"A mock up is basically a 'rough draft' of the final design. I'll make the design out of muslin, as it's a relatively inexpensive material, and make sure that the way I've drafted the pattern for it fits you the way I want it to - and to make sure you feel comfortable in the general design. I can make notes and adjustments on the mock up that I can then translate to the final design without having to worry about having to restart your dress from scratch several times over to get it right." Alex seems to have that answer pretty well memorized. A hazard of the Nexus is someone wandering in and having no idea how an old fashioned tailor does his work, but Alex seems to have taken it completely in stride.

"I suppose you've done enough work for me that it's not really necessary, huh?" Amelia taps a finger to her chin thoughtfully.

"I'll refrain from putting the finishing touches on your dress until I have you in for your fitting, but I can get the basics done without needing a mock up, yes." He gives the rogue a bit of a smile. "This is the first time you've asked about a dress, though. I'm glad you've come around to the idea."

"Don't push too hard, Alex - I'm taking my steps back into wearing a dress more than once or twice a year slowly." She shakes her head a bit. "I'm certainly not going to be wearing them every day anymore."

He puts his hands up in a defensive way. "No rush. Just remember - I've got all of those fabrics you've had your eye on over your time here set aside and waiting. Whenever you're ready, that burgundy is coming out first."

"I..." There's a small twitch of her eyebrows as she thinks about everything she and Verity talked about earlier. It's definitely a lot harder to hold back than she thought. Her voice is a bit strained, but still controlled, when she tries again. "I think I might like the forest green first, actually."