Chapter Nineteen #2
“This is the arrangement which we hope that you will agree to. Study it yourself, or have your solicitor go over the details with you. We can meet in two days’ time and formalize our arrangement then if you are agreeable to our terms.”
Mr. Layton asked, “Once I do so, how long will it take to receive additional paintings from Lady Justina?”
“I brought two with us today, Mr. Layton,” she informed him. “Would you care to see them now?”
He broke out in a huge smile. “I would be delighted to view new pieces from J Fulton.”
Mr. Evans went outside and returned with a footman, who carried the paintings. They were wrapped to protect them, and Mr. Layton proceeded to tear away the wrapping. Justina could see he was moved by what he saw.
“Can you tell me what these are of?” he asked.
“This one is Lowther Castle. Previously, it was Lowther Hall,” she explained. “The first Earl of Lonsdale began building it five years ago. That is the River Lowther in the background, bordering it. The second is of Lake Windermere.”
Mr. Layton’s admiration for her work was obvious. His reverent gaze told Justina all she needed to know.
“I have been to the Lake District twice myself, and you capture the majesty of the area, my lady. I may have to purchase one of your paintings for myself, simply to hang it in my own home and admire it. When might you have others for me?” he asked eagerly.
“I brought half a dozen other canvases to town. I can have them delivered to you later today.”
Mr. Evans spoke up. “Lady Justina, I would prefer for all the contracts to be signed before you grant Mr. Layton possession of your paintings.”
She looked to Mr. Layton. “I know that gentlemen shake when they agree upon something. I would be happy to honor a handshake if you are willing to do so.”
He eagerly thrust out his hand, and she shook it.
“I already know where I will hang these two landscapes,” he told them. “These will sell, my lady. I cannot say if they will as swiftly as the others did, but I will find buyers for you.”
They arranged a time to meet the day after tomorrow, and they bid Mr. Layton farewell.
Inside the carriage, Justina said, “I believe that went well.”
“I agree,” Tray said. “But you almost gave Evans here an apoplexy when you decided to leave your paintings with Mr. Layton.”
“I trust Mr. Layton to be a man of his word,” she said. “Will you be drawing up the contracts today?” she asked Mr. Evans.
The solicitor told her he would do so and asked that they come a quarter-hour earlier than the time they had discussed with Mr. Layton, in case they needed to discuss anything in private, and she and Tray agreed to do so. They dropped Mr. Evans at his offices.
“Do you have any plans for the rest of today?” she asked Tray.
“No. I was thinking I might go to White’s and see who might be in town.”
“I am to see Madame Laurent and be measured for the upcoming Season this afternoon. Would you leave me at her shop?”
“How long do you anticipate being there?”
“I understand that I am to be there the entire afternoon. We are to look over designs and fabrics.”
“Then why don’t you leave me at White’s and take the carriage to your modiste? When you finish there, simply return for me. You can send in a footman and let Mr. Pollard know that my carriage has arrived.”
Justina did as Tray suggested, leaving him at his club and continuing on to Madame Laurent’s. Bessie met her, not only serving as her chaperone, but as a trusted friend.
They entered the shop, and the modiste warmly greeted her. “Ah, Lady Justina. It is an honor to finally meet you after dressing so many of the ladies in your family. I should not reveal this, but your family is amongst my favorite customers.”
“That is good to hear, Madame Laurent. The women in my family praise your creations. I look forward to being dressed by you for this upcoming Season.”
She turned and indicated Bessie. “This is Bessie, my lady’s maid. She has quite an eye for fashion herself and knows what flatters my figure and complexion.”
“It is always good to have another skilled eye,” Madame Laurent said. “The gown you are wearing today is most flattering, my lady, both in color and cut.”
“Mrs. Johnson, the dressmaker in our village, sews all my gowns. Every now and then, I present her with a sketch, and she made up this gown based upon one of those.”
“You have talent, my lady. Why, you could even turn into competition for me,” the modiste teased. “I thought the sketches you sent to me quite good. Let us measure you first and then talk about your wardrobe needs for the Season.”
They went to the rear of the shop, and Justina’s measurements were taken and recorded upon a card. They returned to a round table in the shop, which already had several bolts of cloth sitting upon it. They took a seat at the table.
Madame Laurent said, “This is the fabric I was considering for this gown.” She picked up a sketch Justina had sent.
A thrill shot through her. “Yes, this is exactly what I had in mind.”
Over the next several hours, the three women discussed the new wardrobe which would be made up for Justina.
The assistant brought bolt after bolt of material to them, with Madame Laurent making meticulous notes of what design to use with each choice of fabric.
Several times, Madame picked up her pencil and sketched something.
If Justina found it to her liking, she would agree.
A few times, however, she borrowed the pencil and drew something more to her taste.
When they finished, Madame said, “I think our collaboration will make you into my favorite client, my lady. If you ever decide you wish to turn your back on Polite Society and design gowns, simply let me know.”
She laughed. “Much as I have enjoyed these past few hours with you, Madame Laurent, I am already a painter.” With pride, she added, “I am represented by a Mr. Layton here in town.”
The modiste’s eyes lit up. “I know Mr. Layton. He has a pristine reputation. It is so good to hear that you are doing something worthwhile with your creative side. I will have to go to Mr. Layton and view some of your artwork.”
“Go quickly—else you might miss it,” she teased.
Justina and Bessie bid Madame Laurent farewell after scheduling an appointment for a fitting once she returned to town in early spring.
They rode home in silence. She was happy things had worked out well with Mr. Layton, and she had enjoyed giving her opinions to Madame Laurent regarding her new wardrobe.
Justina knew she should be the happiest she had ever been, yet she missed David Rochester terribly.
Hopefully, the distance she had put between them—as well as the length of time she would be away—would lessen her heartbreak.