Chapter 223
Chapter 223
After Lauren and Irwin left, Briony hesitated for a moment before returning to her lounge to check things over.
She didn’t notice anything out of the ordinary.
Shaking her head, she thought she was probably just being overly cautious. Irwin was only a child–what could he possibly get up to?
Still, Briony really didn’t want to be disturbed again.
Stepping out of her office, she turned to Hannah and said, “From now on, for any reason at all, don’t let in anyone connected to Irwin Stewart.”
“Understood.” Hannah sighed quietly. “Briony, I’m sorry… she said she was sent by Mr. Lewis, and I was worried about offending him, so-”
“I get it. But the item she brought was a fake. And that claim about Mr. Lewis? Almost certainly a lie.”
Briony caught the guilty look on Hannah’s face, and her voice softened. “The client coming this afternoon–Mr. Chadwick–his background is much more significant than Mr. Lewis’s. Chin up.”
Hannah nodded. “I understand!”
Briony returned to her restoration studio and picked up her work.
At three in the afternoon, the Chadwicks arrived.
Mr. and Mrs. Chadwick were celebrating their golden anniversary this year, and the love between them was still unmistakable.
Mrs. Chadwick wanted to have an old dress restored.
It was her wedding gown–a handmade, bespoke piece Mr. Chadwick had commissioned at great expense all those years ago.
The dress was crafted using a rare, traditional weaving technique, with intricate folk embroidery. It was a true
work of art.
Sadly, time had taken its toll. Despite careful maintenance, the natural fabrics had deteriorated, and about thirty percent of the dress was now damaged.
Mrs. Chadwick hoped to restore it. She wanted to wear it again for a set of golden anniversary photos with her husband.
Briony was deeply moved. Love that steadfast was a rare thing indeed.
She wanted to take on the project, but the repair involved advanced textile techniques.
Briony asked Hannah to call in Lydia.
When Lydia saw the dress, she shook her head. “This one’s tough. The origins are remarkable–it’s a handwoven ceremonial gown, considered a cultural treasure where it’s from.”
Briony looked at Mrs. Chadwick.
With a gentle smile, Mrs. Chadwick explained, “Yes, I was born in a small village with a long tradition of weaving. My husband, ever the romantic, combined the fabric from my coming–of–age ceremony with my wedding gown. He asked the village elders to weave and embroider it by hand.”
Briony couldn’t help but smile: “Mr. Chadwick must love you very much.”
“He does. He’s the reason I truly believe in everlasting love.”
Mrs. Chadwick and her husband exchanged a look and smiled. “The fabric for this dress was gathered by my husband himself–he led a group up into the mountains to pick the wild plants, then spun and wove the fibers
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over many months. It took ages just to collect enough material.”
Briony nodded thoughtfully. “From what I know, harvesting those plants depends on the season.”
“That’s right,” Lydia chimed in. “There’s only a two–month window each year to harvest the fibers. But maybe, if we ask around, we can find some pre–spun thread.”
“We’re not in a rush for the anniversary photos,” Mr. Chadwick said. “Ms. Kensington, money isn’t an issue. I just don’t want my wife to have any regrets.”
“I completely understand, Mr. Chadwick.” Briony considered for a moment, then said, “How about this: give me three days. I’ll see if I can source the right materials. If I can, I’ll contact you.”
“Of course.” Mr. Chadwick gave her a meaningful smile. “No wonder Mrs. Winslow recommended you, Ms. Kensington. I look forward to working together.”
Briony smiled back. “I should be thanking you both for your trust and confidence in me.”
She personally walked the Chadwicks out.
Back in her office, Briony picked up the phone and called Gwendolyn White.
Gwendolyn answered almost immediately. “Bryn, did you meet with the Chadwicks?”
“Yes, they just left.” Briony paused. “Their love for each other is honestly inspiring.”
“It is, isn’t it? Did you know Mrs. Chadwick is actually six years older than her husband? And before Mr. Chadwick, she went through a terrible first marriage.”
Briony was surprised. “Really? You’d never guess–she looks even younger than he does.”
“A good marriage works wonders.” Gwendolyn laughed softly. “So don’t get discouraged. You’ll find the right person for you, too.”
“Mrs. Winslow, you don’t have to worry about me. I’m doing well.” Briony said. “My last five years of marriage were a mistake, but I’ve come to terms with a lot lately. The failure wasn’t on me–I won’t punish myself for someone else’s mistakes.”
“I’m glad to hear that.” After a pause, Gwendolyn added, “You called about the thread, right?”
“Yes”
“I actually know someone from that village. I’ll send you her contact details. You can discuss the materials with her directly.”
“Thank you, that would be very helpful.”
Meanwhile, Lauren had taken Irwin out for the day, hoping this would be her chance to make a good impression and maybe change Stewart’s opinion of her.
But things didn’t go as planned. At dinner, Irwin innocently remarked that Briony’s cooking was delicious, and suddenly Rosita lost control.
“Irwin, are you even listening?” Rosita shouted, slamming her fork down and glaring at him. “I’m your real mother!”
Startled, Irwin stared at Rosita’s contorted, furious face, completely frozen in shock.
