The Dressmaker's Daughter

A Stitch in Time

In “The Dressmaker’s Daughter,” Nancy Carson transports readers to the genteel world of early 20th-century Bath, where fashion and intrigue intertwine beneath grand Georgian facades. Eliza Whitford, the only daughter of the renowned dressmaker Emilia Whitford, has spent her life amid silks, lace, and satin—learning the art of turning fabric into art. When a prestigious commission arrives from Lady Hawthorne, Eliza is sent to oversee fittings at the aristocrat’s opulent townhouse, only to discover that behind every elaborate gown lies a hidden agenda.

Beneath the Bodice

As Eliza immerses herself in the demanding schedule of fittings and soirées, she glimpses the fractures beneath Bath’s polished surface: a contested inheritance, whispered rivalries among debutantes, and a clandestine affair that threatens to scandalize the ton. Torn between loyalty to her mother’s atelier and her own burgeoning desire for independence, Eliza must navigate the treacherous currents of high society. With her sharp eye for detail and an unflagging sense of compassion, she begins to unearth secrets sewn into seams and corsets—each stitch revealing more about the women who wear them.

Patterns of Deception

When tragedy strikes and a priceless family heirloom vanishes during a masked ball at the Royal Crescent, Eliza finds herself drawn into an investigation that tests her courage and ingenuity. Racing through candlelit fitting rooms and across rain-slick cobblestones, she follows a trail of ribbon and thread that winds through Bath’s hidden alleys and stately salons. Along the way, she forms an uneasy alliance with Captain Frederick Lane, whose own search for truth is driven by secrets of his past. Together, they must confront a cunning adversary determined to unravel both their lives.

Threads of Destiny

In this richly textured tale of loyalty, love, and legacy, Carson weaves a tapestry of suspense and romance, reminding us that the finest garments—and the strongest hearts—are fashioned under pressure. Eliza’s journey from apprentice to heroine will captivate readers who cherish historical elegance and relentless intrigue. Author’s description.