Elizabeth looked up at her husband with a radiant smile that took his breath away, "Oh, Harold, it sounds like a wonderful trip."

"Are you sure, Beth? You don't think it is too... crazy?"

"Well, they couldn't offer a trip like this if it wasn't safe, could they?"

"It should be very safe. They have had over forty years to get the bugs out. And I am told that the owner will be going on the inaugural launch right along with us."

Elizabeth put down the brochure and tickets and took her husband in her arms. " I love it. Thank you."

Harold had not realized the stress he had been under until he heard those words. The tickets had been expensive but it was worth it to see her smile. The tension in his shoulders relaxed and he sighed as he hugged his wife. "Happy Birthday, Baby.".

~~

"It should be quite beautiful," Elizabeth told her friend, Beverly. "They say the scenery is out of this world."

"But is it safe?" her friend wanted to know. "Aren't you going to get claustrophobic in that little space?"

Elizabeth laughed, "Well it is not like we are going to the moon. It is just up and back. Four Days. I plan to just relax and enjoy the ride."

~~

Harold accepted a small glass of brandy from Beverly's husband, Bob. He drew on his cigar to keep it going. "I'm telling you, Bob. you should really consider investing in this company. They have proven their technology by shuttling freight. But this is not a shuttle. This is the first ship to be built for passengers only. It is outfitted for total luxury."

His host adjusted a log in the fireplace and leaned back in his chair. "I don't know, Hal. I think I will wait for them to get a few trips under their belt before I buy-in. They did have that one explosion... And the price is pretty steep. Once they get some competition, I would think it will become a little more reasonable."

Hal had been shaking his head as Bob spoke. "It is absolutely safe. This ship is outfitted with all of the newest safety features. They have a virtual monopoly on the business for the next ten years. Yes, the ticket price is up there but it is worth it just for the experience. I don't see it getting any cheaper in the near future. If anything, I think it will go up."

Harold continued, "Just think of it, Bob, they are doing the New York City to Albany run in just seven hours. I am telling you, the modern steamship is the best bet you are going to find in 1855. It is the most advanced mode of travel in the world and I think it is going to be here for a long time to come. And if you wanted to invest in transportation, The Hudson River Day Line is the place to be."