The Depression came like the plague and destroyed everything good in its path. People lost their jobs, farms, and families. No one was safe, not even George and Elizabeth. The economy plummeted, their profits dropped, and finding buyers for their crops was near impossible. It was then they decided to leave the only home they�d ever known and try their luck in the big city of Chicago.
George was reduced to picking up trash along the streets after messy euntrapanuers, while Elizabeth stayed behind; keeping the small shack they now called home. They went to Chicago for a new start, but it turned out being worse than before. They worked longer, harder hours and got paid no more than when the farm went down the drain. Their only hope for survival was to get in with the upper class; a useless struggle.
The upper class was a tough crowd to get into. Most who were in it had a circle of friends with them whom no one else was welcome. Some had just newly found their money while others, like the prominent Frank Renaldi, had been long established in the upper class. His parents had made their fortune in the steel industry through hard work and long hours. Frank was left with the spoils, never realizing how fortunate he was. He used his money to get ahead in life, both in the business world and his social life.
Taking advantage of his wealth, he was what one might consider a ladies man. He had dated hundreds of girls but never only one at a time. He enjoyed his women and all the fun, but still longed for that special one. Lonely inside, he hid his true desire for a soul mate behind his many relationships and all the parties. When he entered the room all the ladies would notice was each greeted with a compliment and a kiss. Not only did the ladies take notice when he entered, but the men did as well, all with jealous completions. They all wanted to be him and Frank knew it. He could do anything, be with any woman, and was the center of attention at any party.
It was a twist of fate that he happened upon George and Elizabeth one afternoon. It was her eye and Frank caught and desired, and George was his gate to getting exactly what he wanted. She was a lovely woman, the kind he�d never met before and he was sure he�d never meet again. His plan to steal her immediately formed and he invited George to join him in a business venture. Desperate for money and excited for a chance, George jumped at the opportunity and he and Elizabeth immediately found themselves in the circle of the upper-class.
Parties were soon an integral part of George and Elizabeth�s life and at every party was Frank. It took but a few times before Elizabeth noticed the way Frank wooed all the young ladies and captured their hearts. But he was different with her. There was little flirting and no kisses on the cheek. He treated her differently, special, with love. She though it odd, but when she mentioned it to George, he told her not to be silly. It was just her imagination that Frank tried to catch her eye every change he could get or that he would try to be near to her without saying hello.
Frank knew she was taken, but she could do so much better than George! Why didn�t she realize the wealth Frank had and how unsuccessful George was and would always be? He would win her heart. He was determined. She would be his if it was the last thing he were to do. But he had to be careful. She was special and deserved more respect than the other girls. He would kiss her hand instead of her cheek and watch her graceful movements from a far instead of flirtatious actions by her side. Yes, he would win her, she would be his if it were the last thing he did.
And so it continued for several months that Frank would watch his desired love from afar until he decided he would do so no more. He had to tell her. She had to know the anguish in which he put himself daily just thinking about her. The party that night would be the perfect time and he sat to write a letter from the heart. He would give it to her tonight and then she would be his.
When everyone had arrived at the party and the dancing began, Frank decided it was time. He grabbed the nearest lady and danced his way over to Elizabeth�s side. She noticed his action and it troubled her greatly. Then he handed her the letter which she read over her husbands shoulder as they danced. How could it be? It was George whom she loved and had never betrayed. It was his arms she was in and never wanted to leave! Yet there it was, in her hands, the proof of what she had feared all along. Frank was diffidently interested in her. But what was she to do? She couldn�t very well leave her husband and go with Frank�or could she?
The music stopped and Elizabeth chanced a glance over at Frank who had now discarded the woman he was with and stared in rhapsody at her. His eyes seem to ask the question that was written on the paper.
�Will you run away with me?�
She avoided his eyes and stayed close to George. The party ended and the whole way home Elizabeth was silent. When George asked what was wrong she replied �Nothing�. That night, Elizabeth sat awake staring at the ceiling, the same words flashing across her mind.
�Will you run away with me?�
A week past and there was neither hide nor hair of Frank at any of the social events they attended. Part of Elizabeth was pleased. Perhaps he changed his mind. She was happily enjoying an evening party with George when she looked up and saw Frank entering the room. His eyes scanned the room, spotted Elizabeth and then he started towards her. Her heart picked up pace and her palms began to sweat. What would she say? What would he say? What would he do? She could take it no more. She finally spilled her guts and told George everything. She told him about the letter, the sleepless nights, and even how she considered it. George responded with stunned silence. He turned his head to see Frank still making his way over to them. When he looked back at Elizabeth, she had tears in her eyes. He gently reached up and touched her cheek, whipping the tears away. He offered her a friendly smile.
�If that is where your heart truly lies, then I understand.� He spoke softly and lightly before stepping away, leaving Elizabeth to deal with Frank on her own.
Frank approached her and smiled a sweet smile; a smile that he had never given anyone before. He reached out and gingerly took her hand in his. As his lips touched the soft flesh on the back of her hand, something inside of her head clicked. She wasn�t with George because of his money or social status. She loved him�.she had loved him for the past 10 years and she would continue loving him for the next 40! As this thought occurred to her, a soft smile spread across her lips. Frank, thinking the smile was for him, leaned over to her and made to kiss her lips. She pulled back and placed her palm over his mouth lightly. She shook her head, knowing words weren�t needed. Frank stared, stunned for a moment and then looked over to George. He bowed his head in defeat as Elizabeth slipped away. She walked over behind George and gently placed her hand on his shoulder. He turned around and then opened his mouth to speak but she silenced him, finally able to answer the question that had been plaguing her.
�Yes, George Montgomery, I will run away�..with you�and only you.�