Fernandez, Tower District, 12 Pioneer Road.
Long skirts of every kind, lace blouses, evening gowns... like an overturned palette, they lay in chaotic heaps across the sofa, chairs, and even the carpet.
In the middle of the room, before a huge full-length mirror, Annis tugged at the hem of a deep blue velvet evening gown, scrutinizing herself from every angle.
"Ella, what do you think of this one?" She turned around, her face full of indecision. "Is it too... too formal?"
Maid Ella hurried over and helped smooth the creases at the hem. "How could it be, Miss! This deep blue perfectly sets off the snowy whiteness of your skin, like the brightest sapphire beneath the night sky. If that gentleman sees you in it, he'll be so dazzled he won't be able to say a word—or even walk!"
"What gentleman? I... I'm only going to see someone who owes me money! And..." Annis looked at her poised, elegant reflection and frowned slightly. "Wearing this to a place like the docks would make me look like a fool."
With that, she stormed into the dressing room. After a rustle of fabric, she soon emerged in a snow-white outfit styled after hunting attire.
The crisp lapels and cinched belt made her look valiant and dashing without losing any of a woman's softness.
"What about this?"
"This one shows off your heroic spirit, Miss!" Ella's eyes lit up as she smoothly switched to another line of praise. "It makes you look like an adventurer who has just returned after braving wind and frost."
"It tells everyone that not only do you possess breathtaking beauty, but you're also a lady not to be trifled with. Any man with an eye for quality would be utterly won over by your unique aura!"
"Wind and