“Let’s just say, Sally and Iris were scrambling to keep up.”

“Huh?”

“We didn’t have enough hangers, and every time they went out and bought some more, another delivery would show up, and they’d have to run out again. It was actually quite amusing.”

Joanna stopped and thought back over her day. If it had been up to her, she could have easily purchased enough clothes at Harrods to suit her needs, but Fran wouldn’t hear of it. After buying a few odds and ends at Harrods, she insisted they go to Harvey Nichols, so jumping in Fran’s sedan they traveled to 181 Piccadilly, home to the prestigious Fortnum & Mason. While well known for their selection of gift baskets and teas, Fran explained their beauty department was one of the finest in the area. An hour after they arrived, a rather large package of skin and hair care products, along with perfumes and make-up, was scheduled to be delivered to The Oaks later that day.

Forgoing the larger department stores in the area, after leaving Fortnum & Mason, Fran decided the personal touch was more in line with Joanna’s new lifestyle, so it was off to London’s famous Bond Street. Home to some of the most illustrious designers, for the rest of the afternoon and early evening, Joanna found herself immersed in the worlds of Prada, Louis Vuitton, Saint Laurent, Armani, and Jimmy Choo...to name a few.

“That can’t be right,” Joanna said, shaking her head. “I didn’t get that much. Just some lingerie, jeans, and some clothes I thought would be proper to wear at dinner.”

Evelyn pressed her lips together, and crooking her finger, she silently motioned for Joanna to follow her upstairs. When they reached Joanna’s bedroom and walked inside, instead of Evelyn heading toward the armoire, she continued across the room to the door in the far corner. “Take a look,” she said as she opened it.

Joanna’s forehead furrowed, and walking over, she peeked inside. The rod running the length of the closet was now filled with clothes and below them was a row of shoes and boots. “What the hell is this?” she said, taking a step into the wardrobe. “Evelyn, we have to call the stores. I didn’t buy these things.”

“I know. Fran did.”

“What?”

“When she called to say you’d be late, she also mentioned you were having a bit of sticker shock and were being quite frugal with your decisions about what to buy and what not to, so she stepped in and bought what you wouldn’t.”

Joanna walked further into the wardrobe, admiring the garments suspended from padded hangers. “I can’t believe she did this, she said, turning around to face Evelyn. “But that doesn’t mean I can’t still send them back.”

“I’m afraid Fran thought of that. All the tags were removed before they got here. We have no receipts either.”