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No sooner had they settled to take measurements than they heard a loud noise just outside, which only grew louder with every passing moment.

“I require that Miss Fran attends to me at once!!” a voice that Eveline found rather familiar called a little too loudly.

“You heard the lady. Go and fetch Miss Fran this moment,” another voice said.

A softer voice responded, “I apologize, but Miss Fran is attending to another customer at this moment. I, however, would be more than happy to attend to you.”

“I believe I do not have to repeat myself for you to understand my plain words. I want Miss Fran and only Miss Fran.”

“Then you are welcome to wait while she finishes with her customer.”

“Oh, spare me the speech and fetch me Miss Fran this moment,” the customer insisted obnoxiously.

Eveline shook her head in disbelief. She found it rather appalling that some people would be so loud and rude when they could simply wait for their turn.

Miss Fran, who had also been listening to the loud conversation, turned to her apologetically.

“I apologize for the ruckus. Give me only a moment to step outside and keep it under control,” she said before she slipped out of the cabin.

Soon enough, Eveline could hear her conversing with the customer.

“Lady Sarah, what a surprise. I was not expecting you,” Miss Fran greeted.

Lady Sarah?

Eveline realized immediately why the voice sounded so familiar.

The rude customer was the obnoxious Lady Sarah, who had tried to bully her at every opportunity.

Eveline shook her head.

Some people truly never change.

“Oh, Miss Fran, I am in urgent need of dresses. I shall be promenading with my friends soon, and of course, I must sparkle,” Lady Sarah whined.

“And I shall be happy to attend to you, Lady Sarah.” Miss Fran said, “Just give me a moment to attend to my customer, who arrived before you.”

Eveline could already tell that Lady Sarah would not take kindly to that.

“But I cannot wait,” Lady Sarah said stubbornly.

“I am afraid you have to,” Miss Fran replied.

If the footsteps were anything to go by, Eveline could tell that she was now returning to her.

“Who could this customer be? They cannot possibly be more important than I, can they?” Lady Sarah protested.

The footsteps stopped, signifying that Miss Fran had stopped walking.

“Lady Sarah, I assure you, we do not attend to customers based on rank here,” she declared, her voice laced with irritation. “Whoever came early would be attended to promptly. This is why we encourage our customers to make appointments, so we can be prepared for their arrival.”

“I will not tolerate this!” Lady Sarah huffed, stomping her foot. “I shall have you know that my father is the Earl of Barnes. I do not have to wait for my turn. I am certain that whoever you are attending to is not anywhere as influential as I am.”

“Lady Sarah, it really is…” Miss Fran started, but she was interrupted.

“I know important people in the ton, Miss Fran,” Lady Sarah said in a low voice. Eveline had to move closer to the door to hear her next statement. “You would not want me starting a rumor that could ruin your business now, would you?”

Eveline gasped.