A hill swept up to a copse of trees. Cutting from left to right, a small stream meandered across the hill, lending a natural composition to the painting that brought the eye back in to the centre. On the slopes, a flock of lambs and their mothers dotted the grass. ‘Perhaps we should consider a small flock?’

‘No. Three alone.’ Mr. Gilman hesitated. ‘I might ask for the number to change later, if circumstances warrant.’

Jane studied the painting, wondering what circumstances those would be. They discussed the terms, which Jane left to Vincent, as she still had no sense of what one should charge for projects such as this. With things settled, Jane and Vincent returned to the carriage, and thence back to Binché, promising to come again the next day to begin work in earnest.

After they had been an hour on the journey, Vincent shifted in his seat. ‘Jane, I was thinking. This project will require no under-painting, and the design is done for us. I can see no real reason for you to make the trip tomorrow, aside from keeping me company.’

‘I do not mind. There is little for me to do at the Chastains’.’

‘But the rigours of travel.’ He gestured in the general direction of her middle. ‘I do not wish to fatigue you unnecessarily.’

‘Two hours in a carriage hardly seems fatiguing.’

‘You are so often ill, though. Why add to that?’

‘The illness will happen whether I am at home or in motion.’ She took his arm and nestled against him. ‘Besides which, we are supposed to be on honeymoon. This way I am at least assured of four hours without the distraction of others.’

Vincent kissed the top of her head and rested his cheek against her. ‘Which raises another point. If you do not come, then I can take a horse, which is faster, or stay overnight. Either way, the project will proceed more quickly.’

Jane traced her finger around his hands, feeling the strength that lay there. ‘Vincent.’ She slid her hand into his and squeezed. ‘If you do not want me to come, it might be easier to simply say so.’

He was silent, and held very still. The creak of the carriage filled the space between them. Jane closed her eyes, regretting the impulse that had led her to speak. She had expected him to protest and proclaim that he needed her there, only feared for her, which would have let her tell him that he was being silly. Instead, there was only silence. Then he spoke. ‘I do not want you to come. Not every day. It seems senseless on such a simple project, especially when there is nothing which you can do. I would worry about you.’

‘Of course. I do not want to be a source of distraction while you are working.’