The Last Dress
Charlotte, Ive just spoken to Mrs Watson at workher daughter is getting married. Theyd like to commission you for her wedding dress. Would you be able to take it on?
Mum, theres far too much on already, I simply cant keep up as it is. Theyll have to find someone else.
But she only wants you. Youre the best, everyone recommends you.
I just cant, Mum. Im sorry, I really cant.
Well, all right. Theyll be terribly disappointed
Charlotte worked from her flat in Reading. She was so fully booked she had to turn many people away. Shed known, ever since shed lined up her dolls and fashioned little dresses out of old fabric as a child, exactly what shed do with her life. When she left school, she knew exactly what college to attend.
Her stitching was meticulous; each gown was tailored to fit perfectly, and her clients were always elated, beaming with confidence in her creations. Charlotte found genuine joy in her work, and it earned her a comfortable living. Despite shops being laden with every imaginable style, for many, nothing could rival the elegance and personality of custom tailoring.
A week later, her mother came to her in tears.
Darling, its just dreadful Mrs Watsons daughter, Emilyyou know, the one who wanted her dress made? She and her fiancé were killed in a car crash. They were driving to see family in Manchester when he dozed off at the wheel. The car left the road and smashed into a tree. They were both so young, so happyplanning their wedding Oh, its so cruel. Instead of a wedding, therell be a funeral.
Charlotte felt heartsick. Life was so desperately unfair sometimes.
Now the parents will have to buy a wedding dress, to bury Emily in They didnt make it round to ordering hers Can you imagine? To bury your own child
Charlotte sewed into the night, thoughts of the tragedy swirling behind every stitch. The truth was, she herself had never had children. Doctors had given her a diagnosis of infertility years before. She had been devastated at first, but over the years she learned to accept it. Shed just turned 43not exactly a likely candidate for new motherhood.
She couldnt pretend to know that pain, but imagining what Emilys parents must feel brought tears to her eyes.
Suddenly, there was a sharp snap of cold wind in her rooma window had sprung wide open. Charlotte frowned and crossed the room. She was certain shed fastened it earlier. Closing it, she turned and froze.
Standing by her sewing table was a young woman, pale as morning mist and almost transparentCharlotte could see right through her.
Oh, Ive officially lost it, Charlotte muttered. Its time I went to bed. Im seein things now
Would you make me a dress, please? the young woman said, her voice like a gentle breeze. I never made it down the aisle But Id like to go, at least, in what Id have worn. Its my last dress. Ill be with Daniel now, foreverfates will, I suppose
Who are you? Is this some sort of strange joke?
Im Emily, the apparition said quietly. Only you can make it the way I want it. They let me see whats next, and its beautifulIm not afraid, not with him there. But I want to look lovely, just once more.
Charlotte stared, speechless. Shed only seen this sort of thing in films.
She shook herself and headed for bed, convinced that shed let the tragedy get to her so much that grief and exhaustion were messing with her head. That night, she slept as if drugged, and in the morning, tried to laugh it off.
That evening, she tidied up early and prepared to spend the night reading, but as she gathered her things, the ghostly figure appeared again, aglow in a faint silvery haze.
Do you know, Emily said softly, it isnt all so frightening, being in-between. But its hard seeing my mothershes destroyed. Ive tried to reach her, but shes too lost in grief. You can hear me, thoughnot everyone can.
What happens next, Emily? After the funeraldo you go to heaven, or?
My guide told me Ill be here a little while, close to where I lived. Then, Ill be taken on. Im not allowed to say more. One day Ill return, but for now, I want to finish this path with graceas a bride. Will you help me?
Charlottes hands trembled. How could she possibly sew a dress for someone who was no longer living?
But I dont even know what youd like. Or your size! And what would I say to your parents?
Just sew, and dont think about anything else. Everything will fall into place. Herethis is what it should look like.
Emily spun around the room, twirling in a delicate white lace gown that shimmered with borrowed moonlight. Then she paused. Charlotte examined every detail: the lace, the slender sleeves, the way the skirt flowed.
Charlotte picked up her sketchbook and began, keeping the image in her minds eye, drawing every flourish. When she finished, Emily faded into mist, and was gone.
In the morning, Charlotte looked at her sketches and realised it hadnt been a dream.
She set out to the finest fabric shop in Reading and bought the most exquisite lace and satin she could find. She guessed Emilys sizeslender, not much taller than herself. Once home, she settled before her machine and worked through the day, barely pausing, feeling as if someone was guiding her hands.
That evening, her husband James found her sitting silently, tears in her eyes.
Lottie, are you all right? Youve not been yourself for days. Whats wrong?
Ill tell you sometime. Youll think Ive gone mad. Best leave it for now, please dont be upset.
Two days later, the dress was finished. It had never been so easy, as if invisible hands were pushing her needle. When she placed it on the mannequin, it was so beautiful it hurt to think its wearer would never walk the aisle in it.
That evening, her mother arrived, anxious.
Can you believe it, they still cant bury Emily. First the hospital wouldnt release her, then all sorts of paperwork And they cant find a dressthe shops refuse to sell a wedding gown for a funeral, apparently. Its bizarre. Poor Mrs Watson is beside herself.
Mum, Charlotte said quietly, I made the dress. For Emily. Shell wear it.
What? But you said you wouldntand you never measured herhow?
Just trust me, Mum. This is how its meant to be.
The next morning, Emilys relatives came to collect the dress. Charlotte didnt take a penny from them.
Emily and Daniel were buried together, side-by-side. By some small miracle, the dress fit perfectly; her body, just for a moment, seemed as soft and yielding as if shed simply been sleeping.
She looked so beautiful, sweetheart, as if smiling in her sleep, her mother whispered, lighting a candle at church. May they rest in peace.
A few nights later, Charlotte dreamed of Emily. She was dancing with Daniel in a sunlit garden, ringed by glowing flowers and the melody of birdsong. When the music faded, Emily smiled warmly.
Its perfect. Thank you. Im so happy now. And Soon, someone named Alice will come into your life. I helped guide her to you.
Charlotte woke abruptly, heartbeat racing. Emily was at peace, the dress had given her closure. But who was Alice?
Charlotte threw herself back into work, and when she needed a break, shed visit her old friend Kate for tea and reminisce about their wild years.
Honestly, Kate, Ive felt dreadful lately. I should get my stomach checked. Havent seen a proper doctor in yonks, probably the menopause. Ill try a private clinic tomorrowcant stand NHS queues these days.
About time! Kate said, With all this sewing, youve totally neglected yourself!
***
Mrs Morris, the consultant said, peering over her glasses, youre pregnant. Its unusual, yes, but such a blessing at your age.
Thats impossibletheres been no hope for years. Are you sure?
Absolutely. Look here, the sonographer pointed, two little hands, two feet, a strong heartbeateverything looks perfect, and its a girl. Congratulations.
Charlotte left the clinic in tearstears unlike any shed known. After all the disappointment, after all those years, she was pregnant. A daughter. Alicesurely this was the Alice Emily had spoken of.
On her way home, Charlotte bought a bunch of lilies and wandered quietly among the gravestones of Caversham cemetery, hoping shed find Emilys resting place. Somehow, her feet led her straight there.
Thank you, Emily. You gave me the most precious gift of all I hope you and Daniel are happy at last.
She laid the bouquet softly on the fresh mound, and walked home cradling her growing belly, a gentle smile warming her face. Had she not made the dress, who knows what her life would be?
Give kindnessand somehow, it will find its way back to you.
