Sunlight and Shadows

by Christine Cross

  Her eyes widened, but she smiled. “Do I? How very strange.”

  “We were just discussing the paintings here,” I informed him.

  “And I was telling the good sir that I didn’t believe this artist to be all that everyone thinks him to be.”

  “Truly?” Mr. Burk said, and it was his turn to be surprised. “I have never seen anything like it.”

  “I do enjoy the pieces, don’t think me as hard and unmovable as stone,” she replied. “And besides, we don’t even know who the artist is.”

  “The mystery is most intriguing,” I answered. “There is some sort of excitement in not knowing.”

  “I would like to know whose work I am praising,” Mr. Burk said. “But only so I could shake his hand and ask for a new portrait for my drawing room!”

  I laughed along with him.

  “Well, gentlemen, it is time I went to bid on my piece before I am unable to afford it,” she said.

  “Which piece are you bidding on?” I questioned.

  She pointed to the simplest of them all. It was a magnolia flower, bright pink and white against a dark green background, as if it had been plucked from a tree and laid to rest on the canvas.

  “It’s stunning.”

  She smiled. “I hear it is one of the Magnolia’s first pieces, and indeed the source of his pseudonym.”

  “That is the original?” Mr. Burk asked.

  “According to the seller, it is.” She smiled a wry smile. “Why the Magnolia would sell one of his first pieces like that is beyond me. Even still, I would like to add it to my own collection.” She looked over at it. “It is a beautiful piece.”

  And then, without so much as a backward glance, she made her way through the crowd to the painting.

  “Who was she?” Mr. Burk asked me.

  “I honestly have no idea,” I replied.

  “Did you not introduce yourself?”

  “I barely had a chance,” I replied. I watched as she approached the seller. He bent closer to hear her as she spoke, nodded, and smiled down at her. He touched her shoulder, and I was appalled.

  “Perhaps she knows him,” Mr. Burk said, noticing the gesture as well.

  “She must,” I answered. “How strange.”

  “She’s quite a mysterious woman,” Mr. Burk added.

  “Indeed she is.”

  “Darling, come over here, please!”

  Lady Burk called to us, and waved us over to where they stood in front of the painting of the brook. “I simply must have this piece to hang in the ballroom, beside the family portrait. Can you please go speak to the seller and tell him I will give him any price he asks for?”

  “Mother, do you truly think that is wise?” Mr. Burk asked.

  “Go ahead, son. We’ve discussed the matter,” Lord Burk added, and gestured to the man in the green tunic.

  My friend took a deep breath. “Very well, Mother. But don’t forget that I warned you when you can’t afford a new mare next spring.”

  She waved him along, and the two of us made our way to the seller.

  “Ah, hello there, gentlemen! Are you interested in any of these fine pieces by the extraordinary Magnolia?”

  “We are, sir,” and Mr. Burk repeated his mother’s instructions.

  “Very good, I will have to…” and then he looked at me, but more than just a passing glance.

  “Great Scott! Is my dear friend Lord Colborne standing before my very eyes?”

  I blinked twice and then shook my head. “I am indeed, sir,” I looked at him more closely. “My apologies, but have we met?”

  He laughed out loud, and his voice rang up and down the street. “Have we met, he asks. Of course! How is your wife and son? Heavens, you don’t look a day older than when I saw you last, and it has been…ten years? No, surely it hasn’t.” He looked at his shoes. “No, it has! My, how the time does fly.”

  I exchanged a confused glance with Mr. Burk. “My apologies once again, sir, but I believe you are referring to my father.”

  He looked closely at me once more, and then his eyes grew wide. “My, the resemblance is uncanny! You have his strikingly bright grey eyes.” He held out his hand to me. “Well, it appears I know your name, but you do not know mine. I am Lord William Blackmore, Earl of Maple Grove.” He bowed his head deeply, and smiled.

  I inclined my head in return. “I believe I have heard my father speak of a Lord Blackmore. It is a pleasure to meet you, my Lord.”

  He waved it off. “Pleasantries are so tiresome, especially with friends. How is your father?”

  “He fares well. He and my mother have retired to Cornwall, and are quite content there. I visit them often, but mother’s health took a turn for the worse last summer.”

  “Oh, how tragic,” he replied.

  I shook my head. “She has drastically improved since winter is over. I believe the salt air does her good.”

  “Well, that is fine news if I ever heard any. I must write to my old friend and share with him my splendid experience about meeting you!” Then his eyes grew wide once more.

  “One moment, gentlemen! Are you visiting? Or perhaps do you have residence in this fine city?”

  “We are visiting, good sir,” Mr. Burk answered.

  Lord Blackmore looked at him. “Oh, dear boy, I do apologize for my insolence! I was so excited to meet the son of my dear friend that I did not even ask after your name! How very rude of me.”

  “Think nothing of it,” Mr. Burk replied kindly. “I am Mr. Burk, son of Lord and Lady Burk.”

  “Ah, yes I am quite aware of the Burk family. Your uncle, does he live in Wales?”

  “He does indeed, sir.”

  “Indeed, indeed.” He smiled widely. “Gentlemen, let’s get you squared away with this beautiful piece, and then let me share an extraordinary offer with you! It’s the least I can do!”

  *****

  The offer that Lord Blackmore had for us was indeed an extraordinary one. After he helped Lady Burk purchase her new piece of art and safely wrap it for travel, he enthusiastically invited us to his estate that evening for an exclusive event.

  “I have been provided with the newest pieces painted by the Magnolia!” he said excitedly. “I have invited only the most influential families to this dinner party. You and they may be the first to witness this artist’s latest and most profound pieces!”

  “Such an accomplishment,” Lord Burk stated. “How were you able to attain them?”

  There was a twinkle in his eye, and he leaned closer to us all, whispering behind his hand to cover his mouth from onlookers. “I know the Magnolia personally.”

  We all had been shocked at his words, which were then followed by many questions. He answered none of them, only smiled at us and shook his head.

  “How do you know the Magnolia?” Mr. Burk asked.

  Lord Blackmore only smiled and replied, “I have known the Magnolia for quite some time.”

  “Do you intend to reveal who the Magnolia is at this event?” I asked.

  He shook his head once more. “The Magnolia has requested to remain anonymous for now.”

  “Will the Magnolia be there, at the party?” Mr. Burk inquired.

  A small smile spread across his face, saying more than words ever could. “It is possible the Magnolia will make an appearance. But I make no promises. Being an artist keeps one very busy, and the Magnolia enjoys a measure of privacy.”

  There had been no question about attending the night’s event, and as evening fell, we followed behind Lord Blackmore’s carriage in our own to their estate just a few short miles out of the city.

  The Blackmore manor was quite extraordinary. It was wide, with many windows, all alight in the evening air, and it appeared to go on and on over the hillside. A beautifully manicured garden surrounded the grounds, and a thick forest enveloped the land with a peaceful quiet and separation from the rest of the world.

  The elder Mr. Burk said, “Some say that the Blackmores have been consider
ed for knighthood, due to their many services to the crown.”

  “Knighthood? Where do you learn these things, father?” Mr. Burk asked. The carriage made its way up the long drive lined with holly trees, with ponds filled with swans lying just outside the light of the lampposts all the way up the drive.

  Lord Burk smiled. “My boy, it is a skill that you will pick up one day as well. You listen when important people speak, and ensure to remember as many details as you can.”

  Mr. Burk rolled his eyes and looked out the window. I smiled in spite of myself.

  I heard music in the night, subtle at first, but as we grew closer to the house, I could hear it more distinctly. It was many strings and a piano playing a relaxing and melodic piece that made me wish for a warm fire and a warm drink.

  We pulled around to the front of the house and we were met with quite a few footmen who were ready to help us, particularly Lady Burk, out of the carriage. It was remarkably bright for evening. Though Blackmore Manor was immense, it managed to feel intimate and comfortable.

  We were led up a whitewashed stone footpath to tall front doors made of solid cherry wood. The foyer was tall, visible up to three stories above, with open banisters looking down to the polished marble floors that we stood upon. There were people visible all the way up, leaning casually over the railings, speaking to their companions and enjoying the splendor of the evening.

  “I have never seen anything quite like this,” I said to Mr. Burk. “There are so many people, and this estate is far bigger than anything either of our families possesses.”

  Mr. Burk stared at a tall marble statue of a man and a cane. “The Earl really does seem to be rather exceptionally wealthy.”

  Even Lady and Lord Burk were stunned into silence, their eyes fixed ever upwards at the grandeur of the home. Lady Burk, all dressed in her finest satins and jewels, seemed to pale in comparison to some of the couples that walked past.

  “Can you believe this place?” she said, a wide smile on her face. It was as if she had found a place that she had always searched for, a place where she felt she truly belonged.

  They were led from the foyer into a grand ballroom. They stepped through the threshold and gazed down a wide staircase into a room with tall stained glass windows, a polished stone floor, and four golden chandeliers as large as carriages that hung from the ceiling adorned with murals of the English countryside. The colors were so lifelike, and it made me feel dizzy.

  “I must be imagining things,” Mr. Burk said over my shoulder. “But does that art style seem familiar?”

  “I was thinking the very same thing,” I said in reply. “Perhaps he commissioned the Magnolia to paint it before he became well known.” I looked at the attention to detail. “No doubt it’s the work of the Magnolia. I have never seen another like it.”

  The ballroom was not filled with dancing, merry couples as one might expect from such a grand night; instead, beautiful people in beautiful attire chatted amidst a selection of a dozen or so paintings, all set up neatly on easels. Each easel was draped with a crisp white cloth, covering the paintings from view.

  “Ah, my friends, I am so glad you could join us this evening,” said a voice from across the room. Lord Blackmore approached them with his arms open wide and a crystal goblet in his hand. His attire was far more formal this evening, his green tunic from the street exchanged for a luxurious tailcoat and shining shoes. His greying hair was adorned with a tall hat with a green ribbon. He looked far different than he did earlier.

  “Lord Blackmore, your home is absolutely astounding,” Lord Burk stated. He craned his neck up to gaze at the ceiling overhead. “It is simply magnificent.”

  “Why thank you! I take great pride in a home I can share with others!”

  “Do you often throw such lavish gatherings?” Lady Burk inquired.

  “Indeed I do, my lady! It is a great joy of mine to spend my evenings in the company of such fine people such as yourselves!”

  “An art showing is quite an uncommon event to hold at one’s home,” I noted. “But quite successful, as assumed by the number of guests that have come this evening.”

  “A bit out of the ordinary, perhaps, but I’ve never been one much for simple events such as balls or dinners. This seemed far more interesting to me. An evening of surprise and intrigue, as well as joy for my guests! There are few things I enjoy more.”

  He gestured behind himself at the paintings. “We will see the paintings after we enjoy a feast this evening. I can’t have my guests fainting from hunger pains!”

  “Lord Blackmore, I had a question for you,” I asked.

  “Yes, my boy!”

  “Your mural on the ceiling.” I pointed upwards. “Was that painted by the Magnolia as well?”

  “Such attention to detail! Your father was the very same way!” He smiled up at his ceiling. “The Magnolia was quite young when this piece was painted, and no longer sees this piece with as much adoration as previously. But the Magnolia has improved much since this was painted.”

  There was a tone of awe in his words that surprised me.

  “Well if you’ll excuse me, I must attend to the final dinner details!” And he excused himself with a nod of his head and a flick of his tailcoat.

  “Mr. Colborne, I believe I see someone you might be interested in speaking with.”

  I turned and saw a woman with dark hair and a pale pink dress, her hair pulled up in two plaits, adorned with flowers.

  She looked astoundingly beautiful.

  I walked over to the woman, and bowed my head. “Well, what a surprise it is to see you here this evening.”

  Her eyes grew wide when she saw me. “Oh my, if it isn’t the muse of the Magnolia.”

  “I beg your pardon?” I asked.

  She laughed, and it was a glorious sound indeed. “You struck me as a different man than the rest today. Your appreciation for the art seemed deeper somehow. Less about status and wealth, more of a love for the art itself.”

  I hesitated for a moment, but she continued speaking.

  “Art should be purely an expression of passion. It should represent something deep in us that we all share, and touch a part of our hearts that we had forgotten or loved deeply.” She gestured to all of the people in the room. “How many of these people simply want the art because everyone they know will praise them for it? How conceited might they be to lose sight of what the art means, not what it might do for them?”

  I stared at her. She spoke her mind quite freely, but I had no desire to stop her. It was refreshing to hear what she had to say, when it was something that I had thought in my very deepest heart about many of the people that I knew. People like Lady Burk, who simply wanted the very best and the very nicest in order to impress those around her.

  “I suppose you are correct, Miss.” I bowed my head once more. “You have read me correctly. I simply wish to have art that stirs something in me and causes me pause. Allow me to introduce myself. I am–”

  “Oh, I know who you are, Lord Colborne.”

  I blinked at her, and closed my mouth once I realized it had dropped open. “Well I am pleased that my reputation proceeds me.”

  She looked at me out of the corner of her eye, in a very cool manner.

  “And with whom do I have the pleasure of speaking?” I asked.

  She smiled and opened a black laced fan and held it up to her face, fanning herself gently. All I could see was her eyes.

  “You may call me Lady Blackmore.”

  “Blackmore? Does that mean that you are related to Lord Blackmore?”

  She closed her eyes, but I could see the remains of a smile on her face. “Indeed I am. His eldest daughter, in fact.”

  “That is most interesting.” My head tilted to the side. “And where is betrothed, Lady Blackmore? For I presume a lady of such stature must certainly have only the best of a future laid out for her.”

  Her fan hesitated for a moment, her eyes fixated on the crowd around the easel
s. “I am not betrothed, sir.”

  “Oh, my lady, my apologies for insinuating anything at all–”

  “It was tactless, yes. But do not fear. I appreciate your offer, sir, but I–”

  I gaped. “Lady Blackmore, I am most flattered that you believed my questions to be an interest, but I assure you, I simply was asking out of curiosity.” I felt very foolish. “Our fathers are dear friends, it seems. I simply sought to make conversation with you. I only assumed since you still continue to use your given name.”

  An uncomfortable silence fell between us. I was not quite sure how to regain some dignity and propriety in the conversation. Lady Blackmore simply waved her fan in front of her face, her green eyes almost unblinking as she watched the people in the room.

  How could that conversation have gone so terribly wrong? It had started so pleasant, discussing art and exchanging names. How did it end with an assumed proposal and a fumbled question on my part?

  “Lady Blackmore,” I attempted.

  “Yes, Lord Colborne?”

  “Were you able to obtain the magnolia painting today?”

  She lowered her fan. If there was any frustration in her heart, it wasn’t apparent on her face.

  “I was. Thank you for asking.”

  “Everyone! Esteemed guests! Please make your way up to the foyer and through the opposite door for dinner!”

  I looked over at Mr. Burk and his family, and then back over to where Lady Blackmore had been standing.

  But she had already started to make her way to the stairs without a glance back at me. I sighed heavily. I did not wish to make enemies with such an esteemed lady, especially when our fathers were friends.

  I picked my dignity up off the floor and made my way back to the Burk family, who then joined the flock of people making their way to the dining hall.

  It was a grand chamber. The table itself looked as if it was the length of a tree, carved and polished with great filigree detail along the sides and the bases. The chairs were all lined with silk cushions, and there must have been nearly a hundred of them. Fresh flowers in glass vases were placed at intervals on table, along with candelabras of silver that were lit and flickering.