Death of a Mad Hatter (A Hat Shop Mystery) Read Free

than a Ginny,” she said.
    “Huh.” Dotty patted an errant gray curl by her temple. “Maybe I’ll change my name. I always fancied myself a Catriona.”
    Tina gave her mother-in-law an alarmed look. “Dotty, we really should explain our purpose so that we don’t keep these kind ladies from their business.”
    “Yes, you’re right,” Dotty said. “But I do love the idea of a new name.”
    “Are you in need of a hat for a specific occasion?” I asked, thinking to get the conversation on track. “Fee, would you bring us some tea?”
    “Right away,” she agreed.
    “I’ll just go and attend the books,” Harrison said. “If you’ll excuse me, ladies.”
    I watched as he and Fee shared a laugh as they left the room and wondered what they could be discussing that was so amusing. I suspected it was me in my lavender hat.
    “Don’t you agree, Scarlett?” Viv asked. She was seated in our cozy sitting area with the Grisbys and all three of them were watching me.
    “Um,” I stalled and when I glanced at my cousin, she had her lips pressed together as if she was trying not to smile. I quickly sat down.
    “The Grisby family is hosting a tea in honor of Dotty’s late husband and they are planning to have an
Alice in Wonderland
theme,” Viv said.
    “Oh, I like that idea,” I said. “How can we help?”
    “Well, it’s to be a fund-raiser so that we can name a wing of the hospital after my husband,” Dotty said. “Each family member will host a table, and we’d like them to wear hats that can be tied to characters from the book.”
    I glanced at Viv. Being the creative quotient in the business, this was really her call.
    “When would you need these by?” she asked.
    “We’re hoping to have the tea in late June,” Tina said. She gave us an apologetic look. “I know it is short notice.”
    “Ginny doesn’t mind, do you, dear?” Dotty asked. She patted Viv’s hand as if they were old friends.
    I tried to remember Mim mentioning Dotty Grisby, but I couldn’t bring the name up in any of my memories. Of course, given that I was only here on school holidays, I wouldn’t have as broad a frame of reference as Viv would. Judging by Viv’s surprised expression when Dotty had hugged her, however, I was betting Viv didn’t remember her either.
    Fee came out with a tray loaded with tea, biscuits, cheese, and fruits. The Grisby ladies enjoyed a cup each and nibbled some of the food. It was agreed that Viv would work up some sketches and they would come in to see them next week.
    Dotty took Viv’s arm as we walked them to the door. The older lady looked so happy to see her dear friend that I was glad Viv had decided to go along with Dotty’s faulty memory. I fell into step beside Tina.
    “Your cousin is being very kind,” Tina said. “Please tell her that I appreciate it.”
    “I will,” I said. “It must be hard to watch Dotty struggle with her memory.”
    “Honestly, she’s been like this since her husband left her thirty years ago. Her reality is different from everyone else’s and, as my husband explained it to me, it is just better if we go along with her.”
    “Thirty years ago?” I asked. “I’m sorry, but did I understand that she wants the wing of a hospital named after him?”
    “Yes, well,” Tina lowered her voice. “They never divorced. He lived in Tuscany with his mistress until he died a month ago. She always told everyone that he was away on business, and I think she managed to convince herself that was the truth. One does wonder, though . . .”
    “What?” I asked.
    “If that’s why she is slightly addled,” Tina said. “She never got over him leaving her.”
    A driver was outside waiting for them and Viv and I waved as they drove away.
    Harrison came out from the back room. “The books are done for this week and I’m pleased to announce you’re still in business. How did it go with the madames Grisby?”
    “They want a tea party à la
Alice in Wonderland
,” Viv