Nesta stood on a stand before a mirror in a Fashion Shop while Madam Juliana took her measurements. Tessa was sitting on a sofa, and in her hand was a newspaper. Nesta watched her occasionally flip from page to page, uninterested in possibly what she saw in the pages, she continued to flip.
The shop was quiet still save for the rustling of pages of the newspaper, the clatter of horses, and the wheezing of wheels on the streets, along with the chattering of people.
"Raise your arm, my lady," Juliana said.
Nesta raised one arm, and the Tailor took her measurements from wrists to shoulder. The same was done to her waist, neck, around her chest, and her entire length.
Juliana finished and said, "How would you want them to be, my lady?"
"Don't answer, Nesta," Tessa interrupted before Nesta could even begin to reply. She raised her head and looked at Juliana. "Nesta has been away from society for far too long, it's time to introduce her to the new fashion." She looked at Nesta. "It's not yet common in the market, and so very few high lords and ladies can afford it."
By little, Nesta knew no one could afford it.
"Juliana," Tessa added, "is my personal tailor. So, well, save for the cheap things everyone else can afford, I hire her for the really expensive types of gowns. Do them like those you delivered to me last week, Juliana. Nesta must have a grand return to society."
"I'm not sure my dad can yet afford this, Tessa," Nesta said. "If Juliana is as expensive as you say, I fear—"
"Don't worry about it, Nesta. It's on my account."
Nesta's eyes widened. "You'll pay for—for—wait. How many are we talking about?"
"As many as possible. I will not have you repeating any of these social events repeating an already worn gown."
Nesta couldn't believe it. Really, she felt humbled. "I couldn't thank you enough, Tessa. Really, I don't think I deserve it."
Tessa looked at Nesta like all these meant nothing to her. "It's nothing. We are friends after all." Her face fell to the newspaper.
Nesta shook her head, she looked down to see a hint of a smile on Juliana's face. She looked up. "Indeed we are friends."
When they were done, Juliana saw them to the door, and said she would make certain adjustments to the ones she already had and have them sent to the Weavers residence.
To that, Tessa thanked her and said, "Send me the accounts, and Juliana, put on something nice too. I've seen you single enough. It's time you're part of this society. And yes, I'm inviting you to my brother's ball. Make sure you don't miss it."
Juliana smiled and thanked Tessa, and to Nesta, she bid her a pleasant day.
"Next stop," Tessa said to the carriage driver, "Rowan's Salon."
Nesta knew Rowan. Very few high lords and ladies could also afford her. She had cheaper services too, of course, no one wanted to be that expensive. But the really glamorous hairdos, Rowan took care of them. Rumor had it that she did the hair of the Queen.
When they arrived, it was madam Rowan herself who attended to Tessa and Nesta. They walked in through a private door to Rowan's office, and as the ladies made it up, Nesta thought she could see lady Dana Helton, and Bridger having a discussion. She shook her head. They didn't know she was around, yet.
Nesta and Tessa were led into Rowan's office, and there Rowan told them her charge.
"I don't care about the charge," Tessa said. "I've brought Nesta here to make a perfect selection of your best, and only your best."
Madam nodded. "I have a few sketches. May I?"
"Please."
Rowan stood, went to a safe which she unlocked, she came back and placed the book before Tessa who then pushed it to Nesta. Nesta flipped it open and saw that indeed, Rowan was a great artist.
"Make any selection at all, and do not be thrifty, else, I'll make a selection for you," Tessa said.
Nesta couldn't believe it. And as expected, she chose a moderately expensive one. Rowan said it was good, but Tessa said no. Tessa took the book and flipped through, she stopped at one which she showed to Madam Rowan, and the hairdresser smiled.
"It's an excellent choice," Rowan said.
Tessa showed it to Nesta with a grin on her face. "You like it?"
"It's amazing," Nesta said.
"Great." Tessa placed it before Rowan. "She likes it. She'll be coming here next week."
"What's your name, my lady?" Rowan asked.
"Nesta Weaver."
"I'll be expecting you, my lady."
Tessa also told her to come for the ball if she had nothing doing.
They went out the same way they came in, and into the carriage they moved. Later, they stopped at a restaurant to eat, and Tessa only ordered the most expensive bottle, and the food as well.
"You have something on your mind, Nesta?" Tessa asked.