‘I acquiesce,’ Nathaniel assented, with a smile. ‘I shall have my steward relocate the painting tomorrow morning.’
‘Lady Hannah and I shall enjoy visiting you to view it in its advanced location!’ Sophia jested.
‘Why of course, you must!’ Nathaniel looked to Hannah for approval.
Hannah shrugged happily ‘I should be honoured to visit and view the painting, wherever it should be – hang it in an understairs pantry and I would still be an avid spectator!’
They all laughed and Nathaniel assured her ‘Certainly, it should not be there!’
The three of them took a moment to glance about – Hannah was satisfied to notice that the eyes of the room were no longer assessing her, but focused instead on their drinks and amiable company.
‘Lady Sophia tells me, Lady Hannah, that your most recent creation is quite astounding?’ Nathaniel enquired.
‘Oh…’ Hannah looked bashfully at them both. ‘I simply paint what I see, my lord. I do not consider it astounding in the least…’
‘She tells me you have been experimenting with perspective. It is a valiant approach – I should be anxious to see it for myself, if I may be so bold?’
Hannah was quite taken aback.
‘It is not yet finished…’ she blushed at the prospect of a gentleman viewing her art, which she produced purely for the love of creation and never with any grand delusions of display.
‘This is true,’ Sophia agreed. ‘However, your sunflowers are completed – as is the stunning beach landscape…and the painting of Haysendale estate…’
Hannah raised her eyebrows, considering her recent creations.
‘So many to speak of!’ Nathaniel exclaimed ‘why, you practically have a gallery!’
‘She sincerely does! And each one a treasure!’ Sophia gushed with enthusiasm. ‘Although the tragedy is that they are stored stood facing a wall; never seeing the light of day…’
‘Why, that is a catastrophe! You should be exhibiting!’ Nathaniel enthused.
His expression was so genuine; so full of faith in her that Hannah felt at once validated. The artwork she produced that her Mother poured scorn upon; that her Father agreed was not a lucrative investment of energy; that her sister would never entertain as a valuable pastime. This mansawher; he had a conviction for her artistic pursuit and empathised with her passion. Hannah smiled as she took a deep breath; momentarily whisked away from the glittering ballroom with its rigid formalities. For the first time that evening, she felt relaxed and at ease.
Sophia and Nathaniel smiled with her, soaking up the good feeling. Sophia’s eyes flitted upwards, behind Hannah.
‘Your Mother approaches…’ she warned ‘perhaps we should change the topic…’
Hannah felt her posture immediately straighten and she turned to greet her Mother with a smile prepared to mask her apprehension.
‘Mother!’ she beamed as Sophia and Nathaniel prepared to greet Evelyn.
‘Hannah,’ Evelyn came to a stop near her daughter and took a moment to appraise her visually. ‘Why, that was delightful. Your appearance quite brought water to my eyes and heat into my heart.’
Hannah exhaled with a rush of relief and joy. It was a rare thing for her Mother to bestow compliments upon her.
Going closer to her daughter so that she was out of earshot of Lord Bryant, Evelyn continued;
‘Extra practice with Lucy was certainly worthwhile. I shall commend the girl.’
Hannah’s shoulders slumped slightly that the compliment should not be entirely to her but that her Mother should assume credit was due elsewhere.
‘Mother, you remember Lord Nathaniel Bryant, of course,’ she gestured towards Nathaniel and Sophia.
Lord Bryant bowed at the waist and Evelyn smiled, bobbing her head in return.
‘May I offer my gratitude, Lady Haworth, for the excellent hospitality. Such an exquisite event in honour of your talented daughter,’ Lord Bryant greeted her.
‘Talented?’ Evelyn questioned the adjective; a flash of concern upon her face.
