On the Subject of Art (Lady C ; casual) FIN

[JANE EYRE]

Location: Rosings Park

Jane had forgotten about her encounter with Lady Catherine de Bourgh some months earlier and probably wouldn't have remembered it if she hadn't been contacted about an art commission. An art commission was always big news for Jane, and when the client had such a reputation it was even bigger news. If all went well with this one piece, Jane could get offers from other women who circulated with Lady de Bourgh. All the chances for the future was laid out before and she had no choice but to take them.

Jane had packed some of her pieces that might work for her ladyship (mostly floral and softer scenes as opposed to her darker work) and had boarded a subway. Of course, public transportation couldn't take her to Rosings Park but Jane went as far as she could before walking the rest of the way. The heat and humidity caused Jane's carefully pulled together bun to frizz and pull apart. Wanting to look as professional as possible, Jane stopped a few blocks away from Rosings Park to wet her hair and redo the bun. Splashing her face with water, Jane gave herself a small pep talk. Just remember everything you've learned at Lowood, you'll be fine

There was nothing that could prepare Jane for Rosings Park. She had been around large estates before, the most recent being Thornfield but it was not at all like Lady de Bourgh's residence. Where Thornfield had been dark and gloomy, Rosings was immaculately kept and clean. Jane shrunk back from the gate but regained her composure. She had to do this, she had to make a sell to make rent. Jane rang the buzzer and was let in once she was a confirmed guest.

((Sorry for the wait))

[LADY CATHERINE DE BOURGH]

It was coming up to the summer. For most people, this meant heading off on holiday to see family, jetting off to some exotic location or simply going to the beach, weather permitting.

For Lady Catherine de Bourgh it meant redecorating.

Not the whole manor obviously; that would take up far too much of Her Ladyship's precious time. No, this year she wanted to get the dining room fixed up. As was usual with her she had decided to do things her way rather than anyone elses; this meant deciding on the small details like curtains and paintings before focussing her regal attention on new wall panelling or furniture.

Her Ladyship had met one Jane Eyre some months back; the cirsumtances of the meeting Her Ladyship couldn't quite recall but she knew the young woman enough to know she was a talented artist. As Her Ladyship was in the mindset of 'what is a redecorated room without new paintings?' she had got in touch with Miss Eyre at the earliest possible oppurtunity and was currently awaiting her arrival, dressed as immaculatley as her grounds and in a similar green hue.

It was as Her Ladyship had been wondering on which wall specifically she would want a painting hung, one of her servants entered, with Jane following dutifully behind.

"Miss Jane Eyre, Your Ladyship," the woman said, with a nod of her head.

Lady Catherine turned to face the pair and smiled, though inwardly managing to find fault as was usual with her (had Jane washed her hair without blow drying it? Honestly!).

"Thank you Laura," Her Ladyship replied, motioning to the woman who had brought Jane to the dining hall. "You may go."

The woman named Laura scraped a curtsy and made her exit. Her Ladyship extended a hand for Jane to shake, seemingly oblivious to the fact she was carrying an armful of paintings.

"Miss Eyre, how lovely to see you again," she said.



ooc: Perfectly fine my dear; that was a brilliant post and worth waiting for! :3

[JANE EYRE]

Jane smiled and adjusted her load so that she could shake Lady de Bourgh's hand. "Lady de Bourgh, it's a pleasure," Jane smiled. She felt very self-conscious around her ladyship who was dressed beautifully. Jane was wearing a set of work clothes that were normally appropriate for work but the tweed skirt and the dark green button up seemed dowdy and cheap (which it was). "I've brought some paintings to show you. They're mostly florals and landscapes, but I can do other pieces as well," Jane moved her portfolio so that it leaned carefully on the table there.

"If you like any of these pieces, of course they are open for sale," Jane opened the portfolio and pulled out one of the pieces. It was a water color of a lake with lillies floating on the surface. It was very romantic, the soft lighting and the amber colors she had used. It fit the general feel of the decor, proper and impressionistic. Jane looked around the space and felt like the paintings she had brought were inadequate. The room was large and deserved a statement piece. Something long and narrow in order to cover space but not dominate a wall. Jane thought that if she were commissioned, she would have to build a canvas for it. She would probably have to use school space to work since her apartment was so small.

Jane awkwardly touched her hair. It was still wet and flat, but at least it wasn't frizzing. She would rather look like a one-time, unkempt person than a mad-woman.

[LADY CATHERINE DE BOURGH]

"Lady de Bourgh, it's a pleasure,"

Her Ladyship's smile broadened and she shook Jane's hand. Although in truth she was pleased to see her, Her Ladyship couldn't say she was so pleased about her appearance. She suppossed it couldn't be helped in Jane's case but still, tweed was firmly out now (as far as Her Ladyship knew) and the material of the shirt Jane was wearing didn't look at all expesnive.

This was all very trivial and fairly ridiculous considering Her Ladyship was well aware of Jane's lower status. But she wouldn't be Lady Catherine de Bourgh if she didn't nitpick.

"I've brought some paintings to show you. They're mostly florals and landscapes, but I can do other pieces as well,"

Her Ladyship nodded and focussed her attention on the paintings as Jane produced them.

"If you like any of these pieces, of course they are open for sale,"

"Mmhmm," Her Ladyship replied, moving forward a little to inspect the painting of the lake. It was far too small for this room but even Her Ladyship had to admire Jane's artistic talent.

"I do like this one," she said, facing Jane again. "The colour scheme is suitable, at least. However, it's a bit small for this room...wouldn't you agree?"

[JANE EYRE]

However, it's a bit small for this room...wouldn't you agree?

"I was just thinking the same thing, Lady de Bourgh. How would you feel about a six foot wide canvas, around two feet, two and half feet tall. Of course it could be a similar color scheme if you'd like," Jane already had a vision of what she wanted to do to compliment the gentle tones and soft air of her ladyship's home. An impressionistic piece, sunset in a lily garden; full of muted greens, ambers, pinks, with a touch of blue here and there. It would be romantic and regal, interesting but not overpowering. It wasn't the type of piece that Jane usually did. As an artist, she tended towards the more surreal and gothic images but she didn't restrict herself to those. She did have to sell paintings in order to live and she was more than aware that floral and landscapes sold very well, as did abstract. The stranger, darker pieces had a tendency to scare off customers so Jane always kept those items close to her chest.

"Forgive me for not saying earlier, but you have a lovely home," Jane added with a smile. Yes, Rosings Park was far prettier than Thornfield could ever hope to be. The bright propriety of Rosings cut through the gloomy memories of Thornfield sharply, leaving a clean path in its wake. Thornfield and all it had come to represent was starting to fade from Jane's life. The beauty of New York took over instead.

[LADY CATHERINE DE BOURGH]

"I was just thinking the same thing, Lady de Bourgh. How would you feel about a six foot wide canvas, around two feet, two and half feet tall. Of course it could be a similar color scheme if you'd like,"

Her Ladyship nodded, pleased at Jane's use of specifics. She'd never been a dab hand at Maths in any stage of her life but the size of the canvas sounded about right.

"Yes, I do like the colour scheme in particular," Lady Catherine replied. Then, after a pause, "I trust you'd have an idea of a suitable frame for the piece?"

It wasn't often Her Ladyship asked or cared about others opinion's, and the fact she was even speaking to someone like Jane let alone asking her advice was something of a miracler. But then, Her Ladyship reasoned Jane knew what she was talking about.

"Forgive me for not saying earlier, but you have a lovely home,"

Her Ladyship smiled as Jane did. She, of course, knew Rosings was lovely, but it was always pleasant to be reminded of the fact.

"Why thank you, Miss Eyre," she replied.


ooc: Can I just say I love how you describe Rosings? 'Bright propriety' suits it perfectly! (: And apologies for this post; I have a History exam tommorow and all I can think about is The Cold War and British Democracy. XD

[JANE EYRE]

I trust you'd have an idea of a suitable frame for the piece?

Jane looked at the space and had to pause and think. Something so large didn't really need a frame, Jane could just edge with with white paint on thin wood pannels. Frames that came that large were expensive, not that Lady de Bourgh would have a problem affording one, and were often over the top.

"It's a bit more contemporary but I would recommend it being edged with an eggshell and suspended without a frame. I could build a deeper canvas as well, six inches or so, so that it stood forward more. Some minor track lighting would make it very attractive," Jane nodded. She realized that she hadn't explained it very well but was at a loss as to how to explain it better.

"Of course, if you require a frame, a pale wood would be quite appropriate as well. Oak, perhaps three inches wide," Jane demonstrated with her fingers. "Anything darker would compete with the decor and the picture. A light mahogany or cherry wood would also work,"


((ooc: appologies for this post. Life is uber hectic with graduation))

[LADY CATHERINE DE BOURGH]

"It's a bit more contemporary but I would recommend it being edged with an eggshell and suspended without a frame. I could build a deeper canvas as well, six inches or so, so that it stood forward more. Some minor track lighting would make it very attractive,"

Her Ladyship nodded, a bit confused by Jane's mention of eggshell but refusing to let it show. Instead she refocused her attention on the painting, taking a moment to admire the details and the colour scheme. Jane really had a flair, Her Ladyship could see that. Why was someone with such talent working as a mere art teacher?

"Of course, if you require a frame, a pale wood would be quite appropriate as well. Oak, perhaps three inches wide," Jane demonstrated with her fingers. "Anything darker would compete with the decor and the picture. A light mahogany or cherry wood would also work,"

"Mmhmm, I see," Her Ladyship replied, now somewhat distracted by the question she had posed herself. "I think I shall go with what you reccomend, you are the artist after all and you know what you are talking about."

Lady Catherine turned her attention more fully to Jane before posing her next query.

"Miss Eyre, on a somewhat different note, have you ever considered giving up teaching art and simply working as an artist?"

[JANE EYRE]

"We can always wait and see how the painting turns out before deciding on a frame. I'll use a normal depth and if you want it suspended further from the wall, it can always be mounted on top of a shadow box,"

"Miss Eyre, on a somewhat different note, have you ever considered giving up teaching art and simply working as an artist?"

"It's my dream, but it's too unrealistic," Jane had considered quitting teaching and just creating but the harsh reality was too obvious to ignore. Few artists made a living from their art alone and Jane was alredy on her last legs financially. Teaching wasn't high paying by any means, but it kept the young woman's head above water. "I wouldn't be able to make enough money on my art alone to survive on. Besides, teaching is quite enjoyable and immensely satisfying,"

Jane had been a teacher all of her adult life. Even if she could like on her art, Jane didn't know if she wanted to give it up. Teaching was a joy that Jane had come to love more than anything else. Seeing someone else succeed, seeing someone gather some hope and confidence for their future was the most amazing thing to witness.

[LADY CATHERINE DE BOURGH]

"It's my dream, but it's too unrealistic. I wouldn't be able to make enough money on my art alone to survive on. Besides, teaching is quite enjoyable and immensely satisfying,"

Surpisingly, Lady Catherine managed to look sympathetic; a rarity for her. In truth she did feel quite sorry for Jane; there was no point in letting such talent go to waste on teaching children, surely?

"I'm sure you would," Lady Catherine replied, a choice of phrase that was idealistic in and of itself. "You do realize the talent you have, surely? If making art is your dream why don't you pusue it?"

Of course Her Ladyship was ignorant to the full extent of the harsh reality of Jane's situation. But, as was usual with her, she had to make her opinion known, even if it was impossible.

[JANE EYRE]

"You do realize the talent you have, surely? If making art is your dream why don't you pusue it?"

Jane shrugged, a bit uncomfortable with the topic of conversation. "It's rather hard to pursue a dream when you have no money to do so. I work full time to afford what little supplies I can and I sell some of my pieces to local pawn shops who give me extra to cover other necessities like groceries and bills. If I had extra funds, I would spend more time on my art, but as it stands, I don't have the luxury," Jane was immensley flattered that Lady de Bourgh thought that she would make a successful artist but Jane knew the truth.

Jane always knew that if she wanted more money, she could just write Edward. His guilt for what happened would surely be worth a good sum, trying to make her current life comfortable. Jane wouldn't ever do that, though. When she walked away from Edward, it was completely. Living in poverty and nearly ending up on the streets was not reason enough to try and get back into his life.

[LADY CATHERINE DE BOURGH]

"It's rather hard to pursue a dream when you have no money to do so. I work full time to afford what little supplies I can and I sell some of my pieces to local pawn shops who give me extra to cover other necessities like groceries and bills. If I had extra funds, I would spend more time on my art, but as it stands, I don't have the luxury,"

Lady Catherine looked increasingly shocked as Jane spoke; she was aware the young woman was low class, but to be selling her work in pawn shops?!

Her Ladyship shook her head, as much as in dismay as in disbelief, before speaking once more.

"Is there...anything I could do to help?"

Despite herself and her initial haughty nature, Jane's talent and demanour meant Her Ladyship genuinely wanted to help her. It was just as she had been moved by meeting Roger Davis in Central Park all those months ago, and James Faustus in the church...all the notions of charity she usually upheld only for the prestige they earned her had sunk in, to a degree.

[JANE EYRE]

"Is there...anything I could do to help?"

"You are helping, Lady de Bourgh. You're purchasing my art, and a large piece at that. You have no idea how much help that'll be," Jane covered her heart with her hand. She was touched that Lady de Bourgh seemed so worried about her position. This piece that Jane was about to do would be a huge gain. The supplies would alone be nearly $50, and then an additional $10 for every hour spent on the painting. This piece could easily be worth $1000, probably more. What with Lady de Bourgh feeling so charitable and kind, Jane felt like she could easily raise the price but didn't want to charge an unfair price.

"If you like my art, you could always recommend me to your friends and acquaintances. The more business the better, yeah?" Jane gave Lady de Bourgh a hopeful smile. The group that Lady de Bourgh affiliated with was very influential, Jane knew that such contacts would help her out a great deal. Word of mouth advertising is the most effective kind, after all.

[LADY CATHERINE DE BOURGH]

"You are helping, Lady de Bourgh. You're purchasing my art, and a large piece at that. You have no idea how much help that'll be,"

Jane was clearly touched by Her Ladyship's offer, if her words and gesture were anything to go by. This led Her Ladyship's former smile to return, pleased that she was helping Jane out.

"If you like my art, you could always recommend me to your friends and acquaintances. The more business the better, yeah?"

"Yes, of course," Lady Catherine replied. "I certainly plan to, Miss Eyre."

This being said, she returned once more to her usual brisk formality, as if what had just passed between them was enough generousity on her part for one day.

"Now, how much do you expect the piece to cost? Or will you only know that once it's completed?"



ooc: I thought I already replied to this. XD I recall thinking of what I was going to write...I guess I never did. /fail

[JANE EYRE]

"For a piece as large as we're talking, it would all depend on how long it takes to complete the piece. The way I figure price is however much the initial materials cost, and then an additonal $10 for every hour that I spend working on it. An estimation would be somewhere between $800 and $1000 because of the sheer size of the piece," Jane was relieved that Lady de Bourgh had decided to redirect the conversation back to why Jane was there in the first place.

"I can only really tell you the definite price once the piece has been completed. I hope that it isn't an inconvenience for you,"

Jane realized then that Lady de Bourgh hadn't given her any strict instructions outside of color scheme to use. Jane wouldn't use it to exploit her ladyship, of course she would paint something appropriate for Rosings Park. The simple fact that Lady de Bourgh had enough trust in her to allow her that freedom touched Jane, just as her ladyship's concern had eariler.