‘Nonsense!’ says Elaine. ‘You can’t hurry these things. Half the fun is in looking at everything and trying it all on.’
I groan inwardly, but I try not to allow my feelings to show. ‘I still don’t know how formal it is. Let’s start there.’
‘You should wear exactly what you like,’ says Elaine.
‘Except jeans,’ adds Mum.
‘Perhaps not,’ says Elaine. ‘The vicar might not like it. Although I saw a beautiful pair earlier. They had flowers embroidered up the sides, and a lovely rhinestone belt.’
‘Perhaps a dress?’ I say, seeing Mum’s face turn from pink to puce.
‘A dress would be lovely,’ she says.
‘As long as it’s not too frumpy,’ adds Elaine, following us over to a rack of dresses near the window.
‘What about this red one?’ I say, selecting one at random.
‘It isn’t very ...’ begins Mum.
‘Festive,’ agrees Elaine.
‘I was going to say warm,’ says Mum.
‘It doesn’t need to be warm,’ says Elaine. ‘The vicar says the heating will be on ready for midnight mass. If Annie’s chilly, she can wear –’
‘Thermal underwear,’ nods Mum. ‘I have a spare set I can lend you, love. I’m afraid it’s ankle length, but you’ll be wearing boots.’
Elaine looks amused. ‘I was going to say I have a lovely fur stole I could lend her. You know the one? Robert brought it back from Norway when he went fishing.’
‘Oh, that’s a lovely piece,’ agrees Mum. ‘But you don’t want to risk it getting spoiled.’
‘Spoiled?’ says Elaine. ‘What could she possibly do to it in church?’
Mum purses her lips. ‘Annie’s never been careful with her things. You’re having those lovely candles at the end of each pew. She might easily –’
‘Go up in flames?’ I say.
She looks annoyed. ‘I was going to say you could easily get wax on one of the sleeves. I doubt that would ever come out. You’ll be far better off with my thermals.’
‘You’re both very kind,’ I say, ‘but I’m sure I’ll be fine.’
I rub the fabric between my fingers. ‘This is pure wool. I imagine it’s surprisingly warm.’
‘Especially with a nice pair of thermals underneath,’ says Mum. ‘I’m not talking about the kind you used to wear when you were a little girl. The newer ones are lovely and stylish. Your father and I bought matching sets last year. They have the loveliest little bow at the neck. Mine, not his, I mean.’
‘I’ll think about it,’ I say, laughing. ‘In the meantime, I’m going to try on this dress if I can find a spare changing room.’
They follow me, arguing as they go.
‘I’ll drop my fur stole around this afternoon so she can try it,’ says Elaine. ‘It would look lovely with that dress.’
‘I’d never forgive myself if anything happened to it!’ says Mum. ‘No, really, Elaine. I wouldn’t enjoy the service at all, worrying about it.’
I slip inside a cubicle to try on the dress. I don’t really expect it to be suitable. I just wanted to get away from the squabbling. Looking at myself in the mirror, I’m surprised how well the dress suits me. It’s a deep cherry red with a roll neck. It’s a pity I’m not buying it after Christmas when it will probably be on sale. But even at full price, it’s a beautiful dress.
I emerge from the changing rooms to find Mum and Elaine still squabbling.
‘It’s lovely,’ I say. ‘I think I’ll buy it.’