When the weekend arrived, only a handful of Groundlings took the carriage to visit their families, as though stepping away might cause them to miss the long-awaited Winter's Ball.
But Ruelle had accompanied Hailey to Hushford town.
Right now, Hailey stood before the tall mirror in seamstress Madame Beaucroft's shop, turning as the skirts of her newly stitched gown fanned softly around her legs. She asked brightly,
"How do I look, Ruelle?"
Ruelle smiled without needing to pretend. Seeing Hailey glow warmed something gentle inside her chest. "Like a princess," she said truthfully. "Do you have shoes to match?"
"I do have shoes," Hailey lifted the front of her gown, revealing the scuffed shoes.
"You need new shoes," Madame Beaucroft declared, as she made adjustments to the gown.
"Then perhaps you will offer me a discount, Madame?" Hailey asked, flashing a sheepish smile. The older woman gave her a pointed look.
