Better to Eat You by Charlotte Armstrong Read Free Book Online Page B

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    â€œPoor Sarah’s at a disadvantage,” drawled Malvina. “By Monday, dressed for the part, she will seem more efficient.” Malvina’s apology for Sarah succeeded in pointing out her bare feet, her wild hair, her doubt and her quaking.
    â€œI hope I will be able to hang on to my efficiency,” David said, “in this beautiful place.” His eyes were on Malvina as he rose.
    He was perceptive enough not to weary Grandfather with many thanks or too much leave-taking. He said, “Walk with me to the gate, Miss Shepherd?”
    â€œWe all will,” said Malvina charmingly.
    So Malvina walked beside him across the garden, purring like a great cat, a big comfortable domestic pussycat, talking about the routine of the house and, like a cat, she seemed to be arching her back and puffing out her fur.
    Sarah’s bare feet stumbled and were bruised on the bricks. “Edgar,” she appealed, “I don’t know …I don’t like this.…”
    â€œIf your grandfather says it’s all right …” murmured Edgar. He was watching the two who walked ahead.
    â€œMalvina,” Sarah caught at her sleeve, “please. Stop, all. of you. Please. Mr. Wakeley, don’t you see, if anything should happen, how I would feel?”
    â€œOh, Sarah, not that again,” Malvina said in a soft wail that was sorry and disgusted, and bored with her, too.
    The garden was growing dark but light fell on the flowers that curtained the cliff and on David’s face. He was not smiling. He was looking down at her rather intently. “I really don’t think you must let this thing get you down,” he said. “Let’s be sensible. After all, we know things don’t just happen.” His eyes held hers. “Now, do they?” He took her hand.
    Sarah said helplessly, “I’ll try …”
    â€œThen, I’ll see you on Monday.”
    â€œWe’ll look forward …” said Malvina charmingly. She went to unlock the gate and David took her hand to say goodbye. He walked away toward a smart red car.
    Sarah stood at the top of the stairs and even in her strange state, part a quenchless feeling of joyous excitement, and part dismay, she thought to herself, Why, that’s not his car.
    But Malvina turned and began to come up and Sarah turned to run away. That first day she had come here and found Grandfather, she had felt easy and at home after some long terrible weeks. Until Malvina had come, storming and scolding, and making it clear that Sarah might have killed the dear old man with such a shock. Malvina had even discharged the couple … the Neppers … because Mrs. Nepper, in all kindness, had let her in. Sarah had never thought it was fair, never quite liked Malvina Lupino. Never trusted her temper.
    She felt Edgar take hold of her shoulders and give her a little push. “Go, get dressed,” he said. “This hasn’t got anything to do with you. If Malvina wants him here,” said Edgar bitterly, “he’ll come.”
    Sarah began to hurry across the garden. She looked back. Edgar was looking thunderous. Malvina was smiling her wide frank smile and her eyes were lifted, wide and innocent, to his scrutiny.
    Sarah, trying to banish misgivings and forebodings, trying to be sensible, could not banish the one deep joyous cry. It has to do with me. I will be working by his side.
    A few miles away, the other side of the settlement, David sat on the floor beside Consuelo’s fire, eating his supper quickly off a divided plate. “So you didn’t mention me at all?” she mused.
    â€œThought I’d better not. After, Consuelo, you weren’t let in. Besides, I want you working in the dark. You are my secret service.”
    â€œI’m a genius at it, too,” said Consuelo smugly. “Never knew my own resources. For instance, I can tell you a lot about Edgar Perrott.”
    â€œPray