‘I will be perfectly comfortable. It’s a nice room. And close to the school.’
‘You are very young, Jasmine. Twenty?’
‘Eighteen.’
Courbet’s eyebrows rose. ‘And your parents are happy for you to travel alone to a strange country? Most unusual.’
‘They’ve always encouraged me to be independent. I may be young but I’ve lived through a lot. The war. Being in different countries.’ She stopped, reluctant to tell him anything else about herself and her life.’
‘And you are here to study art?’ He looked puzzled. ‘Why?’
‘I love painting. It’s what I want to do.’
‘A pleasant hobby for a girl, but to take up a place in une grande école is not good.’ He tutted. ‘Being an artist is not a suitable role for a young woman. Women lack skill. Besides, you will marry soon and by accepting the place you h
