He loved too many as children. I managed to escape his particular interest in young girls.She would escape him now, too, and purposely not send her address to Élisabeth if and when she went to London. “He did.”
“You must come,” said Élisabeth. “Your skills are unique. And your talents with draftsmanship precise.”
Giselle had to give the man his due for advising her as a young girl. “He was very kind to humor a child of ten who wished to draw hiselaborate gardens.”
From Vaudreuil, Giselle had learned the necessity of precise measurements of eye, the necessity of perspective, and the wisdom of choice of complementary color and architectural form. But she would not see him. There was his reputation to deter her. But also part of her did not wish to return to the past, not out of courtesy, nor duty. Her life in France was gone. Her skills remained, and she would use them to her benefit and Britain’s. It was the only revenge she had against the likes of Vaillancourt, Fouché, and the memory of her dastardly husband.
Élisabeth was rattling on about Artois and Vaudreuil. “I also tell both gentlemen that they are much too advanced in years to wish for a portrait. An artist can do only so much to improve one’s looks. Especially men who have lived hard lives.” She lifted a polite finger and indicated the three ladies with her. “I would do well to paint the three of you! All ravishing women, friends who have suffered and also laughed together. Allow me to paint you!”
“Oh, Élisabeth,” Gus said. “We would be honored, but we cannot take up your time when so many others are so much more important, and they are your longtime friends.”
“Think nothing of it.” The lady sat back. “When do you return to London?”
“A week Saturday,” Amber told her. “Not enough time, I’m afraid.”
Giselle knew both Amber and Gus had come to keep their appointment with her here in Brighton. Their recent note to her this morning said they should meet at the house the two ladies rented tomorrow at ten.
“When I come to London,” the lady said, “I will call upon you and the three of you will name a time. Do not refuse me!”
Giselle stared into Amber’s green eyes. She had no idea when she would return to London. Plus, she definitely did not want her face onany work by the famed Élisabeth Le Brun. Sought after by Vaillancourt in France, Giselle wished to remain inconspicuous here in England. Preferably along the coast while she finished her work. After that, she would like to remain inconspicuous wherever she lived.
Gus checked Amber and Giselle’s faces. A flicker of defiance lived in her eyes. “Very well. We will try to find dates suitable.”
Giselle hid a smile. No dates were suitable for any of the three.
Élisabeth clutched her hands together. “Superb.”
“And then, Élisabeth,” Gus said with a wicked smile, “you must join us for a ball. Tomorrow night in the ballroom of the Old Ship Hotel.”
“Non! Non! I do not dance,mes amis.”
Amber laughed. “Come for the conversation, then!”
Élisabeth leaned forward. “Have you invited the prince regent?”
Amber chuckled. “Oui, we have. He may not dance, but he likes to pretend he can still command the floor.”
Élisabeth put a hand to her brow. “I fear the sight!”
“Don’t we all!”
“Please do come,” Gus told her.
“At that huge hotel on the beach?”
“Oui!”
“I will. I will.” Élisabeth waggled her brows like an impulsive French lady. “For the conversation only. Now, you will forgive me, as I must see to my other guests.”
When Élisabeth had gone off and was well involved with a few of her other guests, Giselle switched to English and said, “I am so happy to see you both.”
“And we to see you too, Giselle,” Gus said with concern in her eyes. “We saw you day before yesterday in the Lanes. Why did you not approach?”
Amber cocked her head. “Was it the presence of a certain gentleman?”
Giselle let out a breath. “Yes, it was.”
“He is charming and here on holiday.”
