I decided to ignore that. “The archives also house manuscripts by Athena graduates and the papers of many distinguished alumni and benefactors.”

“I figured as much.” Vera nodded. “Some of Athena’s finest families, probably.”

Again that gaze bored into me. Had we finally reached the point of her visit? I was willing to bet it had something to do with the Ducote sisters. Vera probably still smarted over her latest defeat at their hands. I figured she was the type to nurse a grudge until it was ready for Social Security.

“Certainly families important to the history of the college and of the town, too.”

“Like the Ducotes.” Vera fairly spat out the name.

“Yes.” There was no point in denying it. If she went to the trouble, Vera could find out that much by examining the library’s website and the main page for the archives. The Ducote family papers were among those listed there.

“I’m interested in the history of Athena.” Vera regarded me coolly. “I’ve been thinking about writing some pamphlets for the Athena Historical Society. I’m president of the Society, did you know?”

“Yes, I believe I heard that.” From what I’d gleaned from Helen Louise, the Athena Historical Society did very little besides having the occasional luncheon for its members where they knocked back piña coladas and shredded the reputations of any members not present. The Ducote sisters had never joined.

“I thought it would be interesting to do a pamphlet on the first families of Athena.”

“That could entail a lot of research.” Somehow I didn’t see Vera as having the commitment for a project like that. Besides, I knew her real goal. She wanted to dig around in the Ducote family papers to try and unearth a scandal.

“I’m sure it would,” Vera said. “But I think I’d enjoy it. I thought I’d start with probably the oldest family in Athena, the Ducotes.”

I almost laughed. She tried to suppress her eagerness, but the gleam of malice in her eyes betrayed her.

“They are certainly one of the oldest and most distinguished families.” I decided to draw it out a bit before delivering the blow.

“An’gel and Dickce are so proud of their ancestors.” Vera couldn’t quite keep the bitterness from her tone. “I’m sure they have their reasons.”

“I believe Beauregard Ducote was one of the founders of the town.”

Vera ignored that as she continued, “To do the job properly I need to look at their papers, of course.”

The moment had arrived. I kept my expression neutral as I responded. “Yes, that would be ideal for your project, but I’m afraid it won’t be possible.”

“What do you mean?” Vera frowned. “Surely I can look at whatever I want to in the archives.”

“In this case, you can’t. The Ducote family papers are not open to the public.”

“That’s ridiculous.” Vera’s face reddened considerably. “Anyway, I’m not the public. I fork out a lot of cash to this school. You can just get busy and let me see those papers.”