Milan, 28 October 1816, 6 p.m.
Sartoria del Teatro alla Scala
Fresh from a second bout of inspecting the royal carriages, Molinari and Vercesi were immersed in clothes fitting under Irina’s watchful charge.
‘I recommend for you, Anna, this new Imperial dress in light blue satin with puff sleeves and a bodice with a macramé appliqué of ivory with pearl embroidery. This is the latest creation from this couturier’s’.
‘Well, Countess, I … this is too much for me and …"
‘You seem made for it and it flatters your extraordinary décolleté’.
‘You are being serious, milady?’
‘Call me Irina. Help yourself and I’ll make the most attractive lady at the ball of you’.
‘You’ve no idea how much I’ve dreamt of an afternoon like this!’ said Molinari.
‘You are wonderfully spontaneous, but
