CHAPTER SEVEN
Lily gazed out the window of the cafe as Frazer settled the bill for their dinner. The view of the street was beautiful, everything glistening with frost. And the Christmas lights in the various windows created a festive atmosphere.
‘Shall we go?’ Frazer said, helping Lily on with her coat.
They headed out, and although the air was icy cold, Lily breathed it in, loving the sense of Christmas in Edinburgh.
‘I’ll walk you down to the shop,’ he said. ‘My car is parked further along the street.’
They walked together, and she was aware again of how tall Frazer was walking beside her. She barely came up to his broad shoulders. But there was something about the evening, having had dinner together in the cafe, that under other circumstances would’ve felt like a romantic dinner date.
Lily blinked out of her wayward thoughts and tuned in to what Frazer was saying about his plans for the ball.
‘I’ve finalised the buffet menu,’ he said. ‘The cafe are happy to include plenty of festive dishes, so I think those attending the ball will enjoy the selection.’
‘I’m sure it’ll be delicious.’
‘I often have dinner there as I’m so busy. But once the festive season is over, I’m aiming to spend more time at home.’
‘Unless you’re dancing the night away on your own at the studio after dark,’ she teased him.
Frazer smiled. ‘I’ll have to rope you in one evening after your lesson.’
Was that an invitation for more fun with Frazer she wondered. Or was it just a throwaway comment? Before she could decide, he took a card from his coat pocket.
‘I forgot to give you this earlier. It’s one of the bookings cards from the studio that are given to clients so they can mark the dates of their lessons.’ He handed it to her.
By now, they’d reached the shop, and rather than read the card standing outside in the cold, she opened the door and stepped inside out of the biting wind. ‘Come in for a minute,’ she said to him.
Frazer stepped inside and closed the door. They stood there in the glow of the window display lights.
Lily read the dates and times on the card. ‘I see you’ve booked all my lessons on the run–up to the Christmas Eve ball.’ She sounded happy with this.
‘The booking schedules are getting really busy with people adding extra lessons in preparation for the ball. I thought I’d pencil you in for your lessons, but if these times don’t suit, I’m happy to reschedule them.’
‘These are ideal. The shop closes at five, so my evenings are free for the lessons at seven.’
‘One lesson is later, at nine. All the earlier time slots were booked.’ He pointed to it, and his hand inadvertently brushed against hers, causing her to react to his closeness. Even though they’d danced together, there was something intimate about being in the shop with him at night.
Frazer pulled his hand away as if he’d sensed it too, but neither of them made any comment, and continued to talk about the lesson times.
‘Nine o’clock is fine,’ she said. ‘I often work late, dressmaking into the early hours.’ She planned to do a bit of mending that evening, finishing the repairs on one of the ballgowns.
‘Great,’ he said, and then noticed the rail of ballgowns that were marked as finished.
‘Mirren and I worked all day repairing a few of the dresses.’ She held up the one she’d been working on earlier. ‘What do you think?’
‘I wouldn’t know where it had been mended.’
She showed him the repairs to the seams and the hemline. ‘It doesn’t take much to make the dresses ready to wear again.’
Frazer looked impressed. ‘Wonderful work.’
‘I enjoy making something beautiful, but a little bit worn, like nearly new. The fabric on this dress is lovely.’
Frazer agreed. Then he got ready to leave. ‘I’d better be going.’
‘Thanks for dinner. And for the gifts.’
He smiled. ‘See you when you come up for your next lesson.’
‘Yes, and I’ll keep practising.’
Frazer headed out and Lily locked the door against the winter’s night and watched him walk away.
She then took the ballgown she’d been working on upstairs to her flat to finish the repairs, mainly the hem.
Sitting at her sewing machine in the cosiness of the living room, she made short work of the mending, and took the dress back down to the shop and hung it on the finished rail.
Seeing another dress that needed only a minor repair, she decided to take it upstairs and finish it too.
Making herself a cup of tea, she continued the mending, sitting at her sewing machine beside the Christmas tree at the window, highlighted by the glow from the lamp that lit her table.
Frazer sat in his living room, editing the video of Lily waltzing with him at the studio. He posted pictures of her posing, wearing the pink ballgown, to the studio’s website. Now he wanted to add the video.
Seeing Lily waltzing with him made him realise even more how easy it would be to fall in love with her. But he side–stepped this, not wanting to complicate things for either of them. At the moment.
He added the video to the website, and wrote it as a feature, making it the lead article on the dance studio’s updates. He credited Lily as the dressmaker and designer of the ballgown, and gave a link to her website and to Mirren’s vintage dress shop.
And he included that she was taking dance lessons and described her ability, and gave notes of interest for those interested in learning to dance. He’d discussed this with Lily during dinner, and she was happy for him to include this information in the feature.
He hoped it would help to promote her dressmaking business. As the months had gone by since he’d opened the studio, there was increased interest in the features and dance videos he put on the website.
Finally easing the tension from his shoulders, he closed the laptop and went through to the kitchen to make a cup of tea. He wasn’t finished for the night. The music had to be selected for the ball, and he’d noted songs that he wanted to listen to and consider for the dancing. Some were festive favourites, and he needed to decide the rundown of these too. What songs to open the ball with.
Taking his tea through to the living room, he played the songs on his music system, not disturbing anyone as he listened to them late into the night.
Using his home dance floor, he tried waltzing and dancing to some of the songs, getting a feel for what would make the night a success. A mix of favourites and upbeat numbers, and a few classic pieces that were perfect for ballroom dancing.
Noting the rundown, he eventually turned the music off, and headed upstairs to bed.
Gazing out at the winter night, he looked like he was assured of a frost day in the morning. But he had another busy day lined up at the studio.
Again, easing off the tension from his shoulders, he took his things off and climbed into bed. He fell asleep gazing out the window at the cold December night, rewinding his evening with Lily, and slept right through until the early morning.
‘You had a dinner with Frazer last night!’ Mirren said to Lily, catching up on the news the next morning in the dress shop.
Lily had started work early, making headway with the mending of more ballgowns before Mirren arrived.
‘It wasn’t a date,’ Lily clarified. ‘Frazer made it quite clear that it was dinner as friends only.’
Mirren smiled and set up her sewing machine to start repairing one of the ballgowns. ‘You seem to be getting along great. And he’s given you the pink ballgown and gold shoes. I know he’s wealthy, but that was very generous of him.’
Lily sat at the counter hand sewing strips of sequins on to the bodice of a ballgown while chatting to Mirren. ‘I modelled the ballgown last night to help promote the events at the studio. He intends putting the photos up on the website. And he filmed us waltzing.’ Lily told her the details.
‘It’ll be wonderful to see you waltzing,’ said Mirren, sounding keen. ‘When is he putting the dance video on the website?’
‘I don’t know.’ Lily’s reply was nonchalant as she concentrated on sewing the sequins.
Mirren checked the website on the shop’s computer, and squealed with excitement. ‘Your video is up on the dance studio website. Right at the top.’
Lily put the sequin sewing aside and ran over to peer at the screen. ‘It’s the top feature!’
They both watched eagerly as Mirren pressed play.
The video began with Frazer taking Lily in hold as the song’s introduction began. Then they began waltzing.
‘Oh, you look beautiful,’ said Mirren. ‘The pink ballgown is perfect on you. And you dance so well.’
Lily’s heart was racing. ‘This is where he started to lead me around the dance floor doing our turns and sways.’
Mirren watched every second of it. ‘The music is ideal, and you look like a well–matched couple.’
Lily noticed that there were numerous comments on the video. ‘People have been leaving great comments. Frazer must have posted this up last night.’
‘He’s written about your dressmaking skills, giving you the credit for the designs,’ said Mirren.
Lily read the captions accompanying the feature. Frazer had written that she was an experienced dressmaker, designed her own patterns, that the pink ballgown was one of those designs, as was the blue ballgown Victoria had worn, and he’d linked to that too.
The video came to a flourishing finish, and Mirren gave an impromptu round of applause. ‘Well done, Lily. You looked like you really enjoyed dancing the waltz.’
‘I did love waltzing around the dance floor, but I was concentrating on getting the steps right.’
‘When is your next lesson?’
‘Tomorrow night. Frazer has given me a card with all the lessons pre–booked before the ball.’
‘It’s so exciting. I looked out a dress last night that I’ll wear. It’s a lovely lilac chiffon evening dress that has a full skirt and sequins on the bodice.’
As they discussed their dresses for the ball, Mirren noticed that there were a few messages on the shop’s website. She clicked on them, and realised they weren’t from her usual suppliers or customers.
‘Lily, look at these messages,’ she said urgently. ‘They’re for you, from people who’ve seen your dance video on Frazer’s website.’
Lily peered at the messages, reading each one. They were mainly from people she didn’t know, wanting to talk to her about her dressmaking and design work.
‘What do you think I should do?’
‘Reply while they’re interested in your designs,’ Mirren encouraged her.
Lily nodded and started to type replies to each one. Then she hesitated. ‘Read this one,’ she said.
Mirren read it and smiled. ‘A fashion design company in Glasgow want to talk to you about working for them!’
‘It says I’d need to be based in Glasgow and work in their design studio.’ Lily wasn’t sure if she was delighted or disappointed. ‘I need to think about this.’ Lily read the details. ‘One of their buyers in Edinburgh saw the pink and blue dresses featured on the dance studio website and sent a link to the company in Glasgow. They noticed that my website bio says I’m from Ayrshire and previously worked in Glasgow.’
Mirren took in everything as Lily continued.
‘And the company read your news on the dress shop’s website saying I’d joined you for Christmas and New Year to work as a dressmaker.’
‘Ah, they probably think it’s a temporary move to Edinburgh,’ Mirren surmised.
Lily nodded. ‘They’d like me to start sometime in mid–January to work on their new collections for the forthcoming year. I’d be working on their new evening dress designs. They like that I have experience in tailoring and I’m a patternmaker.’
Lily felt her world churn in turmoil.
‘What’s wrong?’ said Mirren. ‘This seems like a great position, and you’d be back on your home turf, or near enough. You said you hadn’t decided whether you’d stay in Edinburgh after the New Year or move back to Ayrshire.’
‘I know I did, but...’
‘Glasgow would be just up the road. Or you could find accommodation in Glasgow.’
Mirren was right. But Lily wasn’t sure.
‘I’ve been enjoying myself in Edinburgh. It feels great to live here in the cosy flat, and I love working in the shop.’
‘Then think it over. We love having you here. And you could build your dressmaking business from Edinburgh. I just thought you’d want to move away again after Christmastime.’
‘I’ll think it over before replying to their message,’ said Lily.
Mirren had a suggestion. ‘You’ve mended so many of the ballgowns that we’re well ahead with the work. Go for a wee walk, clear your thoughts. And have a look at the Christmas markets. You’ve been wanting to see them since you arrived, but you’ve been so busy at the shop.’
‘Are you sure you can manage? I wouldn’t be that long. And I do want to browse the Christmas markets.’
‘Away and get some fresh air. I can manage fine.’
Lily put her coat on. ‘I’ll bring us back something tasty for our tea. What would you like from the bakery?’
‘I baked scones last night and brought some in with me, so we’re sorted for today.’
Lily smiled. She loved Mirren’s baking and home cooking.
‘Okay, I’ll be back in a wee while.’
The wintry grey sky made the lights in the shop windows glow to full effect. Lily admired the window displays as she headed to the nearest Christmas market.
The stalls were decorated with lights and festive sparkle, and even in the morning, they were abuzz with activity as shoppers browsed for bargains and ideal gifts. The wonderful atmosphere wrapped itself around her, and she became enthralled with everything that was on display.
Christmas music drifted through the air, along with the aroma of hot chocolate and other tasty treats.
Lily finally headed back to the dress shop, having bought a few small gifts for Mirren and Bert.
‘Nice timing,’ said Mirren. ‘I was about to put the kettle on for tea.’
Lily took her coat off and followed her aunt through to the kitchen. She stashed her bags under her sewing table, washed her hands and helped put strawberry jam on the homemade scones.
‘I’ve decided to hear what the fashion company have to offer,’ said Lily.
‘That’s a good idea. Away and send them a message while I make the tea.’
Lily went through and replied to the message.
‘Did you buy anything from the market?’ Mirren called through to her.
‘I did a bit of Christmas shopping. So don’t go peeking in my shopping bags.’
Mirren laughed.
They had their tea and scones, and more messages came through for Lily, this time on her website.
‘I’ve had a few orders for dresses on my website,’ said Lily. ‘I’ll need to post them off later today.’
‘The courier is due to pick up orders from the shop this afternoon. Parcel up your dresses and I’ll add them to the pick up.’
Frazer looked deep in thought as he stood behind the reception desk in the dance studio studying the messages on the website.
Dougal had finished teaching two couples, and wandered over to talk to him.
‘Everything okay?’ said Dougal.
‘Have you seen some of the messages that have come in overnight on the website?’
‘No, I’ve been teaching all morning. I haven’t had a chance to check them.’
‘I put Lily’s dance video up on the website last night,’ Frazer explained. ‘There have been several interesting responses. A lot of comments saying they liked the dance video. But there are three messages from people wanting to talk to Lily about her dressmaking and designs. And a journalist wants to interview her here at the studio about her learning ballroom dancing.’
‘That sounds okay.’
‘It does,’ Frazer agreed, sounding hesitant.
‘So, what’s wrong? You wanted to help Lily promote her business.’
‘I did.’ Frazer took out his phone. ‘I’d better call her and let her decide whether she wants to do the interview.’
‘It’s Frazer,’ Lily said to Mirren, taking the call from him. ‘Morning,’ she said chirpily.
‘Have you seen your dance video on the website?’ Frazer said to her.
‘Yes, Mirren and I watched it earlier. I’ve had a few messages on my website and on the dress shop site from people interested in my dresses. And one from a company in Glasgow offering me work.’ She explained the details.
‘You’d be leaving Edinburgh in January then,’ Frazer summarised. ‘If you decide to take the job.’
‘Yes, but I haven’t decided yet. I’m loving being in Edinburgh. But I’ve told them I’ll talk to them and see what they have to offer.’
Frazer tried to smile, while feeling that he’d helped to create interest in her work that would cause her to leave. Don’t do anything to affect her career moves, he told himself.
‘A journalist wants to interview you about your dancing,’ Frazer added. ‘Would you like to talk to them?’
‘I’d be happy to do an interview about my dance lessons. It would surely help create interest in the studio. That’s what you wanted. Will you be part of the interview?’
‘Probably, but it’s mainly you they want to interview. I’ll forward all the messages that have come in for you and let you decide whether you want to reply.’
Frazer sent Lily the messages and contact details.
‘Got them, thanks,’ said Lily. ‘I’ll reply now and let you know what’s happening. If they want to interview me at the studio, is that okay with you?’
‘Yes, that’s fine,’ he said.
‘Okay, I’ll let you get on with your work. See you tomorrow night.’
The call ended on a cheerful note, but Frazer felt he’d done something that would take Lily out of his life, rather than make her a part of it.