Previews Dangerous Echoes by Mai Griffin | Page 15

Mai Griffin
3 – Clarrie
Halfway through March Clarrie also had a telephone call,
from an old client, which would bring about a disturbance
in her life. Some years ago, she had painted several
pictures for Emily Grant’s family. The first was a portrait
of their child, which Clarrie set in the garden. So
impressed was Mr Grant by the background that he asked
for a picture of the house itself, from the front approach.
His brothers saw the painting and also had their
properties immortalised in oils.
Clarrie hardly expected more commissions from Mrs
Grant but was pleased to hear that her pictures were still
proudly displayed and were often admired.
“I know how busy you always are,” Emily said, “but I
took the liberty of mentioning you to a neighbour of mine.
Miss Matthews has left her home in Wales to come to a
smaller house. She misses the old place so much, that I
suggested she should ask you to do a picture of it, before
it’s sold.” Clarrie immediately remembered another Welsh
cottage she had painted and the terrifying situation in
which that had landed her... She gave a slight inward
shudder.
Sensing her hesitation Emily added, “She is certainly
very impressed by the work you did for me. Could you
come over for lunch one day to meet her?”
Recovering quickly – after all, she had enjoyed the
greater part of her holiday in Wales and the cottage
painting turned out to be her best ever – Clarrie said she
would be pleased to talk to Miss Matthews and would bring
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