CHAPTER SEVEN
In the drawing room, the soft glow of the afternoon sun filtered through lace curtains, casting delicate shadows on the polished wooden floor. A seamstress, poised and composed, sat gracefully with a porcelain teacup in hand, sipping tea and nibbling on a biscuit. She wore a well-worn, yet finely tailored gown of rich fabric, her hands accustomed to the art of delicate stitching. Beside her, seated her apprentice, a young woman dressed in a simple but neat attire, holding a rolled-up tape measure and a few other tools of the trade—calipers, chalk, a quill and parchment as they awaited the arrival of their client—a lady of society, no doubt, seeking a custom-made gown of the highest quality. The room, filled with antique furniture and velvet drapes, had a quiet elegance, befitting the manor.
As the clock on the mantelpiece ticked softly, the sound of footsteps echoing towards the room.The seamstress gave a quick, practiced glance to the apprentice, who adjusted her posture, sensing the arrival of the client. The door creaks faintly, and moments later, a maid opened it delicately, announcing the presence of Ladies of the manor,the patron who had sent for the bespoke creation.
The seamstress rose gracely from her chair, setting her tea aside, and smoothed the front of her gown as she stood to greet the ladies,so as her apprentice. Lady Carina, draped in a rich velvet cloak, stepped inside with an air of quiet dignity. Her eyes scanned the room with approval before they settled on the seamstress. "Good afternoon, lady Carina and lady Mirabelle" she greeted, ignoring the other person though her dress look refined. She knew, she was a maid.
"Madame Butterfly, pleasure to see you again" she responded with a slight curtsy, her voice soft but commanding,like the rustle of silk,as she settled into the plush settee in the opulent drawing room. Cecilia joined her, their delicate dress rustling against the velvet upholstery. Suzanne stood poised, her hands clasped demurely.
"I desire your finest work,for my daughter's impending wedding, Madame Butterfly. Nothing less will do."Lady Carina said graciously as she reminisced how she met the seamstress, Madame Butterfly.
Lady Carina discovered Madame Butterfly's exceptional talent through Lady Evelyn Sewell during her soiree. Enchanted by Madame Butterfly's exquisite corsetry and designs, lace-making and embroidery.
Lady Carina became a devoted patron, seeking her expertise for Mirabelle's wedding attire
Lady Carina's eyes widened as she entered Lady Evelyn Sewell's opulent salon. The soiree buzzed with elegance, but one guest captivated her attention: Madame Butterfly. The corsetier's delicate fingers danced across intricate lace, weaving magic into every stitch.
Lady Evelyn, resplendent in silk, introduced them. "Lady Carina, meet Madame Butterfly, the genius behind Paris's most exquisite corsetry."
Madame Butterfly's curtsy belied her artistic prowess. Lady Carina's gaze roved over the displayed creations: ethereal embroidery, delicate lace, and precision-cut silks.
"Your work is breathtaking, Madame Butterfly," Lady Carina exclaimed. "I would require your mastery for my falcon ball attire. A gown that will dazzle the ton."
Madame Butterfly's eyes sparkled. "I'm honored, Milady. My designs will enhance your beauty, capturing the essence of the special day."
"Milady, I shall create a masterpiece for your special day," Madame Butterfly assured, as her voice drew Lady Carina attention back, her eyes sparkling with creativity
With a warm smile, Madame Butterfly beckoned Mirabelle. "Please stand, my dear, so we may begin." Mirabelle stepped forward, her slender figure illuminated by the soft light streaming through the room's tall windows.
Her apprentice readied her quill and parchment, to record every measurement. Madame Butterfly's skilled hands moved deftly, measuring Mirabelle's neck, bust, and waist.
She measured her bust first, wrapping the cloth tape around the fullest part of her chest, just under the arms, checking for a precise fit.
"Bust, thirty-two inches," Madame Butterfly called out, her voice melodious. Her apprentice scribbled the measurement.
"Waist, twenty-four inches," she continued, her fingers moving with precision. The apprentice's quill danced across the parchment.
"Now the hips, my dear," she instructed, moving behind her to measure the fullest part of her hips.
She moves to measure the length from the her waist to the floor, ensuring the hem of the gown will fall just perfectly, pooling delicately around her feet.
As the measurements were taken, Mirabelle and Suzanne exchanged furtive glances, their eyes conveying unspoken understanding.
"Your exquisite design will make Mirabelle radiant, Madame Butterfly," Lady Carina said, her eyes shining with anticipation.
As they conversed, Lady Carina's vision took shape. "I envision layers of silk, subtle lace, and precision embroidery. A masterpiece reflecting Mirabelle's elegance."Though her daughter penchant for tailored shirts, and fitted trousers, while striking, departed from the expected frills and femininity of high society.
Madame Butterfly curtsied. "I assure you, milady, Mirabelle will be breathtaking in her wedding gown."
When the measuring is finished, Madame Butterfly steps back, eyeing Mirabelle critically from head to toe. "We're done" she said with a smile. Mirabelle exhales a breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding, her posture relaxing slightly. ,"Finally" she mumbled.
***************
Dylan, a seasoned inquiry officer, sat at his desk, surrounded by stacks of documents and scattered quills.The fading evening light cast a warm orange glow through the window, illuminating tiny dust particles suspended in the air.
Suddenly, a knock echoed through the room.
"Come in," Dylan called out, his deep voice authoritative.
The door creaked open, and a liveried servant entered, bowing slightly. "Pardon, sir. A message for you."
Dylan nodded, and the servant approached, handing him a parchment sealed with a signet ring.
Dylan broke the seal and unfolded the parchment, his eyes scanning the contents. His brow furrowed.
"Mmm...what's this?" he murmured to himself. "A lady with emerald eyes and raven hair again"
"Kindly apprise your master that I shall investigate this matter with all due haste and report my discoveries." Dylan instructed the servant.
The servant bowed. "As you wish, sir."
With a nod, Dylan dismissed the servant.
As the door closed, Dylan's gaze lingered on the parchment, his mind racing with questions. "Who was this enigmatic woman, sought by two eligible bachelors?"
His curiosity was piqued, and he knew this case would be far more intriguing than he initially thought.