Forgetting to Remember
M. J. Rose’s European art mystery begins with a cryptic prologue set in 1790, as Marie Antoinette poses for a highly unusual portrait: a painting of her eye, framed in rubies and backed with gold, that her lover will be able to wear “near his heart” as a stickpin. Then the tale leaps to London after the Second World War, as Jeannine Maycroft, who holds a prestigious “Keeper” position at the Victoria and Albert Museum, learns of a decision to demote her. It’s not that she’s done anything wrong (she’s been great), but that war hero Hugh Kenward wants her job. Since he’s been employed at the museum before, Mr. Gibbons, the supervisor, intends to open the position for him through this move.
But Jeannine knows her own assets, and they’re not limited to her expertise with art and jewels. “My father had recently been knighted for his war efforts, and it wouldn’t do to let me go either.” When she stands firm for her employment, Mr. Gibbons opts to create a competition between Jeannine and Hugh (whom she mistrusts deeply): Whoever creates the more successful half of the museum’s Valentine’s Day exhibit will “win” the job.
From this intriguing conundrum with its highlights of portraiture and gems, Rose takes the tale into a startling jump of time, as one of the art pieces draws Jeannine back eighty years, to meet the painter whose work has always spoken to her heart. Romance ensues, with all the complications of a double life across two intense historic eras. Although Rose doesn’t pull off the sensuality that propels Gabaldon’s Outlander series with this device, she still inks a bold pattern of love and courage.
