It was Saturday morning, the morning of the party, the morning when Will slept in, the morning when Tara was in Mary's bedroom. She was still unsure of what to wear for tonight.
Tara: What am I to do, Mary?
Mary: Are you still worried about this party?
Tara took a seat next to Mary's bed.
Tara: Yes! I mean – besides you and Will – I have no other friends. I want to make a good impression. I want to get invited to more celebrations. I want to feel…beautiful.
Mary put her hand up to Tara's cheek and held it there.
Mary: But you are beautiful, my child.
Tara closed her eyes as she put her hand over Mary's. Mary had a soft hand and a caring touch, like she was her mother. Tara opened her eyes slowly, and was surprised to see Will gazing back at the two of them.
Will: I'm not interrupting anything, am I?
As Mary removed her hand from Tara's cheek, she signaled Will to come. He sat next to her on the bed.
Will: Morning Mother.
He gave her a kiss on the cheek.
Will: Sorry I slept a little later than usual today.
Mary: It's okay William. You came just in time; I have an errand for you to run. You remember today is the day of Margaret's party, don't you?
Will: Oh yes, today is Saturday. What about it?
Mary: Well, I feel just awful about not making it. So I want you to buy her a gift for me. Tara, give Will some shillings please.
Tara opened a drawer and pulled out some money and put it in Will's hand, closing his hand around them. Will opened his hand and stared at the coins.
Will: But…I'm not a girl, I wouldn't know what to buy.
Mary: You and Margaret were childhood friends; you should be able to find a suitable gift. And besides, Tara has work to do around here. So don't even think about dragging her around with you.
She smiled at her son. "Such a big boy."
Mary: Oh, before I forget, buy yourself a suit. You need to look appropriate for tonight. But take as long as you like. Tara and I are working on a surprise for you.
Tara and Will: Surprise?
They looked at one another, eyebrows raised, then looked at Mary who had a smirk on her face. She gave Will a wink.
Mary: You'll see. Now run along.
He looked back at Tara, smiled, and exited the room. Mary heaved a big sigh.
Mary: I thought he would never leave.
Tara: Mary, I'm curious. What is this "surprise" you have planned?
Mary pointed across the room.
Mary: Open the bottom drawer of my wardrobe and pull out the big box.
Tara did as Mary asked. She discovered a long box with floral print, along with a few hat boxes. Everything was covered with a fine layer of dust. She took the floral box out and blew on it, a feeble attempt to make it presentable. She brought it to Mary and waited anxiously for her to reveal its content. Mary peered inside and let out a small sigh.
Mary: Ah, just as I left it.
She lifted the mystery out of its box and let Tara's eyes feast on it.
Tara: It's a…dress.
Mary: Yes, but not just any dress. This is the dress I wore the day my late husband and I started courting.
Tara's mouth dropped a little as Mary continued.
Mary: It was the first and last time I ever wore it. As soon as I took it off, I folded it carefully, placed it in this box, put it in that drawer, and it's stayed there ever since.
Tara: After all this time…what's the occasion for bringing it out?
Mary: I thought I could save the dress and keep it as a memory – you know, look at it from time to time and remember the happy times – but dresses are meant to be worn, not as a reminder. Now I know what to do with it.
Tara: Oh…this is for Margaret then.
Mary: It's for Margaret's party, yes, but not for Margaret. After all, Will went to get her gift.
Tara: I'm not sure I follow.
Mary chuckled.
Mary: My dear, sweet girl…this dress is for you.
Tara's eyes became wider and her mouth dropped again. She was stunned, but even more so than before.
Tara: Oh Mary…I couldn't. This dress, it means so much to you. I'm not worthy.
Mary: This dress is not worthy of being worn only one day. It hasn't had a chance to live yet. No, this dress does not belong in that box anymore; it belongs on your body. And I, for one, can't wait to see you in it.
Tara stroked the dress ever so gently. She had to turn away, so that her tears wouldn't stain it.