Words and art by: Nikole Bradbury
Dearest gentle reader,
It seems as though this author has found herself compelled to share the most scandalous of news.
As the sunshine of summertide subsides and a brisk autumn sets upon us, let us not forget the shining artefacts that adorn the ornate walls of the Barrington manor. Now, it is no secret that every family knows of the Barrington house. It is only the wealthiest and most esteemed house, producing the finest and swell of broods.
It appears Lady Barrington’s largest, most prized possession, a portrait of herself, was purloined during the ungodly hours of last Tuesday. A rare piece by Frank Plume only a few can afford to commission. Now, I must declare, Lady Barrington is incredibly bizarre to have a portrait of only herself hanging on the walls of her manor that is far in resemblance to what she truly appears like. Perhaps it was inevitable for our vain victim—the consequence of untruth and deception.
There has been fresh talk this morning, a quiet buzz if you will, along our most attended promenade, of speculations on who our cunning and sneaky thief may be. Was it a coordinated assembly of thieves or a solitary undertaking? Could it be the Barrington’s most loyal governess who had recently eloped with a zany lover? Perhaps she was in need of finances to support a most contentious union.
However, the most radical speculation of them all requires a close inspection of a rather scholarly diamond. A top student at the College of the Arts, who happens to be readying herself for her up-and-coming gallery exhibit. Although some weeks away from her debut exhibit, her sketches and artwork are quite indistinguishable from Lady Barrington’s portrait. It could only be with close inspection of our stolen artefact that one could reproduce the colours and strokes of a Plume piece. Is this a case of imitation of Frank Plume, only the best portrait artist in all the town?
Well, this is not the place of fine art critique but rather the most succulent of scandals. This academic diamond, a recipient of countless distinctions and accolades, is truly not as pristine as she appears on the outside. Hailing from a rather infamous lineage famed for roguish activities and plentiful debt, could collusion be the answer?
At what lengths would an amiable student go to maintain a reputation? Thievery, deceit, lies – where does it end? Won’t we all be incredibly vexed if it were to be true? Or perhaps the opposite, pleased? The brighter you shine, the faster you burn.
But it is only the beginning, like a mere minute opening a long and anticipated ball. The answer to this mystery is hiding somewhere, and I shall soon uncover it.
Esperanto Magazine 