The siblings decided that Madeline would stay with them for the night, sleeping in Isabelle’s bedroom while they shared Markus’ room, so after the meal Madeline was sent to bed, and Markus and Isabelle stepped out into the street to talk. Isabelle explained her meeting with Madeline, and why she had brought the girl home, and told him about Madeline’s idea that she should make a dress for him. Markus laughed and asked what they were to do with her the next day.

“We’ll give her breakfast, of course, and send her on her way. But… actually, I was hoping I could make a dress for her, and she could stay here until I’m finished.”

“Make her a dress? It’s a nice idea, but do you really think you’d have the time to make two? The ball’s only three weeks away, and it’ll take a few days travelling. It’s short enough notice as it is. How can you possibly make another dress in that time? Besides, we don’t have the money. I’m sorry, but that’s how it is. That material was worth two week’s wages and we can’t afford to buy the same again. I’m sorry, Isabelle. It can’t be done.”

“I know you’re right, but I want to help her. She only has one chance for this, and you of all people should know how important that is. Even if I can’t make it for her, can’t I at least give her the material? It doesn’t matter to me if my own dress is made from something cheaper. After all, I’m not hoping for a chance at the Crown Prince. I just want to go to the ball.”

“Well… I suppose, if she makes it herself… but couldn’t you give her the cheaper material? It may sound selfish, but I want you to wear something nice.”

“Whatever mother wore, she always looked beautiful. She didn’t care if it was a nice dress or trousers and worn-out boots. I don’t need a beautiful dress to dance at a ball. It will mean more to Madeline this way. Look at that girl, she obviously doesn’t have a lot. Please let me do this much for her.”

Markus’ worried expression softened. “Alright, I give in. Let her have her fancy material. You’re just like mother, you know: it doesn’t matter what you wear, you’ll look lovelier than all the noblewomen in their expensive clothes.”

The next morning, they gave the delighted girl the blue material, and she and Isabelle went to a less expensive shop to buy fabric for Isabelle’s dress. This time she chose a purple, and although it looked quite plain and less sturdy than the blue, Madeline assured her that it would be just fine once she sewed it together. Since the girl seemed so certain, Isabelle took her word for it and they returned home satisfied.

Madeline stayed with them for one more night, and when morning came she told them that she knew a woman who lived close to the palace who would help make her dress. She took the material and some food for the journey in a basket, and bade them farewell. Markus continued tending to the Duke’s garden, and Isabelle worked hard on her dress alongside her other jobs.

A few days before the ball, the dress was finally finished. The material looked much better now that it was completed, and it did seem like it would hold together, so Isabelle was very happy with it. Markus was also pleased to see Isabelle in the dress, and he sent her off on her journey with a smile. He wished that he could at least travel with her, but he still had his gardening to do, so he stayed at home and counted the days.