Page 17 of Not So Very Sensible

Katie’s nose wrinkled. “Look, as much as I am a fan of black, it really drains you. I think you should change your dress.”

“Hmm, okay. And which of my numerous other art deco appropriate outfits do you think I should wear?”

Katie grinned. Then flung open the closet. “How about this one?” She held up the peacock dress from yesterday.

“What? What are you doing?” Misgiving ate her. Had Katie “borrowed” the dress or paid for it?

“I bought it. For you!”

“Are you serious? Why?”

“Because you looked so amazing in it, and I want people to see my amazing sister in all her amazingness.”

Her heart softened. “That’s really sweet, but honey, you can’t afford it.”

Katie shrugged. “What’s the point in having money if you can’t spend it on a worthy cause once in a while?”

“And I’m a worthy cause, am I?”

Katie hugged her. “You’re the best worthy cause. You’re always doing things for others, and I want others to see you rather than have you outshone by others who really don’t deserve it.”

She would certainly be outshining everyone, considering the sequins shimmering before her. “I really appreciate it, but it costs too much,” she said, regret knitting her heart. “You need to return it.”

Katie shook her head. “Sorry, no returns.”

Misgiving creased her heart. “Now you’ve got me worried. What if it’s ‘no returns’ because it’s about to fall apart because it’s so old? Please, Katie. I really feel bad that you may have been ripped off.”

Katie scoffed. “And I’ll feel really bad if you don’t wear it, so I guess we’ve got a problem.”

“You can’t make me change my clothes.”

Katie arched her brow.

“Okay, you can. But now you’re guilting me into it.”

“Don’t pretend you wouldn’t rather wear this dress instead of that one.” She nodded to the black ensemble Ellie was currently wearing.

“Fine. Yes, that dress made me feel like a princess, but it’s not like I’m about to meet my Prince Charming tonight, is it?”

“How do you know?” Katie challenged. “Aren’t you the one always reminding me to have faith and trust God to do exceedingly, abundantly above all we can ask or imagine?”

“That does sound like me.”

“Because it is you. And maybe it’s time for you to think about that and that maybe God has good things in store for you, instead of you always thinking about other people.”

“But I like caring about others.”

“I know. But sometimes you have to let people care for you too.”

Perhaps. Somehow it was always much easier to be the person doing the caring than to have others care for her. “I don’t like being the centre of attention.”

“I know. Which is why it’s good for you to get out of your comfort zone and do something radical for a change. Now hurry up. Put it on, and let’s get you looking stunning.”

Half an hour later, Ellie studied herself in the mirror again. But this time there was no doubt. She did look amazing. Katie had styled her hair to 1920s chic smoothness, and with the long cream gloves, she looked every bit as sensational as she knew she really wasn’t. Right now she’d even give Lady Mary from Downton Abbey a run for her money.

“Wow. Now, that’s what we’re talking about. You look awesome, Ellie. As good as those macarons we enjoyed yesterday at the high tea, and you know how much I loved them.”

Yes, she did. Katie had raved over the macarons, declaring them “exquisite.”