Page 50 of Murder in Highbury

“I can hardly think it will take the jury very long to reach their conclusion,” Emma said.

Her husband extracted his pocket watch. “No, I imagine we’ll be at Hartfield well in time for dinner.”

Mr. Elton hurried over to join them. “My dear Mrs. Knightley, I wish to thank you for your tremendous courage in giving testimony. I must also commend our dear Mrs. Martin. She has been most kind to me during this dreadful ordeal.”

Emma gave him a reassuring smile. “How are you bearing up, Mr. Elton? Can we be of any service to you?”

“I am extremely unnerved, but I must be strong for my brother-in-law’s sake.” He glanced toward the back. “I see that Mr. Suckling is waving to me. We must finish preparations for the funeral, you know.”

The vicar heaved a sigh and stood there, making no effort to leave.

Emma and George exchanged a glance.

“Don’t let us keep you, Mr. Elton,” George finally said. “But do send a note around to Hartfield if you need me.”

He gave a little start. “Oh, yes, of course. Forgive me, sir. I am easily distracted these days. Mrs. Knightley, I will see you tomorrow. You, as well, Mrs. Weston.”

Another bow and he hurried down the aisle to join Mr. Suckling.

When George regarded her thoughtfully, Emma raised her eyebrows. “What?”

He hesitated but then shook his head. “It’s nothing. I must have a word with Dr. Hughes, but I’ll only be a moment.”

When he stepped away, Harriet rushed up to take his place.

“Mrs. Knightley, you were wonderful on the witness stand. I’m afraid I found Dr. Hughes so very intimidating. I hope I didn’t appear too foolish.”

“You did very well, dear. As for our coroner, that man should be included in Dr. Johnson’s dictionary, under the definition ofpompous ass.”

“Emma, there is no need for vulgar language,” Mrs. Weston gently reprimanded. “Thankfully, this gruesome business is now over but for the jury’s verdict. We may all rest easy.”

Emma shook her head. “It won’t be over until we discover Mrs. Elton’s killer.”

Mrs. Weston looked startled. “We? I do hope your investigating days are over, my dear.”

“Now you sound just like George.”

“Then I suggest you listen to him. Such things are best left to the men in charge.”

“But it was Mrs. Knightley who discovered the murder weapon,” Harriet pointed out. “Andfound out that Miss Bates had been hiding in the vestry. Although that hasn’t turned out very well, has it?”

“Which is exactly why one cannot leave the matter solely to men like Dr. Hughes and Constable Sharpe,” Emma replied.

Neither man impressed her with either their acumen or their manner.

And then there was Miss Bates. Something must be done to help the poor woman, not only for her sake but also for that of Emma’s father. As long as his dear friend labored under suspicion, Father’s peace would be entirely cut up.

“You must promise me that you won’t interfere, Emma,” Mrs. Weston said. “We must leave the matter with Mr. Knightley. I am sure that is what he would wish you to do.”

Emma pressed a hand to her bodice. “Me, interfere? You must be thinking of some other Emma.”

Mrs. Weston’s only response was a resigned sigh.

CHAPTER10

Athunderous crash echoed through Donwell Abbey’s cavernous kitchen. Emma and Mrs. Hodges, the abbey’s housekeeper, spun around to confront a catastrophe of shattered dishware and scattered pastries. Donwell’s lone footman stood in the center of the mess, his breeches and stockings liberally splashed with pastry cream.

“I’m right sorry, Mrs. Knightley,” Harry plaintively said. “The dish started to slip out of my hands, and I couldn’t stop it.”