“Good afternoon, may I meet Mrs. Rosemary?” Cassandra’s sweet voice rang out as she stepped into the small boutique, which had begun to bustle again with customers.

Rosemary’s assistant, who was arranging rolls of fabric, turned around. “Oh, Mrs. Rosemary is in the design room. Did you make an appointment?”

Cassandra smiled gracefully, elegant in a simple white dress with minimal jewelry. “Not yet, dear. But I am in desperate need of a special gown for an important event. I heard only Rosemary can create a design that truly matches a client’s character.”

The assistant looked hesitant. “But usually—”

Just then, Rosemary emerged from the back room with a stack...