I laughed. “We wouldn’t dream of it.”
After promising to chat soon and saying our goodbyes, I continued to smile as I ended the call. My two friends always knew how to cheer me up. However, taking in the numerous notes before me, I supposed I should get back to the task at hand.
I picked up my pen to assess where I’d got to and scanning what I’d written, I was pleased to see I could add at least some blue ticks. We were awaiting emails from a photographer who’d agreed to send samples of her work. We’d sorted our guest list, Leo was organising the flowers, and Sal was making our cake. Mum was overseeing the invites, but those couldn’t be sent until we’d decided on where we were getting married, Saint Oswald’s church or otherwise.
I frowned as I underlined the wordvenueto signify its importance. No ruling on that left a question mark with regards to our reception and catering. We also had rings to organise, as well as transport for getting to and from the said venue or venues, and Leo needed to sort out his outfit for the day. We still had India as bridesmaid to think about and Sal, as matron of honour. I sighed. Underscoring over and again, the fact that my dress issue had yet to be resolved too.
I put down my pen and feeling at a loss, leaned back in my seat. Having contacted numerous bridal boutiques, everyone I’d spoken to had been sympathetic. But it seemed regardless of my situation, a minimum six-month lead time was needed when it came to having my dream dress made for me or the ones I had altered. Which meant I either had to do a crash course in sewing to create something myself or settle for an off-the-peg number. I chuckled. Or take on board Abbey and Chloe’s recommendation that we go for a nineteen-eighties theme.
But that would mean wearing one of the gifted gowns or, as Leo had suggested, both; something I knew I couldn’t do even in the name of fun. I scowled, thanks to my cowardliness. Having not yet found the courage to tell Mum and Grace how I felt, I could already picture their upset. Upset that could have been avoided if I’d been open and honest from the off.
“Unless…” An altogether better alternative popped into my head, but just the thought of seeing it through caused my heart rate to increase. I looked down at my notes again, knowing I should at least give it a try. “Come on, Tess,” I said, trying to rally myself. “What choice do you have?”
Having exhausted all other avenues, the answer was simple. None.
Chapter 35
By the time I pulled up behind Leo’s van, I’d talked myself in and out of my idea numerous times and my doubts continued as I switched off the car engine. Wondering if I should have rung ahead, I looked up at Marianne and Hugo’s house hoping to spot Leo so I could get his opinion, but there was no one in sight.
With my hand on the car key and the key still in the ignition, a part of me saw an opportunity to forget the whole thing and turn around again. Another part insisted I had nothing to lose.
Steeling myself, I grabbed my bag and climbed out of the vehicle, before making my way up the path and around to the back of the property. The rear garden was very much the same building site I’d last experienced and while I could hear Leo’s voice from somewhere in the distance, craning my neck and glancing around I failed to see him.
Movement through the kitchen window caught my eye and I turned to see Marianne appear at the back door. Just like when we’d previously met, she wore a colourful kaftan, this one made from an exotic parrot print. Her silver hair cascaded down her shoulders, giving her a glamorous yet natural look.
“Tess,” she said. “What a lovely surprise.” She raised her eyebrows and inclined her head. “That young man of yours hasn’t forgotten his lunch again, has he?”
“Not today. So no bacon sandwiches for Hugo, I’m afraid.”
“His doctor will be glad to hear it,” Marianne said, with a chuckle.
“Actually…” I tried to hide my uncertainty, but it was to no avail. I knew my blushes gave me away. “It’s you I came to see.”
“Me? That does sound intriguing.” She smiled. “Come on in. I’ll put the kettle on.”
Once inside, Marianne gestured I sit down and while she set about making the drinks, I glanced around the room. Taking in the cheerfulness around me, I rested my hands on the table and toyed with my fingers, determined to summon the courage to explain my situation.
However, dismissing my prior foolishness wasn’t that easy and I recalled the ease with which I’d previously chatted with the woman. Having, no doubt, spent years learning her craft, she had to have found my overconfidence insulting.
I took a deep breath, asking myself what was the worst thing that could happen? My eyes settled on the photograph of her and Zane Rafferty.She could laugh you straight out of the door, that’s what.
Marianne placed a cup in front of me and sat down, before taking a sip from her own. “Now, how can I help?” she asked, with a smile.
“It’s about my wedding dress.”
Marianne’s eyes lit up. “Wonderful. I’ve been wondering how your sewing’s been coming along.” She rolled her eyes. “I did ask Leo, but unfortunately I didn’t get much of a response.”
My cheeks flushed even redder. Admitting that my skill set hadn’t lived up to my own hype felt humiliating. But I knew I only had myself to blame. “That’s because it’s not. I’m rubbish at it.”
Marianne’s expression softened. She wrinkled her nose. “And you’d like my help?”
I nodded. “More than you know. But I’ll understand if you’d rather not. You must have thought me so arrogant the last time I was here. It’s just everything’s such a mess and…”
“Arrogant?” Marianne seemed surprised I’d say that. “Not at all. I loved your enthusiasm.”
“Now you’re being kind.”
Marianne waved her hand, dismissive. “Tell me. What is it you need?”
