Pamela Turner

This is a short story. Artist Rick Stanton needs a commission. He faces eviction and his latest project is on hiatus. Worse, his muse refuses to cooperate. A recent letter may contain the inspiration he needs. Inside is the photograph of a mysterious woman, her face concealed by an umbrella. Realizing this may be his last chance, Rick calls her. The woman, Elizabeth, tells Rick she wants him to paint her portrait. Rick agrees, only to learn there are conditions.
Elizabeth is a recluse who never allows her face to be seen. Not only must he stay at Elizabeth's residence while painting her, he can never tell anyone about the painting. He becomes even more disturbed by the sinister undercurrent beneath the household's genteel façade. It's somehow connected to the family portraits hanging in Elizabeth's living room. Could they be haunted? And why doesn't Elizabeth's housekeeper want Rick to finish the painting?