"It was my absolute pleasure, Miss Kingsley," Madame D replied, stepping forward. "Now, let us get you out of this fine silk before it gets wrinkled or soiled. You have a long journey ahead of you tomorrow."
Madame D carefully helped Delaney out of the delicate white dress. The older woman moved with practiced efficiency, unfastening the tiny pearl buttons down the back and carefully sliding the silk over Delaney's head.
Delaney changed quickly back into her woolen day dress.
While Delaney fastened her own buttons, Madame D went to a side table. She carefully folded the beautiful white gown and packaged it neatly into a large, sturdy wooden bandbox, wrapping the silk in soft tissue paper to protect it during the carriage ride. She tied a thick pink ribbon securely around the box.
Delaney pulled her small velvet reticule open. She retrieved some gold coins—part of the marriage portion her uncle had grudgingly given her—and paid the dressmaker for her excellent work.
