The Muse (52 page)

The significance of the portrait was Imogene’s pose.  Her left arm was bent and supported her head, while her right arm lay across her stomach.  The shawl draped over her middle, obscuring the pregnancy.  Both of her knees were bent, her left leg tucked underneath her so that her left arm could rest upon it.  Her right foot pointed at the floor, supporting that bent knee.  Zuly rested beside the chair.  Her lap desk, pen and journal, abandoned on the floor.

Tristan pushed himself.

He had never painted draped clothing in such a manner.

He poured all of his skill into this composition, knowing instinctively that he must do so, and do it well.

…Ransomed, healed, restored, forgiven,

Who like me his praise should sing?

Henry Francis Lyte   ~ Hymn, 1834

FOR
the first time in a long while, Graham and Imogene would be all alone in the coming days. Elle had already departed, returning to Everfell.  Colin had finished at Trinity, and was now in Ireland at Donadea.  Arrangements were made for Gravelle to escort Cariss to halfway at Stapenhill, delivering her to her father, Sir Oliver.  Gravelle had offered eagerly, which was not much of a surprise, saying he was for Town regardless, and would be honored to ensure her safety along the road.

It was on Gravelle’s return from London that he stayed once more at The Lion’s Crown before heading on to Gavandon.

“Gravelle, you are bloody good for all your beastly size.  You are agile, man,” Graham complimented, breathing heavily.

“Keeps me fit so I don’t run to fat.  I’m grateful for you, Rothvale.  The fencing is diversion from the boredom at least, if not your brooding company,” he joked.

“Don’t try to be clever, Gravelle, it’s not where your talents lie.”

“You speak true, we both know.  And I jest of course. You’re not nearly so broody now you’re ensconced with your bride and playing house with her.  To the outside world, you appear quite happy, my friend.”

Graham looked thoughtfully at him before replying.  “You know, there was a time I thought I could never be happy again.  My brother saw to that.”  He sighed.  “Gravelle, you remember what he was like.  You were around enough to know of the disaster he wreaked.”

“Ah yes.  I’ve been forgetting to mention that I saw that girl, the one he took with Odeman…”  Gravelle gave him a level look.  “I am sure it was her.  Pretty, blonde, and she had a little girl with her, bearing the same green eyes—”

“Where?  Tell me where she is, Gravelle!”  Graham bellowed at him, his heart pounding within his chest.

“What the hell?  You’re as pale as a sheet.”

“The girl, Gravelle!  Agnes.  Where did you see her?”

“She’s at The Lion’s Crown with Jacobson.  As his housekeeper.  I thought you might know about it, considering your connections to Jacobso—”

“They are well?”  Graham interrupted, almost afraid to ask.

“Quite well, from what I could tell.  I think Jacobson’s besotted with her from all indications.”

Graham sat down shakily.  “Praise God.  Gravelle, this is the best news.  Agnes and Clara, well and safe.”  He stood up abruptly.  “I must tell Imogene right away.  Will you come, and speak of all you know?”

“What must you tell me?” Imogene asked charmingly, standing at the studio entrance.

Graham rushed over, embracing her.  “
Chérie
, Agnes and Clara have been found.”

IT was decided that Graham would go to Stapenhill right away.  Gravelle offered to accompany him in support, which was heartily accepted.  Graham would have to be away from Imogene for a few days though.  He didn’t like leaving her on her own with no other family present.  She suggested Tristan might be willing to stay with her, and that they could use the time to collaborate on the fairy-tale paintings for the nursery.

“Where will Agnes go now?”  Imogene asked directly.  “Is it safe to have them so far away, Graham?  They need protection.  Who is to stop some other disreputable from trying to take advantage of her again?”

He kissed her on her forehead.  “You are so wise and kind in your heart.  And you are right, of course.  For now, I would like to propose for them to come and live at Wellick.  I have spoken to John, and he has agreed to take Agnes for nurse training at the hospital.  A new home can be arranged for them in Wellick, and a nanny to care for the child when Agnes is doing her nursing and be a companion to her, if she agrees to it.”  He tilted his head in question, wanting to know her true opinion.  “What do you think,
chérie
?  Does this all sound like a reasonable plan? I want your blessing in this.”

“And you shall have it.  Thank you, Graham, for sharing all with me.  I appreciate your trust in allowing me to know about everything for I think you are doing the right thing.”  She touched his face.  “My husband is the best of men.”

He pulled her into his embrace fiercely, his voice breaking.  “I will miss you so much.  I want you to rest and not overwork yourself on the nursery.  Please let Tristan entertain you.  I’ve asked him to move into the house while I’m away.  John and Philippa will visit on Thursday as well.  Promise me you’ll take good care of yourself,
chérie
?”

“Of course I will, and you must do the same.”

He knew they were both feeling the pangs of parting on this, their first separation since their marriage.  “I suppose there’s a first time for everything,
chérie
.  And so this is the first time I must leave you.  I hate that I must.”  And he truly did hate it but duty called him and so he didn’t have a choice.  Life was built from duty as he had learned from childhood.

“As do I, my darling. But, the sooner you go—”

“—the sooner I can return to you,” he whispered against her lips.

GRAHAM attempted to quell the dread weighing heavy on his chest. He had not seen Agnes for six years.  His last image of her had been horrifying, with her traumatized and desperate to cover herself.  He had been too enraged in his efforts to beat Jasper and Odeman down, and might even have killed them; he was so out of his mind.  By the time Colin had pulled him off, Agnes had fled, and he had never seen her again.

Not a soul was in sight when they rode up onto the property and secured the horses.  Entering the inn, Graham was surprised to find it so quiet.  "Hello?" he inquired.

"Hello, sir." A beautiful child stepped out from behind the counter and stared stoically.  “You have green eyes like me,” she said as she looked up at him.

Graham’s heart melted at the sight of her.  There was no doubt in his mind that she was of his family blood.  The resemblance was too strong.  He bent down on his knee so he could speak to her close up.  “You are Clara,” he whispered in awe.

“How do you know my name, sir?”

“I know you because I am your uncle…your uncle, Graham.”

“I don’t have a uncle, just a mamma.” She shook her head at him.

“Yes, Clara, you do.” He nodded solemnly.  “My brother was your…father.”  Graham gave her a sad smile and put his hand atop her blonde curls.

“Did my father look like you do?”

“In some ways we looked alike.”

“You look sad.”

“People tell me that all the time,” he said wryly. “Seeing you doesn’t make me sad, though, for I’ve been trying to find you and your mamma. For a long time I’ve been searching and here you are. I am very glad to finally meet you, Clara, very glad indeed.  I want to see your mamma, and talk to her.”

“Mr. Jacobson and Mamma are talking right now. They talk in his study all the time.”

Gravelle snorted a laugh at that, directing a knowing look to Graham.  “Told you,” he said smugly.

Clara turned her countenance toward Gravelle then.  “I have seen you before.”

“You remember well, young miss. I was here but a few days ago,” Gravelle answered Clara with a wink.

“This is my friend, Mr. Gravelle. He is the one who told me where I could find you and your mamma—”

“Clara!  Who are you speak—”  Agnes froze as soon as she came into the room and saw Graham.  The colour drained away from her face and her bottom lip began to tremble. She held out her hand to Clara. “Sir…I beg you…do not hurt her. I promise I did not say a word. I have told no one, just as you required.”

Graham’s heart ached, knowing Agnes was afraid of him. She stood trembling, silent tears trailing down her cheeks pleading for Clara to come to her. “Agnes.  Please be of ease, I mean you no harm. I have come to help you, to restore your support.  Whatever wrong has been done you, was not of my will or of my knowledge.  I have been searching for you for months now.  Please tell me what has happened to you.  How did you come to be here?”

Jacobson entered the room.

His surprise at the persons assembled was evident and the air in the room crackled with cautious tension.

“I would like to know the same,” Jacobson asked quietly, levelling a steely gaze.  He was being careful, while at the same time, letting the men know he had an interest. “What kind of fiend abandons a woman and child on the highway?”

One Ralph Odeman I would venture a guess. 
“Jacobson,” Graham greeted him. “Thank God it was you who took them in. I cannot express my relief at what you have done.”

“Lord Rothvale.” He inclined his head. “I have offered lodging and employment to Mrs. Schellman.  With all due respect, my lord, why have you cause to be grateful to me? What is she to you?”

I deserve that. 
“How much do you know, Jacobson?”

“Very little, apparently.”  Jacobson looked to Agnes who was still silently weeping.

Graham looked at each of them with resolve.  “We must talk. There is much to say and much to make right. It has been put off for far too long and cannot wait another moment of time…”

“TRISTAN, these are lovely.  My favourite is the unicorn by the lake.”