
Passing on the Paintbrush
Amelia dipped a deep curtsy. “Madam, excuse me for the intrusion but the Marquess asked if you would be attending the dinner party this—”
Marchioness Catherine scrunched up her face and wiped her yellowed paintbrush down her lace blouse. “It depends on how long the guests keep me talking, Amelia: they’re terribly unreserved. If I am occupied, he must endure without me. Certainly, Mrs. Turner can take on this job?”
Amelia withheld a laugh from escaping her lips. The thought of the prickly still-room maid chatting with illustrious people whilst the Marchioness amused her imaginary ‘guests’ in the garden became almost too much to contain.
Lady Catherine billowed her paintbrush around a wet yellow stain on her canvas, intended to resemble an intricate peony with a bee buzzing around its succulence on the other side of an open window’s nearby bush.
“Lord William tells me that even Queen Victoria is fond of my work …”
The sun always shone on her wealth, her privilege; it made her painting that much more exquisite.
These flowers of hers were symbolic of new beginnings, fresh starts, and clean slates… Luck, mayhap these will also bring her some, in times such as these…
A twelvemonth has passed since the carriage upended, leaving Lady Catherine feeble minded. After the debate it had been decided that the Marchioness would be admitted to the bedlam – rendering the wealthy Lord William entirely free: as Amelia had planned that day as she loosened the lynch pin from the carriage wheel.
Every Friday she leaves some yellow peonies on Catherine’s mantelshelf. Lord William will comment that they are picture perfect, that they are beautiful. He always passes her a paintbrush. And she always buzzes around the canvas, basking in the succulence of all but guaranteed wealth to come.
Comments without a personalized avatar will not be published.
To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleAnother great story, Melissa, and another great photo! Did you make a painting and then take a picture of it? I am in awe of the fact that all your pictures are original photos. You are so talented. Poor Lady Catherine – in her eyes, her paintings are exquisite! That’s not really a bad thing, though, is it? Great writing.
Thank you, Juma! Yes, this would be one of my paintings, or at least half of it. It hangs in my kitchen. Catherine had no idea what was coming her way…I do believe Amelia and her quickness to take that paintbrush, furthermore shoving her way into Catherine’s shoes, forbodes bad things coming to her!
Poor Lady Catherine! I do hope the dastardly Amelia gets her comeuppance! Hopefully, Lord William will not succumb to her charms! Nicely told, Melissa.
Comments without a personalized avatar will not be published.
To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleI appreciate your comment, Linda! I tend to believe that Lord William is not so innocent in all of this. The two may just deserve one another after all!
Great intriguing story, Melissa. Amelia was so conniving. I liked your unexpected twist at the end.
Thanks Margarida!
Comments without a personalized avatar will not be published.
To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleThe scandal! The intrigue! Poor Lady Catherine! I hope Amelia gets some karma headed her way!
An entertaining story, I hope we hear more!
Thanks Emily! Amelia certainly deserves a heaping spoonful of karma. I had fun writing this one!
What a conniving person Amelia is! While reading this, I got the impression that Lord William is in favor of how things stand. Poor Lady Catherine. This story was very captivating and I hope to read more!
Comments without a personalized avatar will not be published.
To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleLord William is most certainly in favor of how things stand, Marianna. He is just as guilty as Amelia! Thank you for your kind comment. I hope to expand on this story in the near future!
Your story is intriguing yet very entertaining story, Melissa. Nice work.
Thank you, Lotchie.
Comments without a personalized avatar will not be published.
To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleYou are most welcome.
We are thrown right into the consequences of a very evil conspiracy, Melissa. Your story is very well told and leaves us speculating what will come out of this. I understand that you want to develop it further to see what happens to the people involved. I’m sure you already have some plans for Amelia and Lord William.
Thank you for your comment, Christer. I have put more thought into Amelia and Lord William! I just happen to have my finger in too many pies at the moment. I hope to get back to them soon!
Comments without a personalized avatar will not be published.
To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleIntriguing story, Melissa, and I’ll add my wish to read more! Hopefully, what goes around comes around and Lord William and Amelia will have to keep watching over their shoulders!
Thank you, Sandra! They definitely are deserving of some comeuppances!