“Two hundred and fifty Guineas, Your Grace.” Mr. Hardy replied in a completely cool manner.
Her Grace turned back to the painting and studied it a while longer. “I shall think about it.”
“However, for you, I feel certain Mr. Grayson would accept two hundred, five and twenty.” He turned to George and raised an eyebrow.
George was already speechless at the thought of anything over a hundred pounds. George stammered. “Yes… yes… that would be quite suitable.”
Her Ladyship turned back to them. “Very well. Please have it sent to the Hanover Square address. And put it on my account as usual.”
“Of course, your Ladyship.”
She smiled and turned again to George. “My husband has been thinking of a portrait of me for the Kent estate. Might you consider a commission?”
George turned to Mr. Hardy, who smiled but gave the tiniest shake of his head. He then said to the Lady, “I shall discuss the possibility with Mr. Grayson and let you know of his availability.”
She started toward the entrance, but as she passed George, she gave him another sly smile and said, “I do hope we can come to some arrangement—for the portrait, of course.” Then she left.
George was stunned. His first sale, and at a price that far exceeded his expectations. But he had to ask, “Why did you shake your head when she asked about the portrait? I would have thought you would want me to do that.”
Mr. Hardy put his hand on George’s shoulder. “Oh, my dear boy, Lady Benson-Wright is a notorious hawk.”
George did not understand. “Hawk?”
“She is well known for hunting down and devouring sweet young gentlemen like yourself. Not for your talent with the brush, but for your talent in the boudoir.”
“Oh.”
“I would advise you to stay clear of that assignment—unless you wish to tarnish your reputation before it even gets established.”
This had been quite a morning for George. “Again, I shall accept your sage advice.”
Chapter 10
Modesty barely spoke a word to Lucy the next morning at breakfast, even though she tried very hard to engage Miss Modesty in a civilized conversation. Finally, Lucy just gave up and turned instead to Aunt Hester.
“I should like to visit some shops this morning while George is in the gallery. Would you care to accompany me?” Lucy asked.
Aunt patted her lips with her napkin and said, “I rarely go out, my child. One can never be too careful. It is so easy to pick up a distressing malady in shops. All sorts of people shop there, and one never knows. But perhaps Modesty might accompany you.”
Her ward turned toward Lucy with a sneer. “I think not. That is what we have staff for. Why should I ever go shopping except to be fitted for a new gown?”
“Then I must go by myself—if the shops are not too far,” Lucy said finishing off her tea.
“Oh, yes, within walking distance. Just down the street and then to your left,” Aunt said. “But forget not, I have arranged a small supper this evening in George’s honor. Sherry at seven—dinner at eight.”
* * *
Lucy, although unaccompanied, popped into the bookshop with her list of books for Betsy. A charming older woman attended to her, finding all but one selection on the list.
As the attendant was wrapping the books and tying the package with a string, Lucy wandered through the shop just browsing the many titles. She came across a section of children’s books and thought about Isabell’s younger brothers. She found a delightful looking, illustrated book and took it over to the sales counter.
“I should also like this one as well, please. But I shall be paying for this separately.” She did not want to use Betsy’s money for her book.
After leaving the bookshop, she wandered the row of shops, but only browsed as she had no idea what she wanted to buy for herself with the little money Betsy had given her. Finally, she came to a dress shop. As with most such London shops, there were no ready-made dresses. Each dress was individually constructed for each particular client. However, Lucy was curious and went inside.
A charming looking young shop assistant came to her.
“How might I help you this morning, Miss?”
