She sensed her before she saw her. The delicate scent of white flowers misted the atmosphere as the model stepped gracefully through the doors. Everyone turned to look at her. She smiled prettily, this vision of champagne and ivory. Maria didn't mean to stare but she'd rarely seen such a beauteous creature.
'You'll be opening the show with the most exclusive outfit we have, as promised' Max explained, clasping her hands in his with a familiar smile. Of course. The model was Max's friend. Max liked the wealthy and famous. This lady must be the Baroness he spoke so highly of. He'd sprung the idea as a surprise the week before. Someone well known in society to open his latest couture catwalk.
'And this is our photographer, Maria.'
The lady inclined her head.
'I've heard so much about you. Utilising curtains for a day dress? Very resourceful.'
'And I've heard very little about you' replied the photographer. 'But I'm sure you'll photograph exceedingly well.'
Max and the Baroness laughed.
'Just as I told you. Utterly unaffected' said Max cheerfully.
'Well I find her charming' exclaimed the Baroness. 'You may call me Elsa and I look forward to working with you.'
'Into hair and makeup we go, let's do some test shots' chivvied Max.
As Elsa was ushered into a chair and given refreshment, Maria took some time in deciding how she was going to shoot the scene. Max was keen on backstage photos of the models.
He was fond of saying that it brought out their inner beauty. Maria thought he had a point.