The Sporty Bridesmaid. Diane Redmond

      “That’s a fabulous dress!” cried Jessie, as she spotted a cream crinoline gown decorated with tiny pink rosebuds and layers of pretty lace.

      “It’s gorgeous,” Debs agreed. “But look at all those tiny buttons running down the back. It would take me all day to fasten them up!”

      All the dresses they looked at seemed to have something wrong with them. They were too tight, too long, too heavy, too frilly, too itchy, or too expensive! Just when Jessie was beginning to wonder if Debs would ever find anything to suit her, Mrs Coles spotted a white floaty dress with a high satin bodice and short puffed sleeves. The bride-to-be tried it on and twirled excitedly in front of the long mirror in the changing room.

      “I LOVE it!” she cried.

      “As much as your running kit?” teased Jessie.

      “Almost!” Debs replied with a wink.

      The shop assistant found lots of bridesmaids’ dresses for Jessie to try on but she finally chose a long deep-pink dress with tiny round mirrors around the neck and waist.