Isobel rapped lightly on Rose’s door, and before her knuckles even fell away, the door swung wide. Rose stood there, breathless and glowing, as though she’d been waiting at the threshold all morning.
“Come on in!” she sang out, grabbing Isobel’s arm and tugging her inside with that irrepressible energy that always filled the room like wildfire. In one motion, she thrust a box into Isobel’s hands. “Happy birthday.”
Isobel blinked, startled. “But you already gave me earrings.”
Rose’s grin spread mischievously. “Those were just a decoy. This is the real gift.” She bounced on her toes, clapping like a girl at the county fair as Isobel untied the ribbon.
Lifting the lid, Isobel drew in a breath. Nestled inside was a dress so fine it looked as though it belonged in a window on Fifth Avenue r
