Page 76 of Murder in Highbury

Mr. Elton half rose from his chair. “Gracious! I had no idea Miss Bates was here tonight. Forgive me, Mr. Knightley. This can surely wait until tomorrow.”

“I think it’s best to attend to the matter now,” he replied. “Then we can best decide what is to be done.”

Emma stared at him, aghast. “Surely you’re not thinking of giving the note to Constable Sharpe.”

“I hope that won’t be necessary.”

That wasnota reassuring answer.

“Miss Bates will obviously not wish to discuss this in front of her mother,” she warned.

Mr. Elton sighed for the third time. “Poor Mrs. Bates. Such a trial for her.”

Really, must he besotiresome? Emma had sympathy for his loss, but this was an unnecessary distraction. If Miss Bates could not provide a satisfactory answer—an all too likely scenario regardless of her innocence—then George would feel obligated to notify Constable Sharpe.

And Mr. Elton had yet to even allude to the note from Dick Curtis, which wasveryodd.

George stood. “I will ask Mrs. Goddard and your father to distract Mrs. Bates while I speak to Miss Bates.”

“But how, George? They’re playing cards.”

“I will manage.”

Disturbed and wanting to protest, she gazed up at him. His eyes held infinite kindness, but she also knew he would stand firm. In his decisive mind, waiting would serve no purpose. He was, unfortunately, correct.

She managed a smile. “Very well. Whatever you think is best.”

He briefly pressed her shoulder before quitting the room.

“Madam, I apologize for bringing this trouble upon you,” Mr. Elton said. “It was not my intention—”

“Sir, surely you cannot believe Miss Bates guilty of so heinous a crime,” Emma interrupted. “If she had borrowed a thousand pounds, she still wouldn’t commit such a vile act.”

He grimaced. “I agree that the mind revolts against any such idea. As Miss Bates has said time and again, she was always deeply grateful for any little attentions Augusta paid her.”

Rather like a poor relation grateful for any notice from her betters. As far as Emma was concerned, Miss Bates had shown the finer character by so graciously tolerating Mrs. Elton’s irritating condescension.

“Then knowing that, why did you bring this note forward?”

“I would not have done so if the matter had not been raised at the inquest. It was an unanswered question that clearly troubled Dr. Hughes, and I now have in my possession the possible answer. I truly felt I had no choice, Mrs. Knightley, else I would have gladly spared Miss Bates further distress.”

Emma grudgingly admitted the justice of his claim. Trying to shield a friend was one thing. Withholding information from the law was quite another.

They sat for a few moments in uncomfortable silence before she recalled her duties as a hostess.

“Mr. Elton, would you like—”

“Mrs. Knightley, may I just say—”

They exchanged an awkward smile.

“Dear madam, forgive me for interrupting you,” continued Mr. Elton. “Please go ahead.”

“Are you sure I cannot offer you something to drink?”

“You are kindness itself, but I am perfectly fine.”

“Then what were you going to say, sir?”