Carole smiled mischievously. ‘Wait right here.’
‘What? Where else would I be going … ?’ But she was talking to herself, as her boss headed out back to the stockroom. Seconds later, she emerged with a large white box with an elegant black ribbon tied around its middle.
‘What on earth is that?’ Holly asked.
‘That, my dear, is a surprise for you. And with it, I need you to make me a promise.’
‘What kind of promise?’
‘I’ll tell you in a minute. First, open it.’
‘You’re the boss,’ Holly laughed, untying the ribbon. Then she lifted off the top of the gift box, tore back the tissue paper and immediately sucked in her breath.
‘Oh Carole … it’s Anna Bowery’s Givenchy! But I thought Jessica bought it… ’
‘I never said that, you did.’
Holly playfully swatted at Carole as she admired the dress. It was just so beautiful and, in truth, would be absolutely perfect for the benefit tomorrow night. When she thought about all the amazing events this dress had seen in its lifetime … Certainly, many more than she had, that was for sure.
‘Try it on,’ Carole urged, as she had when the dress first came in.
‘Oh I don’t know—’
‘Please, just humour me.’
‘It doesn’t matter, I can’t afford it.’
‘Try it on! Like you said, I’m the boss, and that’s an order.’
‘OK … ’ Holly reluctantly picked up the dress and turned towards the small dressing room at the other end of the store.
A few moments later, she emerged to look in the mirror.
‘Oh my … ’ Holly gasped. ‘This is exactly what Cinderella must have felt like.’ She walked towards her reflection in the mirror, then twirled slowly, allowing the boundless tulle of the skirt to float around her, the crystals catching the overhead lighting and casting a disco-ball effect on the floor.
Carole approached her from behind and gazed at her reflection. She patted her shoulder. ‘My goodness Holly, it was really made for you. These nineteen fifties dresses can be so severe with their tailoring, especially on women’s shapes today. You look like you’ve just stepped out of the fifties yourself. It hardly needs any alterations, just a little bit here … ’ She took a pin out of her pocket, and clipped it to the shoulder area, which was slightly loose. So delicate, and what’s more you already have the accessories. Your charm bracelet is perfect with it.’
Holly duly held out her arm. The bracelet did indeed look great with the dress.
‘You said it yourself,’ Carole continued. ‘This dress has seen so many things and has such a rich history – it should belong to you.’ Holly was about to protest that there was just no way she could afford it, when Carole put her hand up. ‘And it does now because I bought it for you. So please, promise me that you will wear this tomorrow night, and even if you don’t find the owner of the bracelet, that you will have fun, that you will give that dress another great outing.’
Holly felt tears playing at the corner of her eyes and nodded. ‘I would so love to wear it, but you have to let me pay you back for this. It’s just too much.’
‘No Holly. It’s just enough. Do Anna Bowery proud. Have a New Year’s Eve to remember in that dress, OK?’
Holly held up the dress and had to admit to herself that she couldn’t wait to put it on. Maybe it was a sign. Maybe, just maybe, she would find the owner of the bracelet while wearing this beautiful confection of an outfit.
Conspiratorially, the crystals on the skirt seemed to twinkle and wink at her, as if they understood that they were about to embark on another adventure with their new owner.
Holly turned to Carole and smiled. ‘Well, then I suppose I’m all set. New Year’s Ball, here I come.’
64
‘Why is it I have never been able to get the hang of bow ties?’ Jeff asked his reflection as he struggled with the black piece of silk around his neck.
Greg walked up behind his father and shook his head.
‘Because Mom coddled you too much by always doing it for you? No surprise, you’re hopeless.’ He chuckled and tapped Jeff on the shoulder. ‘Turn around … ’
