An invitation was received with delight for a Christmas party, a week away on Saturday night.
It was the first in a very long time; it would be so romantic in York City at Christmas time.
The hunt was on for something to wear, though money was tight.
Glancing in the wardrobe for something to take to pieces and revive.
It might be possible to include it with parts of another dress from the past.
To design an amazing dress fit for a queen.
Each day, I put time aside to complete each connecting seam, front and back.
Slowly, the simplicity of style and colour selection allowed its fashionable beauty to shine through.
Through old jewellery boxes, the hunt was on for earrings and necklaces to match it with a bit of sparkle.
The last, the most difficult task, was matching shoes and a small bag; money had to be carefully spent to acquire them.
The hour arrived for pampering well before the dressing-up time.
Standing before the mirror to see if I was as well dressed as I could be.
There were no eyes to see me but mine; mum passed away last Christmas time.
If she was here, she would be proud and say, “Hold yourself up straight. You have no reason to bow your head to anyone.”
“Yes, Mum, I will try to remember," I whispered while taking a final look in the mirror.
Descending the stairs to pick up a warm cloak to complete my protection from the weather.
A deep breath before opening the door and stepping out into the rain-dampened street, beautifully decorated with Christmas lights and decorations.
A surge of excitement made me grip my cloak more tightly as I walked along, looking at the length of this beautiful street in which I have lived most of my life.
Its age showing in the different styles of history going way back, it has never ceased to thrill. Now more than at other times, as the wet, cobbled roadway gleamed in the glow from overhead Christmas decorations.
Head down, I hurried along in the light drizzle, counting the buildings till I could knock on the party venue door.
Bang! “Oh my! I am so sorry. Did I hurt you? Mother told me to walk up straight. I could not as the drizzle was hitting my face. Are you OK?”
A laugh came from just above my head, and I found myself being steadied.
A man smiled down at me and said, “I should apologise to you! I came out of a lane in a hurry, as I am late for a party.
Are you OK?”
I did not know what to say as I felt very OK.
Who would not, in the arms of a lovely man, without an introduction?
I replied, “I am going to a party, too; you can hear the laughter and music from here.”
He laughed again, “So am I. May I escort you there, as I do not have a partner?”
What could I say with my heart thudding away?
I said, “I have no partner either. Thank you for the invitation. My name is Violet.”
“Mine is Malcolm; pleased to bump into you.”
Walking straight, arm in arm and at ease, we knocked on the door, were welcomed and entered.
It was then our wonderful lifetime partnership began.
No wonder it is called one of the most picturesque streets in York, UK
2023 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen
Photo: Pixabay License
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