Vanessa returned to the counter, where another employee, Chloe, was arranging a display of silk scarves.
"Another person who thinks this is a department store," Vanessa whispered.
Chloe looked toward Eleanor.
"She seems nice."
"Nice doesn't pay the bills," Vanessa replied. "Look at her. She's probably going to ask for a discount on something she can't afford."
Chloe frowned.
"You don't know that."
"I know the customers who come in here."
Eleanor heard part of the conversation, although she pretended not to.
She continued examining the coats.
There was a beautiful cream-colored coat hanging near the center of the display. Its fabric was soft, its buttons were delicate, and its design was timeless. Eleanor gently touched the sleeve.
"This is lovely," she said.
Vanessa sighed and walked over.
"That one is from our signature collection."
"May I try it on?"
Vanessa looked at the coat, then at Eleanor.
"That particular piece is very popular. We only have a few left."
"I understand."
"And it's one of our more expensive designs."
Eleanor turned toward her.
"How much is it?"
Vanessa named the price.
It was several thousand dollars.
Eleanor nodded.
"Thank you. May I still try it on?"
Vanessa's smile became thinner.
"Are you sure? We don't want to risk damaging the fabric."
For a moment, Eleanor said nothing.
Then she gently released the sleeve.
"I assure you, I know how to take care of clothing."
Vanessa laughed awkwardly.
"Of course. I only mean that some of our customers prefer to see the items on the mannequin first."
Eleanor looked directly at her.
"I am not asking you to sell me the mannequin. I am asking to try on a coat."
Chloe, standing behind the counter, lowered her eyes to hide a smile.
Vanessa's cheeks turned pink.
"Fine. I'll get it."
She removed the coat from the display with unnecessary force and handed it to Eleanor.
Eleanor slipped it on carefully.
The coat fit beautifully.
She looked at herself in the large mirror. For a brief moment, her expression softened. She remembered wearing a similar coat decades earlier, when her husband was still alive and they had first started building their family business.
"It suits you," Chloe said quietly.
"Thank you, dear."
Eleanor turned slightly, examining the sleeves.
"I think this may be the one."
Vanessa folded her arms.
"Would you like me to check the price again?"
"No, thank you. I heard you the first time."
Eleanor removed the coat and placed it carefully over her arm.
"I'd like to purchase it."
Vanessa blinked.
"You're buying it?"
Eleanor smiled.
"Yes."
Vanessa quickly recovered.
"Certainly. I'll take it to the counter."