Touching the ivory lace, Elsie smiled. ‘I actually rather like that.’
‘You sound surprised. Didn’t you think I’d suggest something so nice?’ Diane placed her free hand on her hip.
‘I must admit, out of everyone it was you I was worried about. I thought you’d try to get me to squeeze into an overpriced and over-embellished huge princess gown or something.’ Elsie chuckled.
‘I can’t believe you have no faith in me.’ Shaking her head, Diane pouted.
‘The first one you chose for her was exactly that, a huge, puffy princess gown.’ Joining them, Wendy laughed.
‘Well, yes, but this one’s nice, isn’t it?’
‘Yes, it’s lovely, thank you. I’ll try it on.’ Taking the gown, Elsie rubbed her forearm.
‘Good.’ Diane turned around. ‘Shall we sit there?’ She pointed to a large curved white sofa sitting in the middle of the shop floor.
‘Yes, please. If you all take a seat, I’ll borrow Elsie for a few minutes, and we’ll be out to show you all soon.’ Walking along the row of gowns, Savanah pulled a few from the rail, draping them across her arm before leading Elsie through some heavy burgundy curtains at the back of the shop.
‘I can’t wait to see Elsie in a wedding dress. It’s getting so close!’ Nina led the way towards the sofa.
‘I know. I can’t believe Elsie’s not worrying, though. There’s not long to plan everything.’ Diane sat down next to Nina.
‘She has told Savanah when the wedding is, hasn’t she?’ Lauren bit the bottom of her lip.
‘I told her when I booked the appointment, she said Elsie would have to buy something off the hanger as she wouldn’t have time to order anything in.’ Diane pulled a fluffy cushion from behind her back, looked at it, and threw it over the back.
‘That’s good then. I’d hate Elsie to fall in love with something and then be told there wasn’t time to order it in.’ Brooke crossed her legs.
‘How did the suit fittings go yesterday?’ Evie pulled her ring off and pushed it back on her finger.
‘Great. Ian chose a dark grey suit with tails and the ushers and best men will be wearing lighter grey.’ Brooke grinned.
‘And Rueben and Toby looked so smart. And little Hudson, he looked so grown up.’ Nina smiled.
‘Hudson’s so excited to walk down the aisle. He keeps calling it his wedding and when he gets married. I don’t think he really understands what’s going on.’ Wendy laughed.
Savanah stepped out from behind the curtains and clapped her hands. ‘Here comes your beautiful bride.’
Silence enveloped the boutique as Elsie stepped out from behind the curtains. The room was soon filled with a series of gushes as she stepped onto the small pedestal in front of the long sofa and let the gown fall around her ankles.
‘Elsie, that’s beautiful on you.’ Diane held her hands over her mouth.
‘Yes, it’s gorgeous.’ Jessie wiped tears from her eyes.
‘It has a beautiful train too.’ Savanah helped Elsie turn around and swished out the train for her, the intricate lace spreading across the floor behind her.
‘It really is lovely. What do you think, Elsie?’ Teresa leaned forward.
Turning back to face them, Elsie pulled the neckline of the dress up a little. ‘I really like it. It is beautiful. I’m not too sure about this neckline, though. I feel it’s a little low, and I’d quite like something with a little capped sleeve or something.’
‘I’ll think you’ll all agree it’s a fabulous starting point.’ Savanah held out her hand to help Elsie down. ‘And now we try on another. I have just the one in mind for you.’
‘Ooh, I wonder what she’ll come out in next.’ Diane grinned.
‘I have no idea. All I know is I can’t wait.’ Lauren leaned back against the sofa cushions.
‘Here she comes now!’ Diane clasped her hands as Elsie stepped out wearing a pale ivory satin gown with capped sleeves.
Stepping onto the pedestal, Elsie grimaced. ‘It’s too much, isn’t it? All the crystals?’ She ran her hands across the embellished bodice. ‘And the satin? It’s not me, is it?’