Vera, on the other hand, eyed my housekeeper with cold contempt. “My conscience is clear. If the Lord strikes anyone down for lies, it will be you. And if you spread any of your lies in public, my lawyer will take care of it.” She turned in my direction, started in surprise, but then brushed past me as if I had turned invisible.

As the door shut behind me, I regarded Azalea with concern. She drew shuddering breaths, and I feared she might have a stroke. I scuttled over to her and put an arm around her shoulders. She leaned against me for a moment, her eyes closed.

“Do you need a doctor?” I asked. “Why don’t you sit down and let me get you something?”

She let me lead her a few feet to a chair, and she sank down. Her eyes opened, and she stared at me as I knelt before her. Her breathing slowed and returned to normal. When she spoke, her voice came out in a hoarse whisper. “No, Mr. Charlie, I’ll be fine. Just need a minute to catch my breath.”

“Would you like me to find Kanesha and Dr. Sharp?” She should have her daughter with her, and a cardiologist on hand wouldn’t hurt, either.

“No.” The sharp blast of the word startled me, and I rocked back on my heels. Azalea’s gaze was fierce. “Don’t be telling her about this. No point to it.”

“If that’s what you want.” I burned with curiosity, even as my concern for her well-being mounted. She didn’t look good at all, and I still feared she might suffer a stroke or a mild heart attack. “Let me get you something to drink.”

“I told you I’ll be fine.” Azalea scowled at me. She pushed herself up out of the chair, and I hastened to get to my feet and out of her way.

“Thank you, Mr. Charlie. You’re a good-hearted man, but you got no cause to be worrying about me.” She moved toward the door. “I’m gonna find Clementine.” She left the room.

I hesitated, debating whether I should talk to Kanesha despite Azalea’s request that I not. Whatever caused the bitter hatred Azalea had for Vera, Kanesha surely knew about it. Did she also need to know about this confrontation?

It really wasn’t any of my business, as Azalea had already informed me. I squirmed at the memory. Best to stay out of it, then.

I remembered why I’d left Helen Louise in the hall and decided I’d better attend to my needs, find some water for us both, and get back to my duties as a board member.

There was no sign of Azalea or Clementine in the kitchen when I finally remembered the correct door. Glasses of water in hand, I found Helen Louise where I’d left her about ten minutes before. She accepted the water gratefully. I would keep mum on the scene I’d witnessed, at least for now.

The influx of guests slowed after another twenty minutes, and Helen Louise and I moved into the parlor where Miss An’gel and Miss Dickce held court by the fireplace underneath their ancestor’s portrait. I spotted Vera in one corner, talking to Cathy Williams and Robert Sharp—no doubt giving them a rundown on all the things she had done to benefit the Athena hospital.