Page 12 of The Truth about the Viscount
“Does it matter if they do? I think that there will be far more members of thetonthinking very highly of your work and, mayhap, they too might soon desire themselves to be drawn in such a fashion.” She smiled. “In fact, I know that The London Chronicle has been looking for something new and interesting to include in its publication. If I could be so bold, might I suggest that I ask if they would print your work there?”
Patience blinked rapidly, the question catching her by surprise. It was one thing to talk about what it might be like to share her work with other members of society, but quite another to suggest having it printed in a newspaper!
“Oh, that would certainly single you out, would it not?” Lady Osterley clapped her hands rather than looking at all concerned. “You would become well known in society, and there might be many a gentleman who would think it quite wonderful to have a young lady such as yourself on his arm!”
Patience shook her head.
“Mama, by the very same thought, there might be many a gentleman who would not come near me because of such a thing! They might desire a young lady who would do nothing other than smile and do just as she ought, without having even the least bit of interest about her.”
Christina reached out and touched Patience’s hand.
“But would you like such a thing as that, Patience? Would you truly be contented with a husband who would not evenknowof your desire to draw and paint? Would you be happy, married to someone who tried to quash that desire within you, rather than encourage it?”
Patience opened her mouth to say that she did not see any difficulty in that, only to snap her mouth closed again. The truth was, she did not want to marry someone who would not be in the least bit interested in whatherpassion was. With a small sigh, she turned her gaze away from her sister and looked down at her teacup.
“Might you permit me to see if your drawing of this lovely couple could be printed in The London Chronicle?” Lady Tolerton asked, gently. “I do not mean to put you under any sort of pressure, but I do believe that your work would be appreciated by many.”
Uncertain as to what she wanted to do, Patience looked from her mother to Christina, and then back to Lady Tolerton. Every face had an encouraging smile on it, and Patience let out a slow breath, closing her eyes for a moment.
“Might it be possible to have it published anonymously?”
“Anonymously?” her mother interrupted before Lady Tolerton could reply. “Why would you wish to do such a thing?”
“Because that way, I will be able to ascertain the reaction of thetonbefore deciding whether or not I ought to publish more – and whether I ought to put my name to them also!” Patience smiled as her mother’s lips puckered. “I know that you believe that there will be a great deal of happiness and delight in what I have drawn, but I should like to see that for myself, first.”
“A wise consideration,” Lady Tolerton agreed, smiling at Patience. “I think it a good suggestion. Thank you, Lady Patience. I know that we have only just become acquainted, and yet here you are, trusting that I shall do just as I have said, and print your work in The London Chronicle!” Her eyes shone with expectant hope. “I am quite certain that you will see a good deal of delight in all that you have done here, Lady Patience. And that, I hope, will encourage you even more.”
“I hope so.” There was a writhing in her stomach that told Patience that she was still anxious about agreeing to this and it grew all the more as she watched Lady Tolerton pick up her drawing of Miss Spearton and Lord Milthorpe. “I saw that moment at the announcement of Lord Milthorpe and Miss Spearton’s betrothal,” she said, as Lady Tolerton nodded. “I kept it in my mind until I was able to put pencil to paper. I do not mind in the least if The London Chronicle names them since it is a piece without any exaggeration – but for others, I may wish their identities to be kept a secret.”
“Though some will identify them regardless,” Christina put in, quietly, as their mother nodded. “Your work is better than you realize, Patience.”
“Mayhap.”
Wishing now to change the subject, Patience took a breath and, with a smile, asked Lady Tolerton about any recent events that she had attended. Much to her joy, the lady was more than willing to speak, and soon, the conversation had changed entirely, from Patience’s artwork to something completely different. However, at the back of her mind, Patience could not forget what was going to happen to her artwork, silently hoping that all would be just as her mother and Lady Tolerton had said.
Chapter Five
“Have you seen this?”
Daniel started in surprise as the door to the dining room was practically flung open, causing his coffee to slosh around in his cup.
“Good gracious, Isabella, whatever is the matter that you must surprise me in this manner?”
“I am in The London Chronicle!”
All at once, Daniel’s stomach lurched furiously and he set his coffee cup down in an instant, his eyes rounding. To be in The London Chronicle was no good thing, for that surely must mean that it was nothing but gossip! Rising to his feet, he grasped Isabella’s hand as she set down The London Chronicle on the table before him.
“You must not be concerned. Whatever has been said, it will be dealt with as quickly as can be.”
Isabella blinked at him, confusion in her eyes.
“Whatever do you mean?”
“Something must have been written about you, yes?” he asked, gesturing to the paper. “That is why you have rushed through to tell me about it?”
Much to his surprise, Isabella laughed and then shook her head.
“No, no, not in the least! I have not been written about and I am in no way concerned about it, I assure you.”
