Inside was a room filled with covered paintings and a few old, dusty furniture pieces.
“This is the gallery,” Christopher explained, leading her to a large, draped canvas at the far end of the room. “These are family portraits, some of them quite old.”
“Oh…”
Frances began to look around. She had not seen anything like it before. The room held years and years of memories of the Grant family. It felt like she was a part of history just by being here.
“There is one particular portrait I would like you to see.”
He pulled away the dust cover, revealing a portrait of his family. He was just a child, and so was Peter.
Frances gasped softly, her hand flying to her mouth as she took in the image. “Oh, you were so little. How come this portrait isn’t hanging outside?”
Christopher shrugged his shoulders. “You know why. When my mother and father separated, it became too painful for him to look at it. As such, he had it removed, and it has been hidden away since.”
Frances touched his shoulder gently, seeing how this was an emotional moment for him.
“In a way, this portrait represents the last time that my family was truly together,” he admitted softly. “We were never really much of a happy family, but in this painting, we pretended to be.”
Frances felt a surge of protectiveness towards him. It was clear that this was a painful memory for him, and she wanted to do something, anything that could make it better.
“I have an idea.”
Christopher looked at her, confused. “If you are suggesting that we hang the portrait and give it a new life, I will have to stop you right there…”
“No.” She shook her head. “How about a new portrait?”
“What do you mean?”
“We talk about moving forward and leaving things in the past. But one of the best ways to do that is to replace it with new memories. The spot above the mantel, where the former Duke’s portrait is hanging, it feels like it’s waiting for something—a new beginning.”
“What are you suggesting?” Christopher asked, his curiosity piqued.
“I’ve been thinking that we should have a family portrait made. Something that captures us as we are now, and what we’re building together. What do you think?”
Christopher pondered her suggestion for a long moment. “I think that’s a wonderful idea.”
“I think it is exactly what we need.” Frances smiled. “We are a true family now, and every family needs a portrait.”
“I do wish for your beauty to be captured for all eternity.” He smiled, touching the side of her face gently.
She laughed at his comment, shaking her head. He always knew the right thing to say.
“I think the children will find it fun to do, as well.”
“Sitting for a portrait?” Christopher laughed. “You misjudge how much of a long and boring task it is.”
“Good, then it will teach them patience. Which they could very well use…”
“Well, if this is what you want, then I can arrange for a well-known portrait artist who can come to the manor and start as soon as we’re ready.”
“I would love that,” Frances said softly. “Thank you, Christopher.”
* * *
A few days later, the estate buzzed with excitement. The renowned artist, Mr. Hawthorne, had arrived, traveling from Scotland where he now resided.
Frances had spent the entire morning ensuring that everything was perfect, from their attire to the setting where the portrait would be painted.
