“That would be so very kind of you,” Lucy said, enthusiastically.
At that moment George returned.
“Is all well with the paintings?” Lucy asked.
“I believe so. I have not unwrapped any, as they must still be taken to the gallery. I was thinking tomorrow morning, if that is not an inconvenience to you, Aunt?”
“Not to me. You have your own carriage and you are the guest. You may come and go as you wish,” Aunt Hester said, wiping the crumbs off her fingers after a particularly delicious and crumbly scone. “However, I should like to reserve one of your evenings for a little supper party I should like to give in your honor. I was thinking to invite some artistic types, whose company you might enjoy.”
“Very thoughtful of you, Aunt. Just let us know when and we shall reserve that evening.”
Miss Modesty was standing by the piano and said, “I have a capital group of friends you might enjoy, as well. We are having a little outing this evening. Do you care to join us?”
George cast a glance at Lucy, who did not respond.
“Perhaps. Might Miss Lucy come as well?”
Modesty hesitated, but reluctantly said, “Why, of course.”
Lucy immediately spoke up. “I thank you, but I shall decline. I am fatigued from the journey and wish to have a quiet and early evening.”
George seemed conflicted, but added, “Yes, that seems reasonable. Perhaps another evening, Miss Modesty.”
“As you wish,” Modesty said as she walked around the side of the piano to the keyboard, sat, and began to play softly, as though she was just practicing. But Lucy could see she was trying to impress George with her talent.
“Then shall you be in for supper?” Aunt asked, “If so, I should like to notify Cook.”
George looked at Lucy who nodded.
“We should like that. It will give us an opportunity for you and me to catch up on all the news from home. And I have a little remembrance in my bag for you from mother. I shall bring that down at suppertime.”
Modesty threw her hands up in the air as she finished the last notes of the piece she was playing.
“There. Enough practice for today.” She stood and turned her attention back to George. “It is such a lovely afternoon, and there is the most delightful little park nearby. Would you care to accompany me on a stroll, George? I often go by myself, but I should also like to introduceyouto the park’s many charms.”
George’s face lit up. “Yes, that sounds delightful.”
They left—leaving Lucy behind to converse with Aunt Hester.
Chapter 9
There was no question for George that his primary task in London was to meet with the gallery owner. However, on this lovely summer’s afternoon, he also found he was enjoying the delightful company of this charming young woman. There were no beauties in Dorset like the intriguing Miss Modesty—except for Lucy, of course. Why, even her name suggested a young lady of breeding and quality. He decided to take it upon himself to question his aunt on her lineage and background. But then he considered—perhaps a sophisticated young lady like her might not find the Dorset countryside nearly as exciting or stimulating as the sparkle of London.
George and Modesty linked arms as they strolled down the street and crossed the busy thoroughfare into the park.
“These paintings that you bring with you are they for customers?” Modesty asked as they traversed through the rose garden.
George glanced at her. “Oh, no, I have not sold any paintings yet. But I do have a gallery interested in representing me, and these are for them to examine.”
“Oh… Then you are not yet established as a working artist?”
“Not as yet. My father, the Duke, is grooming me to take over and run the family estate when he is gone, so I have not been able to devote myself entirely to my painting.”
“But that is what you want to do, is it not—paint?”
“Absolutely.”
“Then when might you be locating to London?”
