Page 80 of Romancing the Artist

They came to that last easel, and Caroline paused before it. “This is my most recent piece,” she said, her fingertips brushing the cover. “Lady Inglewood informed me that you have a personal preference for pieces that are challenging and depict stories or themes that are awe-inspiring, legendary, and provoking. I cannot say that this will be a work that you will find favorable. But it has challenged me, mind and body, in ways I have never been challenged before.”

He had listened with patience, nodded as she spoke, then turned expectantly to see the unveiling of her summer’s work.

“I call it the Defiance of Atlas.”

Sir Thomas did not move for a long moment. He simply took in the painting, his eyes on those of the angry Titan staring back at him. Edward’s handsome face had transformed into an angry warrior’s, his battles lost, his daughters taken by the enemy, his dreams dashed to pieces. His blue eyes dared the viewer to look away from him without knowing his pain and frustration.

And Caroline felt small, uncertain, and untalented.

“I painted something like this, once,” Sir Thomas said, his voice so quiet Caroline barely heard him. “I was young. I displayed it at the exhibition the year I finished the work. And another painter, a man I respected, said he would pay the Academy one-hundred pounds to have it removed.” Sir Thomas turned to look at her, and she saw a strange glimmer in his eyes. “I never did anything like it again. Though I am still proud of it—of what I attempted with it. Perhaps I will try to display it again, someday.”

Then he stepped closer and began his examination, as he had on all the other pieces. Caroline waited, looking at Edward, who watched her with an expression of open adoration.

“Very well. I am ready to share my initial thoughts. Though I will likely view these several times over the next few days.” Sir Thomas Lawrence turned to address the people gathered. “You are all important to Miss Clapham, and you obviously believe in her and support her. That is more than most artists of her age and sex can hope for. I hope you will continue to offer your encouragement. As to her talent. Well.”

He looked down the row of work. “Miss Clapham has a remarkable talent at such a young age. This is truly promising and speaks volumes about her potential as an artist. Her ability to convey depth, emotion, and masterful use of light and shadow is truly commendable. Though I would classify several of these pieces as safe, or even common, there are others that show an emotional understanding of the subject that intrigues me. The old man seated on a bench with his pipe is one such painting. I should like to see it in our exhibit next year.”

Caroline had never swooned in her life, but her knees went weak and threatened to give her that first experience. Edward, beside her now, had his arm around her waist in an instant. That old man in the painting was one of their neighbors. A man who had told Caroline ridiculous stories every time she saw him at the public house or on the village green.

“Your landscapes and depictions of nature are graceful, Miss Clapham. They are gentle and pleasant. Pastoral scenes are calming and welcome in homes across the kingdom. If you wished to sell any of them, you would find willing buyers at several levels in society.”

No one breathed a word as he turned again and looked at Atlas. “As to your Defiance piece, I can see that it has stretched you to the very limit of your talents and capabilities. It is passionate and truly commendable. The mastery you display in capturing the interplay of light and shadow is striking. Your ability to convey rage and sorrow both—truly remarkable for one of your age and inexperience.”

Edward’s arm tightened briefly around her, and she saw his lips curl upward in a smile.

“While the painting as a whole is a testament to your talent, there are places wherein the details appear slightly less defined, which could be further developed to enhance the overall depth and atmosphere of the scene. With continued dedication and refinement, you have the potential to achieve even greater heights.” He turned to look at her, and his gaze flicked momentarily up to Edward’s. He smiled. “Atlas, I presume?”

“Yes, Sir Thomas.” Edward’s cheeks reddened but his shoulders straightened. “It was my honor to pose for the work.”

“Her love for you comes through the paint, Mr. Everly There is as much heart as there is oil on that canvas.” He then addressed Caroline again, his expression turning almost stern. “Lady Inglewood has told me something of your studies up to this point. Considering that you have made do with traveling artists and a yearly visit with the countess, you have achieved much.” Here he tucked his hands behind his back. “I cannot help but envision the incredible growth and refinement you could achieve through travel and exposure to the world’s artistic wonders. Experiencing different cultures, landscapes, and the works of great artists from various eras can have a profound impact on an artist’s development and perspective. You could improve on your own, but it will be difficult. You need more experience and guidance, Miss Clapham.”

It wasn’t a declaration of genius. But Caroline hadn’t truly expected such a thing. And she wasn’t disappointed. If anything, her heart rose to the challenge. “I intend to spend at least the next year traveling, Sir Thomas. On the Continent.”

“With this fellow, I presume?” He glanced again at Edward and then at her.

“Yes. Mr. Everly and I are to be married.”

The man nodded once. “When you have returned, come to the Royal Academy. I would like to see how your work has changed. And I would like you to study there, as often as you wish. I will draw up a list for you of places you ought to visit, and I will prepare letters of introduction, if you wish, to some of my acquaintances in the arts.”

“Thank you, Sir Thomas. That is kind of you.” Her heart was doing flips and twists, and she felt as though she could leap for joy. But she forced herself to stay still, with Edward’s hand on the small of her back, anchoring her to the moment.

“I do not give compliments to just anyone, Miss Clapham,” he reminded her with the slightest of smiles, his eyes crinkling at the corners. “You have a gift, and you have done well. But there is so much more for you to learn. My hope for you is that you will know your worth, and you will not let anyone prohibit you from achieving your potential.” Then he spun on his heel and held both hands out toward the countess. “You promised me an excellent new talent, my lady, and a delightful seaside holiday. You have delivered well on the first point. How shall we ensure the second as well?”

Lady Inglewood sent Caroline a triumphant grin, then took Sir Thomas in hand and led him from the gallery. Lord Inglewood followed after them with an amused smile and a quick nod to her parents. Caroline wanted to sink to the ground and lay down, flat on her back, and not get up again until her body stopped trembling.

Her papa swept her up in his arms, as he had since she was a little girl, and gave her a tight embrace that lifted her toes off the ground. “Remarkable,” he said in her ear. “Graceful. Of course he would see those things, Cara.” He set her down and released her to her mother’s embrace.

“My darling, I am so proud of you.” She kissed Caroline on both cheeks, then held her daughter’s face in her hands. Caroline had surpassed her mother’s height by several inches, yet she never failed to feel like a little girl beneath her mother’s loving gaze. “Letters of introduction, my dear. What adventures you will have!” Then she looked over Caroline’s shoulder. “The both of you will have.”

Edward’s hand found Caroline’s again. She looked up to find him staring at her with unconcealed pride. “I am fortunate she agreed to have me along with her.”

Mama touched Caroline’s forehead again and furrowed her brow. “You are flush with excitement. Edward, be a good man and take your betrothed out on the balcony. She needs fresh air. Goodness. With all this excitement, I think I need to rest.”

“Summers are for picnics and naps beneath the trees,” Caroline reminded her with a smile.

“Truer words were never spoken.” Papa took her mother’s arm. “Come along, Teresa. Let us find you a proper place for a nap.”

Edward didn’t even wait for them to leave the gallery before taking her to the set of glass doors that opened onto the balcony. It faced inland, westward, but the air still tasted of the nearby sea. He took her to the rail, then put his hands upon her waist as she faced him.