Page 27 of Royal Agenda

Leather and Lace!

Did she mention that there was leather and a whole lot of lace in this store? It sounded like a lingerie shop for biker chicks. She should have sent Winnie shopping with Grace instead of going herself. Winnie didn’t mind discussing things like intimate apparel and hemlines.

Not that there was anything scandalous about hemlines. Unless they were, um, inadequate in length. Then, there was a bit of a scandal. Her initial apprehension eased quite a bit when they stepped inside to find a normal clothing boutique with only a hint of leather. Though the lace part was true. Apparently, bohemian women preferred lace. And ruffles. And tassels.

And soda.

An old-fashioned soda counter took up one wall. It was genius, actually. Combining the two unlikely shops into one. Having a daily consumable product would keep this store afloat even if the clothing line didn’t. She could go for a pineapple sarsaparilla right about now.

Although it appeared the clothes were a hit and the owner wouldn’t need to rely on the bubbly stuff to keep her financially afloat.

Several women browsed, dresses or tops slung over their arms in a possessive manner. The jewelry stand had holes where items had been purchased and not restocked. Which, if the manager was any good, meant that they’d been full when the store opened today.

Grace, of course, didn’t blink before walking in. That girl charged ahead, ready to face whatever the boutique threw at her. She’d already tried on several sun dresses, a pair of linen pants and a matching shirt, shorts with lace trim, and several other outfits. She could pull off anything. Unlike Nancy, who was startled at the dress Grace shoved into her arms.

It was creamy with light blue and green flowers, a scoop neck, and what seemed like no shape to it at all.

“Try it on,” she begged. “For me. Just this once?” Her big blue pleading eyes didn’t play fair, and Nancy had ducked into the changing room to appease her.

And to text the Secret Seven.

Nancy: The plan worked! Stephán’s off the couch and out of my bungalow.

Rosa: Party town tonight!

Don: Greta news

Walt: Worth the sand sandwich I had to eat for lunch.

Don: *Great news

Polly: I’m taking off this spandex now. He didn’t even comment on our outfits.

Winnie: What’s next?

“Grandma?” Grace called through the door. “Let me see the dress.”

Nancy stuffed her phone under her carefully folded tracksuit on the bench, threw the floral print thing over her head, tugged it in place, and swung open the door. “I don’t know about it.” She hadn’t even looked in the mirror, but it was loose in the place she was used to having a waistband.

Grace grinned as she lifted the full skirt to one side to reveal the whole pattern. “I think it’s lovely. And think how much cooler it will feel than wearing pants all the time.”

Nancy rubbed her hands up her arms. The cap sleeve barely covered her shoulder, and she felt exposed. Which was silly because she wore a swimsuit often enough. The idea of walking into a Secret Seven meeting wearing this would cause fainting spells in Winnie and Polly–and possibly Walt.

Then again, she’d changed so many things over the last year–like moving to Diamond Cove, learning to knit, and organizing the Secret Seven–and they’d worked out well. Except for the knitting, she was still working on that one.

Maybe trying a new fashion trend wouldn’t be so bad. Air brushed her legs as the dress swirled, and she was covered in goosebumps. “You have a point about having a draft.”

She stepped back and looked Grace over. She wore an expertly faded red dress that fell to her knees. Tiny cream-colored tassels trimmed the V-neck and bell sleeves. Her hair hung long and free, and a large matching bracelet graced her wrist. Even barefoot, she looked put together and completed.

Nancy sighed. “You can pull this off.” She plucked at the fabric hanging limp against her chest. ”But I’m not sure I can.”

Grace grabbed her hand. “You need to make it yours. That’s all. Come over here.” They went to a display case, and Nancy’s eyes fell on a jasper beaded bracelet. The blue and cream matched the flower petals in the dress. She slipped it on while Grace was busy looking. At work, she’d always worn a wrist watch and a set of diamond stud earrings her husband gave her for their twenty-fifth wedding anniversary. Now that she was retired, she leaned on her phone to keep track of things like the date and time.

Grace came up with a simple gold chain with a small jasper stone hanging from the center. She gapped when she saw the bracelet and then laughed. “Great minds think alike.” She helped fasten the necklace around Nancy’s neck and stepped back so she could see herself in the mirror.

Nancy stared and stared. The woman looking back at her was polished and yet free, safe and yet daring. The dress was loose and airy and had movement. “I think I like it,” she admitted. “Although it will take some getting used to.”

“Maybe you could wear it to church and try it out.” Grace pecked her cheek. “I have three more things to try on, and then we can go to dinner.” She flipped the hem of her dress. “I might wear this one out.” With a wink ,she was off.

---