Free Half a Mind TO Murder (Dr. Alexandra Gladstone Mysteries Book 3) by Paula Paul

Nightingale, whom you admire a great deal, is a Unitarian, I believe, so perhaps it is a recommendation.”
    Nancy ’s glare faltered and she went back to attacking her pie. Alexandra decided she’d had enough sport at Nancy’s expense and spoke to her in a tone she hoped was reassuring. “Of course I won’t hire Miss Cobbe, if you think it’s unnecessary. You’ve always proved yourself to be quite efficient and capable of providing any assistance I need.”
    There was another long silence except for the sound of cutlery against china until Nancy, at last, put aside her knife and fork, cleared her throat, and spoke. “She is stuck in that dreadful charwoman position at the tavern, however.”
    Alexandra gave her a wry look. She ’d always found Nancy’s see-saw form of logic dizzying.
    “ And there are times, of course, when I could use a bit of help.”
    Alexandra set her cup down and pretended to be absorbed in brushing crumbs from her lap.
    “Remember? I mentioned that.”
    “ Yes, I believe you did. You said something about the patient load becoming heavier and the fact that you thought I might enjoy a bit of French cuisine now and then, which I believe you said Polly learned when she was a maid-of-all-work in France.”
    Nancy picked up her knife and fork and tried to resume interest in her breakfast. “I suppose you think I don’t know what you’re doing,” she said.
    “ I beg your pardon?”
    “ Playing me like a violin, you are.”
    Alexandra felt a moment of chagrin. “Nancy, I…”
    “ Don’t forget I’m the one who taught you such tricks.”
    Alexandra sighed. “I learned from the master,” she said. “I suppose I forgot for a moment who the master is.”
    Nancy laughed with abandon, the kind of laugh that had been carefully and regrettably bred out of Alexandra. But Nancy’s laughter was ruthlessly contagious, and Alexandra felt herself smiling, then having to cover her mouth with her napkin, until the contagion finally erupted from her in soul-cleansing bubbles of mirth. Within seconds, however, her laughter had evolved into sobs. She covered her face with her hands and wept until her shoulders shook.
    “ Miss Alex…” Nancy sounded shocked. She had rarely seen Alexandra cry.
    Alexandra, embarrassed, did her best to control herself. “Forgive me, Nancy. I…I don’t know what’s come over me.” She sniffed and dried her eyes with the backs of her hands then straightened her shoulders to regain some of her dignity.
    “’ Tis all right, Miss,” Nancy said, reaching to cover Alexandra’s hand with her own. “You’re just a bit tired, now aren’t you? Not yourself, I’d say. And who could blame you?” she added, giving her hand a squeeze before she stood and went to the stove to fetch the tea kettle. “Up all night with the Hastings baby, and it doesn’t look good for her now, does it? That’s a worry for you, I know. And then all those murders and poor Gweneth being blamed.” She poured Alexandra another cup of tea then poured one for herself. “Why, a weaker person would have been driven to pure insanity, I say.” She sat at her place at the table again. “You’ll be yourself once things return to normal.”
    Alexandra tried to smile and picked up her cup, grateful for the comfort of the familiar taste. She was embarrassed at her show of emotion, and she knew Nancy was right. Her lack of sleep had left her nerves frayed. “Will things ever return to normal, Nancy? All that’s going on in Newton is pure madness.”
    Nancy nodded her head, but said nothing.
    “ It is madness, Nancy. The townspeople are right about that. Only an absolute madman would do the kind of thing we’re seeing. Yes, they’re right about that, even if they have chosen the wrong people to blame.”
    “ We’re all on edge, Miss Alex. But try not to worry so much. There is nothing you can do about it.”
    “ Perhaps you’re right.” Alexandra suddenly felt overwhelmed with weariness.