Page 134 of Murder in Highbury

Compared to the wan-faced girl who could barely keep anything on her stomach, Jane now brimmed with life. Her complexion had regained its lovely bloom, and her gray eyes their sparkle. It was a tremendous relief to see her looking so well.

Mrs. Weston nodded. “Mr. Perry sees the return of Jane’s appetite as an excellent indication of her general health.”

“I am sure he’s correct,” Emma replied. “I also suspect Jane has improved thanks to her aunt and grandmother’s relief from their burdens.”

Jane finished her last bit of cake before replying. “To know that Aunt Hetty is no longer under suspicion has been a tremendous relief, I will admit. Although she remains a trifle anxious regarding the promissory note and the monies owed to Mrs. Elton—or to Mr. Elton, as the case may be. I have tried to convince her not to fret, but you know how she is.”

“There is no debt attaching to her name,” Emma firmly replied. “Rather, it is she who is rightly owed money by Mr. Suckling—or Mr. Elton. However, I imagine it’s unlikely she will ever recoup it from either one.”

“Frank has made it clear to Aunt Hetty that she is not to worry about that, either. We will cover any loss incurred.” Jane sighed. “Although, of course, she feels terribly guilty about that, too.”

Mrs. Weston tsked. “Miss Bates did nothing wrong. Both Mrs. Elton and that dreadful Mr. Suckling took advantage of her. One is, of course, very distressed by Mrs. Elton’s death, but it was quite shocking of her to impose on your poor aunt in such a fashion.”

“I’ve always wondered why Mrs. Elton did so,” mused Emma. “It seems so odd to ask someone like your aunt to invest in a financial scheme.”

“I was mystified, too,” Jane replied. “But after discussing it with Aunt Hetty, Frank has come to the conclusion that Mrs. Elton was hoping that we could be persuaded to invest in Mr. Suckling’s banking venture, as well.”

The light dawned for Emma. “Ah, I see. If the initial investment was successful, Mrs. Elton hoped that Miss Bates would persuade you and Frank to invest.”

Jane nodded. “Yes, and also Frank’s uncle, Mr. Churchill.”

“It all seems rather convoluted to me,” said Mrs. Weston.

Emma waggled a hand. “Mrs. Elton no doubt wished to curry favor with her brother-in-law, and it likely never occurred to her that the venture would prove so risky. I suspect she was blinded both by the magnificence of Maple Grove and Mr. Suckling’s self-importance. So, to have it end in such a dreadful fashion—murdered by the very man she hoped to please—is truly an irony.”

“It makes one reluctant to trust anyone,” exclaimed Mrs. Weston. “To be murdered by her own brother-in-law, one can hardly imagine anything worse.”

“With the possible exception of being murdered by one’s own spouse,” Emma dryly replied.

Mrs. Weston grimaced. “My dear, what a dreadful thought. I cannot begin to imagine it.”

“That is because you’re married to the kindest man in the world. And I’m sure none of us need worry in that regard, either.”

“I do feel dreadfully sad for Mrs. Elton,” Jane quietly said. “She was kind to me, you know.”

Kindnesswas not the word Emma would have used to describe Mrs. Elton’s behavior.Patronizingandpushywere the terms that still sprang to mind. But since she’d made so little effort to befriend Jane when the young woman was most in need of friendship, it was best not to voice such opinions.

“Emma, are you and Mr. Knightley certain that Mr. Elton will not attempt to recover any funds from Miss Bates or Mrs. Goddard?” asked Mrs. Weston. “It would be dreadfully awkward if he did.”

“You need have no worries. Mr. Elton places the entire blame on Mr. Suckling and now heartily regrets the distress he caused Miss Bates.” Emma smiled. “Besides, my father would have something to say if Mr. Elton dared to broach the topic with Miss Bates.”

Mrs. Weston pressed her hands together. “Ah, Mr. Woodhouse. Mr. Elton was to call on him yesterday, was he not? I do hope your father wasn’t unduly distressed by his visit.”

“It was rather more distressing for Mr. Elton, I imagine. It took some persuading on my part to secure Father’s agreement to see him.”

“Aunt Hetty certainly holds no grudge against Mr. Elton,” said Jane. “She even expressed admiration for his courage in confronting Mr. Suckling.”

“What about Mrs. Bates?” Mrs. Weston shrewdly asked. “Is she also as forgiving?”

Jane hesitated. “I think it might take my grandmother longer to reach a similar state of charity with Mr. Elton.”

Emma couldn’t help but laugh. “I think your grandmother would like nothing better than to crack Mr. Elton over the head with her cane—after dishing out the same punishment to Constable Sharpe.”

Jane smothered a giggle.

“I hope Mr. Woodhouse did not resort to such measures,” Mrs. Weston said with a wry smile.

“He was inclined to be stuffy at first, but he did unbend—especially in light of Mr. Elton’s injuries. There is nothing more certain to gain my father’s sympathy than one suffering from a physical ailment. Father delivered a lengthy discourse on the benefits of poultices versus ointments for bruises, and he even wished to send for Mr. Perry. He was persuaded against it only by Mr. Elton’s earnest promise to visit Perry at the first opportunity.”