Mrs. Baillie’s portrait became a labor of enthusiasm and determination. It
progressed well, but what Letitia found even more enjoyable about the
sitting sessions was an opportunity to glimpse into Percy’s past. On the
fourth afternoon, she even risked bringing up the subject of her
predecessor. What was the first Lady Hanbury like?
“Maybe Sir Percival keeps her miniature somewhere in a drawer,” she
said with a quick glance toward her hostess while dabbing the brush into
the soft mounds of colors on the palette. “I do not understand why he sent
her portrait away if he really loves her so much.”
Mrs. Baillie’s eyebrows rose like two question marks, so Letitia quickly
turned to the canvas, glad the light draft coming through the terrace doors
blew a few strands of hair over her fac
