Hearts Entwined (Victorian Love #3) - M.A. Nichols Page 0,88

self-taught.”

Mina flipped to the next page and shook her head at the painting of a pasture that somehow captured the place with such accuracy that Mina knew precisely where it was, yet with an interpretation that infused the scene with the artist’s own sentiment. If pressed, Mina could not say for certain what it was about the painting that elicited such longing in her heart, but there was no denying that the image was steeped in it.

Posing a few questions, Mina prompted Miss Banfield to discuss her artwork, and soon the conversation meandered around the subject. The colors and paintbrushes used. Their favorite paper and the strengths and weaknesses of each type. The technique behind certain strokes.

While Miss Banfield spoke, Mina searched for those subtle signs of duplicity that whispered a warning to any who chose to listen. But she found nothing to give her any sense of unease. Within minutes of meeting Miss Banfield’s mother, Mina had known her character. Perhaps not the intricacies but enough.

Simon said little whilst the two ladies spoke, but when Mina met his gaze, she saw much of the same surprise she felt.

“The light is so lovely this afternoon. Perhaps I should send for my things and paint,” said Mina. “Would you care to join me?”

Miss Banfield’s brows rose. “You wish to paint with me?”

Mina might’ve been amused by the surprise in the young lady’s expression and tone, but given her cold reception, Miss Banfield had plenty of reasons to question the invitation.

“It’s not often I have someone around who enjoys painting as I do,” said Mina. “And I would appreciate the opportunity to learn some of those techniques you mentioned—if you’d like to show me.”

Miss Banfield straightened, slanting a look in Oliver’s direction, though Mina saw the pleasure shining in her gaze. “If you wish me to, I would be honored.”

Chapter 31

Standing before her bedchamber mirror, Sophie turned to examine her gown, though her thoughts were far from the image. She ran her hands across her skirts, primped her hair, and straightened her necklace and earrings as energy buzzed through her veins like bees. Sophie could not think of another time when a ball had induced such giddiness, but then no other ball had held the promise of an evening with Mr. Kingsley.

Her thoughts conjured images of their first ball together, and Sophie fairly floated out of her slippers at the chance to capture that magic once more. A ball with Mr. Kingsley.

The strains of a waltz tickled her lips, and she hummed the tune, stepping up to her invisible partner before whisking into a dance. It was a monstrously juvenile thing for her to do, but a burble of laughter attested to the fact that Sophie did not care. No one in her situation could feel anything but exultant, and indulging in a few girlish fantasies was her right as the lovesick fool she was.

The door opened, and Sophie dropped her arms and halted before the intruder witnessed her ridiculous behavior, but no amount of self-control could wipe the grin from her face.

“You are in a good mood,” said Mama, adjusting her earrings as she strode into the bedchamber. “I don’t know if I’ve ever seen you this excited for a ball.”

Sophie gave a vague wave and turned back to the mirror. “I’ve never had reason before.”

Mama came to stand behind her with a delicate smile. “You do seem quite happy with your Mr. Kingsley.”

A blush stole across Sophie’s cheeks at Mama’s declaration, but she would not deny that she was quite happy and that Mr. Kingsley was “hers” as much as she was “his.”

Mama turned her gaze to Sophie’s gown and her brows pinched, her eyes filling with concern. “Why are you not ready?”

Blinking at Mama, Sophie ran her hands along her silk skirts and gave her gown another glance. “I am.”

Pulling Sophie away from the mirror, Mama circled her, taking in every aspect of her gown and coiffure. “Do you feel so secure in his affection that you needn’t make an effort?”

Sophie patted at the side of her chignon and fiddled with her necklace. “I thought I had.”

Mama’s frown deepened. Sophie’s heart sank, but when Mama met her daughter’s gaze, the lady waved her words away with an apology. “I didn’t mean to upset you, my dear. I can see you attempted to pretty yourself up a bit, but you don’t seem to grasp the importance of looking your best.”

Mama’s light eyes filled with concern as she took Sophie by