* * *
For the next hour they worked happily together. Libby helped Holly draw the pattern onto the paper and then Holly watched Libby’s every move, which gave her a warm glow inside. They were having fun making the dress together and Libby was enjoying spending time with the little girl. After they had pinned the fabric pieces together, Libby carefully took each section over to the sewing machine and began to sew the dress. Holly was at her side the whole time and Libby taught her how to hold the material steady as it went through the machine.
‘It’s like magic,’ exclaimed Holly, watching the material feed through the machine. ‘And now it’s sewn together.’
‘It is, and that’s why making your own clothes is so exciting. You can create your own designs and wear whatever you want.’
In what felt like no time at all, the dress was finished and hanging on the mannequin. ‘What do you think?’ Libby asked.
‘It’s so pretty!’
‘Isn’t it just,’ Libby replied. The beam on Holly’s face made her heart swell. ‘I’m just going to steam it to get rid of the creases, then do you want to try it on?’
‘Yes, please! I can’t wait to wear it for the wedding … but I wish Daddy was going to see me in my dress,’ Holly said, suddenly looking sad.
Libby took the iron from the cupboard and began to steam the creases out of the dress.
‘I’m sure your dad will see you in your dress,’ Libby said supportively, trying to smooth away Holly’s worry but aware that if Guy’s split with his ex wasn’t amicable, it would be difficult for him to go to the wedding, even for Holly’s sake.
Holly shook her head. ‘Daddy can’t come and he’s fallen out with Auntie Lydia too. I’m going with Granny and Grandad. Daddy’s arguing a lot with Granny.’
There were certainly no secrets when kids were around. Libby was unsure what to say. ‘You can try it on for him later. I’m sure when he sees you in your dress, he’ll love it.’
‘It might make him change his mind,’ Holly said hopefully, her eyes wide.
Libby stood back and looked over the dress, grateful that she didn’t need to answer. ‘There you go, it’s all finished.’ She turned off the iron and stood it on the table to cool. ‘Time for you to try it on!’
Holly gave a little squeal as Libby carefully lifted the dress off the mannequin. ‘Come on, this way, there’s a changing area though here.’
Libby led Holly through a double wooden door, up three carpeted steps and into a magnificent cream room. In each corner were giant palm plants and there was a plush cream sofa and armchairs. Across the back of the room were a number of large changing cubicles with thick ivory curtains. Libby pulled back the curtain on one. ‘Do you need any help?’ she asked.
Holly shook her head and disappeared behind the curtain. While she was getting changed, Libby retrieved the tiara that Holly had admired from the cabinet.
‘I’m ready!’ Holly shouted a moment later.
As Libby pulled back the curtain she was met by Holly, holding the dress by the hem and dropping into a curtsy.
‘Look at you!’ Libby turned Holly around and zipped up the back of the dress then stepped back to take a better look. ‘Come and have a look at yourself in the big mirrors.’
Holly ran towards the mirrors that lined the wall. She spun round and round. ‘I love it. Thank you!’
‘You’re very welcome. And now for the finishing touch.’ Libby placed the tiara on the top of the little girl’s head. ‘What do you think?’
Holly brought her hands up to her mouth in delighted surprise. ‘I’m a proper princess.’
‘You are.’
Holly stepped straight up to the mirror and stared at her reflection. ‘You need to dress up too. We can both be princesses.’ She pointed to the row of wedding dresses along the opposite wall.
‘Come and help me choose. Which one do you like?’
Holly walked along the line of dresses, looking carefully at each one before glancing towards Libby. ‘I think this one would look pretty on you.’
Libby looked at the dress that Holly had chosen. It oozed romance. ‘I’ll try it on,’ she said, kicking off her boots and taking it from the rail before disappearing into the changing room. Closing the curtain behind her, Libby slipped out of her clothes.
Hearing one of her favourite songs on the radio, she danced her way into the dress. ‘I love this song,’ she shouted to Holly. ‘But you’ll have to excuse my singing, I’m not very good at it.’
She was still singing her heart out as she posed in the mirror. She could hear Holly giggling. Pulling the curtain back, Libby spun round, waving her arms in the air like she just didn’t care and wiggling her backside.
