“Ah, but your humility is part of your charm. You are a gift. And none other than Robespierre himself has become aware of you.”

Scarlet’s heart sank. “Oh, dear, oh no. What if I fail?” She did not have to disguise her emotion, though she gave it a different cause.

Claire placed a hand on her arm. “You will not fail. But he does want to meet you. He has a particular question and wonders if your skill will come to use for the Revolution.”

When Renée did not respond, Claire said, “Did you hear? You, Renée the Seamstress, will go down in history as an aid to the Revolution. And a woman at that. Your success is our success.”

Scarlet straightened her shoulders and brightened her eyes. “You are right. I will hide my insecurity. This is our moment to rise.” She smiled the best she could.

“That’s better, and more’s the luck, because I’m the one who gets to go with you. Me, meeting Robespierre.”

Greater dread filled Scarlet. “Will we meet Éléonore Duplay, do you think? She’s such an inspiration.”

Claire shook her head in disappointment. “I wondered that very thing. But no, she is still in England, so not this time.”

Scarlet’s relief was difficult to hide. “Wonderful. I mean, I am disappointed to miss Mademoiselle Duplay, of course, but to see Robespierre himself.”

Claire wrapped her arms around Scarlet. “Now you are catching on. This is much bigger than you or I.” She stepped back proudly and said, “Go wash your face. His carriage will be here any moment.”

“What? He is coming now? I have so much work to finish.”

“Don’t worry about that at all. Everyone will understand. Oh! And you are to bring some of it, to show him what you can do.”

Scarlet controlled the shaking of her hands. Had she ever met Robespierre? No. But what if LaFevre was in attendance? “I’m sure they have thought of this, but how do we ensure my methods aren’t seen by some of his advisors? It won’t help at all if people start to become aware of our secrets.”

Claire eyed her and nodded. “Right you are. I will mention it when we arrive. The more secrecy about this whole visit, the better. In fact, I would feel more comfortable if others were not aware of your identity at all.”

Scarlet nodded. “Just so. I am pleased that so many call me the Seamstress.” She grabbed some of her better examples and placed them in a satchel. Then, following Claire out the door and locking it behind them, she exited just as the sounds of carriage wheels echoed down their street. Heart pounding, she reached for Claire’s hand and tried to bring happiness to her face to hide her fear.