Shades of Milk and Honey Read online

  “I will.”

  His eyes creased in a smile, and he bent down to kiss her with gentle lips.

  In the hall below them, Mr. Ellsworth cleared his throat.

  Vincent straightened, turning a remarkable red. “Ah.” He almost levitated out of her bedchamber with embarrassment. “Mr. Ellsworth. Your daughter was just shewing me her glamural.”

  “Yes . . . I see that. We were wondering if there were any answers to any questions?” Mr. Ellsworth had his thumbs tucked into his waistcoat, and looked far too innocent for his own good.

  “Yes, sir.” Vincent took Jane’s hand and led her down the stairs. Mr. Ellsworth beamed when he saw them holding hands. Suddenly, Vincent stopped on the stairs. “Wait. I forgot this.” He fumbled in his pocket and produced a ring set with a sapphire and ringed with black pearls. The dainty thing looked lost in his strong hands.

  Jane trembled as he slipped it on her finger. His face was bright with unspoken sentiment, and Jane lost herself in his gaze. He raised his eyebrows, sighed, and nodded his head toward where her father waited at the foot of the stairs.

  She laughed and followed Vincent down the stairs. Mr. Ellsworth stood with his back carefully to them until they arrived. “Well? Where will you be living?”

  Jane squeezed her betrothed’s hand and lifted her chin. “We shall be traveling where his work calls him.”

  Mr. Ellsworth laughed and punched Vincent on the arm. “See, I told you she would not let you give it up. My daughter is too clever to stop a talent such as yours.” He turned to the drawing room. “Come. Melody and Virginia are standing at the door listening. I do not want to strain their ears.”

  The evening passed in merriment, though Mrs. Ellsworth could not stop proclaiming her astonishment. When the lovers parted for the night, Jane’s heart left Long Parkmead with Mr. Vincent Hamilton, but she was not separated from it for long.

  Denying her mother the excitement of a lavish wedding, Jane prevailed on her father to grant her a small private one. She and Vincent were married by Mr. Prater on the Friday after his proposal.

  Jane packed her trousseau and traveled with Vincent, working at his side to create glamurals. Such were their combined abilities that they came to the notice of the Prince Regent and worked a commission for him which inextricably linked the Vincents’ name to good taste.

  In turn, their frequent visits to the great houses led to Melody finding a love as true as the Vincents’ was for each other. With this marriage, all of Mrs. Ellsworth’s desires for spectacle were met as Jane and Vincent created the wedding glamour for Melody.

  And Mr. Ellsworth, who desired nothing more than to see his two daughters happily wed, lived to enjoy his grandchildren, whom he took on rambles through the maze at Long Parkmead and fed strawberries to and spoiled as much as he was allowed.

  Though the Vincents’ latter career might seem strange for a pair of glamourists, its path led them always in pursuit of perfection. In that way, they created their own paradise through their works of artistry and passion. But those details belong in other volumes. All that is required for an understanding of their love is this small scene from their declining years.

  When asked by a young glamourist for advice, Jane looked at the now white-haired Vincent and smiled. “Find your muse. After that, all else will follow. Meanwhile, your technique on weaving folds could use some refinement.”

  Vincent looked up. His eyes twinkled in their map of lines. He mouthed, “Muse.”

  Jane pursed her lips to hide her smile. She was content with her role; she had a muse of her own.

  Acknowledgments

  Allow me first to acknowledge the enormous debt I owe to Jane Austen, who not only inspired this novel but has taught me much about the importance of small details. My husband, Robert Kowal, deserves much praise for his patience and encouragement. He is my Mr. Vincent.

  I would be remiss if I did not thank my first readers: Michael Livingston (yes, that’s where Captain Livingston got his name), Emily De Cola, Jenny Rae Rappaport, Federica Regec, Mary Claire Brooks, Eve Celsi, Elizabeth McCoy, Julie Wright, and Julia Thorne.

  Special thanks to Aliette de Bodard, who came up with the French terms for the various glamours. Laura Boyle from Austentation.com, as well as Keith Dansey of the Hat Works Museum, who patiently helped me with Regency hat questions.

  Then there are the friends and family who have supported me and whose names might seem familiar to you: Spencer Ellsworth, Suzanne Vincent, Edmund Schubert, Ken Scholes, Joy Marchand, Nancy Fulda, Will McIntosh, Brad Beaulieu, Livia Llewellyn, Lon Prater, Elise Tobler, Laurel Amberdine, George Sewell, and Alethea Kontis.

  I shall close by thanking the wonderful people most directly responsible for this book’s presence in your hands: my agent, Jennifer Jackson; my editor, Liz Gorinsky; my copy editor, Deanna Hoak; the book designer, Nicola Ferguson; and the jacket designer, Terry Rohrbach of Base Art Co.

  Thank you for your time and attention. May you find your muse.