Delivering the Truth by Edith Maxwell Read Free Book Online

provisions for Minnie.”
    He folded his arms. “When’s that fool sister of ours coming back?” he asked Minnie with a scowl.
    I raised my eyebrows at his sudden change in demeanor.
    â€œSometime soon, I hope,” Minnie said. “She’s helping me out and don’t you forget it. I don’t understand why you can’t get along with her.”
    â€œWell, and you won’t understand, neither, because I’m not explaining it again. And I suppose you still don’t want me bringing my nephew’s daddy to account? I can think of a couple of ways to do it.”
    â€œNo.” Minnie’s tone was firm. “Brother, that is my business and not yours.”
    â€œEven though he’s brought shame upon our family?” His nostrils widened like he’d smelled a rotting fruit. “And humiliated you?”
    Minnie sighed. “Jotham, leave it be, will you?”
    He seemed to shake off his mood. “I’ll be off, then.” He looked at me and then at the baby. “I thank you for helping get my little nephew out into the world,” he said in a softer voice as he moved to the bedside. He leaned over the baby and touched his cheek. “We’ll be playing ball before you know it, laddie.” He set his hat on his head and walked out.
    â€œThe two of you share a resemblance,” I said to Minnie. “What’s his name again?”
    â€œJotham.” She bit the side of her lower lip. “He means well. And I wish he and my sister were more friendly.”
    â€œNo one chooses their blood relatives.” Every family had its intrigues, its members who feuded either silently or with great noise. And a brother and sister who didn’t get along wasn’t my business.
    â€œIda accused him of stealing from her.” She wrinkled her nose. “Nobody ought to steal, related or not. I don’t know if he did, though. And he’s always been good to me.”
    â€œI’m glad,” I said. “Now, how is thee feeling? Has thee been up? Is thee passing water?”
    She nodded. “I’m a bit sore down there. But I’m hungry, like always. And I have a wicked thirst, too.”
    I told her that was normal with a suckling babe. “Thee must drink frequently. Even some ale will help the milk flow. Can I get thee something now?”
    â€œA drop of ale would be fine. It’s in the kitchen there.”
    I located it and brought her a tankard half full. “I’ll be going, then. Send word if thee has any problems. And Minnie?”
    She looked up. “Yes?”
    â€œThee can make the father be accountable. I can help thee.”
    She shook her head, hard. “I’m fine. Thank you. But I am taken care of.”
    I let myself out, looking forward to an hour or two of rest before Isaiah’s memorial service this afternoon. As I rounded onto Market Street, a well-appointed carriage passed me. I glanced back down the street a minute later to see William Parry disappear through Minnie’s door. I didn’t know for certain why the owner of one of Amesbury’s most successful carriage factories would be paying his respects, but I could guess, especially given Lillian Parry’s suspicions. And if he was the father of Minnie’s baby, he certainly wasn’t making any secret of it.

six
    I trudged through Market Square. Perhaps I should pick up staples for the household. I paused outside Sawyer’s Mercantile and swayed a little with fatigue. As I covered an unavoidable yawn with my hand, I caught sight of a thin woman hurrying up Friend Street away from me. It looked much like Nell Gilbert, whom I had delivered of a daughter the year before.
    â€œNell,” I called out. She stopped short but didn’t turn around. I opened my mouth to hail her again, then shut it when a man stepped out of the doorway of Skeel’s Fish Market. It was none other than Jotham O’Toole. I watched