Antoinette Bailey is a tall, elegant black woman of middle years who also happens to own La Maison, and she is waiting for Selina in the shop at 5. Her store is, save two other employees, empty.

"Good afternoon, Miss Kyle," Antoinette says with a lyrical Jamaican accent, presenting her long fingers to Selina for a firm handshake. "Welcome to La Maison. If you will follow me, we shall have you fitted for your gown well in time for your dinner reservation. Do you care for tea or coffee? Perhaps a glass of wine?"