Maud struggles with her own artistic development while playing the part of wife to a painter in dire financial and reputational straits. The author's learning as an art historian is lightly worn but establishes a meticulously authentic nineteenth century world 'A captivating tale ...This novel is a delight' THE TIMES 'A terrific novel ... It springs off the page' DEBORAH MOGGACH 'Vividly engaging' SUNDAY TIMES