When Maria heard the servants report that the tailor had come with the clothes, she was surprised. She had agreed with him to complete them before winter. Given Andalusia’s weather, it wouldn’t typically get cold enough to snow until late November or early December. Now it was still October—had he finished them already?

Indeed, everything was ready, crafted exactly to Maria’s specifications.

When she met the tailor, he bowed with a beaming smile. “Madam, please inspect the goods.” His tone was filled with pride, clearly confident in the quality of his products.

As he opened the large boxes, black uniforms were revealed. Made from warm and thick wool, these garments...