“Kate’s right,” Sophie said. “I would normally agree with you that it would be better to start with something easier than—”
“Than this face?”
“—than a portrait of anyone. But considering how few days you have left... Here, I mean. We had better start soon.”
Still he hesitated.
Then Sophie added softly, “I would like to have a portrait of you, before you leave.”
He looked at her again, emotions flashing behind his eyes. Then he waved the notion away. “There is one hanging downstairs.”
“But it is several years out of date, painted when you were young.”
He smirked. “And I am ancient now, am I?”
“No, but you were only, what, twenty at the time?”
He nodded. “Father hired an artist to paint Wesley when he came of age. Had me sit for him at the same time, since the man came from a distance.”
“It is time for a new one.”
“I prefer the way my face looks in the old one,” he grumbled. “Remember me that way.”
“How can I, when I never knew that Stephen?”
She rarely used his Christian name, and he swiftly lifted his head at the sound.
“More’s the pity,” he said, then heaved a sigh. “Oh, very well. I give in. I should have known I never stood a chance with the two of you joining forces against me.” He sent Kate a mock scowl. “But not today. I have a meeting with the new estate manager, Mr. Boyle.”
“Tomorrow, then,” Kate said. “And while you’re at it, meet with your barber as well. You could use a haircut.”
“Thank you, Kate. You do wonders for my pride.”
“Have him trim your side-whiskers too,” Sophie suggested. “We want to see your face.”
“No you don’t.”
“Yes,” she insisted gently. “We do.”
At the appointed hour the next day, Captain Stephen Overtree took a deep breath and entered the schoolroom.
Sophie turned, her gaze sweeping over him and her mouth parted.
“Kate insisted I wear my dress uniform, but if you prefer, I can change.”
“No, it’s...” She hesitated. “I have never seen you in uniform. You look very handsome in it. And I like your hair shorter like that. Your side-whiskers too.”
His uniform was of fine scarlet with stand-up collar, gold epaulets, and yellow facings over light trousers and Hessian boots. He carried an ornamental dress sword in one hand, and a tall black hat with a plume under his arm.
“Please. Be seated.” She gestured toward a chair positioned in front of the easel.
Stephen sat. “Miss Blake came to call, so Kate is detained. She said to proceed and she will join us as soon as she is able.”
“Very well.”
She stood beside her tall stool near the easel for a moment, just looking at him. Uncomfortable under her intense scrutiny, he shifted.
“Turn your head, Captain. No, the other way.”
