The Mystery in the Old Book: A Nina Derbin Mystery by D. B. Jagiel

Author:D. B. Jagiel [Jagiel, D. B.]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Publisher: Blue Wicker Press
Published: 2023-08-10T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 20

The party erupted in response to Nepenthe’s swoon and Richard’s graceful heroics. Prudence rushed over to help tend to her sister. As Richard lifted her, Prudence said, “Richard, I will go prepare the bed.”

“I will come too,” said Doctor Underwood, unaware of Prudence’s panicked look as she rushed ahead. “Mrs. Derbin, you have much knowledge of women and illness, perhaps you would accompany me as my nurse?”

“Of course, Doctor Underwood, I was about to suggest the same thing myself,” Nina replied, anxious to speak to the ill mother whose condition clearly might qualify her for admittance to Doctor Underwood’s asylum. Nina observed the husband as he carried his wife up the beautiful mahogany staircase. She’d seen men of his ilk too many times before, and she had a sneaking suspicion that behind that facade of gentility, he’d be more than willing to lock his wife in an asylum or kill her or both.

They rushed up the stairs and into Nepenthe’s bedroom where Prudence had thrown off the quilt and plumped the pillows. Richard gently laid Nepenthe on the sheets and covered her with the handmade quilt. “Nepenthe, my dear, please wake up, I’m ever so worried about you.”

Doctor Underwood glanced quickly at Mrs. Derbin to see her reaction to Richard’s syrupy sweetness. “Get her some water, I think, and let’s prop her up higher so she can breathe well,” Doctor Underwood directed Prudence.

Nina took the water and held it to Nepenthe’s lips, lifting her head as she did so.

“Now come drink some water, Nepenthe. You just fainted, perhaps you are dehydrated,” said Nina kindly.

Doctor Underwood gave Nina a puzzled look at her unusual choice of words.

Nepenthe’s eyes fluttered open and she took a few small sips of the water, with Nina helping her lie back again.

Doctor Underwood asked Richard to leave as he examined the ill woman. Nina was impressed with how kind and gentle the doctor was, even though he continued to question her for at least fifteen minutes.

“Doctor Underwood, don’t you think she needs to rest now?” Nina finally said.

“Oh, yes, absolutely, you are right. Mrs. Derbin, would you mind staying with our patient while I confer with her husband?” Ethan instructed.

Nina almost protested that he should be speaking to the patient and not her husband but then remembered where and when she was and stopped herself. Instead, as the door shut behind him, she turned to Prudence and told her, “Quickly, go listen at the door. You must hear that conversation!”

Surprised at the woman’s candid command, Prudence moved swiftly and ever so quietly opened the door. She could only hear the latter half of the conversation, but almost gasped at what she heard Doctor Underwood say to her brother-in-law.

“It most certainly is caused by hysteria,” he said confidently. “If she doesn’t improve in a day or two, I suggest you move her to the Utica Asylum where I am part of a team pioneering new treatments that will surely cure her within the month. And, if

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