Chapter 10

Countess Matilda nodded, reading his mind. "You have a very attractive eye, sir. It is like you see me... unravel me. May I ask your profession?"

Young Normal leaped to his feet with his finger in the air. "Of course, My Lady." He rummaged amongst his bags and boxes and brought out a painting. "I'm a painter, milady." He hurried the tray of tea quirks and spread out his babies. A beautiful painting of a woman. An elegant portrait. The countess' eyes broadened at the resemblance, running her fingers lightly over the woman's cheek. The portrait of a young prostitute in the wharf tavern.

"You are an accomplished artist, sir. A talented artist I believe."

"Thank you. I am, my Lady." He flattened his canvas. "I could paint fast, and commandeer the light directly from a scene and paint it precisely onto this special canvas. It is my sincere wish that you might..."

"You wish to paint me for young sir?" The countess laughed, a peaceful sounding tone that caught her tongue b