Ход королевы
Chapter 8
Sheblinkedandreaditagain,holdingherbreath.
BethhadbroughtthreebookswithhertoMexicoCity.SheandMrs.Wheatleyatedinnerintheirroom,andafterwardBethtookoutGrandmasterGames;initwerefiveofBorgov’s.Sheopenedittothefirstoneandbegantoplaythroughit,usingherboardandpieces.Sheseldomdidthis,generallyrelyingonherabilitytovisualizeagamewhengoingoverit,butshewantedtohaveBorgovinfrontofheraspalpablyaspossible.Mrs.WheatleylayinbedreadingwhileBethplayedthroughthegames,lookingforweaknesses.Shefoundnone.Sheplayedthroughthemagain,stoppingincertainpositionswherethepossibilitiesseemednearlyinfinite,andworkingthemallout.Shesatstaringattheboardwitheverythinginherpresentlifeobliteratedfromherattentionwhilethecombinationsplayedthemselvesoutinherhead.EverynowandthenasoundfromMrs.Wheatleyoratensionintheairoftheroombroughtheroutofitforamoment,andshelookedarounddazedly,feelingthepainedtightnessofhermusclesandthethin,intrusiveedgeoffearinherstomach.
Therehadbeenafewtimesoverthepastyearwhenshefeltlikethis,withhermindnotonlydizziedbutnearlyterrifiedbytheendlessnessofchess.BymidnightMrs.Wheatleyhadputherbookasideandgonequietlytosleep.Bethsatinthegreenarmchairforhours,nothearingMrs.
