas I'm pregnant….