Three months later, a not quite house broken Vixen lay on the bed as Nicholas stroked her longer, new textured fur. She loved staying in the bed with her master and mistress, instead of her own bed in the living room. Sometimes, Nicholas would send her outside and shut the door behind him. Whenever he tossed her a treat, she would run to get it, and she soon understood that it was a trick to get her out of the room. She didn't know what they were doing in there, but she learned not to whine, scratch or cry by the door. If she was a good girl, they'd let her back in for the night. Sometimes…...
My parents are coming over with something special, Nicholas said.
What is it,? Elizabeth turned to face him.
It's a surprise, he grinned, his green eyes twinkled in the dimness of their bedroom. Not a big one, but I'm sure you'll like it.
What can be better than this,? she smiled, as she placed Vixen on the floor. Elizabeth knew that she was spoiling her by letting her stay in their room, but she couldn't bear the thought of always leaving her outside while they slept.
You'll see, Nicholas winked. It's something we've already talked about. I'm pretty excited about it myself.
Alright, Elizabeth said, as she wrapped her arms around him. But I think I already know what it is. It's about your boat. She raised her brow. Am I right? Your dad had it sent here and it's finally arrived.
How did you guess?
Because, she chuckled while gently touching the tip of his nose with her index finger, someone has been very excited lately and can't talk about anything else. She kissed the small dimple in his chin and buried her face in his neck.
Oh? So you've been paying attention. Dad's going to Boston and we're going to have to put up with Mom for a little while.
I don't mind, Elizabeth shrugged. We can have her watch Vixen instead of leaving her at the daycare, she giggled…..
Two weeks later, in a blazing mid July, the Morrows arrived on the east coast. Elizabeth and Nicholas went to Greenwich to meet them, with Vixen in tow. On a hot summer Saturday afternoon, Elizabeth handed Skye her sunblock before they headed out for the day.
It's really light, not greasy, Elizabeth told her. And I don't ever burn or get any hint of a tan so it must be working, she continued, as Skye placed a large brimmed hat on her head and started applying the lotion on her face and neck.
It goes on really nicely, Skye commented, as she squeezed a dollop for the back of her hands. She looked at the brand. And it doesn't make me look like I'm wearing a mask. Much better than the one I use now. I'll have to start buying it.
Jessica would throw it away and hand me a bottle of baby oil instead, Elizabeth mused, as Skye took in her appearance in the hallway's pier mirror. She looked every bit the fashion model, with her dramatic poise and large sunglasses.
Elizabeth gave Vixen a hug, hating to leave her alone in the house. The dog wasn't quite used to the large mansion yet. They had taken her there a few times, but home for her was their apartment. They walked out to the car, where Kurt and Nicholas were anxiously waiting for them. They started up the jeep and drove for two minutes to Greenwich's Boat and Yacht Club.
We could have walked, Elizabeth thought, as they parked the vehicle near the entrance. She had been to the club a few times before when Nicholas had taken her out on the water, and as his wife, she was a member. She followed along, holding Nicholas' hand as they entered the coolness of the air conditioned complex. There were several offices, conference rooms, a small snack bar, a gourmet restaurant, and attached to it, a large dining hall that could serve as a ballroom.
There were several facilities and accommodations for long at sea travelers who needed to feel the solidity of earth under their feet. The entire complex was decorated with a charming age old nautical theme, and there were numerous photographs of the yearly regattas, prized windjammers, and premiere members of the club. The establishment hosted several social events throughout the year, bringing in boating enthusiasts from all over the country and beyond.
Nicholas pulled Elizabeth closer to him, radiant with excitement. I can't wait for us to go out there, he whispered, his clear green eyes glimmering as they approached the doors to the waterfront. As they advanced out the back exit towards the marina, Elizabeth gazed at the array of activity of the late summer afternoon. She saw people getting in an out of boats, zipping around and far out on jet skis, refueling water and gas tanks, restocking supplies, waxing hulls, scrubbing decks, and overall, making the most of the sunny weather and the crisp blue sky. She spotted several youngsters, thrilled and eager to be embarking on their beginner sailing lessons. There must have been close to two hundred boats docked in the water, all in distinct colors, various sizes, some with masts, some with nothing more than a single engine.
Well? Where is she Dad? Nicholas looked at Kurt as they moved along the landing piers. He looked up and down at all the boats, looking for the Seabird, the boat that he had given the pet name My Favorite Twin. I don't see her anywhere.
Dad? He turned around and looked at his father. Where's my boat?
It was then that Elizabeth spotted her name in old English painted silver lettering at the port side of what looked to be a floating behemoth... moving along with the gentle waves.
Nicholas, look! That one has my name,! she gasped, motioning to the massive vessel. Nicholas looked in the direction she was pointing to, then looked at his father in confusion.
What? Dad? What's this?
Is that a Benetti? Nicholas was dumbfounded as he gazed in amazement at the impressive watercraft. You got me a Benetti? He looked at the smiling faces of his parents, and back to the boat. Their expressions alone told him that yes, it was indeed his.
Surprise,! they cried it unison. Nicholas stood, gaping at the yacht that was sitting in the water. From where they stood, it looked to be more than eighty feet long, four times bigger than the Seabird. It was painted like a classic steamer ship, with a traditional black hull, shiny chrome portholes, a smooth, decorative band of red at the circumference near the keel, and slim, polished lines of silver at the port and starboard sides.
The pristine white tiered upper decks were outfitted with the finest Burmese teak wood, reminiscent of the never ending seaside promenades of the gilded age. The colors gave it the look of a penguin laying on it's back… yet… it had all the appearance and sophistication of a black swan. To Elizabeth, it resembled an exquisitely tailored black and white tuxedo, formal and elegant, with all the knowledge that it was made to be cherished.
Dad, this thing has to be over eighty feet! Nicholas exclaimed as they walked closer.
I considered eighty, but she's actually eighty nine and a half, Kurt informed him. You'd be surprised at how much every inch makes a difference in terms of comfort. I was going to go for one hundred and thirty, but your mother here….. he motioned to his wife. She forbid me.
Over one hundred feet would be vulgar, Skye declared, holding her husband's hand. Even one hundred is a bit much. Look at that one over there, she pointed at a couple of yachts that looked to be close to one hundred and fifty feet long. She shook her dark head. They're way too big for just personal use. Those are more like party boats. This one is big enough for a party but…..it's for family. Large enough to entertain friends, but small enough to feel like home.
So where's Seabird? Nicholas said, still not believing turn of events.
I sent her to be scrapped, Kurt explained. I bought Seabird in 1980. He put his hand on Nicholas' shoulder. We're in another decade son, it was high time for something new. When you told me to change her name to Elizabeth and send her cross country, I figured we'd just start over. And why bother bringing her almost three thousand miles when we could get something a little nicer?
Little? Nicholas said incredulously. Dad, I don't even know what to say. This is….. He gripped Elizabeth's hand, his pulse racing. When he had asked his father to send Seabird over with her new name in order to surprise Elizabeth, he never expected this!
Well? what are we waiting for, Kurt told all of them. All aboard!
Nicholas hugged his father in gratitude, kissed his mother's cheek, and then picked Elizabeth off the ground in a swoop of excitement. They walked towards the rear and stepped onto the wide stern. Nicholas placed Elizabeth down and they climbed the stairs to begin exploring the spacious upper fly bridge lounge, with it's built in retractable bimini top, ample seating, master class electric grill, full service wet bar, and jet whirlpool tub. They then walked down the steps to the top of the line helm station, living and galley area of the main deck, and finally, the sleeping quarters in the lower deck.
All the windows from top to bottom are UV proof, Skye told Elizabeth, motioning to the tinted glass all around them while they stood in the main saloon. It makes the air conditioning a lot more efficient. We can sit and enjoy the views without worrying about blinding ourselves from the light reflecting off the water. And the fly bridge can be covered. We…or I should say you…can barbecue up there in the shade. And then get into the Jacuzzi without burning your skin. At my age, the sun is the enemy. I never liked to tan anyway. And…..she poked Kurt in the ribs and smiled. I've never been able to barbecue myself. That's my husband's job.
You don't look a day over thirty, Kurt winked, his blue eyes warm.
See Nicholas? That's the way you flatter your wife, Skye said, grabbing Elizabeth's arm.
Nicholas and his father started up a conversation about the automatic chart plotter, autopilot, hydraulic stern thruster, and underwater transom lights, their voices raising with exhilaration every time they mentioned the latest technology. They eventually proceeded down to the engine room, leaving Elizabeth on the main deck with her mother in law.
Don't mind them Elizabeth, Skye said as they walked towards the galley. They practically get intoxicated about the mechanics of the whole thing. I don't really care how fast it goes, or how much horse power, it has. As long as it moves, and I can relax, I'm happy. There are two seats at the wheel, Skye motioned towards the bow beyond the galley and Elizabeth looked in at the two deluxe leather chairs facing the complicated dashboard. But there's only one wheel. Skye's eye twinkled. They can sit in there and argue about power steering and navigational systems to their hearts content while we unwind. It was my job to see to the decor and fittings. So…her dark eyes shone as she gestured around with her arm….. do you like it?
Are you kidding,? Elizabeth said, admiring the plush, generous living area with it's intricate tiled marble floor, wet bar, eight seat dining table, and the galley's full sized kitchen appliances. Skye I love it,! Elizabeth gave her a quick hug. This is…I can't even describe it. And to think it has my name on it!
She looked at the full sofa and pair of love seats, and imagined herself writing, getting inspiration from the serenity of the deep blue of the ocean. I don't think I'll ever want to leave, she continued happily.
Skye opened the refrigerator to get a drink of water while Elizabeth opened the many doors, most of them storage areas. Between the helm and the galley was a powder room, cleverly situated for the utmost privacy. The brightness coming through the porthole that reflected on the mirror above the sink made the small space appear a lot bigger than it actually was. She moved back to the galley where Skye handed her a cup of water. Elizabeth looked at the overhead lights above the stove and couldn't help but think of how much her mother would love this whole experience. Everywhere she turned displayed the remarkable innovation of the designers. The superb black wood, and shiny elegant chrome fittings of the kitchen cabinets were of the finest quality.
Elizabeth followed Skye down the winding staircase to have another look at the family's sleeping quarters. The lower deck corridor featured black and white checkered tiles that were specially laid to give the illusion of added length. There were two primary cabins, both of them ensuite, both richly appointed and more spacious than Elizabeth thought possible.
There was an element of sophistication to the decor that was impressive without being ostentatious. All the rooms had distinct and stunning patterns on their inlaid parquet floors. The roomy master and VIP suites were situated on opposite ends of the narrow hallway, while the two smaller rooms were between them and just across from each other. Elizabeth looked in wonder as Skye stood near the doorway on the port side cabin and pressed a button on the wall, which caused the room's two single mattresses to move towards each other, creating a larger sized bed.
The individual twin beds are a little smaller than standard, Skye explained. But…still pretty spacious. Putting them together creates a queen bed. She smiled and put her hand on Elizabeth arm. Being a taller woman makes me take note of these things.
Impressive, Elizabeth raised her brow. Is it the same in the other room,? she queried as they went across the hallway to the starboard room.
Yes, Skye replied, nodding her head. But, this one….is a little different. We can bring the beds together the same way or…. She pressed on a couple of buttons near the light switch and to Elizabeth surprise, two hidden Pullmans emerged from within the walls over the twin beds .
See? We now have four beds. They're specially crafted to hold someone up to two hundred and fifty pounds, but, I'd say someone smaller would have more fun climbing up and sleeping in them. They're perfect for children.
Elizabeth's pulse increased. This was the first time in a while that Skye hinted anything about children. They returned to the hallway, and Elizabeth admired the efficient and thorough use of every inch…no space was wasted, yet nowhere felt cramped. The numerous windows, both porthole and rectangular shaped, provided enough light and panoramic views of the outside. They entered the master cabin, where the generously sized bed faced the window, and Elizabeth imagined waking up to the greetings of the ocean and horizon in the early morning.
They walked into the attached bathroom where there was a tub and separate shower in the center, and on each end, both behind their own doors, a water closet with a vanity and bidet. The fluffy towels, and navy imperial cotton spa robe on the left side were monogrammed with an E, and Elizabeth assumed that it was meant for her. The small chamber was decorated with delicate, opalescent mother of pearl tiling, and a rich walnut vanity, while at the opposite end, Nicholas' side was fitted with a darker, more masculine look...deep navy wood with nickel fittings and his own set of personalized towels.
Do you like it Elizabeth? You don't think it's too bland do you? With the white floor. We can change it if you want.
Oh no, Elizabeth said. It's as pretty as what I've seen at the Plaza. I love the way the tiles shine in the light and bring out the color. And I like Nicholas' too. It's perfect the way it is, she insisted as she tested the bronzed faucet in the painted porcelain sink. She closed the door and went to the center, where both tub and shower faced a large window, and for a brief moment, Elizabeth fretted about the lack of privacy. But she remembered that the only possibility of being seen while taking a bath or shower would be from the eyes of curious creatures in the sea.
Whoever was lucky enough to bathe there was sure to enjoy captivating views of the water while they soaked in the tub or stood under the rain shower head. She almost laughed, remembering how stingy her old landlord was about their use of water. He would complain if he suspected that anyone stayed in the shower more than five minutes! She gazed at the meticulously crafted wood encased tub, and couldn't imagine being so wasteful so as to actually fill it when water was limited.
I agree with you Elizabeth Skye told her after Elizabeth expressed her opinion on the matter. But no worries. There is a large water storage tank in the engine room. And if that runs out, there's also a water maker. It takes in the sea water, desalinates and purifies it, and makes it potable, just like on a large cruise ship. That's how it's possible to have the jacuzzi on the upper deck. It's the newest and best filtration available, she said, as she pressed a button on the bed's headboard, and a television/VCR combination slowly appeared from behind a cabinet panel next to the window.
The VIP and port side rooms each have sets hidden away like this one, Skye explained. And there's one up in the living area as well. I like watching the nightly shows while laying in bed. And, if we ever manage to get Aunt Eleanor on this boat, she'll have no complaints about missing her soaps.
Do you think she'll come,? Elizabeth asked.
Eleanor hates sailing, Skye replied, shaking her head. She made a special effort for your wedding, but you should have seen her face when I told her we were having your reception on the Polar Star. But who knows? Maybe she will….
Now, Skye went on, changing the subject. You and Nicholas will take the master cabin, and Kurt and I shall use the VIP.
What's the difference?, Elizabeth asked. They look about the same to me.
Well, it's tradition that the master is supposed to be the nicest on the yacht.
Oh?…Well…..You can have the master, Nicholas and I won't mind, Elizabeth offered.
Nonsense Elizabeth. She's a gift to my son, and you're his wife, so she's yours too. Besides, the master is a mere two feet wider than the VIP.
Is it? Elizabeth asked.
Yes, Skye nodded. The master takes up the entire twenty two foot width, while the VIP, because it's in the narrowed bow, is twenty feet at the widest. Also, the VIP doesn't have a tub. But, like yours, it has separate his and hers water closets. It's not like we'll be deprived, she smiled. And I think we can manage with just the shower.
You should see some of the other boats Kurt used to sail before we had our children. They weren't much bigger than a bucket! He had the nerve to bring me out in them while we were still dating! For fun and adventure he said! I've never been a good swimmer, so you can imagine I was terrified! My head hurts from thinking about it, she added as they went back out to the corridor.
Another bathroom,? Elizabeth asked, opening the nearest door and seeing an semi opaque, cylindrical shower stall.
They're actually called heads, Skye laughed. And there are four in total in the private quarters.
Elizabeth looked at her confusedly. Heads?
Yes It's all boat speak. Bathrooms are called heads, the biggest suite is the master suite, the second best suite is the VIP suite. The back is the stern, the front is the bow. The cockpit is in the aft of the main deck, not the front like on a plane. The powder room on the main deck is called the day head. Ships are always referred to as she, don't ever let them hear you say "it."
Well, thanks for giving me a heads up, Elizabeth laughed. I'm guessing this is the final one,? Of the heads I mean, Elizabeth wondered, opening the last door before the entrance to the VIP cabin. This bathroom was different from the other three with it's single sink and a smaller shower stall. However, like the others, it had room for a bidet, and the large mirror and abundant light made it appear larger than it was. And….Elizabeth observed, the shower was still a lot more inviting than what she had to put up with when she first moved to New York.
There are two more near the engine room for the crew, Skye explained. There are two crew cabins, each with bunk beds. They're in front of the engine room in the bow. Let Nicholas show it to you if you want, you wouldn't ever find me going in there. There's too much machinery. The space in the crew quarters is tight, but adequate for staff, Skye continued.
It even has it's own small galley. We can't have them starving. It's also where the washer and dryer are located. Although they're right near the machine room entrance, so we don't have to venture too far to access it. The crew is only necessary for very long trips, or…if you're like me who has no clue how to sail and would need to hire someone. But…Nicholas and his father will always want to sail this themselves. We won't need any help, except for maids. And we never have to see the servants. Their quarters are very discrete and they have their own entrance and stairway.
It's all so spacious, Elizabeth remarked. With plenty of storage, she added, as she opened a hallway closet. I'm surprised to see that three of the bathrooms…I mean heads, are large enough to have full fixtures.
Well, the manufacturers are European. The company has been crafting boats for over a hundred years now. They pay more attention to detail than we do, and you have a lot of leeway with customization. They let us choose the sound system, the cabinet design for the television sets and wardrobes, the hardware and tiling in the bathrooms, all the flooring, every possible specification you can think of.
Skye put her hands on her hips. Now where are those two? It's high time for a toast. And shrimp cocktail. We can call the club's restaurant and have them deliver something more substantial later. I feel for some crab cakes...
They walked up the stairs and back on to the main deck. Nicholas and his father were at the helm, completely engrossed with the sport of playing with the controls, and testing every piece of automation they could lay their hands on.
Elizabeth flitted around, still not believing that this floating essence of grandeur was named after her. She was immersed in a world where yachts had bidets, hot tubs, garbage disposals, washing machines, dishwashers, microwaves… none of which she had when her life was mostly spent in her small bedroom, looking at the fire escape and grafitti out the window. She couldn't help but remember her time in Willimsburg, where she could only dream of not having to pull her cart of laundry up and down four flights of stairs…. about having an oven that actually worked, and air conditioning when the thermostat hit ninety.
This is beautiful, Elizabeth remarked at the clean cut, sleek lines of the solid white glass counter tops that contrasted beautifully with the rich darkness of the wood in the kitchen. I know my mother would like it.
It is nice, Skye agreed, clearly used to the finest imaginable. She pressed a switch and the white counter tops lit suddenly, giving them a soothing, pale mint glow.
In the nighttime, this is much better on the eyes than the overhead lights. And it doesn't call for too much maintenance. The glass especially. The most important thing though, as far as I am concerned, is the soundproofing. It's whisper quiet, at night.
She smiled suddenly. If my dear husband had his way, he'd bring the engines into the bedroom. It's true,! Skye insisted, when Elizabeth started laughing. And so would Nicholas for that matter. Oh! And the stabilizers! That's even more important Elizabeth. Kurt made sure it's the latest, most modern equipment available. On bigger boats, seasickness is not a problem. But I have, on a smaller vessel like this, gotten pretty woozy. I would always stay in the cabin, crouched under my blankets while Regina would laugh and come and pull me out. Her eyes were hazy. She was far stronger than me. She never got seasick….
Elizabeth gazed at her….her eyes full of compassion as she held Skye's hand. Her daughter was never far from her mind, her vibrant, beautiful girl of only sixteen, forever young, and gone forever…
The windows and doors were all shut and the air was a lot cooler than before, and Elizabeth figured that they turned on the air conditioning. Skye opened the wine chiller, and pulled out a bottle while Elizabeth walked towards the bow and into the helm. She placed her arms over Nicholas and leaned over to kiss his cheek.
So Elizabeth…what do you think of the Elizabeth? Kurt asked her. Do you think I should go back to the salvage yard and see if Seabird is still alive? It's not too late to see if we can get her back. My son here has gotten it into his head that she's the right candidate for cruising the Long Island Sound.
No! Nicholas said, almost too loudly. I love her! Neither of my Elizabeths are going anywhere! Seabird who? He swung around in his seat, pulled Elizabeth onto his lap and placed a captain's hat on her head.
Kurt chuckled, shaking his head. You didn't think Elizabeth would have been comfortable sailing to Block Island on Seabird did you son? Especially now that you have a dog. His eyes were suddenly playful. Your mother is still mad at me for when I used to take her around Cape Cod on Windsong. And she was bigger than Seabird!
I heard that, Skye's voice rang out from the galley behind them.
Well Liz? He implored, looking at her. It's not too late for a trade.
Absolutely not, Elizabeth insisted, as she tightened her arms around Nicholas. I love her too! I've never been on a private boat like this, she said thoughtfully, as they watched the activity outside the wide tinted windows.
Nicholas ran his hands through Elizabeth's loose ponytail, feeling like he never wanted the day to end. He had never been one for flashy cars, or showing off his wealth. In fact, ever since he first got his license, his father often teased him for choosing to drive a simple jeep, and often offered to buy him something a lot more fashionable. But boats were an exception for someone who loved being out on the water as much as he did. Nothing thrilled him more than the thought of introducing his beautiful wife to the wonders of the sea. And what better way to do it than in the grand style of his brand new toy. He gave his father another look of appreciation. Words weren't necessary to express his gratitude.
How about we power her up and take her for a spin,? he suggested eagerly.
Let's order from the restaurant first, then we'll sail, Kurt decided. The lobster rolls here are excellent from what I remember. He pulled out his wallet and chose a credit card. We can call them and they'll deliver to us. His blue eyes shone. I need energy to keep up with this boat! And…he looked pointedly at Nicholas. I have a feeling someone won't want to come in any time soon. Elizabeth, what would you like? I could go for some jumbo scallop pie myself. And some stuffed flounder.
Some clam chowder would be nice, Elizabeth considered.
New England or Manhattan,? Kurt said mischievously.
Definitely New England, Elizabeth smiled.
Good answer. Do you want some son?
Hmmmm? Sounds good, Nicholas agreed. Lobster rolls too. Why don't we just order the deluxe captain's feast? It comes with everything.
At that moment, Skye walked in, a tray of plastic cups in her hands, and a large glass bowl of jumbo shrimp cocktail.
Mom, We're thinking of getting the captain's feast.
That sounds very fitting for the occasion, Skye remarked. She cocked her head and raised her brow. Does it come with crab cakes?
Of course, Nicolas assured her.
And Boston cream pie,? she smiled suddenly.
That too, if we want.
Alright, I'll order. But first… Let's have a little toast and appetizer, she said, as she put the tray down.
We don't have wine glasses yet, so these will have to do, she announced as they all grabbed a cup.
To Elizabeth, Nicholas said, as he raised his cup and pulled a shrimp from the bowl. Both of them, he continued, kissing his wife's cheek.
To Elizabeth, Skye and Kurt echoed. Elizabeth smiled brilliantly as she removed the hat from her head and placed it on Nicholas.'
Her summer classes were almost over, and she'd soon have some time off from work. The rest of the season was going to be wonderful!...
