“Reading in my favorite nook.”
He retrieved a package from the interior of his coach. “I would love to see your nook.”
She pointed. “I would love to seethat.”
“In that case…” He offered her his arm. “Shall we?”
She was tempted to snatch the canvas out of his other hand and sprint into the house to spread the word. Walking the twenty feet up the path at a sedate pace would surely be the death of her.
The moment they crossed the threshold, she called out to her siblings.
Most were in the dining room enjoying a midafternoon repast. The others arrived within the space of a breath.
Lawrence handed Chloe a canvas secured with twine.
She untied the knot and unrolled the canvas on a clear section of the table.
Everyone crowded around to see themselves dancing with Puck once again. A crow of delight filled the room.
“Itisour portrait,” Marjorie pronounced, assuaging the last of their doubts. If a single brushstroke had been out of place, she would have noticed at once.
“And technically”—Lawrence pressed his lips together in a grimace, then pushed on—“a forgery.”
“What?” Six startled faces turned to his.
“You were right when you said my father was a wastrel who would sell anything to cover his gambling debts.” Lawrence winced. “Or at leastclaimhe’d sold it. He knew better than to peddle a false Rembrandt, so he chose an unknown new artist named Albus Roth.”
“I adore Albus Roth,” said Marjorie. “He had his first major exhibition last year.”
Tommy nodded. “That’s what we were talking about the night…your father…”
“No wonder he seemed agitated. His grand scheme was unraveling right before his eyes.” Lawrence handed Chloe a folded document. “Here are the papers of provenance that should have been yours all along—as well as the real painting. The canvas you had on the wall was the false one. I owe you all an enormous apology.”
The siblings exchanged glances.
“The one we’ve had on the wall all these yearsisthe real one to us,” Elizabeth said. “You can have the original back if you like.”
“At a significantly higher price,” Jacob added.
“No, thank you.” Lawrence sighed. “I won’t be in a position to purchase art for a very long time.”
Chloe looked at her siblings. “Shall I give him back his vase?”
“Oh, I don’t know.” Graham lifted the document of provenance by the corner. “Shouldn’t we deliver this evidence to the Bow Street Runners?”
Lawrence’s cheeks paled.
Tommy and Graham snorted with laughter.
“I delivered all of the originals to the proper owners,” Lawrence said in a rush. “I sent papers of provenance as well as a personal apology for my father’s ‘confusion’—”
“They’re teasing,” Chloe assured him. “Your father was wrong and so were you, so they haven’t yet forgiven you…but your secret is safe with us.”
Elizabeth scooped up the canvas. “Who’s going to help return Puck to his place of honor?”
“Me!” the siblings cried in unison, then clattered up the stairs, leaving Chloe and Lawrence alone in the dining room.
“Come on, then.” She walked past the stairs. “I brought your vase over here.”
