“If that’s all that’s worrying you, the answer’s simple.”
Not to me it wasn’t.
“Don’t tell her. At least, not yet.”
I couldn’t believe he thought the solution to my dilemma was that simple. Leo clearly hadn’t learnt anything from Mum’s behaviour those last weeks. “That won’t stop her, she’ll still go on. I can already hear her constant wittering about how beautiful I’m going to look. As will our daughter, and no doubt, our granddaughter.” I knew I was rambling, but it was one of thoseI’ve started, so I’ll finishmoments. “You do know she’s decided it’s an heirloom. To pass on, generation after generation. If there’s ever a time to pray for a male-only bloodline, it’s now.”
Leo chuckled. “It can’t be that bad.”
“Honestly, it’s awful.” I sighed. “I’m so fed up with all the pushing back, Leo. I wish the woman would listen once and for all.”
“Come on.” Leo rose to his feet. “It’s time I saw this dress for myself.”
“Why?” I asked, refusing to move. “So you can tell me I’m overreacting. That there’s nothing wrong with it. It’s only another example of what a saint my mother is.”
Leo shook his head with a smile, before sitting again. “I know it might seem like I’m always taking your Mum’s side, Tess. But just because Patricia can be a bit barmy sometimes, that doesn’t mean her heart isn’t in the right place.”
I knew Leo was right. Mum’s behaviour might be a bit controlling, but she wasn’t malicious or cruel. Even if making me wear that damn dress felt it.
Leo smiled. “You two are more alike than you care to admit.”
I scowled, affronted by the mere suggestion. “I’m nothing like my mother.”
“Really? I bet Patricia’s had a few headaches when she doesn’t want to go somewhere too.”
Thinking about my morning’s behaviour, I supposed we Cavendishes were all a tad eccentric. However, in my opinion, Mum took things to another level. Once she’d made up her mind about something, there was no going back. I scoffed. Even when it came to her daughter’s wedding.
Leo stood up again. “Now, let’s go see that dress.”
“We can’t.”
“Why not?”
“What do you mean, why not?” I was surprised he had to ask. “Because it’s bad luck.”
“Only if you wear it.”
He had a point. “Like that’s gonna happen.”
“So what’s the problem?” Leo hoisted me back onto my feet and nodded towards the doorway. “It’s only fair I see what all the fuss is about.”
Leading the way, I headed upstairs to the bedroom. I pointed to its hiding place under the bed.
Leo got down on his knees and reaching out, he grimaced as he wrangled with the garment bag. Pulling it into view, he groaned as he picked it up and hung it on the wardrobe door. “Why is it so heavy?”
I undid the zip, and a mountain of fabric immediately spilled out. “That’s why,” I said.
“Jesus Christ.”
Freeing the dress altogether, I turned to Leo who stood there, wide-eyed and speechless. “Don’t say I didn’t warn you.”
Leo swallowed, as if trying and failing to find the right words. At last, he opened his mouth to speak. “I’ll never doubt your word again.”
“Doubt me? You mean you thought I was exaggerating?”
“Well, yes. Never in my wildest dreams did I think a mother would do this…” He indicated the wedding gown. “…to their daughter.”
“And now you know mine would!”
