Claire was too emotional to be completely like Tony. Overwhelmed with a sense of relief, she reached over, hugged Emily, and smiled. “Good! Let’s put this behind us and have fun looking at dresses!” Pushing the button again, she said, “Eric, we are both going to the bridal boutique.” She closed the window.
“One more thing though.” Concern showed in Emily’s green eyes. Claire exhaled, she didn’t want to hear one more thing.
“John is planning to speak to you tonight about your prenuptial agreement.”
“What? I don’t know anything about that, he should talk to Tony.” Claire thought about that scenario. “On second thought, no, tell him not to worry about it. I totally trust Tony, and I honestly couldn’t care less about his money. It really isn’t an issue. Tell John to forget it.” Emily said she would tell him, but couldn’t make any promises. After all he was an attorney, and Claire was his kid sister-in-law.
The entrance to the boutique was a grand ten-foot door surrounded by limestone. Above the door was a street number but no visible store name. There were no gowns in the window or advertisements evident, a different experience from when they had shopped for Emily’s dress. Claire knew from past boutique shopping that to enter the boutique you needed to ring the bell. However, Eric called ahead and as he parked the car and opened the door for Claire and Emily, the door of the boutique opened.
A woman in her fifties or sixties dressed in posh business attire rushed out to welcome Ms. Nichols to their modest boutique. She introduced herself, Sharon Springhill. As she ushered the women into the shop, she gushed, “Ms. Nichols, we were so happy to receive Mr. Rawlings’s call yesterday. Since that moment we have worked diligently to create a collection especially for you. We truly hope that you, the future Mrs. Anthony Rawlings, will find the dress of your dreams today.”
Claire did her best to play the person she’d become. Looking at Emily she could sense her uneasiness and decided this was an opportunity to educate her sister. “Ms. Springhill, I am very excited to be here today. Mr. Rawlings told me the wonderful reputation of your boutique. I appreciate you taking the time to personally assist me on this holiday weekend.” Ms. Springhill thanked Claire for the kind words. (Emily witnessed Claire’s ease with the situation.) “Now, Ms. Springhill, this is my sister, Mrs. Vandersol. She will be my matron-of-honor. Perhaps Mr. Rawlings informed you our wedding will be on December 18. I am hopeful that you will not only be able to assist me with my dress, but also one for my sister.” (Emily would experience the treatment Claire endured.)
Emily was immediately met with her own entourage of associates. Claire smiled at her sister as their eyes met. Emily shook her head, it didn’t seem real. The women were offered coffee, water, tea, and champagne. Next they were escorted to seats in front of an open area. It reminded Claire of a dance floor in a hotel reception hall. Ms. Springhill explained to the ladies that she put together a collection especially for Mrs. Rawlings. It included many of the top wedding gown designers: Vera Wang, Oscar de la Renta, Manuel Mota, Monique Lhuiller, Maggie Sultero, Winnie Couture, and Mieko, as well as others. “Please sit back and relax while models display the most extravagant and stunning wedding gowns you have ever seen. Feel free to make any requests. If you choose, you may see any gowns again, and please touch the magnificent fabrics.
“Ms. Nichols, once you narrow the selection you may try on those gowns. We will then take your measurements so that the gown of your dreams will be tailored specifically for you. Also, if you desire a certain gown but would like something changed, the designer can be contacted and every effort will be made to accommodate your desire.
“After the wedding gowns, they will gladly repeat the process for Mrs. Vandersol. Is there anything we can get you to make you ladies more comfortable?” Claire told her they were fine and excited to see the gowns.
The decision proved incredibly difficult. Most of the gowns were exquisite. Actually, some were a little strange, Claire and Emily exchanged glances. However, most were elegant. There were glamorous gowns with bold contrasts in volume, rich fabrics such as lace, organza, or heron, and the finest accessories. Some were covered with drapes that were bound with precious-stone