Under Maria’s guidance, Eleanor’s harp skills improved significantly, but the little girl didn’t develop a love for music. Her passion remained embroidery, and now, designing clothes.

It wasn’t until Maria saw the actual garment that she realized Eleanor had secretly made a dress for herself using the patterns for doll clothes.

Eleanor’s taste aligned perfectly with the fashion trends of European clothing several centuries later. Of all the dresses Maria had sketched for her, Eleanor had chosen to make the most elaborate Rococo-style gown.

It featured a fitted bodice, a voluminous skirt, and was adorned with lace, ribbons, intricate embroidery, and countless frills—a flashy but beautiful and opulent creation.

In...