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in that dress, Mrs. Ford. Much better than Elizabeth would have. Just don’t tell her I said that,” Christine said.
    “Thank you.” Sophie fingered the fabric. “Has your sister never worn this?”
    Christine chuckled. “No. None of the ones she gave you have been worn.”
    “Wow—I mean, my goodness.”
    Nona glanced at the clock on the dining room wall. “Oh, my, look at the time. I must get the menu organized for tomorrow night’s soiree. Christine, would you please keep Sophie company while I talk to Cook?”
    “Of course.” Christine sat at the table and turned to face Sophie with a warm smile.
    “Christine.” Sophie wrung her hands. “Sorry, may I call you Christine?”
    “Of course.”
    “What is this soiree Nona referred to?”
    Stirring sugar into a cup of coffee, Christine explained, “We have spent the past week honoring officers who have made it home for a brief sojourn. The soiree will cap it off. Many will leave again in the coming weeks, as new marching orders are being delivered as we speak.”
    “Oh,” Sophie squeaked.
    Christine laid her spoon aside and looked at her in concern. “Are you all right, Mrs. Ford? Can I get you something?”
    “Um, no, no, I’m fine. I just thought about all those people.” Sophie took a deep breath. “I guess it freaked me out a bit.”
    Christine furrowed her brow. “Freaked you out? What does that mean?”
    Sophie internally smacked her hand to her forehead.
    “Oh, right, well, it means, kind of scared me.” Sophie smoothed her hands across her skirts and then settled them on her lap. “I hope it will be all right to stay in my room with the door locked tomorrow night.”
    Christine laughed. “Why would you want to do that?”
    “I just don’t feel up to a party, I suppose.”
    Christine took a sip of her coffee and set her cup gently in the saucer. “Mrs. Ford, I understand you’ve lost your husband.”
    “Please, call me Sophie. And, yes. I have no idea where Jamie is. I’m choosing to think he’s misplaced, but everything’s a bit of a confusing mess right now.”
    “Well, let’s try and focus on the positive.” Christine dropped another sugar cube into her coffee. “Now, let’s discuss gowns. I know one in particular that Elizabeth had made. She disliked the color, so never wore it. It would look incredible on you. We’ll have Madame Desmarais alter it for you before the party. Elizabeth has influence with her.” She added in a conspiring whisper, “She should, with the amount she spends there.”
    Sophie waved a hand in the air. “Please don’t go to any trouble, Christine. The dresses Elizabeth has already provided are beautiful. She has been more than generous.”
    “Don’t be silly, it’s our pleasure.” Christine set her coffee cup down. “Now, I must get to the hospital. I’ll return at three and we’ll go down to Madame’s together. I’m on my way to pick up a few things from Elizabeth’s, so I will also get the dress.”
    Christine gathered her outerwear and Sophie walked her to the door. “Thank you for spending some time with me.”
    “My pleasure, Sophie. I’ll see you later.”
    Watching as Christine climbed into her little buggy, Sophie remained in the open doorway as the horse trotted down the long driveway.
     
     
     

CHAPTER FOUR
     
    Sophie closed the door and leaned against it in silence, turning when she heard Nona’s familiar footsteps tap over the foyer.
    “There you are, dear. Did Christine leave?”
    Sophie nodded. “Yes, just now. She said she’ll be back at three to take me to Madame something or other?”
    “Madame Desmarais. She’s a miracle worker with a needle and thread. She makes all of Elizabeth’s gowns and believe me, Elizabeth keeps her working day and night.”
    Sophie smiled. “So I’ve heard.”
    “Oh, Sophie, you have such a lovely smile. I look forward to seeing that more often. Now perhaps you should rest before Christine collects you. She can be a bit