Ход королевы
Chapter 8
Hehadplayedwell,madenoblundersoranythingthatcouldproperlybecalledamistake,butBethmovedwithsuchdeadlyaccuracy,suchmeasuredcontrol,thathispositionwashopelessbythetwenty-thirdmove.
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Mrs.WheatleyhadinvitedhertohavedinnerwithherandManuel;Bethhadrefused.Althoughyoudidn’teatdinnerinMexicountilteno’clock,shedidnotexpecttofindMrs.Wheatleyintheroomwhenshecamebackfromshoppingatseven.
Shewasdressedbutinbedwithherheadproppedupagainstapillow.Ahalf-finisheddrinksatonthenightstandbesideher.Mrs.Wheatleywasinhermid-forties,butthepalenessofherfaceandthelinesofworryinherforeheadmadeherlookmucholder.“Hello,dear,”shesaidinafaintvoice.
“Areyousick?”
“Abitundertheweather.”
“Icouldgetadoctor.”
Theword“doctor”seemedtohangintheairbetweenthemuntilMrs.Wheatleysaid,“It’snotthatbad.Ijustneedrest.”
Bethnoddedandwentintothebathroomtowashup.Mrs.Wheatley’sappearanceandbehaviorweredisturbing.ButwhenBethcamebackintotheroom,shewasoutofbedandlookinglivelyenough,smoothingthecovers.Shesmiledwryly.“Manuelwon’tbecoming.”
Bethlookedinquiringlyather.
“HehadbusinessinOaxaca.”
Bethhesitatedforamoment.“Howlongwillhebeaway?”
Mrs.Wheatleysighed.“Atleastuntilweleave.”
“I’msorry.”
“Well,”Mrs.Wheatleysaid,“I’veneverbeentoOaxaca,butIsuspectitresemblesDenver.”
Bethstaredatheramomentandthenlaughed.“Wecanhavedinnertogether,”shesaid.
