Grown-up

"Mother, I'd like my gown to be red silk," Cora said as she and her mother looked at fabrics in the most expensive dress shop in New York. The walls were covered with different types and colors from the floor to the ceiling. A few shelves in the center displayed lace, ribbons, and other accessories. She could barely contain her excitement; despite Mother's protests about her match with Frank, she was now planning a formal engagement party for them.

Cora would not have to choose between her family and Frank, and Mother had decided she was grown-up enough to choose her own betrothed. Especially considering she'd already completed finishing school and would be seventeen in three weeks.

She pointed to a beautiful deep red fabric that would be perfect; after all, Frank had told her all her dresses should be red. No doubt his eyes would grow bigger in a dress made of it. Probably caress her through the silk fabric as well.

"I suppose that will do," Mother said, interrupting Cora's daydreams as she studied the fabric. "I'll have to order an emerald gown then," she said studying the different shades of green. "I do wish the Astors were coming, or at least the De Lacey's, the Stewarts, or the Taylor's were coming, but I suppose that's just a dream now." Mother grimaced at her daughter as she spoke, as if that were her personal fault; it was clear that although she'd accepted Cora would marry Frank, she was still sore that Cora had ruined her plans for becoming one of the first families.

Cora's heart sank, but she also noticed her mother's eyes were sad. She reminded herself that Mother was still in some ways suffering from heartbreak and in her own way, trying to protect her daughter from suffering the same fate.

She forced herself to smile at her mother. Cora would just have to prove to her that she and Frank were truly in love. "I think this jade green will be perfect for you," she said, pointing at the fabric on her left.

Mother nodded, studying that fabric more closely. Then she studied two others, before she nodded. "Perhaps you are correct; after all, we still have the Vanderbilts, the Rockefellers, and Congressman Hewitt attending, not to mention all of your Papa's other business managers."

Cora nodded, looking forward to seeing Emma and Jane again. She hoped they would find matches that would make them as happy as she was.

OOOOOOOOOOOO

Standing next to Frank two weeks later, Cora had never been happier. She wore a silk red gown, and Mother had convinced her to have roses sewn on to her collar and waist. A silver necklace her father had given her, and diamond earrings accented the ensemble. From the look in her Frank's eyes and the way he touched her hand, Cora knew he adored her outfit.

Poppa had rented Frank one of those new tuxedos, and Cora adored his outfit just as much. The dark colors suited his hair and the long coat suited his tall form. Her eyes roamed his arms and shoulders, longing to touch them over and over again.

She settled for squeezing his hand, which clearly delighted him. After all, she was co-hosting the party tonight; Cora had to be grown-up. This party was even better than the New Year's; As much as it was exciting to be allowed to attend Mother's society party at the time, and as fond as she was of the memory of meeting her Frank, tonight was truly perfect. Energy as lightning crackled through her as she remembered how fancy their living room had been decorated, all for this engagement party. Then Cora smiled at Frank again and then Poppa and Mother. And Cora's black shoes with high heels made even taller than Mother.

Poppa stood eye level with Cora on the other side Levinson front hall, also wearing one of those dark tuxedo suits. Mother stood next to him, wearing her jade-colored silk gown, which she'd insisted the dressmaker add sequins all over the bodice. Around her neck was a large gold chain and emerald drops hung from her ears.

"Good evening, Mr. Rockefeller and Mrs. Rockefeller," Mother said shifting her weight to cause her dress to glisten. "I am so happy to see you tonight, as is Isidore." She shook both their hands with green silk gloves. "You know our daughter, Cora."

"Good evening, Mr. Rockefeller and Mrs. Rockefeller," Cora said brightly, holding out her red gloved hands. They both shook hers. Mr. Rockefeller also wore one of the new tuxedo suits while Mrs. Rockefeller wore a gown of deep purple. "This is my betrothed, Frank Samson." She turned and gazed at the man she loved, who wore that famous melt-worthy smile.

Both the Rockefellers and Frank shook hands.

"And these are two of our daughters, Alta and Edith," Mrs. Rockefeller said, placing her hand on two young women who'd followed the couple. Both had dark hair and wore gowns of deep violet. Cora wondered why she'd never met either of them before as they shook Mother and Poppa's hands.

Nevertheless, she shook both young women's hands "Pleased to meet you. And this is Mr. Samson, my bethrothed."

Mr. Rockefeller's brother, James followed along with his daughter and Cora's friend, Jane. "My cousins will be attending the East Side Finishing School next year," Jane said into Cora's ear as they shook hands. Her eyes indicated the other Rockefeller girls, who were already wandering into the living room. "I keep telling them it's nothing to be excited about, as Miss Maple is annoying and teaches things that don't matter, but they're too busy gushing about what great matches they'll find as a result."

Cora took a deep breath, prepared to tell Jane that some of Miss Maple's lessons were beneficial. She'd enjoyed learning about art, and Frank had always been impressed with the transatlantic accent she'd learned at school.

"I just hope I can find someone truly shocking at this party," Jane said, clearly not understanding that Cora had something to say. "The man I danced with at your last party was nice, but just not quite enough, you know?" Then she smiled at Frank. "How did you get the best one to propose? Now your parents know they cannot force you to do anything!"

"I just got lucky, I guess," Cora smiled as her heart swelled again. Still, she wished Jane would abandon this obsession with doing things just because they went against her parents' wishes. A few months ago, Cora had enjoyed that thrill a bit herself, but now she knew that love was more important. Jane was sounding a bit immature.

Several of Poppa's business managers entered the house next, two with wives and three without, and all of them shook hands with both Poppa and Mother and Cora and Frank. All wore simple suits but admired Poppa and Mr. Samson's tuxedos.

Frank seemed particularly happy with this; with the way his eyes grew as they spoke of the fancy suit. Cora's hand itched to caress the tuxedo herself. Her red glove moved almost on its own to touch Frank's smooth back when the Vanderbilts entered.

William Vanderbilt, the grandson of the original "Commadore" Vanderbilt, entered their house. He also wore one of the new tuxedos. "Mr. Levinson. Mrs. Levinson," he said with a nod to each of them, shaking their hands. "Alva sends her regrets," he added, referring to his wife's missing presence.

"Are you certain Mrs. Alva Vanderbilt sends regrets?" Mother said, staring at the man much too hard. "I think you mean she's avoiding us on purpose." She shook her head.

"Mother!" Cora said, shaking her own head. Her mother blamed her marriage prospects for not allowing the Levinson's into New York's first families, but she appeared to keep them out by rudeness alone. Then she turned more politely to Mr. Vanderbilt. "I am Cora Levinson, Mr. Vanderbilt," she said, holding out her gloved hand.

Mr. Vanderbilt shook hers. "Pleased to meet you."

"And this is my betrothed, Mr. Samson," Cora said, placing her hand on Frank's arm. A delightful shiver ran through her entire body.

"I am very pleased to meet you, Mr. Vanderbilt," Frank said.

"Likewise."

Behind William Vanderbilt, was Cora's friend, Emma Crawford who was still living with the Vanderbilts while she searched for a suitable match. She wore a bright blue gown that complimented her eyes. "Your mother was right you know," she said into Cora's ear when they shook hands. "Aunt Alva is avoiding this party on purpose."

"Because of our last name?" Cora said with a sigh, staring at the shiny floor, so to hide her grimace. She remembered the subtle insults she'd received from Miss Maple about the Jewish origins of their surname.

Emma shook her head. "Not really," she said in the same low voice that no one else would hear. "She doesn't want Cousin Consuelo to have any ideas about matches with you marrying Mr. Samson. She's been friends with Lady Manderville for several years now and is determined Cousin Consuelo will also marry a European." *

"I see," Cora said with a nod. She's heard about some wealthy young ladies marrying European lords, and it sounded kind of like a fairytale, to live in a castle. But nothing would be better than to marry her own prince, Frank. Her eyes met his again, and Cora melted at the way he looked at her.

"Well, Emma Crawford, this is my betrothed, Frank Samson." They both shook hands happily.

OOOOOOOOOOOO

Much later, Cora had lost Emma in the sea of guests. But as it appeared that everyone was enjoying themselves tonight, Cora assumed her almost always bubbly friend was happy. Champagne guzzled among the guests while others nibbled on cream puffs. The living room was decorated with summer flowers and Mother had insisted the musicians she'd hired tonight were even better than those she'd hired for the New Year's party. Cora was full of joy, dancing in the arms of her Frank.

Her gloved hands caressed his shoulder again and again, reveling in the opportunity to finally touch him in his fancy tuxedo. In return, Frank's warm hands caressed her waist, as he clearly loved her red silk gown as much as she'd thought. Their feet moved perfectly through the soft waltz, and Cora realized there was another lesson to thank Miss Maple. "This is a wonderful party, especially as it is in our honor," Frank said, his eyes gazing into Cora's in a way that was almost hypnotizing. "And your father even bought me a tuxedo!" His eyes glanced at the new style of dark suit with approval before his handsome brown eyes returned to her blue. "Marrying you will be the best thing that has ever happened to me."

Cora's heart soared at his words and her entire body tingled with energy. "I feel the same. How could we know five months ago, when we danced that we would be dancing at our engagement party?"

"Actually, I had hoped things might go in this direction on New Year's," Frank said with that smile Cora loved. Her lips itched to touch his, but she couldn't do that in public, much less at their own party.

But after such romantic words, Cora had to do something. So, she squeezed both his hand and shoulder simultaneously as she said, "Oh Frank," adoringly. He truly thought he might have loved her from that first night.

In the distance, Mother's emerald dress flashed with its sequins, and Cora smiled that she appeared to be having fun, too, dancing with what appeared to be one of Poppa's store managers. Still, Cora wondered if her parents would dance together at all tonight. Did Mother even remember what it was like to dance in the man she loved arms? Was it even a priority for either of them, after what Cora had heard in Poppa's study a few weeks ago?

Cora's heart sank for them a little, and she smiled up at her Frank, determined never to take his love for granted.

She spotted Poppa with a glass of champagne in his hand, talking to Congressman Hewitt. She'd heard that he was running for mayor this year, so Mr. Hewitt probably wished to discuss his campaign. There was nothing wrong with that, but why couldn't Poppa make time to dance with Mother, too?

She glanced at Mother, who had changed partners and appeared to be having a wonderful time. Did she even care? Cora wished once again she'd never heard that conversation that night, even as she clung to Frank even tighter.

OOOOOOOOOO

Much later that night, all the guests, even Frank had disappeared into the night, and Cora stood in the empty front hallway with Mother and Poppa. Both had wide smiles on their faces. "Tonight, was definitely a success," Mother said with a firm nod. "Even more people came than the last party."

Poppa nodded pleasantly as well. "All my managers are doing well, and your Mr. Samson seems eager to further our business relationship." He patted Cora's shoulder, and she knew someday Frank would be even closer to their family than Mr. Johnson. After all, they would be married. Her body still tingled with the memory of Frank saying he'd thought about marrying her as far back as the New Year's party.

"Everyone appears to have had a good time," Cora said with her own smile, as she remembered all the guests smiling and laughing with each other. She supposed that included her parents, as they appeared delighted now, even though they didn't dance together.

"And you did a marvelous job helping them enjoy themselves, Cora," Mother said, turning her eyes directly on her daughter. "You were friendly and dignified as you greeted guests with us in the beginning and made certain to converse with many guests afterwards. Not just your friends, but with some of the business managers, and even our Mr. Hewitt. And all in that proper accent Miss Maple has taught you."

Cora smiled, trying to remember doing so. Her mind had been preoccupied with Frank for most of the night, but she supposed she'd spoken to others as well. She now remembered taking time to greet Mr. Hewitt while she and Frank drank glasses of champagne. "I just did what came naturally to me, I suppose." The last two cherry tarts she'd eaten suddenly felt heavy in her stomach. Was it truly past one in the morning?

She willed herself not to yawn. Part of being grown-up meant not tiring easily. Poppa's face appeared a bit sleepy, but surely Cora was imagining things.

"Well, you were a perfect hostess, then," Mother said, her eyes sparkling with pride. "I haven't noticed how grown-up you've become."

Cora beamed in return, suddenly realizing wearing these heals allowed her to be a couple of inches taller than Mother. "I will be seventeen in a week." Her mother's words gave her new energy and she was no longer tired at all.

OOOOOOOOO

Cora almost skipped through Central Park a week later, as she was full of energy to be walking with her fiancé. Last night, her family had given her a grown-up dinner for her birthday, and she was spending this afternoon with her Frank. The birds tweeted in the distance, the scent of flowers filled the air, her red spring dress still flattered her perfectly, and Frank's warm hand caressed her arm.

What could be better than this?

"Oh, Frank" Cora said, gazing into his deep brown eyes as she twirled her parasol. She wished his lips would touch hers, as they often did when they rode in his closed carriage, but Mother insisted on keeping a closer eye on them now that they were engaged. So now they walked in Central Park, and Mother hovered about ten feet away.

It was rather annoying. What happened to being grown-up?

"Cora," he said deeply, clearly wishing to kiss her as well, as he gazed into her eyes and studied her lips. Her heart galloped, and she forgot about Mother and anything involving age. His hand stroked her arm higher than before, and before she knew it, her hands were touching his shoulders.

But when his lips finally touched her skin, they did so on her cheek. Cora didn't know whether she was disappointed or relieved. "Your father seems pleased to work with me," he said into her ear as he withdrew, his breath still tickling her cheek.

"Oh yes," Cora said, her mind still on his kiss.

He was silent for a moment, and Cora missed his closeness. The birds and the flowers were no longer enough. "And as your betrothed, I think I should have more access to the family business," Frank said finally.

Eyes immediately returning to him, Cora said, "I think you will." Her mind drifted to her hopes a few months ago, that Frank would become as close to the Levinson's as Mr. Johnson. Then she twirled her parasol to have a better view of his smile.

"Hmm," Frank said slowly, his hand caressing her upper arm again. "But I need to have it now."

"Yes," Cora said, feeling as if that answer were the most natural thing in the world. All she cared about was his wonderful touch. Pausing, he appeared to look over her shoulder for a moment, and then began walking normally for a few moments. Probably he'd just noticed Mother.

Why did she insist on causing so much trouble? Hadn't Cora realized she was taller than Mother last week? Shouldn't that mean Cora should be a full adult now?

Then, Frank leaned in close to Cora. "Could you go into your father's study?" His warm breath tickled her cheek again making her feel cozy and energized all at once. Nothing mattered but him.

"Yes," Cora said, tickling his cheek with her own breath. She remembered the morning three weeks ago, when Poppa had invited her into his home office. When he'd given her permission to marry Frank. It had been one of the best days of her life.

"Good," Frank said slowly, with a nod. His brown eyes hypnotized her as they walked. "I need you to go in there tonight and find something for me. You can do that, can't you?"

Cora nodded without thinking, but something prickled on the back of her mind, even stronger than her concerns about Frank's proposal without speaking to Papa. "No one is to go into Poppa's home office without his permission, Frank. I've only been there once."

Chuckling lowly, Frank shook his head. Cora drank in the sound of his soft laughter. "Certainly, he would allow you in there if he knew how important it was. We've already agreed I should have access to the family business." He stroked her bare arm again, and Cora's heart jumped in delight. How could she say no to this man? "And once is more than I have been in there."

She nodded.

"Good," Frank said, his hand moving up her arm. More energy shot through Cora. "Now, what I need are bank account numbers. I know you've never looked at such things, but search for numbers under the common bank names."

The back of her neck pierced. This was wrong.

"Frank, I don't think – "

Frank hustled her behind a large tree and pressed his lips to her in the way she'd been longing for him to do since they'd begun this outing. And Cora couldn't think at all besides the explosion of feelings. "I need those account numbers, Cora," he said when they finally withdrew. His lips still glistened, as if they were asking for another kiss like that.

Cora wished for another kiss like that.

"Certainly, you understand that." Frank said, his eyes hypnotizing her again.

"I…" she struggled, adoring the look in his eyes, his kisses, his touch. But her neck still pierced. "No, Frank," Cora said finally, forcing herself away from him. "I cannot betray Poppa like that." Her heart galloped, for a very different reason than earlier this afternoon.

"Cora," Frank said, his warm hands touching her cheeks. "We've already discussed how I am more important than anything your father says or does."

She wanted to agree with him again, so he would kiss her again. But she couldn't. "No. Marrying you isn't the same thing as stealing from Poppa." Her heart sank into her shoes as she realized that was exactly what Frank wanted her to do. From the very man who'd given his blessing for their engagement three weeks ago.

Frank sighed. "Now, Cora you realize that your father is already stealing from everyone else. After all, he's a Jew."

Cora drew back from her fiancé as if she'd been burned. He'd made a couple of comments about Poppa's background in the past, and Cora figured they were innocent enough, and that Frank would grow to ignore that nonsense when they got to know each other better.

She'd thought Poppa and Frank had begun to do so after their engagement. But now she realized Frank had been pretending the entire time. With her and with Poppa. Uncharacteristic rage filled her entire body. "No, Frank Samson, he does not. And we are through." Her words clipped as she stared at the man with new eyes. "I'll never marry you."

With that Cora ran as fast as she could in her spring dress into her mother's arms. She wasn't so grown-up anymore.

*Consuelo Vanderbilt would eventually become one of the most well-known American dollar princesses, the Duchess of Marlborough. The Marlboroughs were mentioned briefly in DA canon as one of the first titled couples to divorce.