Page 132 of Murder in Highbury

“I believe that is the correct interpretation, Mr. Knightley,” the vicar said with a nod. “Do not forget that my wife’s fortune was quite large. Her insistence—” He broke off, as if momentarily overcome with emotion. “I truly believe she did it for my sake. If only she had come to me, I would have helped her. I would have gone to Horace on her behalf. And I would have assured her that the greatest treasure resided in our matrimonial bond. That, you know, mattered most.”

Emma had to struggle to hide her skepticism, since she imagined the old Mr. Elton would have beenquiteupset to see his wife’s fortune evaporate. Still, losing one’s spouse to a vicious act of murder would be bound to change one’s attitude. Perhaps in looking back, he now realized that their relationship did indeed matter more than their financial standing.

“Mr. Elton,” said George, “did you intend to confront your brother-in-law after you found the letters?”

“I thought to do it first thing in the morning. The letters explained many things about Horace’s recent behavior—although, of course, at that point, I did not even consider that he could have killed Augusta. But before I could speak to him, Mrs. Wright discovered the necklace in his valise. As you can imagine, that caused the situation to change quite dramatically.”

“Mr. Elton, forgive any impertinence,” Emma began.

The vicar pressed a hand to his chest. “Mrs. Knightley, you couldneverbe impertinent. Please ask whatever questions you wish.”

Emma had to avoid her husband’s ironic eye. “Thank you. I was simply wondering about the circumstances surrounding the discovery of the necklace.”

“Ah. Horace had dropped a handkerchief in the dirt when he was out in the garden. Naturally, Mrs. Wright had it washed, and she brought it up to his bedroom. His valise was badly packed—he did not travel with his valet—so she thought to repack it for him. That was when she discovered the necklace and alerted me. I then confronted him.”

“Mr. Elton, would it not have been wise to then immediately send for Constable Sharpe?” George asked.

The vicar sighed. “Yes, but I regret to say that I lost my temper. Reason flew from my head, and I could think only of confronting Horace at once. I went straight down to the dining room and did so. Foolishly, as it turned out.”

“Perhaps, but it certainly was an understandable reaction,” Emma sympathetically commented.

She had a feeling that she would likely do the same if anyone ever hurt George.

He gave her a wan smile. “Thank you, Mrs. Knightley.”

George glanced at her before addressing Mr. Elton. “Thank you, sir. I believe we have imposed on you enough for one day. We will leave you to rest.”

The vicar held up both hands. “Mr. Knightley, you and Mrs. Knightley could never be an imposition. I am eternally grateful for your support during these difficult days.”

“And you will have our continued support,” he replied. “When you are feeling better, I will speak with you about the trial and what might be expected of you there.”

Mr. Elton looked vaguely alarmed. “The trial. I had not even thought of that. Poor Selina. I must write to her immediately.”

“I would advise against that for now, since the investigation is still ongoing.”

When the vicar issued another weary sigh, Emma couldn’t help but attempt to console him. “Your instinct to give Mrs. Suckling comfort is a great credit to you, Mr. Elton. One can only imagine her distress when she hears this news.”

“Indeed, it is a cruel blow to both of us. I cannot think how she will manage.”

George stood and held out his hand to Emma. “Are you ready, my dear?”

There were a few questions that niggled, but it was clear Mr. Elton would be unable to provide the answers. That being the case—

“The tincture.” She glanced down at the tea tray. “Mrs. Wright must have forgotten to send it up. You must be sure to take some, Mr. Elton. My father swears by it for bruises and pain. I’m sure it will give you some relief.”

When he began to struggle to his feet, she held up a restraining hand. “Please do not get up, sir. You are ill and must rest.”

He sank back into his chair. “Mrs. Knightley, you are an angel of mercy. I will partake of your medicinal immediately. And please give my regards to your esteemed father. I hope to see him quite soon, and I pray he will forgive me for my earlier blunders.”

“I’m sure he will.”

“Are you sure Henry will forgive him?” George quietly asked after he ushered her into the hall. “It would not do to give Elton false hope.”

“I certainly hope he will. Under the circumstances, it seems foolish to hold on to a grudge. And Mr. Elton does look ghastly, George. Even Father couldn’t help but be moved by his situation.”

“Perhaps then he should visit your father before the bruises fade.”

She threw him a wry glance. “I should scold you for that remark, but it’s a very sensible suggestion. Father would happily commiserate with his woeful state.”