“But I do know about love.” Teddy screwed up his mouth. “I’ve learnt from Harriet.”
“And who’s Harriet?”
“A kind of princess.”
“Pooh!” His father turned to Dearie. “What d’you think of ‘A Garden Enclosed Is My Sister’’?”
Dearie kissed his hand. “Splendid! But does the lady expect to be painted like that?”
He shrugged his shoulders. “I don’t know and I don’t care. I’m not telling her.”
The violet eyes met his. “Dear old glorious Impractical. Perhaps she’s like Jane and’ll want her love in trousers.” Jimmie wagged his head from side to side in negation. “If I’m any judge of character, she isn’t easily shocked.” He rose and stood staring out of the window. His shadow blotted out the bar of sunlight and lay across her breast He turned. “This light’s too good to lose. I must get back to my work.”
She clung to his lips. Until he had completely vanished her eyes followed.
“Teddy, is she beautiful?” Her whisper came sharply. “The most beautiful—after you, mother, she’s the most beautiful person in the world.”
She closed her eyes and smiled. “After me! I’m glad you put me first.” She stretched out her hand and drew him to her. “Now I’m ill, he’s lonely. He’s got no one to care for him. Don’t let him be by himself.”