Late for the Wedding by Amanda Quick Page A

amused. From a hair
    dresser, no less.
      Indeed, sir," Pierce murmured,   you are hardly an authority on
    fashion, so you are in no position to judge Misses Lake's potential."
    Tobias contemplated the pleasure of ripping Pierce's head off his
    shoulders, but he reluctantly abandoned the prospect when he felt
    Lavinia's fingers clench very tightly around his elbow. She was
    right, he thought. It would be a messy project, and the hour grew
    late.
    You are so kind to give me your professional opinion, Mister Pierce."
    Lavinia smiled her brightest, most polished smile.   I shall consider
    your offer."
      Allow me to give you my card." Pierce whipped one out of the
    pocket of his trousers and presented it to her with a flourish.   Please
    feel free to send word to that address when you are ready to move
    to a higher plane of elegance and style. I shall be delighted to fit you
    into my schedule."
      Thank you." Lavinia took the card and inclined her head in
    farewell to Miss Richards and Miss Gilway.   Good night. I trust you
    will all have a safe journey home."
    There was a small chorus of farewells. Pierce retreated to his
    bed chamber. Miss Gilway and Miss Richards retired to the room
    they shared.
    Tobias and Lavinia continued down the hall.
      Why are you glowering so, sir?" Lavinia opened the door of her
    bed chamber, stepped into the room, and turned to face him.   I vow,
    you put me in mind of an oncoming storm."

  
    Tobias glanced back along the now vacant hall, thinking about
    the conversation that had just transpired. Your question to Pierce
    concerning a blond wig was very astute. It raised some interesting
    possibilities."
      Thank you." She did not trouble to hide her pleasure in the small
    compliment.   Of course, if blond wigs are so very unfashionable, it
    stands to reason that the killer would not have purchased one that
    would stand out in the memory of possible witnesses. Therefore,
    perhaps it is safe to assume that the murderer is, indeed, a woman
    who possesses very vivid blond hair."
      On the contrary, I think we can conclude precisely the opposite."
      I beg your pardon?"
      Consider it closely, Lavinia. The killer's yellow hair seems to have
    been his most striking feature. That and the very large cap are the
    two things that made the strongest impression upon you when you
    saw the maid in the hall, correct?"
    Yes, but    She broke off, eyes widening in comprehension.   I
    understand. You believe the murderer intended those two features
    to be the most memorable in the event that he was seen by a
    witness?"
    He nodded.   The Memento-Mori Man's stock-in-trade was a gift
    for misdirection. If this new killer has patterned himself on such a
    master, he will favor the same strategy. Therefore, I think we can
    assume that the blond hair was false. And I am also certain that the
    female attire was meant to conceal a man."
    She hesitated.   I do not feel that we can assume the murderer is
    a man. But I do agree that there is a strong likelihood the blond hair
    was a wig."
      It is a starting point, at least." He wrapped one hand around the
    door frame and considered.   If blond wigs are so unfashionable, they
    will be uncommon in the shops. There cannot be that many wig
    makers in London. We should be able to discover which ones sold
    yellow false hair in recent months."
      Do not be so sure of that. It is true that any wig-maker who took
    a commission for a wig in such an unfashionable shade would no
    doubt remember his client well. But I fear that we cannot depend
    upon locating the shop. The wig may have been commissioned some
    where other than London. A great many fashionable ladies and
    gentlemen obtain their wigs in Paris. There is also the possibility
    that the false hair was stolen from a theater or taken from an actor's

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    trunk. A search for the particular wig-maker who created the
    killer's false hair could well prove to be a complete waste of time."
      Nevertheless,