Claire moved toward her, placing an arm around her shoulders. “I don’t know, Renée. It just doesn’t look good, that’s all. We could be in a lot of trouble.”

Pauline stepped toward them and crossed her arms. “Well, we’re not going to be. Marie Antoinette is on this list, and everyone knows where she lives. Now, let’s hurry and get it pinned on me.”

Claire turned to face her. “Pauline, I always deliver the lists.”

Pauline’s eyes flashed. “This list goes to Robespierre himself. It is only natural that I, the president, should present it.”

“I don’t see what that has to do with anything. I brought Renée here, didn’t I? I helped create the Seamstress.”

Pauline shoved Claire aside and stepped in front of Scarlet. “It doesn’t matter, Claire. I’m wearing the list this time, and I want the list as close to this as possible.” She ran a finger along the top ruffle of her gown, across her low and revealing neckline.

Claire, face red and mouth quivering, left the shop, slamming the door behind her.

Hands shaking ever so slightly, the Seamstress began pinning. She felt uncomfortable in the knowledge that, of a necessity, real names had been sewn into this particular lace. A copy of these names had been sent on to Simon so he could set in motion tasks and orders to bring them all to safety, but she could not help but feel great trepidation that her own tatting and stitches could be sending innocents to their deaths. Her mouth in a grim line, she continued her work along Pauline’s neckline.

A large crowd of their women began to gather, and Claire’s voice hung in the air, audible through the window. Today, they would again petition for a written constitution, a set of laws ensuring freedom. Their group wanted specific language for women included, particularly their right to vote and participate in governing bodies. Scarlet had to agree with their motivation. Sadly, misguided methods destroyed what good their intentions could have wrought.

Shrieks from the street caused her to jump, nearly poking Pauline with her final pin. A few women squabbled with each other.

“All finished. Please remove the gown. I will sew it up right here, and you can be on your way.”

The women outside grew more and more raucous. Men had shown up, better-dressed, from some other part of town, and they were shouting in the faces of the Republic of Women. The encounter would need to be interrupted, or it would decline into a massive brawl. Scarlet shook her head.

Pauline noticed. “I’d better get out there.”

“Yes, at least try to keep the noise down while I finish this sewing. We don’t want to attract any further attention.”

Pauline returned the dress and walked outside, joining her shouts with the rest.