She bathed herself
with water perfumed
with mint leaves
and rosemary
Then scrub herself with sponge
dampened with milk
and vanilla scented eau de toilette
Blanch her delicate skin
with rose lemon water
and hazel blossom honey
to keep it soft,
chamomile to bring out
the shine of her hair
She designed her own wardrobe
mimicking from London fashion magazine
stitched them
modified them
with classic, elegant pieces
of ribbon, laces and precious stones
She used batiste camisole
contrivances with padding
over the hips
to accentuate her slim waist
wore a corset
stiffened with whalebone
so tight
that she could not take a breath
There in the mirror, looking through her own reflection
wearing a flowing gown
made of French knots
with sheet edged with Brussels lace
topped with mink coverlet
an extravagance or
a fatal vanity?