Page 29 of A Misguided Devotion

How had the arrogant artist wheedled his way into Hugh’s good graces and become his guest? There would be no avoiding him now.

Kitty continued to glare at him, and the longer she glared, the more she saw. His evening clothes were of the highest quality. His speech, his polished manners, even his impudence spoke of a society man who was used to getting his own way.

It began to make sense why Hugh would welcome him into his home. Mr Merry was not a penniless artist.

“I am eager to start painting your incomparable daughter tomorrow, Mr Barrington,” he said.

Hugh gave him an approving nod. “That is what I like to see—a man committed to his path. It is providential when inclination and duty collide.”

Mr Merry dipped his head in response. “Indeed, it is.”

Kitty couldn’t help noticing that when he raised his gaze again, his smile no longer reached the well-established crinkles around his eyes. Interesting. Had Laura’s father inadvertently touched on a sore point? As she could not doubt the younger man’s inclination to paint, she surmised it was the reference to duty that had caused his grin to falter.

“Where would you like my daughter to sit for her portrait?” Hugh asked.

“I need a room with plenty of natural light where she will be at her ease. Where would you suggest?”

The question was directed at Laura, but she did not raise her eyes from her plate.

“Laura?”

Hugh spoke her name gently, but colour rushed into his daughter’s cheeks.

“How about the Long Gallery?” she said, lifting her chin as she replied to her father.

“An excellent suggestion. I believe the alcove on the south side of the house has enough windows to provide sufficient light. We will examine the space after dinner and judge whether it is suitable for your needs, Mr Merry.”

“That would be most welcome. Thank you.”

Hugh gave a sharp nod and took the conversation in a different direction. “Do you sail?”

“I’ve not had the opportunity.”

“It’s the reason I live on the coast. Racing my yacht is my favourite pastime. If only my work allowed me more time to indulge my passion. You should try it.”

Encouraged by Mr Merry, Laura’s father spent the rest of dinner detailing the excellencies of his vessel. As if he expected his guest to purchase his own boat if sailing took his fancy. Which he wouldn’t have done unless he knew the artist did not have to work for a living. No, more than that. Hugh must know he had money.

No wonder he was so ready to let him paint his daughter.

The younger man made a few attempts to draw the ladies into the conversation, but Kitty had nothing to contribute and neither, it seemed, had her friend. It wasn’t surprising, given the subject. Laura was probably as ignorant of the topic as she was—and equally bored.

After the cloth was cleared from the table, Laura met Kitty’s eyes, and they stood together, with the gentlemen following suit. “We will leave you to your wine.”

As they passed Hugh, he laid a hand on his daughter’s arm. “Not tonight. I’m sure our guest is eager to examine the Long Gallery, so he can start painting tomorrow. Why don’t you lead the way?”

Mr Merry followed his host’s cue and offered his arm to Laura. After a brief hesitation, she took it, and they left the room together.

Poor girl! She couldn’t avoid the man now, even if she wanted to.

Kitty hastened to follow them, keen not to leave her friend alone with him for long, but she was obliged to halt her steps when Hugh addressed her.

“Miss Lacey?”

He was holding out his arm to her, and she felt her cheeks pinking as she took it. After working as a maid, she would never tire of these little attentions that made her feel like a lady again.

By the time they had mounted the stairs and entered the Long Gallery, Mr Merry and Laura were already at the far end, where the room opened out into a large bay window.

“I see your wisdom is as great as your beauty, Miss Barrington,” he said, the mellow tenor tone of his voice floating down to them as they walked the length of the house to join the others. “How clever of you to suggest this alcove as the setting for your portrait. It’s perfect.”