Page 84 of The Gentlewoman Apprentice

P

Meg sighed. Of course he was angry with her. She embarked on her investigation and gathered her peace offering into a basket, delivering it with the paper to the shop door of Sloan Tailoring.

Dear Peter,

I found them. Mrs. Pincham had them in her sewing basket. My apologies. Also, share these cakes Miss Reed made with the boys. Arnold likes them in particular. They remind me of your father; may his blessed soul rest in peace.

M

The next day, Meg went about her usual routine in preparing her shop when she noticed a new sheet of sketchbook paper had been slipped under the door.

Dear Miss Cooper,

Thank you for the queen cakes. I miss him, too. I found this nonsensical page among his things and believe he was thinking of you.

Peter

The letter was accompanied by a list of chess pieces and their various skills. Meg smiled at the memory of learning the game with Peter’s father. She paused her work to respond.

Dear Peter,

Your father was a dear man. Thank you. It was kind of you to think to send that to me, and I will treasure it. Did you notice yesterday’s sunset?

Meg

After delivering the note, Meg found herself unable to attend to conversation, forgetting her purpose mid-stitch, and staring into the distance as she waited nearly all day for the telltale sound of an answer skimming under her door. Finally, an hour before she meant to close, a reply arrived. Aware the Havenwood girls watched, she took measured steps to retrieve the paper.

Dear Miss Cooper,

The line of customers out your door blocked the sunset. I jest. It stole my breath. I was in the churchyard speaking with my parents when I saw it. My mother loved Stroud sunsets.

Peter

She breathed a sigh of relief. Maybe they could remain friends, at least, after everything. Trying to ignore how her heart yearned for more, she penned her response. The demands of her shop quickly swept her away from the letter, but she delivered it promptly underneath Peter’s door the next morning.

Dear Peter,

You are fortunate to have grown up with wonderful parents. Speaking of parents, I’ve a mother come in with a dress intended for her daughter, but the mother now wishes it for herself. Can you tell me how to widen the shoulders of a sacque?

Meg

The response came quickly.

Dear Miss Cooper,

You may have to remove the pleats if the mother’s shoulders are a great deal broader. I suggest informing her you have other fabric that will suit her better. No doubt you do.

Peter

Meg felt the barb in the final line, but his helpful response assuaged the sting. That he replied at all meant something. She found quill and ink and penned her reply, making certain to restrain her hope while expressing honest gratitude.

Dear Peter,

Thank you for the kind advice. The mother transferred her interest to an indigo velvet.

Meg

Sunday morning rays burned into Meg’s eyelids. She rolled over and pulled a blanket to her neck. If sleep did not return, luxuriating in bed for a few minutes almost satisfied.