Murder by Yew

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Book: Read Murder by Yew for Free Online
Authors: Suzanne Young
with obvious impatience. Turning and walking away so suddenly that Edna almost missed it, Dee added, “Both are also deadly if made too strong.”
    The comment reminded Edna of a similar conversation she’d had with Mary that morning about the difficulty in controlling the strength of natural remedies. She caught up with Dee at the intersection of the paths, trying to think of something less controversial to say when Dee bent over the succulent in a nearby round clay pot.
    “ Aloe is wonderful for cuts and burns. Did you know that?”
    “ Really.” Edna was purposely noncommittal. Then, not wanting to seem too unschooled in the subject, she said, “I’ve heard it takes the sting out of sunburn.” Her words made her aware of how hot it was out here in the sun.
    “ Aloe’s also a fairly strong laxative.” Dee’s remark brought Edna back to their conversation.
    “ I believe I did read that in Hazel’s book.” Edna remembered reading about one of the plants causing violent purging, if swallowed, but she wasn’t certain it had been the aloe. She wasn’t about to admit that to Dee, however.
    “ And the lily-of-the-valley …” Setting off another metallic jangle of bracelets, Dee waved a hand toward the yellowish green leaves covering a two-foot-wide strip against the house to the east of the bench. “Doesn’t it make you wonder at people who chose something that poisonous to put in bridal bouquets?”
    She looked expectantly at Edna, who did know just how toxic the pretty little flowers were. Silently, Edna disagreed with Dee’s observation. Using the dainty, bell-like blossoms for decoration was certainly not the same as eating them. She was looking forward to seeing them bloom in the spring.
    Wondering if Dee were trying to shock her or repel her by noting all the negative qualities of the plants, Edna was about to remark on the symmetry of the garden’s design, when Dee turned abruptly to survey what lay around them. Her tone grew friendlier, less challenging, when she said, “You have great material here for a Greenthumbs talk.”
    Hesitating for only a second or two, Edna said, “Naturally, I have considered it.” Hoping to draw Dee out on what she herself might be planning for a presentation, added, “It sounds like you’d be much better than I. Where did you learn so much about plants and herbs?”
    “ My mother.”
    The answer was quick and dismissive, but Edna prodded. “Oh? She must be quite a gardener.”
    “ Was,” Dee said. “She died a long time ago.” Slipping her hand into a pocket of her skirt, she pulled out a dainty, white handkerchief and dabbed her neck. “It’s very warm today. Could I trouble you for a glass of water?”
    “ Of course.” Edna was relieved not only to get out of the hot sun but to change the subject, as well. Her confidence in developing a winning presentation for next month had suffered a serious setback. She was almost certain Dee would now talk on the same topic.
    The more she thought about it, the more her suspicions grew as she led the way across the flagstone patio and ushered her guest into the mudroom. The room where Edna did much of her potting held a large oak table along the far wall. Nearer the door to the rest of the house stood a deep utility sink, and beyond that were built-in shelves containing myriad clay pots and bags of soil and peat moss. She preceded Dee through the room and into the kitchen.
    “ What a nice, sunny place.” Dee twirled around in the center of the expansive area.
    Edna was proud of the country kitchen look she’d accomplished with the use of yellow and blue curtains, pine furniture, and numerous cane baskets. The walls and cupboards were painted white, reflecting natural light that came in through a large window above the sink. The discomfort Edna had been feeling about her guest eased a little.
    “ Would you rather have a glass of iced tea?” Opening the refrigerator, Edna noticed that Tom had finished off most of

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