it was caught up quite high at the bottom

To the esteemed Mr. liver, or any who can assist in this matter: What does the above mean? The words do not bring a clear image to mind. If this description means that this is a short tunic that exposes the ankle, heaven forfend, then it seems that the sense of "man-killer" as being rather racy also applies here, even if Widow Bedott does not don it with that intent.