Gavandon, Warwickshire is the country home of Lord Rothvale IX, who if you might recall, is a founding member of the National Gallery we talked about before, a greatly respected politician in the upper house, and also a patron of the arts in word and deed. He has gifted many personal works to the Gallery over the years since its founding in the year of our lord, eighteen and twenty-four.

The Rothvales have since retired to their country estate in Ireland at Belfast. It is not expected that they shall ever live permanently in England again, preferring instead to live out their remaining days in peace and tranquility in that country, in reflection of a long and productive life as a public servant to the crown. Sir Tristan Mallerton is long associated with the Rothvales, being as close as any family member of blood would be, having lived with or near to them for most of his life. He was charged with the closure of their estate at Warwickshire and was in the process of preparing to move some works of art from Gavandon House for shipment to the Rothvales in Ireland. One painting he showed to me held great personal sentimentality to Lord and Lady Rothvale, who were so beloved of the work individually, which spoke to their desire to have it for the walls of their home in Ireland rather than left behind in Warwickshire.

Augusta, I must describe for you this magical work of purest art and beauty—a priceless treasure that I cannot ever forget from my memories, no matter how long my life may be. It appears in my dreams still and calls to me all the time that I must paint my own version from this exquisite creation of colors and canvas. I will not do it now, of course, while Sir Tristan is still a living artist of legend. Having no wish to disrespect his great vision, I will wait until an appropriate time for presenting my simulacre of his resplendent conception to the world.