"No, I don't like this one either," Mrs. Legan delivered her verdict. "Too many laces."
Candy sighed and took off a tenth dress. So tiresome!
On that morning the girl was surprised to discover that Neil's mom had come to her to help her choose the dress. Whether Daniel had asked her to do it or she came by herself was still a mystery to Candy.
Choosing the dress with Neil was not easy, but it was only small beer compared to Mrs. Legan.
As for the green dress that had scared her son so much, Sarah totally pulled it to pieces. She didn't like neither the color, nor the model or the fact that it was "humble", according to Neil.
"In this dress you look like schoolgirl, and this is engagement, after all," the lady winced. "Never let a man choose your garment."
Mrs. Legan wanted her future daughter-in-law to wear something "elegant, but impressive" – for what it's worth, she had begun to realize that it would be the engagement of her only son!
"You must look stunning. The newspapers will write about it, they will take photos of you. We've got to nail these scribblers, since they might be asking about your previous engagement."
Candy looked down.
"Never mind, let the mask," continued Sarah while choosing another dress. "If you look elegant and carry yourself with dignity, they'll just have nothing to say."
She held out the dress to the girl.
"This is the one we need."
With the help of shop workers, Miss White robed into a fairytale garment.
A rich, dark pink color of the dress emphasized the freshness of the girl's face and the gold of her rebel hair. The skirt dropped with soft waves, and the bride's silhouette seemed aethereal and aeriform.
"Great! We'll take it," Mrs. Legan commanded.
Candy sadly began to take off her future garment. Despite her tiredness, this dress inspired her so much! She would look like a fairytale princess. And besides, Neil hadn't seen this dress yet…
"Thank you, Mrs. Legan!"
After that, they were sitting in a café, tired of all the try-ons. Sarah was writing down various little details about the engagement to her notebook.
"Of course he thinks he can handle everything by himself, but… he forgot to order flowers to the living room, to send an invitation to Mrs. Murray and, of course, he forgot about his old cousin Calton…"
"We actually wanted to get married alone at first," Candy giggled.
Mrs. Legan raised her eyebrows. Her face looked so much like Neil's when he was surprised at something.
"My goodness," she murmured. "Thank God you changed your mind. And Candy… you've got to do something about your hands."
"My hands?" the girl asked.
"Yes," Neil's mother replied. "Your hands."
The girl looked cautiously at them.
"What's wrong with my hands?"
Mrs. Legan sighed.
"This might be not very tactful of me to say such things, but we'll have to take care of them. And I'll hire a housemaid so that you don't do anything with your hands before the engagement."
"Mrs. Legan, that's not necessary. I want to remain myself."
"But you'll be in the spotlight! They will take photos of you. What will people say if they see your hands while Neil would be putting on the ring–"
"My hands might not be perfect, but if they see my happy eyes, they'll understand everything," the girl replied simply.
Later that day the girl was lying on her bed dreaming about the engagement. It's almost there!
She would be wearing a fairytale dress, dancing with her darling… The glow of admiration in his eyes… His hands on her waist… His smile and his scent…
There was a knock at thedoor – mail.
It was a letter from Patty! Candy impatiently broke the envelope.
Hi, Candy!
I'm really-really happy for you, my dear friend! Unfortunately, I can't come to your engagement, but I'll be there in a week, and we'll pick the most beautiful dress for you! You haven't chosen the dress yet, have you?
I want to hug you so much! Hug you and chat with you! I bought a ticket right after I got the letter! Nanny Martha sends you her love and says she'll definitely visit your wedding!
I've got so many words to tell you, but I think I'll save them for our meeting! I wish you to be the happiest bride ever!
See you soon!
Yours,
Patty
Miss White dashed away a tear and kissed the letter. Sweet, kind, tactful Patty! Not a single word saying she doubts her choice, she sincerely wishes her happiness and wants to come! Even if she did have some doubts, she decided to see Candy in person to make sure everything's okay! And not a single accusation towards Neil.
Sweet, sweet Patty! Candy wanted to see her so much!