Arabella finally settled on a dress with a tightly fitted bodice and a loose skirt. She spent a long time in front of the mirror, reveling in the light sensation of a skirt with no hoop and only a thin crinoline. She experimentally moved her legs, making sure she retained her full range of motion.

“Sonia, could you come here for a second?” She asked.

Uncertainly, Sonia stood and approached Arabella on the short platform. Arabella held out her hand. Sonia took ...