No, Margaret! Im not giving that dress away! Its mine! Kates voice cracked into a shriek.
Kate, we agreed Emilys been dreaming of it for ages, Margaret flailed her hands helplessly, unsure how to sway her daughterinlaw.
There was never any agreement! Its a family heirloom and Ive kept it for my own child! Kate paced the room, snatching objects and thumping them back onto the shelves.
Victoria sat quietly in the corner, watching the drama unfold. Her fathers older sister and her grandmother were at it again. Kate was usually hottempered and stubborn, but today she seemed even more unhinged. Normally her aunt kept a tight rein, especially around Victoria, but now the dress had ignited a fullblown storm.
Kate, please stop, Stephen, Victorias father, placed his hand on his sisters shoulder, only to have her fling it away with a harsh motion.
Dont lecture me! Youve always been Mums boy! Kate snapped. This dress belonged to my motherinlaw, Mishas mother! Im the one who decides who gets it!
But Mishas mother wanted every bride in the family to wear it, Margaret whispered. She told me herself before she passed.
She meant real brides! Kate emphasized the word real with cold precision. Not someone like your little Emily! Shes been engaged three times and never made it. Maybe thats a sign?
A heavy silence fell. Margarets face turned pale, Stephen furrowed his brow, and Victoria sank deeper into the armchair, hoping to become invisible. She breathed shallowly, not wanting to draw attention. At fifteen she already knew that family feuds were best left alone, especially when they revolved around greatgrandmothers wedding gown.
How can you say that? Margarets voice trembled as she broke the quiet. Emily is your niece!
And what of it? Shes a niece, not a daughter! Kate flailed. I have a real daughter, you know. Im saving the dress for her!
Your Mary is only twelve! Stephen retorted. And Emily is getting married next month!
Then let her buy another dress! Hundreds of them are in every bridal boutique these days!
Victoria knew the greatgrandmothers dress was truly special. It was an antique, handstitched with delicate lace and tiny pearls embroidered along the bodice, kept in a padded case in Kates cottage. She had seen it once when the family was sorting through old photographs. In the pictures greatgrandmother Eleanor looked like a storybook princesstall, slender, her narrow shoulders accentuated by the dresss graceful cut.
You understand its not just a piece of cloth, Margaret said gently. Eleanor wanted it to bring luck to every bride in our line. She wore it herself in 1945 when her husband returned from the war.
I know all that! Kate snapped. Which is why I want to keep it for Mary! Emilys third wedding is coming, and the dress might not hold up. The fabric is worn thin.
Emily will treat it with care, Margaret pleaded, eyes pleading. Shell even find a tailor to adjust it without damaging it.
No! Thats final! Kate declared, marching toward the door, only to be blocked by Stephen.
Hold on, his voice was calm but firm. Lets discuss this without shouting. Please, have a seat.
Ive got nothing to discuss with you! Kate tried to walk around her brother, but he stayed rooted.
Kate, you know Mums wishes. Eleanor wanted the dress to pass from bride to bride. That was her intent.
My intention is to keep it for my daughter! Kate crossed her arms. I dont get why youre all attacking me. Im the one who holds the dress, so I decide who gets it!
Victoria rose slowly and slipped toward the exit. The adult quarrels always wore her out, but she didnt get a step beyond the hallway before Kate called out:
Victoria! Tell me, girl, would you like to wear this dress when youre married?
All eyes turned to her. Victoria froze, unsure how to answer. She never wanted to be drawn into their fight.
I I dont know, Aunt Kate, she answered cautiously. I havent even thought about marriage yet.
See! Even Victoria doesnt want the dress! Why force Emily to wear it? Kate shouted triumphantly.
Kate, stop pulling the child into this, Stephen said wearily. Victoria, go back to your room, please.
Grateful for the reprieve, Victoria fled to her bedroom, hearing the raised voices again as she shut the door. She threw herself onto the bed, covering her ears with a pillow, yet the muffled echoes of the argument still seeped through.
Days passed in a tense hush. Aunt Kate stopped visiting, Margaret walked around with redrimmed eyes, and Stephen spent most of his time at work. Victoria tried to ignore the oppressive atmosphere but found it difficult.
On Saturday morning, while Victoria was making tea in the kitchen, the phone rang. Margaret answered, and Victoria recognized the altered tone it was Emily on the other end.
Yes, Emily No, love, its not working I understand Maybe we should look for another dress? I know, dear, I know
After the call, Margaret sank heavily into the chair opposite her granddaughter.
Grandma, are you all right? Victoria asked gently.
Just fine, dear, Margaret tried to smile, but it came out sad. Emilys upset about the dress.
Why is it so important to her?
Margaret stared out the window before replying.
Your greatgrandmother Eleanor was an extraordinary woman. She survived war, famine, loss, yet she kept a fierce love that everyone felt. That dress absorbed her strength. She wore it when she married your greatgrandfather Thomas after the war. Then your grandmother Susan, my sister, wore it, then your mother did, and each marriage was happy.
What about Aunt Kate? Victoria asked.
And hers, Margaret hesitated, choosing words carefully. Kate has always been guarded, never trusting anyone. After Misha died, she shut herself off. This dress is the only thing she clings to now. Do you see?
Victoria nodded, though she didnt fully grasp. It seemed odd to cling to a piece of cloth, even if it was a family relic.
What about Emily? Why did Aunt Kate call her not a real bride?
Margaret sighed.
Emilys life has been hard. She was engaged twice, both times falling apart at the last minute. Now shes met Daniel, and they truly love each other. Shes dreamed of wearing that dress, believing it would bring her luck.
Why not make a new dress similar to greatgrandmothers? Victoria suggested. Maybe that would be happy too.
Oh, Victoria, Margaret crooned. If only it were that simple. Its not the dress itself but the tradition, the link to our past, the roots. Its like a thread that ties every woman in our family together.
At that moment, Stephen entered the kitchen, looking tired but resolute.
I just spoke to Kate on the phone, he said. Shes adamant she wont give up the dress.
Good grief, Stephen, Margaret exclaimed. What do we do? Emilys wedding is less than a month away.
I think we ought to respect Kates decision, Stephen replied. After all, the dress is in her hands, and she has the right to it.
But thats unfair! Margaret shouted. Eleanor wanted every bride to have it
Mom, I understand, Stephen interrupted gently. But we cant force Kate to hand it over. That would only tear the family further apart.
Victoria listened in silence, stirring her tea. Then an idea sparked.
Dad, Grandma, what if I talk to Aunt Kate? Maybe shell listen to me.
Stephen and Margaret exchanged a glance.
No, Victoria, thats adult business, Stephen shook his head. You shouldnt get involved.
But Im family too, Victoria persisted. Aunt Kate has always been kind to me. Perhaps I can convince her.
Margaret thought for a moment. Kate does love you, but its a delicate matter.
Please, Ill just try. If it doesnt work, Ill step back, Victoria pleaded.
After much coaxing, Stephen agreed to drive Victoria to Aunt Kates on Sunday. The whole way she rehearsed what she would say. Her plan was vague, but she hoped her intuition would guide her.
Aunt Kate lived in an old cottage on the outskirts of the town, the same house once owned by greatgrandmother Eleanor. After her husband died, Kate stayed there with her daughter Mary.
Are you sure you want to go alone? Stephen asked as he stopped at the gate.
Yes, Dad, Victoria replied. Itll be better if Kate thinks I came on my own.
Alright, Stephen sighed. Ill be waiting here. Call if anything comes up.
Victoria stepped out of the car, heart pounding, hands slightly trembling, but determined. She knocked, and familiar footsteps approached.
Victoria? What are you doing here? Kate asked, surprised.
Hello, Aunt Kate, Victoria smiled. May I come in?
Come in, but Im guessing youre here to ask for the dress, arent you? Kate warned. I wont change my mind.
Im just here to talk, Victoria replied calmly, walking toward the kitchen. And Id love to see Mary, if shes around.
No, shes out with a friend, Kate softened. Make yourself at home, I just baked a apple scone.
The kitchen smelled of vanilla and apples. Kate set down a teapot and a plate of scones.
So, just a chat? Kate asked, slicing a scone.
Yes, Victoria said. Ive heard a bit about greatgrandmother Eleanor, and Im curious. You lived in her house, so you must know many stories.
Kates eyes widened, then softened.
Alright, have a cuppa, she said, pouring tea. Eleanor was remarkable. When I first met Misha, his mother took me in like a daughter. Ill never forget how she taught me to bake, knit, run a household She told stories of the war, of waiting for her Thomas, believing hed return even when everyone thought he was dead.
Did the dress hold any special meaning for her? Victoria asked.
Kate paused, then nodded.
It was a special dress. Eleanor stitched it herself from scraps of fabric she collected over the years. The last piece was a bolt of muslin a neighbour smuggled from London after the siege. Imagine thatpeople starving, yet someone managed to keep a piece of cloth. She put love and hope into every stitch, praying Thomas would come home and theyd have a family. It worked.
So she wanted every bride in the family to wear it? Victoria queried.
Yes, Kate whispered. She said the dress held the love of every woman who wore it, growing stronger with each generation.
Then why wont you give it to Emily? Victoria asked directly.
Kates face hardened for a moment, then softened again.
Im keeping it for Mary, she said. Her wedding is still years away, and the dress would just sit in a closet, deteriorating.
But it could sit in a wardrobe and get ruined, Victoria pointed out. If Emily wears it now, it stays alive.
What if it tears or gets stained? Kate asked quietly. Its a relic, not a laundry item.
But Eleanor didnt make it to sit in a box forever, Victoria replied. She wanted it to live, to bring joy, to bind us together. Isnt that worth a little risk?
Kate stared at her tea, then rose and fetched a large box from the pantry.
Here, she said, placing the box on the table and opening it. This is it.
Inside, carefully wrapped in tissue, lay the creamcoloured dress: high neck, long sleeves, tiny pearlstitched rows down the back, lace edging the collar and cuffs, and a bodice embroidered with a delicate pattern.
Its beautiful, Victoria whispered.
Eleanor was a true craftswoman, Kate said proudly. I wore it at my own wedding, and your mother did too. Have you seen the old wedding photos?
Ive seen them, but never focused on the dress, Victoria admitted. So it really did pass from bride to bride?
Yes, Kate confirmed, running a finger over the lace. After your mother, it came back to me, and I decided to keep it for Mary.
What would greatgrandmother Eleanor think if she knew this dress was causing a family rift? Victoria asked softly.
Kate shivered. Shed be disappointed, she said barely. She always said family matters more than any object. Nothing should break the bonds between us.
Then perhaps the dress should go to Emily, Victoria suggested, taking Kates hand. She can return it after the wedding, and it can come back to you, and later to Mary. The tradition would continue.
Kate stared at the fabric for a long moment, then sighed heavily.
You know whats odd? she said. When I wore it, it fit as if it had been made for me, and the same happened with your mother. It seems to mould itself to each bride.
Maybe thats the magic, Victoria smiled.
Kate closed the box, a faint smile appearing. Alright, Ill lend it to Emily, but only for the wedding day, and she must give it back afterwards.
Im sure shell agree, Victoria replied, relief flooding her.
Also, Kate added, Ill help her with the fitting myself, no outside tailors.
Thank you, Aunt Kate, Victoria said, embracing her. Youve done a great thing.
Later, Stephen saw his daughter returning with the box and could hardly believe his eyes.
Kate? Is that?
Yes, Im giving the dress to Emily for the ceremony, but only temporarily, Kate said firmly. Ill be there to help her try it on.
Thank you, Stephen said, hugging his sister. Were grateful.
Emily and Daniels wedding took place at the end of April, a bright, warm day. Emily looked stunning in greatgrandmother Eleanors dress. Kate stood by, smoothing each pleat, fastening the endless line of tiny buttons.
Kate, I dont know how to thank you, Emily said, gazing at herself in the mirror. This dress feels like a piece of history.
It is, Kate replied. Our familys story. And now youre part of it.
Victoria watched Emily, unable to look away. The dress seemed made for her, highlighting her delicate frame and giving her a radiant glow. Daniel stared at his bride as if she were a miracle.
After the ceremony, as promised, the dress returned to Kate. But now she kept it not merely as a relic, but as a symbol of the ties that bind generations. Occasionally she would take it out, show Mary, and recount the tales of every woman who had worn it.
Will I wear it when I marry? Mary asked one afternoon.
Of course, if you wish, Kate smiled. Perhaps before that someone else in the family will have the honour.
Each time Kate looked at the dress, she recalled Victorias words: the true value lay not in preserving an object, but in preserving the connections between people. She silently thanked her niece for that lesson.
And Victoria, glancing at the photographs of Emily in Eleanors gown, sometimes wondered whether she might one day slip into it herself. She smiled at the thought, knowing that a wedding dress that eluded one bride had brought happiness to anotherand might still bring joy to many more.
