Page 22 of Brix

The girls all wanted to visit Harrods, and Daphne was happy to show them the ropes. The massive department store was considered a destination in London filled with just about anything you wanted to purchase. If you couldn’t find it, they would find it for you and deliver it with a bow on top.

“I suppose we’ll need gowns for this event at your parents’ home,” said Gabi.

“Yes, but you don’t have to. I mean, just wear a simple black dress. It will be fine,” she said unconvincingly.

“No way,” smirked Gabi. “We’re going to show up in the finest attire and impress your mother’s snooty friends.”

“Actually, her friends aren’t really all that snooty. They’re quite wonderful. Most of them, anyway. You’ll be surprised to see that they don’t behave like my mother at all.”

“I’ll be thrilled to find that,” smirked Hazel. “Alright. Dresses.”

“May I help you, ladies?” asked the saleswoman.

“We will all be attending the gala at Bishop Manor,” said Daphne. The woman’s eyebrows rose, and she nodded. “We’ll all need dresses, and some of the men will need tuxedos.”

“Of course, madam,” nodded the woman. “Please have a seat, and I’ll gather some gowns for all of you.” She scurried away, and Daphne smiled at the other women.

“How is she going to know our sizes?” asked Ellie.

“Believe me, it’s what they do here. This is like having the ‘Mama Irene’ of dress sales. She’ll have the right sizes, colors, and lengths without taking one measurement.”

As promised, the woman returned with a rack of gowns, then two more. The colors were bold and brilliant, some patterns, some sequins, but all gorgeous, and all perfect fits for each woman.

Daphne stood in front of the mirror in a new Oscar de la Renta. It was a soft floral billowing behind her. When Hazel walked out in a red satin gown, looking like the vixen she was, Daphne nodded with a big smile on her face.

But the white gown with the beautiful fur trimming, cutting low down the back, revealing an impressive amount of skin, was positively heavenly on Gabi.

“Daphne! Is that you?” said the familiar voice. She turned and smiled at the two young women.

“Hildi, Marcia, it’s lovely to see you both.” She did a proper British kiss on both cheeks and stepped back.

“Darling, you look magnificent!” said Marcia. “Are you back for good?”

“No, I’m afraid not. I’ve recently married an American, and I’m here with all of his family.” She casually introduced everyone, and the women nodded at the array of beauty in the room. “My husband and the others are being fitted for tuxedos.”

“I’m so glad to hear that you married and are happy, Daph. You are happy, right?” asked Hildi.

“I’m exceptionally happy,” she smiled. “Thank you.”

“I’m glad to hear that. I’ve heard rumors that your mother was trying to get you and Marshall back together. Dreadful, dreadful man. I just knew it couldn’t be true. You’re much too smart for that,” she sneered.

“Yes, he is dreadful, and he tried to frighten me the other day by showing up at Heath and Timothy’s.”

“I’m sorry to hear that, Daph. Really, I am. I hope you know that we’ve always liked you and your father, but your mother takes some getting used to. I’m sorry. That wasn’t very polite,” said the young woman.

“It’s okay. I’m still getting used to her as well.”

“Well, it was lovely seeing you, and I definitely look forward to catching up at the gala. You’re all going to look beautiful, and that should make her mother quite tied in knots,” smirked the woman. They all chuckled as the girls waved and left them standing in their gowns.

“You all look marvelous,” said the saleswoman. “Would you like me to bring more gowns for you to try on?”

“I think we’re good,” smiled Hazel. “We’ll take them all.”

“All? Madam, these are all originals and quite expensive. Are you sure? I mean, we could apply for a Harrods’ card.”

“I’m aware, and no, we won’t need a Harrods’ card,” smiled Hazel.

They’d made the woman’s day. Hell, they made her year. All those gowns, some costing more than a small car, and yet they never blinked an eye. They texted the guys and met them at a local restaurant and pub, enjoying some traditional English pub food. The gowns and tuxedos were locked in the cars, even new shoes and bags.

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