Page 60 of A Misguided Devotion

“Indeed, it is. I am confident I can finish Miss Barrington’s portrait tomorrow.”

“And then you will be leaving?”

He was about to agree when Mr Barrington cut in. “Don’t be in such a hurry to get rid of our resident artist, Jenkin. I hope to persuade him to paint another likeness—of Catherine.”

Kitty turned a deep shade of red. After sketching her today, the notion appealed to William even more than the last time it had been suggested, but he did not care for the implications of the request. That she was part of the family—or soon would be.

“I am certain Mr Merry has other commissions awaiting him.” Kitty glared at him as if daring him to contradict her.

Reluctant to let her down, he didn’t want to confess that he had not. Nor was he in a hurry to admit he painted for pleasure, not profit. A fact that Mr Barrington already knew.

Before William could come up with a credible answer that didn’t upset Kitty, the older man intervened.

“Don’t be shy, Catherine. I am sure Mr Merry would be delighted to paint you. Though talented, he is but a young artist setting out on his career. You must not expect him to have an order book to rival Mr Lawrence’s.”

“Unfortunately, it won’t be possible, sir. I have delayed my trip to Devon long enough, and I would not want to upset my sponsor.” Not that his grandmother was expecting him, but if he didn’t persuade her to fund him, he could be waiting years to study at the Royal Academy.

Kitty seemed to relax at his words.

“Then I wish you well,” said Mr Jenkin, holding out his hand. “May I be permitted to view the portrait before you leave? Perhaps tomorrow?”

“There is no point in calling then to see the picture,” said Miss Barrington. “We are going into Weymouth to buy bonnets. You won’t cry off from our trip in the morning, will you, Mr Merry? We are quite depending on you, and it can’t be delayed until Papa is free to take us, for you must perceive how badly Miss Lacey needs a new one?”

Poor Kitty flushed again as everyone stared at her black bonnet, which might have been handsome once, but was now worn with age. “I have no need—”

“Don’t forget I would like you to choose a hat too, Catherine,” said Mr Barrington. “You may charge it to my account.”

“You are most kind, but that won’t be necessary.”

William was encouraged by her words. Kitty did not wish to be beholden to the man, which implied she was going to refuse him. However, he feared it put her in a potentially embarrassing position, as he doubted she had enough money to pay for a new bonnet herself.

Perhaps it would be better if he refused to go. But that would only delay the inevitable, and she would be thrown back on Mr Barrington’s mercy. Besides, he had promised to take her to look for her father’s baptismal record before he left.

No, he would drive the ladies into Weymouth tomorrow and fulfil his promise. And if he could buy Kitty a new bonnet, so she need not be indebted to Mr Barrington, he would. It was the least an honorary brother could do.

Chapter 18

William helped the ladies into the carriage and took his place opposite Miss Barrington’s maid. He couldn’t stop grinning. Since first light, he had been working on the portrait, using the sketch he’d taken the previous day, and he had finally done it. After weeks of trying, he had reproduced the radiant expression that had captivated him. The result was all he had hoped for.

Kitty shot him a lopsided smile. “To judge from the look on your face, I assume you have finished the painting.”

“I have.”

“Oh! Why didn’t you say?” said Miss Barrington. “I would have liked to see it before I left.”

“I’m sorry. It wasn’t possible. You were eager to be on our way at ten, and I only completed it in time by skipping breakfast. You may come and look at it when we return.”

For a few moments, she stared blankly, as if her thoughts were elsewhere, but then she broke from her reverie, fluttering her eyelids and shooting him a dazzling smile. “Yes, of course. I can see it later. After our trip to town.”

“Will you submit it to the Royal Academy exhibition?” Kitty asked.

“That is my intention. I am confident Mr Barrington won’t object to having his daughter’s loveliness universally admired.”

Miss Barrington bit her lip. “Do you think so?”

“Without a doubt,” said Kitty, “but I’m certain it won’t just be your beauty that wins widespread approbation, but also Mr Merry’s skill as a portraitist.”

William was warmed by her praise. Maybe it was not presumptuous to believe his painting would be accepted by the Royal Academy. He would be taken seriously as an artist at last.