The artist and the competitor
Evelyn Harcourt paints the people society wishes to remember; Florrie Winslow defeats them gracefully on the court. They are friends, not romantic partners, and have arrived as an unlikely but formidable pair. One of them notices faces. The other notices nerves.
Cornelius admired Evelyn's work and occasionally attended sporting exhibitions supported by the Winslow family. Neither expected to be central to his estate, which makes the evening feel less like an honour and more like an invitation to observe.
The arts circle: the Crowes, the Sinclairs, the DuPonts.
Celebrated society portrait artist and heiress to the Harcourt Paper Mills fortune
A celebrated society portrait artist and heiress to the Harcourt Paper Mills fortune. Evelyn is building a reputation for portraits that reveal more than a flattering likeness. She has lately taken to carrying a sketchbook everywhere, and has little patience for theatrical dishonesty.
Looks at people a beat too long, as though framing them. Comments on light, faces, and what someone's hands are doing. Blunt about art and careful about facts: she distinguishes between what she saw and what she thinks. Carries a sketchbook and uses it.
International tennis champion and heir to the Winslow Athletic Clubs fortune
An international tennis champion and heir to the Winslow Athletic Clubs fortune. On tour, Florrie learned that pressure makes people reveal their rhythm. A calm smile and an accurate read of an opponent are as useful at a party as a strong serve.
Brisk, cheerful, and competitive about everything, including conversation. Asks the same direct question of everyone and compares answers. Reads nervousness as a weakness in an opponent's game and says so later, privately, to Evelyn. Firm handshake, no small talk about the weather.
Your private objectives, secrets, and leads are in the confidential dossier that opens with the word you receive at the door. Nothing on this page is secret.