MrsHarrington, I wont give you that dress its mine! Kates voice cracks into a shriek.
Kate, we agreed Annie is dreaming about it, Margaret Harrington waves her hands helplessly, unsure how to persuade her daughterinlaw.
No agreement at all! Its a family heirloom and I saved it for my own child! Kate paces the room, grabbing objects and thudding them back onto the shelves.
Victoria sits quietly in the corner, watching the drama unfold. The older sister of their father and the grandmother are once again at odds. Kate is usually hottempered and headstrong, but today she seems even more volatile. Normally she keeps her cool, especially around Victoria, but now the dress has sparked a fullblown storm.
Kate, please stop, Simon, Victorias father, puts a hand on his sisters shoulder, but she jerks it away.
Dont tell me what to do! Youve always been Mums boy! Kate snaps. This dress belonged to my motherinlaw, Michaels mother! Im the one who decides who gets it.
But Michaels mother wanted every bride in the family to wear it, Margaret says softly. She told me that herself before she passed.
She meant real brides, Kate emphasizes the word real with cold precision. Not someone like your Annie! Shes tried to marry three times and never succeeded. Maybe this is a sign?
A heavy silence settles over the room. Margarets face turns pale, Simon frowns, and Victoria sinks into the armchair, hoping to become invisible. She breathes shallowly so as not to attract attention. At fifteen, Victoria already knows that family quarrels are best avoided, especially when an ancestral wedding dress is at stake.
How can you say that? Margarets trembling voice breaks the hush. Annie is your niece!
And what of it? Shes a niece, not a daughter! Kate flings her arms wide. I have a daughter of my own, you know, and Im keeping the dress for her!
Your Mary is only twelve, Simon points out. And Annies wedding is next month!
So she can buy another dress! There are hundreds of them in every bridal boutique these days!
Victoria knows the greatgrandmothers dress is truly special. Its an old, handcrafted piece with delicate lace and tiny pearl embroidery along the bodice, stored in a velvet case at Kates house. Victoria has only seen it once, when the whole family was sorting through old photographs. In the pictures, greatgrandmother Eleanor looks like a storybook princesstall, slender, with graceful shoulders highlighted by the dresss cut.
You know this isnt just a dress, Margaret says gently. Eleanor wanted it to bring happiness to every bride in our family. She wore it herself in 45 when her husband returned from the war.
I know all that! Kate retorts. Which is why Im saving it for Mary! Annie will be on her third marriage and the dress may not survive. Its old, the fabric is thinning.
Annie will treat it with care, Margaret pleads, looking at Kate. Shell even find a tailor who can adjust it without damage.
No! Thats enough, Kate declares, turning toward the door, only to be blocked by Simon.
Wait, his voice is calm but firm. Lets discuss this without shouting. Please sit down.
Theres nothing for me to discuss with you! Kate tries to sidestep her brother, but he stays planted.
Kate, you know Mums wish. Eleanor wanted the dress to pass from bride to bride. That was her wish.
My wish is to keep it for my daughter! Kate folds her arms across her chest. Why did you all turn on me? Im the one who holds the dress, so I decide who gets it!
Victoria rises slowly and slips toward the exit. These adult fights always wear her out. She barely takes three steps when Aunt Kate calls out:
Victoria! Tell me, girl, would you like to wear this dress when you get married?
All eyes turn to her. Victoria freezes, unsure how to answer. She has no desire to be pulled into the conflict.
I I dont know, Aunt Kate, she replies cautiously. I havent even thought about marriage.
See! Even Victoria doesnt want the dress! Why force Annie to wear it? Kate exclaims triumphantly.
Kate, stop dragging the child into this, Simon says tiredly. Victoria, go back to your room, please.
Grateful to her father, Victoria darts out of the room. In the hallway to her bedroom she hears raised voices again. She shuts the door, collapses onto the bed, and presses a pillow over her ears, though the echoes of the quarrel still pierce the silence.
Days pass and a tense calm settles over the house. Aunt Kate stops coming over, Margaret wanders with reddened eyes, and Simon spends most of his time at work. Victoria tries to ignore the heavy atmosphere, but it clings to her.
On Saturday morning, while Victoria sips tea in the kitchen, the phone rings. Margaret answers, and Victoria recognises Annies voice on the other end.
Yes, Annie No, love, its not possible right now I understand Maybe we should look for another dress? I know, dear, I know
After the call, Margaret slumps into a chair opposite her granddaughter.
Grandma, are you alright? Victoria asks gently.
Im fine, love, Margaret forces a smile that quickly fades. Its just that Annie is upset about the dress.
Why is it so important to her?
Margaret looks out the window, thoughtful.
Your greatgrandmother Eleanor was an extraordinary woman. She lived through war, famine, loss, yet she kept a fierce love that everyone felt. That dress soaked up her hope. She first wore it when she married your greatgrandfather Thomas after the war. Then your grandmother Susan, my older sister, wore it. Then your mother. All were happy.
And Aunt Kate?
Kate is special too. She keeps everything inside, trusts no one. After Michael died she shut herself away. This dress is the only thing she can cling to now.
Victoria nods, though she doesnt fully grasp why a piece of cloth commands such devotion.
What about Annie? Why did Kate call her not a real bride?
Annies life has been hard. She was engaged twice, both times the weddings fell through at the last minute. Now shes found 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 Eleanors? Victoria suggests. Maybe that would be lucky too?
Oh, Victoria, Margaret strokes her hair. If only it were that simple. Its not the dress itself but the tradition, the link to our past, the thread that ties all the women together.
At that moment Simon walks in, looking tired but resolute.
Mom, I just spoke with Kate on the phone, he says. Shes firm. She wont give up the dress.
Good heavens, Simon, Margaret sighs. What do we do? Annies wedding is less than a month away
I think we should respect Kates decision, Simon replies. After all, the dress is legally hers now.
But thats unfair! Margaret exclaims. Eleanor wanted every bride to have it
Mother, I understand, Simon cuts in gently. But we cant force Kate. That would only tear the family apart further.
Victoria watches them, twirling a teaspoon between her fingers. An idea bubbles up.
Dad, Grandma, what if I talk to Aunt Kate? Maybe shell listen to me.
Simon and Margaret exchange a look.
No, Victoria, thats adult business, Simon shakes his head. You shouldnt get involved.
But Im part of the family, she insists. Aunt Kate has always been kind to me. Perhaps I can persuade her.
Margaret hesitates. On one hand, Kate does love you but on the other, this is a delicate matter.
Please, let me try, Victoria pleads. If it doesnt work, thats that.
After a long discussion, Simon agrees to drive Victoria to Kates house on Sunday. The whole journey, Victoria rehearses what to say. Her plan is vague, but she trusts her intuition.
Aunt Kate lives in an old cottage on the edge of the town, the same house once belonging to Eleanor. After her husband died, Kate stayed there with her daughter Mary.
Are you sure you want to go alone? Simon asks as they pull up to the gate.
Yes, Dad, Victoria replies. That way Kate wont think you sent me.
Alright, Simon sighs. Ill wait here. Call if anything changes.
Victoria steps out, heart pounding, hands slightly trembling, but determined. She knocks, and Kates familiar footsteps echo from inside.
Victoria? Kate says, surprised. What are you doing here?
Hello, Aunt Kate, Victoria smiles. May I come in?
Of course, Kate says, stepping aside. Youre probably here to ask for the dress, arent you? Know this I wont change my mind.
Im just here to talk, Victoria replies, moving toward the kitchen. And I was hoping to see Mary. Is she home?
No, shes out with a friend, Kate says, softening a little. Come, have a cup of tea. I just baked an appleandvanilla cake.
The kitchen smells of sweet apples and butter. Kate places teacups on the table.
So, just talk? Kate asks, slicing the cake. About what?
About greatgrandmother Eleanor, Victoria says. You lived in her house, you must know a lot about her.
Kates eyes widen, then warm.
Yes, I do, she says, handing Victoria a cup. Eleanor was remarkable. When I met Michaels mother, she took me in as if I were her own child. Ill never forget how she taught me to bake pies, knit, and run a household. She told stories of the war, of waiting for her Thomas while everyone thought he was lost
Victoria listens intently, asking occasional questions, and Kates memory starts to flow.
And the dress? Victoria asks gently. The wedding dress you keep.
Kate pauses, then nods.
Its a special piece. Eleanor stitched it herself from scraps of fabric she collected over the years. The last piece came from a neighbour who brought it from London after the siege. Can you imagine? People were starving, yet someone saved a bit of batiste Eleanor said each stitch carried her love and hope that Thomas would return, that theyd have a family. And it happened.
So she wanted every family bride to wear it? Victoria inquires.
Yes, Kate whispers. She believed the dress held the love of every woman who wore it, growing stronger with each new bride.
Then why wont you give it to Annie? Victoria asks directly.
Kate shivers, as if waking from a dream, her face hardening again.
I told youIm keeping it for Mary!
But Marys wedding is years away, Victoria points out. The dress could sit there and deteriorate.
It wont spoilI look after it! Kate retorts. And Annie is already thirty, this would be her third attempt at marriage. Something feels off, dont you think?
What could be wrong with hoping again? Victoria asks, genuinely curious. Isnt it admirable to keep believing in love?
Kate opens her mouth to argue but finds no words.
Kate, Victoria continues softly, did you consider that Annie wants the dress because she needs that extra strength and belief? The very thing Eleanor poured into it?
Kate looks at her cup, silent.
Besides, Victoria adds, if the dress truly brings happiness to every bride, wouldnt more happiness follow if another woman wore it?
What if it tears or gets stained? Kate whispers. Its a relic; you cant just wash or mend it.
But Eleanor didnt stitch it to sit in a closet, Victoria notes. She wanted it to live, to spread joy, to connect hearts. Isnt that the point?
Kate remains quiet for a long moment, then rises and walks out of the kitchen. Victoria worries shes upset her, but a minute later Kate returns carrying a large box.
Here, she says, placing the box on the table and opening it. Its the dress.
Victoria holds her breath. Inside, carefully wrapped in tissue, lies the creamcoloured gown with a high collar, long sleeves, and rows of tiny buttons down the back. Delicate lace trims the collar and cuffs, while the bodice is embroidered with minute pearls forming an intricate pattern.
Its beautiful, Victoria whispers.
Yes, Kate says proudly. Eleanor was a master craftswoman. Every stitch is perfect. I wore it at my wedding, and so did your mother. Have you seen the family wedding photos?
I have, but I never noticed the dress, Victoria admits. So it really did pass from bride to bride?
It did, Kate confirms, running a finger over the lace. After your mother, it returned to me, and I decided to keep it for Mary.
What would Eleanor think if she saw this family feud over her dress? Victoria asks quietly.
Kate flinches.
Shed be saddened, she says in a low voice. She always said family matters more than any object. No thing should tear relatives apart.
Kate, Victoria says, gently taking Kates hand, I think the dress should go to Annie now. After the wedding, she can bring it back to you, and later youll pass it on to Mary when the time comes. The tradition will continue.
Kate stares at the dress for a long time, then sighs heavily.
You know whats strange? When I wore it, it fit me as if it were made just for me. The same happened with your mother. It seems to mould itself to each bride
Maybe thats its magic, Victoria smiles.
Kate smiles back, surprised.
Maybe, she says, closing the box. Alright, Ill give the dress to Annie, but only for the wedding day. She must return it afterwards.
Im sure shell agree, Victoria says, relief flooding her.
And Ill help her try it on and adjust it if needed. No outside tailors, Kate adds.
Thank you, Aunt Kate, Victoria says, embracing her. Thank you.
An hour later they walk back to the house together. Simon, seeing the box in Victorias hands, cant believe his eyes.
Kate? You
Yes, Im giving the dress to Annie, Kate says firmly. Just for the ceremony, and Ill be there to help with the fitting.
Thank you, Simon embraces his sister, grateful.
Annies wedding to David takes place at the end of April. The day is bright and warm. In Eleanors dress, Annie looks stunning. Kate assists her, smoothing each crease, fastening the endless row of tiny buttons.
Kate, I dont know how to thank you, Annie says, tearful, looking at herself in the mirror. This dress feels like a piece of history.
It is, Kate replies. A piece of our familys story. Now youre part of it too.
Victoria watches Annie, unable to look away. The dress seems made for her, highlighting her delicate frame and giving her a radiant glow. David gazes at his bride as if hes witnessing a miracle.
After the ceremony, as promised, the dress returns to Kate. But now she keeps it not just as a relic, but as a symbol of the bond between generations. Occasionally she brings it out, shows it to Mary, and recounts the stories of every woman who has worn it.
When I get married, will I wear it too? Mary asks.
Of course, if you want, Kate smiles. But perhaps someone else in the family will wear it first.
Each time Kate looks at the gown, she remembers Victorias words: the real value lies not in preserving objects, but in preserving the connections between people. She silently thanks her niece for that lesson.
And Victoria, glancing at the photographs of Annie in Eleanors dress, sometimes wonders whether shell ever wear it herself. She smiles at the thought. In the end, the wedding dress that didnt reach one bride brings happiness to anotherand may yet bless many more.
