I have posted a picture of Elizabeth's dresses. It's so hard to describe some of these things, it's best to see them to get the idea.


Are they comfortable Liz? Enid asked, as Elizabeth walked around the room in her custom made Louis heeled ivory kid skin pumps. She had gotten the shoes from a cobbler who specialized in vintage style footwear. He had worked on shodding the cast of several Broadway shows and television productions.

Skye had brought her to the shoemaker and didn't even bat an eyelash when he told her it was going to cost six hundred dollars to create the dainty shoes. Elizabeth shook her head at the thought. Six hundred dollars used to just about cover her rent!

You'll have them forever Elizabeth, Skye had said. I still have my wedding shoes and I still cherish them….

They're perfect. Elizabeth replied. What about yours?

Enid sat and stuck her foot out, admiring the green silk that matched her and Cara's dresses perfectly. They fit really well. I love the French heels. She looked at Skye with gratitude. When you asked me for my shoe size I had no idea they had to be made from scratch.

Mine are a little loose, Alice remarked, glancing at Skye. She put her pair in her bag and went back to the closet to go through more gowns. But, I'll be wearing stockings under them, so it should be fine. I must say, they do go perfectly with the style of the dresses. Thank you Skye, she forced herself to mumble, for what seemed to be the hundredth time that day.

This is so good, Cara remarked, as she stuffed a piece of banana cream cake in her mouth. I could live off this. I think this is a definite yes Liz. Elizabeth took a fork and cut a small morsel. A sample of flavors had arrived from the baker earlier that morning, and Abigail's maid Margo had placed several bite sized pieces on fine china saucers, allowing everyone to have a taste and give their opinion.

It is good, she agreed with Cara. But I like the red velvet too. And the mocha. And the mint, and the raspberry.

Cara giggled. You'd better hurry up and decide. Skye said by twelve remember? Really Liz, Cara teased. If it were up to you, nothing would have gotten done!

I know, Elizabeth replied wearily, as she took off the shoes, but I've been so busy with the last days at work, I just didn't have the time. And I'm nervous enough as it is.

Elizabeth had to admit that she was grateful, despite her initial misgivings. Skye had called the caterers this morning and given detailed final instructions on the menu. That was after Elizabeth heard her on the phone with the florists, the photographers, and the even the music company that provided classical ensembles for special events.

Elizabeth eyed at her mother, who was deep in an armoire with Mrs Baker, oohing and aahing over the gorgeous lace in her hands. Mrs Wexford probably had over one hundred vintage dresses that were all perfect for use as a wedding gown. Elizabeth's plan was to let Alice see at least ten of them, and then suddenly decide on a particular one. At this point, she almost felt sorry for her mother, who was running around like little Alex, with genuine thoughts that she was helping.

I think you should go with this one Liz, Enid interrupted her thoughts, while holding up a lacy lingerie gown that was a beautiful tea stained color. Elizabeth looked at her friend with a mixture of gratitude and exasperation. The dress was breathtaking.

I don't know, Elizabeth said. It's gorgeous, but… I'm not sure I want all lace…. I can't decide, there's just so many. I want to wear all of them!

All the women looked at her with disapproval. Alice put her hands on her hips, ready to lecture her daughter. I still say you should wear the one I showed you earlier. And we should have decided this as soon as I arrived!

Elizabeth held her hands up.

I know, I know, it's all my fault that I didn't choose a dress earlier, Elizabeth bit her lip, hoping that her mother was buying her lie. But I wanted you all here to choose with me, and between the shrimp bisque, and the cake, and the flower arrangements, I'm just so overwhelmed! She got up and pulled out a bridal magazine that was hidden under a pile of netting.

Put that down, you put that down right now Elizabeth,! Skye demanded. These magazines always give the worst advice!

Well, I'm the one who brought it, Alice scathed. And I think it's worth reading, to come up with alternative ideas.

I already have all the ideas we need, Skye retorted, smiling sweetly at Alice.

At the moment, Monica, Eleanor's maid, walked in and handed her mistress a shallow lidded white box.

I've got it! Eleanor exclaimed, as she opened the box and pulled out a wax orange blossom tiara that was sitting in some tissue paper. I had Monica search for it in my attic, she said, motioning to her maid. It will be perfect with a turn of the century gown. The green of the leaves is just as bright as it was the day my mother wore it on her wedding day.

It's perfect Eleanor, Skye raved, as she reached for the piece. I'll have Jean Claude arrange it through your hair Elizabeth. He'll be with us tomorrow morning.

Jean who? Alice frowned.

Jean Claude Rainier. The stylist, Skye replied. He's French you know. He's going to do Elizabeth's hair and makeup. He'll be meeting us on the island tomorrow. And speaking of which, we should try to be there by six this evening.

Are we spending the night? Cara asked, rocking the baby in her arms. It will be Karen's first boat ride, she said excitedly, as she placed her in her car carrier and away from all the activity.

Yes we are. We'll be staying at the house there. It's a gorgeous home, much like this one Abigail, Skye said, glancing at Mrs Wexford.

I thought I'd be doing my daughter's hair, Alice gritted her teeth, her blue eyes darkened.

Now Alice, Skye grinned wickedly, I'm sure you'll be busy with other things tomorrow.

I'll let you lay the gangway on the yacht, she said silently. Or something like that...

It's beautiful, Elizabeth's grandmother interjected, looking at the wax tiara, and trying to lessen the tension between Skye and Alice. She stuck some thread in a needle to stitch the silk pillow she was mending. Looks just like what my mother wore at her wedding. She got married in...I think...1915?

This is it Liz,! Cara exclaimed, as she pulled out an ivory silk dropped waist dress that looked like something out of the Great Gatsby. Elizabeth looked at the dress in Cara's arms.

As much as I like it, it's too short! It wouldn't look right if my dress was short and my bridesmaids all had full length dresses. Mom, why don't you look in this closet, while I look over here, Elizabeth said, pushing her mother in the direction where her chosen dress lay. The dress was situated conveniently at the top, and Elizabeth knew her mother would get an eyeful right away.

I still say you should wear the white one, Elizabeth! Alice said as she went to the armoire and peered inside. I knew this would happen! It was a bad idea to wait till today to choose…Ohhhh!…..Hmmmm!

Well look at this,! Alice exclaimed. This is nice. This is very nice! Look at this one Liz, Alice pulled out a beautiful creme silk gown that was covered with inserts of Belgian lace. She walked forward and placed it on the dressing table. What do you think Elizabeth?

Elizabeth went over, and examined her mother's pick. She and Skye had previously taken one look at it and decided they both liked it better than all the others. But of course she couldn't tell her mother that!


But my mother, she wanted to be here while I was choosing it, Elizabeth had said, when Skye handed her the dress two weeks ago. They had traveled from New York to Abigail's house to look at her collection of gowns.

Well, we'll just have to pretend that you're selecting it for the first time, Skye suggested craftily. We'll pretend to go through all of them, and then convince your mother that she helped you pick. And we'll make sure Abigail doesn't tell your mother we were already here looking through the gowns…..


Elizabeth held up the lace covered silk gown to her body.

I love the color. Let me see, she fingered the fabric. Mom, it's beautiful!

I still like the lighter one better, Alice remarked, cocking her head. But this one is outstanding too.

I love it,! Elizabeth looked gratefully at her mother. You've picked one that's perfect Mom...I think I'll try it on. I hope it will fit me.

That's gorgeous Elizabeth, Skye moved towards them, pretending to have never seen the dress before. It will go perfectly with the shoes!

Hmmm, the seamstress, Mrs Baker followed Skye and leaned over the table to examine the dress.

Look at how fresh the silk is, even after almost ninety years. It's as soft as butter. And the lace,! there's no sign of dry rot anywhere, she noted, pressing the fabric with her fingers.

Let's see, she gently placed the gown back on the dressing table, grabbed hold of the tape measure and circled the waist. This dress is actually a larger size, she told Elizabeth.

It can fit someone who is a modern size eight, or even a ten. It will be a little loose on you Elizabeth, but it's better that way. And remember the layers of undergarments you have to wear. So it's perfect size wise. Why don't you put it on,? Let's see if it will work.

Wait, put on the shoes back on first, Skye said, handing Elizabeth her shoes as Alice threw her a blue eyed glare that would almost kill a less formidable opponent.

And it's not too long that you'll be tripping and falling into the cake. Not like that other one, Skye continued, referring to the other dress Alice had chosen.

The group of women giggled, imagining the scene.

I think the style goes really well with all our dresses, Enid said, as she examined the shimmering ruffles at the hem.

Yes, especially the elegant drape of the fabric from the waist, Alice agreed, gazing at the luscious band of silk at the midsection of the gown.

And blue is always nice for the mother of the bride, she continued, giving Elizabeth a squeeze.

And matron of honor too, Skye added, not so subtly reminding Alice that they were sharing the position. Elizabeth had always intended to give the task solely to her mother, but was cajoled into changing her mind after her overbearing future mother in law burst into tears while they were shopping at Bergdorf Goodman last week.

Skye had told her how grateful she was that Elizabeth was allowing her to "Plan the wedding" and at the declared statement, Elizabeth didn't dare contradict her. Skye then told her how she wished she could have stood up with her own daughter, and Elizabeth's heart almost broke at the pain in her eyes. So she decided to call her home in Sweet Valley to explain to her mother about giving Skye the coveted title, all without mentioning her presence in New York.

Elizabeth picked up the dress and moved behind the screen where she took off her robe and carefully stepped into the skirt. She put her arms into the holes at the bodice and brought the neckline together at the back.

Now lets have a look, Mrs Baker said, as she joined Elizabeth behind the screen.

You definitely need some help getting in and out of the dress, with all those pretty little mother of pearl buttons, Alice remarked, as the seamstress helped Elizabeth hook up the back.

When they made this gown, there was no such thing as zippers, Mrs Baker explained, as she connected the tiny fasteners at the back of the silk sash.

Mrs Baker was satisfied with the fit and sent Elizabeth around for everyone to see.

Liz, it's perfect,! Alice gasped, bringing her hands to her throat in awe.

Absolutely fabulous,! Skye agreed with Alice, the first time for the day.

I owe it all to you Mom. You're the one who found it first, Elizabeth flattered her radiant mother as she walked over to the three way mirror.

You look gorgeous Elizabeth, Enid said as little Alex started clapping her tiny hands in appreciation.

The small child was clearly impressed with the sight that she associated with princesses in fairy tales that her mother read to her at night. She reached out her hands and ran to Elizabeth, in an attempt to touch the gown. Enid pulled her away while Elizabeth jumped back before her tiny fingers could get on the fabric.

She faced the mirror, twirling around as she examined the subtle train of the skirt. Her two and a half inch heels made her tall enough that she didn't need to worry about the skirt dragging on the floor.

Finally,! Elizabeth thought, smiling at her mother, as she observed the happiness in Alice's eyes.

Thanks Mom!….