'Wherever did you find her?'

'She comes from a convent, darling. More people should think of hiring from the convents. Less of a responsibility of an apprenticeship from the orphanages, employ them for a season and then they can go back. This one might not go back though. She's in love with the outside world. She wouldn't suit being cloistered.'

'Why don't you give her some direction?'

'I've given her enough direction without meddling. I think she'll work it out by herself.'

Elsa looked at him in surprise. He was well known for meddling.

'That's very subtle of you.'

'If she needs a little pushing then I shall provide. But not yet.'

She thought he must be fond of her.

They went through the outfit options for the catwalk. Maria joined them when they were holding up jewellery against the dresses, took pictures of Max looking professional. He did have an eye for the flamboyant, she mused. The perks of working in fashion. She focused on the Baroness, star of the upcoming catwalk. The graceful planes of her face shimmered, just as it was. With artful makeup she would look even more marvellous.

Elsa's voice was mellifluous, pleasing to the ear. Her smile was quietly radiant. Most serene. Her aura would be captured well. Max unveiled his pièce de resistance with a flourish as they stared in wonder at it. It looked as if it was made for Elsa. The svelte style, the blooming burst of chiffon on one shoulder, stylishly asymmetrical.

'Max, you've done it again. This is perfect. I simply must have it.'

Max loved that about his friend. She was generous and bought the outfits he made for her without demanding a discount.

'You will look the belle of the ball, Baroness' said Maria.

'Please, call me Elsa.' She stretched out a playful hand. 'Perhaps you may help me dress for this shoot seeing as you will be otherwise engaged during the actual catwalk.'

'You will have to wear the most minimal of undergarments with this dress, my dear' said Max teasingly. They laughed, not noticing how Maria blushed. She was used to seeing undressed ladies by now but surely no model she'd attended so far would make her take so much notice.

'We can decide which hairstyle to do after the dress is on' instructed Elsa. Smoothing her hair in a turban, she started to undress. Maria laid her clothes reverently on the ironing board and took the magical dress off the hanger, sweeping down so that Elsa could step into it. She wore a slip of palest apricot, the stitching so fine it was as if it had been woven by spiders. Maria admired the look of the sweep of the long neck before her. So elegant. The Baroness would photograph like a dream.

'Max, where are the shoes?'

He ducked his head through to point at the earmarked pair. Simple and white.

'Let's put those on first. It makes all the difference to the outfit, the height and style of the shoe. It's in the way you must walk.'

She seemed to know what she was talking about, mused Maria. Max always required the models to wear the shoes before dressing. Elsa sat down and invited Maria to sit opposite her. Extending her leg, she bade the other woman to slip on the shoes, observing the gentle manner of service. Maria looked up and returned her smile.

'It's been a while since someone has been so chivalrous' Elsa teased.

'I refuse to believe that, Baroness. You must have many men lining up to treat you in a manner you are accustomed to.'

'Won't you call me Elsa?'

Maria met her eyes.

'I don't think it's appropriate to be so familiar at work' she stated frankly.

Elsa stared at her and nodded. She thought that at some point neither of them would be at work and therefore able to be a little more familiar.

'Very well. Let's try on this dress. I have the perfect occasion to wear it. At the next party at the von Trapp villa.'

'That sounds entirely suitable.'

Max whistled as he walked in to see the dress.

'My word, what a gilded image. I've done it again.'

'You've done it again' laughed Elsa. Sometimes she found his arrogance charming.

He admired his design from all angles.

'Doesn't she look divine?'

Maria nodded.

'Exactly what you envisioned.'

'First, the gloves.'

White silk gloves were added. Max decided on a sophisticated updo. Maria snapped a few pictures here and there. She liked the ethereal quality being captured within the gloom of the camera. The image would bloom out of the darkness like an edelweiss.

'Like Aphrodite' he extolled.

Elsa laughed softly.

'Let's not go that far.'

'Now let's decide on a record and we will practice the opening walk' he insisted.