Picking up the doll, Irene turned her over to see the back of the dress. The hand drawn stitches were tiny and perfect as the cream-colored thread slipped in and out of the fabric. The neckline was smooth and rested perfectly on the doll porcelain skin and under garments. Irene used her fingernail to lift the edge of the pearl button and slip it through the handmade button hole. Each stitch around the hole was equal and even, without a thread out of place. The detail work was magnificent. It was evident that a lot of attention was put into the making of these clothes. Irene sewed and sewed very well, but she excelled in fine needlepoint and decorative stitching. She appreciated the work that had gone into this doll. She lifted a second small pearl button and slip it through the next handmade button hole.  The back of the lace cover back fell open to reveal a camisole made from fine silk.  The detailed stitching on the back of the camisole would rival the finest lingerie from “Paris,” whispered Irene.

            “Did you say something, Irene?” Edward asked.

            “Oh, Paris.  I said Paris. I wonder if perhaps this doll was made in Paris or at least the fabric and lace came from Paris.”

            Edward just stared at the doll.

            “You really like this doll, don’t you?” Irene said.

            Edward paused and stammered, “Well, it is a gift for Sarah and I’m just interested. I mean it may have some historic value. I don’t know.”

            Irene smiled. She understood completely.