Tiffany Blues by M. J. Rose

Author:M. J. Rose
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Atria Books

14

That evening at dinner, the conversation flowed more freely, as the fellows had become more comfortable with one another. Oliver joined us, and even though he sat at the opposite end of the table from me, the few glances we shared helped me relax. The fluttering in my chest when our eyes met made me especially glad I’d decided to stay, despite my discomfort. I tried to convince myself that the malevolence I’d sensed in the studio was just a silly premonition born out of nerves.

After we finished a meal of lobster bisque, broiled trout almondine, and broccoli au gratin, the server came out with dessert: red velvet cake.

“I have an idea for what to do over smokes and brandy,” Minx said, after everyone was finished eating. “You all get settled in the library. I have to get something in the main house, and I’ll be back in a few minutes.” Minx came over to me. “I wanted to—”

But Edward approached us with a frown on his face and interrupted her. “Weren’t we going to take a walk?” he said to Minx in an annoyed tone.

Being the only two women in the group of men, we were getting more than our share of attention. Especially Minx, who was flirting outrageously with everyone. I’d noticed several times during dinner that Edward appeared put out by it.

“Well, then, walk with me to the house and back, you silly goose,” she said. “That’s a walk, isn’t it?”

“Would you like some brandy? I’m going to have some,” Oliver said, as he came around to where I was sitting.

I said I would, and we walked into the library together. He settled me in a wing chair by the window, and I watched him cross the room to the bar at the far end, his long, lean elegance hardly impeded by his limp.

Was it smart of me to take his attention seriously? After all, Minx and I were the only two women there. If Oliver wanted female company, it was either her or me, and she appeared to be taken. Also, there was Ben to consider. While we didn’t have any kind of understanding, I knew he wanted one.

Oliver came back with two snifters and sat down beside me. “Do you have any idea what Minx is up to?”

“No. She’s always full of surprises. Everyone says that’s part of her charm.”

“Not counting you, of course, she’s probably the most gifted artist here.” His kept his voice low so as not to be overheard. “She’ll have some competition for the prize but not much. Does she want it badly enough?”

His compliment took me by surprise and pleased me more than I could have guessed. Over the years, I had received quite a bit of praise for my paintings from my teachers, my mother, and my aunt. But since I’d started studying at the League, I’d received mostly criticism from my instructors and myself. I’d forgotten how good it felt to have my work admired.

“What do you mean? The prize itself or being an artist?”

“I meant the prize, but your question is intriguing.

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