Page 27 of Two of a Kind
He decided to push his luck. “Would that offer also extend to me being able to go back to Derbyshire to work for some of that time? It would help me to complete my current pieces.”
His early sketches were a long way to being finished. And there was something about being able to absorb the light and color of the landscape which he knew he would not be able to do if he tried to complete the major paintings while based in London.
“Yes, alright, I understand. The Lord says that a good shepherd is one who gets out among his flock. I expect a painter needs to see the landscape if he is going to paint,” replied Hugh.
James blinked back tears. “Thank you. I really appreciate your support. I know this is not what you had in mind for me, but I need to at least try and make this work. If I fail, I promise it won’t be through lack of effort.”
Hugh placed a hand on his shoulder. “I have never doubted your work ethic, James. I had just hoped that someday you and I would be able to work alongside one another. I realize now that perhaps I need to let the Lord do his work and not stand in your way.”
“I am sorry that I have not been able to find the same passion for the church that you have, but I hope that through my painting I can show the beauty of God’s creation. You have a gift for reaching people through your sermons, while I believe I can speak to them with art. And I hope that is enough for you,” James said earnestly.
“Whatever you do will be enough for your mother and me. We are always proud of you. Now, be a good lad and go and retrieve that bottle of champagne from Francis. You and I have something to celebrate.”
James collected the half-empty bottle from beside his sleeping cousin. He handed it to his father. He knew he should be overjoyed at being given the opportunity to pursue his life’s passion, but as he watched Hugh drink from the bottle, James felt a sense of emptiness inside.
Leah and Guy’s wedding was a matter of five days away. While he had been granted the chance to change his own future, the woman he loved was still fated to marry the wrong man.
Knowing the miserable future which lay ahead for Leah, James’s victory suddenly felt bitter and hollow.
Chapter Twenty-One
James raced downstairs from his room at Fulham Palace. He had a long list of errands to complete this morning. Guy and Leah’s wedding was only a day away, and as best man. he had a celebratory party to organize for this evening. Out of respect for the bride, he had decided that while it would be a drunken mess of a stag party; it would not be the debauched orgy that Guy had requested.
Stepping out into the main courtyard of the palace, he saw a carriage drawn up to one side. Visitors were always coming and going from Fulham Palace, so James didn’t pay it much notice at first. But when he saw the face of the young woman who alighted from the carriage, all thoughts of his plans for the day vanished.
It was Leah.
He swayed on his feet. If he had thought that a little time and distance would cool his ardor for her, his heart swiftly told him otherwise.
Her head lifted and their gazes met. Despair punched him hard in the chest. He took a faltering step back. Instead of the loving smile that she had always gifted him in his lustful dreams of her, the real Leah gave him barely a scant nod.
He hurried over, hoping to catch at least a moment alone with her before Claire appeared from the family residence.
He bowed. “Miss Shepherd, how lovely to see you again.”
At this close distance, he got a better look at Leah, and what he saw filled him with dismay.
In the time since he had last seen her, she had lost a considerable amount of weight. Her cheeks were slightly sunken. The delightful curves which had set his teeth on edge at the garden party were now almost gone. She barely made an impression on the bustline of her gown. Just how much weight she had lost since the betrothal party he feared to guess. Leah was only a pound or so away from becoming a wraith.
“Mister Radley. I see you are returned from Derbyshire,” she replied.
The sadness in her eyes nearly brought him undone. His heart protested. This would not do; he couldn’t just stand there and make polite conversation with Leah, knowing that it might well be the last chance he got to speak to her before the wedding.
“Yes, I returned a few days ago. I am sorry I have not seen you since then.” He stood for a moment, struggling to find the right words to say. This encounter was so confronting, so bloody awful. When she went to step past him, James reached out and took a hold of Leah’s arm. “Whatever I can do for you in the future, you only have to ask.”
She looked down at his hand and frowned. Her body language told him his touch was unwelcome. “Why would I need your help, James? I shall have a husband this time tomorrow. He shall provide for me. Now kindly remove your hand.”
The sound of footsteps on the stone path had him looking back toward the front door. Claire was making her way over to them. He frowned at the less than happy look on his sister’s face.
He leaned in close. “I know this marriage is going to be a trial for you. So please, Leah, let me be your friend. When it comes to Guy, I could try and intercede on your behalf.”
She shook her head slowly.
“I hardly think Guy will thank you for attempting to meddle in our marriage. He has already told me he does not trust you when it comes to me, so I would suggest that there is little chance of him listening to your counsel even if you chose to offer it. Thank you, James, but once again you have fallen short when it comes to playing at being my hero.”
Claire came and stood by his side, she glared at him. “James is there something you need? If not then please leave Leah alone, she is not here to see you.”
He stirred from his sister’s harsh rebuff and muttered, “No. I was just saying hello.”
