“I am not sure I follow you, my lady.”
The countess took a deep breath and her expression softened, but her lips remained tight. “The firm was founded by my dear cousin Andrew Evans, who had a most keen eye for art and knew his way around the business world as well. It was he who brought the gallery to prominence and it was he who brought in Simon Hawke to be a partner. Simon was junior to Andrew in every way and I believe he deeply resented it. When poor Andrew came down with consumption, Simon took over the management and the downfall of the gallery began.” She abruptly flicked her wrist, as if waving away the memory. “So much for the past.”
But I was determined to learn more about Simon Hawke and his gallery that was connected in so many ways to the art vandalism. I decided to tantalize her with a fact we had uncovered earlier. “We were told that Hawke had to pay a heavy price for the name change of the gallery.”
“Ten thousand pounds.” Lady Katherine spat out the words. “For the gallery and all its contents, which was a most low valuation by anyone’s estimate. But Andrew was dying and wanted to make sure his family would be looked after, knowing full well he could never depend on Simon Hawke. Simon of course took advantage of the situation and changed the gallery’s name before dear Andrew was cold in his grave. And that is when the downhill slide began.”
“We heard tell that the gallery is on the brink of financial insolvency.”
“Which is not surprising due to Simon’s mismanagement.”
“And his gambling debts and the upkeep of his young mistress,” the earl added.
“That, too,” Lady Katherine agreed. “But it is his mismanagement that continues to boggle the mind. Allow me to give you one example. The gallery had the opportunity to obtain The Baptism of Christ by del Verrocchio who was believed to be da Vinci’s mentor. Da Vinci’s mentor!” she repeated with gusto. “Here was the artist who taught the famous Leonardo.”
“Did they ever collaborate?” I asked.
“A most interesting question, for which the answer is yes,” the countess replied. “It is believed that Leonardo actually painted an angel in the corner of del Verrocchio’s The Baptism of Christ. Now, how in the world can you resist a work of art so closely tied to the great da Vinci? How? In any event, my cousin Andrew realized its incredible worth and was in negotiation with the owner when he was overcome with consumption. Andrew implored Simon Hawke to purchase the painting, but Simon refused because of its high price and need for extensive restoration. Instead, the Crown bought it and restored it, and this glorious painting will shortly be on display at the National Gallery. That is all one needs to know about Simon Hawke and his failing business.”
“And the acts of vandalism certainly do not help his gallery,” I noted.
Lady Katherine’s eyes narrowed sharply. “You and the daughter of Sherlock Holmes should be aware that more than a few of the defaced works of art were among those Simon Hawke regretted purchasing.”
“But the slashed paintings we saw were there for restoration and not for sale,” I recalled.
“Some were, but others belonged to Simon and were for the most part gathering dust.” The countess turned to Lestrade and said, “It would be a simple matter to determine if the damaged paintings owned by the gallery were insured or perhaps overly insured.”
“Several were insured, but for less than five hundred pounds,” Lestrade answered. “And those can be restored, which will significantly lower the amount the insurance company will pay out. Thus, insurance seems an unlikely motive for the destructive acts.”
“Any port in a storm,” Lady Katherine recited.
“You seem to have an unfavorable view of Simon Hawke,” Lestrade said bluntly.
“I am not alone in that opinion.”
“Countess, I should say that dislike does not make one a criminal,” Lestrade pointed out.
“It doesn’t make one innocent, either.”
Lady Katherine had more than dislike for Simon Hawke, I thought immediately. It bordered on real hatred and I wondered if it was based on happenings other than Hawke’s poor treatment of Andrew Evans. Was there a secret relationship between the two? Was she a scorned woman? Or was there a promised vow made but not kept? I wished Joanna was here, for she was quite clever at discerning the underlying reasons for feminine bitterness. In addition, it would be most interesting to watch Joanna and Lady Katherine match wits, although I had no doubt who would end up the winner.
I returned my attention to the painting La Bella Nani and said, “The colors in this work are so dazzling.”
“That is because it was recently restored,” the countess explained. “It had been protected over the years with a thick varnish that unfortunately yellowed with time and dulled the colors. The excellent restorer who performed the work is no longer at Hawke’s gallery, having gone wrong and been convicted of forgery. I am not certain who we shall turn to now for yet another restoration.”
“Simon Hawke has employed another talented restorer who trained at the Uffizi,” I said.
“Who gave you that information?” Lady Katherine asked.
“Simon Hawke.”
“Let the buyer beware.”
Another dagger thrown at the heart of Simon Hawke, I thought immediately. What could be the deep-seated reason behind her intense dislike of the gallery owner? I once again considered the possibilities. A secret affair? A broken vow? An investment that went sour? At this point it was speculation and guesses. All that was certain was that here was yet another connection which led directly to Simon Hawke.
For some reason, Nelson the mastiff decided to let forth a loud bark as he jumped to his feet.
“Nelson,” the earl rebuked mildly.
The mastiff growled and barked even louder again.
Lady Katherine gave the dog a sharp look and said firmly, “Stop it!”
Nelson quieted immediately and hung his head, as if in shame.
“Down,” the
