Death of a Mad Hatter (A Hat Shop Mystery) by Jenn McKinlay Read Free Book Online

story behind that, but first let’s see if your cousin is as stodgy as you,” he said. He smiled so I knew he was teasing. We glanced back at Viv to find Liam still hovering and whispering.
    “Daphne, you have to give Geoffrey some time,” Lily said. “Dad only passed away a month ago, and he’s still figuring it all out.”
    “Oh, you think so? Is that why he’s transferring all of the family fortune into new accounts with just his name on them?” Daphne asked. Her voice cracked like a whip and Rose looked as if she’d like to cower under the furniture to get away from her sister, while Lily appeared completely unruffled.
    “Daphne, can we not speak of this now?” Rose asked. She cast Dotty a worried glance as if afraid Daphne’s outburst would upset their mother.
    “Do you really think our brother isn’t out to take everything that is rightfully ours?” Daphne asked.
    “What do you care?” Lily asked. “You’re married to Tom Mercer, a wealthy man in his own right.”
    “Yes, he is, and he’s worked for every penny,” Daphne said. “Why if he were here instead of in the States, working on a merger for his company, he would agree with me completely.”
    “Oh, come off it,” Lily said. “You and Tom aren’t hurting for money; what do you care if Geoffrey is in charge of the estate?”
    “It’s the principle of the thing,” Daphne snapped. “It wasn’t just Mum that he le—”
    “No!” Rose jumped up and shoved into Daphne, cutting off her words. “Do not say it!”
    “Smooth move, Aunt Rose,” George said. “That could have gotten nasty. Gram always goes a bit sideways when there’s any talk of Gramps leaving her for his mistress. Still, Aunt Lily is my favorite.”
    “Girls, this unacceptable behavior,” Dotty said. She frowned at Viv. “Ginny, I am so sorry about this. Liam, stop pestering my friend in her place of business.”
    George and I turned away together to hide our grins.
    “You know the fact that your grandmother thinks that Viv is her age adds quite a twist to Liam asking Viv out, doesn’t it?” I giggled.
    “Can you imagine her at Sunday dinner with Gram thinking she’s shagging her grandson?” George chortled.
    “Awkward,” I said out of the side of my mouth.
    “Fine, if we can’t discuss the brass tacks of what’s happening in our own family, then I suggest we don’t speak at all. George, Liam, we’re leaving,” Daphne announced.
    “And that’s that,” George said. “It’s been a pleasure, Scarlett.”
    “Likewise,” I said. He gave me a half bow and walked over to his mother. She still looked angry enough to spit nails, primarily at her sister.
    Liam seemed more reluctant to leave Viv, which made me think he had not yet sealed the deal on a date.
    Daphne, oblivious to her son’s reluctance to depart, stomped toward the door.
    “Daphne, what are we to do with your hat?” Lily called after her.
    “I don’t care,” she said. “I’m sick to the back teeth of the whole bloody situation.”
    With that she shoved out the door. George paused to kiss Dotty on the cheek and wink at his aunts, while Liam heaved a sigh and did the same. He waved at Viv, looking like a lovesick schoolboy as he exited the shop after his brother.
    Viv glanced at the three remaining ladies. “Don’t worry. I have her measurements and will manage a perfect hat for her.”
    “Oh, thank you, Ginny. Whatever would we do without you?” Dotty asked. “Now, you and Scarlett will be coming to the tea, won’t you?”
    “Uh,” I stammered. I really couldn’t imagine willingly spending any more time with this family.
    “Oh, do say you’ll come,” Lily chimed in. “It will be such fun. I promise we’ll all be on our best behavior.”
    Dotty reached over and patted Viv’s hand. “For me?” she asked.
    Suddenly, the scent of lily of the valley tickled my nose. I frowned and looked at Viv. I saw her nose twitch and then she glanced at Mim’s old wardrobe in the