“Do I now? Step up here for me so I can take your measurements.” Delaney jumps up on the stool and claps her hands in excitement.
Savannah covers a grin and looks over her coloring. Delaney has chocolate, hair, hazel eyes and a beautiful complexion. “Four-day dresses with undergarments, two tea dresses, shoes, stockings, nightclothes, a coat, and one Christmas dress,” she recites. “She’s lovely. I would think a beautiful rose-colored silk,” Savannah asks Anika.
“Like this?” Martha, her twenty-year-old assistant, holds up a bolt of the silk and places a darker tone, velvet across it.
“Oh, that’s lovely,” Anika replies.
“A Christmas dress! Mama, did you hear that?” Delaney's eyes are wide with excitement and Anika can't help but smile in response.
“Yes, love.” She looks at Savannah, who nods and continues writing down the measurements Mrs. Flannagan calls out. Anika glances at her own tattered brown dress, knowing the image she represents and remembering what it was like to feel proud of one’s clothes. There was a time when she lived at home that she had the most beautiful dresses.
“Don’t fret so, Mrs. Coltrane. The undergarments and shoes will come from the general store in town, they’re carrying them in stock this time of year. The dresses will be custom made, though I took the liberty of bringing one or two that I thought might work for Delaney. We were lucky that Miss Martha volunteered to help today. She is amazing with a sewing machine.”
Anika turns to look at Martha and can't help but smile slightly. She is overdressed for a seamstress and can't stop looking out the windows. Glenn will find her lovely with her dark blonde ringlet curls pulled up on the sides with bangs. Anika doubts she is wearing a peach, low-cut, calling dress for her sake. It's beautiful with the lace trimmed ruffles, tiny waist, and bustle. Jealousy curls inside her, and she is quick to stomp it down.
The past week has been eye-opening with the number of women callers bringing food to the house. Glenn just buried his wife; do they really think he is ready to start courting? Anika isn't sure if they were coming to check her out or flirt with Glenn, but they let her know that she was no threat. With the war, so many women were left widows, and if he is ready then it’s none of her business, she reminds herself again.
“It’s my pleasure. I’ll get started on those, straight away,” Martha gives a pinched smile and takes the two dresses then moves across the hall to the small room to get started.
“Now, it’s your turn, Mrs. Coltrane.”
“Please, call me Anika.” She chews on her bottom lip and stares at Daisy. “You’ve done so much already, I’m not sure,” Savannah loops an arm through hers and guides her to the stool.
“It won’t hurt a bit. If it makes you feel any better, I’m next.”
“May the Saints save us, not you too?” Mrs. Flannagan teases loudly causing Daisy to giggle.
“Savannah is particular,” she explains.
Savannah gasps in feigned indignation. “Whatever do you mean?” Anika laughs at their behavior knowing it is for her benefit.
“Do ya remember the denims?” Mrs. Flannagan demands.
“Remember, I still have them. A sheer work of art, Mrs. Flannagan. In fact, I may need to have you make me a few more.” Savannah presses a quick kiss to her cheek
“Hm, we’ll see,” she swiftly begins to take Anika’s measurements. “You and Savannah are almost the same size, she is taller than you with a few more pounds on her, but I’m sure Daisy’s cooking will fix that up.”
“I will ignore that jab at my weight, Mrs. Flannagan,” Savannah sniffs and claps her hands together. “I have two dresses that I am hoping you could alter for Anika today. I know they aren't perfect for nursing, but one is a two-piece dress, and the other has a short jacket that fits over the top. I think it could be lovely on Anika.”
Savannah brings over a lilac colored dress day dress with cream lace trimming and a second visiting dress made of colonial blue silk.
“Yes, that could work. Anika will have to try them on.”
“They are lovely, though, I should wear the proper mourning colors,” Anika exclaims.
“Of course, we thought of that.” Mrs. Flannagan shakes her head to reassure her. “I brought separate skirts, one black, one navy, with matching fitted jackets for you to wear over top of white blouses. These blouses are made for nursing mothers. The new corsets are padded for comfort and protection.” Mrs. Flannagan shows Anika how they work and reassures her that it is what all the new Mothers are wearing.
“I had no idea. This will make nursing the boys much easier.” Anika inspects them and smiles excitedly. “I don’t see why I would need anything else.”
Savannah is quick to stop her.
“You will, of course, be joining us for church when the boys are old enough. We will have the bake sale, Thanksgiving and Fall Carnival all coming up, not to mention Christmas. This is our busy social season, and we want you to feel like part of the family.”
“Anika, Glenn is insisting that the clothing for you and Delaney be part of your salary. You will be representing our family when we have guests or go out. It is quite common, according to Dr. Parker,” Daisy explains. “I’m sure he will go over the details with you this evening.”
“I see. If that is the case, then, of course, I accept your generous offer,” Anika smiles.
“Perfect. Let’s get on with it. I have something in mind for you, it’s the Midnight blue silk, Savannah.” Mrs. Flannagan gestures to Savannah who digs through a trunk and pulls out a five-piece outfit.
Anika gasps and touches the soft silk.
“Mourning colors have changed. Ya no
