As they made their way to the shop, Anne was in a lovely daydream where she was purchasing her first work uniform with her mother. She felt both joy and pangs of pain for what could have been hers but wasn't.

When Mrs. Blacke let her go into the shop first, she felt a little shy. She had hoped that the woman would do the talking for her. But she took a breath and stepped in.

"Hello my luv, what can I do for ye?" said a tall and elegant woman at the counter.

It took a few seconds for Anne to find her voice. "Erm... I need a plain black dress... with white cuffs and collar. A maid's dress. And a full white apron, ma'm.

"Of course, my luv, do ye have yer measurements ready, or would ye like me to take them for ye?"

"Erm..." Anne looked up at Mrs. Black.