Page 79 of Murder in Highbury

“Let us hope. In the meantime, we should return to our guests and do what we can to reassure Miss Bates before sending her home.”

Emma steeled herself for the coming encounter—and for the days ahead. They would be difficult, and who knew how they would end?

CHAPTER16

“Emma,” her father said, catching her in the entrance hall as she donned her bonnet. “Why don’t you invite Miss Bates and her mother to come for dinner and spend the evening here? Hartfield is a healthier environment for them than their drafty apartment. I must speak to Perry about such unhealthful conditions when next I see him.”

She mentally sighed. At this rate, she might was well move the Bates ladies into Hartfield and be done with it.

“Shall I also ask Mrs. Goddard to come by to make up a card table?”

“No, I think it best if we have a quiet evening. Perhaps you could play the pianoforte. Miss Bates would enjoy that. She misses Jane’s playing very much, and I know she would be happy for a little music.”

“I am not a stitch on Jane, but I will do my best.”

“Nonsense, my dear. You play exceedingly well. But I do hope Jane and Frank will be here soon. Their presence will give Miss Bates such comfort.”

“Don’t forget they are coming from Yorkshire. With Jane in a delicate condition, they must travel with that consideration in mind.”

Her father tut-tutted. “I am most perturbed with Dr. Hughes for creating such a disturbance and endangering everyone’s health. Perry would never do so, I feel sure.”

“Dr. Hughes is only doing his duty. And he is certainly not responsible for poor Mrs. Elton’s death.”

“Perhaps not, but Mr. Elton should have known better. He should not have allowed his wife to go off and get murdered in the first place. It is a very bad business, Emma. I do not approve.”

It took her a moment to wrestle an inappropriate laugh back down her throat. “I don’t think anyone approves, Father, including Mr. Elton.”

He sighed. “I suppose you’re right. But poor Miss Bates. Does Mr. Elton ever think of the strain on her?”

“I’m sure he regrets this entire horrible situation.”

Her father still looked disapproving, which Emma found odd. Mr. Elton had always been such a favorite of his.

“Why don’t you take your turn around the garden?” she suggested. “It’s such a mild afternoon. I think it will do you good.”

“Very well, my dear. I will see you when you get back.”

She escaped from the house and set off in a hurry, feverish to discover the outcome of the interview with Miss Bates. After sleeping on the issue, George had decided to send a brief note to Dr. Hughes, informing him that he would be asking Miss Bates a few additional questions this morning.

“Must you, George?” Emma had asked with dismay. “Dr. Hughes is so utterly pompous that I wouldn’t be surprised if he barged in on your discussion and tried to take over. That would pitch Miss Bates into a terrible flutter.”

“I will make it clear that I wish to speak with her alone but afterward will call on him with any relevant information.”

“But why does he need to know about itbeforethe meeting?”

“The man hates surprises, Emma. I am hopeful there’s a perfectly reasonable explanation regarding the promissory note. If there is not, however, Dr. Hughes will respond better to this new information with some forewarning.”

When she’d started to argue, he’d taken her hand. “Please remember that although I oversee this investigation, I cannot appear to be protecting Miss Bates from lawful scrutiny, no matter how much I might wish to.”

His logic, unfortunately, was sound. George was in a difficult position and was doing what was necessary to avoid accusations of favoritism. Still, she’d anxiously counted the minutes until she could reasonably call on Miss Bates.

She hurried through the village and arrived at Miss Bates’s apartment in short order. But when she started up the stairs, she was startled to hear raised voices. One of those voices belonged to her husband.

The door to the apartment flew open, and Patty rushed out, cramming a lopsided bonnet on her head.

“Mrs. Knightley,” she cried. “Thank goodness you’re here!”

They met halfway up the stairs. “Patty, whatever is going on?”