I know Elizabeth was in an awkward situation when David asked her to take his wife's pearls, but she seemed really flustered by it. It's obvious David thought Elizabeth and Mark's relationship is a keeper. Does she feel the same way?

-- joy (joygirl01@yahoo.com), May 05, 2000

Answers

I think Elizabeth was caught off guard by David asking her to have something of such sentimental value. I can't comment on where she sees her relationship with Mark heading; perhaps she thought David should have given it to Mark, and for Mark to give it to his wife someday. Hmmm. . .interesting that the pearls were not given to Mark's first wife when they married. Unless she borrowed them or had her own or something.

-- Michelle (michw_316@yahoo.com), May 05, 2000.

I didn't know what to make of Elizabeth's initial refusal -- I didn't think it necessarily meant anything more profound than her not being prepared for such an important gesture to her from David, particularly since she regarded him as a friend in his own right and may not have been prepared to deal with him giving important things away like that.

However, I assume the pearls were never given to Jen was that David's wife was still alive, and therefore had her own uses for the pearls, during the entirety of Mark's first marriage.

-- Elizabeth (ebs42@yahoo.com), May 05, 2000.

I think she was caught off guard by David's offer and was wary of taking the pearls because she knows she and Mark are not at that point in their relationship. I think Mark was even a little thrown off by the gesture. I was actually kind of surprised that they would not have gone to Rachel.

-- amanda (amanda.rehm@home.com), May 05, 2000.

I think it was very sweet that she wore the pearls to the hospital and didn't take them off at all. Just very cute.

-- Cecelia (evilstoat@hotmail.com), May 05, 2000.

I also was surprised that they were not given to Rachel. However, I do wonder if somnething happens between Mark anbd Elizabeth if she would give them to him to give to Rachel.

However, is there any speculation as to a proposal between the two? Since Mark is in such a tender frame of mind and realizing how important various people are in his life, I would think this might be the time for such a thing. It sure would be nice to open the season next fall with a big wedding. Can you imagine Elizabeth's Mom planning a wedding?

-- Laura (alulak@earthlink.net), May 05, 2000.

Well, I didn't see anything wrong with the initial refusal, I think that was the polite and proper thing to do, certainly is the way most people would respond to such a gift..."No, I couldn't possibly accept!" Also, I don't think we necessarily have to wonder why he didn't give them to Rachel, etc. Who's to say that this is the only important heirloom, piece of jewelry, etc. that his wife had?? Certainly my mother has a number of things that will be passed on to different daughters, and other special people in her life. I think David felt strongly about Elizabeth and wanted her to have something to remember him by, regardless of whether she stays with Mark or no.

-- Mary Jo Sminkey (maryjo@dogpatch.org), May 05, 2000.

Maybe Jen didn't get them because Mark's mom was still alive until after she and Mark divorced. Also, there's never been any indication that she was close to his parents where Elizabeth has helped David tremendously with his final weeks. Sometimes people give a gift to someone they'd never have expected because of the timing. The only thing I thought of was Rachel and maybe she'd want them someday. It was David's decision though and I found it to be one of the most touching parts of the entire epi (it was right up there with Mark and his father saying I love you, his father dying, and Elizabeth holding him while he cried).

-- Diana (dilynne@juno.com), May 05, 2000.

Wasn't it stated in some Season 4 eppy, that Mark's parents had never liked Jennifer, because she was 'selfish' or something like that. (I guess Mrs. Greene actually said that. I also remember saying her that she did want to see Rachel more often and that she hoped that Rachel wouldn't turn out like her mother) However, despite the fact that Mark's mother was still alive when Jennifer and Mark were married, this might as well be a reason why Jennifer never got the pearls.

-- Anne (annebercher@gmx.de), May 05, 2000.

Ruth Greene actually said that she thought Jen had "a sour streak" (comparing her with Cynthia) and that she was afraid that "Rachel got it too." Not a nice thing to say about your granddaughter, but remember, Ruth was suffering from multi-infarct dementia and not operating on all six cylinders at the time. Then again, when your faculties aren't all there, you sometimes get very honest. I tend to agree with Mrs. Greene's assessment!

PS. I too was stunned by David's incredible gesture, and I was not surprised by Elizabeth's response. I'm posting another thread sort of in this vein. Hope you have comments.

-- (trelles@ix.netcom.com), May 05, 2000.

I think Elizabeth was very touched by the gesture. I think her hesitancy came from the fact that the gift made David's condition and imminent death all the more obvious. People often start to give things away when they know their time is short. I also am absolutely certain that if Elizabeth and Mark do not stay together, she will offer to return the pearls. Even though they were an unconditional gift to her from David, I know she would try to return them to Mark even if he ultimately requested that she keep them.

-- Annie (GoldenLaur@aol.com), May 05, 2000.