Page 15 of Healing the Duke's Desires
He wasn’t deluding himself that somehow, magically, everything would be all right and he would be happy again.
No. On the contrary, he knew the following day and the exhibition would be difficult. They might open old wounds that he had been keeping under a lock and key. But this was good. As Mr. Stirling mentioned, it was time to start healing. Amelia wouldn’t mind him taking up painting again. She would actually be delighted to see that happen.
But as for another woman…a treacherous voice inside his head reminded him. He refused to think about Emily right now. He tried to focus on Rose, on Amelia, and the exhibition. That would be more than enough to handle.
Chapter 9
Emily welcomed the distraction of the art exhibition, although she had agreed to attend mostly for Sarah’s sake, as she was the true artist of the family. Upon their arrival to the gallery, the young ladies were greeted by the sight of beautifully adorned halls decorated with rich tapestries and chandeliers that cast a soft and warm glow over the displayed artwork.
There were elaborate floral arrangements gracing the corners, and Emily enjoyed the scent of fresh blooms.
As for the paintings themselves, they were meticulously hung on the walls, each portraying a different landscape, capturing the beauty of the countryside with nothing but the artist’s imagination flowing into his or her brush.
Soft music played by a string quartet filled the silence with pleasing melodies, quiet enough to allow introspection and conversation regarding the art. Overall, every part seemed to bring together the whole that was the art exhibit, enhancing the overall experience for the guests.
Sarah stopped abruptly, pulling Emily to a halt as well. They were standing in front of a painting that depicted a serene countryside scene, with rolling hills, lush green meadows, and a gentle stream that seemed to wind its way throughout the entire canvas.
“Oh, Emily, isn’t it wonderful?” Sarah gushed, her eyes filled with awe. “Why, it is absolutely breathtaking. I feel like I could step right inside this painting and get lost in those fields.”
Emily nodded in agreement. She also liked this particular one, as her gaze lingered on the delicate brushstrokes that brought the scenery to life. That was always her trouble. She focused on the technique, so that her imagination felt somehow stifled, and she could never create on the canvas what her mind had conjured up.
Eventually, Emily realized that painting was not her forte. But she could still appreciate both the painting as well as the technique that brought it to life.
“Indeed,” she agreed. “It is remarkable. The artist really has a keen eye for detail and a mastery of light and shade.”
“Oh, I wish I would reach that level of skill one day,” Sarah said hopefully.
“I am absolutely certain you will,” Emily reassured her. “You are already so good.”
“You are my sister,” Sarah teased. “You have to say that.”
“No, no,” Emily replied. “I don’t remember signing anywhere where it stated that the older sister is obliged to say certain things to the younger one.”
“But you have to, because—”
“Oh, I can absolutely vouch for that.”
Someone’s voice came from behind them and interrupted them. Both ladies turned around at the same time, and much to their surprise, they realized it was Sarah’s object of hidden affection.
“Mr. Wilcott!” Sarah exclaimed so loudly that a few ladies next to them turned in surprise. “Sorry about that.” She blushed.
Henry smiled. “No need to apologize. Who wouldn’t want to be greeted so joyfully?”
Emily could tell that Henry liked Sarah as much as she liked him. Perhaps even more. And this filled her with hope. At least one of them would have the life they dreamed of. She would make sure of that.
“Actually, I should be the one apologizing, because I cut into your conversation,” he continued. “But I just wanted to say that I agree. I have an older brother and he takes much joy in telling me when I’m not doing something right.” All three chuckled at this. It was obvious that he didn’t say it with any bad intention, but rather to amuse them. “In his defense, he always shows me what it is I am doing wrong and how to correct it.”
“Older siblings are a blessing,” Sarah said, stealing a glance at Emily, then gazing lovingly at Henry once more. Emily could see she was the odd one out here, but she didn’t want to make it seem obvious by excusing herself right away. Slowly, she would fall behind, giving them some privacy to talk.
“They are,” Henry could agree wholeheartedly on this one. “Have you two just arrived?”
“Why, yes.” Sarah nodded quickly, every fiber of her being focused on him. “Yes, we have.”
Her infatuation was so obvious that Emily wanted to chuckle loudly again. But this might make both Sarah and Henry feel self-conscious, and that was the last thing she wanted to do. Watching two innocent hearts fall in love with each other so effortlessly was such a beautiful sight.
“Then I take it you haven’t gone to the west wing yet?” Henry inquired politely. “There is a lovely painting there that I would like to show you.”
Emily could tell that this invitation was meant for Sarah, but courtesy demanded of him to extend it to them both. Still, she knew better than to stand in the way of something that would bring them both so much joy. Although she was supposed to be the chaperone, she came up with a good excuse to leave them alone for a little while, seeing that there were so many people present and they would not be alone.
