At last Juniper is preparing to return to Perth. She is sad to leave London, but cannot afford to stay any longer, and so is putting the South Kensington flat up for sale. Her modest inheritance is almost gone and she is committed to return to the University in the New Year.
The drawing (if properly documented) would have funded time to establish herself in an English university. However without any history, the drawing is worth only a fraction of its true value.
Alex decides to attend a final auction at Christie's of 16th C religious and travel books. The baddies have placed their book in the auction in the hope of realising enough money to pay off their travel debts. It is listed in the catalogue as "16th C guide to France, 160pp, octavo, good condition. Acquired in Les Eyzies from family of original owner Nov 1936".
Alex bids for the book, intending to give it to Juniper as a farewell gift.
He wins it for a modest price and gives it to Juniper.
Seated on the floor amist a clutter of tea chests and wrapping paper, Juniper accepted the parcel from Alex.
"What is it?"
Alex smiled a little sadly. "Just something to remind you of our travels".
Junpier unwrapped the parcel and smiled at the worn little leather book. Then she frowned. "Oh, the endpaper has come away from the board on one side."
She picked gently at the loose paper. "And there's something inside".
She delicately pulled out a sheaf of handwritten pages. The crabbed French was difficult to decipher, but Juniper immediately made out the words "Memling" and "dessin".
"What a strange coincidence".
Alex leafed through the thick parchment sheets. "More than just a coincidence.". He pointed to a sheet halfway through the bundle with a credible sketch of their Flemish drawing. It was followed by a detailed list of dates, prices and previous owners, dating from the 12th C to the last transaction in 1652.
Juniper looked up at him in delight. "Do you think it can be?"
Alex smiled and touched her cheek gently. "I'm sure of it. Our Memlings have come home to roost after all."
