Page 24 of Things We Do for Love and Science
“Oh no no no.” She lifted her fork and broke off another piece of quiche. “He’s a serious one and will need a proper countess to keep the dynasty going.”
Maybe telling Tom about this hadn’t been such a good idea. He was far too interested in the particulars.
“What’s the use of it when he’s about to lose their fancy house?”
“He may still be able to save it. I’m not sure.” She rubbed her lower lip. “I don’t like to ask, you know.”
Tom chuckled. “Best of luck to your new aristocratic friend.”
~ * ~
“Have you been for arun in our park yet?” Gabriel asked while sorting the brushes he’d need for this day’s painting session.
Delia shrugged out of her coat. “Oh, I’d completely forgotten, but I’m not sure I’m comfortable coming and going without you. We could go for a run together. How does that sound?” She dropped the coat and handbag on the armchair beside her and rubbed her hands.
“Great idea. Renoir will also want to come along, I’m certain.”
“He’ll make sure we run at a proper pace.” She scanned the green drawing room. “Now, where’s that glamorous dress? Ah, there it is.” Two strides brought her to the chaise longue.
She picked up the shimmering folds of silk with careful hands and got ready for another stint of modelling. As she glided into the pose, he had to admit, he liked to watch her assume the role of countess with ease.
“What type of research are you doing in your lab?” Gabriel peeked past the canvas. She knew so much about him already; it was time he asked some questions.
“We’re trying to discover how DNA transactions work in human cells. Sounds vague, I know. Do you want me to go into more detail?”
There was a tiny moment where he was tempted to feign an ardent interest in science, but he opted for the truth instead. “Umm, maybe not, it’ll go right over my head anyway.”
“No, it wouldn’t.” She fixed him with a sparkling look. “Properly explained, it becomes very clear. But would it bore you? I’ve lately come to realize not everyone is crazy about genetics.”
“I won’t be able to concentrate on it while painting, but I’d love to hear more about your research some other time?” Did he sound desperate for friendship? Was it too obvious he’d like to keep meeting her after this portrait was finished?
He clenched his jaw and suppressed the emerging self-doubt. Being in her company felt good, and until she told him otherwise, he’d keep pursuing this friendship of sorts they’d forged under rather unusual circumstances.
“Yes sure.” She beamed. “I’ll come for tea and bring my model of the DNA molecule. It’s my favorite thing, nice and old-fashioned. I take it to all my introductory lectures in biochemistry.”
Her enthusiasm radiated from her like a halo, and the portrait would only come alive if he managed to capture this specific quality of emotion. Quite the challenge for someone whose painting practice had lain dormant for the best part of two years. But he could do it.
His chest expanded with elation, and he closed his eyes briefly to visualize the DNA model on the canvas. “How big is it? I’d like to add it to the portrait.”
“Wonderful. I’d love that.” Her eyes widened. “The model’s eighty centimeters tall and would sit nicely on this rickety little table here.” She pointed at the flimsy bit of furniture beside her.
He snorted “That rickety little table is Louis XV and is headed for the auction house, but never mind. The model of the DNA molecule will surely enhance it.”
“How much will it go for, do you think?” she asked.
“Hmm, all going well, I should get around five grand for it.”
She whistled through her teeth. “Nice.”
“Yes, but a mere drop in the ocean of the renovation budget. I’ll need to secure a substantial bank loan to get the Hall ready to receive paying visitors.” Damn it, he’d just smudged the hem of her painted dress.
He hissed under his breath and stepped back to assess the damage. It was all right. He’d correct the hemline once the paint had dried.
She rolled her shoulders back before resuming the original pose. “What exactly are your plans for the house?”
“Ideally, I’d like to run it as a venue for weddings and such. I mean, other great houses have done it successfully.” He concentrated on the shape of her left upper arm.
“Then you’d better not sell off the wedding gowns that are part of the dress collection. Keep them here and exhibit them in some big, empty room. Get some vintage mannequins for the dresses and display cases to show off some photographs of the corresponding weddings. People will lap that stuff up.”
