“Ms. Coltrane, how lovely to see ya,” Mrs. Flannagan calls out. “I have your order ready to go, with one exception.” She drapes an arm through Anika's and pulls her to the front window. “This sample just came in, and I thought instantly of you, with your coloring.” She points to a blue silk taffeta dress, two-piece button front fitted bodice with a long tail skirt trimmed in ivory lace.
“It’s lovely,” Anika gasps and strokes the skirt.
“Yes, it will highlight your eye color and look,” she points, “it has a pocket for a watch. Please don’t break my heart, tell me you want it.”
“I don’t know, they’ve already spoiled me. Let me think about it, while you help me with the rest of my purchases.” Anika turns away and draws out a small piece of paper and just misses seeing Martha glaring at her through the window.
The shop bell rings again as a new customer enters, and Anika says, “I’m in desperate need of a new nightgown and matching nightdress, Mrs. Flannagan.”
“I’ll be right back,” she points to the back room, “through that door, you will find everything you need. Mrs. Ward insisted you have what you need, and it will be getting cold soon. You’ll even find Delaney’s sizes.”
Anika smiles and hurries through the door. She is drawn instantly to a baby blue satin nightgown, with its empire waist, and floor length it is stunning. Smiling she runs a finger over the material.
“It’s stunning, you should definitely buy it.” A voice says, causing her to jump in surprise. Martha is standing in the doorway holding the sample dress from the front window.
“Oh,” Anika smiles, “It is exquisite, but I think I need something more practical. Winter is coming.” She moves to look at the white cotton gowns with matching wrappers and picks one for herself before looking for Delaney.
“I personally think he would like to see more skin,” Martha walks over to a sheer, spaghetti strap, pink, floor length nightgown, and strokes the material. She steps back to eye the matching sheer wrapper and grins at Anika.
“Who?” Anika asks.
“We’re all friends here, you don’t have to pretend, Anika. I’m sure you’ve bumped into Glenn at night in that big house of his.”
Anika blushes and stares at her in shock. “Excuse me?”
“Everyone is talking about it.” She steps closer to Anika, close enough that she can smell her cloying perfume and hisses. “I’ve waited two years for Glenn to notice me.” She grips Anika’s upper arm and continues, “I don’t care what you do or how you dress, he will only ever see you as the hired help, or the cow feeding his children. I’ll make sure of that. Enjoy your time with him, it will be fleeting.”
Anika jerks her arm away, “Thank you for clarifying that for me, Martha.”
Mrs. Flannagan walks in and pauses, “Is there a problem?” She takes in Anika’s pale expression and Martha’s flushed cheeks and waits.
“No, I would like to buy this.” Martha shoves the dress at the older lady and stomps from the room. “Now. I don’t have time to dawdle.”
“Excuse me, Anika.” Mrs. Flannagan hurries after Marth and Anika unclenches her hands trying to stop the trembling.
“That creature will not ruin this for me,” she tells herself and glances at her note. Everyone is talking about it? Quickly she picks up the underclothes for Delaney and herself, including stockings, two more camisoles built for nursing and petticoats. She is about to pick out a wrapper and gown when Mrs. Flannagan returns.
“I apologize for…”
“No apology needed, she’s not the first to insinuate disgusting things.”
“I see. How are we gettin’ on then?” She glances at the boring white cotton gown and sighs. “I have just the thing for ya.” On the back wall is a gorgeous white gown and wrapper.
“This is a white cotton nightgown with a square neck for modesty, trimmed with lace and pink, silk ribbon, because why not?” she grins. “It buttons from the neckline to the waist, making it perfect for the nursing woman.”
Anika smiles but hesitates as Martha’s nasty voice runs through her head. “Don’t listen to that girl. It’s perfect for ya.”
“Thank you, I’ll take it.”
Mrs. Flannagan claps her hands together. “Excellent. Do you need anything else?”
“Denims,” Anika grins.
“Ach! Savannah will ruin you yet. I have two pair, but you will have to try one on.”
Anika follows her to the dressing room where an assistant takes her purchases to package them. As soon as she enters the dressing room, Mrs. Flannagan turns to the young assistant, “Get the blue silk nightgown and package it with the matching wrapper. She may never wear it, but I’ll be damned if Martha will.”
Daisy enters the shop and finds Anika sipping on tea with Mrs. Flannagan and laughing over something the woman says. “Daisy! You’re just in time, we are finished. Though, I just remembered we have some new baby clothes over in the left corner.”
Anika jumps up excitedly, “The boys are outgrowing the dressing gowns. I'll just have a quick look.”
Mrs. Flannagan waits till Anika is out of earshot and hisses at Daisy. “Martha was here. I’m not sure what she said to Anika, but it upset her. There is talk in town, Daisy. I thought you should know.”
“Thank you.” Daisy sighs, “I was afraid of this, and I'm sure it will get worse before it gets better. That girl is desperate to get her claws into Glenn.”
“That’s true enough, best to make sure someone else
