The orange-crimson glow of the hearth bathed the dim evening in warmth. Marisha, seated against the wall on a simple wooden bed, clapped her hands in delight. The firelight softened her pale complexion, hiding the exhaustion etched into her features.
“Oh, my darling daughter. You’re as radiant as a twinkling star!”
Liliette, dressed in the gift from her friend, beamed and twirled in place. The stiff skirt flared out in a perfect circle before wrapping back around her. Made from cheap fabric that wouldn’t even be used for cleaning rags at the Isles mansion, the dress still felt like a treasure to Liliette—far more precious than the many others that filled several rooms.
“A friend gave it to me! I’m going to wear it until I grow up!”
Marisha’s expression was a picture of happiness as she watched her daughter. “Of course! If it gets too short, I’ll just keep lengthening it for you!”
“She brought something for you!”
