Presence of Mind
By Anthea Fraser
Ann Tenby has always accepted her role as second best in her husband’s life, whose love is now split between his career as an artist and Briony, Ann’s daughter from her first marriage. Lance and Briony are inseparable, and Ann watches their relationship from the sidelines. Briony starts to show an interest in Lance’s art, particularly Eternal Spring – the haunting painting that kick-started his brilliant career. But there’s just something about it that Ann doesn’t like. When Briony begins to have regular headaches and mysterious blackouts after staring at the painting, Ann is naturally concerned. In desperation Ann turns to a psychiatrist, but he too is baffled by Briony’s strange symptoms. As Briony’s condition worsens and puts a massive strain on Ann and Lance’s already fragile marriage, Ann must take matters into her own hands. Will her daughter – and her marriage – get through this intact? Or will Ann’s decision cost her everything she holds dear?
