Summary

The prologue, “Requiem Aeternam,” takes place in London, February of 1893. Esther Cull, a seamstress, knocks on the front door of Lord Strythe’s familiar home. She has a wound on her stomach and is in terrible pain. The butler, Mr. Carew, ushers her in. Mr. Carew informs Esther that a ball is to be held in Lord Strythe’s honor, as His Lordship recently started a charity for work girls. Mr. Carew is full of praise for Lord Strythe as he escorts Esther to the servants’ quarters.

Outside the workroom, Mr. Carew demands to see the contents of her sewing box. Finding nothing amiss, Mr. Carew opens Lord Strythe’s strongbox. He hands Esther cards with measurements on them along with a woman’s dress. His nearness makes Esther uncomfortable. Mr. Carew makes a flirtatious remark before leaving the room.

Esther dabs...