Page 2 of Painted with Love

Elizabeth looked at the shop’s name and noticed it was a pawnbroker’s. She looked closer at the portrait, drawing Mrs Gardiner’s attention.

“What is it, Lizzy?” Soon enough, the lady recognised it herself and said with equal puzzlement, “That looks very much like Mr Wickham, does it not?”

“It does. The likeliness is so strong that we cannot be mistaken. That is certainly Mr Wickham. What could his portrait be doing here?”

“Would you like to enter and enquire?”

“Actually, I would, Aunt, if it is not too much trouble for you.”

“Not at all, my dear. In fact, I am curious too.”

They entered, and a man of middle age welcomed them.

“How may I help you, ladies?”

“Sir, actually my husband has a business at the end of this street. You may know him — Mr Gardiner. His partner is a Mr Gill. And this is my niece, Miss Bennet.”

“Of course I know them. How lovely to meet you, Mrs Gardiner. I am Mr Backer. I own this shop.”

“The pleasure is mine, sir. I have a question, if we are allowed to ask. There is a portrait in the window — a miniature. That one,” she pointed out.

“Yes…”

“We happen to know that gentleman, and we wondered why his portrait might be there. If you would not mind telling us.”

Mr Backer immediately frowned.

“You know him? How fortunate! If so, please be so kind as to tell him that if he does not come and pay for his items, I shall sell them. He said he would return in a fortnight, but that was two months ago. He insisted that the objects were very valuable to him, but he needed some urgent funds. He begged me to keep them until he returned, but I have not heard from him since. This is not how I run my business.”

“So, the gentleman in the picture left it here?” Elizabeth asked.

“Yes. His name is George Wickham, is it not? He said he is an officer.”

“Yes, that is his name,” Elizabeth confirmed.

“He did not leave only the picture. He left a pocket watch, which is a classic piece of craftsmanship and solid gold. It was kept in a velvet-lined box containing several miniatures. He asked me to take the entire box, to keep it safe until he returned.”

“Mr Backer, may I…I know is an impertinence on my part and probably quite unusual, but may I look more closely at the watch and at the portraits?” Elizabeth asked.

“Miss, usually, I would not allow a customer to touch an object, unless he shows serious interest in buying it. But since you are Mr Gardiner’s niece, I shall make an exception. I trust you will not steal the watch and disappear, will you?” The man smiled.

“No, of course not!”

“I was only joking, Miss. Besides, since you said you know the man, I admit I hope for your assistance in persuading him come back for his belongings. I have already lost a lot of money by holding them for so long without compensation. The watch is an exceptional piece, and I could sell it easily if not for that inscription. I should have it removed first, but that would involve further cost. I deliberately placed his portraits in the window, hoping he or some acquaintance would see them and come to discuss the matter.”

“It turned out your plan worked, then. We promise to inform Mr Wickham of your request,” Mrs Gardiner said.

Mr Backer took the box, the watch, and three paintings — all of the same face — from the window, placing them on the counter, and Elizabeth looked at them, then touched them gently. She studied the miniatures one by one, and she felt a sharp pain in her chest when she read the same dedication on the back of each of them.

‘Painted with love for my beloved George. GD.’

The miniatures were also dated, in June and July of the previous year.

With her heart pounding, Elizabeth picked up the watch and opened it. Inside was a small miniature of a pretty young lady, and the inscription read,

‘From G to G, with all my love’.

Elizabeth’s fingers trembled, and she put down the watch. The chain made a strange sound as it fell onto the counter.