Chapter Five“You are nearly ready now, so I will go and put on my tiara,” the Grand Duchess announced.
Anastasia was unable to answer as, at that moment, Olivia lifted her wedding dress over her head. Only when the huge full skirt was pulled over its whalebone frame and she slipped her arms into a small tight bodice, was she able to reply,
“Yes, do, Mama. I don’t want to be a late bride.”
“You certainly do not wish to be early!” the Grand Duchess retorted, as if she must always have the last word. She went from the room and Anastasia stood still while Olivia buttoned up her gown at the back.
She could see herself reflected in a long mirror and she knew that the wedding dress she and her mother had chosen with such care justified the exorbitant amount of money it had cost.
The satin bo
