Free A Vintage Christmas by Ali Harris Page B

just – perfection! An absolute trademark design. They couldn’t have been made by anyone but you! How many do you have left to make?’
    ‘That’s the last one.’ David says proudly. ‘It’s not finished yet though. But we’re making one of every size in each style – well, except the one you’re holding – so Hardy’s customers can try them on. It’s been tough but we’ve all been working day and night for months. And with the generous amount you’ve paid me it’s been worth it!’
    ‘Good,’ I laugh. ‘I have a feeling the orders are going to be rolling in for these once they go on display.’
    ‘Or even before,’ David says and then puts his hand over his mouth guiltily. Everyone looks at him. ‘Bugger, I wasn’t going to tell you, but I’ve already had a pre-order!’
    ‘Really?’ I frown. ‘That’s strange. But we haven’t even advertised your shoe collection yet! And, hang on,’ I say as something else David said rattles around in my brain. ‘Why aren’t you making more sizes of this one I’m holding? It’s a sure-fire classic!’
    ‘I wasn’t going to tell you this either, but someone very important has been in touch.’ I tilt my head and smile. I don’t want him to know just how concerned I am about all this information he “doesn’t want to tell me”. Rupert will kill me if I don’t keep control of this order. ‘They said they had it on good authority that I make the best shoes in the country, gave me some specific details of the very special person these shoes will be made for, and asked for a bespoke design exclusively for them. I didn’t think you’d mind...’
    ‘Oh, who is it for?’ I ask lightly.
    David pulls an apologetic face. ‘I’m afraid I’ve been sworn to secrecy, Evie. If I told you, I’d have to kill you!’ And he runs his fingers across his neck, execution style.
    ‘A special person?’ I say, my heart pounding faster than usual as realisation dawns. ‘Oh David, you don’t mean? I mean, no, it’s impossible... isn’t it?’ My mind has flown to palaces and princesses, the Royal feathers. I look down at the feathery Angel wing shoes in my hand and I squeal with delight.
    ‘I know who it is!’
    ‘Glad to see you’re excited,’ David smiles.
    ‘Are you kidding? I’m ecstatic!’
    Could Camilla have come across my newly discovered shoemaker on a weekend shopping trip from Highgrove? Or even – I almost can’t breathe enough to allow oxygen to my brain to think the name, let alone say it – Kate?
    ‘They said they’d pop in when they’re back in the country. Apparently they travel a lot. And the shoes are going to be well photographed...’
    I look at the pair in my hands and try not to squeal with delight. ‘They’re right there, David!’ I say trying to cover the fact that my mind is a-buzz. We could call the shoe the ‘Princess Kate’! I’m already imagining it at the centre of the display I’ve been working on. Right in the spotlight.
    ‘Can I just ask a favour Evie?’ David interrupts my wild imaginings with his words. ‘They’re not finished yet, but can you try them on?’ He glances down. ‘You’re a size 4 aren’t you?’ he grins.
    ‘How did-’ I say in astonishment, but he holds his hand up.
    ‘Do you really think after working in the shoe trade for fifty years that I’d need to ask your shoe size ?’
    I laughed. ‘Fair point!’
    ‘You’ll be doing me a massive favour. Maria here has got great big size 7 hooves, so she’s no good...’
    ‘It’s true!’ Maria calls.
    ‘And Mama doesn’t have the high instep of her youth. I want someone the same size to try it so I can get the line just so... ahhh yes. I see, mmhmm... yes yes...’
    I wait with bated breath for him to finish his inspection. ‘Perfect!’ he says at last. ‘The recipient of these shoes is a very lucky lady.’
    ‘A VIP?’ I say and he looks at me as he winks and taps the side of his nose.
    ‘Definitely.’
    I smile thinking of