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engagement with such a gorgeous, fascinating man?”
    Karen didn’t have to think long. “Never.”
    Linda extended her hands, palms up, in an I-rest-my-case gesture. “Then why are we having this conversation? If he’d asked me to dinner I wouldn’t be standing about nattering, frittering away precious time—that I can tell you. But unfortunately he didn’t send ME flowers, or invite ME to dinner. I will probably spend the evening doing the Times crossword puzzle and watching reruns of ‘The Avengers’ dubbed in Spanish. Now will you please stop trying my rapidly dwindling patience and take the damned shoes?”
    “Okay,” Karen said, laughing.
    “Good, now that’s settled. On to the undies and the makeup.”
    Linda supervised purchases for another hour until they had Karen outfitted from head to toe. As the clerk was ringing up the shocking bill, Linda appeared carrying a pair of beige cotton twill slacks with a tan silk blouse and a pair of espadrilles.
    “What are those?” Karen asked fearfully.
    “Well, darling, you don’t propose to wear that black tango number back home on the plane, do you? The pilot will have a heart attack and miss the runway and you’ll end up in the marshlands.”
    “The Meadowlands, Linda, but I get the idea. Just throw that stuff on the counter; I won’t even look at the tags.”
    “You’re learning,” Linda replied, satisfied.
    They left with several large bags stuffed with goodies, and as they lurched back to the elevator, Linda noticed that the beauty salon was still open. Karen was grateful that there wasn’t time for her to get her hair done, but Linda did manage to slip inside and wheedle a bottle of nail polish out of the manicurist. It was obvious that she had also hit the salon hard earlier in the day; the manicurist followed her into the hall and waved merrily as they got onto the elevator.
    “Charming girl,” Linda commented as they rose to the second floor, this time accompanied by a Venezuelan businessman and a bossa nova band on the intercom. “I did have a bit of a communications problem with her, though. All I wanted was a bottle of rosewood nail polish, one such as a mute could buy at Harrods in thirty seconds, but this afternoon she kept coming up with these flaming reds, totally inappropriate for my coloring. I don’t think subtlety is their long suit around here.”
    The elevator doors slid open soundlessly and they bustled into Karen’s room.
    “Now you just hop into the bath,” Linda instructed, “and Mother will set out all your things neat and tidy. Too bad we don’t have those wonderful American rollers that you heat up; they give you such lovely curls in, and for, ten minutes.”
    “I never set my hair,” Karen said as she undressed. “It’s too heavy and it just pulls out all the curl.”
    “Yes, indeed, that must be a terrible problem,” Linda replied sarcastically. “Speaking as one who is practically bald, I can give you very little sympathy, I’m afraid.”
    Linda busied herself unpacking their purchases as Karen took a shower and emerged, dripping, a few minutes later. The new clothes were set out valet style on the bed, the shoes lined up next to each other like tin soldiers on the floor.
    “Now into those duds, and Bob’s your uncle,” Linda said, picking up the phone. “I’ll order up some tea to my room. Shopping always makes me parched. With the service in this place it should arrive long after you’re gone.”
    Karen slipped the expensive garments on, loving the feel of the rich material next to her skin. She bent and fastened the straps of the shoes around her ankles and then straightened, smoothing the dress over her hips as she did so.
    “Now isn’t that a dainty dish to set before the king,” Linda said with relish, watching her. “Or the Yank, in this case.” She rubbed her palms together, chortling. “Now sit in this chair, my darling, and we’ll put the finishing touches on the chocolate