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Gold digger! If anyone would check the dictionary, Lily Vanderhoof would be the definition. But where was this woman who was after her man? Not on the grand pillared first-floor aisles of Livingston’s, nor among the glass showcases of the second level housing women’s clothing, shoes, and fashion accessories. Vivian shoved another dress to the side in the latest designs section. She might as well shop this afternoon while she waited. Arthur mentioned his sister worked every Wednesday and Saturday. Well, this Wednesday, today, she’d implement her plan to get Lily out of Benjamin’s life for good.
Her parents had been useless. Mother’s tactic of speaking with Benjamin’s hadn’t gone anywhere. Results should have come from the effort between now and a couple of weeks ago. Her patience had held on far too long. Especially after Father hid details of seeing Lily in Benjamin’s arms weeks ago. Where was his loyalty? Her fingernails dug into her palms. How could Father have done this to his only princess? If she would have found out sooner, she could have stopped Benjamin’s horrible behavior. And the embarrassment of their breakup never would have happened either. Two days ago, she had insisted Father do something about the predicament he allowed her to fall into. After all, things wouldn’t have gone so far if it wasn’t for his misguided self-serving ways. But whatever Father had said to Benjamin’s father hadn’t worked either. Her man should have crawled back to her by now begging for forgiveness.
She had only one choice. Take this matter into her own hands. If she was going to do something at least she’d get it done right. And the department store would be a great place to publicly scorn Lily. Fundamentally, that’s how she’d been humiliated, so this would be perfectly fitting for little Miss Flower. The corners of her mouth curled with anticipation while her jittery foot tapped the floor. She glanced over her shoulder. For crying out loud. Where was Lily?
If only Arthur had told her something she could have used. The story of how Lily and her sister had taken candy from a store when they were only four and six wouldn’t be enough to condemn her now. They hadn’t even gotten in trouble since they took back what they’d stolen and returned the sweets with an apology. By the end of Arthur’s rambling on and on, she figured he’d played her just as much as she did him. Damned Vanderhoofs! Too smart for their own good. She held up a yellow floral tunic dress and slung it over her arm.
“Would you like me to take that to a fitting room for you?”
Vivian glanced over her shoulder at a tall, skinny waisted lady who was the epitome of a phony catalog woman. “Sure.” She handed over the item. “I’d like the private one in the corner.”
“Of course, Miss. Is there something I can help you find?”
Not something. Someone. Vivian smiled slowly, “Do you know a Lily Vanderhoof who works here?”
“Yes, but she’s not available right now. May I help you?”
Guess this woman will have to do for now. “All right.” Vivian grabbed a red dress with double-ruffle butterfly sleeves. “Here, I’ll try this one on as well.”
“Lovely choice of evening dress. The material is silk chiffon which gives a shimmery smooth texture.” She grasped the hanger. “I’m Winifred, by the way, and I’ll help you with whatever you need.”
Well, the woman at least had good taste. “Thank you. And I’m Vivian.” She pulled a navy dress off the hook and held it up.
“That is top of the line for a day dress. The tailored fit is wonderful and every wardrobe needs a blue outfit like that. Should I add this with the others?”
The woman knew fashion. “I have one in this color, but not the style.” Vivian passed her the garment. “I’ll see how it looks on. I think this will do for now. I’ve checked through the entire section.”
“All right. Come this way.” Winifred glided in a straight line toward the fitting room.
She had to be wearing a girdle to make her waist so narrow. No one could be that small. Vivian placed her hands above her hips and gave a squeeze. If she’d wear one, her waist would be even tinier.
Winifred pushed the drape away and hung the dresses inside. “I’ll wait right outside in case you need anything.”
She entered the corner room and pulled the drapery closed. Each of the three sides had a full-length mirror and a chair off to the side where she laid her hat. Hurriedly, she disrobed and hung her attire. She pulled the yellow floral tunic off the hanger, tugging the dress over her head. The design was nice, but not her style.
“How’s everything going?”
“Just fine.” The silky red dress was her favorite. A neckline shaped in a v with a high waist falling just below the bustline where the skirt flowed long to the floor. She would have loved to wear this out on the town with Benjamin. They could have danced all night long while he held her in his arms. She twirled and let her imagination take over.
“Vivian?”
“Yes.” She slid the drapery.
“Wow! That dress was made for you.”
“I know, it’s perfect.”
“Your fiancé is going to love you in that dress.”
Vivian glanced at her engagement ring. She smiled. After today, Benjamin would be hers again. “I certainly hope so. He’s taking me dancing and now I’ll look fabulous.”
“Your husband-to-be won’t be able to take his eyes off you.”
“That is the plan.” Vivian swayed her hips, swooshing the dress from side to side. “I think I’ll need a chain with a pendant to accent this neckline, wouldn’t you agree?”
“Oh, yes.”
Vivian rotated on her heels into the fitting room. She shut the drapery and caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror. Her eyes sparkled with excitement. Soon, she’d put her plan into action. Everyone would finally see Lily for who she was...a conniving, money-hungry, fiancé stealing, undesirable Catholic from the wrong side of town. She couldn’t wait to expose her. Once Lily was gone, Benjamin would see the error in his ways and he’d be back in her arms. She hung the evening gown and unzipped the day dress. The size appeared correct for her bust, although the waist seemed narrow. Tugging the garment over her hips, she slipped her arms through the puffed sleeves. She yanked the zipper and it barely moved a few inches. “Rats!”
“Can I assist you with something?”
“It’s a bit tight.” She must have gained a pound or two and that was all Lily’s fault too. Sweets were irresistible when annoyances like Miss Flower were hovering around. “I don’t think this is accurately sized.”
“Do you mind if I come in and take a peek?”
Vivian hid behind the drapery as she let Winifred inside. “Maybe the zipper’s just stuck.” She turned her back toward the clerk. “I could perhaps try the next larger size.”
Winifred heaved hard on the zipper, but it didn’t budge much. She pulled on the dress fabric, holding the two pieces together. “Hmmm, another size up would be too baggy on you with this style. I didn’t mention this before but I’m a trained fitter for undergarments. A corselette would define your figure and give you the little bit of extra room needed for this tailored outfit. Would you be interested in getting measured?”
“Yes.” She didn’t have to hesitate if something would make her hourglass figure even more shapely.
“Great, I’ll need to take several measurements. By the end of the week, your custom order will arrive at the store. If you’d like, I can hold this dress for you. Then we can make sure everything will fit proportionately.” Winifred stuck her hand in her pocket pulling out a cloth tape measure, along with a notebook, and pencil. “I’ll jot down all your information just in case you’d like to place another order at a later date. Then we won’t need to schedule an additional fitting.”
Vivian wiggled her way out of the material.
“I like to alphabetize my clients.” Winifred touched the pencil to her tongue. “What’s your last name?”
She slipped the dress onto the hanger. “DuCate.”
“All right, let’s get started.” Winifred tucked the notebook in her pocket. “I’ll need some measurements around your bustline, waist, and hips.” She unrolled the tape measure and wrapped the cloth around the first area. “These corselettes are very comfortable. I’m wearing one from the same company we’ll be getting yours.”
I knew it. No one could be so smoothly contoured without help. She held her arms away from her body while Winifred adjusted to the next spot. Standing here practically naked and exposing the slightest of her flaws had been a bit daunting. Although she would go through anything to keep up with fashion. Especially since Benjamin had always appreciated her stylishness. She grinned. With two new outfits, he could adore her even more.
“Please bend to the left. And now to the right.” Winifred held the measuring tape against her waist on each side.
She slowly inhaled, holding her fluttery stomach taut.
“Just relax so we can have the right measurement. Good. Now forward.” Winifred adjusted the tape. “Now backward. Just a few more and we’ll be finished with the fitting.”
Vivian gently rubbed her hands together. Soon, I will find you. If Lily were here like she was supposed to be, that is. She had no doubt outwitting Lily would be easy when considering the previous time they’d met. Lily must have been so intimidated by her she’d barely spoken more than a few words, even after being taunted with an insult. If Lily didn’t comprehend that day Benjamin was already spoken for, she would make certain once and for all today.
“All done.” Winifred rolled up her measuring tape. “I’ll gather these dresses and meet you at the jewelry counter. I know the perfect lady who will be able to find you the right look for your evening dress.”
Vivian pulled back the drapery, bouncing on her toes. “I’ll be there shortly.”
The clerk slipped out of the dressing room.
She should have asked Winifred the person’s name. Wouldn’t it be an amusing coincidence if Lily would be the one? She smirked. Her arms slid through the three-quarter length sleeves and she fastened the zipper. What would little Miss Flower know about high-quality taste when it came to choosing jewelry anyway? She faced the middle mirror, picking up her hat and situating it on her head. A few loose strands of her berry red hair curled under the brim. She stretched the elastic band around the nape of her neck, rechecked her hair, and quirked an eyebrow. Let the fun begin.
In the store center, tall wood cabinetry with built-in drawers was surrounded by glass cases filled with all sorts of rings, necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and watches. Winifred stood near the far end, blocking the view of the person in front of her. Vivian gazed at the jewelry, along with the faces behind the counter as she approached the ladies. So far, no sight of Lily. And the lady near Winifred was way too pretty to be Lily either.
“Vivian, this is Georgia. I’ve taken the liberty of showing her the dress you’d like the necklace for.” Winifred placed her hand on the box. “I’ve kept the other one for the fitting. I’ll call you when your order comes in and we can set up an appointment. Where can I reach you?”
“326.”
“Wonderful, I’ll leave you in Georgia’s capable hands.” Winifred wriggled her fingers as she walked away.
Vivian sat in the cushioned cloth chair. “I want a pendant to hang right about here.” She pointed partway down her neckline.
“I would say this one seems to be the closest.” Georgia held up a chain. “May I?” She opened the clasp and draped it around Vivian’s neck. “Here, take a look in the mirror. Does this suit the length you’d like?”
“Yes.”
“All right. I’m assuming by your engagement ring you prefer white gold to yellow.” Georgia removed the sample from Vivian’s neck. “Do you have something in mind for your pendant, like colored glass beads, or maybe a white on white appearance? Any particular shape? Like geometric, natural forms, or moon and stars.”
“I’d be fine with almost anything.” Vivian tilted her head. Georgia sure did ask a lot of questions without even taking a breath in between. “I just want to accentuate my neckline with the red gown.”
“I’ll gather some pieces then. Just give me a moment.” Georgia stepped away.
The multitude of silver in Georgia’s dark tresses implied at least fifteen years more senior than her. Hopefully, that meant the lady knew style.
A figure beyond moved near the opposite end of the display cases. She scrutinized the back of a teal-patterned dress. The height, figure, and hair color precisely matched that of the one she’d been waiting for. Vivian sucked in perfumed air as the woman placed some boxes on the counter and turned. Lily! Her hands tightly clenched the chair as her body stiffened. Lily was right where she wanted. Vivian opened her mouth, but Lily reversed direction without any eye contact and disappeared to the other side.
“Nooo!” Vivian shook her hands until the tingling subsided. She’d get that tramp next time. That couldn’t have been her only opportunity slipping away so easily.
“Here we are. We can start with these and if they don’t meet your needs, I’ve got a few more we can try.” Georgia placed each piece of sparkling jewelry on a black felt cloth. “This first piece is filigree white on white.”
“Hmmm. I like it but too plain.”
“Maybe this one. Lots of colors.”
“Too much of a statement for the dress.” Her eyes shifted focus at the movement behind Georgia. Another woman approached with similar features as Lily, but it wasn’t her. She depressed keys on the cash register while filling a bag with purchases.
“Here is a strand of onyx beads with an embellished tassel cluster.”
Vivian glanced down briefly and back again at the woman behind who impersonated the jerkiness of a wind-up toy. “Not my style.” Why would anyone move their body in that manner? The woman scouted every angle around her, pushed another key, and the till drawer opened with a ding. Instead of placing the dollar bills into the register, the woman’s hand slid the cash into her pocket. “Did you see that?”
“See what?”
“Never mind. I’m sure you didn’t.” Vivian ran her finger across a red pendant surrounded by round diamonds. “This is the one I want.”
Georgia draped the glistening chain over her wrist. “I think you’ve made an excellent choice. This is an art deco piece in platinum. The rectangular coral is lovely surrounded by thirty, quarter-carat diamonds. Would you like the price on this stunning jewel?”
“No, just add to Walter DuCate’s account.” Father owed her that much at least for all her troubles. Vivian rose from the chair. Her body tingled. “I would like to speak to the manager.”
“Yes, of course. I’ll get him immediately.”
The woman from the register was gone. She must be on the other side where Lily had gone. What would make someone commit such a criminal act? Wasn’t she afraid of getting caught? Or losing her job for that matter? Vivian peeked around the tall cabinetry and spotted her prey. Letting her out of eyesight now could be a huge travesty.
“Hello, Miss DuCate. Happy to see you again. There isn’t a problem, is there?”
She’d never liked Oliver’s one little beady eye poking through that monocle. “Actually, you have a thief in your employment. And as a concerned shopper, I felt it was my duty to inform you exactly who it is.” Vivian’s heart pounded as she directed the manager’s gaze with an extended finger toward the accused. “I saw her with my own eyes swipe a handful of money.”
“You’re certain?”
This was turning out even better than she’d planned. Her words breathlessly escaped, “Yes, the woman in the teal-patterned dress.”