Page 16 of A Lady's Propitious Match
CHAPTER 7
Inspiration surged through Clara as she set her easel up by the bright art room windows, feeling a renewed sense of inspiration after her encounter with Christopher at Lady Abigail’s ball. Never had she met someone who had made her feel quite so… alive.
His love of art matched hers perfectly, only he had more life experience. He had seen much more of the world and been lucky enough to paint around Europe. Clara hoped that she would get lucky enough to talk to him again so she could learn more about him.
She was quite sure that there was a lot that she could learn from him.
Clara found herself wanting to paint better. Wanting to do the best that she humanly could, just in case Christopher did end up coming to see her art. Since he was friends with her cousin, there was a chance that he really would come with Elliot.
Idly, she mixed her oil paints, smiling to herself as she awaited her best friend. Imogen would not be long. She was going to sit for her, to be her very first attempt at portraiture. Clara could not think of a better time to try something new. Right when she was feeling incredible.
“Lady Clara.” The butler captured her attention, drawing her eyes away from the view. “Lady Chambers is here to visit with you.”
Clara could not keep the giant smile from spreading across her lips. “Perfect. Send her in.”
Imogen brought a ray of sunshine with her. She was smiling and happy, eager to be the subject of her friend painting.
“Is my attire suitable for the occasion?” Imogen spun around as soon as she swept into the room. “I did not know what to wear. I have never been an artist’s muse before.”
Clara laughed. “Well, you look absolutely beautiful. I love your dress.”
It was a pale sky blue, which seemed to shimmer in the sunlight. Imogen’s hair was also shiny and lovely. Clara could not wait to try and get her friend’s essence on her canvas.
“I just hope that I can do you justice, Imogen. Since this is my first time working on painting a person, I do not know how good it will be.”
Imogen did not seem to share her friend’s worries. “I am sure it will be lovely.”
“Please, take a seat over there. I think the light will be perfect.”
Clara studied her friend as she shifted her position in the armchair until she was comfortable. She wanted Imogen to be comfortable most of all, because it was likely that she would be sitting in the same spot for a very long time. Especially with this being her first time. She would have to take the time to correct any mistakes, to get the portrait perfect.
“This is such a lovely room,” Imogen commented as Clara finished up mixing her paints. She had all the colors she needed now, to get her started. “You are very lucky.”
Clara nodded in agreement, but she kept her lips tightly squeezed together. Much as she was lucky to have this space all to herself, she still did not feel understood by her parents. She still had her art treated like it was a silly little hobby of hers.
If only she could have the same respect as Christopher. To be treated like her art was worthwhile, to allow her to explore her talents more.
“Lady Clara.” The butler was back. Clara stared at him with confusion. “Lord Elliot Belmont is here. He wishes to speak with you.”
Confused, Clara shot Imogen a look. It was then she noticed her best friend straightening her posture and blushing slightly. What on earth was going on there? She was going to have to probe Imogen later, to find out what was happening.
“Yes, please send him in,” Clara finally replied. “I will see him here.”
Elliot was not far behind the butler, and he swept in the room with a warm smile on his face. Instantly, Clara returned that look. He was infectious with his warmth.
“Good morning, Clara,” he said with a deep bow. “And Lady Chambers. It is wonderful to see you too. I did not know you were here.”
Imogen blushed brighter as she dipped into a bow. “Good morning, Lord Belmont.”
“Clara, I actually came here to have a private word with you about an urgent matter. Is that something you can accommodate right now?”
“You do not mind?” Clara checked with Imogen, who immediately shook her head
“I will take a stroll in the gardens,” she insisted. “Then you can talk in here.”
The cousins waited for Imogen to go, before Elliot finally started to talk. When he started to speak, Clara was blown away by everything he said.
“Do you recall Mr. Christopher Fitzhugh? You met him last night.”
