No, Margaret! I wont give that dress away! Its mine! Kates voice cracked into a shriek.
Kate, we agreed Margaret waved her hands helplessly, not knowing how to persuade her daughterinlaw.
Not a word of it! There was never any agreement. Its a family heirloom and Ive kept it for my own daughter! Kate paced the room, snatching up objects and thumping them back onto the shelves.
Victoria sat quietly in the corner, watching the scene unfold. The older sister of my father and my grandmother were at it again. Kate had always been hottempered and inflexible, but today she seemed completely out of character. Usually Aunt Kate kept her cool, especially around Victoria, but the dress had now sparked a real storm.
Kate, please stop, Simon, Victorias father, placed a hand on his sisters shoulder, but she brushed it away with a sharp flick.
Dont tell me what to do! Youve always been Mums boy! she snapped. And that dress belonged to my motherinlaw, Michaels mother! Im the only one who decides who gets it!
But Michaels mother wanted every bride in the family to wear it, Margaret whispered. She told me that herself before she passed.
She meant genuine brides! Kate emphasized the word genuine coldly. Not a girl like your Anne! Shes been engaged three times and never made it work. Maybe thats a sign?
A heavy silence fell. Margaret turned pale, Simon frowned, and Victoria sank deeper into the armchair, hoping to become invisible. She barely breathed, not wanting to attract attention. At fifteen, Victoria already knew that family feuds were best left untouched, especially when a greatgrandmothers wedding gown was at stake.
How can you say that? Margarets voice trembled. Anne is your niece!
So what? A niece, not a daughter! Kate flared. I have a real daughter, you know. Im saving the dress for her!
Your Mary is only twelve, Simon interjected. And Annes wedding is next month!
Then she can buy another dress! There are hundreds of them in every boutique!
Victoria knew the greatgrandmothers dress was a treasure. It was an old, handstitched gown with delicate lace and tiny pearl embellishments along the bodice, stored in a special case at Aunt Kates house. She had seen it once, when the whole family was sorting through old photographs. In those pictures greatgrandmother Eleanor looked like a storybook princess tall, slender, with a graceful posture that the dresss cut highlighted.
You both know this isnt just a piece of cloth, Margaret said gently. Eleanor wanted it to bring happiness to every bride in our line. She wore it herself in 45 when my father returned from the war.
I know all that! Kate snapped. Which is why I want to keep it for Mary. Annes about to have her third wedding and the dress could fall apart. Its old, the fabric is thinning.
Anne will treat it with care, Margaret pleaded. Shell even find a tailor to adjust it without damaging it.
No! Thats the end of the discussion!
Kate marched toward the door, but Simon stepped in her way.
Wait, he said, calm but firm. Lets talk this through without shouting. Have a seat, please.
I have nothing to discuss with you! Kate tried to slip past her brother, but he held his ground.
Kate, you know Mothers wishes. Eleanor wanted the dress to pass from bride to bride. That was her intention.
My intention is to keep it for my daughter! Kate crossed her arms. And I dont understand why you all turned on me. The dress is in my care, so I decide who gets it!
Victoria rose slowly and slipped toward the exit. The adult arguments always wore her out. She hadnt taken three steps when Aunt Kate called out:
Victoria! Tell me, girl, would you like to wear this dress when you get married?
All eyes turned to her. She froze, unsure what to answer. She didnt want to be dragged into the quarrel.
I I dont know, Aunt Kate, she replied cautiously. I havent even thought about marriage yet.
See! Even Victoria doesnt want the dress! Why force Anne to wear it?
Kate, dont involve the child in our dispute, Simon said tiredly. Victoria, go back to your room, please.
Grateful for the relief, Victoria slipped out, hearing the raised voices again as she closed her bedroom door and threw herself onto the bed, pressing a pillow over her ears. The echo of the argument still seeped through the walls.
Days passed and a tense lull settled over the house. Aunt Kate stopped coming around, Margaret walked with redrimmed eyes, and Simon spent most of his time at work. Victoria tried to ignore the heaviness, but it lingered.
One Saturday morning, while Victoria was having breakfast, the phone rang. Margaret answered, and Victoria recognized the trembling voice of Anne on the other end.
Yes, Anne No, love, its not possible I understand, of course Maybe we should look for another dress? I know, dear, I know
The call ended, and Margaret sank into the chair opposite her granddaughter.
Grandma, are you all right? Victoria asked gently.
Im fine, dear, Margaret tried to smile, but it was a sad smile. Annes upset about the dress.
Why does it matter so much to her?
Margaret stared out the window before answering.
You see, Victoria, your greatgrandmother Eleanor was an extraordinary woman. She lived through war, famine, loss, yet she kept a fierce love that everyone felt. That dress absorbed that love. She first wore it when she married your greatgrandfather Thomas after the war. Then your grandmother Susan, my older sister, wore it, then your mother did. Every bride was happy.
And Aunt Kate?
She was special, too. She keeps everything inside, trusts no one. After Michael died she shut herself off. This dress is the only thing she can cling to, you understand?
Victoria nodded, though the logic seemed strange. Clinging to a piece of cloth felt odd, even if it was a family relic.
What about Anne? Why did Kate call her a real bride?
Margaret sighed.
Annes had a rough go. She was engaged twice, both times falling apart at the last minute. Now shes with Daniel, and they truly love each other. Shes dreamed of the dress, hoping it will bring her luck.
Could we not make a new dress similar to greatgrandmothers? Victoria suggested. Maybe it would be just as lucky?
Oh, Victoria, Margaret stroked her hair. If only it were that simple. It isnt the fabric; its the tradition, the connection to our past. Its a thread that ties every woman in our family together.
At that moment Simon entered, looking weary but determined.
Mum, I just spoke to Kate on the phone, he said. Shes firm. She wont give up the dress.
Oh, Simon, Margaret sighed. What do we do? Annes wedding is less than a month away
I think we should respect Kates decision, Simon replied. The dress is hers, and she can do as she wishes.
But its unfair! Margaret shouted. Eleanor wanted every bride to wear it
Mum, I know, Simon interrupted gently. But we cant force Kate. That would only tear the family further apart.
Victoria listened in silence, turning her tea spoon over and over. An idea suddenly struck her.
Dad, Grandma, what if I talk to Aunt Kate? Maybe shell listen to me.
Simon and Margaret exchanged a glance.
No, Victoria, thats adult business, Simon said, shaking his head. You shouldnt get involved.
But Im part of the family too, Victoria insisted. Aunt Kate has always been kind to me. Perhaps I can persuade her.
Im not sure, Margaret mused. Kate does love you, but this is delicate.
Please, Victoria pleaded. Ill just try. If it doesnt work, thats that.
After much urging, Simon agreed to drive Victoria to Kates on Sunday. The whole journey, Victoria rehearsed what she would say. She had no firm plan, but she trusted her gut.
Kate lived in an old cottage on the outskirts of town, the very house once owned by Eleanor. After her husband died, Kate stayed there with her daughter Mary.
Are you sure you want to go alone? Simon asked as they pulled up at the gate.
Yes, Dad, Victoria said. Itll be better if you think Im not being pushed by you.
Alright, Simon sighed. Ill wait here. Call if you need anything.
Victoria stepped out, heart pounding, hands trembling a little, but determined. She knocked, and after a moment Kates voice called out.
Victoria? What are you doing here?
Hello, Aunt Kate, Victoria replied, forcing a smile. May I come in?
Of course, Kate said, stepping aside. Youre probably here to ask for the dress, arent you? I wont change my mind.
I just wanted to talk, Victoria said, moving toward the kitchen. And maybe see Mary, if shes home.
Marys out with a friend, Kate replied, softening a touch. Come in, Ive just baked a cake.
The kitchen smelled of vanilla and apples. Kate set out plates and poured tea.
So, just talk? Kate asked, slicing the cake. What about?
About greatgrandmother Eleanor, Victoria began. You lived in her house; you must know a lot about her.
Kate blinked, then a flicker of memory crossed her face.
Yes, I do, she said, handing Victoria a cup. When I met Michaels mother, she took me in like her own. She taught me how to bake, knit, run a household She told stories of the war, of waiting for her Thomas to return, believing hed come back even when all seemed lost.
And the dress? Victoria asked gently. What made it so special?
Kates eyes softened.
Eleanor stitched that gown herself from bits of fabric she collected over the years. The last piece was a swatch of fine muslin a neighbor brought from London after the blockade. Imagine, people starving, yet someone managed to keep a scrap of cloth She poured her love and hope into every stitch, hoping Thomas would survive and theyd build a family. She wore it when she married, then my sister Susan wore it, then your mother did. It always seemed to bring luck.
So why wont you let Anne wear it? Victoria asked.
Kates face hardened again.
I said Im keeping it for Mary! she snapped. Her wedding is years away, and the dress cant just sit there gathering dust.
But Marys wedding is still far off. The dress could be preserved better if its used, Victoria reasoned. And Annes third attempt at marriage could use a little extra hope.
What if it tears or gets stained? Kate whispered. Its a relic, not something you can just wash.
Eleanor didnt make it to sit in a cupboard, Victoria replied softly. She wanted it to live, to bring joy, to connect the women of our family. Wouldnt that be honoring her?
Kate fell silent, staring into her tea. After a long pause she rose and fetched a large box from the pantry.
Here, she said, placing the lid gently on the table. Its inside.
Victoria held her breath. Inside lay the creamcoloured dress, highnecked, longsleeved, tiny pearlstitched rows down the back, delicate lace trimming the collar and cuffs, and a bodice embroidered with tiny pearl motifs.
Its beautiful, Victoria whispered.
It is, Kate said proudly. Eleanor was a master seamstress. I wore it on my own wedding, and your mother did too. Have you seen the photos?
I have, but never noticed the gown, Victoria admitted. So it really did pass from bride to bride?
Yes, Kate confirmed, running a fingertip over the lace. After your mother, it came back to me. I decided to keep it for Mary.
What would greatgrandmother Eleanor think if she saw this family fighting over her dress? Victoria asked quietly.
Kate flinched.
Shed be upset, she murmured. She always said family mattered more than any object. No thing should tear relatives apart.
Victoria reached out, taking Kates hand.
I think the dress should go to Anne for her wedding, then return to you afterward. When Marys day comes, you can give it to her. That way the tradition continues.
Kate stared at the dress a long moment, then let out a deep sigh.
You know the strangest thing? When I wore it, it fit as if it had been made for me, just as it did for your mother. It seems to mould itself to each bride.
Perhaps thats the magic, Victoria smiled.
Kate closed the box, her expression softening.
Very well. Ill lend it to Anne, on the condition she brings it back after the ceremony. Ill help her with the fitting, no outside tailors.
Thank you, Aunt Kate, Victoria said, hugging her. Youve done a great thing.
Later, Simon saw his daughter emerge from the cottage carrying the box, his eyes widening.
Kate? Whats that?
Im giving the dress to Anne for the wedding, she said firmly. Only for the day, and Ill help her try it on.
Simon embraced her. Thank you.
Anne and Daniels wedding took place at the end of April. The day was bright and warm. Anne, in Eleanors gown, looked stunning. Kate stood by, adjusting a stray hem, fastening the endless line of tiny buttons.
Kate, I dont know how to thank you, Anne said, gazing at herself in the mirror. This dress feels like a piece of history.
It is, Kate replied. A piece of our familys story. And now youre part of it.
Victoria watched, unable to take her eyes off Anne. The dress seemed made for her, highlighting her delicate frame and giving her a subtle glow. Daniel looked at his bride as if he were witnessing a miracle.
After the ceremony, as promised, the dress returned to Kate. But now she kept it not merely as a relic, but as a symbol of the bond between generations. Occasionally she would pull it out, show it to Mary, and recount the tales of every woman who had worn it.
Will I wear it when I get married? Mary asked one afternoon.
Of course, Kate replied, smiling. If you wish. Perhaps someone else will wear it before then.
Each time Kate looked at the gown, she recalled Victorias words: the true value lay not in preserving an object, but in preserving the connections between people. She silently thanked her niece for that lesson.
And Victoria, glancing at the photographs of Anne in greatgrandmother Eleanors dress, sometimes wondered whether she might one day wear it herself. The thought brought a smile to her face. In the end, a wedding dress that didnt reach one bride brought happiness to another, and perhaps it will continue to do so for many more.
