Page 51 of The Legend of the Betrayed Duchess

Lucy went to the door and waved for them to enter.

“Oh, what a lovely space,” Priscilla said, looking around and admiring the studio. She went to the window and looked out, and then turned back. “I believe the paintings I have seen of yours have been mostly landscapes. What other subjects do you paint?”

George went to the wall where he had his paintings stored in racks and pulled out a portrait of Lucy. “My very most favorite subject,” he said, placing the painting on an easel to show it off.

Beaumont’s interest was immediately sparked, and he went to look at the painting more closely.

“I must say, old man, that is splendid. I had no idea you were this talented.”

Priscilla frowned. “No landscapes?”

“I have some of those as well. What exactly are you looking for,” George asked.

“This,” Beaumont said, pointing to the portrait at the same time Priscilla said, “Something else.”

George laughed. “Then perhaps you might want two paintings,” he said half joking.

“I would entertain that,” Beaumont said. “What are you asking?”

George with his disheveled hair and work clothes, scratched his unshaved face, and said, “I would be getting five hundred Guineas at the gallery, but that includes their commission. I could let you have it for three.”

“Sold,” Beaumont said smiling broadly. “And for a landscape for my sister?”

“Depends on what she picks. Might I show you?” he asked her.

She nodded eagerly, and he began pulling landscapes out of the racks and showing them until she found the one she loved—a rocky crag with a waterfall and stream in the early evening light.

“Definitely that one,” she enthused, looking at George with her eyes sparkling. She went over and took his arm as she gazed at the painting more.

“Two hundred for that one,” George said.

Beaumont turned to his sister, and she nodded to him.

“Very well, then. But it seems this has been the most expensive tea I have ever had—five hundred Guineas.”

“But the paintings are worth it,” George said proudly.

“Send them to Brookdale at your convenience, and I shall have a cheque ready for you, old man.”

George and Beaumont shook hands to seal the deal.

Chapter 18

The family was at the breakfast table the next morning. Matthew had just stood, ready to head out to the fields. “George, I want us to go into town this afternoon to look at the mare Mr. Dunlap is selling. Will you be free?”

“Not today, Father. I am to deliver several paintings to Brookdale then.”

“Very well, how about later this morning?”

George nodded his acceptance as his father was leaving the room.

“Meet me at the stables at ten.”

“Yes, Father.”

“George! How could you not tell us you were going to Brookdale?” Ann wailed.

“And why should I?” he asked not understanding her complaint.