When the bell above the entrance tinkled several weeks after opening, Lillian was sitting at the workbench embroidering a cuff. A beautifully dressed woman stepped inside and investigated the clothed mannequins with interest, reaching out and touching the blue frock coat.
Lillian stood to greet her, gulping with dread. Standing before her was Cora Miles, the guest who’d arrived late to Mrs Shaw’s luncheon and bearing the very same baby Lillian had abandoned in Dutton Park. ‘May I help you?’
The woman’s fingers fluttered at her chest. ‘Oh, yes! Gosh, you gave me a fright. I didn’t see you there. Ahem. I would like a new gown. My friend, Mrs Susannah Hayes, ordered a dress from your establishment and debuted it at the theatre last night. She was quite the centre of attention and I had to b
