Splendor(53)

Marlene smiled at her reassuringly. “Yes, my dear. I’m Marlene. Welcome to Neiman Marcus, Tessa. Have you shopped here before?”

Tessa shook her head. “No. I’ve never been inside. It’s – everything is beautiful.”

Marlene patted the girl’s arm. “Well, you’re in good hands with me. And as for beautiful things – I think you’ll be pleased with the items Mr. Gregson has picked out for you to try on. He has excellent taste, the things are exquisite.”

Tessa’s cheeks pinkened, and Marlene was startled anew, for in her line of work she seldom saw women blush these days. “I – I told him this wasn’t necessary,” stammered Tessa. “I don’t – I’m not used to anyone buying things for me. This is all – I don’t know what to think.”

Marlene felt a rush of empathy for the girl, who was clearly out of her league in this very high class environment. “Not to worry, my dear. We’re just going into a private dressing room so you can try on the dress he selected for you. If it’s not to your taste there are plenty of others to choose from. Do you like shopping, Tessa?”

Tessa nodded. “I do. I, um, used to work in clothing stores during high school. Nothing like this, of course.”

Marlene began to guide her toward the dressing room. “Where did you work?”

Tessa looked embarrassed to admit she’d worked at both Forever 21 and Old Navy in the past.

“Well, nothing wrong with that, dear. I started off my retail career selling shoes at Sears,” confided Marlene. “And here I am today. We all have to begin somewhere.”

She unlocked the door to the spacious dressing room and ushered Tessa inside. As the girl removed her raincoat, Marlene’s eyes widened as she quickly inspected Tessa’s tall, shapely figure. It was small wonder that Ian Gregson seemed so infatuated with her, given the full, rounded bosom, slender waist and hips, and long legs. The fact that her black sweater and checkered skirt had seen better days didn’t matter in the least. Tessa had a body built to entice men, and it made little difference what she wore.

“Let me show you the dress Mr. Gregson was especially taken with. He said he liked you in this particular color.”

Tessa’s eyes widened as Marlene brought over the elegant dress of electric blue gabardine. It was sleeveless, with a scooped neck and scalloped hem. The garment would fit Tessa’s slim but curvy body lovingly while still shrieking class and elegance.

“It’s Lanvin, dear,” explained Marlene. “From the oldest couture house in France. This is one of my favorite pieces in their current collection. And Mr. Gregson has excellent taste – the color and style will look marvelous on you. Would you like to try it on?”

Tessa touched the fabric almost reverently. “It’s lovely. Is it very expensive? I really don’t want him spending a lot of money on me.”

“He can afford it, dear,” assured Marlene. “And I know he very much wants you to have it. Why don’t we see how it fits, hmm? Mr. Gregson was guessing at your size, so this is a six we have here, but I can always get a different size if necessary.”

Tessa shook her head and slowly began to pull the sweater over her head. “I think a six will be fine.”

Marlene frowned as Tessa stripped to her underwear. The black lace bra and panties were mismatched and a bit shabby, and it was obvious from the way her full breasts almost spilled out of the cups that the bra wasn’t sized properly. The thigh high black stockings were also starting to pill in several places.

“When was the last time you were fitted for bras, Tessa?” she inquired casually.

Tessa looked ill at ease with the question. “Um, I don’t recall. I’m not exactly sure I ever have been.”

“No problem. After we try the dress and shoes on I’ll fit you. Mr. Gregson also selected some, ah, lingerie for you.”

Predictably, the girl’s already rosy cheeks flushed a deeper shade and she merely nodded. But then, as Marlene zipped her into the classic blue Lanvin, Tessa’s eyes grew big as saucers as she gazed upon her reflection in the mirror.

“Oh. It’s beautiful, isn’t it? I’ve never had anything this nice before.” Tessa skimmed her hands a little uncertainly over the fine fabric.

The girl’s heartfelt reaction touched Marlene, and she felt a sudden tenderness towards her. Marlene didn’t have children of her own but she was certainly more than old enough to be Tessa’s mother. And after so many years of catering to vain, demanding patrons, it was a refreshing change to be able to really help someone as sweet and innocent as this lovely girl. She could certainly understand Ian’s infatuation with her.