Posh Frocks & Peacocks - Tracie Podger Page 0,17

on the chair and laid the dress over the bed then checked my watch. Joe had insisted on helping me get dressed, even though I’d told him I’d rather do it on my own. If I had Joe, I told him, I’d have Mum and he was much better at keeping her occupied than I was. I regretted that when I saw the row of buttons at the back I had no hope of doing up alone. I sent him a text.

About ten minutes to midday, come up on your own and help me into this dress, will you? Don’t tell Mum or she’ll insist on helping as well, and I can’t be doing with her crying all over me.

I placed the phone on the dressing table and gathered my underwear together. A smile started to spread. If Ronan wasn’t wearing any undies, neither would I!

I cupped my breasts, thankful they hadn’t sagged too much. I could hardly wear a bra but no knickers. If I was going commando, then it was a full on commando. Then I was reminded, my bladder was a bitch. If I needed a pee and I didn’t have enough time to get to the loo, I’d have no Tena Lady. I started to fret. I didn’t want a Tena Lady in my nice wedding knickers. Unless… I plotted. I’d go commando, then pop on some pants, then go commando again later. There was no way I could dance without any form of protection downstairs.

I fretted some more and then wondered what on earth I was fretting about. I was getting married; I was over the moon with that prospect. I was wearing knickers and a slimline Tena and then I’d remove it before… Well, timing would be important, I had all good intentions of Ronan helping me undress as seductively as he could.

“Oh my Lord,” I said, looking at myself in the mirror. The dress flattered my curves but there was something magical about it.

“You look stunning. Now, your dad is about to come up so make sure you don’t cry, okay?” Joe said. He kissed my cheek and left the room giving me a moment to just look.

I reached out and touched the mirror, touching my reflection. The lady who wore this dress originally must have felt like a princess. I certainly did. We’d discovered the dress had been handmade during the war. Material had been sourced from various places and although there was the smallest detail that didn’t quite match, whoever had sewn it together had done the most magnificent job. I turned to see the peacock on the back, I was sure I’d have to point out Ronan’s name and the flag, it was so subtly done.

There was a slight tap to the door and I called out to come on in. My dad appeared and then covered his mouth. I saw tears form in his eyes and I frowned. This wasn’t my first marriage and I was sure he hadn’t cried back then.

“You look stunning, my darling,” he whispered. I smiled; my words were stuck in my throat.

“Your mother is super pissed she can’t walk you down the aisle. According to her, I got to do it once before so it should be her turn.” He laughed and I was pleased to see him back to his jovial self.

“Is Ronan downstairs yet?” I asked. I wanted to look out the window and watch.

“He is and he looks dapper,” Dad replied. He then held out his arm. “Shall we?”

I smiled and took it, picking up a small bouquet of woodland flowers from my dressing table.

Mum stood at the bottom of the staircase and watched as we descended. She, too, placed her hands over her mouth.

She cocked her head to one side. “You look stunning,” she said. I smiled back at her and she added, “I’ll tell them you’re ready.” Then scuttled off.

Dad and I stood outside the library doors and waited until we heard the beginning of the music. The doors were opened and I could see straight through to Ronan with Charlie beside him. I wanted to do the cover of the mouth at that point. I also wanted to cross my thighs to quell the instant throbbing! My man looked like a movie star.

Ronan stood there in his blue family tartan kilt. He had long dark socks and patent shoes. He wore a white dress shirt with a black jacket. The brass buttons glinted as if he’d recently polished