Besides their work, they were also busy attending various banquets. After Queen Isabella's dazzling debut, the new style of dress became the latest trend in high society. Within just a few days, when Maria attended another banquet, she saw a group of ladies and young women dressed in large hoop skirts, gracefully with ornate fans.

On that occasion, she attended a beauty salon hosted by Mrs. Martínez alone. All the guests were women, and their dresses were similar in style to Queen Isabella’s, but with small alterations. It was as if they were trying to show off their wealth and status, with many more decorations on their dresses, all made...