Chapter Thirty-Two
AMSTERDAM, 1629
The afternoon shadows were already lengthening when Gerda’s head appeared around the studio door following her sharp knock. ‘A gentleman be waiting in the great hall, Mistress.’
Clara looked up from her painting, surprised anyone was out after such a heavy snowfall, glancing at the accumulation on window ledges, and icicles hanging from the eaves. ‘Who is it?’ But she had already gone. ‘I suppose I shall have to go and find out for myself. That new girl’s a trial.’
‘She’s a quick worker according to Meg,’ Nico said.
Clara put down her brush. ‘Too quick.’
Hilde stood. ‘I’ll go for you.’
Clara smiled her gratitude. ‘Find out who it is and what he wants. And, if possible, can he come back another time?’ Clara gestured at her painting. ‘I’m already lat
