Perry stepped aside when a lady strode past him in a great hurry to reach the exit. He followed her with his gaze. He could swear she was Marianne, Edith’s sister, or rather, she was Lady Lancaster now. The two sisters were nearly identical.
“Lady Lancaster,” he said.
The woman and her maid came to a stop. Yes, it was Edith’s sister, wrapped in fine velvet and silk. Her large eyes grew larger when she saw him.
“Lord Ravenscroft.” She bowed her head.
The maid curtsied.
“I’m happy to see you again, my lady, and to offer my congratulations on your marriage with Viscount Lancaster.”
“Thank you. I’m happy to see you as well, Ravenscroft.” She twisted her reticule.
“Lady Lancaster, this is my friend, Dr. Oliver York,” Perry said.
Oliver bowed. “My lady.”
She gave him a nervous nod before turning to Perry. “Ravenscroft, I hope your health is…” Whatever she meant to say was cut short by her muffled sob. She blinked, clearly making an effort not to make a scene.
“My lady, is something the matter?” he asked in a low tone.
“I must apologise.” Her voice broke. “But I need to leave in a hurry. It’s an urgent matter. I promise I’ll send an invitation for tea soon, so we’ll have the chance to talk properly, but I can’t stay now.”
“By all means. Can I help?”
She shook her head, wiping her tears with a handkerchief.
“I wish you all the best.” Perry had barely time to bow before she gave a quick nod and hurried away.
“What an odd encounter,” Oliver said. “She must have received bad news.”
“In a gallery?”
Perry resumed his stroll until he arrived at the end of the hall where a rope barrier blocked the path.
A uniformed attendant stood in front of a closed curtain behind the rope stand. “Do you gentlemen wish to visit the exclusive collection in this section of the gallery?”
Perry wasn’t sure. Lady Lancaster’s behaviour worried him. Perhaps he should find Edith and ask her if he could help.
“It depends. What’s in there?” Oliver asked.
“Some of the paintings behind this curtain might offend your sensibilities,” the attendant said. “Also, the entrance requires a one-pound fee.”
Offend his sensibilities. Perry took it as a challenge. His sensibilities were quite low, as Edith had pointed out years ago.
“I’m curious. I wish to see the collection.” He handed the man two pounds.
The attendant unhooked the rope barrier and held the curtain open for them. “I shall remind you that, should you wish to buy any piece, you need to take note of the lot number or title before claiming it at the reception area and place your order as soon as possible.”
“Thank you.” Not that Perry meant to buy anything. Albert had a passion for paintings, but Perry wasn’t obsessed with them.
“Goodness.” Oliver turned the colour of strawberries as they stood in front of a nude painting.
The woman in the painting wore only a flimsy tunic that played over her curves as if disturbed by a gust of wind. Excellent technique. Even Perry could see that. The painting had been sold for one hundred and fifty pounds. Absurd.
“Why are you blushing?” Perry asked. “You’re a physician. You should be used to seeing the human body.”
“Not like this.” Oliver patted his forehead with a handkerchief.
