To Perish in Penzance Read Online Free PDF Page A

when we went down to breakfast, Mrs. Crosby and Alexis were just leaving the dining room.
    â€œGood morning,” I said brightly, careful not to make any comments about what a beautiful day it was. Mrs. Crosby’s face was pinched and her eyes shadowed, and Alexis had been crying.
    She made a gallant effort, though. “Good morning, Mrs. Martin, Mr. Nesbitt.” She gave us a smile that took my breath away, even forced as it was. “Did you enjoy your walk yesterday?”
    â€œWe did, though it wore us out. We were sorry you couldn’t come, too.” I hesitated a moment, then plunged ahead. This girl needed some cheering up. “Look, Alexis, I need to go shopping this morning, and shopping isn’t really Alan’s thing. If your mother doesn’t need you, how would you like to come with me? It’s no fun to shop alone.” I didn’t include Mrs. Crosby in the invitation. I didn’t want to make her invent an excuse.
    Alexis exchanged a glance with her mother. It was full of meaning, but a meaning I could not interpret fully. Partly it said
She knows,
or so I thought, but there was more than that, and I didn’t know what. At any rate, Alexis didn’t look happy. “Thank you, but I think my mother—”
    â€œNow, Lexa, we’re here on holiday.” Mrs. Crosby spoke with some determination, though her voice was soft. “I will not have you dancing attendance on me. If I choose to sit by the fire like a pampered cat, that’s my decision, but there’s no reason for you to hang about. I shall be perfectly comfortable, darling, and you’re entitled to a little treat.”
    Her look this time was one of clear command. Alexis closed her eyes for a moment and then smiled at me, a charming smile that didn’t reach her eyes.
    â€œThank you, Mrs. Martin. I’d like to go shopping with you.”
    â€œGood.” I spoke briskly, before she could change her mind. “The lobby in forty-five minutes? And you might ask one of the staff the best place for evening clothes.”
    â€œEvening clothes? In Penzance? Well, I’ll ask. See you later, then.”
    She smiled that perfectly manufactured smile again, but as she turned away, her face fell into shadow.

4
    A N hour later we were walking down the oddly named Market Jew Street looking for dress shops. Lexa was carrying her ever-present bottle of water; I was burdened only with a large handbag. I stopped to look at my reflection in a shop window and adjust the tilt of my hat. It was a cheerful one, black straw decorated with cherries, and I was moderately pleased with my appearance until I caught a glimpse of Alexis’s reflection next to mine.
    I turned to her. “My dear girl, I must say I’m beginning to have second thoughts about shopping with you.”
    She looked puzzled.
    â€œYou have such a perfect figure. Whereas I—well, I enjoy my food a little too much. I admit I’m very much looking forward to a cream tea with real Cornish clotted cream, but it all has to go somewhere, doesn’t it?” I patted my tummy ruefully. “You give me a complex. I should imagine you live on lettuce and air—and water, of course.”
    She laughed a little at that. “More or less. I’ve had to, really, for so many years it’s second nature. Rabbit food, regular exercise, no drinking, no drugs—it’s a bit of a bore, actually.”
    â€œHad to?”
    â€œFor my job, yes.”
    â€œI’m sorry, you’ve lost me.”
    She smiled. “Oh, yes, I forgot you didn’t know. I’m a model. I have to look after myself properly or my income’s gone. My professional name is Alexis Adams.”
    I smote my forehead. “Oh, goodness! That’s why I’ve had the feeling we’d met. I don’t read the fashion magazines anymore, but I must have seen your face on magazine covers at newsstands, and I’ve certainly