Chapter 7 The Only Rational Mind

"So, you must be Nancy." The woman's voice rang clear, laced with an unmistakable note of command as she regarded Nancy. Though a vague suspicion lingered in Nancy's thoughts, she asked nonetheless, "And who might you be?" "I'm your grandmother, Martha Hadley," Martha said. Her eyes roamed over Nancy's figure before she added thoughtfully, "You carry the bearing of the Lidells." Nancy's face betrayed no emotion. She sensed that Martha lacked the cold, calculating snobbery that marked Andrew and Regina. "Is there something you want?" Nancy asked calmly. Martha's face bore a look of solemn authority as she held out a beautiful emerald bracelet to Nancy. "Consider this a gift to mark our meeting." At a glance, Nancy knew it was crafted from the finest emerald—deep, vivid green, with remarkable translucence and clarity. Its market value easily exceeded a million. Still, she didn't accept it immediately. Martha's brow knitted in slight displeasure. "What's the matter? You don't l