Evelina

Evelina certainly reminds me a lot of you...

because she, too, had such an innocence about her as to the way we do things here in London. Mr. Nicklin and I were immediately taken aback by her beauty, as we were when you walked in earlier today, and it soon became clear by her expressions of wonder that she had never stepped foot in a London shop before. As with all of our customers and as we have done with you, we paraded her from room to room to show her all the fine materials she could buy and recommended specific pieces of cloth for the gown she was to wear to a ball that evening. She did seem overwhelmed at our superior selection, and had a great deal of trouble picking just one fabric. After she finally selected one, she expressed disbelief at the fact that we are able to produce a gorgeous gown for a lady by the evening of the day she picks it out. {10}

From my shop, Mr. Nicklin and I directed Evelina and her company to the milliners shop, where Evelina found an exquisite hat with many caps and ribbons to accompany her gown. I can see by your dress and your demeanor that you are of the upper-class, so I am sure you will be able to afford the extravagant fashions -- only the wealthy frequent shops like the milliners. {11}

Last, Evelina went to get her hair dressed, as you probably will, and she was prepared for her ball. You may also visit some of our haberdasheries for ready-made clothing, but I, of course, recommend that you purchase the material here and allow me to outfit you instead. For the remainder of your ensemble, however, I hope that you take my advise in frequenting the high-quality shops that we offer young ladies here in London -- they are simply the best.