Dead Man Docking - Mary Daheim [67]
Anemone shrugged. “I suppose. The cruise was Mumsy’s idea. I hope the whole thing gets canceled, so we won’t have to go.”
“You don’t like cruises?” Judith asked.
“Not particularly,” Anemone replied, putting the suit back on the rack. Her big blue eyes glistened with tears. “I certainly don’t want to take one without Jim. He could only join us during his spring break,” she explained, regarding the rest of the dark-colored ensembles with something akin to revulsion. “The postponement means he’d have to take time off from classes. If he doesn’t go, I don’t want to, either.” She burst into tears.
A sales associate, who had been drawing nigh, stepped back a few paces and began rearranging a mannequin’s silk scarf. Judith watched Anemone try to find a handkerchief in her handbag without success.
“Here,” Judith said, taking a packet of Kleenex out of her purse. “Wouldn’t you like to sit? There are some chairs over by the dressing-room entrance.”
Anemone accepted the Kleenex and wiped at her eyes. “I’m so embarrassed!” she murmured. “I don’t even know you!”
“Actually,” Judith said gently, “you do. We’ve met, we’ve shared a tragedy, we’ve got a sad sort of bond. Come, sit down. You’re shaking like a leaf.”
Anemone allowed Judith to lead her to the matching easy chairs, which Judith figured were for tired men waiting for their women to try on clothes. It wasn’t until she sat down next to Anemone that Judith realized Renie had disappeared.
But her cousin’s defection didn’t divert her. “I’m surprised your mother still wants to go on the cruise, at least until her jewels are recovered.”
The tears had been stanched, but Anemone was sniffling and snuffling, using tissue after tissue. “Once Mumsy’s mind is made up, there’s no changing it. Besides, she’s not going to look for the jewels herself. If you see what I mean.”
“I take it she wasn’t that close to Mr. Cruz? I mean,” Judith amended, “that his loss wouldn’t ruin the voyage for her?”
Anemone shook her head. “She knew him, of course. And Connie—Mrs. Cruz. Mumsy’s own circle is very small—and very tight.”
And, Judith was certain, didn’t include a mere employee such as Dixie Beales. “So your mother and you and Mr. Pankhurst and Mr. Everhart will be going on the cruise—if it’s not canceled?”
“That’s her plan.” Anemone’s expression was gloomy. “Except Mr. Pankhurst won’t be going. He and Mumsy…well, it just wouldn’t work out right now.”
Judith thought before she spoke. “I understand they’ve had a difference of opinion.”
“Yes.” Anemone’s small, perfect lips clamped shut. She got to her feet and went back to the racks. Judith had no choice but to follow.
“I’m puzzled,” she said after a brief silence. “I mean, your mother resigned from the Cruz board of directors. Yet she still wants to sail on the San Rafael?”
Anemone had selected another black suit. “As I said, when Mumsy gets an idea in her head…” She shrugged. “This one won’t make me look forty, will it?”
“I don’t remember what being forty looks like,” Judith admitted. “But it’s got some pizzazz. The white touches at the collar and cuffs make it less severe.”
“I’ll try it on. It’s nice seeing you again, Mrs. Flynn.” Anemone made her way toward the dressing rooms.
It would be too obvious for Judith to traipse after her prey. Pressure would make Anemone really shut down—or dissolve into more tears. Instead, Judith went in search of Renie, expecting to find her in the midrange designer section, which carried some of her cousin’s favorite brands. Only two other customers were browsing through the department. There was no sales associate in sight. Apparently Neiman Marcus let its clientele study the merchandise without interference. Judith paused by the sale rack where the previous winter’s trend featured tassels, fringes, and short, short skirts. Not her style, and certainly not appropriate to her age. Judith passed on the mark-downs, but a red ruffled cocktail dress hanging next to the customer-service counter caught her eye. It was Judith’s favorite color. She couldn’t