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Joyce Eccleston  Synopsis  Suggestion of an Embrace

Synopsis of Suggestion of an Embrace

Bryony Laughton works in a London Art Gallery, with any free time spent pursuing her dream to become a successful sculptor. She admires and seeks harmony in everything, and sees the scar on her lower back as an imperfection; an invisible Achilles heel. She keeps her scar hidden, leading to an inability to indulge in any serious intimate relationships. Possibly, due to her Gaelic roots combined with an earthy Virgoan nature, she is interested in the mystic and spiritual, hinted at by the Jade crystal she wears, and her inherent ability to visualise and read auras.

Her soul is romantic, but her mind is strong and singular. However, events over the next few months bring her face to face with self-doubts, which uncharacteristically lead her to a temporary subjugation. This life-altering chain of events begins with the arrival of a new painting, from an unknown artist, Jonathan Legrand. She immediately forms an emotional relationship with the painting, and subsequently enters into a love affair with the mysterious and hypnotic artist. Although on their first meeting she senses an unpleasant, angry, auric quality surrounding him, his charismatic personality overcomes any intuitive misgivings, and she dismisses any doubts before they take hold.

At his invitation, she joins him at his country house in Wiltshire, and spends an interesting, but short and frustrating, weekend. Their short time together leaves her overwhelmingly captivated, ensnared even, by this dark, mysterious, and older man. Much to the surprise of her friends, she moves to Wiltshire to be with Jonathan.

Jonathan Legrand has a dark and secret past. He murdered his father, and blamed it on his younger brother, David, who grew up believing Jonathan's lie. Since then Jonathan used this lie as an instrument of control over David. They shared an unhealthy and unequal relationship. David had the artistic talent, but he surrendered his paintings to his brother, who claimed them as his own work.

Bryony, Jonathan and David now enter into a triangle of secrets, and intrigue. The denouement begins when eventually she learns the truth about Jonathan and David. She and David are surprised to discover their feelings for one another. Encouraged by Bryony, David seeks help to unravel his confused memories and search for the truth. His memory intact he confronts Jonathan, who commits suicide.

It is now apparent to Bryony that it was David's personality that shone through the painting she first saw in London, and realises that if not for Jonathan, then she and David would never have met. Bryony reclaims her former self, but leaves behind her sense of imperfection, finding an intense love with David Legrand. David is finally free to pursue his art, in his own right. The awful past now lies buried with Jonathan.