"Oh Mother do I have to.. It's absolutely DREADFUL!" Christine Slevil put her slender had to her throat in a blatant act of defiance. "I simply won't wear it. It's an awful color and well, it's got such a high collar? At sixteen Christine was still as spoiled and snobby as a six-year-old. He tapped her foot and gestured again to the mauve colored gown on her bed. "I won't wear it and that is final." She flounced to a sitting position and began rolling down her stockings with an air of priggish finality. Her mother smiled poisedly and picked up the confection. "But dear it is stunning. Made from the softest virgin silk with the diamond inlay you so adamantly wanted. It's perfect and you are wearing it my lovely. I don't care what you say. You are not going to embarrass me again like you did at the embassy ball, now put this on and I won't hear another word about it!"

Tall and willowy Agnes Slevil was a powerfully well-spoken woman. Her blue eyes snapped. And Christine shrank back in momentary fear. She knew better then to test her mothers wrath, or she would make her entrance with more make up then her delicate skin needed, to cover up the bruise that would most certainly linger their if she dared speak again. Tears of rage welled up in her clear green eyes. She just couldn't wear that terrible dress. The mauve completely clashed with her deep auburn hair and the neck of the gown well.. It actually came up to her neck!!! Christine's mind began running in rapid circles. The only way to get through to her mother was diplomatically.. None of her pouting screaming or charm worked on Agnes.

Christine took a deep breath. "Mother if I wear that dress the embarrassment you suffered at the Embassy ball will be nothing compared to this." She said in her sweetest voice. She picked up the dress and put it against her, letting her long red locks brush against it. "Nonsense my girl, it's a fetching gown and nothing you can say will get you out of - Goodness!" Agnes gasped at the color clash. "It's horrid.. it's ghastly!" Agnes put her own hands to her throat and clutched at the diamond necklace that hung there. "How could I have been so thoughtless.. What are you going to wear? Why, why Thouralgood will be so ashamed and then well he won't have you!" Christine wrinkled her nose at the mention of Thouralgood Huntsman, but decided to let that one go.. Even she knew what battles needed picking and that one could wait for a later date. "Well mother.. There IS the green dress." She trailed off hopefully.

Agnes glowered and finally shrugged. "Well it is new.. A bit scampy beta well it will have to do." Agnes' face suddenly lifted into a charming smile. "You can wear those fetching Emeralds Thouralgood brought you last time he took you out!" Christine nodded with fake enthusiasm. "I have been waiting for an opportunity to wear them!" "Well hurry up the child, you've less then an hour to get ready!!!"

It was near and hour when Christine finally ascended the great staircase to the hall of the Slevil home. Her deep green gown was fashionably cut, an off the shoulder number that allowed her slim and blemish free shoulders rise gracefully from it's whisper soft folds. It rustled becomingly when she walked the hem falling just above her tiny slipper clad feet. Her auburn hair was piled atop her head and it cascaded down her back in a burnt halo of ringlets. Her green eyes sparkled with delight in her obviously beauty and they were the only sign of excitement in her placid lady-like face. She was awarded at the bottom by her mothers shining smile of approval. "You look lovely my dear. All the other girl will be pea green with envy of your grace." Christine forced her dimples to deepen and smiled charmingly. "As long as they don't turn the shade of this gown." She said haughtily and Agnes let loose a throatily laugh. "Quit right my dear. Isn't she just a vision Sam?" She said proudly.

Samuel Slevil stared silently back at the two of them; his stately unlined face unchanged. His dark eyes held no kindness in them. They traveled over Christine with barley veiled contempt and the continued unworthy feeling flooded her veins. Christine had spent most of her life trying to win her fathers approval, but she never could. No matter how she excelled at school or sports, she wasn't a son. Samuel's only dream had been to have a son to share his life and knowledge with and after Christine had been born Agnes couldn't have any more children. Samuel was to well bred to cheat on his wife or divorce her for that reason, but he never forgave Christine for being a girl. He never once complemented her, and the only attention she ever got from him was the back of his hand or the lick of his belt. He finished his once over and nodded gravely. "She looks ok." He said flatly, extending his wife his arm and walking out the door. Christine quelled the scream that came racing up her throat and positioned her face once again into placidness. "I'm going to be a lady tonight if it kills me damn it." She whispered.

"So what's it like Chrissy?" Jennifer Redmont asked airily in a chattering voice. Christine shook and wrapped her scarf around her a bit tighter. "What's what like?" She said picking up her skis. She took a deep cleansing breath of the Aspen air and laughed as the coldness tickled her nose. "Being engaged to Thouralgood Huntsmen that's what!" Jennifer cried bouncing up and down. "Ugh I hate it. He has all the charm of cricket, and he sounds like one too. Honestly Jen you know how I feel about him." Jennifer grimaced. "How can you not like him? He's dreamy and witty wonderful and¦." Jenny droned on and on as they headed out to the ski lift Thouralgood's charming Thouralgood's witty. She rolled her eyes. Sure. Thouralgood was handsome in a perfect sort of way. He was what people called a "pretty boy" with light blond hair and dark blue eyes; he could have any woman in New York City, probably the entire state.. But he wanted her. Oh. She knew he was a catch, the Huntsmen's were on of the most provincial and oldest families in New York, and his father was the famous Arnold Huntsmen congressman. It was a match made in heaven according to her mother and the society page but, well Christine didn't love him. Her heart didn't leap at the sight of him or the sound of his name, and his kisses never made her go weak at the knee. She thought back to the night Thouralgood had proposed. She'd wanted to run to tell him she hated the mere sight of him, but she'd swallowed her fears and agreed. After all, he wasn't the love of her life, but he wasn't the worst she could do. "I don't love him Mother" she had sighed that night. "Oh honey. Of course you don't. But you'll learn to. I didn't' love your father when I married him you know." "But Mother. You don't love him now!" "True enough pet. But I'm provided for. You're provided for!" Agnes's grin had been rye as she lifted the brandy sifter to her lips. "God I hope I don't' ever end up like her!"

Christine was so lost in her thoughts that she lost track of where she was, until she walked right into a fellow skier and fell to her knees in the soft snow. "Oh my goodness!" She cried floundering her arms in the air. "What the hell do you think you're doing miss?" A strong masculine voice cut through her panic and arms pulled her to her feet. "You walked right into me!" Christine straitened herself and patted her hair. "I'll have you know¦" she began haughtily but her speech died in her through as she found herself starring up into a pair of brilliant foxfire eyes. "I'm so sorry," she said breathlessly, realizing his hand was still around her waist. She flashed him her most brilliant smile and her dimples deepened. "Hey. No problem. Not much harm done right?" He said and Christine was mesmerized by his voice, it was so musical. Lilting even. He was tall and tanned with hair a dark shade of chestnut and those beautiful eyes. Christine's heart stopped in her chest. She manages a soft laugh. "Not much" she agreed. She was disappointed when he removed his arm from her waist and smiled at her. "Well that's good." He said politely turning away. Christine caught his arm. "I'm sorry, what was your name? I didn't catch it," she said pleasantly. He smiled again and her knees went to jelly. "That's probably because I haven't given it to you." "Oh¦" Christine faked embarrassment. "Well I'm Christine Slevil," she said pulling the glove from her hand and extending it. He took it in a firm grasp and she was amazed by the warmth. "Nice to meet you Christine, I'm Tony. Tony Lewis."

"You are SHAMELESS Christine Slevil. Just Shameless!" Jennifer reprimanded. The two of them trudged through the snow back to the lodge exhausted. "I didn't do anything." Christine said with a smile. Tony Lewis. He was such a handsome man! When he'd smiled her knees had nearly buckled beneath her, and that had never happened before. "You flirted with that Lewis" Jennifer's eyes were a brown fire, and it was all she could do to not roll her eyes. "Jenny, yes I flirted but what of it. It was just a bit of harmless flirtation." But Jennifer would have none of it. "I don't believe you Chrissy. This is going to be just like when you had your crush on Dr. Roberti. You went to have your teeth cleaned so many times that your gums BLED." She finished with a laugh and Christine blushed. "Well you would have to. The man had the dimples of Adonis." They both dissolved into giggles like a couple of schoolgirls. "Oh seriously Jen you have nothing to worry about. In a little more than three weeks I'm getting married."

Christine couldn't help but notice the way Jennifer's face fell at the mention of her upcoming nuptials and she cringed inwardly. Here she was not even in love with the man she would marry, when he was the object of her best friend’s desire. "Jenny. I'd give anything to fix this for you." She said softly. She began to launch once again into how sorry she was when Jennifer held up her hand. "It's my own fault. I had my chance and I blew it. I'm not angry with you. But I don't want you making a fool out of Thory either." Jennifer inadvertently using her pet name for him. Christine bit back a laugh. She would flirt all she wanted with this Tony Lewis.

"Well hello there ladies have a good time skiing?" Christine felt a large smile slide over her features. There, just inside the lodge door stood Tony Lewis. "We had a FINE time Mr. Lewis." Jennifer said dismayingly while trying to steer Christine past him. A friendly grin played over Tony's face. "You didn't run into anymore handsome young millionaires did you?" He asked teasingly. "Not any that I want to talk to anyway" Christine said and Tony raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Well then I guess I should feel lucky now shouldn't I?" He leaned against the doorframe still grinning. "In that case, would the two of you like to join my friends and I for dinner tonight?" Jennifer began shaking her head but Christine stopped her with a stern look. "We would be delighted to be in your company Mr. Lewis." She said with the grace she'd learned in finishing school. "Great. I'll see you at say seven? And Christine” Tony said with a chuckle "Call me Tony."

"I don't want to go to dinner with Mr. Lewis and his cronies!" Jennifer whined as she flounced onto her bed. Christine slowly followed behind closing the door. She dropped her snow gear and outdoor clothing in a heap near her bed and went to the window seat. "Don't go then,” She said dreamily. Christine couldn't believe the turn her life was taking. She had finally met someone who set her heart racing! The only problem was she was soon to be married. "We will see," she thought to herself. "Well if your going I'm going. I most certainly can't let you go alone."

Christine came back to reality with a start. "You can't let me go!" She spat and Jennifer eyed her warily. "Jennifer Redmond how DARE you tell me what I may and may not do. Don't worry your pretty little head." She said standing up furiously. "I'm not going to embarrass your precious "Thory" I don't love him Jenny. You do. And I'm not married yet, and I'm not dead!" Just then the sunlight hit her engagement ring and it burst into a rainbow of sparkles. the large diamond filled her with anger and she wrestled it off, and flung it at Jennifer. "Here. You want this more than I do." She said stalking out the door and slamming it behind her.

Christine was amazed at the laid back atmosphere of her, the dining room, and her companions. She had been to many banquet and dinner's with friends but nothing this comfortable. She didn't have to make boring small talk, and she didn't have to watch which fork she used or politely bow out of conversations when the subject turned to politics or other "Men's issues" she found her companions to be very open and jovial. She spend a good portion of the evening laughing. "Oh I don't think I've ever eaten so much in all my life!" She said, amazed by the enormous meal she'd just put away. Tony laughed. "That's a good thing Chrissy." He said his voice easily mastering her nickname. "It's good to see a woman who doesn't have the appetite of a bird." The group laughed and Christine blushed prettily. "How about a walk all?" Tony asked. Christine noticed how he threw a glance at the rest of their companions, who hastily made excuses to return to their rooms. "Well I guess it's just us then. How about a walk?" Christine merely smiled in answer and took his offered arm.

It was dark but not pitch black as they walked along the sides of the lodge. Christine couldn't help but stare at Tony as they walked. He was even more handsome up close. Without his snow gear she could make out his slim almost delicate figure. He was much taller then she first thought and his hair even darker in the twilight. The wind picked up a little and Christine caught scent of him. She didn't know what it was, his cologne or aftershave, but she found the earthy aroma very appealing. The silence stretched between them, but it was not uncomfortable. They walked together hand in hand and for the first time Christine felt humbled, and appreciated by a man.

"You're not a lady are you Chrissy?" They stood outside her room and Tony leaned against the wall with an easy grace. Christine, hand poised on the knob, froze. "What do you mean?" Well Tony said slowly. "You seem like a lady at first chance, all poised and stately but I think deeper analysis would prove otherwise." With each word he crept closer and closer to her, until there was but a sliver of space between them. "There is so much just below the surface isn't there? A fierce intelligent passion." Christine opened her eyes wide at the word passion but didn't have time to analyze what he meant. He was kissing her. The kiss was light as a feather but it resonated from the top of her head to the tips of her toes. Without the slightest inhibition she leaned into the kiss, daring Tony to deepen it, which he did without hesitation. Christine felt as if she were totally floating away she couldn't think. Just feel. The pressure of Tony's lips on hers, the tangy taste. And then it was over. Christine pulled back wide eyed and shaking. Tony blushed. "I'm sorry" Christine put a finger to his lips to hush him. "Goodnight Tony" She said in a husky voice. She swiftly opened the door barely heard his whispered "Night Chrissy" Wow. She thought as she sagged against the closed door that was amazing she thought to herself as she ran to the window and looked out. She smiled to herself and flung down on the bed giving a shriek into the pillow before falling into a deep trouble less sleep.

Christine Slevil was in love. The past three days had been heaven. She and Tony were attached at the hip and Jennifer along with her fiancée' were all but forgotten. Tony showed her a world she never knew. He explained that he was rich now; he had a plastics business, but he had not always been so. He drove himself. In a beat up old Malibu at that. And he'd showed her an Aspen never before perceived. They went out to dinners, ate with manner less people who talked of scandalous things. And it was FUN. Christine enjoyed "slumming it" as her society friends would call it. She enjoyed walking with Tony through all the little novelty shops. She loved racing him down the slopes, and eating meals with his rowdy friends. She especially enjoyed the twilight walks and the evenings spend in each other's arms before a roaring fire. She could talk to him about anything, and she did. She told him all about her father, how she'd never been able to attain his love. She felt like she'd known him forever. It was a wonderful time in her life.

"It's especially beautiful out tonight isn't it?" Tony mumbles low into Christines' ear. She leaned back against him and he nibbled on her ear. "Do you believe in fate?" Christine thought about it. She had often wondered that herself. Why was it now that she would find Tony when she was just three weeks from getting married? "I'm not sure I do." "I never did until this moment." He hugged her closer to him, and Christine reveled in every touch. She never wanted to let him go. "Christine. Is it possible to fall in love with someone after knowing them but a few days?" Christine turned around and wrapped her arms around Tony's neck. "What are you getting at?" "It's just a question." Christine stood on her tiptoes and pecked his lips with her own. "I suppose so. It would all depend on the person." Tony was quiet for a time and Christine wondered what he was thinking about. "Penny for your thoughts?" She asked tentatively. I'm just wondering if it's possible." He trailed off and took her hand, bringing it to his lips. "Christine?" "Yes?" Christine asked breathlessly. Oh please PLEASE let him tell me he loves me she thought franticly. "Would you be terribly amazed if I told you?” Tony stopped as if to collect his thoughts. And Christine urged him on. "Told me what?" She asked. Tony's mouth lifted into a sensual smile and Christine's knees nearly gave way. "If I told you that I" "DARLING! There you are!!!" A strong voice broke the moment.

Both Tony and Christine whipped around to find Thouralgood Huntsman standing behind them. "Thouralgood? What are you doing here?" Christine faltered and dropped Tony's hand in the process. "I just had to see you my dear. Two weeks is a terribly long time to be without the woman that I love." He said cordially and Tony stiffened. "Woman you Christine?" He looked at her for an answer and finding none turned back to Thouralgood. "You should not have come Thouralgood." Christine said hotly finally finding her voice. The man took her hand in his and brought it to his lips. They were cold and she shivered. "I'm sorry my dear. I called by Jen, she said you were out." He turned her hand over curiously in his. "Christine where is your ring?" Oh no, what do I say??? She thought in panic. She dug the ring out of her pocket with a fervor. "Right here. I don't feel comfortable wearing it about it's so big and all." Thouralgood laughed and slipped it on her finger. "Your much too modest love. Just think in three weeks to the day you will be my wife. Then what will your excuse be." Christine gave him her most charming smile. "I'm not sure I know what you mean darling. I just didn't want people to think me extravagant." "And why shouldn't you be? You're my bride." Christine could feel Tony's rigid ness and wanted nothing more than to explain herself. "Tony” He shook his head angrily but his voice remained calm. Hello, you must be Christine's Fiancée. I'm Tony Lewis." He said smoothly extending his hand to Thouralgood. "Yes that's right. Thouralgood Huntsman. Nice to meet you." The two men shook warmly; like old friends. "Have you been taking care of my Christine?" "As best I could." Tony said pleasantly, but his body remained rigid. Christine looked at him pleadingly, but he refused to meet her gaze. "Well I must be off now, I'm sure you two kids want to be alone." Tony said airily moving away from Christine. "Tony." "Good-evening Miss Slevil" he said coldly and stalked away. Christine watched him go, tears welling in her green eyes. This time she made no attempt to right herself when her knees gave way beneath her and she sank softly into the snow.

It was long after midnight when Christine dared creep out of her room. After practically biting Jennifer's head off she'd played the dutiful fiancée at dinner and then retired early to her room complaining of a headache. She waited until Jennifer's breathing was slow and rhythmic before tip toeing out of the room and down the hall. Originally she had thought to try his room, but she spied him as she crossed the wide lobby. He sat by himself staring into the ebbing fire. Its weak flames illuminated his from and he glowered in silence. Christine quietly came up behind him. "Tony?"

"Go away Christine." He said in a dead voice and Christine halted in her tracks. "No." she said and Tony actually looked up at her. He looked like hell, his hair was a mess and his eyes were puffy and red from lack of sleep or crying. "Please Christine, just leave me alone. I'm trying to put you in my mind the way I thought you were, so I can remember that girl .Not who you are." He said tiredly and Christine timidly sat next to him on the sofa. "Tony I AM that girl. This," she said holding out her hand so her ring was visible, "is NOT who I am." She took a deep breath. "The truth is it was it really was who I THOUGHT I was. I don't love Thouralgood, and he doesn't love me. It's an arranged marriage, we've known since we were little we would wed. But neither of us wants to." She sat back, waiting for a smile to form. "Do you honestly think that makes it better? Oh you sheltered little twit! That makes it worse." "But Tony?" He stood over her angrily, towering in his height. "You lied to me. You led me on. You're getting married for Christ sakes? How could you let me think that you that you cared for me? You let me hold you and kiss you and tell you my dreams why? Was I just some kind of romp for you? One last good roll before settling down?" Christine was horrified. "Tony no! It's not like that at all! I'm telling you that I don't love Thouralgood I love" "Don't you say it Christine Slevil, don't you even think about telling me you love me. It would be a waste of your time; I will never believe you. Now GO AWAY." He said very quietly. Christine put her hand up to his cheek but he swatted it away forcefully. Tears began slipping down her sallow cheek. "Tony please just listen to me" "I'm done listening to you Christine forever now please. Just go away. I don't want you in my life anymore. Leave." He pulled her to her feet and gave her a push in the direction of her room, and then turned away from her. "Tony." But he didn't turn. Christine inhaled a ragged breath and then turned and ran to her room. Tony slumped back on the sofa and listened to the sound of her footsteps fade away into the night. He dropped his head into his hands and for the first time in his life Tony Lewis cried.
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The first pink rays of sun were peaking over the mountains when Christine put down her pen. She quickly scanned the letter she'd spent all night writing. She was amazed that it would take so many hours to compose so few words. "Dearest Tony, I know I am probably the last person you want to hear from now but I HAVE to tell you how I feel. I love you Tony. I think you know that I do. You make me feel so alive! I don't have to worry about saying the wrong thing or being impolite. I can be the person I've always been inside. You are the one who brought that out of me. You showed me I didn't have to be Christine Slevil debutante dumbbell, that I am Christine Slevil a person. You have changed my life in just a few short days. I will never be able to go back to the Christine Slevil I was before coming to Aspen, but I suppose you that too. You love me Tony. I know you do. You were going to tell me tonight, I feel that you would have, had Thouralgood not interrupted. Why did you wait so long? I know you think I lied to you and am a terrible person that I used to your some kind of a slum rune. But it's not true. I didn't know how to tell you about Thouralgood. I was hoping that tonight you would tell me you loved me, and ask me to marry you. Then you could sweep me away from Thouralgood and my family and we could be together forever! But you didn't, you couldn't. Do you love me at all? Can you find it in your heart to forgive me? Please tell me you love me and take me away from this. Please, just tell me how it is you really feel, what you were going to say before Thouralgood appeared. I have to know that even for the briefest of moments you loved me and I'll be able to go on without you and become Mrs. Huntsman. Just tell me how you feel. I love you. Christine” Christine sighed. It wasn't eloquent, or well worded, but it was from the heart. It was how she felt. Christine went down to the lobby and up to the front desk. "Could you tell me where Mr. Lewis is?" She asked politely. The man behind the counter smiled kindly at her. "He's packing his car Miss Slevil. Mr. Lewis has decided to cut his vacation short." Christine went pale and grabbed the counter to support herself. He was leaving. Had she driven him away? "Will you see that Mr. Lewis gets this before he leaves?" She asked and the man nodded. "Right away Miss Slevil." She handed him the envelope and he called to a bellboy. "Gerardo! See to it that Mr. Lewis receives this at once." He commanded and the young bellhop took the envelope and speeded outside. Christine thanked the man and turned around just in time to see Jennifer and Thouralgood talking intimately by the stairs.

She sauntered up to them gracefully. "Good morning lover" she said reaching up and kissing Thouralgood's surprised mouth. Jennifer glowered at her. "Did you sleep well pet?" he asked and Christine nodded until her red ringlets bobbed. "Indeed I slept like a baby. Oohhh I missed you so!" she said with fake adoration as she slipped her arm through his possessively. Jennifer shrank back and Christine allowed herself to be led out onto the veranda. "Well my dear, life back home has been just dismal without your smiling face, so my father says anyways." Christine laughed smartly and snuggled closer to him. Good lord she though am I going to be able to keep this up for the rest of my life?

They were nearly finished with dinner when Tony came up to them. "Mr. Lewis won't you join us?" Thouralgood asked politely rubbing Christine's hand. "Yes Tony, do join us for desert." Tony nodded and sat down next to her. Christine came alive at the feel of his leg accidentally brushing hers and she was sure that the rest of the dinner party, probably the rest of the lodge could heat the hammering of her heart. "I can only stay for a moment. I just came to say good-bye to you all." He refused to meet Christine's gaze, and she lowered hers demurely to her plate. "Leaving so soon Mr. Lewis?" Yes. Unfortunately the demands of my business are high. I had hoped to stay another week but alas I must get back."

Where do you reside Mr. Lewis?" Jennifer asked politely. "Hmm? Oh, I live in New York." Christine's heart leapt. That's right, he lived in New York! Oh she would certainly be seeing him again! Tony exchanged pleasantries with the table for a few moments before finally standing. His leg again brushed up against hers and it sent shivers to every part of her body. She looked up at him. "Will you be leaving then Tony?" She asked softly. "Yes Miss Slevil. I'll be going now; my plane leaves in an hour. I just came to say good-bye, and tell you the answer to your question is no." Christine's heart dropped. Indeed it died in her throat. His answer was no, he didn't love her. "Christine's question?" "Yes, she asked if I would be able to attend your wedding and regretfully I will not be able to. I'll send along a gift and prayers of course." Christine looked up at him. "Thank you Mr. Lewis" she managed to choke out. He nodded to her and said good-bye once again, and was gone. "That Tony Lewis. He's an abrupt one isn't he?" Thouralgood asked and the table laughed. Christine waited for a bit before standing. Thouralgood automatically rose. "Sweetheart?" "I'm not feeling well just now" she lied. "That headache is returning I think. I'll be going up to bed. No stay there. I can do it myself." She snapped at Jennifer as she stood. "Goodnight love" she said kissing Thouralgood on the cheek. She dismissed herself and made her way up to her room. She scarily locked the door when she began to sob uncontrollably. Tony didn't love her. "He loves me I know it!" She sobbed brokenly. Hew heart was torn too. She'd lost that one great love of her life. The one she would never have to question.

"Mother? Would it be rash of me to ask for some of your bourbon tonight?" Christine sat at her vanity absently brushing her long red hair. It was a warm evening but even so, she shivered in her silk dressing gown. Agnes laughed and passed her a snifter. "It's not rash my dear. I'm sure you have butterflies in your stomach, this being the night before your wedding. Here." She said taking the brush. "Let me." Christine sat and allowed her mother to brush through the auburn strands. "It's all right to be scared pet, I know I was" she murmured. Christine listened to her mothers words of comfort, but didn't take them to heart. She knew that Agnes would miss her terribly, but she would never be able to come home, Samuel would never permit it. "Will father miss me?" she asked suddenly. The brush froze mid stroke and Agnes was quiet for a time. "Honestly love? Probably now he does love you, you're his blood beta" "but I'm not a son." Christine said bitterly. Agnes patted her head. "Someday you will understand. When you have children yourself. I think I'll leave you be per. You need your rest and I well I need more bourbon." Agnes kissed her head gently and padded out of the room. Christine sighed and resumed her brushing.

Tomorrow she would be Mrs. Thouralgood Huntsmen. Married into one of the most provincial and oldest families of New York. She knew most girls would kill to be in her shoes, yet she felt no joy. She was numb inside, had been since the moment Tony Lewis walked out of her life. She tried not to think of him, but once again he was on her mind. She wondered what it was that had made her fall so desperately in love with him so fast. She mused once again on how he had changed her life. It was so much harder now for her to be placid and lady like. More than once she'd been reprimanded for being hasty with her father and Thouralgood often asked her what was the matter. "Am I going to be Cursed loving him forever?" she asked out loud and set down her brush. Her hair crinkled with electricity from over brushing and she suddenly felt incredibly tired. She took a sip of the bourbon and choked as it sent a flame shooting down her throat and to her stomach. Wow! How does mother drink that on a daily basis? she wondered wiping her mouth. Tap, tap, tap...there was a sudden rap on her window and it startled her. She listened again but all was quiet and then rap rap!

Christine made her way to the balcony and threw open the door. She stepped out into the warm spring night and looked down. "Tony!!!" she whispered excitedly. Tony stood beneath her on the ground. "Chrissie?" He whispered frantically. She grinned down at him. "Tony what are you doing here?" She started to giggle. "What are you laughing at?" Tony asked tiredly. Christine bent over the railing to see him better. "This is a bit Shakespearean isn't it?" she asked. She couldn't see his face but she heard his soft chuckle. "But soft! What light through yonder window breaks? It is the east, and CHRISTINE is the sun!" he said with gaiety. Christine began laughing so hard her body shook as she tried to suppers it. "Antonio, Antonio, where for are thou Antonio?" she said playfully reusing his real name of Anthony. He laughed. "Will you come down here please? He asked and her heart began beating fast. "Why?" "Just come down here!" Christine wondered for a moment whether she should get dressed but decided against it. She slipped some slippers on and slipped over the railing. "I've never done this before. Are you going to catch me?" "Yes.." he said and she let go and landed in Tony's arms. He set her down and took her hand in his. "Tony are you going to tell me what's going on?" She asked and he put his finger to her lips to silence her. "shh, come with me." He led her off the property and to his car. "Where are we going?" She asked and he laughed "You'll see."

It was dark when he stopped the car. "Where are we?" "Central park" he said smiling as he led her down deep into the park. They sat together on a bench and he put his arm around her. "I can't let you get married tomorrow." He said simply. Christine looked up at him in surprise. "Why? You don't love me so why can't I get married tomorrow?" She was past being happy to see him. She was angry, damn his timing! She though to herself Tony looked startled, obviously he had expected her to be ecstatic. "Because you don't love the man you're to marry right?" "No I don't love Thouralgood at all. But what do you want from me? You told me you wanted me out of your life forever." Tony looked at his hands. "I know I said some terrible things to you Chrissie. I didn't mean them. I read your letter and I knew that I wanted to spend the rest of my life with you, but I just my pride wouldn't let me. So I came to find you before if was too late." Christine sucked in a breath and tried to calm her beating heart. No way in hell was he going to get out of this one easy. "And you waited until now? 12 HOURS before my wedding to tell me this?" "Well pride is not an easy thing." "I'll say." "Listen I know the Huntsman's are wealthy they aren't new money like I am. I know Thouralgood can provide for you and all I can too. But I can give you one thing that he never would be able to." "Oh, and what pray tell would that be?" Tony inched over to her until their lips were nearly touching. "I can give you love." He pressed his lips against hers and she yielded to him instantly. She wrapped her arms around his neck and brought him closer to her.

She couldn't tell just how long the kiss lasted, but they were both gasping for breath when it was over. "Marry me Chrissie, marry me tonight." He whispered in her ear. "What?" she asked incredulously. Was he actually asking her to marry him? Or was it al a wonderful dream? Tony knelt on to his knees before her, and withdrawing a jewelers box from his pocket began to speak.

"I couldn't speak for myself on this. I just don't know the words to say. So I'll let Tennyson say them for me." He took a deep breath and began to speak "Let the sweet heavens endure, not close and darken above me before I am quite sure that there is one to love me; then let come what may: To a life that has been so sad, I shall have had my day."

"It's you know. I know I can make it through anything as long as I have the knowledge that you love me." He opened the box and showed her its contents. Melted within the velvet folds was an emerald stone surrounded by diamonds. In the darkness the emerald shone like onyx, and the diamonds glittered in the moonlight. He held it out to her. "Will today be that day?" He asked softly. Christine looked from the ring in the box to the ring on her finger. The gargantuan lone diamond shone fiercely, gaudily on her finger and in an instant she knew what to do. "You shall have had your day Mr. Lewis," she cried triumphantly taking the ring. Tony beamed as he slipped it onto her finger and they sealed the deal with a kiss. "I love you Christine Slevil," he said lowly in her ear. "I love you too Tony Lewis and I will forever. Let happily ever after begin!!!!"