Judge Thee Not

by Edith Maxwell

  “Blatant criminals!”

  “Exactly,” I agreed. “And their descriptions matched Merton and Adoniram.”

  He cocked his head. “I don’t quite fathom why they would make off with your metal steed.”

  I thought it was quite easy to fathom but kept my thought silent. “How about the Polish man who was hit in the Point Shore area? Has he survived?”

  “So far he is clinging to life but isn’t awake to talk to anyone about the assault.” He drummed his fingers on the desk, his brow furrowed. He rubbed at his carrot-colored hair with his other hand.

  “The birth I attended was at the Barclay home,” I said.

  “Oh?”

  “Yes. And Sissy Barclay revealed something quite interesting during the throes of her labor.” I pulled out the package and set it on the desk. “She said she discovered the tin in this package in her husband’s dresser drawer. It’s a powder labeled Lily of the Valley.”

  He peered at it. “Most likely belonging to Miss Nalia Bowerman.” Kevin checked a piece of paper on his desk. “I found what you related in your note yesterday most interesting. I investigated her a bit. She is an astronomer, as you said someone told you. She and Mr. Barclay are, in fact, cousins of a sort, but it’s a distant relationship, second or third cousins, something along those lines.”

  “Interesting. Irvin and Mayme were cousins, too. Does that make Nalia related to Mayme?”

  “No. Her connection is through Barclay’s father’s side, and Mrs. Settle was his aunt’s daughter.”

  “Does Nalia have any criminal background?” I asked.

  “Now you mention it, she does. She was caught trying to lift a stylish topper from Forbes Haberdashery in Boston.”

  “Stealing seems odd, doesn’t it? She’s very well dressed, so she must have money from her family. It’s not from her job. Only this morning I glimpsed an advertisement for the Harvard group I believe she works in.”

  “She’s one of Pickering’s women, I believe,” Kevin said.

  “Exactly. The pay is ridiculously low, though. And I also heard her late father left debts when he died. Is thee sure she is still employed there? It’s quite the trip from Amesbury to Cambridge and back.”

  He nodded slowly. “Good point. I’ll investigate that further. Either way, perhaps Miss Bowerman thought she had to steal the hat to maintain her style. You ladies operate in strange and unknowable ways. Including you, Miss Rose, purloining this package from a private home.”

  I winced. “I thought it could be important evidence. Does that justify my thievery?”

  “We shall see.” He chuckled as he cut the string on the package with a penknife and tore off the paper. “Lily of the Valley, you say? Some kind of ladies’ dusting powder, I assume.” He peered at the powder within, then wet his index finger and touched it.

  His hand was halfway to his mouth when I gestured for him to stop. “Don’t taste it!”

  “Why in blazes not?”

  “Mayme Settle was poisoned, correct? What if this is the poison?”

  “Lily of the valley is a plant growing everywhere. You think it’s poisonous?” He took out a handkerchief and wiped off his finger.

  “I don’t know. But Irvin Barclay is a serious gardener, as is Adoniram Riley. And Adoniram studied plant poisons at Harvard, as I relayed to thee. It might very well be the toxin we are looking for.”

  Kevin’s eyes widened. “Very interesting. I’ll send it along to our chemist. Do you think Barclay could have gotten the poison from Riley? That they’re in cahoots?”

  “That would seem to be an odd pairing, don’t you think?”

  “Odder things have happened.” He wagged his head. “This case confounds me, Miss Rose. I don’t mind admitting it to you. Everyone is lying, but who is lying because he’s a killer, and who because he has other secrets?”

  Forty-nine

  Twenty minutes into Meeting for Worship and my head was exploding. I had sought the peaceful respite of our unprogrammed Meeting, praying for a soothing of my week’s concerns. Some First Days the worship ended up completely silent, allowing, as John had written, the outside world to fall away and leave us God alone. Today? Not so much.

  A merchant with a self-satisfied air had been droning on for five minutes about justice and injustice. I stopped listening to his words but I couldn’t escape hearing his abrasive voice. He finally ceased and sat, causing the pew to give off a mighty creak. I enjoyed only two minutes of blessed silence before another Friend stood. She clasped her hands in front of her and closed her eyes, then proceeded to quote a long Bible verse about recognizing the immigrant as citizen. When she was done, the next message arose not three minutes later. And the morning proceeded thusly. A few of the spoken ministries were brief and uplifting, but many more were long-winded and dire. Not all First Days were like this. Some weeks worship remained completely free of messages. Alas, not this day.

  It was all I could manage to stay seated and not leave. At last one of the elders signaled the end of the Meeting by initiating the handshake of friendship. I filed out amid the two hundred other members and made my way to where John Whittier stood on the front lawn.

  “We had quite a busy worship, did we not, Rose?” John now asked me, his dark eyes twinkling, both hands resting on the silver-tipped cane in front of him.

  “I daresay I might have more gainfully communed with God by sitting alone by the shores of Lake Gardner.”

  “God also shows Himself through the shared messages, thee knows this.” He kept his chiding gentle.

  “Yes, I know, of course.” I kept my sigh to myself.

  “I expect thee wished for silence so thee could array thy thoughts about Mayme Settle’s passing in some more harmonious pattern.”

  I blinked. He knew me too well. “It’s true. The current investigation is plaguing me.”

  “Not in any physical way, I hope. Thee isn’t venturing into dangerous situations?”

  “Not if I can help it. It does appear Merton Settle is originally Polish, although what his native country has to do with the case I am not certain.” I turned my back on other Friends straggling out of the simple white building or talking in small groups on the grass before dispersing for home. I kept my voice low. “I told Kevin Donovan what you shared about Adoniram’s history with poisonous plants, and he’s following up the lead.”

  “I have faith that, with God’s guidance, thee and the good detective will discern the truth, as Way opens.”

  My faith didn’t feel so firm on the matter right now.

  “I did learn from the esteemed Judge Cate that Mayme Settle’s funeral is to be held tomorrow morning,” John said. “I thought thee might be interested to know about it.”

  “I am, very much. I met the daughter this morning. She said she was handling the arrangements. Where will the service take place?”

  “At Saint Paul’s, the Episcopal church on Main Street.”

  “The one with the red door. I thank thee for this news.” I frowned. “John, has thee heard of a Nalia Bowerman? A lady astronomer?”

  “Why, yes, I have had occasion to meet her. She studied with Friend Maria Mitchell, who introduced me to Nalia. Does thee know her?”

  “Not exactly, although I have met her. She might have a connection to the case, though.”

  “By way of committing a criminal deed?”

  “Maybe.”

  He stroked his beard thoughtfully. “It’s possible someone mentioned her as having come under suspicion for some unlawful act, but I can’t recall which or how I know this. I’ll think upon it, Rose.”

  “Was it the theft of a hat in Boston?”

  “I can’t recall at the moment.”

  “Please send word if thee remembers. Or better yet, let Kevin know.”

  “Thee has my word. Now I must make my way homeward for First Day dinner. Mrs. Cate doesn’t approve when I arrive tardy to the table.”

  We said our goodbyes. I was unsettled and stood for a
moment. The Baileys would be having their own First Day dinner at one o’clock, at which I was expected. Winnie and Mark were preparing the meal together. What a blessing Frederick was now cooking, too, to provide a positive example for his sons. At least it would be a blessing if he continued. His reversal in mood seemed rather too dramatic to trust.

  I’d invited David to dine with us, but he was occupied elsewhere. We’d spoken briefly this morning by telephone and I’d mentioned that the twin births had taken place. I hadn’t gone into the details of the labor or the outcomes on the telephone, of course. He’d promised to fetch me for a drive later this afternoon, so I could tell him then. I needed to visit Sissy and the baby sometime soon, but I didn’t want to go without my satchel in case there were supplies I needed. It wasn’t yet midday. I made a quick decision. I had time to dart home to grab my bag and then proceed on to the Barclay home. An invisible string tugged me toward the Settle home, but I mentally cut it. I wasn’t about to go there alone, and didn’t have a reason in the world to pay either Merton or Adoniram a visit.

  Fifty

  Fifteen minutes later I knocked on the kitchen door of the Barclay home, satchel in hand. Trepidation filled me at the prospect of encountering Irvin. I hadn’t let fear stop me from caring for any of my mothers before, however, and I wouldn’t let it stop me now. Aoife welcomed me in but held a finger to her lips.

  “Mr. Barclay’s in a bad way. I’d advise yeh to keep yer voice down, then.”

  I grimaced. “Bad sad or bad angry?” I asked in a soft voice. My stomach growled at the scents of roasted meat with fried onions and potatoes, but I ignored it.

  “The second, but coming from the first, no doubt. He’s been right raging about, he has.”

  “I’m sorry to hear it. I hope he has not directed his rage at Sissy or the baby.”

  “I don’t think so.”

  “How are the two doing?” I asked.

  “Mrs. Barclay has the weepies, she does, but she’s feeding the little girl and keeping her close by. She ate breakfast earlier, and just finished her dinner in her room with that good of an appetite. I think they’ll both be fine.”

  “I’m glad to hear it. I’ll go up and take a look for myself in a moment. Tell me, what have they done with the body of the twin who didn’t survive?”

  She rolled her eyes. “Mr. Barclay laid him out in the parlor for all the world like he’s a dead prince.”

  I brought my hand to my mouth. “Oh, my. He can’t leave the body there long. It’s Sixth Month and will only be growing warmer. They need to get him buried.”

  “I told the mister as much but he was having none of it.” She set her fists on her hips. “What can the man be thinking?”

  “I’m sure he doesn’t want to let his son go. And somehow I doubt Sissy has much sway over his decisions, although she certainly put her foot down about having the priest come.”

  “She did, and I was proud of her for doing it.”

  “Is Irvin in his study?” I glanced at the door to the hall.

  The cook nodded. “Either there or watching over the sainted corpse. But there’s a back stair, if yer after wanting to go up unseen.” She pointed to a door in the corner of the kitchen.

  “Back stairs will suit my needs perfectly. I’ll be back down in a little while.” I trod the steps as lightly as I could and eased into the hallway, then made my way quietly to Sissy’s room.

  She lay on her side with tiny Irvina sleeping beside her. The room was tidy and the window was open a few inches, allowing in a portion of fresh air. I suspected Aoife’s motherly hand.

  “Hello, Rose,” Sissy murmured, half asleep herself.

  “Good afternoon, Sissy.” I moved to her side and touched the baby’s forehead. She was warm but not hot and was breathing regularly and comfortably. I perched on the edge of the bed. “How is thee feeling?”

  “I’m sore down there, and I can’t seem to stop tears from coming out of my eyes.” Her eyes were red and moist.

  I nodded but let her continue.

  “This little girl, though? She’s a hundred percent sweet. I can’t even believe how much love fills me when I look at her. And she’s a good nursling.”

  “I am happy and satisfied to hear this. Of course thee is sad about her twin. Thee is barely a mother and thee has already lost a child. Thee will never forget him.”

  She swiped at her eyes and sniffed. “No, I won’t. My husband is worrying me, though. He insisted on taking our son’s tiny body downstairs and has barely been back.” She pushed her lips out in pity, gazing at her daughter. “And he hasn’t held his namesake once. Will his actions change, Rose?”

  “I can’t say. I hope so. He is clearly grieving quite deeply and needs to be left to do so. May I examine the baby?”

  “Of course.” She pushed herself up to sitting and watched as I took the baby into my lap and pulled up her little gown.

  Irvina awoke but didn’t cry, instead regarding me with the deep calm eyes of a newborn.

  “My older sister sewed the nightie for my baby, and several other little garments.” Sissy smiled sadly. “I wish she were here.”

  “Has thee sent for her?”

  “No. I wanted to but Mr. Barclay didn’t allow it.”

  I liked Irvin Barclay less with each new thing I learned about his overly controlling behavior. “When thy daughter grows a bit stronger, thee can pay thy family a nice long visit.” I laid my hand lightly on the baby’s chest and felt her heart, which had a strong beat. Her cord stump was clean and looked normal. Her reflexes were good, too. I covered her again and laid her to the side.

  After I’d examined Sissy, satisfied her womb was firming up and returning to normal, I returned the baby to her arms. “Thee is a first-time mother. Does thee have questions for me?”

  She frowned. “How soon can I go out? We have to hold a funeral mass for my son.”

  I thought for a moment. “He is going to need to be buried soon. Normally I would not recommend venturing out in public for several weeks until thee has thy strength back. A carriage ride could be uncomfortable and jolting until then. But I understand thee must be in church for this rite. As long as thee promises to go straight there and come directly home after the burial, I can’t see a problem.”

  A shadow slid off her face. “Oh, good. I’ll make the arrangements with Father Nilan.” She lifted her chin. “And Mr. Barclay can come or not come, but he’s not stopping me. I’ll have Mrs. O’Malley drive me if he’s not willing.”

  I loved what motherhood had done for this young woman’s backbone. “Thee is lucky to have Aoife.”

  She nodded several times in agreement. “I know. She’s been taking good care of me. She’s a real motherly sort.”

  I wanted to ask her about Nalia but I didn’t want to upset her. On the other hand, Nalia seemed to have gotten my address from Sissy, so maybe talking about my address was the way to ease into it. “Sissy, I didn’t mention this last night, but a woman named Nalia Bowerman paid me a visit yesterday morning. She said she is thy husband’s cousin, and that thee gave her my home address.”

  “Oh, her. She is my husband’s distant cousin, but she’s a bit of a pest, isn’t she? She’s always calling, bothering Irvin for something or other. She wouldn’t tell me why she wanted to see you, but I thought it wouldn’t hurt.”

  Interesting. Sissy didn’t seem to have a clue Nalia and Irvin might be up to more than what cousins normally did.

  “She actually said Irvin didn’t want me to care for thy pregnancy,” I said. “It was rather in the nature of a warning or a threat.”

  “Too late for that now, isn’t it?” She laughed softly. “Don’t worry, she’s harmless.”

  I certainly hoped so. I stood. “I’m glad to hear it. I’ll be going now. Summon me if there are any changes, if thee starts bleeding copiously, if thee has questions Aoife can’t answer.”

  “I will. And thank you, Rose. I couldn’t have done any of this without you.” Her eyes
widened. “Oh! I need to pay you. There, in the drawer to my dressing table, you’ll find an embroidered bag. It has my secret cache of coins.” She smiled and hunched her shoulders as if delighted at sharing her secret.

  I extracted my few dollars. “I thank thee.” I made my way out and back down the maid’s stairs. I pushed open the door to the kitchen and instantly regretted the move. Irvin was pacing back and forth in the empty kitchen. He whirled when he heard the door. I froze.

  “You!” He advanced on me. “You . . . you thief, you.” He shook an index finger in my face.

  I took a step back and clutched my satchel in front of me for protection. “I don’t know what thee means.” Where was Aoife?

  “Going through my belongings. Stealing from my personal possessions.”

  The tin. “I did not go through thy things, I can assure thee.” I lifted my chin.

  “If that wasn’t bad enough, you let my son die, and now you’re trespassing in my home. I forbade you from returning.”

  “Regarding thy son, I told thee last night. He was simply too small and weak to live. No one short of God could have made it happen. I also informed thee I would not shirk my responsibility toward thy wife and daughter.”

  His mouth turned down in a terrible glare. “I’m about to telephone the police but first I think I’ll wring your Quaker neck.” He stretched his meaty hands toward me.

  Fifty-one

  “Aoife,” I yelled even as I raised my satchel.

  The cook pushed through the swinging door from the hall. “Mr. Barclay! What would yeh be after, now?” She rushed forward, grabbing an iron skillet from the counter as she came. She laid a hand on his shoulder. “Don’t yeh dare be hurting the midwife. She’s only doing her job, and taking better care of yer wife and wee babe than yeh are.”

  He twisted toward her as if to wring her neck, instead.

  She raised the heavy pan in air. “Don’t yeh even dare.”