The Fortune-Hunters by Carola Dunn

Author:Carola Dunn [Dunn, Carola]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Romance, General, Fiction
ISBN: 9780373311637
Publisher: Harlequin Books
Published: 1991-12-15T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER TWELVE

"I warned you.” Laughing, Jessica looked up at Lord Ilfracombe. “The foreground is acceptably rendered, and the nearer part of the town most accurately detailed, but where everything begins to merge with distance I simply cannot do it justice."

"If nothing else, you win the prize for honesty. Miss Franklin.” He sighed. “I daresay I ought to take a look at the other young ladies’ efforts."

"Certainly you must.” She was flattered by the earl's unwillingness to leave her side. He had singled her out from the start of the expedition up Beechen Cliff, to the evident annoyance of Maria Crane and Annabel Forrester. And last night, at the assembly, he had vanished into the card room after a single dance with her.

"My lord!” Maria's patience was at an end. He rose politely from his seat on the bench as she approached, sketch book at the ready. “Here is my drawing for your appraisal."

Jessica also stood up, turning away from the view of the town to look back to where Mrs. Crane's picnic was set out invitingly in the shade of the beech trees, with the chaperons already seated at a folding table. As she started towards the array of rugs and hampers, Matthew came to meet her.

"I am judged and found wanting,” she told him.

"He hasn't seen the others yet. Let me see.” He took her sketch book and found the place. “Hmm, I daresay one could put a name to every street and a number to every house in the middle ground. But why have you drawn clouds in the sky? For once there's none to be seen."

"Those are hills, not clouds. Look, there are trees growing on them."

"Oh, I thought those were birds.” He grinned at her. “You take the first prize for architectural excellence, though. Come and have some cherries."

"I need something more substantial than that. Drawing birds and clouds is hard work.” She seated herself on a cushion and arranged her skirts.

"I'll bring you some cold chicken and veal and ham pie. Lemonade or cider?"

"Lemonade, if you please, kind sir."

While he was filling a plate for her, Jessica was joined by Nathan and Lucy, and then Lord Ilfracombe sat down on her other side.

"Who won, my lord?” she enquired.

"Miss Crane for superior perspective, Miss Barlow for shading. Miss Forrester for ... hmm, let me see."

Jessica laughed. “I can see that your talents must be most useful to the government, sir."

Matthew returned, accompanied by a hired waiter bearing a tray who took orders from the others.

"Have I taken your place, Walsingham?” Lord Ilfracombe asked blandly, but he made no effort to move.

Matthew, looking vexed, was forced to find a seat at some little distance, where Annabel Forrester, Kitty Barlow, and Lord Peter soon joined him. Though she enjoyed the earl's company, Jessica could not help glancing their way now and then. Mr. Walsingham appeared to be quickly consoled for his vexation, for Annabel's giggle and Kitty's merry laugh rang out often, and even Lord Peter was heard to utter a snort of amusement.

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