‘She is being held in a convent to the south of here,’ she says. ‘It is a place run by Catholics somewhere between Antwerp and Ghent. I believe she would be very happy to see you. Maarten made enquiries weeks ago and I think it only right that you hear the truth from –’

Maarten seizes her arm and begins to drag her into the corridor outside. Blanche shrieks and gasps, trying unsuccessfully to fight him off. Catharina and Anna stare at each other, too shocked to move. Moments later, Maarten reappears, panting. There is a scratch near his left ear, a trickle of ruby blood. Blanche is not as submissive as she appears.

‘I’ve asked your manservant to bring my carriage around. You are to ignore everything my wife says. She is not in her right mind. The malady she suffered a short time ago has obviously left some lasting damage. I expect you to continue painting my portrait, Madam van Shurman. In less than a month, my wife and I will board a ship destined for Sumatra. I want the portrait to be ready.’

Catharina blinks at him and Anna wonders if she has even heard a word he said. A glow of hope lights up her face like a lantern. She says nothing and, after a tense moment, Maarten grunts and leaves. As soon as he’s gone, she collapses to the floor. Anna hurries over to help her. With an effort, she pulls the artist to her feet and manages to push her into a velvet armchair. A cloud of dust rises as Catharina grips the armrests.

‘Did you hear what she said? Or did I dream it?’ she says softly.

‘I heard.’ Anna feels the silk of her dress puddle around her feet as she sinks to her knees beside the chair. ‘If she speaks the truth, why would she tell us when it clearly upset her husband?’

Catharina purses her lips. ‘That Maarten. I should never have trusted him.’

‘He knew all along that you were trying to find her,’ Anna says. ‘I believe he would have gone on withholding what he knew until it was too late, and Griet either perished or he left for his new position in the East Indies, taking the secret with him.’

‘Then why did Madam Horst confess it to us?’

Anna hesitates. ‘I believe it was because of me,’ she says, and when Catharina stares, she goes on. ‘Madam Horst asked me to leave your household and join hers. She wants a companion of her own, to keep her in good spirits when she reaches Sumatra. Also, she is expecting a child and may need help from a trusted servant. I suspect she hoped Griet’s return might hasten my decision.’