A Perfect Match

13

In the morning Bailey showed up to get Nora she could not help noticing she did not look very well.

"Are you going to be alright you do not look well?"

Nora laughed she had not felt well since after her trip to Cornwall.

"I will be fine I did not sleep very well last night."

They rode in silence after their opening conversation, Nora had fallen asleep and Bailey thought it best to let the girl rest. When they arrived at the dressmakers, Bailey shook Nora gently awake. They entered the shop and immediately knew this was not a regular dress shop one would see in the heart of London. They had all the normal things one would find at a dressmaker there was material and dress forms and such. The one thing they were sure of no other dress shop in London had a group of French men in the salon. Nora and Bailey both could speak French and it was not at all surprising they were talking about the notes and how they were not going out fast enough. Both Nora made a mental note to look for the notes when she broke into inspect the place. She noted as well one of the Frenchmen coming from upstairs.

This was when Mrs. Brodeur cut the men off from talking and turned to the two women.

"The shop is closed you can make an appointment for another time."

Nora, and Bailey both turned to leave but made comments that would make the proprietor not want them to leave. Even, if she was a French agent she was a businesswoman. Nora started her critique of the shop.

"Come Lady Wigan's I am sure Madam Shay can make the exact same bow I have been told I can find here."

"You are not easily swayed to change your mind Nora?"

"I am a Dukes daughter I do not have to be easily swayed. I make up my mind and I get it. So simple it helps when you have the money to get what you want."

"Your father does indulge you."

Before they reached the front door Mrs. Brodeur rushed up behind them and put her hand on Nora's shoulder.

"Perhaps I was a bit hasty maybe the men can talk while I help you lovely ladies."

They turned back and followed Mrs. Brodeur farther into the shop. She told the men in French to go on talking the women did not seem to know any French. Then she turned back to Nora and Bailey with a smile.

"Please follow me and let me see what I can do for you."

Bailey did the talking since she was the older of the two and the one with the title.

"My friend here was at a few of the Flower Festivals this week and we are going to another one today. She saw a few of her friends and acquaintances wearing a large bow in the back of their dresses. They seemed to be light and comfortable and she is just in love with the style. When she asked Lady Cann she told her she bought the frock from you."

Mrs. Brodeur gave Nora the once over to see if this was true after all this dressed was designed for younger girls. Nora spoke up.

"I need two of them one for me and one for my little sister. I would love to have a portrait done with the two of us wearing identical clothing. I think it would make my father laugh."

Mrs. Brodeur had gotten her answer it was for a lark. No matter the reason she could not sell the girl the dress.

"I am sorry but I have commissioned with someone that she is the only one who can purchase that style. She was very adamant only the young girls she sends in are to have the dress. She said it was something like a club uniform only those who are members of the club can wear the dress."