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After a moment’s hesitation, Arabella picked up her paintbrush and started to work. She poured her emotion into the portrait with the paint, every brushstroke like a caress. This hadn’t been the purpose of the afternoon, but she couldn’t deny what a pleasure it was to have a public opportunity to stare at Caroline with all the intensity and longing that she wished.
Arabella was aware of every breath that Caroline took, every slide of her eyes toward the visitors, and she knew that Caroline hoped to encourage them. A few wandered by, close enough to peer at her work, but they did no more than nod and tip their hat to her in passing.
After an hour, she put her brush down.
Caroline rose and stood beside her. “It’s wonderful. You are such a talent.”
She reached out to touch it, and Arabella laughed and stayed her hand. “It’s still wet!”
Caroline frowned. “Oh. Right. But then how could the customers take their portraits home?”
Arabella’s heart sank. She hadn’t thought about it. “I suppose they would have to come by my house the next day to pick it up.” It wasn’t an ideal solution, but it would have to do.
If, that is, she ever had a customer.
Maybe she wasn’t as talented as she thought. Or perhaps people didn’t wish for portraits.
She didn’t like this feeling of being wrong. Not when she had just convinced herself that she was good enough to try.
She packed up her belongings, feeling as out of place as she had when they had arrived.
Thank goodness Caroline had been with her. Being with Caroline always felt like home. She tucked that thought deep in her heart.
Chapter Seventeen
Caroline was nervous as she welcomed her guests for dinner. Jacob, Betsy, and Susan had all been delighted at the prospect of introducing people to their new house and had therefore promised to be on their best behaviour. True to their word, she saw no evidence of poor manners or overt flirtations at the table.
She had fretted over the numbers until Lady Margaret reminded her that they were not in London, and wasn’t it lovely to have friends everywhere one looked? But even with an extra leaf in the table, it was a shocking squeeze to fit the Reeves, the Setons, Grace, Lady Edith, Maeve, and several other new friends whom her siblings had insisted on inviting.
At least the conversation was lively and the dinner of lamb well received.
“It’s going well,” Arabella murmured, pressing herself close while most of the guests removed themselves to the parlor.
Caroline squeezed her hand, making sure their hands were hidden behind their skirts. It was a joy to be here with Arabella. Almost as if they were welcoming the party together. “Thank you for being by my side.”
Arabella’s answering smile was brilliant.
“Thank you for having us to dinner,” Matthew said, grasping Caroline’s hand in a handshake.
“Especially as I am in a rather delicate condition,” Rachel added. “It was most kind. We have missed you and your brothers and sisters.”
“You are always welcome to visit us,” Caroline said. “I am happy to have you here in any condition—and I cannot wait to meet the baby.” She kissed Rachel’s cheek.
“We will be off for home now, and leave the dancing to the young people.” Rachel hugged Arabella before she and Matthew left.
More guests had been invited for dancing than for dinner, and soon the house swelled with people. Except for the pianoforte, the furniture had been cleared from the parlor. Jacob and Betsy had been adamant that it was more than big enough if only people had enough spirit in them, and Caroline had to admit that they had been correct. Bows were issued and curtsies returned without a second glance for the narrow dimensions of the room, and a rousing country dance began.
Three or four couples were able to take their turn. The windows were thrown open for fresh air, and the room shook with movement and mirth and music. Those who were not twirling on the dance floor contributed their fair share of noise through clapping and foot tapping and conversation.
Caroline danced a set with Mr. Taylor, then went to join Arabella at the edge of the room. She plied her fan, out of breath. “I suppose this is a success, given the number of people who seem to be enjoying themselves.”
Lady Margaret overheard her and said, “A crush is the very best compliment you could have in London.”
“In Inverley, we are not so accustomed to hardly having air to breathe,” Arabella said.
“Then take a turn in the garden and refresh yourselves! It is a sad sight to see young ladies denouncing the opportunity to dance. I have never seen such behavior in my life.” Lady Margaret shook her head.
Before Caroline could make good on the offer and steal some time away with Arabella outside, Betsy tapped her on the shoulder. There was a crease in her brow, and she was worrying her lip with her teeth. “I have someone I would like you to meet.”
