I put up a picture of Jessica's dress. Click profile to see.
So does everyone agree? It's this one,? Elizabeth asked all around the room.
Of course Liz, Alice insisted. But it's all up to you, not any of us. I would have loved you to wear my own dress, but this is so much nicer than the tacky polyester number I had back then. The lace on my dress can't even compare to this. Real natural fabrics are so much better than that hideous synthetic junk that was all the rage back then!
Oh, I agree Alice, Skye stated. You should see my dress. I still have it in a closet somewhere and it's horrible! But I still held on to it hoping that Regina would…well……tears came to her eyes.
Alice went up to her and put her hand on her shoulder. A look of understanding passed between them.
Well, Skye said, trying to control her emotions. There will only be tears of joy today and for the next few days. She looked directly at Alice, a hint of challenge taking over her beautiful features. You know I still have to finalize everything with the bakers about the cake! There is no way we're having blue. Blue is too common.
You have another thing coming if you think I'm going to have a green cake! Alice smirked.
Enid threw Elizabeth a look. The feud was back on.
We'll see about that! Skye declared. Liz? The two women looked at her.
Elizabeth looked again at Enid.
Don't look at me, Enid said. As long as the cake tastes good, I don't care what color it is. At this rate, we should get a box of Betty Crocker and mix it ourselves, she laughed, as Alice and Skye each shot her a dirty look.
How about we do both colors,? Elizabeth suggested weakly, trying to appease both women. I don't want a huge cake. Three layers are fine. Maybe blue, green and white?
Three? Skye asked. But that's not nearly enough!
Oh yes it is,! Alice interjected, glaring evilly at Skye.
Skye shook her dark head. We should have at least six!
No, Elizabeth insisted, finally standing up to Skye. I don't want a giant cake, nor do I want a fountain or a birdcage on top of it, she said, thinking of the elaborate suggestions that Skye shared with her last week.
And I don't want staircases either. I was thinking of some floral vanilla cupcakes, perhaps hydrangeas? We can have some in pale blue, as well as the white ones. They've always been one of my favorite flowers. That way, we won't need a huge cake that will go to waste.
She reached out to Skye, holding her hand and softened her voice. You've already done so much Skye. I don't want you to bother too much with the cake. After trying the samples I've decided that I want banana caramel, mocha cappuccino, and creme de menthe as the flavors. And maybe we can go with a mixture of the colors? Yellow for the banana caramel, green for the creme de menthe and... I don't know, perhaps blue for the mocha?
Elizabeth looked at Alice. What do you think Mom?
Hmmmm, Alice said thoughtfully. Let me see if I can construct an idea and we'll see if you like it. She grabbed a pencil from her purse and pulled out an old envelope. She opened out the envelope to give herself more space to draw on, and then began sketching out a cake as everyone watched. Are there any colored pens or pencils in this house,? she asked looking up from her work.
Margo, Mrs Wexford called out loudly. Can you please see if we have colored pencils,? she requested, as the maid approached the dressing room. I think we might have some in the study somewhere, from when my sister's great grandchildren last visited, she called out.
Yes Miss Abigail, Margo answered as she hastened down the back steps. Elizabeth observed her behavior, thinking about the world she was marrying into. A world where servants were to be seen and not heard, and where they had their own flight of stairs in elaborate mansions.
If Nicholas and I have servants, and we most likely will, I'm going to go out of my way to treat them well, she vowed to herself.
Almost within a blink of an eye, Margo reappeared with a pack of crayons. This is all we have Miss Abigail, she said apologetically.
That will work just fine, Alice stated, as the maid handed her the box. You said you wanted Wedgewood right?…
Elizabeth nodded her head as the women watched Alice focusing on the paper in her hand. Within minutes, she designed a Jasperware cake, too small for Skye's liking but beautiful just the same.
I decided to go with yellow for the banana caramel, pink for the mocha, and green, she said, looking pointedly at Skye, for the creme de menthe. There is some blue at the inserts so we'll both be happy. I thought of using brown for the middle layer, but that would be to dull for a wedding. Well,? she said, handing the paper to Elizabeth. What do you think?
Oh Mom, I love it! I could never even come up with that by myself. I could eat this right now, she giggled, looking at the paper. It looks that real.
Let me see, Skye said, holding out her hand as Elizabeth handed the paper to her. Hmmm, she began, raising her perfectly arched brow.
I must admit Alice that this is really nice. Much better than my idea of only green. I love the blend of colors. You're pretty talented, she said sincerely. I'm still at the stage where drawing stick figures is hard. I don't have an artistic bone in my body, she laughed.
Well, I'm glad you like it, Alice said graciously as Skye handed her the paper. Now that we're settled on the dress, we can send it right to the bakery, she stated, as she passed the paper around the room. And make sure they use butter cream icing and not that inedible fondant. I want to eat my daughter's wedding cake and enjoy it too! And the hydrangea cupcakes… that's a good idea to make them in vanilla. Everyone likes that.
It's going to be really pretty, Cara said, looking at Alice's impromptu drawing. You know, she said laughing, Steven loves anything with mint and chocolate. Come to think of it, he loves bananas and caramel…and coffee flavored cake.
We'll just have to make sure Steven doesn't gobble the whole thing then, Elizabeth smiled knowingly.
Yes, my son still insists he's a growing boy, Alice said, laughing along with them. Let's make sure to tell them that the icing shouldn't be too sweet. The last thing we need is for any of the men to to have a sugar rush!
I wonder what they're all doing,? Grandma Wakefield asked as she handed Elizabeth the ring bearers pillow that matched her dress. I need to start working on the garters, she said, pulling out some baby blue silk and Valenciennes lace from her sewing bag.
They're not fussing over what they're going to wear and what we're all going to eat that's for sure,! Mrs Wexford answered her. We have to do all the hard work. If it wasn't for us, nothing would get done!
But that's the fun of it, Eleanor said. We do all the planning and stick them with the bill, she continued.
Well that's my favorite part, Skye said cheekily, as everyone laughed.
What about your shoes for the reception Elizabeth,? Mrs Wexford asked. Did you pick them up yet?
Elizabeth put her hand to her head. Oh no, I totally forgot! I'm supposed to get them from Saks this afternoon!
Saks in the city? Alice asked.
Well I bought them from there, she said looking guiltily at her mother. The truth was that she and Skye bought them from there. They only had the floor model there, but none in a seven and a half. The store in Stamford is holding a pair for me, Elizabeth explained.
Why don't we go pick them up Liz, Alice said, eager with some time alone with her daughter. On second thought, Alice, took a glance at Skye.
Skye, would you like to come along,? her voice was laced with saccharine while she clenched her teeth. Elizabeth knew that the only reason her mother invited Skye was that she could keep a watchful eye on her. If they left her alone in the house, who knew what she would get up to behind their backs? She'd probably hire circus elephants, rhythmic gymnasts, import French can can girls, or something maniacal like that!
Actually Mom, I was hoping you could stay here, just in case anyone calls and needs to finalize anything. Enid, perhaps you can join me,? Elizabeth requested, wanting to spend time catching up with her best friend.
Fine, I'll stay here, Alice agreed. Skye, you can stay with me. We can call the florist, make sure they know what they're doing with the bouquet.
I can go with you Liz, Enid spoke, that is…..Do you mind watching Alex for a while? she smiled hopefully, looking at Elizabeth's mother.
Actually why don't both of you go? Alice said, looking at Cara. We'll watch the babies, both of them. I know the two of you need a break from the children.
Are you sure? Cara asked.
Of course, Alice smirked evilly. Skye wanted to be in charge, she was going to find ways to put Skye in charge of the children!
This isn't a ruse to meet with my nephew is it? Eleanor's voice broke out.
No, Elizabeth said, her eyes wide with innocence. I wasn't even thinking of it. We'll go to the Stamford town center and shop around. Maybe have a bite. But that's it.
I understand dear. You want to work off your pre wedding jitters. I had them too. I'm putting the two of you in charge, Eleanor said, looking sternly at Cara and Enid. Make sure Elizabeth doesn't break her promise.
Cara looked at her daughter, sleeping snugly in her baby carrier. I just fed her, so she won't be hungry for a couple of hours.
I do need a bit of a break, she thought.
We promise, Cara said, as she put her hand on her heart and nudged Enid her with her elbow.
Me too, Enid said. I vow to keep Liz away from Nicholas until the big day. As maid of honor, you have my word, she said solemnly.
I can't wait for them to give me grandchildren, Skye said, after the three young women left to pick up the shoes. I was only twenty when Nicholas was born. He was the cutest thing. Big blue eyes that turned into green. She tickled Alex's little belly. The baby squealed with laughter as she examined the shiny diamond hoops of the woman whose arms she was in.
Well they're still very young, Alice said, thinking of the sad events of June. I know Elizabeth is dedicated to her work. The last thing she needs is pressure to have a baby, Alice said, looking pointedly at Skye.
Oh, I didn't mean it that way, Skye said. You're right, they're both very young. They'll have plenty of time for babies. Can you imagine? They'll have my dark hair, and Nicholas' green eyes. And they'll grow to be tall.
I imagine they'll have blonde hair and blue eyes, Alice said.
Ha! Not with my dark haired son! Although my mother and grandmother were as blonde as you Alice, she said thoughtfully. You know I'm just teasing, she said her dark eyes twinkling. I'll love them whatever their coloring or height and I just pray they're healthy and happy, whenever they come, she said, as she smoothed Alex's brown curls.
Me too, Alice said, thinking of how devastated Elizabeth was after losing the baby. You won't care about being called grandma though,? she teased Skye.
Well, a little. No one wants to be thought of as old enough to be a grandma. But I have to hand it to you Alice. You do look wonderful, and you have three grandchildren. You'll have to give me some tips and advice when it's my turn, she grinned.
Elizabeth will have to move here more permanently after they have children, Skye continued. I don't want my grandchildren raised in New York City. And of course, she'll have to stop working.
Alice crossed her arms. Well, Elizabeth likes to work!
My son makes enough for both of them. I don't like that he's not working with his father, but he's doing pretty well. And his firm will be moving here to Greenwich eventually. It's not one of the hedge fund capitals for nothing. Elizabeth won't have to work.
Well she will, Alice said stubbornly. My daughter wants to keep busy.
I know how hardworking Elizabeth likes to be. She's a smart girl too, and I have always admired that. I would never be able to go to school and work like she does. All I am saying Alice, is that once she has a baby, she'll have to deal with a whole new lifestyle. A much slower pace.
Well, we'll let them decide, Alice stated with finality.
Now where's that number for the florist?…
Start spreading the news…
Jessica's shopping today….
I'm going to be a part of it…..
New York ….New York….
Jessica sang her own version of Frank Sinatra's famous song in the mirror as she combed out her hair, relieved that the tiredness in her eyes was gone. Her voice was off key but she didn't care. Singing had never been one of her talents.
But I more than make up for it in other ways, she said, admiring her appearance the mirror. A girl can't have everything, she grinned at herself.
She looked refreshed, very pretty, and was more than ready to take on fifth avenue and it's high end stores. She had just gotten out of her marble tiled shower and wrapped the hotel's thick cotton spa waffle weave bathrobe around her body.
Her stomach growled as she pushed the button for the blow dryer on and started working on her hair.
Should I get room service? Or should I go down to eat?
She decided to go downstairs. Jessica hated eating alone. Sitting at a table where she could see and be seen was much better than hiding away in her room. And what better way to start her new day than to eat a fabulous breakfast at one of the hotel's world renowned restaurants? Jessica finished drying her hair and fluffed it in loose waves over the tops of her shoulders. She walked back into the bedroom and looked at the clock on the mantle. It was already after two.
I slept longer than I thought. I'll just have to get lunch then. Then I'll hit the pavement. Saks Fifth Avenue….Here I come!
She walked over to her window and opened the drapes. The vision that greeted her was captivating and she immediately fell in love with the bright leaves of all the Autumn colors in Central Park. She went into her bag and pulled out a pair of black leggins, some calf high boots, and a hunter green sweater.
She put on her underwear and her long socks, wondering what the temperature was outside. She went to the living room and flicked on the television. She scanned the channels until she found the weather station and waited for the forecast as she started applying her makeup in the mirror over the mantle. High today of sixty five degrees, the meteorologist said.
I won't need a coat then, Jessica said aloud, as she finished lining her eyelids. Just a light jacket should do….
She put on her jacket, grabbed her purse, slung it over her shoulders, and left her suite. She took the elevator to the lobby and walked around till she found herself in front of the Palm Court.
Wow, Jessica thought, as she looked up at the elegant moldings and the stained glass ceiling.
Where has this place been all my life? Now this is what I call a restaurant!
She walked in and was immediately seated by the uniformed maitre d. Jessica opened up the menu, and her jaw almost dropped at the prices.
Fifteen dollars for a cocktail? She raised her brow and considered the cost.
Who cares Jessica,! she mused. You're here for a good cause and you might as well go all the way in making the most of it. I deserve a little fun for once! And my sister will soon have a husband who can take her to places like this every day and it won't ever put a dent in his fat wallet!
The fact that Elizabeth was getting married bothered her. Ever since the day her mother told her about the wedding, Jessica could not get that nagging feeling out of her mind. It was one thing to move away to the other side of the country. But to settle there, to create a life with someone so far away… Jessica shook her head. She didn't like the idea of Elizabeth taking that step. It seemed so final, like another nail in the coffin of their relationship.
Not that we've had a relationship for the past two years….
This is just another step in distancing herself from me! She's punishing me because I married Todd!
Elizabeth would no longer be the girl in the next bedroom who was always at her desk typing away, the girl curled up on her bed with some boring Shakespeare that Jessica could never figure out, the girl who loved her with everything she had, who was devoted to her, who was always willing to share and not ask for anything in return. She'd be a woman with an actual husband, a whole other life.
She'll have other priorities, other things to focus on.
Why didn't I come here sooner? I should have come months ago and made up with her. She has to be over Todd by now. Or maybe she's still jealous? Of course she still loves me! She's just jealous of me and Todd and that's why she's marrying Nicholas. That has to be it!
I'll be the bigger person and talk to her. When she sees me in person, she won't be able to resist! I have always been able to tug at her heart strings like no one else!
Elizabeth was always so serious, so morally upright. She never rushed into anything and always took forever to make up her mind. At that moment, Jessica needed her sister to be the same person, to remain unaltered from what she had always been. That made it easier for her to imagine them together again.
She's probably still a virgin,! Jessica convinced herself. I bet Nicholas sleeps on the couch! Or…..Cara says her apartment has two bedrooms. Liz probably makes Nicholas sleep in the other room! But that's all about to change, with her marrying him. Then she'll really shut me out!
That's why I have to see her, I have to make her love me again. I want to be part of her life!
The waiter came to her table and she ordered an NYC Cosmopolitan, a lobster roll and a slice of cheesecake…
Jessica sipped her drink, and observed the patrons that were dining all around her. The women were all elegantly dressed, the men looked like they bathed in money, and Jessica almost salivated at the jewelry that some of them were wearing.
I should probably go to Tiffany. Or Cartier? I need something to go with my dress for tomorrow.
She looked at the couples, some of them with children. The children seemed unimpressed, like they were so accustomed to eating at places like this, as if they were unfazed by the finery. She immediately thought of Lila, who had grown up surrounded by similar extravagance. It had always been a sore spot for her.
The fact that Lila had money and she didn't. The Wakefields were not poor, in fact, they had a solid middle to upper middle class background. But it just couldn't compare to the Fowlers' wealth. Or the Morrows' even greater wealth for that matter. It grated on her nerves, that her sister, who was too non indulgent to ever care about money, was marrying the son of the richest family in town.
Jessica took the last gulp of her drink. It's just not fair!
The waiter brought out her lobster roll, and a side of French fries along with the cheesecake. Jessica ordered some water, then dug into the delectable sandwich.
After filling her mouth with her last bite, she devoured the cheesecake and looked at the antique clock on the wall of the restaurant.
I'd better get going. The stores await!
She summoned the waiter and handed him her credit card. She signed the bill and walked out of the Palm Court and into the lobby, where she advanced to the exit. A wail of sirens greeted her and she was once again reminded of her surroundings. She turned to the right and found herself on fifth avenue. Jessica marched south down the wide sidewalk, thrilled at the sights and ambiance of tourists and locals alike.
High end boutiques and luxury goods filled her senses, and she was in her element, gawking at the fine, upper class items. She passed by Tiffany, Louis Vuitton, and Bergdorf Goodman, till she spotted the magnificent gothic towers of St. Patrick's Cathedral. There were throngs of visitors on the church's steps, taking pictures, walking through the ornate bronze doors, and marveling at the fabulous stained glass.
As much as she could appreciate the architecture of the beautiful church, Jessica's mind was on an entirely different place of worship. The type which could be found next door at Saks. She crossed the road at fiftieth street, noting Rockefeller Center on the other side of the avenue.
She entered the famous store and was immediately flanked by employees, eager to spritz her with the newest perfumes and hand her samples of their sumptuous lotions. She walked around for a bit, enjoying the attention, and then found her way upstairs. A friendly employee helped her as she moved in and out of the racks, drooling at the fabulous fabrics and designer names.
I'm going to a wedding, Jessica told the young woman. In Connecticut, on a private island.
Oh, well, you'll definitely need something spectacular,! the saleswoman told her. Private island? I can imagine. Those Connecticut people know how to spend! Even more than us here in Manhattan! You're a size what? Four?
Six, Jessica corrected her.
She gave Jessica a flattering smile. Let's find something then…..
After almost an hour of trying on numerous outfits, Jessica settled on a aqua silk chiffon mermaid style gown. It was fitted at her upper body, and showed her curves to perfection. The dress was long, with a graceful train, and went perfectly with her tanned skin and blue green eyes. The sheer beaded shoulder straps and the shimmering adornment at the hip were subtle, but added to the fine qualities of the piece.
It's incredible,! the attendant raved, as she watched Jessica in front of the mirror. I like it better than the others you tried on, she added. And you definitely have the height for it too.
I'll take it, Jessica exclaimed with excitement, ignoring the near eight hundred dollar price tag. She removed the dress and handed it to the worker, who wrapped it up and put it in a lined box. Jessica handed her one of her credit cards at the register.
What floor are the shoes?…
Fourth floor, the smiling employee replied, as Jessica signed the receipt.
She put the box in a large shopping bag and handed it to Jessica.
Enjoy the wedding,! she called out.
Oh I will,! Jessica returned, as she moved to the wood paneled elevators. She got in and went down to the desired floor, where an array of marvelous footwear greeted her. It didn't take long to find a matching pair of pumps, with three inch heels. Jessica strutted around on them, loving the way they made her long legs look even slimmer.
This is it, she told the eager salesman, who put the shoes back in the box and brought her credit card to the register.
Five hundred dollars, Jessica thought.
Well, anything that makes my legs look that long is worth it!
When she was finished with the shoes, she walked out of the store, a satisfied smile on her face. She was tempted to walk all around and experience the excitement of the vibrant city, but she decided against it. She still had a couple of things to buy.
She walked northwards to Tiffany and was immediately hypnotized by an aquamarine pendant and some matching earrings. Jessica didn't even bat an eyelash when the clerk told her the almost thousand dollar total. She was so determined to look her best, it didn't matter how loudly her credit cards were screaming for mercy, she'd ignore them for now.
After her excursion at Tiffany, she walked across the street to Henri Bendel, where the sales associate convinced her that the on sale perfumes were a must have for the fall, and that she needed a new purse to match her fantastic new dress. He also showed her some silk shawls, that were sure to keep her warm, in case the sea breezes made the island cold. Jessica chose one in black, and imagined herself throwing it off dramatically and handing it to the person in charge of the coat check once she got there….
