Page 29 of Whispers from the Past

‘You think Tony’s gorgeous?’ Rose countered.

‘You don’t?’

Rose took a moment to reflect objectively on Tony. His short, close cropped blonde hair and blue eyes were nice. He obviously kept himself in shape, but he just didn’t make her heart flutter. Not like Luke, she realised with a groan.

‘What?’ Holly asked at the quiet outburst.

‘Nothing. Sorry. My mind wandered again. I mean, yes objectively he’s attractive. He’s a Frank Churchill. Everyone likes him, he is fun and attractive. But he’s no George Knightly or Henry Crawford.’

‘You’ve lost me completely. Who are those men you just mentioned? And should I know them?’

‘You, Holly, need an education in all things Austen. And if I can’t get you to read the books, you can at least watch Emma and Mansfield Park with me. Even your brother has started reading some Austen.’

‘I can’t have my brother outdoing me on this. Just tell me where and when. I’ll bring the popcorn and you can bring the films.’

‘You mean it?’

Holly nodded enthusiastically, ‘It’s a date’’

‘Another date? You’re quite the social butterfly,’ Luke’s deep voice made her jump.

‘Just because you never do anything, don’t mock the normal people,’ Holly admonished her brother.

‘I wasn’t mocking. Just stating the facts. Rose has been on a few dates lately.’

His tone of voice affected Rose more than she wanted it to. But it mostly irritated her. ‘Yes, Tony and I have spent a bit of time together. He’s been lovely - made me feel very welcome. Unlike some.’

Luke raised his eyebrows a fraction and just nodded as he walked away up the footpath.

‘Take no notice of him.’

‘I just don’t get him. We seemed to be getting on well and then he’s just so unfriendly.’

‘You enjoy your time with Tony. He doesn’t have to be your George Bertram.’

‘George Kings… nevermind.’

‘Tony’s fun and by the looks of it, you need some fun. See you at the raffle!’ she called as she jogged across the square back to the pub.

Chapter 11

🎵 Painter Song by Norah Jones 🎵

At 6:55pm Rose found herself walking into The Old School House with a definite air of excitement. With all the rush of the last few days, just sitting and sketching was just what she needed tonight. Susie had set her up with an easel to the left of her, and Rose smiled at the prospect of spending more time with her mother’s best friend. She really should have moved closer to her years ago. It wasn’t as if it made the pain of missing her mother go away, but it definitely dulled the pain. She felt a connection that had been missing for such a long time.

‘Rose darling, hurry up! Simon will be arriving any minute and he likes us all to be ready.’

‘You make me sound like a dictator,’ Simon’s soft voice made Rose jump as he arrived earlier than Susie had predicted

‘Well if the hat fits!’ Susie laughed off his admonition, and patted the seat next to her for Rose to come and sit down.

‘Your Aunt is a law unto herself,’ Simon whispered conspiringly.

‘Don’t I know it!’ Rose whispered back.

As she took her place next to Susie, Simon asked each of them to take out their chosen canvas size and the photograph that they would be using. He clicked his remote and the screen in front of them was filled once again with Shailaiman’s work. Rose unzipped her rucksack and pulled out the small rectangular canvas she had chosen and hunted around for the photo that had slid to the bottom of the bag.

‘We’re going to start today by creating a general outline in pencil, only drawing what you see. We can add extra details later, for now we just need the basics in place.’