After Celine had safely departed in her hired carriage, the small dressmaker's shop seemed to settle back into its quiet, warm rhythm. The scent of dried lavender and fresh linen filled the air once more. The massive danger of the morning had passed, leaving behind a profound sense of accomplishment.
Delaney stood in the narrow aisle for a few long moments, completely alone, allowing her racing heart to finally slow down.
She took a slow, deep breath, smoothing the front of her dark blue woolen day dress. The hard, calculating look vanished from her hazel eyes, replaced by the soft, polite expression of a young bride preparing for her special day.
Delaney walked back toward the front counter.
Madame D was still happily sorting through her large wooden box of delicate white lace trims. She looked up and smiled brightly as Delaney approached.
