The Gown

Milly left a month ago, and Ann feels intensely lonely. She also hasn’t been able to find a roommate from the women she works with because they don’t want to take an hour train ride to the suburbs every day. Ann writes an advertisement for a roommate to drop off at the paper after work. Her mood changes when she hears on the wireless that Princess Elizabeth is engaged to Lieutenant Philip Mountbatten. Deciding this is cause for celebration, Ann leaves early for work and treats herself to breakfast out and a newspaper with details of the royal wedding.

When Ann arrives at work, her coworkers are abuzz about the royal wedding; they wonder whether Hartnell will be chosen to design the wedding gown. Miss Duley tells Ann privately that Mr. Hartnell is working on a design for the royal gown, and Ann will make samples of embroidery that will be presented with the design. Ann is thrilled. Miss Duley also asks Ann about Miriam and if she’s fitting in. Ann decides to make more of an effort to be friends with Miriam. At the morning tea break, Ann seeks her out. They talk about their careers and the difficulties of the war.