And So I Ran - Complete

Chapter 55

"Can I offer you a glass of champagne, ladies? I also have sparkling non-alcoholic cider," Caroline Acton said, gesturing for one of her minions to snap to attention. It didn't take a genius to work out that when the fiancée of Seattle's richest man went shopping with her mother and mother-in-law to be, some serious coin was going to be spent. Once the three of us had drinks, and we were completely alone, Caroline commenced.

"I've spoken with Mr. Grey, and he has disclosed the purpose of your appointment today. All the staff have signed NDAs, but in any case, they have been told you are shopping for engagement party dresses. May I suggest we start with Miss Steele outlining the color scheme they have chosen, and then we can look at some dresses to complement? For a mother of the bride, or groom, the idea is not to match the wedding party, but the tones should work well together for the photographs."

"My dress is a soft white, with a lace overlay. The lace has a slight gray to it with silver embellishments. Kate is wearing a silver-gray dress. Christian and Elliot are wearing silver accessories. The flowers are white and blue."

"That gives us a lot to work with. Mrs. Adams, do you have any thoughts on the colors you'd like to wear? It's a late afternoon wedding so you'll be wearing a long gown."

I smiled at Caroline, thankful she was steering my mother in the right direction. I wasn't quite sure, myself, what was appropriate so appreciated the assistance.

"I often wear blue as it matches my eyes," Mom said. "I think I'd prefer a mid-blue. Nothing too bright, though." I nodded encouragingly. That sounded ok.

"Dr. Trevelyan?"

"Oh please, Caroline, call me Grace. I was thinking perhaps separates? I'd prefer a skirt, but I'm open to a pantsuit if that's how it works out. I thought perhaps a three quarter or elbow length jacket and not too shiny. Maybe lace or dupion silk? As for colors, I thought a dark silver or a warm gray?"

Caroline looked optimistic and went out onto the floor to select gowns for Mom and Grace. Grace probably already had a hundred things in her closet she could wear, but I understood part of the excitement of being the mother of the groom was choosing an outfit. Before long, Caroline was back with two racks of gowns, settling Mom in one change room, and Grace in another.

"It's your day, Miss Steele," Caroline said conspiratorially while the two mothers changed. "If there's something you particularly like or don't like, let me know." I knew she was referring to my mother and our previous conversation about her clothing selections.

Grace was the first to emerge in a dark gray silk three piece. A long silk skirt, with a lace top and matching silk jacket, it was gorgeous. Eminently suitable, it suited her trim figure, and the color was flattering on her.

"This is pretty much exactly what I had in mind," she said, presenting herself for my inspection. I wasn't sure of Grace's age, but I knew she had to be approaching sixty if not already there, but she looked much younger.

"Grace it's beautiful," I said sincerely.

"Do you think it would complement your scheme?" she asked tentatively. "I'll try on some others..."

"It will match nicely. If you like it, I think it's a wonderful choice."

"I'll wait to see what your mother chooses, and try on a few more," she said, but I think she'd all but made up her mind.

The first one my mother came out in I didn't particularly like. A fit and flare style, the top was a little lower than I thought was seemly. Thankfully Mom thought the same thing and said so without me needing to. She and Grace returned to the change rooms to try on other dresses. By Mom's third, I knew we'd found the right one. A deep dusky blue overlay lace dress with a matching wrap, it was flattering but age appropriate.