Consequences

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 details, natural folds, pleats, ruffles, or tulle.
    There were fashionable gowns with very thin and light materials in fluid, sheer, and mermaid-cut styles. These were made with soft fabrics like chiffon, pleated chiffon, or morbid tulle. They accentuated curves, had impeccable details such as asymmetrical necklines, floral appliqué, feathers, or rich gemstone embroideries.
    The Oscar de la Renta and Monique Lhuiller gowns were created in an attempt to recreate a world of dreams and pure fantasy. These wedding dresses had flattering strapless necklines, meticulously enhancing the waist, and skirts with spectacular volume. They included stunning A-line and mermaid styles, lined with thousands of feathers, cascading ruffles, and magical applications. Claire thought they would make Cinderella or Belle proud.
    The sisters watched models for two hours and Claire created a short list of over ten dresses. She felt overwhelmed. Ms. Springhill suggested that Ms. Nichols and Mrs. Vandersol enjoy a light lunch while they saw the ten dresses again.
    While dining on chicken salad on a bed of lettuce with a side of fruit and iced tea, Claire narrowed the race to four. They varied significantly. The first gown had a beautiful A-line neck with a mermaid bodice and a large skirt covered in fine feathers. The skirt could be bustled or left down for a chapel-length train. The next gown, by Oscar de la Renta, was crafted from the highest quality chiffon and a flowing full satin skirt with a mermaid bodice that was accented with intricate hand embellishments and glistening Swarovski crystals. The third was strapless with an empire waist, the underlay made with morbid tulle and a sheer overlay embossed with floral appliqués of lace and gem stones. And the fourth, by Vera Wang, was very creative, classical smooth lightweight silk chiffon designed to hug