gown I told you about?”
“Could that work?” Carlotta asked, raising her brow. “It might be musty and dank.”
“I had it cleaned, and I added something to it, just in case Shelly wanted to wear it. She doesn’t know it yet, and I wanted to wait until you arrived to show her.”
“I’d love to see it.”
Ivy led her mother upstairs and brought out the wedding dress. “Shelly loved it, but she thought it was too short for her. As for me, it’s too slim of a fit.”
“The workmanship is exquisite,” Carlotta said, turning over the rich silk.
“It’s lasted a hundred years,” Ivy said. “I think Amelia Erickson would have wanted Shelly to wear it. We saved her home and found the treasures she’d kept safe for future generations.” Ivy lifted a length of lace. “This was probably meant for a veil, but I asked Louise if she could fashion a skirt to go under the dress and have an expanse of lace peeking out at the bottom of the dress.”
“Shelly would look lovely in this,” Carlotta said. “Let’s bring her in right away.”
They hurried to Shelly’s room. She was in her closet, digging through shoes. “Mom, I’m so glad you’re here.” Shelly emerged, holding a pair of silver sandals, and flung her arms around her mother.
“You’re radiant, mija,” Carlotta said, hugging her youngest child. “I’m so happy for you.”
Shelly’s hair was even wilder than usual, with multiple strands tumbling out of her topknot. “I have no idea which dress to wear, but I have these sandals. What do you think?” Shelly asked, gesturing toward several dresses on the bed. “I don’t have time to find that white coverup, and I’m not really crazy about any of these for a wedding, but who cares? I’m getting married—that’s all that matters.”
“Come with us,” Carlotta said. “Your sister has a surprise.”
When they returned to Ivy’s room, Ivy led Shelly into the closet and dressing room. “I had the vintage wedding gown cleaned for you.”
“That was so sweet of you,” Shelly said, her eyes widening. “I suppose it doesn’t have to be long.” A wistful smile crossed her face.
“I disagree,” Carlotta said. “Because your sister had a special underskirt made. See?” She took a hanger from the rod and revealed a new silk slip. Designed to fit slim around the waist and hips, it flared from mid-thigh with a trumpet-shaped skirt made of the stunning vintage lace.
“Why, that’s perfect.” Shelly’s eyes glittered with gratitude. “May I try it on?”
“Of course,” Ivy said, laughing. She and her mother helped Shelly change into the dress. When her sister stepped onto the round, raised fitting platform in front of the three-way mirror, Ivy caught her breath. Shelly was breathtaking.
“It’s the most beautiful dress I’ve ever seen,” Shelly said, running her hands over the silk. “I can hardly believe how fresh it looks now.”
Carlotta pressed her hands together. “It looks like it was made for you.”
“The bottom half was,” Shelly said, laughing. “And with my little silver kitten heels I just found, it will be the perfect length. How did you know?”
“I went into your closet and measured your clothes,” Ivy said. “You came in and caught me, so I had to act like I was looking for one of Mom’s dresses she’d given us.” Ivy held up Shelly’s sandals. “Try these on.”
“I thought that was odd because it didn’t fit you,” Shelly said as she slipped on her little heels. “This is the most beautiful dress I’ve ever worn. It even feels good on the inside.”
Carlotta smiled as she fastened the tiny buttons in the back. “That’s the silk lining and finished seams. Beautifully made. Couture, I would say.” She paused and studied a label sewn into the garment. “Callot Soeurs. I don’t recognize that, but this gown is quite old.”
Ivy and Carlotta stepped back to admire the dress on Shelly. Ivy thought her sister was the most unique bride she’d ever seen, although all brides were beautiful.
Carlotta picked up her purse. “I think it’s missing an important element.” She reached inside. “I visited my safety deposit box at the bank on the way.”
As Carlotta unrolled a satin jewelry bag, Shelly’s lips curved up. “I might not be a pearls-every-day kind of girl, but I’m feeling it very much today. Thanks, Mom. This means a lot to me.”
“This is your day, Shelly,” Carlotta said, fastening the strand on Shelly’s neck. “You should wear whatever you want.” She brought out pearl earrings to go with the necklace.
Ivy stood back,