‘Oh,’ she said reassuringly, ‘we deal with large weddings all the time. How many guests were you thinking of?’

I plucked a figure out of the air. ‘I’ve only just started the list,’ I answered, ‘and I’m already at more than a thousand. It’s so important in this day and age to ensure that no one is left out in the cold or offended because they’re not included. Perhaps if you could tell me of any large weddings you’re currently planning I would have a better idea about whether you could manage mine. I want it to be the best.’ I sounded like the worst kind of bridezilla. Considering Shona didn’t blink, however, I guessed that in this industry it was par for the course.

Fortunately it worked. She glanced round as if wary of being overheard and then dropped her voice. ‘You didn’t hear this from me,’ she said conspiratorially, ‘but we’ve been engaged to arrange the upcoming nuptials of Byron Moncrieffe and Tipsania Scrymgeour. It’s going to be the wedding of the century, and not just because it’s Sidhe. Byron is son to the Steward himself and the Scrymgeours are incredibly wealthy. No expense will be spared.’

My eyes lit up while I quashed the desperate sinking feeling in my stomach. ‘How wonderful!’ I cooed. ‘I imagine Ms Scrymgeour has been in regularly for dress fittings. She’ll want to make sure everything is perfect for such a high-profile ceremony.’

This time Shona couldn’t prevent her mask from slipping. Her face dropped in genuine dismay, although she did her best to provide Tipsania with excuses. ‘She’s been far too busy to come in. We are some distance from the Scrymgeour Clan Lands here. We have precise information of her measurements, though, and we’re confident her dress will be perfect.’

I looked from side to side. ‘I don’t suppose I could see it? I promise I won’t tell a soul.’ Her expression immediately closed up. Uh oh. She opened her mouth to speak but I forestalled her. ‘Of course, I understand if you can’t. Confidentiality is important and if the dress isn’t ready yet…’ I paused. ‘When did you say the wedding will be?’

Shona began to fidget. ‘A week on Saturday.’

‘That’s cutting it fine.’

‘The dress is ready. In fact we’re to deliver to Miss Scrymgeour tomorrow.’

I smiled, making it obvious that I didn’t believe her. ‘Mmm.’

My prevarication did the trick. Shona took me by the elbow. ‘You can’t tell anyone.’

Only just managing to keep the grin off my face, I nodded fervently. ‘Of course.’

We veered through the shop, side-stepping a few wide-eyed women, and headed into a back room. There, in the centre, was a massive white … thing. My jaw dropped and I wasn’t even faking. ‘That’s, er, that’s big.’ My gaze drifted over the white monstrosity. There were bows everywhere. The skirt was so large that I doubted Tipsania would fit through the massive doors at the Cruaich. It was also surprisingly demure, with a high sweetheart neckline. In fact, it looked like the kind of dress a girl dreamed of when she was about six years old. Or the kind of dress a father might imagine his princess wearing.