Fading Starlight Part 9

"Yes, ma'am. I'll go right away."

Frances was smiling when she left the room. So was Charlotte. Perhaps they were smiling for the same reason. Then again, perhaps not.

Lauren had begun to wonder if she had been forgotten by the time Frances returned to the front door. Her smile was wide, excited almost.

"Miss Montgomery is quite pleased with your work. She sends her thanks and insists that I pay you for the work you have done." Frances handed her a check. "This is for the first two. I paid you at the same rate we pay the other tailor. With the gray dress, I had no idea how much the rate should be, so I need you to give me a number-either the fair price for the work or the number of hours you put into it."

"Really, it was done just for the thrill of working on something so magnificent. I couldn't possibly accept pay for that one."

"We'll see about that." Frances folded her arms. "In the meantime, I have a message for you." She went on to explain that Lauren could use the extra purple sage and was allowed to plant outside the fence, then said, "Here, I've brought you the key. Let me walk you around and show you the potting shed." She seemed almost giddy as she led Lauren around the side of the house.

The two women followed the hedge line to a little shed in the side yard. Frances unlocked the door, which squeaked as they opened it. Once they stepped inside, Frances flipped on a switch, and pale light brightened the s.p.a.ce. There were several rows of shelves full of every kind of pot and vase, bags of various plant foods and topsoil, and a neatly aligned row of smaller hand tools.

"Miss Montgomery said you may use anything in here as long as you are using it for the property adjacent to her fence."

"Okay." Lauren really didn't have time to play the plant-and-rip-out game again. But for some reason, she couldn't bring herself to give up without another try. "I'll check back in a couple of days."

Frances smiled. "Good. As much as it may not appear that way, I do believe your gesture meant a lot to Miss Montgomery. It's been a long time since someone did something nice for her who didn't want a favor in return."

"Then I'm glad I did it." And she meant it. Maybe she really was here for a purpose, after all.

eighteen.

On Wednesday morning, Lauren woke up with a sense of dread. Mr. Rivers had arranged a special deal with one of the fabric stores in the LA Fashion District, but it felt much too soon and too raw for her to return to that area now. Until the dress debacle, those few blocks had been almost a second home to her. Now . . . it was a place she'd rather avoid for a long while. But she needed to finalize her concept for the wedding-dress costume, and she needed the fabric in order to do that. Since she would be in the general area for Chloe's tea this afternoon, it was obviously the right time to do her shopping.

Simply because it gave her a feeling of anonymity, she wore a baseball cap and large sungla.s.ses. She shouldn't have to stay long, and the truth was the area was so crowded, the chance of running into someone she knew was very small indeed. Once she'd survived the Fashion District, the rest of the day would be a happy one. Lauren brought along her dress for the afternoon tea in the back of her SUV. Just the thought of that dress brought a smile.

As she made her way down the 101, she thought that, for once, she wouldn't mind some heavy traffic. Anything to delay the inevitable. Of course, it was the clearest she'd seen the road in years, all the way through to LA. She pulled into the parking garage closest to Leah Rae's Fabrics, hoping for a quick in and out.

As Lauren made her way through several blocks of the fabric and notions stores in The District, the smell of the hot dog and burrito food trucks, the cacophony of many different languages being spoken, and the crowded and dirty sidewalk all reminded her so much of her former life that it was physically painful to be right in the middle of it.

At least now she had hope that she would eventually be cleared of wrongdoing and would be able to return to her life here. Kendall seemed to be moving closer to the proof she needed. It was just a matter of time.

As with many of the fabric stores in the Fashion District, Leah Rae's was packed to capacity with inventory. There were bolts and bolts of fabric standing upright in the middle of the store, with barely a walkway cleared around the perimeter, while the walls were lined by side stacks of some of the more popular fabrics. Lauren knew that the heavier satins and laces were in the very back, so she made her way through the tunnel of fabric, which was packed so tight she had to turn her shoulders at an angle to walk through. She found some beautiful silks, but most were well beyond the school's budget, even at a deep discount. She did find the dove-gray silk charmeuse she was seeking and some faux fur for her patch job on the blue dress. She walked over to check the remnants racks, hoping she might find just the right thing for Guinevere's wedding dress.

The smell and feel of the fabrics had always given her such a feeling of joy, a quirk that she fully acknowledged as odd but embraced nonetheless. She smiled at the memories from previous trips here and was just getting ready to walk away when the most gorgeous white-and-gold brocade satin caught her eye. It was of the very highest quality, thick and l.u.s.trous. The kind of fabric that actually brought tears to her eyes-something Chloe teased her about mercilessly. "Only girl I know who can sit dry-eyed through a tearjerker but gets downright weepy over a well-done textile."

Lauren rubbed the fabric between her fingers, remembering that sensation from many years ago when she'd gone to see her very first show at the theater. The Phantom of the Opera. Her mother had managed to land a background part, a real coup, and they had celebrated it with every bit of joy imaginable. And when Lauren had sat out in the audience, when she had seen the amazing dresses that the lead character, Christine, wore, she had cried with happiness. Maybe even back then it had been the sheer beauty of the costumes, although she suspected most therapists would tell her it had more to do with the fact that her mother had a paying job that would keep their rent and electric bill paid and keep her too busy to be out partying and using drugs with her friends in the meantime.

Although that didn't turn out to be completely true, it was the closest thing to security Lauren ever felt when she was with her mother, and it was a memory she cherished. This fabric-well, it provoked the same kind of emotion.

This could work perfectly as the fabric for Guinevere's wedding dress. She checked the price. Since it was marked way down, it was something they could afford. There was enough on the bolt for a full costume and probably even a second. A cape, perhaps? There was a similar fabric beside it-a midnight-blue silk with just a hint of brocade. It, too, was beautiful. Lauren thought of the costumes yet to be made for the show and could not come up with one logical place she might use this, but she couldn't imagine leaving it behind. And then she had a thought. What if she made something for Miss Montgomery?

This fabric would work brilliantly in her collection of antique dresses. Lauren shook her head. Just the thought was ridiculous. Why would Miss Montgomery want to wear something Lauren had made when she had a closet full of the top designers' best work, including Angelina Brownings and Balmains, among others?

For whatever reason, sentimentality or the beauty of the fabric, Lauren picked it up. She tried to make her way up the narrow pa.s.sage while carrying three different bolts, having somewhat comical results. One roll would get caught up, she'd have to maneuver sideways, and then a second roll would get caught on the other side. Step by step, she moved slowly forward. She had reached just about the halfway point when she saw someone rounding the corner. There was no choice in this situation but for the other person to back all the way out. She looked up, smiling apologetically, prepared to make a plea, but then she saw the person's face.

Marsha Flanigan.

Marsha had been in her cla.s.s at the Fashion Inst.i.tute. In fact, Marsha had been second in the cla.s.s-behind only Lauren. She'd never shown anything other than a strong dislike of Lauren and had stated she felt Lauren's talent was overrated. It had only gotten worse when Marsha also applied for one of the internships at Deb Couture and was pa.s.sed over. When she found out that Lauren had gotten one of the jobs, she was livid-and very loud about how flawed the selection process had been and how Lauren's "teacher's pet" status with Professor Navarro and a couple of other professors had allowed her to unfairly move ahead of others who were more deserving. Others meaning Marsha.

"Well, well, well." Marsha planted herself in the middle of the aisle and just looked at Lauren. "I must say, I'm surprised to see you here buying fabric. I didn't think there was anyone left in Southern California, or the entire country for that matter, who would want you sewing on a b.u.t.ton, much less creating a piece of clothing." She looked at the fabric and touched it. "I remember this fabric from a few years ago-back when it was on trend."

"Can you please move out of my way, Marsha? I've got places I need to be."

"Somehow I doubt that." She rubbed a piece of the blue silk between her fingers. "Some lucky person who doesn't mind three-year-out-of-date fabric is going to really love this, I'm sure."

"I'm sure you're right. Now please move." Lauren had no plans to try to defend herself to Marsha. It was not like she could change Marsha's opinion, anyway.

Marsha did turn and make her way slowly back up toward the front of the store. She seemed to be making a point of walking slowly, stopping occasionally and pretending to check out a fabric or two. "You know, I got a call from Deb Couture. It seems they have realized they made a mistake-not only in who they hired, which is obvious, but also in who they didn't hire. Which, come to think of it, is obvious, too. Suffice it to say, the job is now being handled by the right person."

"Well, congratulations, then."

"When I get back to the workroom this afternoon, I'll be sure to give everyone your best regards."

"Please do." By now they had reached the end of the aisle, and Lauren was free to move up to the counter. She did so without looking back.

She set the fabric on the table, had the charmeuse cut, and pointed toward the blue fabric. "Ring this up separately, please. It's for my own personal use." She waited until she was leaving the store before she glanced behind her, but Marsha had disappeared into the back of the store. Lauren let out a deep breath and hurried toward her car, praying there would be no more encounters ahead of her.

Thankfully, the drive to her old apartment took long enough for her to calm down from the interaction. She began to review her mental list of next steps for the theater costumes, especially the grand wedding dress. She pictured the fabric draped across the dress form, the placement of the draping tape to mark the neckline, how she wanted the waistline to fall. By the time she made it up the stairs, she had mostly refocused and calmed herself sufficiently to enjoy the afternoon.

Chloe and Rhonda were both in the apartment waiting, and they both jumped up and hugged her as if they had not seen her in years. It felt so good to be with them. It felt like home.

Half an hour later, she was in a significantly better emotional place as she hurried to finish getting ready. She touched up her hair and makeup, then hurried out of the bathroom.

"Look at you. I love your dress." Rhonda looked up from her mother-of-the-bride to-do list as Lauren made her way into the living room. "Twirl around and let me see this beautiful ensemble. Did you make it?"

Lauren spun around in a circle, then curtsied before her best friend's mother. "I made it a couple of years ago. Your daughter threw one of her famous themed parties-this one was for Audrey Hepburn night." Lauren couldn't help but smile at the memories of all the crazy things Chloe had come up with over the years. Jasper was in for an adventure, that much was certain.

Her dress was made from a pale green chiffon with black polka-dots-yet another fabric Lauren had found on the remainder rack. She had made a wide sash out of black taffeta to go with it and trimmed the neck and armholes in black taffeta piping. The skirt was full and fell down to just above her ankles. She had to admit, she did feel a bit fabulous wearing it. Once again, she was reminded why she preferred fashion history to today's couture.

"Ready for some tea, girls?" Rhonda asked.

Lauren followed Rhonda and Chloe in her own car so she could head back to Santa Barbara after today's event. She pulled into the parking lot, looking forward to the afternoon ahead. The Great Dane, a small Danish bakery, had a special upstairs room just for their high teas. The white wicker furniture, gla.s.s tabletops, and floral wallpaper gave the room an old Victorian feel. Lauren wondered if the inside of Charlotte Montgomery's home was anything like this. Somehow she doubted there was anything warm or cozy where that woman was concerned.

It was just the three of them, plus Zandy, another friend of Chloe's, who met them there. "Isn't this fun?" Rhonda said as they took their seats. "This is the nice thing about a small wedding. You can afford to do some little extra things like this."

Soon the waitress brought over a variety of teas for them to sample, as well as a three-tiered tray of food. On the top layer was a variety of scones, the middle layer held various kinds of finger sandwiches, and the bottom layer held all sorts of sweets and treats. "This looks amazing," Lauren gushed. Soon the four of them were laughing, sipping tea, and eating little bites of all sorts of deliciousness.

"I wonder why this tradition stopped. Tea time, I mean." Chloe looked around the spa.r.s.ely filled room rather dreamily.

"Well, I suppose it's because we're all so rushed these days. No one has the time to sit around and relax over tea, sandwiches, and cakes anymore," Rhonda said.

Zandy patted her stomach and sighed. "Not to mention the fact that no one can afford the calories."

"Well, I still think it's a shame that it stopped." Chloe shook her head sadly, then turned toward Lauren. "Speaking of shame, how are things going with your neighbor?" Chloe took a sip of tea, her pinky finger extended for effect.

"About the same. Although she has condescended to allowing her maid to ask me if I could do a little work on a couple of her gowns. She insists on paying market rate and will not accept anything that might be regarded in any way as a favor or gift. But her maid did inform me yesterday that there will be some leftover purple sage later in the week. I will be allowed to plant this outside her fence, if I so choose, as long as I use only her own gardening materials."

"Really? I'd say that's progress, then." Rhonda leaned forward and squeezed Lauren's arm. "I knew you'd break through that barrier."

"I hope so." Lauren started to take a bite of scone but then added, "Her maid told me she thought that I've been a good thing for Miss Montgomery, although I certainly don't see it yet."

"I told you that you were there for a reason." Rhonda's face beamed with happiness. "I actually thought of you during my quiet time this morning. I'm reading the book of Galatians. Did you know it was written because of a mishap? Paul said sickness had brought him to them, and that sickness had been a burden to them, but they had not treated him that way. You know that he was a go-go-go kind of man, so you can only believe that his getting sick and having to stop and have people take care of him would not have been something he sought. Somehow, Lauren, that whole thing with Marisa Remington, it was supposed to happen, and I believe that a big part of the reason might be your new next-door neighbor. That woman is your mission field, I feel it with every fiber of my being."

"I'm not there with every fiber yet, but I will say that I'm beginning to believe that you may be right."

"Aren't I always?" Rhonda offered a cheeky grin and took another sip of tea.

Lauren got back to the cottage late Wednesday night with both her heart and her stomach full from the afternoon tea event. She carried in her fabric and spread the wedding silk across the couch. It would be beautiful, and the gold brocade would bring out the golden highlights in Priscilla's hair. Not that the girl needed any sort of encouragement about how beautiful she was, but Lauren's job was to make her as beautiful as possible.

She looked at the sketch she'd made and began draping muslin across the dress form to create a pattern. Her phone buzzed that she had a text, and she walked over and saw that it was from Chloe.

Saw Cody tonight. He keeps asking about you. He is great, don't you think?

As I've said before, Cody's very nice, but I'm just not there right now. There are too many other things I've got to work out before I even think about seeing someone.

Party p.o.o.per.

Lauren returned to her work, thankful that Chloe had backed down so easily. That girl was nothing if not persistent, and sometimes it took a little work to get her to drop an issue.

Lauren had completely lost herself in the work and was surprised when her cell phone buzzed again. She picked it up, ready to see what counterargument Chloe might have dreamed up. Kendall's name appeared at the top of the message.

Any more sightings of your neighbor?

I haven't seen her. I've been out of town.

That, at least, was the truth.

Anything at all you want to share?

She decided a quick yet truthful answer might work well here.

No.

That truly is unfortunate.

Her phone went silent then.

nineteen.

The next morning, Lauren was still troubled about Kendall. More and more, she seemed to be implying that she was only willing to help Lauren bring out the truth if Lauren was willing to give up information on Miss Montgomery. Surely not, though. The Marisa incident would be a big news story. Surely any reporter would want to be the one to break it. Lauren had just grown suspicious because of all that had happened to her recently.

As she made her way back up from her morning beach walk, she glanced toward the Victorian and saw Miss Montgomery herself on the back porch. Lauren waved briefly, then made a point of turning her attention in the other direction. No need for a confrontation about snooping this morning.

When she glanced back toward the house a few seconds later, Miss Montgomery was gesturing toward her. Lauren walked over closer to the fence, and Miss Montgomery slowly made her way across the lawn. She wore medium-height heels and a lovely dress. It was coral in color, just below knee length, with a flowing skirt and a knit top with white flowers.

"Good morning." Miss Montgomery walked up to the fence, her face almost showing a smile, but not quite.

"Good morning." Lauren made a point of smiling all the more brightly. "How are you?"

"I wanted to say thank you for the work you did to repair that dress. It was rather remarkable."

"You're welcome. It was a privilege to spend time with that gown. It is a true work of art." Lauren stopped herself from gushing on and on about it, even though she easily could have. She simply concluded with a shrug and said, "I couldn't stand the thought of throwing it into the bin at the high school theater."

Miss Montgomery nodded once, appearing thoughtful. "You could have sold it."

"Sold it? It wasn't mine to sell."

Miss Montgomery stared at Lauren, hard, for the course of several seconds before she continued. "The reason I called to you is that I seem to have lost a necklace. I wear it quite a lot, and the last time I remember having it was during dinner a couple of nights ago. I did a little walkabout that night, and I'm concerned it might have landed in the gra.s.s or the landscaping. When you're walking along the path there, or if you do some more planting, will you please keep an eye out for it?"

"Of course I will." Lauren glanced down around her feet. "I'm usually pretty good at finding things-my roommate used to always call on me when she dropped the back of an earring."

"Good, we could use a little bit of that talent right now. That necklace holds great sentimental value. It's worth more to me than any cash value attached to it."

"Don't worry, I'll keep my eyes open. What does it look like?"

"It's short, not much more than a choker really. The entire length is sapphires encircled by diamonds."

"Yes, I think I've seen you wearing that one." Actually, she knew she'd seen it but didn't want to sound like a snoop. "Where might you have walked on the path? I'll go search for it now, before the workers arrive."

"Mostly right around where you are. I went out on the road in front of the house and down to the end of the lane. Richard has already walked all those places looking, but since you do walk around a fair amount, I'm just asking you to be on the lookout."

"Of course I will." Lauren knew that she would walk all through those paths before returning home.

"Good," Miss Montgomery said. "Thank you." She started back toward her house, then paused and turned. "By the way, Richard brought the sage earlier. He said you'd find the leftovers in the potting shed, if you want them."

"Sounds great. Thank you."

Lauren walked slowly all around the dirt path, to the end of the lane, closely examining every place she believed a necklace could have fallen. She found nothing, but she had trouble giving up.

Finally, she returned to her cottage, disappointed and troubled. She hoped that the necklace had been located inside the house by now. Probably it had. Why couldn't she rest easy about it?