The Winter Portrait

So in 1875, portraits were commissioned of Mr. and Mrs. Mara. Even though photography was available, there's nothing like showing off grandeur with a classy oil painting. I feel like I can only see Elizabeth in angelic white or mourning death.

After her death, the painting was taken to her parents' estate which remained owned by the same family for a number of years. When the Mara House was recognized as historically significant in 1962, and restored and opened to the public for tours, the painting was donated back to the house and hung in the parlor above the fireplace. Mr. Mara's portrait was not preserved and it is unknown what became of it.

And so, when our fearless heroine Rue, who works at the Mara House, meets the ghost of Mrs. Elizabeth Mara, she recognizes her immediately because she has gazed upon this portrait so many times. 

© Characters and story to me