‘Bon appetit!’ Natalie said, as they clinked glasses. Jane enjoyed everything, and was surprised at how simple it had been to prepare.
‘Thanks, Natalie, I really appreciate you showing me how to cook this… it’s not as difficult as I thought it would be.’
‘Next lesson will be a roast chicken with stuffing. But I think you’ve now learnt enough to entertain your male suitors. So, tell me, which one’s your favourite and what’s he look like?’
‘He’s a detective sergeant, tall, blonde, blue-eyed and drives a Porsche. I don’t think he’s that interested in me, but he might…’ Jane already felt that she had said too much.
Natalie leaned forwards across the table. ‘Did you sleep with him?’
‘No!’
‘What about the other two… the nurse from the hospital?’
‘Good heavens, no! I shouldn’t really even be talking about them.’
‘Why not? What about the DCI… is he sexy?’
Jane felt a trifle uncomfortable.
‘He’s very attractive. There’s a big black-tie event coming up in the CID, and he asked if… well, sort of suggested he accompany me.’
‘Is he married? Are any of them married?’
‘No.’
‘Well, that’s a relief. I had a long scene with a married man and I swore I would never, ever, be dumb enough to do it again. You know, I got the same old story that he was going to leave his wife, but he never did. I don’t think he had any intention of leaving her, but I was very hurt. So, this black-tie do… have you decided what you’re going to wear?’
‘No, I haven’t given it a thought… but it’s full evening gowns so it’ll have to be a long dress.’
‘I tell you what you should do… I’ll give you the address of a special place on the King’s Road where you can hire a dress. Some of them are really spectacular and it’ll cost less than forking out for something you might only wear once… Where is the ball being held?’
‘I’m not sure. To be honest I’m not even certain of the exact date, but it’s a formal dinner and I believe it’s a very popular night with all the CID officers and their wives.’
Natalie lit another cigarette, and started to clear the plates.
‘Let me help you,’ Jane said, jumping up. ‘If you could give me the address for that dress hire place I’d be grateful. I’ve decided my entire wardrobe needs an overhaul, and I am going to chuck out that terrible safari suit.’
‘Just remember that you shouldn’t dress to please a man, you should do it for yourself. If you think you look good and you feel confident then whatever they think is immaterial… so sayeth my dear departed mother, who once…’
Natalie started to laugh, as Jane ran the hot water into the sink to begin washing the dishes.
‘She once said to me, in a very confidential manner, that if I wanted to know what kind of a body a man had…’ She giggled again, and Jane couldn’t help joining in.
‘I was gobsmacked because I couldn’t think of what she was going to come out with! But she whispered to me that I should go swimming with him, as you can tell what kind of body he has in a pair of swimming trunks! And do you know how often I’ve thought about that when I’ve been having sex, and wishing I’d had done a test run in a swimming pool!’
They both laughed, as the dishes were washed and put away, and by the time the kitchen was cleared it was after six. Natalie wanted Jane to stay but Jane didn’t want to outstay her welcome. When they said their farewells, Natalie gave her a big bear hug and a kiss, as they promised to meet up again for another cooking lesson.
As Jane drove home she suddenly remembered that Natalie hadn’t given her the contact details for the dress hire company, and decided she would ring her when she got back to her flat, but there was no answer when she called. She had enjoyed herself, and liked having someone to confide in. She did wonder whether perhaps she had said too much about her work, but then dismissed it. So that she didn’t forget exactly how to make spaghetti bolognese in the future, she wrote down all the ingredients and cooking instructions. Sitting in her tiny kitchen she doubted she could invite anyone for dinner, as they would have to perch on the kitchen stools. Then there was Pearl to consider, unless it was a weekend when she was away visiting her parents.
As if on cue Jane heard the main front door bang shut, and then heavy footsteps on the stairs before the key turned in the door. Pearl slammed the door shut behind her, causing Jane to wince as she appeared in the kitchen doorway. Pearl pulled off her green beret, shook her hair and dumped her overnight bag down on the floor. She sighed.
‘I had a big row with my mother, so I got the earlier train back.’ Pearl was about to go into her bedroom, when Jane noticed that she had two books tucked under her arm.
‘More books? You must be an avid reader.’
‘Yes, well it’s part of my job, or at least I feel it’s necessary. We sometimes have private parties who rent out the museum, and then I give a tour and they ask me a lot of questions. I like to know the background on all the exhibits. We even have sort of scenes from crimes, murders like Dr Crippen, and Lizzie Borden the axe-killer. I’m always asked for details, which is why I do the research. I like the murderers in our collection; it’s fascinating how and why they kill people. I’m always the one asked to give the private tours because most of the other employees have no idea who half the people are… and I get extra money.’
‘Oh, that’s very innovative of you.’ Jane said, and then she smiled. ‘Do you have a Marilyn Monroe waxwork there?’
‘Oh yes, of course.’
‘I believe she had lots of witty remarks recorded…’
‘She did… My favourite is; “I don’t mind living in a man’s world, as long as I can be a woman in it.” ’
‘Oh…’ Jane was impressed. She had been going to try and catch Pearl out by repeating what Dexter had told her.
‘Did you have a nice weekend?’ Pearl asked.
‘Yes, I did… I had a cooking lesson.’
‘Oh, cooking… that’s what started the argument with my mother. She infuriated me. I have told her repeatedly that I am a vegetarian and she says that she knows — and then she decided to roast a duck for Sunday lunch. I reminded her that I didn’t eat meat and she got into a real temper saying that duck wasn’t meat, it was a bird… then it just escalated into a big argument as to whether or not ducks and chickens were acceptable for vegetarians. I said: “Mother, they are fowl and therefore meat,” and the next minute there was drama and tears… so I had enough and left.’
‘Would you like a cup of your green tea?’
‘No, thank you. I’m tired out and have an early start in the morning. Oh, how was dinner at Fratelli’s?’
‘It was very nice.’
‘I often have their veggie lunch… but most days I like to go into the Planetarium. My friend Eric works there so I get in free. Do you believe in star signs?’
‘I’ve never really thought about it to be honest…’
‘Well, I do… I’m an Aries, and when you look at the formation of the planets and realise that we are such a small speck, it’s very meaningful. When I go back to work with all those wax figures of famous and historical people, I sometimes feel as if I am keeper of their souls.’
‘Really?’ asked Jane, trying to keep up as Pearl skipped from one subject to another. But Pearl seemed to have run out of steam.
‘Do you mind if I have a bath?’
‘No, go ahead… I’m going to have an early night.’
Pearl picked up her bag, and went into her bedroom. Jane waited for the door to bang shut, but this time Pearl closed it quietly. Jane washed her coffee cup and cleaned the kitchen before turning off the lights and going into her bedroom. She heard the bathwater running and as she got into bed she could hear Pearl singing, not too loudly but with a sweet voice. Jane recognised the song as ‘The Age of Aquarius’ from the musical Hair. She closed her eyes. Pearl was such a different creature to her she found it hard to relax with her, unlike Natalie, who she felt was already a friend. Pearl thought of heartless murderers like Dr Crippen as entertainment for visitors to Madame Tussauds, whereas Jane knew that real killers left behind horror and heartbreak.