Chapter 241

"I'm nervous. Wedding dresses, formal ones, make me nervous." Pearl said.

"Why, love?" Erik asked as he got dressed. The guys were going to Highgrove House to move Charles's things out and plan more of the wedding. It was Erik's idea to be more involved and help take on some of the planning. They were going to handle the wedding breakfast after and the reception. Sebastian wasn't thrilled but he volunteered as well. So did Pearl's guys.

"Because I've never worn one." She said.

Erik stopped and looked at her. "You haven't?" He asked.

"No. My first wedding was informal. At the courthouse. And the second was on a beach, last minute. He gave me the dress to wear. It was a beach dress. Not a formal dress." She said.

Erik smiled and hugged her. "I'm glad I'm going to be the first to see you in one." He said. "I can't wait. I wish it were tomorrow." He said, kissing her. "You would be beautiful in a potato sack. I will see you tonight."

She smiled and took a deep breath.

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"We have reserved the entire boutique." Frances said, as they exited the car at the Jenny Packham boutique in London. "We don't have time to have a dress made for you so we are going to have to find a ready to wear design that you like." She said.

"Your majesty." A woman said as she curtsied. "It is wonderful to meet you as well, Ms. Clarke. I will be your gown consultant today."

"Call me Pearl." She said.

They were all seated and given water and champagne and several models began walking out in dresses.

"Pearl, this is our brand new collection. These models are wearing a size two or four. We can let the grown in or out two sizes in time so don't fret. If you see one you like, let me know." The consultant said.

"I like that one." Pearl said as the first model walked out.

"Pearl, that's the first dress. There will be more to see." Fi said.

"Yes, but I like that one." Pearl said.

"That is the "Blyth" dress. It is a long-sleeve A-line wedding gown with an illusion sweetheart crew neck, a semi- sheer neckline and sleeves adorned with crystal embellishments detailing and all-over sequin beading. It has a minimalist ball gown feel. There is a train, but it is slight so we could try a long veil for a train to add dramatics." The consultant said.

"Ok. Whatever. Can I try it on?" Pearl asked

"Yes. Of course." The consultant said.

"Pearl, don't you want to see the other dresses?" Maggie asked.

"If this one looks terrible, then yes." She said, getting up.

She went back with the consultant to try it on.

A few moments later, she came out with it on.

"Oh my god." Iris said.

"If that isn't the most princess looking fucking thing I've ever seen, I don't know what is." Fi said.

"That is it, isn't it?" Frances said, her hands over her mouth.

Pearl smiled. "I don't know. Veil or no?" She asked. They all laughed. "Yes. Pick one. And take your time. I don't know what we are going to do with the other six hours I blocked out for today." Frances said.

"Well, you ladies need to find some dresses. Because you are all in the wedding." Pearl said.

They all cheered and tried on dresses. They decided having matching dresses was tacky so they each picked out their own style. And because it is a royal wedding, the designer was very excited to be the only one whose gowns they were wearing.

"That was so much fun." Iris said.

"I am starving. Let's go home and have a late lunch. And a nap." Frances said, as their security gathered their bags and walked their dresses out to the cars.

Pearl's phone rang.

"Hello future wifey." Erik said.

Pearl giggled.

"Well, how is it going?" Erik asked.

"Oh, I found my dress in ten minutes. The rest of the morning the girls picked out theirs. I'm all set. Shoes. Veil. And your mother said I will wear a family crown?" She said.

"Yes", Erik laughed. "You will. A diamond and ruby tiara. And I'm glad it went well. I have a surprise waiting for you in the car." He said.

"What is it?" She asked.

"Not telling." He said.

She walked outside and saw him standing there.

She ran to him and hugged him. "What are you doing here?" She asked.

"Mother, I would like to steal my future bride for the rest of the afternoon, if that is alright?" He asked.

"Of course. Have fun." She said.

Fi took off her shoes and got into the car. "A nap sounds excellent right now." She said. They all said goodbye and Erik and Jim led her to the car they brought. Erik helped her inside.

"Where are we going?" She asked.

"We have a wedding to plan. We are cake tasting this afternoon. Then food tasting for our dinner. Then, another surprise." He said.

Pearl smiled. "Let's go then, I am starving." She said.