The Gown

Miriam has never been dancing, and she is content to sit at the table and watch the others. She keeps an eye on Ann and is nervous when Ann is out of sight for a while; she is relieved when Jeremy brings her back. Ann and her friends chat about how handsome Jeremy is. But they also say Ann should have dinner with him in a public place for safety.

Ann and Miriam decide to walk to the train because it’s a nice night. Miriam is knocked into the street by the crowds and her heel gets caught in a metal grate. She and Ann can’t get it out and decide to abandon the shoe so they don’t get hit by a car. Just then, a man comes and frees the shoe. He gives it to Miriam and introduces himself as Walter Kaczmarek. He accompanies them through the crowds and reveals he is editor-in-chief of the magazine Picture Weekly. He says he tries to publish serious things and not scandalous articles. Miriam agrees to buy a copy of his magazine, and he gives her his card to ring him for lunch. When he leaves them at the train station, the women giggle about the fabric Milly sent being magic.

Heather is a block away from work when her friend Brett texts that men in suits are in Richard’s office, and he looks stressed. Heather begins to worry and finds everyone at work tense. Heather gets an email from Richard saying they are making alterations in the corporate structure, and to remain at her desk until he calls. Richard later tells Heather that she is being let go, and she needs to gather her belonging and leave the office as soon as possible. Heather is a little relieved because this means she will have time to figure out what she wants to do with her life. She decides to take a vacation to London to find out more about her grandmother.