The Letter

"It seems, while we were away, a letter arrived, probably from the Reign mansion." Philippa nodded in the direction where an unopened letter sat on the kitchen counter and went back to kneading the dough she was making.

Belle, who had not long stepped inside the kitchen in hopes of helping her aunt, turned to look at what the woman was talking about.

She walked toward it and picked it up. She stared at the pile of wax for a while before finally opening it.

When Belle was done reading through it, Philippa asked, "What does it say, dear?"

"It's from Lady Meredith; she wants me to know that her seamstress has brought the dresses for the designs."

"Oh. That's lovely."

"Yes."

"For once, I was sure that Ms. Brigham would put in word for her designer, but it seems like it didn't work out. It's good." Philippa offered Belle a proud smile. She could easily be likened to a mother figure now.