“He’s handling things far better than me, as usual.” I sighed. “I’ve given up talking to him about it.”
Sal glanced my way, her face concerned. “I don’t like the sound of that.” My sister’s unease grew. “Tess, are you all right?”
I looked back at her direct. “Truthfully? I don’t think I am. I mean look at me. I’m on my way to try on the dress of my dreams and I don’t feel anything. Despite its rough start, this wedding gown is the one thing that’s gone right for me and it’s like if I allow myself to get excited, then…” I let my voice trail off. I considered how much the wedding we were getting differed from the one we’d planned. “How did we get into this mess, Sal? Why didn’t I put my foot down?”
“Probably because every time you did say something, you were told not to stress because people meant well.”
I couldn’t disagree. But neither could I deny any responsibility on my part. “It’s my fault too. I should have listened to you and learnt how to properly say no once in a while.”
Sal reached over and rubbed my arm. “Come on. Forget about Mum and everyone else. At least for now. Tonight’s about you and I don’t care what’s going on, you deserve to enjoy it. You’re seeing your dream wedding dress for the first time and I, for one, can’t wait.” She raised her eyebrows and smiled. “No matter what happens at your wedding, I promise you, you’ll at least have a nice cake.”
My expression relaxed into a smile. “Good to know.” I knew my sister was right. That I should stop worrying about what might come next and focus on what matters. “So tell me. What does this cake entail?”
Sal spent the rest of the drive updating me on her plans. As Leo and I hadn’t been able to narrow down which flavour to choose, she’d decided to use all the ones we’d tasted bar the Christmassy fruit cake.
“So, it’ll have four tiers?” I asked, shocked.
Keeping her left hand on the wheel, Sal counted them out on her fingers. “Chocolate, lemon and elderflower, vanilla and raspberry, and white chiffon.”
Recalling the taste of each one of them, my mouth began to water.
“Yes, four. And I thought I’d take your dress as inspiration and go for a vintage vibe. I’m thinking of an ivory or blush pink base with white royal icing over-piping. Using the Lambeth method.”
“Which is?” Being a cake eater and not a cake maker, that meant nothing to me.
“It’s used to create rows of intricate details. Scrolls and garlands, that type of thing. Creating a sense of depth and layering to the decoration. Lambeth cakes tend to be a bit more lavish in style and although they went out of fashion for a while, they’re nowveryon trend.” She smiled. “So, what do you think?”
“Isn’t that a lot of work?”
“Only the best for you and Leo.”
I smiled, appreciating her words. “In that case, it sounds perfect.”
Sal flicked on the car indicator, before pulling up outside Marianne’s farmhouse. Sal turned to look at me. “Time to check out these dresses.”
Chapter 49
We all climbed out of the car, and after retrieving the box from the back seat, headed up the path and round to the back of the property where Marianne was ready and waiting for us.
“Here you all are,” she said. Her eyes fell on India. “Oh my word. It seems I have my own mini-me.”
“I’ve decided to become a dressmaker,” India said. “And a pattern designer for a big fashion house.”
“And very pleased I am to hear that.” Marianne winked at me and Sal. “If appearances are anything to go by, young lady, I’d say you’ll make a proper career out of it.”
India smiled, delighted by the compliment.
“These are for you,” I said, handing over the box.
Marianne tilted her head. “Thank you. But a gift? You really didn’t have to.”
I felt anxious as I watched her place the box on the table.
Proceeding to open it, Marianne’s eyes widened as she freed the platters of bubble wrap. “These are gorgeous. Look at the colours.” Placing them side by side, she looked my way again. “Please tell me you made them.”
“I did,” I said. “My makers mark is underneath.”
“I shall treasure them.” Marianne gave me an appreciative hug, before gathering herself. “Now to business,” she said, at the same time turning to India. “I think Aunt Tess should model her dress first. Don’t you?”
