In the hall below them, Mr. Ellsworth cleared his throat.

Vincent straightened, turning a remarkable red. “Ah.” He almost levitated out of her bedchamber with embarrassment. “Mr. Ellsworth. Your daughter was just shewing me her glamural.”

“Yes . . . I see that. We were wondering if there were any answers to any questions?” Mr. Ellsworth had his thumbs tucked into his waistcoat, and looked far too innocent for his own good.

“Yes, sir.” Vincent took Jane’s hand and led her down the stairs. Mr. Ellsworth beamed when he saw them holding hands. Suddenly, Vincent stopped on the stairs. “Wait. I forgot this.” He fumbled in his pocket and produced a ring set with a sapphire and ringed with black pearls. The dainty thing looked lost in his strong hands.

Jane trembled as he slipped it on her finger. His face was bright with unspoken sentiment, and Jane lost herself in his gaze. He raised his eyebrows, sighed, and nodded his head toward where her father waited at the foot of the stairs.

She laughed and followed Vincent down the stairs. Mr. Ellsworth stood with his back carefully to them until they arrived. “Well? Where will you be living?”

Jane squeezed her betrothed’s hand and lifted her chin. “We shall be traveling where his work calls him.”

Mr. Ellsworth laughed and punched Vincent on the arm. “See, I told you she would not let you give it up. My daughter is too clever to stop a talent such as yours.” He turned to the drawing room. “Come. Melody and Virginia are standing at the door listening. I do not want to strain their ears.”

The evening passed in merriment, though Mrs. Ellsworth could not stop proclaiming her astonishment. When the lovers parted for the night, Jane’s heart left Long Parkmead with Mr. Vincent Hamilton, but she was not separated from it for long.

Denying her mother the excitement of a lavish wedding, Jane prevailed on her father to grant her a small private one. She and Vincent were married by Mr. Prater on the Friday after his proposal.

Jane packed her trousseau and traveled with Vincent, working at his side to create glamurals. Such were their combined abilities that they came to the notice of the Prince Regent and worked a commission for him which inextricably linked the Vincents’ name to good taste.

In turn, their frequent visits to the great houses led to Melody finding a love as true as the Vincents’ was for each other. With this marriage, all of Mrs. Ellsworth’s desires for spectacle were met as Jane and Vincent created the wedding glamour for Melody.

And Mr. Ellsworth, who desired nothing more than to see his two daughters happily wed, lived to enjoy his grandchildren, whom he took on rambles through the maze at Long Parkmead and fed strawberries to and spoiled as much as he was allowed.

Though the Vincents’ latter career might seem strange for a pair of glamourists, its path led them always in pursuit of perfection. In that way, they created their own paradise through their works of artistry and passion. But those details belong in other volumes. All that is required for an understanding of their love is this small scene from their declining years.