An Improper Death (Dr. Alexandra Gladstone Mysteries Book 2) by Paula Paul Page B

suddenly felt utterly weary. “I don’t know,” she said. “I hoped you would have some insight.”
    “I am not capable of having insight now,” Jane said, sounding equally weary. “Besides the death of my husband, my son…”
    “Your son?” Alexandra waited breathlessly, silently willing her to go on, to give her some clue as to why young Will would be happy that his father was dead. But it was not Will who was troubling Jane now.
    “I have gotten word that my son has…” She stopped, took a breath, and continued. “Has escaped from Newgate. I am very much afraid he will come here.”
    “You fear for his life?”
    “He…he could be blamed, you know. For my husband’s death. They did not get on well together. But you must understand, John is not capable of killing anyone.”
    Alexandra said nothing, waiting for her to say more. Pain and grief were evident on Jane’s face as she continued. “Alexandra, I must tell you something. I… You must not…” She tried to take a step toward Alexandra, but she swayed unsteadily before she collapsed to the floor.

Chapter Seven
    “What have you done to her?” The housekeeper’s cry shattered the fragile veneer of her self-imposed reserve and all her anger tumbled out in those few words. She hurried to her mistress’ side, literally pushing Alexandra away.
    Will, who had been with her, rushed toward his mother. “Mama?” he said in a small voice. His face had gone white with fear. He tried to reach for her, but the housekeeper kept him away, holding him gently yet firmly in her arms.
    “Fetch my bag, please.” Alexandra spoke in a firm voice, ignoring the housekeeper’s insinuation that what had happened was her fault. “You took it with my cloak. I need it immediately!”
    The housekeeper’s eyes flashed with anger. She turned away without a word, Will clinging tightly to her hand.
    Alexandra picked up Jane’s limp arm and checked her pulse. Her hand, she noticed, was clammy and cold. The pulse was weak and erratic, but she was breathing regularly. When the housekeeper unceremoniously dropped the bag on the floor next to Alexandra, she opened it and pulled out the spirits of ammonia bottle, which she opened and passed under Jane’s nose several times. She also sprinkled a few drops on her neck and at her temples.
    Jane moaned slightly, and the housekeeper, still holding Will’s hand, hurried away. She reappeared shortly, however, and wordlessly handed Alexandra a cool, damp cloth. Alexandra took it and bathed Jane’s face until her eyes fluttered and then opened, wide and disoriented.
    “Mama!” Will cried again and tried to pull free of the housekeeper’s hand. Jane, in turn, tried to sit up and reach for her son.
    “ Shhh,” the housekeeper said, holding on to Will.
    “Help me get her to bed,” Alexandra said.
    The housekeeper let go of Will’s hand with a whispered admonition to be quiet, then turned aside to help her mistress. Alexandra was prepared to work with her to get Jane to her bedroom, but the strapping housekeeper picked Jane up like a child and carried her to the bed. Alexandra gave her instructions to help Jane on with a nightgown.
    “I’ll go to the parlor for my medical bag,” Alexandra said, thinking it prudent to give Jane her privacy as she undressed. “Call me as soon as she’s in bed, and I’ll give you both further instructions.” She left the room, knowing that it would not be wise to question Jane further at the moment, a fact which she regretted. It would have been helpful to know more about the bad blood between the admiral and his stepson as well as his relationship with Will.
    For now, though, she had Jane’s welfare to concern her. She was going over in her mind the medicine she would prepare when she quite literally stumbled into little Will huddled at the top of the stairs. His wide, frightened eyes stared up at her.
    “Will! Forgive me. I’m afraid I wasn’t watching my step.” She placed a