<b><span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua'">November, 1872 - <i>New York</i></span></b><br/><span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua'"><br/>
The newsboys couldn’t contain their joy at the sheer numbers of papers sold that morning. Men stood on street corners laughing into the pages, while the women around them faked absolute disinterest in the blazing headline.<br/>
</span><br/><div style="text-align: center"><b><span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua'">SUSAN B. ANTHONY ARRESTED; CHARGED WITH ILLEGAL VOTING!</span></b>​</div><span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua'"><br/>
Elsie had read the article aloud over a cup of coffee with the women she called her closest friends - women who revered Anthony for her stubbornness and drive to make the world a better place for the American woman. It was women like her that had inspired the her to help in the very same effort. It hadn’t quite been a year, but people were talking about Elizabeth Williams in the same sentences with Anthony, Stanton and other trailblazers like them. <br/>
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Elizabeth had both the ability and the opportunity to take a stand. While she didn’t require a job herself, she believed that women should be afforded the same pay and opportunities as men, if they wished. Politics very rarely directly affected her life, but voting was an important aspect of a democratic society and why shouldn’t women have that as well? Her stance didn’t come from need, but the understanding that others who could not voice their opinion had a need. <br/>
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Young, newly married, and without a care in the world, Elsie picked up the fight for women all across America. It was a source of tension with her handsome, yet traditional husband, but they had struck an agreement. After all, times were changing. Blissfully happy, the news of what was done to Anthony and others rocketed their movement into the household of every American. Once again, their fight was national news and therefore would actually be heard. <br/>
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So she hoped.<br/>
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With her copy of the paper tucked under her arm, Elizabeth happily ascended the steps to her front door. Their home was extravagant, but not pretentious. They had maids, but each one was well paid and taken care of. The ladies who helped her run her husband’s household were more like friends. When she let herself in, her jacket and hat were removed and promptly put away. <br/>
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“Careful.” The girl warned, leaning in to whisper into Elsie’s ear. “He wanted to know where you ran off to so early.”<br/>
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It was an hour past their usual breakfast time, but Elsie was certain he’d forgive her absence just this once. Thanking the young maid, she made her way into the dining room. She never felt the need to tiptoe around Oscar, but she had learned quickly to ease into situations where his anger may reign supreme. He was very particular about their life and even her, but Elsie had convinced herself that he was a good match. Her parents made sure she married into a good family with no lack in wealth or societal standing. Her role had been made very clear, but she’d toed that line at every opportunity. Her involvement with the Women’s Suffrage Movement, and other topics of equality for women, had been met with his usual stern nature. <br/>
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Dressed perfectly, just the way he preferred and even in his favorite of her dresses, Elsie couldn’t hide her youthful appearance if she tried. Plump, pink lips were set in an affectionate smile that lingered in her blue eyes. Dark hair hung down her back in soft waves, in beautiful contrast to the light pink fabric of her dress.<br/>
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Oscar sat at the dining room table looking perfectly put together, as always. She offered marveled at the man she was so lucky call husband. He was older than her, but her father adored him for his motivation and dedication to family and her mother was moved by his ravishing good looks. Yet, no many knew the real Oscar  - even Elsie wondered if she did. They were very different people, but she was so certain that their marriage would always be a happy one, full of children and grandchildren and all those blissful moments people talk about in old age. <br/>
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The look on his face said otherwise.<br/>
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“Good morning, dear.” The words slipped from Elsie’s lips so sweetly as she entered his range of view to stand next to the table. She set the newspaper down, signaling to one of the maids that she’d like coffee as well. “Forgive me for leaving so early this morning. It’s a big day for us.” </span>