“Bless me, miss, what have you got there?”
“I was hoping you would be able to tell me that, Jess,” replied Davina breathlessly. She turned the frame round so that the painting was visible and propped it up on the chaiselongue. “There!” she said triumphantly, gesturing for Jess to look. “Isn’t she beautiful?”
When Jess did not reply, Davina turned to look at her in surprise. Jess’s face was set grimly and her eyes had narrowed.
“I’ve seen better,” she muttered.
Davina put her head on one side. “But – do you know who she is?”
“I can give a fair guess, miss.”
“So – who is she, Jess?”
Jess suddenly looked uncomfortable. “Can’t say, miss.”
“Can’t or won’t?” asked Davina, raising an eyebrow.
Jess pursed her lips and stared at the floor.
“Well,” shrugged Davina after a pause, “even if s
