but she was also very excited and nervous about what he might think of them. He studied them intensely for some time, picking up first one then another until finally he raised his head and smiled at her.
‘It seems to me that I’d better be on the look-out for some seamstresses,’ he said, and Amy’s heart leaped.
Grasping her small hand in his large one, her employer shook it gently up and down. ‘I think that Forrester’s Bridal Wear has just been born, my dear, and I also think that in the future I’m going to be keeping you very busy indeed.’
Amy could only gaze at him with a large lump in her throat as all her plans and dreams began to become a reality.
Chapter Fourteen
As Nancy closed the lid of Amy’s case and snapped down the clasp, she sniffed noisily. ‘I’m really going to miss yer.’ The words were said from the heart and Amy hurried over and placed her arm about her friend’s shoulders.
‘I shall be coming back,’ Amy promised. ‘Mr Forrester says that I’ll need to be staying here regularly once the new Bridal Shop is open. I’ll be back before you’ve even had time to realise I’ve gone, you’ll see.’
She was wearing the flattering day gown that Mrs Forrester had bought her on their shopping trip, and a jaunty little hat was perched on top of her head. Her hair had been swept up and she looked every inch the sophisticated young woman. It was hard to believe that she was the same girl who had arrived with her hair loose about her shoulders in her country clothes just four weeks ago. There was now a quiet air of confidence about her, yet her gentle nature remained unchanged, and although their friendship was still only blossoming, Nancy knew somehow that it never would. They hugged each other before beginning to cart Amy’s now considerable luggage down the stairs. In no time at all they were off and Nancy waved from the steps of the house until the carriage turned a corner and Amy was lost to sight.
Once they were on the train the journey home passed quickly. Old Mrs Forrester dozed for most of the way, whilst Josephine sat quietly enjoying the views from the carriage window. Amy and Samuel, meanwhile, spent most of the journey discussing different styles and materials. Samuel had already made discreet enquiries about a vacant shop in an exclusive area in Knightsbridge that he felt would suit their needs very well, and he had left the negotiations on it in Mr Harvey’s capable hands, content that the man would secure a favourable deal. He had also employed, on the recommendation of a colleague, two very experienced seamstresses who, even now as the train chugged towards Nuneaton, were working on the first two sample bridal gowns of Amy’s designs. All in all it had proved to be a very worthwhile visit. He was also pleased to note that his wife looked more relaxed than he had seen her for years, and if his new venture succeeded as he felt sure it would, then who could know where it might lead?
When they arrived back at Trent Valley railway station, the Forresters’ carriage was waiting for them. Samuel insisted on dropping Amy off right outside her gran’s cottage door. He was amused to note that the curtains of the neighbouring cottages were twitching as if they had been caught in a strong breeze when the carriage drew to a halt, but was too much of a gentleman to comment on it as he helped Amy alight before lifting her luggage down for her.
Molly had been like a cat on hot bricks all day, endlessly checking the lane for a sign of her beloved girl, and now she hastily drew back into the shadows of the kitchen, reluctant to run out and greet Amy until the fancy carriage had gone. It was early evening by now and she watched Mr Forrester speaking to Amy before picking up her valise and carrying it personally to the door for her. Amy looked wonderful, yet somehow different, more grown-up and elegant. Just for a moment, Molly was apprehensive but then as the carriage rolled away, the door suddenly burst open and Amy spilled into the room and straight into her waiting arms.
‘Oh, Gran, I’ve missed you so much!’ Amy was laughing and crying all at the same time and as her smooth cheek pressed against Molly’s old wrinkled one,