Page 12 of A Bargain with the Rakish Duke
“Absolutely, Your Grace,” Beatrice replied, her eyes darting from one piece to the next, absorbing the beauty and craftsmanship of each work.
The Dowager Duchess led her to a painting of a serene landscape, the colors vibrant and the brushstrokes masterful. “This one is a favorite of mine,” she said softly. “It reminds me of the countryside where I grew up.”
Beatrice smiled, feeling a connection with her. “It’s lovely, Your Grace.”
The Dowager Duchess looked at her warmly. “You have a good heart, Lady Beatrice. I can see why Catherine speaks so highly of you.”
Beatrice blushed, touched by the compliment. “Thank you, Your Grace.”
As they continued to explore the gallery, Beatrice felt a sense of peace and contentment wash over her. In the presence of such beauty and grace, the worries and tensions of the previous night faded, replaced by a renewed appreciation for the world around her.
After a while, they moved into a smaller, more intimate room adjacent to the gallery. The walls here were adorned with fewer but equally impressive works of art.
“I must show you my latest acquisition,” the Dowager Duchess said with a twinkle in her eyes. “It’s a painting by an up-and-coming artist, Eric Westback. His work is simply magnificent.”
Beatrice’s heart skipped a beat.
“Westback, you say?”
“Mmhm. I’d thought you might know about him, since you seem to be rather knowledgeable,” the Dowager said.
“Oh, no, Your Grace. I am afraid I do not know much at all,” Beatrice replied steadily.
She followed the Dowager Duchess to a large painting displayed prominently on the far wall.
The painting was a breathtaking landscape with sweeping brushstrokes and an exquisite mastery of color and light—astormy sea with the sun breaking through the clouds, casting a golden glow over the turbulent waters.
Beatrice pretended to study the painting with a critical eye though inwardly she was bubbling with joy. “It is stunning, Your Grace. The way he captures the light and movement is remarkable.”
The Dowager Duchess beamed with pride at her possession. “Isn’t it? Eric Westback has such a unique talent. His use of color and light brings the scene to life. There’s such mystery about him, you know. No one has ever met him.”
Little did the Dowager know she was standing right before him. Or her, rather.
Beatrice nodded, silently debating how to answer. “I have heard of him, but I have never seen his work up close before.”
The Dowager Duchess continued, her admiration evident, “He is quite the enigma. There are rumors, of course, but no one seems to know who he really is. It is said that he prefers to let his work speak for itself, avoiding public appearances altogether. Such a curious way to live, don’t you think?”
Beatrice felt a surge of happiness at the praise and intrigue surrounding her alter ego.
If only you knew, Your Grace. If only you knew.
“Indeed, it is quite curious,” Beatrice agreed, her voice steady despite the excitement bubbling within her. “But perhaps he finds peace in his solitude.”
The Dowager Duchess nodded thoughtfully. “You may be right. There is a certain freedom in anonymity, I suppose. But it does make one wonder about the person behind the brush.”
Beatrice’s thoughts wandered to the nights spent painting in the quiet of her small room in Wales, the joy and solace it brought her amidst the turmoil of her family’s scandal.
Her paintings had been her refuge, and through the sales of her work as Eric Westback, she had been able to support her mother without revealing the source of their income.
“I find it fascinating,” the Dowager Duchess added, her eyes still fixed on the painting. “To create such beauty and remain hidden in the shadows. It is almost romantic, in a way.”
Beatrice felt her cheeks flush with pride and embarrassment. “Yes, Your Grace. It is certainly intriguing.”
They stood in silence for a moment, both women lost in their own thoughts. Beatrice reveled in the Dowager Duchess’s compliments, feeling a deep sense of fulfillment. Her work, though secret, was appreciated and admired by those who mattered.
The Dowager Duchess turned to Beatrice, her expression soft. “You have a good eye for art, my dear. I am glad we could share this moment.”
“Thank you, Your Grace. It has been a genuine pleasure,” Beatrice replied, her heart full.
