Receipt of payment for a lace cape

This is a receipt made out to Mrs Hector of Georgiana Hector for  lace cape, from Madame (Ellen) Bottenelli, who ran a millinery and ladies warehouse in Hardy Street, Nelson. Mrs Hector purchased the cape in November 1874 on credit.

Madame Bottenelli had formerly worked for the local drapers Wilson & Richardson, who in 1865 proudly informed ‘the Ladies of Nelson’ that they had appointed Madame Bottenelli as the manager of their new millinery showroom, noting  that her qualifications were ‘derived from long experience in London and Paris’, and as such they could guarantee that ‘every article sold will be distinguished by good taste’. In 1868, Madame Bottenelli opened her own millinery store, featuring the ‘latest English and French fashions’, and stocking dresses, mantles, trimmings, ribbons, bonnets and hats.