Discovering Emily Read Online Free PDF Page B

hoping that Dede had forgotten about her and whatever she’d said would happen on Saturday. Now what? Perhaps Dede was planning to bore Emily to death, as a long ride with old Mrs. Lewis and her many ailments was sure to do.
    Dede packed an extra warm blanket in the buggy to put over Mrs. Lewis’s legs, and they were off. They drove along Carr Road, which was named after Father because he had donated a strip at the front of his property for the widening of the road. The road became Government Street at the James Bay Bridge. It was still narrow, but wider than the meandering cart trail it had once been. Many of the roads in Victoria had started off as trails or cow paths.
    When they reached Mrs. Lewis’s house, Dede helped the old woman into the buggy and bundled blankets around her.
    â€œThis is so kind of you, Miss Carr,” said Mrs. Lewis, her round wrinkled face pink with excitement. “I haven’t been to an exhibition in years.”
    An exhibition of what, Emily wondered.
    â€œIt’s not really an exhibition,” said Dede. “It’s just a few pieces of art on display at the home of the Bellevilles.”
    â€œOf course,” said Mrs. Lewis. “But it’s more than I’ve enjoyed since I was last in England.”
    Emily squirmed with excitement. Was Dede actually taking her to see an exhibition of art? There were a few dusty old portraits and naval scenes in some of the homes Emily had visited, but these were the only paintings Emily had seen. Surely an exhibition of real art would be more exciting — wonderful even.
    Dede drove the buggy through town and stopped in front of a large new house. She helped Mrs. Lewis up the wide front stairs and knocked on the door. A servant girl let them in.
    â€œMiss Carr, Mrs. Lewis, I’m so glad you could come,” said the tall, well-dressed woman who appeared behind the servant, holding her hands out to them. “And this must be young Emily.”
    â€œGood afternoon, Mrs. Belleville,” Dede said, smiling at the woman. Then she turned to Emily and gave her a warning look. “Behave!” that look said.
    â€œPlease, come into the drawing room,” the woman said, directing them with a graceful wave of one hand. “The Smiths have beenso gracious in allowing me to display some of their paintings.”
    Emily’s mouth dropped open. The Smiths? She glowered at Dede. How could Dede let Emily get so excited and then give her the Smiths? Her first art exhibition, and it was already ruined. How could she possibly enjoy the paintings now?

12
The Exhibition
    Dede saw Emily’s sour face and gave her a pinch. Feet dragging, Emily followed the ladies into the drawing room. At least the Smiths themselves weren’t here, she told herself. Perhaps their paintings would be nicer than they were.
    The Bellevilles’ drawing room was larger and fancier than the Carrs’. Mrs. Belleville pointed out the many pieces of furniture that had come all the way from England.
    â€œPlease sit,” she said, helping Mrs. Lewis over to a large chair of polished wood and embroidered cushions.
    â€œOf course,” she added, waving a hand at several paintings displayed on the wallsaround them, “this is nothing like the real exhibitions of art Mr. Belleville and I attended when we were last in London. Our good friends in England were appalled to hear that Victoria has no galleries or artist societies.”
    â€œYes, such organizations are luxuries we do not yet have,” Dede said stiffly. “I’m sure they will come in time, but Victoria is still so new. There is more important work to attend to first — such as the creation of a women’s Christian society.”
    Emily scowled and turned her back on the women. If they’d come to look at the paintings, why weren’t they looking at them? She walked over to a small water-color. She was determined not to like anything created by