My Fair Lady

Chapter 17 - 1964

When the plane wheels touched London ground, a spark of excitement shot through Eliza. She peered out the window to catch the first glimpse of England. Damn, the London air already felt good. It was going to be a stark contrast between the north where she grew up & the upper class poshness of the south. But she didn't think she'd experience much of it with only four days at hand.

Four very busy days, might she add.

The two Telegraph representatives hopped into one of the cabs lined outside the Heathrow airport. Eliza closed her eyes, relishing the coldness of the car window against her forehead. Her brain did a quick rundown of their agenda for tomorrow. Nick and her were celebrating fourth of July indoors. They were going to sleep the jet lag off today & venture out the next day.

The hotel Michael had booked for them was not a fancy one. But it was a fifteen minute drive from the Pavilion Theater where the premiere was to happen. They each had their own rooms which was an additional bonus for Eliza. But that didn't mean Nick would be any less nosy.

After a nice dinner of salmon and mashed potatoes in Eliza's room, they watched a bit of TV before Nick retired to his room. Eliza tried to fight off the sleep for fear of missing Paul's or some one else's calls but in vain. 

For the premiere, there was the same buzzing excitement in the that she remembered from the Beatles' first visit to the US. People were gravitating towards the Pavilion in hordes & the Piccadilly Circus was closed for the day. Princess Margaret & her husband Lord Snowdon were to attend the premiere so everyone, including the press members were dressed very smartly.

Nick insisted they leave early for fear of getting caught with the throngs of fans. Now as she stood in her olive green Mary Quant dress, Eliza thanked God they arrived when they did. The madness was growing outside. The lobby was filled with richly dressed men and women. Everyone was looking to make an impression but she didn't know whether on the Princess or the Beatles.

The first time she saw them again was disappointing. They were a great distance away from where they sat in the big hall. She couldn't differentiate the mop tops from one another. The lights dimmed & the movie started. Nick began to scribble notes into his book. The movie was a riot in itself but endearing nevertheless. Even from the distance, she could hear John laughing at himself. 

The press were kept away from the Beatles for the entirety of the premiere. But thankfully, someone by the name of Neil Aspinall had to come seeking her out again. She saw him heading for her through the thick of the crowd & fought a smile whilst keeping her banter up with Nick. He tapped on her shoulder.

"Hello miss Roberts."

"I was wondering when you were going to drop by", she smiled demurely.

"Aren't you a familiar face?", Nick frowned from her side.

"Yes, I happen to be less of a groupie & more of an escort around here." He offered her his arm. "Coming with m'lady?"

"Hold on, hold on...she's not going anywhere. We're here to work you know."

"Erm...the view from here is extremely poor. So I'm taking her somewhere where she can take better pictures."

"Is that so?" In an uncharacteristic show of possessiveness, he grabbed her arm & looked at Neil, "I'll go where ever she goes."

Eliza pried his arm off, giving him the politest smile she could muster, "I'll be back in a few Nick. Just let me meet them once & I'll come back in no time."

He narrowed his eyes, "Why can't I come with you?"

"Because...", Neil grabbed her arm & smiled cheekily at him, "The Beatles didn't ask for you."