This story is set in London, during Victorian times, with a fantasy twist that shifts from past to present. It starts when an old Victorian object shows up at the British Museum and Mr. Higgings, the Curator, believes the item is closely connected to his nephew's great grandfather, Mr. Charles Dewhurst Jr. This man and his father had owned a tailoring shop in London, during the 1850's, and they became popular because of their unique clothing designs. To keep up with the demand, Charles created a sewing machine shaped as a woman. She carried a secret inside her delicate machinery, so Charles had to go through extremes to protect her from jealousy and greed. Philomena was born right before the casting of the Big Ben. She has a connection with the belfry, which makes some people think it may be cursed. Follow Mr. Higgings's amazing and beautifully illustrated story as he retells it to his young nephew, Matthew.