Chapter 35
SOLD. Catherine sat back in her chair. A dozen dizzying images flooded her mind as the note fluttered to the floor.
Have no concern, dear Lady St Clair.
I am off to seek my fortune in the fair city of Charleston, thanks to the kind patronage of a man who wishes to remain anonymous. In exchange, he has purchased my greatest work—
Lydia made a move to pick it up, but Catherine stayed her with a motion of her hand, shaking her head wildly. It cannot be true, it cannot be true, it cannot be true, ran the panicked recitation in her mind. The portrait, sold! All chance of happiness was over. With the portrait beyond her control, she would have to live with the fear of discovery forever. And if Jocelyn should chance to hear of it—
She rose suddenly. “I must go to see the captain.”
