Page 100 of Murder at Donwell Abbey

“No matter the provocation, I find it impossible to believe that Larkins would deliberately commit violence against Prudence,” George firmly said.

“I agree. Something happened in that room, though. Prudence didn’t just fall out the window. I can’t seem to bring the sequence of events into focus, which is immensely frustrating.”

“Perhaps because you’re imagining the wrong person in the role of the villain,” George calmly replied. “The bloodstained mobcap does make clear that some sort of violence took place. But even if there had been an argument and a dreadful accident—or worse—occurred, Larkins would never try to cover it up. He would take responsibility, no matter the consequences.”

She eyed him with a degree of skepticism. “Even if it meant going to the gallows?”

“Even then. I would stake my reputation on it.”

Emma felt some of the tension bleed from her shoulders. Of course George was right about Larkins. He would never hurt anyone, much less someone he loved.

“Besides,” George added, “I find it highly unlikely that Larkins would declare himself to Prudence under any circumstances. From what you’ve told me, he knew the girl didn’t love him, and he would never put her in so uncomfortable a position.”

Emma nodded. “Mrs. Hodges would certainly swear to that.”

“She may have to do so at the inquest.”

Ugh.

“I forgot about that,” she said. “I suppose Dr. Hughes will now call a coroner’s inquest.”

“Without a doubt. Given the evidence, he has no choice but to empanel a jury to make a determination as to whether Prudence’s death was an accident or murder.”

That was a gruesome prospect. The inquest into Mrs. Elton’s death had turned Highbury into a veritable circus, as people from the surrounding parishes had streamed into the village to watch the proceedings. The thought of going through another such event was appalling.

“If one can’t be avoided,” she said, “then we must do everything we can there to prove Larkins’s innocence.”

“Remember, the coroner’s jury only determines if murder has been committed. The murder trial itself will take place at the Assizes. That’s where Larkins will have the chance to plead his innocence.”

Emma suddenly froze. Of course Larkins was innocent, and of course someone was trying to frame him. But thus far their focus had been on Larkins and his dilemma, not on the person who was doing this to him. And certainly not on the person who’d …

George tapped her nose. “What are you thinking?”

“That I’m a great fool. We’ve been so focused on proving to ourselves and that stupid constable that Larkins is innocent that we’ve barely touched on an even more pressing concern.”

His expression was somber. “You mean that the real killer is still out there.”

“Yes, the person trying to frame Larkins.”

“One would assume it’s the same person.”

She gently thumped a fist against her forehead. “I am such a henwit. Even Isabella figured it out.”

“What do you mean by that?”

“When I arrived at Hartfield, Henry had already told Isabella and my father that Constable Sharpe had tried to arrest Larkins for smuggling. Naturally, Isabella was very upset that Henry had witnessed such a distressing scene.” She gave her husband a speaking look. “Veryupset.”

“I’m sorry you had to manage such an unpleasant interlude, although I cannot blame Isabella for her reaction. Constable Sharpe was most remiss in behaving as he did in front of a child—a point I intend to pursue with him.”

“I’m inclined to give him a piece of mind as well, but I will defer to your position.”

“My dear, you already gave him a piece of your mind,” he sardonically replied.

“And I should be happy to do so again.”

“It might be best if you held off for now. But, returning to Hartfield, what makes you say that Isabella had the right of it?”

“Because when I told her that Larkins was being accused of murder as well as smuggling, she instantly fell into a fit of the vapors.”