Portraits of Pemberley by Carrie Mollenkopf

Author:Carrie Mollenkopf [Mollenkopf, Carrie]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2019-10-18T04:00:00+00:00

~Nineteen~

Pemberley… that same week.

Thomas Linder moved his easel from one location to the next, critically assessing the light that poured through the conservatory windows. At any other time, he would have relished this opportunity to not only paint a very lovely and generous patroness, but also enjoy the luxury of a house like Pemberley. Having grown up in the shadow of grand estates, his parents, Mother a former governess, and Father the local schoolmaster, had given him a fine education, but little in the way of fortune. However, this combination had only served to deepen his appreciation for all aspects of art. Upon his arrival, Thomas had marveled at the architecture of Pemberley. It was as if each detail, down to the most insignificant trimming, had been chosen with exquisite care. As a result, the effect was one of majestic perfection. Even the gardens were landscaped to compliment the features of the house. His stay, however temporary, was a dream fulfilled. Only the harsh orders of his employer marred the experience. For this was no simple commission, he, Thomas Linder, had become a traitor to his calling. His fall from grace would be complete with this assignment, but Matthew Jennings was not a man to be crossed. Before leaving London, the curator had given him a stern warning.

“I shall be checking up on you in a few weeks. By then you should have taken stock of Pemberley’s paintings. As I have not been there in some years, the collection surely will have grown. Remember, the Renaissance works fetch the best prices, it is those upon which you are to focus.”

Thomas had only nodded. Indeed, he did not want to end up like the others. When Jennings had discovered that his regular movers had quit him in favor of another, it had not gone well. Jaimie and Reg had never made it to their merchant ship, but had been discovered by the river police a week later. Their remains, having been tossed about in the turbulent tides of the Thames, were hardly recognizable, but the deep gash across both men’s throats bore evidence of deaths that were not accidental. Touching his own intact neck, Linder had swallowed heavily and remained silent. Yes, he would obey, even though his soul cried out in protest.

Now, as he arranged the designated studio, Thomas did his best to put the incident out of his mind and focus on the task at hand. The Darcys had been extremely hospitable in their offer. A suite of rooms, entirely for his personal use, had been made ready upon his arrival. This was a stark change from his previous assignment. Never could two households be more different in atmosphere. Thomas would not have ever believed that Lady Catherine de Bourgh was the aunt of the present Mr. Darcy. Having spent nearly six weeks at Rosings Park, he had been more than ready to return to London, or anywhere away from that harridan. His commission had been to paint the old woman’s daughter.

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