The Holly Man

Masquerade

A few weeks later, Will navigated through the narrow streets to a row of smaller shops and services. He stopped in front of a bow window and knew from Amy's description of its owner he'd found the right place. He entered, and the woman with corkscrew curls and clothes so bright it hurt his eyes, turned, alerted by the jangling bell.

"Hullo," she said, her eyebrows rising with surprise, "Can I help you?"

"I hope so," Will cleared his throat and came closer. "I think you know my," he hesitated, realising that until this moment, he'd never said what he relationship to Amy was out loud, "my, er...partner. Her name's Amy." He stood self-consciously, cringing at the modern term which sounded inadequate as Mandy grinned,

"Well, well," she exclaimed, "let me guess, are you her boss?" Will nodded, feeling uncomfortable, and the woman let out a laugh, "She's told me about the folks she works with when she's been in shopping. You fit the boss description to a t!" She took pity on him, "Nothing bad, in fact the opposite. So how can I help you?"

"Well," he said running a hand through his hair, "we have a big event, a masquerade themed charity dinner at the end of this week, and Amy said you didn't sell the sort of clothes she'd need. She's got something, but I don't think she's happy with it." He paused, feeling awkward and added, "I wondered if you could help me find her something...er...suitable that she'd like, that I could buy for her." He saw Mandy's lips purse in what looked like amusement.

"I'm sure I could help you out." she said with a grin, "I know her size, but I'd have to make sure the length was right because she's petite."

"I think she'd look beautiful in a sack," Will nodded eagerly, "but I want her to feel confident. She tells me you helped her choose work clothes when she first moved here."

"Yeah," Mandy said, "She had no idea how to make the best of herself, and I doubt she's ever bought a formal evening dress." She grabbed her phone, crinkling her eyes in concentration. "Listen, why don't you leave it with me. I know a few places that do fast delivery." She reached behind and grabbed a pen, scribbling some details down, "Here's my bank account details. Give me your number and I'll let you know how much."

"Of course," he said, searching his pockets before handing her a card, "It's Will,"

***

Amy used the key card to open the hotel door and dragged her bag through. She smiled inwardly when she and Fern were standing at the reception desk, and her friend grumbled about them being on different floors. Will had quietly organised for Amy to be the only other member of his staff on the fourth floor so they could return to his suite at the end of the night without drawing any suspicion. She clicked the card into the slot to activate the lights and frowned at the large box on the bed. She closed the door and walked over, carefully lifting the lid off. Gasping at the beaded bodice, she peeled back the remaining tissue paper and lifted the dark blue dress out carefully. A small white card fluttered to her feet, and she picked it up to read what it said.

A beautiful dress for a beautiful girl, your Will. PS I had help from your friend Mandy.

Despite being alone, Amy let out a surprised laugh and spun the fabric around to see the back. With her stomach turning with anticipation, she stripped her work clothes off and stepped carefully into the dress. Reaching around for the concealed zip, she discovered it fitted as if it had been made for her, falling gently to calf length at the front and slightly longer at the back. She looked in the mirror, twisting to see the side and back view, unable to stop the glow as she realised, she looked good in this beaded wonder that accentuated her small waist and soft curves. After carefully taking it off and laying it on the bed, she took her phone and typed a message.