“We came up with it together,” Andee insisted, “but the saffron drapes are all yours and they’re a stroke of genius, in the way they’re going to be there, but not there, so they take nothing away from the windows. Frankly, it’s going to give a whole new meaning to Georgian chic. We’re still searching for art, but Claudia has some wonderful ideas for the spaces she wants to fill.”

Claudia grimaced. “It’ll be a matter of finding the right shapes and sizes, colors, styles . . . Some art nouveau, others more classical. It’s going to be a big job, that’s for sure.”

“I might know someone who can help with that,” Dan informed her. “An artist who’s making a name for herself by creating bespoke works for clients.”

“You’re talking about Julie Forrest,” Andee came in excitedly. “Why on earth didn’t I think of her? She lives out in Mulgrove village? Yes, you guys should definitely meet,” she told Claudia. “She has the kind of vision that sets your head spinning, but in a good way. I didn’t realize you knew her, Dan.”

“We only met a couple of months ago,” he said. “She needed some help with a studio she’s buying, so the firm’s acting for her.” To Claudia, he said, “You’ll meet her at the ball on New Year’s Eve, if you’re going to be there. I’ll be happy to introduce you.”

Claudia’s smile didn’t falter in spite of the way her heart did. “That would be lovely. I’ll look forward to it,” she said, feeling the heat of her mother’s eyes on her.

They were both thinking the same thing, that it sounded as though Dan already had a partner for New Year’s Eve.

Chapter Eighteen

The days between Christmas and New Year passed quickly for Claudia. Although she joined a long hike over the moor on Boxing Day with Leanne and her family, she was so engrossed in the needs of the coach house now that she spent most of her time there. She sanded, stained, painted, plastered, polished, and always visualized: the Decorum sideboard could go here, the vintage chaise longue there, the sitting room would be a perfect home for the coffee table she’d created out of a door, the refectory table was going to need at least ten chairs.