No, Nancy Parker! Im not giving that dress away! Its mine! Kates voice cracked into a squeal.
Kate, we agreed Annies been dreaming about it! Nancy waved her hands helplessly, unsure how to sway her daughterinlaw.
There was never any agreement! Its a family heirloom and Ive saved it for my own daughter! Kate paced the room, snatching objects and thumping them back onto the shelves.
Vicky sat quietly in the corner, watching the drama unfold. The older sister of the father and the grandmother were at it again. Kate was always quicktempered, but today she seemed even more on edge. Usually Aunt Kate kept a lid on things, especially for Vicky, but now the wedding dress had turned the house into a hurricane.
Kate, please stop, Simon, Vickys father, put a hand on his sisters shoulder, but she brushed it away with a sharp flick.
Dont lecture me! Youve always been mums boy! Kate retorted. This dress belonged to my motherinlaw, Mikes mother! Im the one who decides who gets it!
But Mikes mum wanted every bride in the family to wear it, Nancy murmured. She told me that herself before she passed.
She meant real brides! Kate emphasized real with a cold sneer. Not someone like your Annie! Shes tried to marry three times and never succeeded. Maybe its a sign?
A heavy silence settled. Nancy went pale, Simon frowned, and Vicky sank into a chair, trying to become invisible. At fifteen she already knew that family feuds were best avoided, especially when they involved greatgrandma Beatrices wedding dress.
How can you say that? Nancys voice trembled. Annie is your niece!
So what? Niece, not daughter! Kate snapped, gesturing wildly. I have my own daughter, you know. Im keeping the dress for her!
Mollys only twelve! Simon interjected. And Annies wedding is next month!
Then she can buy another dress! Its not rocket science every bridal shop has hundreds of them!
Vicky knew the dress was special. It was an antique, handstitched lace piece dotted with tiny pearls along the bodice, stored in a velvet case at Kates house. Shed only seen it once, while the family was sorting through old photographs. In the pictures, greatgrandma Beatrice looked like a storybook princess tall, slender, with delicate shoulders highlighted by the dresss elegant cut.
You know its not just a dress, Nancy said gently. Beatrice wanted it to bring happiness to every bride in the family. She wore it herself in 45, when James returned from the war.
I know all that! Kate cut in. Thats why Im protecting it for Molly! Annies about to have her third wedding, and the old fabric might not survive.
Annie will treat it with care, Nancy pleaded. Shell even find a tailor to alter it without damage.
No! Thats the end of the discussion!
Kate strode toward the door, but Simon blocked her path.
Wait, his voice was calm but firm. Lets talk without shouting. Have a seat, please.
I have nothing to discuss with you! Kate tried to sidestep him, but he held his ground.
Kate, you know mothers wishes. Beatrice wanted the dress to pass from bride to bride. That was her will.
My will is to keep it for my daughter! Kate crossed her arms. Im the one who has the dress, so I decide who gets it!
Vicky rose slowly and slipped toward the exit. Adult arguments always wore her out. She hadnt taken three steps when Aunt Kate called out:
Vicky! Tell me, darling, would you like to wear this dress when you get married?
All eyes turned to her. Vicky froze, unsure how to answer. She certainly didnt want to be dragged into the mess.
I I dont know, Aunt Kate, she said timidly. I havent even thought about marriage yet.
See! Kate crowed triumphantly. Even Vicky doesnt want the dress! Why force Annie to wear it?
Kate, stop pulling a child into this, Simon sighed. Vicky, go back to your room, please.
Grateful for the relief, Vicky fled the room. On her way to her bedroom she heard the argument rise again, slammed the door, and buried her face in a pillow, trying to muffle the shouting.
Days passed, and a tense lull settled over the house. Aunt Kate stopped coming over, Nancys eyes were red, and Simon spent most of his time at work. Vicky tried to ignore the heaviness, but it clung to her.
On Saturday morning, while Vicky was having breakfast, the phone rang. Nancy answered, and Vicky recognised the voice on the other end as Annies.
Yes, Annie No, love, its I get it Perhaps we should look for another dress? I know, dear, I know
After the call, Nancy sank into a chair beside Vicky.
Everything alright, love? Vicky asked cautiously.
Oh, just Annies upset about the dress, Nancy replied with a sad smile. Shes really hung up on it.
Why is it so important to her?
Nancy stared out the window before answering.
Your greatgrandmother Beatrice was a remarkable woman. She survived war, famine, loss, yet kept a fierce love that seemed to ripple through the family. The dress is said to have soaked up that love. She wore it when she married your greatgrandfather James after the war. Then your grandmother Sarah, my sister, wore it. Then your mother did. All were happy.
And Aunt Kate?
Shes special, too, but after Mike died she shut herself away. The dress is the only thing she clings to.
Vicky nodded, still not fully grasping the obsession with a piece of fabric.
Why did Kate say Annie isnt a real bride?
Annies had two broken engagements, but now shes with David, and they truly love each other. She dreamed of the dress, hoping it would bring her luck.
Why not make a new dress that looks like Beatrices? Vicky suggested. Maybe that would be just as lucky.
Ah, Vicky, Nancy stroked Vickys hair. It isnt about the cloth, its about tradition, about the thread that ties our women together.
At that moment Simon entered the kitchen, looking weary but resolute.
Mum, I just spoke with Kate on the phone. Shes firm she wont give up the dress.
Oh, Simon, Nancy sighed. What do we do? Annies wedding is less than a month away.
I think we should respect Kates decision, Simon said. She does own the dress, after all.
Thats unfair! Nancy exclaimed. Beatrice wanted every bride to have it.
Mum, I understand, Simon cut in gently. But we cant force Kate. It would only tear the family further.
Vicky listened silently, turning her tea spoon over and over. Suddenly an idea sparked.
Dad, Grandma, she began hesitantly. What if I talk to Aunt Kate? Maybe shell listen to me.
Simon and Nancy exchanged glances.
No, Vicky, thats adult business, Simon shook his head. You shouldnt get involved.
But Im part of the family too, Vicky insisted. Aunt Kate has always been kind to me. Perhaps I can persuade her?
Im not sure, love, Nancy mused. She does love you, but its a delicate matter.
Please, Vicky pleaded. Ill just try. If it doesnt work, thats that.
After a long discussion, Simon agreed to drive Vicky to Kates house on Sunday. Vicky spent the ride rehearsing what shed say. Her plan was vague, but she trusted her instincts.
Kate lived in an old cottage on the edge of York. It had once belonged to her motherinlaw, Beatrice, whose dress sparked the whole drama. After Mike died, Kate stayed there with her daughter Molly.
Are you sure you want to go alone? Simon asked as they pulled up to the gate.
Yes, Dad, Vicky replied. Itll be better if you dont think Im being coaxed.
Alright, Simon sighed. Ill wait here. Call if you need anything.
Vicky stepped out, heart thudding, and knocked.
Vicky? Kate said, surprised. What are you doing here?
Hi, Aunt Kate, Vicky smiled. Can I come in?
Sure, come on in, Kate said, stepping aside. Youre probably here to beg for the dress, arent you? I wont change my mind!
I just wanted to talk, Vicky replied calmly, moving toward the kitchen. And maybe see Molly.
Shes at a friends, Kate said, softening a little. Anyway, Ive just baked a Victoria sponge.
The kitchen smelled of vanilla and fresh apples. Kate set a teapot down and poured tea.
So, just a chat? she asked, eyeing Vicky warily. About what?
About greatgrandma Beatrice, Vicky began. You lived in her house, you must know a lot about her.
Kates expression relaxed as she recalled memories.
Yes, I do, she said, handing Vicky a cup. Beatrice was an extraordinary woman. When I first met Mikes mother, she took me in like her own. She taught me how to bake, knit, run a household She told stories of the war, of waiting for James, of believing hed come back.
And the dress? Vicky asked gently.
Kate paused, then nodded.
Beatrice stitched that dress herself from bits of fabric she gathered over the years. One piece even came from a neighbor who smuggled a scrap of cloth out of the siege. She poured love and hope into every stitch, believing James would return and theyd raise a family.
So she wanted every bride to wear it? Vicky repeated.
Exactly, Kate whispered. She believed the dress carried the love of every woman whod worn it.
Then why keep it from Annie? Vicky asked, leaning forward.
Kates face hardened again.
Im keeping it for Molly! she said. Her wedding is still years away, and I cant risk the dress tearing.
But the dress could sit gathering dust,
It wont Ill look after it! Kate snapped. Besides, Annies already over thirty; this would be her third attempt. Something feels off, doesnt it?
Isnt it odd to think a dress could be a source of strength? Vicky said, genuinely curious. Maybe thats exactly why Annie wants it.
Kate opened her mouth to argue, but found no words.
Aunt Kate, Vicky continued softly, perhaps you havent considered that Annie needs the dresss luck just as much as the tradition needs it.
Kate stared at her cup, then at the lace on the table.
What if the dress does bring happiness? Vicky ventured. Wouldnt more happiness be better than protecting it?
And if it gets ruined? Kate whispered. Its a relic; you cant just wash or mend it like a regular gown.
But Beatrice didnt make it to sit in a closet, did she? Vicky replied. She wanted it to live, to unite us.
Silence stretched. Finally, Kate rose, fetched a large box from the pantry, and placed it on the table.
Here it is, she said, lifting the lid. Creamcoloured, high collar, long sleeves, tiny pearllined bodice, delicate lace around the edges.
Vickys breath caught.
Its beautiful, she whispered.
Its a masterpiece, Kate added proudly. I wore it at my own wedding, and your mother did too.
Mother? Vicky asked, surprised. I never noticed the dress in the old photos.
Of course you did, Kate said. It passed from bride to bride, right up to your mum. After her wedding it came back to me, and I decided to keep it for Molly.
What would greatgrandma Beatrice think if she saw the family fighting over her dress? Vicky asked quietly.
Kates shoulders trembled.
Shed be upset, she answered faintly. She always said family mattered more than any object.
Aunt Kate, Vicky reached out, I think the dress should go to Annie, then return to you after the ceremony, and later to Molly when the times right. That way the tradition lives on.
Kate stared at the fabric, then at Vickys hopeful eyes. After a long pause, she sighed.
You know what? When I wore it, it fit me as if it were made for me. Maybe theres a little magic there.
Maybe thats the secret, Vicky smiled.
Kate closed the box, a hint of a smile tugging at her lips.
Fine. Ill lend it to Annie for the wedding, on one condition: she brings it back afterwards.
Im sure shell agree, Vicky said, hugging her aunt.
And Ill help her try it on and adjust it myself, no external tailors,
Deal, Kate agreed, shaking Vickys hand.
An hour later they emerged together. Simon stared at the box, eyes wide.
Kate? You
Im giving the dress to Annie, just for the wedding,
And Ill be there to help,
Thank you, Simon said, relief flooding his face.
Annie and Davids wedding took place in late April, a warm, sunny day. Annie looked radiant in Beatrices dress, and Kate was there, smoothing every wrinkle, fastening the endless line of tiny buttons.
Kate, I dont know how to thank you, Annie whispered, looking at herself in the mirror. This dress feels like a piece of history.
It is, Kate replied. Its part of our familys story, now yours as well.
Vicky watched, unable to look away. The dress seemed to hug Annies slender frame, giving her a subtle glow. David stared at his bride as if hed just seen a miracle.
After the ceremony, as promised, the dress returned to Kates care. But now it sat not merely as a relic but as a symbol of the ties between generations. Occasionally, Kate would pull it out, show it to Molly, and recount the tales of every woman whod worn it.
Will I wear it when I get married? Molly asked one day.
Of course, if you want, Kate answered, smiling. Though perhaps someone else will have the honour before you.
Every time Kate looked at the lace, she recalled Vickys words: the true value isnt in hoarding an object, but in preserving the connections it represents. She silently thanked her niece for the lesson.
And Vicky, glancing at the photographs of Annie in the greatgrandmothers dress, sometimes wondered whether shed ever get to wear it herself. She smiled at the thought.
In the end, the wedding dress that never reached its first intended bride brought happiness to another, and perhaps it will keep doing so for many more generations.
