Read Online Designs in Crime by Carolyn Keene - Free Book Online Page B

pearl she’d found in the air shaft.
    â€œThat must be from my gown!” Joanna said excitedly.
    Just then there was a knock on the door, and Beau entered carrying two gowns. “For Liz,” he said, hanging an emerald green satin gown on one rack. “And, Joanna,” he said, forcing a smile, “careful trying yours on. Some of the seams are just basted. I’ll be back in a few minutes to see how you’re doing.” Then he left the fitting room.
    Joanna and Liz ducked behind two oriental screens and quickly changed into the gowns.
    â€œThis is perfect,” Liz said, smoothing the satin folds over her hips.
    â€œOh, Lizzy, you look great!” Joanna said as she turned to look at her own reflection and frowned. “Too bad the rest of the bridal party isn’t here.” Turning to Nancy, she added, “Two of my bridesmaids had last-minute emergencies and won’t even arrive until Friday morning. They’re going to miss tomorrow night’s rehearsal dinner!”
    â€œNot a big deal,” Liz said, trying to calm her friend. “We’ll make do without them.”
    â€œBut it’s going to throw off the procession,” Joanna insisted. “Everyone will be confused.”
    â€œIf it would help, Bess and I could take their places at the rehearsal,” Nancy offered. “Then we’ll clue them in when they arrive.”
    â€œWould you?” Joanna’s green eyes widened hopefully. “We’re rehearsing at St. Patrick’s Cathedral on Fifth Avenue. Sam’s brothers will be there—and they’re so cute! We start at five, then we’re off to dinner at the Russian Tea Room.”
    There was a knock at the door, and Nancy opened it to find Beau.
    â€œHow’s it going?” he asked.
    â€œI’m in love”—Liz twirled around—“with my dress!”
    Beau smiled. “It’s always nice to have a satisfied client.” He knelt beside Joanna and re-arrangedthe bustle of her gown. “With a few tucks, this should be fine, too. Though I’m not giving up on the gown with your mother’s pearls.”
    â€œThanks for whipping this up for me, Beau,” Joanna said sincerely. “I know that rumors are flying about the gown Mimi made for me.”
    Beau tensed for a moment, then nodded. “I saw Delia’s report this morning.”
    â€œBut I haven’t spoken to Mimi for months,” Joanna told him. “I want you to know that I’m going to stick with you and wear one of your designs. No matter what Mimi does!”
    â€œThanks,” Beau told Joanna. “Most clients aren’t so loyal. You’ve been an angel.”
    â€œMimi is persistent,” Liz added. “Can you believe that she had an invitation to her show hand-delivered to Joanna this morning?” Liz snorted. “That woman doesn’t give up.”
    â€œAn invitation?” Beau said, glancing at Nancy. “There’s your chance.”
    â€œDon’t worry. I’m not going,” Joanna said.
    â€œBut you should,” Beau insisted.
    Quickly Nancy explained that she and Bess needed a way into Mimi Piazza’s studio. “She might have something to do with stealing Beau’s designs. Maybe she even knows something about your gown.”
    â€œWhat?” Joanna and Liz said in unison.
    â€œMimi has always been a rival of mine,” Beau said. “She’d love to see my business crumble,and considering the way things are going, she may get her wish.”
    â€œI really need a way to check her out,” Nancy said.
    â€œWell, then, I guess we’ll be attending her show on Thursday morning,” Joanna said firmly. “I’ll call her studio and make sure that you and Bess are added to the guest list.”
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    â€œModeling is a lot of hard work,” Bess said. She rolled her shoulders and rubbed the back of her