MARY GOT TO KNOW THE MAIDS WHO WORKED IN MANY OF THE BIG houses and mansions in St John’s Park, Gramercy Park and Washington Square, and she listened to their tittle-tattle good naturedly. They were most happy to have comfortable, well-fitting uniforms, unlike the hand-me-downs and outfits either too tight or too big that were used by the staff in some other grand houses.
‘I’m getting married in eight months’ time,’ confided Kitty O’Kelly one day. ‘And that will be the end of my uniform days. What I will be wearing next June is a fine wedding dress that I am saving for. Would you consider making it for me, Mary?’
Mary had checked with her employer and Mena Stronge had made it very plain that she had no interest in such work, but had no objection to Mary taking it on. For Mary it was a chance to sew something beautiful and delicate again, for the pretty young Kerry woman, compared to the functional uniforms she usually spent most of her days making.
Over time, Mary developed quite a reputation in the Five Points for her dressmaking skills. She found herself making summer and winter dresses, outfits for weddings and funerals, and fine dresses for maids, housekeepers or cooks who, upon leaving their employment after long years of service to open boarding houses or eateries, wanted to be suitably attired.
It was good work and reminded her of Miss Barry’s shop. Often, she found herself thinking of her friend the dressmaker, who had helped to make their survival and journey to America possible.
She worked hard and saved every dime and dollar she could, week after week, putting it into a savings bank.
Catherine’s daughter, Lily, was getting married, and Mary was delighted when she asked her to make her dress. She was a pretty girl with the same thick dark hair and big brown eyes as her mother.
‘I’m getting married in a month’s time. It is only a simple affair, Mrs Sullivan, and I’m not one for fashion, but my mam told me that you will make me a special dress.’
‘I’d be happy and honoured to.’
Mary smiled and did her best to put Lily at ease as she took out her measuring tape. The girl had a good waist and long legs. Taking out some samples of lace, tulle and pretty sprigged cottons, Mary showed them to her, and was not surprised when Lily chose the cotton. She suggested a high cinched waist, and encouraged Lily to consider adding a lace trim to the collar and cuffs.
‘I can make them removable for easy washing and dressing the dress up or down.’
‘We are to be wed at the Transfiguration Church,’ Lily told Mary as they continued to chat. ‘Mam is putting on a spread for us afterwards, back in the boarding house. If the day stays fine, she intends on putting two tables outside with summer daisies.’
‘That sounds like a lovely day for you all,’ Mary enthused.
‘Michael Connolly is the man of my heart,’ Lily confided, her face lighting up, ‘and truth to tell, all I care about is that the two of us are married.’
‘I felt the same as you when I was wed many years ago.’ Mary smiled, remembering the day that she and John were married back in Cork. ‘And it’s still the same.’