“The issue hasn’t come up. As you might have noticed, he and I both had other matters to attend to—including a murder inquest.”
His brother-in-law stared at him, clearly incredulous. “Philip, you are a fool. And do not think we are finished with this subject. When I return, I will want clear answers about Augusta’s estate.”
“As for that,youshould be the one providing answers tomein that regard.”
“I have better things to do than stand here and listen to foolish innuendos. I will speak with you upon my return.”
As quietly as she could, Emma scrambled back to the graveled path. She pinned a smile on her face and did her best to give the impression that she had just this moment arrived at the lime walk.
Mr. Suckling stormed out from the trees, then pulled up short with an oath when he saw her. It was thankfully rude enough that it could explain her no doubt flustered appearance.
“Sir! You gave me a shock. I had no idea you were out here.”
The man glared at her. “Why would you?”
She didn’t have to pretend to be offended, since he was reallyquiterude.
“I’m looking for my husband,” she replied. “Have you seen him? I think he must have come this way with Mr. Elton.”
The vicar emerged from the trees. “Here I am, Mrs. Knightley. Horace and I were simply having a quiet stroll. I thought to show him the lime walk and the abbey’s beautiful vistas.”
“How kind of you.” She smiled at Mr. Suckling. “I hope you found it refreshing. It was rather stifling in the hall.”
“It’s stifling out here, too. If you’ll excuse me, ma’am, I must be on my way back to town. My wife is expecting me.”
“Of course, sir. Please give her our condolences.”
Mr. Suckling turned on his heel and stalked off.
“Please forgive my brother-in-law,” Mr. Elton said, looking embarrassed. “He naturally found this a difficult day.”
“Think nothing of it. But this is an even more difficult day for you.” She took in his pasty features and worn look. “You should not be out in his heat, sir. It’s too much.”
He clasped his hands in a prayerful gesture. “You are wise, as always, madam. I have perhaps spent too much time in the sun. I’m afraid the press of people in the great hall became too overwhelming in my present state.”
“Then we will find you a quiet place to sit, where no one will bother you.”
They turned to walk toward the house.
“You, Mrs. Knightley, are never a bother,” he said. “In fact, I would consider it an honor if you sat with me. Your friendship—and that of your husband—is more than consolation. I do not know how I should survive without it.”
Emma tried to hide her surprise at his effusive praise. While she felt a great deal of sympathy for him, they were not friends. Still, one was bound to be emotional at such a time, when pushed beyond the limits of one’s ordinary life.
“We are happy to be of help in any small way.”
The vicar sighed. “You are so modest, Mrs. Knightley. Just like my dear Augusta.”
Emma didn’t quite know how to take that. “Er, thank you, sir.”
He pressed a hand to his chest. “Please call me Philip, Mrs. Knightley. We are such old friends, are we not?”
She began to wonder if hehadbeen out in the sun too long. “We all need friends at a time like this, Mr. Elton. And speaking of friends, perhaps you might enjoy having a quiet chat with Mrs. Cole. I know she’s very worried for you.”
“Ah, dear Mrs. Cole. She and Augusta were such bosom friends. Mrs. Cole will miss her greatly.”
“As will many others in Highbury, sir. Mrs. Goddard, for instance.”
“Very true, Mrs. Knightley. My Augusta took a great interest in the school, you know. Always so ready with advice and help whenever it was needed. I do not know how Mrs. Goddard will get on without her wise counsel.”
