The sun was beginning to dip low in the sky, casting a warm golden light over the town as I rode toward my father's shop. The rhythmic clatter of hooves against the cobblestones accompanied my thoughts, swirling with excitement and trepidation. This would be a busy season for us, with the orders flooding in for beautiful dresses adorned with intricate details.
I could already envision the fabric draping elegantly, the delicate embroidery that would transform each piece into a work of art. But to accomplish our vision, we needed more candles—lots more. There was nothing worse than being halfway through a gown, just as the shadows crept in and the day turned to night, leaving us in darkness with only half-finished seams to show for our efforts.
As I guided my horse into the busy streets, I passed familiar faces: neighbors exchanging pleasantries and children playing, their laughter a sweet melody of life. I waved to Mrs. Holloway, who was tending to her flower shop, the perfumes of blossoms mingling in the air. The sight of her vibrant blooms always brought a smile to my face.
Arriving at my father's shop, I dismounted and tied the horse near the entrance. The familiar scent of wood and wax enveloped me as I stepped inside, the sound of the bell above the door signaling my arrival. My father was hunched over the workbench, surrounded by a myriad of wax molds and wicks, the flickering candlelight casting dancing shadows around the room.
“Ah, there you are!” he exclaimed, glancing up with a welcoming smile. “I was just thinking about the candles we’ll need for next week.”
“Quite a few,” I replied, my mind racing with ideas for the upcoming modeling sessions. “I think we should prepare at least a dozen more. The dresses will need ample light for the details.”
My father chuckled and nodded. “You’ve always had an eye for the details, my dear. I'll get to work on them right away.”
As he set about his task, I looked around the shop, feeling a sense of comfort wash over me amidst the familiar chaos. This place was alive with creativity and hard work, and soon, our efforts would yield beautiful dresses that would light up the town. I knew, together, with my father’s skill and my passion for design, we could make this a season to remember.