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“Blaire,” Margaret says. “I’ve been trying to catch you all afternoon.”

I smile. “You found me.”

She gestures toward the woman beside her.

“I want you to meet Evelyn Harrington.”

Evelyn extends her hand.

“I’ve heard a great deal about your work,” she says.

“Thank you,” I reply as we shake hands.

Margaret looks between us.

“Evelyn has a family collection with a few complications that may sound familiar.”

Evelyn gives Margaret a dry look.

“That is a diplomatic way of putting it.”

I turn back to Evelyn.

“What kind of complications?” I ask.

“Private ownership, inherited works, and conflicting expectations among family members,” she says.

“Nothing I want discussed publicly.”

“I understand.”

Evelyn studies me for a moment.

“I heard about the Whitcombe project,” she says.

“I’d like to know whether your firm would consider taking on something similar.”

“Absolutely,” I reply.

I hand her my card.

“Call my office next week. We can set up a private consultation.”

Evelyn looks at the card, then back at me.

“I will.”

Margaret smiles.

“I thought the two of you should meet.”

“I’m glad you did,” I say.

The conversation moves on from there, and by the end of the week I have a small stack of cards, several follow-up notes, and more potential work than I expected when I arrived.

The final reception at the Pembrokes’ estate is scheduled for the following afternoon, and by then the gathering has shifted into a looser rhythm. Spouses and children are welcome, several of the collectors have brought family, and one of the advisors I’ve gotten to know during the week tells me I should bring Wells and Miles.

“There’ll be plenty of kids there,” she says. “Margaret always makes the last day more relaxed.”