“Who? Timothy?” Harriet asked as she helped Maisie open a few of the larger dress boxes.
“Aye. He’s courting me. We only got permission from Mrs. Breland yesterday. Normally that sort of thing is forbidden, but, well, the Christmas spirit seems to have taken over the house in ways it hasn’t in years.”
Harriet couldn’t help but smile. “That’s wonderful to hear.”
“What about this one?” Maisie lifted a deep-rose-colored silk evening gown from a pale-blue box.
“Oh, that’s far too pretty.” Harriet shook her head at the sight of the silken gown that exuded elegant decadence.
“Well, I’ve got a potato sack down in the kitchen you might prefer.”
Harriet’s eyes widened, unsure of how to respond. Had the brash comment come because she had somehow caused offense? “P-pardon?”
Maisie covered her
