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Chapter 23
Clover
Three days later, Clover and Brooke stood outside Dragonfly Dreams. Clover had been secretly delighted that she’d got Brooke to agree to go to the ball. When Nolan had reminded her about it, she’d suggested that he ask Brooke to go, and he’d been hesitant. He knew Brooke was still grieving for her husband and that she was vulnerable, but Clover told him she thought a night out would do Brooke good. It wasn’t that she thought there would be any romance between her friend and grandson, because she still thought Brooke wasn’t ready for that. It was more that she thought Brooke could use all the friends she could get and Nolan was a lovely young man who could be a good friend to Brooke. If, at some point in the future, romance blossomed, then that would simply be the icing on the cake. And Clover would not say a word about herverysecret hopes that maybe this could happen. For now, Brooke needed friends and so that was what Clover and Nolan would offer her.
‘Right then, my lovely friend, let’s go and see if there’s anything inside that you like.’ Clover pushed open the door.
The interior of the shop was warm and smelled like flowers and spice. On the counter there was a vase of colourful lilies that explained the floral scent, but the spice she guessed was frompolish or a diffuser. Clover loved the shop and had been there many times before, but today she was excited to take Brooke there to show her the beautiful vintage clothes and shoes that the shop’s owner Darcie had in stock.
‘It’s like being in a beautiful cave,’ Brooke said as she gazed around her. ‘The dark blue walls with the gold cornicing and the lanterns make it feel so cosy.’
‘It is lovely in here,’ Clover agreed.
‘Morning!’ Darcie Harman-Jones smiled at them from behind the counter.
‘Hello, Darcie,’ Clover said. ‘This is Brooke. She recently bought the old house on Sunflower Street.’
‘Hi there, Brooke. How’re you settling in?’
‘Really well, thanks,’ Brooke replied.
‘Glad to hear it. We live just across the green.’
‘I thought you looked familiar,’ Brooke said.
‘You’ll soon know everyone in the village, I’m sure.’ Darcie smiled. ‘Are you two ladies looking for anything in particular?’
‘Brooke is attending a spring ball on Friday and she needs something to wear.’ Clover gestured at her friend and Darcie nodded.
‘Are you thinking a gown, a suit, or something sleeker?’
‘Oh … I don’t know,’ Brooke said, her cheeks flushing. ‘I haven’t been out anywhere special in such a long time, and I don’t know what’s appropriate these days. Perhaps I should get a nice pair of trousers and?—’
‘Brooke,’ Clover said. ‘Why don’t you see what Darcie has here first and then decide? If it’s trousers you want, then that’s fine but you might find a dress that you like.’
‘OK then.’ Brooke nodded and the colour in her cheeks faded a bit.
‘What are you? A size eight?’ Darcie asked.
‘More like a ten to twelve,’ Brooke said, pushing a hand through her hair. ‘It depends on the clothing brand. I can be a twelve in some shops and a ten in others.’
Darcie wrinkled her brow. ‘I’d say you look more like a size eight, but we’ll see. However, I know what you mean about sizes varying greatly. I’m exactly the same.’
‘I don’t want anything too tight or revealing though,’ Brooke said.
‘Of course not,’ Darcie said. ‘I was thinking more classy and sleek.’
‘Brooke, try to relax and let Darcie work her magic.’ Clover crossed the shop to the changing rooms and took a seat. ‘I’m going to sit here and await the fashion show.’
‘Would you like a cuppa, Clover?’ Darcie asked.
‘That would be perfect,’ Clover said, shrugging out of her coat.
‘What about you, Brooke?’ Darcie smiled warmly.
‘OK, thanks.’ Brooke nodded.
When Darcie had gone, Brooke wandered around the shop looking at some of the dresses, and Clover watched her fondly. ‘Darcie is amazing at helping people find the perfect outfit.’
