That Trixie is a bad influence.

Shelagh was more nervous than she expected. She knew this day would come, she’d been warned enough times. But now that it was upon her, she feared she had underestimated how very difficult it was going to be. There would be people staring at her, she would be forced to make choices, and she feared she would never be the same. But there was no backing out now. It was too late.

“Shelagh, you really must try to look a little enthusiastic,” admonished Trixie. “I promise, you won’t regret doing this. And you’ll be making Dr. Turner the happiest of men.”

“Trixie, don’t tease,” said Cynthia. “Shelagh, you don’t have to do this. Don’t let anyone push you into doing anything you don’t want.”

“No one’s pushing her, Cynthia. Just a little nudge, that’s all.” Trixie was not going to give up this fight. Not when it was something she believed in so strongly.

Jenny jumped to Trixie’s defense. “Trixie’s right. Shelagh, you just have to resign yourself to it. It’s not so very terrible, is it? I’m sure you’ll be happy in the long run that you did.”

Shelagh knew she was no match for the two of them together, not to mention the others. Even with Cynthia’s support, there was little chance she would withstand the demands of so many. It was expected. Besides, if she was completely honest with herself, she wanted to do it. It was a bit daring, she thought. Provocative.

“Oh, all right. I’ll try it on,” she conceded. Taking the armful of clothes from Trixie, she turned to the fitting room.

Patrick was late home that evening, but Shelagh waited up for her husband. She had something to show him. Her patience was rewarded when Patrick came home. His coat and medical bag away, he entered the sitting room, looking for his bride.

“Shelagh?” he called. Turning the corner, he stopped short. Before him stood his demure wife of two weeks in a snug sweater and the most flirtatious skirt he had ever seen. Ever.

“Hello, Patrick,” she answered. She took the last few steps toward him, her new, slightly-higher-than-usual shoes creating a very different type of movement in her hips than he was used to. He gulped.

“I went shopping today,” she told him.

“I can see that,” he answered huskily.

“I bought a few things. I hope you don’t mind, dearest.”

He shook his head. He was supposed to say something, but couldn’t imagine what. All he knew was that he was the happiest of men.