French Connection.

Small village, east of Toulon.

Not quite a shop, not quite a hall.

I meander quietly; a private jumble of swords, velvet chairs, sepia daguerreotypes, vintage taffeta dresses, and wisps of Jasmine incense.

A striking black-haired woman with amber eyes watches me, a sleeping white cat at her feet.

I point to an elegant cotton dressing gown, gold with age. She shakes her head. Very carefully I touch the hand-sewn buttons, the embroidered flowers and lace.

She shakes her head again, gently moving her hand along the pink ribbon, ruffled cuffs, her fingers almost trembling with elegance.

I try to remember why I'm here.

Toulon Dressing Gown (No. 3804). Pure soft cotton. French seams. Four buttons on bodice with crochet loop hidden under lace placket. Three buttons starting at waist and skirt placket. Lace trim on neckline. Satin ribbon inset. Front lace "V" insets. Ankle length. Ribbon detail along hem. Imported.

Women's sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL.

Color: White with Pink Ribbon.