Page 128 of Murder in Highbury

The vicar finally released Emma’s hands, now looking rather embarrassed. At least, she thought he looked embarrassed. It was hard to tell, given the sorry state of his features.

“Madam, please forgive my excess of emotion. I hardly know what I am about. It is a cruel blow, a very cruel blow. I cannot imagine how I will ever recover.”

“Your feelings are completely natural,” she replied. “But my husband is correct. You must take care not to unduly exert yourself.”

As George solicitously guided the vicar back to his chair, she turned to address Mrs. Wright, who had remained out in the hall. But words died on her lips, and her mind went blank with shock. The housekeeper was regarding her with a truly venomous expression that could only be described as hatred.

Then, almost instantly, the woman’s expression transformed into a bland visage, though something still lingered in her pale gray eyes. That something sent a shiver down Emma’s spine.

“Did you wish something, Mrs. Knightley?” the housekeeper asked in a toneless voice.

Emma mentally shook herself. “The tea tray, please. And the tincture in the blue bottle that is in our basket.”

“Would that be a goldenrod preparation, madam?”

“Yes.”

“Dr. Hughes has already left treatments,” Mrs. Wright replied, her tone now haughty.

Heavens.What was wrong with the dratted woman?

She narrowed her gaze. “Nonetheless, I would ask you to bring it.”

Mrs. Wright seemed to struggle with herself for a moment but then inclined her head. “Very good, madam. Is there anything else?”

“No.” Then Emma shut the door in her face.

As she turned back to the men, it occurred to her thatshe’djust embarrassed the housekeeper in front of the woman’s master. Sadly, she couldn’t find it in herself to feel guilty.

Although George was regarding her with some amusement, Mr. Elton grimaced.

“Please forgive Mrs. Wright’s behavior,” the vicar said. “My wife’s death has left her feeling very low, and I believe this morning’s incident was too much for her. In fact, she has given her notice.”

Emma blinked in surprise. “She gave her notice this very morning?”

“Oh, no. It was a few days ago.” He sighed. “It’s for the best, I suppose.”

“I’m surprised she would abandon you so precipitously,” she replied, irritated on his behalf. “Surely she could have waited until you found another housekeeper.”

“You are very kind. However, I doubt I will be hiring another housekeeper. At the moment, I have no need for a large establishment. Events have also shown that I must . . . economize.”

It seemed matters were indeed as bad as Constable Sharpe had suggested. She was tempted to ask Mr. Elton exactly how his finances stood, but a glance from George warned her that such a question would be premature.

“Dear me,” Mr. Elton said. “My manners have gone completely begging. Mrs. Knightley, Mr. Knightley, please do sit.”

Once they were seated, an awkward silence ensued. After all, it wasn’t every day that one was almost throttled to death by one’s brother-in-law. It certainly wasn’t a topic that lent itself to an easy discussion.

Mr. Elton finally bestirred himself. “Mrs. Knightley, I must thank you for the generous provisions that you and Mr. Knightley brought with you. I find myself deeply moved by your consideration. But then you are always so kind.”

She gave him an encouraging smile. “I hope you will find them a comfort. Serle had just prepared some lovely, nourishing custards. They are very well tolerated when one has a . . . er, sore throat.”

“I am sure I will find them delightful. Everything Serle prepares is excellent, under your careful supervision, of course. Everything at Hartfield is done so well, thanks to you.”

While she knew he was simply being polite, she couldn’t help wondering if Mrs. Elton had spent much time in the kitchen, since the mistress of a household generally did not. Serle would have Emma’s head on a platter if she even tried.

Fortunately, she never felt the impulse.

“Mr. Elton,” said George, “while we have no wish to cause you any additional distress, Constable Sharpe gave us only a very basic recounting of events. Would you feel up to answering a few questions about it? I would have gone to Dr. Hughes instead, but he is unavailable today.”