No, Margaret! Im not handing that dress over! Its mine! Kates voice cracked into a shrill squeal.
Kate, we did agree Annies been dreaming of it for ages! Margaret flapped her hands helplessly, at a loss for how to persuade her sisterinlaw.
There was no agreement! No deal at all! Its a family heirloom and Ive kept it for my own daughter! Kate paced the room, grabbing anything she could and slamming it back down with a clatter.
Vicky sat quietly in the corner, watching the drama unfold. Her fathers older sister and her grandmother were at it again. Kate was always hottempered and stubborn, but today she seemed downright unhinged. Normally Aunt Kate kept a lid on herself, especially around Vicky, but the dress had turned the whole house into a hurricane.
Kate, please stop, Simon, Vickys father, placed a hand on his sisters shoulder, but she brushed it away with a sharp flick.
Dont tell me what to do! Youve always been mums little boy! Kate snapped. And that dress belonged to my motherinlaw, Mikes mother! Im the one who decides who gets it!
But Mikes mother wanted every bride in the family to wear it, Margaret said softly. She told me that herself before she passed.
She meant actual brides! Kate emphasized the word actual with a ruthless grin. Not someone like your Annie! Shes tried to marry three times and never succeeded. Maybe thats a sign?
A heavy silence settled over the room. Margaret went pale, Simon frowned, and Vicky sank deeper into the armchair, hoping to become invisible. She breathed barely enough to avoid attracting attention. At fifteen, Vicky already knew that family feuds were best left untouched, especially when a greatgrandmothers wedding dress was at stake.
How can you say that? Margarets trembling voice broke the quiet. Annie is your niece!
So what? Shes a niece, not a daughter! Kate flailed. I have a real daughter, you know. Im keeping the dress for her!
Your Molly is only twelve! Simon retorted. And Annies getting married next month!
Then she can buy another dress! Whats the trouble? There are hundreds of them in every bridal shop these days!
Vicky knew the dress was truly special. It was an antique silk with handstitched lace and tiny pearls sewn into the bodice, stored in a padded case in Aunt Kates hallway. Shed only seen it once, when the whole family was rummaging through old photo albums. In the pictures, greatgrandmother Polly Whitfield looked like a storybook princesstall, slender, with delicate shoulders that the dresss cut accentuated.
You both know this isnt just any dress, Margaret said gently. Polly wanted it to bring happiness to every bride in our line. She first wore it in 45 when her husband returned from the war.
I know that! Kate snapped. Which is why Im saving it for Molly! Annies already on her third wedding; the dress might not survive another round. Its old, the fabric is thin.
Annie will treat it with care, Margaret pleaded, looking at Kate. Shell even find a tailor to adjust it without damage.
No! Thats the end of it!
Kate stormed toward the door, but Simon blocked her path.
Wait, he said calmly but firmly. Lets discuss this without shouting. Please, have a seat.
I have nothing to discuss with you! Kate tried to sidestep him, but he wouldnt move.
Kate, you know Mums wishes. Polly wanted the dress to pass from bride to bride. That was her intention.
My intention is to keep it for my child! Kate crossed her arms. Im the one who decides who gets it because Im the one who stores it!
Vicky rose slowly and slipped toward the exit. Adult arguments always left her drained. She hadnt even taken three steps when Aunt Kate called out:
Vicky! Tell me, little one, would you like to wear that dress when you get married?
All eyes turned to her. Vicky froze, unsure what to say. She absolutely did not want to be dragged into this mess.
I I dont know, Aunt Kate, she replied cautiously. I havent even thought about marriage yet.
See! Kate exclaimed triumphantly. Even Vicky doesnt want the dress! Why force Annie to wear it?
Kate, stop pulling the child into our argument, Simon sighed. Vicky, go back to your room, please.
Grateful for the permission, Vicky hurried out, hearing raised voices behind her. She shut her bedroom door, flopped onto the bed, and muffled the noise with a pillow, though the echo of the quarrel still seeped through.
Days passed and a tense calm settled over the house. Aunt Kate stopped visiting, Margarets eyes were rimmed with red, and Simon spent most of his time at work. Vicky tried to ignore the heaviness, but it clung to her like damp wool.
On a Saturday morning, while Vicky was making tea, the phone rang. Margaret answered, and Vicky recognised Annies voice on the other end.
Yes, Annie No, love, not now I understand Maybe we should look for another dress? I know, dear, I know
The call ended, and Margaret slumped into a chair beside Vicky.
Everything all right, love? Vicky asked gently.
Oh, dear, just a bit upset, Margaret tried to smile, but it was a sad one. Annies upset about the dress.
Why is it so important to her?
Margaret stared out the window before answering.
You see, Vicky, your greatgrandmother Polly was an extraordinary woman. She survived war, famine, loss, yet she kept a fierce love that seemed to radiate to everyone. The dress, she said, absorbed that love. She wore it when she married your greatgrandfather Henry after the war. Then your grandmother Susan, my sister, wore it, and later your mother did. Every bride was happy.
And Aunt Kate? Vicky asked.
Shes Margaret hesitated, choosing her words. Kate has always been a bit closed off, especially after Mike died. This dress is the only thing she feels she can cling to.
Vicky nodded, not fully grasping the depth of the sentiment. It seemed odd to cling to a piece of fabric, even if it was a family relic.
What about Annie? Why did Kate call her a real bride?
Margaret sighed.
Annies had a rough goby. Two engagements fell apart at the last minute. Now shes met Daniel, and they truly love each other. Shes dreamed of the dress, hoping itll bring her luck.
Why not make a new dress that looks like Pollys? Vicky suggested. Maybe that would be just as lucky.
Ah, Vicky, Margaret stroked Vickys head. Its not about the dress itself, but the tradition, the link to our past. Its like a thread that ties all the women together.
Just then, Simon entered the kitchen, looking tired but resolute.
Mum, I just spoke with Kate on the phone, he said. Shes adamant she wont give up the dress.
Oh, Simon, Margaret groaned. What are we to do? Annies wedding is less than a month away
I think we should respect Kates decision, Simon replied. After all, the dress is in her possession, and she has a right to it.
But its unfair! Margaret exclaimed. Polly wanted it for every bride
Mum, I get it, Simon gently cut in. But we cant force Kate. That would only tear the family apart further.
Vicky listened in silence, twirling a spoon. Suddenly an idea sparked.
Dad, Grandma, she began uncertainly. What if I talk to Aunt Kate? Maybe shell listen to me?
Simon and Margaret exchanged looks.
No, Vicky, this is adult business, Simon shook his head. You shouldnt get involved.
But Im part of the family too, Vicky persisted. And Aunt Kate has always been kind to me. Maybe I can persuade her?
Im not sure, dear, Margaret mused. Kate does love you, but this is delicate.
Please, Vicky pleaded. Ill just try. If it doesnt work, thats that.
After much coaxing, Simon agreed to drive Vicky to Kates cottage on Sunday. Vicky spent the whole ride rehearsing what shed say. Her plan was vague, but she hoped her intuition would carry her.
Kate lived in a weatherworn house on the outskirts of Manchester, the same place where greatgrandmother Polly once stayed. Since Mikes death, Kate had lived there with her daughter Molly.
Are you sure you want to go alone? Simon asked as they stopped at the gate.
Yes, Dad, Vicky said. Itll be better if you dont think Im being pushed.
Alright, Simon sighed. Ill wait here. Call if anything comes up.
Vicky stepped out of the car, heart thudding, hands slightly trembling, but determined. She knocked, and familiar footsteps approached.
Vicky? Kate said, surprised. What are you doing here?
Hi, Aunt Kate, Vicky smiled. Mind if I come in?
Of course, come in, Kate moved aside, though a flicker of suspicion crossed her face. Youre probably here to beg for the dress, arent you? I wont change my mind.
I just wanted to talk, Vicky replied calmly, stepping inside. And maybe see Molly if shes around?
Shes out with a friend, Kate softened a little. Anyway, have a seat. Ive just baked a cake.
The kitchen smelled of vanilla and apples. Kate set out plates and a teapot.
So, just talk? Kate asked, slicing the cake. About what?
About greatgrandmother Polly, Vicky began. My grandma told me a bit, and Im curious. You lived in her house, you must know a lot.
Kates eyes widened, then softened.
Yes, I do, she said, pouring tea. Polly was an incredible woman. When I first met Mike, his mother took me in like a daughter. She taught me to bake pies, knit, run a household She told stories of the war, of waiting for her Henry to return, of keeping hope alive even when food was scarce.
Vicky listened, interjecting now and then, and Kate grew more animated.
And the dress? Vicky asked gently. Whats the story there?
Kate paused, then nodded.
Polly stitched that dress herself from scraps of fabric she collected over years. The last piece was a swatch of muslin a neighbour smuggled from London after the Blitz. Imagine thatpeople starving, yet someone managed to keep a piece of fine cloth. Polly poured her love and belief into every stitch, hoping it would bring her husband, and later her children, happiness.
So she wanted every bride to wear it? Vicky queried.
Exactly, Kate said quietly. She believed the dress held the love of every woman whod worn it, growing stronger with each wedding.
Then why not give it to Annie? Vicky asked straight.
Kates face hardened, as if a wall had risen again.
I told you, Im keeping it for Molly!
But Mollys wedding is still years away, Vicky pointed out. The dress could sit in a box, gathering dust.
It wont get dusty! I look after it! And Annie shes already thirtysomething, this would be her third attempt at marriage. Something feels off.
Whats off about a woman who refuses to give up on love? Vicky replied, genuinely surprised.
Kate opened her mouth to protest but found no words.
Aunt Kate, Vicky continued gently, have you considered that Annie might need the dresss magic exactly because shes been through so many setbacks? Thats why Polly made it, to give each bride a little boost.
Kate stared into her cup, silent.
Also, Vicky added, if the dress truly brings happiness, wouldnt it be wonderful for more than one bride to experience that?
What if it tears or stains? Kate whispered. Its a relic; you cant just wash it.
But Polly didnt make it to sit in a wardrobe, Vicky said. She wanted it to live, to bring joy, to connect hearts. Isnt that the point?
Kate lingered in thought, then rose and fetched a large, padded box from the hallway. She set it on the table and opened it carefully.
Inside lay a creamcoloured gown with a high collar, long sleeves, and a cascade of tiny buttons down the back. Delicate lace edged the cuffs and neckline, while the bodice was embroidered with minuscule pearls forming an intricate pattern.
Isnt it beautiful? Kate whispered, running a fingertip over the lace. Polly was a master seamstress. I wore it at my own wedding, and your mother did, too. Youve seen the family photos, havent you?
I have, but I never really noticed the dress, Vicky admitted. So it did really pass from bride to bride?
Yes, Kate confirmed, a hint of nostalgia in her voice. After your mother, it came back to me, and I decided to keep it for Molly.
What would greatgrandmother Polly think if she saw this feud over her dress? Vicky asked softly.
Kates shoulders slumped.
Shed be sad, she replied quietly. She always said family matters most, that no item is worth tearing relatives apart.
Aunt Kate, Vicky reached out, taking Kates hand, I think the dress should go to Annie. After the wedding she can return it to you, and later it can still be handed to Molly when her day comes. That way the tradition lives on.
Kate stared at the gown, then at Vickys earnest eyes. After a long pause, she let out a sigh.
You know, when I tried the dress, it fit as if it were sewn for me. It almost feels magical.
Maybe thats the secret, Vicky smiled. The dress adapts to each bride.
Kate closed the box, a tentative smile forming.
Alright, Ill lend it to Anniefor the wedding, and then shell give it back. Ill help her with any adjustments, no external tailors needed.
Thank you! Vicky beamed, hugging her aunt.
An hour later, Simon arrived, his eyes widening at the sight of the box.
Kate? You?
Im giving the dress to Annie, just for the ceremony, and Ill be there to help with the fitting, Kate declared firmly.
Thank you, Kate, Simon said, embracing her. Were grateful.
Annie and Daniels wedding took place in late April. The day was bright and warm. Annie looked stunning in Pollys heirloom, and Kate stood by, smoothing every pleat, fastening the endless row of tiny buttons.
Kate, I cant thank you enough, Annie said, eyes glistening in the mirror. This dress feels like a piece of family history.
And as Vicky watched the happy couple glide away, she realized that the true heirloom was the love binding generations, not the lace itself.
