Page 61 of Must Love Lavender and Little Lies
“Always. Always.”
At that, Narrow laughed, then headed outside to get the ale while Master VanTort led me to the fitting area.
“Now, all I need are some measurements. I should have a shirt that fits, and there will be some pants to tailor. A coat…Well, I can have that by morning. When is the wedding?”
“Eleven.”
“Very good, very good. I’ll be by in the morning. Now, be still, and I’ll have everything ready shortly. And Miss Juniper… Who has made her dress?”
“Zelda, I think.”
“Very well. I will stop by and coordinate the colors.”
“Master Van?—”
“Tsk, tsk, not a word.” At that, he opened a case and began pulling out a number of devices. After winding his sewing box, several small mechanical devices lifted off, gears clinking and cogs whirling, and they began to spin around me, quickly taking measurements. The little machines with their glowing glass eyes worked fast at taking all the measurements, then reported back to the gnome in a series of clicks and beeps. Master VanTort took notes and nodded. “Yes, yes. I think the new onyx blend. At least seven reams. Maybe eight,” he told a pair of machines which flew to the back to fetch the fabric.
Narrow returned a moment later with three large bottles of ale. He opened one for each of us, then watched in amusement as the machines worked.
“They should trim your hair while they’re at it.”
“I don’t need?—”
“Very right. Miss Shears, if you will,” the gnome told one of the fluttering devices that came at me quickly, her gears shifting to produce a comb and pair of scissors in tandem.
“I—”
“Don’t worry! She cuts my hair every month,” the gnome said proudly. “Just beverystill.”
Narrow laughed, clicked his ale bottle against the gnome’s, then drank as the device spun in a whirlwind around my head. But no sooner had the little enchanted machine started than its work had already finished.
The device clicked at Master VanTort.
“Done?”
It responded in a series of beeps.
I looked in the mirror, realizing the clever device had given me a very fine haircut.
“Thank you, Miss Shears,” I said.
The little machine clicked and whirled happily, then headed back to its case.
“Well, that about does it, I’d say,” Master VanTort said. “Now, young man, the only thing left to do is drink. To the groom. Salutations on your upcoming nuptials. Cheers!” he said, lifting the bottle of ale.
I grinned from ear to ear. “Cheers!”
I was marrying Juniper.
Tomorrow.
I was marrying my best friend.
What better thing to celebrate?
Givenit was against custom to see the bride on our wedding day until she was at the altar, I thanked Narrow for his help and then headed to Juniper’s cottage for one last visit that night. I spotted her through the window. She was working in her kitchen, her golden hair shining.
I lingered outside a moment before knocking, watching her as she worked. She was kneading dough and talking to Pip. Typical Juniper. She was going to get married tomorrow, and what was she doing tonight? Baking bread.
