Page 42 of Murder in Highbury

George simply returned a bland smile. Dr. Hughes fumed a bit but went back to arranging his papers.

“I believe you’ve fallen out of favor with Dr. Hughes,” Emma said.

“I don’t believe I’ve ever beeninfavor, but he’ll simply have to put up with me.”

“More likeyouhave to put up with him.”

He tapped a finger to his lips. “Hush, my dear. He’s about to begin.”

A murmur of excitement rippled through the room as Dr. Hughes stepped forward. “Ladies and gentlemen, as you can see, the jury is now present. They were sworn in earlier this morning, and Mr. Weston was selected as foreman. The scene of the crime has been viewed by the jury, as has the victim’s body.”

“My poor Augusta,” Mr. Elton uttered in a broken voice, loud enough to be heard by the jury and everyone in the first several rows. “Such an affront to her dignity.”

That triggered a round of sympathetic murmurs. Dr. Hughes glared the room into relative silence.

“Having fulfilled those requirements under the law,” he continued, “we will now proceed to call witnesses to give testimony regarding the death of Mrs. Elton, such that will assist the jury in reaching a conclusion regarding a charge of murder.”

When he paused for dramatic effect, with one hand pressed to his waistcoat, Emma was hard put not to roll her eyes. Could the pompous fellow not just get on with it?

“I now call the coroner’s first witness,” Dr. Hughes announced in stentorian tones. “Miss Henrietta Bates, will you please step forward.”

CHAPTER9

When Miss Bates swayed in her seat, Emma prayed she wouldn’t keel over in a dead faint.

George swiftly rose. “Come, Miss Bates. Let me help you.”

She managed a trembling smile as she took his hand. “Oh, Mr. Knightley. You are too kind. But then you are always so kind. And I’m acting quite foolishly. I am among friends, after all. What is there to be afraid of?”

Emma’s father gave an encouraging nod. “Yes, go with Mr. Knightley. He will see you settled, as well as one can be in such a drafty room. I am shocked to see so many open windows. Mr. Perry would not allow such a thing, I am sure.”

When a ripple of laughter moved through the crowd, Emma could practically hear Dr. Hughes grinding his molars to dust.

“But I feel certain that Dr. Hughes will have the good sense not to pester you,” her father added. “So do not worry, dear Miss Bates.”

“Cryin’ shame,” came a voice from the crowd. “Pesterin’ a gentle lady like Miss Bates.”

Mutters of agreement followed, including some from the jury.

Dr. Hughes scowled like thunder. “There will be silence in the courtroom!”

“This ain’t a courtroom,” a wag yelled back.

“Hold your tongue, now,” barked Constable Sharpe from the back, “or I’ll be arresting you for disturbing the peace.”

George, ignoring it all, escorted Miss Bates to the chair next to the coroner’s table and returned to his seat next to Emma.

Dr. Hughes walked around to stand in front of Miss Bates, peering at her over his ill-fitting spectacles. “Please state your name, ma’am.”

Miss Bates looked perplexed. “But you already know my name.”

“For the record,” he gritted out.

Emma whispered to Mrs. Weston, “Is it my imagination, or does the good doctor seem a trifle out of sorts?”

Her friend choked back a laugh. “Hush, Emma. It is too bad of you.”

After Miss Bates stated her full name, the coroner swore her in and began his questions.