Chapter 240
Count Conwell spoke as if pleasantly surprised.
âI didnât expect you to bring young Emil to my gallery, Duchess. It seems you have begun supporting him in earnest.â
Count Conwell treated talented artists with the utmost respect regardless of their birth, but ordinary nobles almost never brought commoners as companions to such events.
They believed a companion reflected their own standing.
So what did it mean that she had brought Emil here?
âFor Emil to create better paintings, he needs to see and feel much. And Count Conwellâs famed discernment is known far and wide.â
âIt will certainly help young Emil. Even I could not help but admire his talent the moment I saw it.â
Count Conwell gazed at the exhibited paintings with an entranced look.
He never rented out his galleries lightly.
He loved art, which enriched the human soul, and took great pride in his own taste.
âBut⌠have you still not changed your mind about refusing to sell Emilâs paintings?â
As Count Conwell eyed Emil with apparent eagerness, Rebecca spoke softly, a sly curve forming at her lips.
âAs it happens, I have something to tell you regarding that.â
âOh, could it beâŚ!â
Ecstasy flickered in Count Conwellâs eyes, and Rebeccaâs smile deepened.
When she learned that a painter sponsored by House Bayern was to hold a solo exhibition in Count Conwellâs galleryâŚ
She remembered it then.
What she ought to do to restore her stained reputation.
There was someone who had dragged the honor of high nobility through the mud for two years with vulgar scandals, yet had begun recovering her status recently.
âShall we go somewhere quiet to speak for a moment?â
Nina Bayern.
Following in that womanâs footsteps wounded Rebeccaâs pride, but if people believed she was reclaiming her reputation by doing the very same thingâŚ
âIt might make her sick with jealousy.â
A sly gleam flashed across Rebeccaâs emerald eyes.
* * *
Ian looked around the gallery with keen interest.
âIt really was a good idea to come.â
He had a deep interest in painting, enough to win awards in school competitions.
He had been eagerly waiting for a solo exhibition from the painter his uncle was supporting.
He was glad it had been scheduled before vacation ended.
âYour Graces the Duke and Duchess, I am so glad you came!â
Holding Ninaâs hand and studying the paintings with curiosity, Ian turned at the unfamiliar voice.
A young man approached with a bright smile.
âItâs your first exhibition, of course we had to come. Did you think I wouldnât show up?â
From Ninaâs words, Ian realized this must be Henry Reginald, the star of todayâs event.
With brown hair, green eyes, and a gentle face, he was dressed handsomely, fitting his role as the dayâs protagonist.
Now he understood how even someone as meticulous as his uncle could have âforgottenâ such an important schedule.
His auntâs eyes were practically dripping honey as she greeted Henry.
Seeing her give attention to someone other than himself or his uncle, Ian felt his lips twitch for reasons he could not name.
But only for a moment.
âHere. Take thââ
Just as Nina held out the bouquet she had brought, Ash smoothly intercepted it and handed it to Henry instead.
âTake it.â
Blink, blink.
Momentarily stunned, Henry accepted the bouquet carefully and bowed.
âAh⌠Yes, thank you.â
Ian scratched his head as he looked at the slightly bewildered protagonist, then noticed a small figure behind him.
He turned to Ash.
âUncle, Iâm going to the restroom for a moment.â
ââŚIâll take you.â
Ian smiled at Ash, who was still unable to take his eyes off Nina and Henry.
âI can go by myself. I can just ask the staff. You need to guard Aunt.â
âAre you certain you can go alone?â
âOf course. Itâd be terrible if someone my age couldnât even go to the restroom alone, Uncle.â
ââŚâŚâ
Ian waved to reassure him, then headed toward the only other kid in the room filled with adults.
He approached and asked,
âWhatâs your name?â
ReadingRainbow9266
Uh oh. Damn if Rebecca messes with the kid Iâm going to freak the hell out.