over, pushed her nose into Tatiana's and roared, 'SHUT UP!'
Tatiana's little pink mouth closed. Her button eyes bulged. She panted, yipped once, rolled her eyes up into her head, and spasmed. She rolled on her back and lay upside down, all four legs in the air, motionless.
'My God,' breathed Dina. 'It's dead!'
'Huh,' Doreen said, pleased.
Quill clapped her hands over her mouth.
'She's not dead,' Tutti said briskly, 'she's fainted. Actually, she just wants us to think she's fainted. She's faking. Does it all the time.' She nudged Tatiana with her toe. 'Up, darling. Up. Up. Up.'
Tatiana, still upside down, opened her eyes and gave Doreen an evil look.
'Come to Mummy!'
Tatiana rolled to her feet, gave a standing jump, and landed in Tutti's arms.
'Wow!' said Dina. 'That's a valuable dog, Mrs. McIntosh. I mean, jeez. Did you see that, Quill? John? How did you train her to do that, Mrs. McIntosh?'
Doreen, on her knees scrubbing at the damp spot on the rug, looked up at Tatiana with a steady considering stare. Tatiana stared steadily back.
'Um, Doreen,' said Quill. 'Maybe we could all just kind of forget this. Mrs. McIntosh, I'm Sarah Quill - '
'Sarah Quilliam,' she said with a gracious air. Her voice was high and sweet. 'The noted painter. I am very, very pleased to meet you. I've seen your work in the galleries in New York. Such an eye for color, my dear! Such sensitivity! You of all people should understand the aura here. You feel it, too, don't you?'
'Well, actually,' said Quill, 'I don't... feel what, Mrs. McIntosh?'
Her voice dropped an octave. 'The Coming Disaster. I felt the vibrations as soon as I walked in that door. This marriage must not take place!'
'Tutti!' Elaine wailed.
'Where's Claire?' Tutti demanded briskly.
'Claire?' asked Quill. 'Urn. Yes. Claire.'
'The bride,' John said helpfully.
'Oh! Of course! Come to think of it, I haven't seen her today. Have you, Dina?'
'Nope.'
Mrs. McIntosh gestured, her bracelets clanking. 'I must see her. As soon as she arrives. There is danger here, I tell you. Three knocks at the door, and then blood, blo - '
'Mrs. McIntosh!' Quill said firmly.
'Claire took the Caddy to pick up her father at the train station, Tutti,' said Elaine. 'They should have been here by now, but with the snow coming on so fast, they must have been delayed.'
'I told Vic to take the train,' said Mrs. McIntosh. 'It's more comfortable. It's safe. And a lot cheaper.' She adjusted the large diamond brooch on her scarf with a virtuous air. 'I just hope he doesn't get into an accident coming from Ithaca. Norton almost ditched my limo twice on the way up from Boston.'
'They'll be fine. Vic's a wonderful driver.' Elaine looked a question at Quill. 'Now, Tutti, why don't I take you up to your room?'
'What a good idea! We've put you in the Proven‡al suite, Mrs. McIntosh. I'm sure you'll be very comfortable up there. And would you like a tea? We've got fresh scones and Devonshire cream. And our hot chocolate is very good.'
The little dog in her arms barked.
'And I'm sure we can find a biscuit for, um...'
'Tatiana,' Mrs. McIntosh supplied.
'Of course, um... good doggie,' Quill said inadequately.
'We don't hold with dog pee here,' Doreen said in an ominous way. 'I don't do dog pee. Windows. Terlits. Refrigerators. I do all that. I don't do dog pee.'
'Of course you don't!' Mrs. McIntosh said sunnily. 'Now, if this very good-looking young man could escort me upstairs, I think I could use a little rest. It's Mr. Raintree, isn't it?'
John inclined his head gravely.
'Are you married, Mr. Raintree?'
'No, Mrs. McIntosh. Not yet.'
'Mrs. McIntosh took his arm and twinkled at him. 'Call em Tutti! Everyone does. And I'd adore it if you could meet my granddaughter. She's single, too.'
Quill watched them proceed up the winding stairs to the upper floors. Tatiana, flopped over Tutti's furry arm, regarded Doreen unblinkingly with her shoe button eyes.
'I didn't know you had two daughters, Mrs. McIntosh,' said Dina.
Elaine took a deep breath. 'I don't. She doesn't either. Have another granddaughter, I mean. Oh, Quill, what am I going to do? You see what I mean?'
