‘So where is it?’ asked Alexandra.
‘In the trunk outside the door,’ said Lizzie. ‘ I told you. I’ll get it.’
‘And I said you mustn’t,’ said Meg. ‘It’s likely to be heavy. We’ll do it.’
Soon the contents of the trunk were on the big table that was at the opposite end to the kitchen table.
‘Right, so what have we got?’ asked Lizzie. She picked out the oyster satin she had seen first. ‘I wonder if there’s enough here to make a dress? It may not be a complete bolt. It could be just a few yards.’
‘You wouldn’t have to use just that,’ said Alexandra, holding up a bolt of satin the colour of a peacock’s breast.
‘You mean, have a peacock-blue bodice and a different skirt? Hmm, I’m not sure I could have blue but the idea of having different material for the bodice and the skirt is brilliant.‘
‘There are some lovely fabrics here,’ said David. ‘How much is in a bolt?’
‘I don’t know, but the bolts may not be complete,’ said Lizzie. ‘But look at this lace!’
‘Satin skirt, lace bodice and sleeves. Sounds ideal,’ said Alexandra. ‘What style do you want?’
‘Has anyone got a pencil and paper? I’ll draw it. I can see it in my head,’ said Lizzie.
David produced the drawing things.
Meg put another cup of tea by her side. ‘Do try the madeleines. I’m perfecting my recipe.’
‘Oh! I think you’ve done it! That is absolutely delicious.’ Lizzie regarded her friend. ‘Meg, will you be offended if I tell you my mother has found some caterers? I didn’t ask you to do the catering because it’s going to be for so many people and I want you to be at the party, propping me up, like you always do.’
‘As long as David and I can do the cake, I’d much rather just be a guest—’
‘Bridesmaid,’ Lizzie corrected. ‘I wonder if Hugo will have anyone else from his side of the family to be a bridesmaid, apart from Vanessa?’
‘What about me?’ asked David.
Lizzie nodded. ‘That would be an unusual choice for a bridesmaid, but I don’t see—’
‘Not as a bridesmaid, you daft ha’p’orth!’ said David. ‘I meant as a guest. Do you want me to bring a beard?’
Lizzie looked at him, completely at a loss.
Alexandra bust out laughing. ‘He means, do you want him to bring a female friend – known as a beard – to make him look straight?’
Lizzie rolled her eyes. ‘If you’d feel more comfortable, and she’s nice, you’d be very welcome to bring a beard. But otherwise, just come on your own.’
‘Is there a limit on the number of guests you can have?’ asked Meg.
Lizzie shrugged. ‘I don’t think so. Apparently my parents have had a separate account with moneyfor my wedding in it. My mother is now happily spending it.’
‘I’ve always been led to believe that little girls spent their whole lives dreaming of their wedding days,’ said David. ‘I’m a bit shocked to find that in your case, Lizzie, it isn’t true.’
Alexandra and Meg looked at him in horror. ‘David!’ said Alexandra. ‘I’m disappointed in you. That would make Lizzie a very boring, superficial person and she certainly isn’t!’
‘Sorry!’ He put up his hands in surrender. ‘I’ll get my morning suit cleaned by way of apology.’
‘I expect you’re right, actually,’ said Lizzie. ‘I mean, my wedding was always going to be my mother’s project and not much to do with me. Mostly I’m going along with it and trying to rebel in any way I reasonably can.’
‘I don’t see you as a rebel, Liz,’ said Alexandra.
‘To be honest, we none of us saw you as the type to have a shotgun wedding,’ said David.
