"Mother, I am not Grandma," I said desperately. "I don't want to spend the rest of my life arguing with you."

Mother looked at me and her eyes narrowed.

"Let's just buy one dress for now," I said. "I like this green fabric, and it will go nicely with this bit of lace..."

"OK," said Mother after a long silence. "Let's start with the green."

After that it was a discussion of style and what would suit or not suit my figure and looks. The dressmaker's smile even ...