“It’s not really a custom wedding dress. Maxine had a base form in satin and I thought a lace overlay on top and tulle netting on the bottom would fill it out. It’s simple, but I’m wondering if it’s too simple?”
“Put it on.”
Carolyn pulled the plastic bag down the dress hoping she hadn’t created a mess of static. Keeping her back to her aunt, she stripped to her bra and undies. She took the dress off the hanger and stepped into it. The lace sleeves were the hardest part to get on.
How hard would it be for Carson to take off?
Not something she should think about with her aunt in the room.
She walked backward to the chair. “Can you zip me up?”
“Bend down just a little, child.” Zip. “There. Now turn around.”
When Carolyn turned, the bottom made a swishing noise against her calves. Because the base form was short, she’d opted for a tea-length dress rather than a full-length gown. She peeked at her aunt from beneath lowered lashes, half afraid she’d see disapproval. The sight of her aunt’s tears shocked her.
“Carolyn. You look beautiful.”
“You really think so, Aunt Hulda?”
“Yes.” She dabbed at her eyes with an embroidered handkerchief. “I came prepared because I expected this.”
“I’m just happy you’re not crying because you think the dress is ugly.”
She laughed. “No. But I will suggest a few adjustments. I like what you’ve done with the lace overlay and how it leaves the strapless satin base visible. But I think the neckline is too high. A modified boat-style with rolled lace will accentuate your graceful neck. Show it off while you can, sweetie, because you’ll have an old lady wattle like mine before you know it. Where’s the extra lace?”
Carolyn picked up the bag containing scraps. “So just add that on?”
“First clip the top section. That’ll be easier than trying to cut the side seam and roll it since you’ve added sleeves.” She had a long piece of lace that she’d gathered and draped just below Carolyn’s collarbones. “Like that.”
“Can you pin it please?”
She reached for the pincushion. “I also think you should add something to the waist. A sash perhaps, in a wide swath of gathered satin that mimics the drape of the lace. You’ve got such a trim waist. Be a pity not to draw a little extra attention to it too.”
They’d worked in silence for many years, so the quiet never bothered her. But an expectant pause hung in the air this time. “Is there something on your mind, Aunt Hulda?”
“Child, are you sure you want to marry this man?”
“Why would you ask me that?”
“Because I’m an old meddling busybody.” She pulled another pin from the pincushion. “Or because it happened very fast.”
“I’m not pregnant,” Carolyn said defensively.
“Of course you’re not. This suddenness brought to mind that old saying ‘Marry in haste, repent in leisure’ so I want to hear that you’re entering into this marriage for the right reasons.”
“What are the right reasons?”
“There aren’t any besides love.”
“That’s why I’m marrying him; I love him.”
“It’s also important you have things in common. I was very happy to hear he’s a Catholic boy.”
Carolyn smiled, wondering the last time someone called Carson a boy. “I understand that, but I also think we’ll find common interests after we get married.”
A moment of silence followed as her aunt pinned the lace.
“You know, I’ll grant you that argument, Carolyn.”
“Thank you. But I’m not trying to be argumentative, I promise.”
“I realize that. And I hope you realize I’m not trying to discourage you from marrying him. I worry you don’t have anyone to talk to because you’re isolated here. Kimi is living with me; your friends from high school are in Montana. And your mother… Has she been helpful at all in offering you advice or even just lending a willing ear?”
“About Carson?”
“About him, about marriage.”
“She has, actually. I told her about Carson the night after we met. She told me not to let past grievances with his family be a deciding factor in whether I pursued a relationship with him.”
Her aunt harrumphed. “Smart advice from my sister for once. But I’ll remind you since there’s bad blood between your families, there will be a dividing line between those who will accept your marriage to this man and those who won’t. Are you prepared to forego a relationship with your brothers and possibly your father to be with Carson?”
Carolyn didn’t even hesitate. “Yes.”
“That right there gives me the answer to all of my questions.” She paused. “Turn.”
Then Carolyn was facing her aunt. “Thomas said something to me a few weeks ago about you.”
“And what was that?”
“That you offered to pay for mine and Kimi’s private Catholic education because you felt guilty about taking something away from the church and wanted to give something back by turning us into nuns.”
“Your brother is wrong. I paid for your education because I didn’t want you to be an indentured servant to your family.”
“There’s nothing wrong with pitching in and taking care of your family,” Carolyn said defensively.