âAnd in the meantime, bolster our security around here. I actually like the idea of having electronic gizmos. We have security devices on our doors and windows, of course, but I never thought to use them in conjunction with our various exhibits. Of course, the Heritage Society doesnât put on all that many blockbuster shows that are advertised widely to the public. Mostly weâre a quiet little place. People find their way to us in ones and twos.â Timothy hesitated. âSad about young Buchanan, though. I never met the fellow, but I knew his grandfather. Fine family.â Timothy shook his head and the overhead spotlights made his bald pate gleam. âHell of a thing,â he murmured quietly.
Â
âDelaine,â gushed Theodosia, âhave you seen the jewelry yet?â She gestured over her shoulder at the small gallery sheâd just emerged from. âItâs absolutely fantastic!â
Delaine smiled wanly. âNot really. Iâve been gossiping with Hillary Retton and Marianne Petigru. You know, the two ladies who own Popple Hill Interior Design? Did you know they recently worked on the Lady Goodwood Inn? That superb tapestry in the foyer came all the way from France. I think it might have been hand-loomed by cloistered nuns or something.â
âAre you okay, Delaine?â asked Theodosia. Delaine was looking decidedly unhappy and her voice had taken on a shrill tone. She was undoubtedly still upset from the other night. The fact that sheâd been discussing the decor at the Lady Goodwood probably didnât help matters, either.
âIâm perfectly fine, Theodosia. Iâve just been trying to get another drink! â Delaine held up an empty glass and lifted her chin. âThat fellow over there has been no help whatsoever. Iâve asked him twice now to bring me a Kir Royale and do you think I have yet to see my drink? Of course not!â
âDelaine,â said Theodosia, âthe manâs a security guard, not a waiter.â
Delaine furrowed her brow and pulled her face into a petulant expression. âWell, heâs dressed like a waiter.â
âThatâs part of the setup,â Theodosia explained patiently. âRemember, we told you the Heritage Society would have extra security on duty tonight?â
âOh.â Delaine bit her lip as Drayton wandered up to join them, alone this time. âYes, I guess you did mention that.â
But from the look on Delaineâs face, Theodosia knew she was still unhappy about not getting her drink. It was amazing that just yesterday morning Delaine had been worked up about possible thievery at tonightâs event and now she was consumed with trying to get a drink. Theodosia sighed. Delaine did tend to be a bit self-centered.
âWhereâs Cooper?â Theodosia asked as Drayton joined them carrying a goblet half-filled with red wine.
Delaine shrugged helplessly. âOff somewhere. Mingling, I suppose.â She turned to Drayton and eyed the goblet in his hand. âWhatâs that?â she asked.
âA marvelous Bordeaux, Haute Emillion, âninety-two. Take it,â he offered generously. âItâs freshly poured and as yet untouched.â
âNo thanks,â said Delaine. âIâm trying to get a real drink.â
Drayton, sensing the impending onslaught of World War III, suddenly decided to take matters in hand.
âPardon me,â he said, flagging down a waiter who was hustling by with a tray of drinks in his hand. âCould you fetch us a drink?â
The young, ginger-haired waiter stopped in his tracks, bobbed his head. âOf course, sir.â
âHere you go, Delaine. This young fellow here . . .â said Drayton.
âGraham, sir,â said the waiter.
âTell Graham what youâd like, Delaine. Heâll take care of you.â Drayton fumbled in his pocket for a few dollars, pressed them into the
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