Quick, Amanda - Slightly Shady.txt by Slightly Shady Page A

extremely difficult not to exhibit his creations. There is a need to have one's work seen and appreciated." "One can hardly make a living otherwise," Lavinia said. Mrs. Vaughn shook her head decisively "It is not simply the money, Mrs. Lake. Indeed, if the artist is wealthy, the money is the least of it."
    Lavinia glanced at the nearest of the fascinating waxworks. "I understand." "There really are not that many expert modelers in wax, you know," Mrs. Vaughn continued. "I fear waxwork is rapidly declining from the level of true art to a type of entertainment meant to appeal primarily to bloodthirsty schoolboys and apprentice lads. I blame the late, unpleasant business in France. All those death masks Madame Tussaud was obliged to make after the guillotine had done its work. It gave the public a taste for art that produces horrid thrills in the viewer." As if her own work did not create a few cold chills, Lavinia thought. "Thank you very much for giving us your opinion on this waxwork." She picked up the picture and began to rewrap it. "I had hoped you would be able to give us some clues. But it appears we shall have to pursue another avenue of inquiry." Mrs. Vaughn's round face lost much of its bright-eyed good cheer. "You will be cautious, I trust." Cold interest sparked in Tobis's expression. "What do you wish to imply, madam?" Mrs. Vaughn watched Lavinia tie a knot in the string. "Whoever modeled that picture was clearly intent on inducing terror in the heart of the person who received it." Lavinia thought about the stark dread she had seen in Mrs. Dove's eyes. "if that was, indeed, the artist's goal, I assure you he or she was successful." Mrs. Vaughn pursed her lips. "I regret I cannot tell you the name of the artist who created this picture. But I can' tell you that you are looking for someone who is consumed with a desire to inflict revenge or, perhaps, punishment. In my experience, there is only one thing that can turn so completely to hate." Lavinia stilled. "What is that, Mrs. Vaughn?"
    "Love." Mrs. Vaughn smiled again. The sparkling cheerfulness returned to her eyes. "It really is quite the most dangerous of all the emotions, you know." Almost everyone had a strong opinion on love today, Lavinia reflected. "I don't know about you, Mr. March," Lavinia declared as she swept through the door of her study a short time later, "but I vow I am sorely in need of something of a medicinal nature to settle my nerves. Mrs. Vaughn and her collection of waxworks left me with a most unpleasant sensation." Tobias closed the door very deliberately and looked at her. "For once, Mrs. Lake, we are in complete agreement." "I do not believe that a pot of hot tea will be effective in this instance. A stronger tonic is required." She crossed the room and opened an oak chest to reveal the cut-glass decanter inside. It was nearly full. "We are in luck." She seized the decanter. "I believe I have found a remedy for what ails us. If you will see to the fire, sir, I shall pour us both a glass." "Thank you." Tobias walked to the hearth and went stiffly down on one knee. His expression tightened. Lavinia frowned, the sherry decanter tilted over a glass. "Did you injure your leg, Sir? " "A small misstep." He concentrated on setting the kindling ablaze. "The leg healed nicely, but on days such as this I am occasionally aware of my mistake." "Mistake? " "Pray do not concern yourself, Mrs. Lake." He finished his task, gripped the edge of the mantel, and pulled himself to his feet. When he turned toward her, his expression was politely unreadable. "It is nothing, I assure you." It was clear to her that he did not want to make further explanations, and the condition of his leg was certainly none of her business. Furthermore, she had no cause to feel the least bit of sympathy for Tobias March. Nevertheless, she could not repress the twinge of concern. He must have seen something in her eyes because his own hardened in annoyance. "The sherry will suffice