‘Are you feeling all right about tonight Dad?’ said Penny. ‘It’s just that we have no idea what Elle has in mind and I wouldn’t want you to be getting your hopes up too much. I know that she’s done so much, but I think it’s probably a bit too late.’

‘Well, as your mother used to say: Better late than never. You might do well, especially, Penny, to remember that.’

And then he left, closing the door gently behind him. Crikey, was everyone going to be so cryptic around here? It seemed Penny couldn’t turn around without facing little hints, secrets and things left unsaid. She thought particularly of Colin. She felt that he had tried to talk to her about something for the last couple of days, but always ended by not saying anything at all, in a roundabout way. Ah, she was probably imagining it, reading too much into things as always. He’d probably guessed how she was feeling and as a result was becoming awkward around her. Terrified, more like.

She picked up the package. It was soft and had been hand delivered, there were no postmarks. So Ned must have known where it came from. Why was he being so secretive then? She sighed. Elle had infected them all.

She undid the twine that held the floppy package together. She tore a corner of the brown paper wrapping and immediately a satiny blue material slid out through the opening. Quickly, she unwrapped the rest.

It was a dress. And what a dress. Beautifully made of fine blue silk, overlaid with delicate lace and ribbon. Penny would never have picked out something like this for herself, but she reflected that sometimes other people knew better what you might look good in. Had Ned done this, she wondered suddenly, to thank her for helping restore his collection? It seemed impossible. Her dad wouldn’t have the first clue as to sizing or materials and colour. She didn’t think he had set foot in a clothes shop in his entire life.

Another knock. Honestly, you would think no one wanted her to get ready . . .

It was Elle. ‘Do you like it?’ she asked smiling.

Penny looked at her sister. ‘You did this?’

‘Of course. It was hard work, I had to smuggle one of your other dresses out so that Mona could get your size right.’

‘I love it, Elle, it’s perfect! I’ve never owned something this beautiful.’

‘I wanted a light, delicate blue. Like the sky. I’m just glad you were out of the way these last few days so that I could organise it without you asking too many questions.’ She sat down at the end of the bed. ‘Not to mention distracted.’

‘Oh Elle,’ Penny admitted. ‘I’m just so confused. You know what I’m talking about. I’m sure it’s obvious to everyone except . . .’