“What do you think, Auntie?”

Bess surveyed the contents of the glass case underneath the counter. The jewelry she had given her niece was exhibited in a creative and colorful fashion, showing each piece to perfection. Stephanie had a definite flair for arranging displays to catch the eye, and she seemed to enjoy helping her aunt when her governess had a day off.

She looked over at the girl, who was nervously chewing on a long honey-blond curl. “It’s lovely as always, Stephanie,” Bess replied.

Stephanie dropped the lock of hair and grinned. She always seemed a bit unsure of herself, which Bess supposed was normal as she was still adjusting to living with them. Her life had been turned upside down several times since the deaths of her parents and she was probably afraid that if she displeased her aunt and uncle, they would turn her out on the street like her other relatives had done.

“Do you want me to do the windows too?”

Bess nodded. “I have a basket ready for you.” Returning to the workshop, she retrieved a basket full of glittering necklaces, bracelets, and rings. “Here you go.”

After she unlocked the glass door that protected the merchandise from sticky fingers, Stephanie knelt down and began removing the jewelry in the window, singing softly to herself. Bess went back over to the counter to admire her niece’s handiwork. She was about to go back into the workshop when she heard the bell on the door tinkle. Turning around, she smiled at the woman who had just walked in.

“May I help you?” she asked.