Chapter 2:- In Which Adelice is Late
"Sorry I'm late!" Adelice called as she burst into the shop. Three uptight-looking ladies in their finery turned and glared at her. "Sorry," she whispered, curtsying. They humphed, turned their backs on her and continued chatting. Careful not to evoke thier wrath again, she crept into the back room. She found Sophie sitting at her bench, sewing away. "Where's her almighty highness?" Sophie jumped and let out a little 'eep', not having noticed Adelice arrive. "Sorry."
Sophie shook her head then pushed her glasses back up her face. "Mademoiselle is feeling ill and won't be coming in until later." She sounded like she had rehearsed this.
Adelice snorted. "What's with the harpies out front?" Adelice sat down on her bench by the window and scavenged for her supplies in the drawers. Sophie continued her sewing.
"They've come to order dresses for the ball in a few weeks but don't wish to speak to anyone but Mademoiselle."
Adelice rolled her eyes. "If only they knew who actually did the work. Her highness is probably sleeping off a drink somewhere."
Sophie nodded. "A messenger came by earlier saying she had been at the Piggy Penny all night."
Threading a needle, Adelice sighed. "Well, at least we'll actually be able to get some work done."
"If anyone places an order, that is."