Meanwhile, Eric had reached Winnie's door and, with polite precision, reported, "Miss Loxley, here is your dress and shawl, as you requested—"

Winnie hurriedly grabbed them, clutching them to her chest. "Okay, okay, thank you, thank you, thank you…"

With a loud bang, she slammed the door, leaving Eric standing there, frozen in shock.

Van paused for a moment, processing the scene, and then let out a quiet, almost amused chuckle.

The freshly dried dress carried the ...