The First Witch of Boston

by Andrea Catalano

men in power could not abide by a woman speaking her mind and gaining the admiration of others.

When a woman caused too much trouble or spoke too plainly, it seemed, there were those who would take umbrage and use piety as excuse and reason to take her in hand.

“My friend Maggie,” she declared in a low voice made raspy by anger and sadness, “dared to be a woman with a profession, a talent, and a sharp tongue. Heaven forbid such a thing, in a woman.”