Page 65 of Murder in Highbury

“Very well. As fascinating as this is, I’m not sure what it has to do with Mrs. Elton’s murder. Are you suggesting that either her husband or brother-in-law was somehow involved?”

She shrugged. “Not Mr. Elton, who has been rendered genuinely distraught by her death. Besides, he’s hardly the murdering type.”

“And what is the murdering type?”

“Certainly not our vicar. He’s much too obsequious to be a murderer.”

“That is undoubtedly a unique perspective on the character of murderers. Still, I must agree with you in this case.”

Emma held up a finger. “Now, as for Mr. Suckling . . . he is a thoroughly dislikable man with a bad temper.”

“But what motive would he have? For one thing, why would he steal her necklace? He’s a wealthy man, after all. And by all accounts, he was fond of his sister-in-law. Do not forget that Mrs. Elton spent a great deal of time at Maple Grove. I doubt she would have done so if they disliked each other.”

She sighed. “I must admit that your logic is sound. How frustrating. I wonder if we will ever discover who murdered her.”

“We must hope so, but there is little to be gained by useless speculation.” He raised an eyebrow. “Or by intruding on the private affairs of others,” he pointedly added.

“I didn’t actually intrude, George.”

“I understand. But please remember that it is not your place to investigate this crime.”

She poked a finger at his chest. “No, it’s yours. I’m simply telling you what I heard.”

“And I appreciate that, but the actual business of investigation belongs to Constable Sharpe and, to a small extent, Dr. Hughes. I will convey any pertinent information to them. I’m not sure, however, that a quarrel between Elton and Suckling meets that standard.”

“I suppose you’re right,” she reluctantly replied.

Still, she couldn’t imagine quarreling over mundane matters like memorial plaques and funeral mementos after such a traumatic day. Everything about that unpleasant scene between the brothers-in-law struck her as odd. However, as George had pointed out, many in Highbury were not acting their usual selves, either.

“I’m glad you agree,” he said. “Now, is there anything else that needs my attention, or can we go to bed?”

Another detail did occur. “Mrs. Elton didn’t leave a will. Is that not very strange?”

George’s dark eyebrows ticked up. “Are you certain?”

“Absolutely. Mr. Suckling was quite upset. He made a point of saying that his sister-in-law had intended to draw up a will before her marriage, but Mr. Elton insisted that she had not done so. He also claimed that Mr. Suckling would know more about her estate than he did. I must say I found that strange.”

He looked thoughtful for a few moments. “Perhaps Suckling and his solicitor drew up the marriage settlements on Mrs. Elton’s behalf. If so, he would know a great deal about her financial standing. What I find strange, however, is that Dr. Hughes never mentioned the lack of a will to me.”

“Why would he?”

“The coroner is responsible for assessing the value of the deceased’s belongings. He would also know whether she had a will or not.”

“Then I have given you something of use, after all,” she commented.

“You have, and I will be raising the issue with Dr. Hughes tomorrow.”

Given the suddenly austere tone of her husband’s voice, Emma might be prompted to feel some sympathy for the coroner. But since Dr. Hughes was not a sympathetic man, that would be a waste of her time.

“Is there anything else?” he asked.

“Not unless you wish to hear about my conversation with Harriet. It was almost as gruesome as the argument between Mr. Suckling and Mr. Elton.”

George gently tipped her off his lap and rose. “Then I would beg you to spare me. Besides, I can think of better ways to spend our time, especially after a trying day.”

Emma wrapped her arms around his neck. “Do tell, husband.”

“I find that I would much rather show you.”