Indeed, that is apparently exactly what happened. MY mistake. In fact while poking around this morning, I found an UNsubmitted shopping cart that still contained my intended gift along with yet ANOTHER identical item. Good Lord, I could have ended up with TWO gowns for me and one for my friend!!!
Something that strikes me as unusual in the Marketplace programming however, is the fact that after having closed my browser and clearing all cookies, that cart still persists from my previous shopping session. It seems that most typically, shopping carts go pooof after one leaves the session and takes their cookies with them.
In any case, I DO thank you for pointing out the error of my ways. And incidentally, the merchant (Designing Nicky Ree) was exceedingly helpful and accommodating in providing my friend with the intended gift. Thank you Nicky.