Page 39 of Lady, Behave
“A portrait of Francis the First of France by Leonardo Da Vinci. A few Greek statues. One by an Italian artist.”
A DaVinci she could acknowledge was a rare find. Old statues, well, someone must like them. She wondered if Gyles’s parents had dealt with Grandpapa. “Any idea what the Duke of Stonegage wants of Grandpapa’s collection?”
“A portrait of the first Countess of Heath by Hans Holbein.”
Addy knew little of art, but of Holbein she had heard. That alone told her the item in question had to be worth thousands. As for the rest, whatever the artist or previous owner, what good did the treasures do where they are? Rotting, unseen, and unloved.
“Thank you, Fellowes.” She swung toward the terrace doors, eager to go home. “I appreciate your help.”
He stepped toward her, eager as a rabbit. “Might I accompany you, Miss Adelaide?”
Some men never learned to fade away, did they? “Thank you, Fellowes, no.”
*
Monday morning, shereceived a letter from Gyles. He planned to arrive in Brighton today, his challenges, he said, “solved.” Her heart pounding in expectation, she was fairly bursting with joy. But she would not enflame Laurel nor Cass’s hopes until he appeared and asked for her hand.
Throwing herself into her lessons with Drusinda, she had gone to visit the fortune-tellers while Cass and Laurel had attended church yesterday. Today, she planned the same.
“You must come with us, Addy,” Laurel beseeched her. “You always love new ribbons.”
“I do. But I have no need for more.” She threw a smile toward Cass. “You’ve been so generous with us. I will not overburden you.”
“I would heckle you to come with us, but I think I see a new facet to your character, my dear.”
“I thank you for the compliment.”
Cass covered her hand and squeezed it. “Fifi has told me you go to the foreigners for instruction. I don’t approve the teachers, but I do approve you learning the finer art.”
“I’m glad you do!” Addy beamed at her.
“If we each knew more how to cure people of their maladies, we would all be happier. More productive, too. Do go. And ask Mister Algood to give you another prescription for my monthly aches, will you?”
Many women suffered pain and discomfort with their monthly flows. “I did not know you had such a problem. I’ll ask him.”
“Good. Thank you. Take Fifi with you.”
Addy rolled her eyes at that.
“I know, I know!” said Cass and stifled a laugh. “She hates to go to that part of town, but do take her.”
Two hours later, Addy led the way toward the Lanes with Fifi grumbling in French as she trudged behind.
“Why not stop here, Fifi?” Addy tipped her parasol toward the sweet shop and dug in her reticule for a few guineas. “Do go inside. It might rain. Have an ice or a bun, and I will return in minutes. No need to come along.”
The French maid gave her a frown but valiantly surrendered with a shrug.
Addy hurried away.
Traffic in the part of the Lanes where Drusinda had her shop was thin this time of day. Those who sought spells or fortunes came more often at night. Yet Addy thought she heard footsteps marching in time with hers along the cobbles. When she slowed, they did. When she stopped, so did they.
She shook off the feeling and hastened on her way.
Yet at the corner of the road that led down to Drusinda’s, she heard some running toward her. And she spun.
“What are you doing?” She couldn’t believe it. “Why are you here? With that…?”
A cloth was pressed to her nose.
