Juliana crossed her hands over her lap, trying to weigh how much she ought to tell Camilla. She was encouraged that her friend hadn't dismissed the idea out of hand; she knew it would have consequences for Camilla if it was widely known that a Lytton dress had malfunctioned so spectacularly, and she'd been hesitant to ask because of that. She didn't want to hurt their business or their reputation — but if she gave in to this idiot girl once, and she got a perfectly acceptable dress out of it, she would only try to do it again and again. This was the way blackmail worked. Even if she gave the impression she was cooperating, Juliana was determined not to give her an inch.

After a moment, she leaned in to put her hands on the desk. She looked down and spoke very quietly; she thought Camilla would enjoy if this reveal was as dramatic as possible. "Camilla, someone is blackmailing me, and they're trying to extort me for a Lytton gown."