“No one else has anything to say, so I thought I might as well ask,” she pertly replied. “The inquest was so dreadfully boring, except for Mr. Clarke.”
“There’s nothing boring about murder, Miss Cox,” Emma replied in a clipped tone.
Miss Bates looked shocked. “Indeed, no. That poor girl, and poor Mr. Larkins. One feels for his predicament.”
“But isn’t he guilty?” asked Susan. “Everyone seems to think he’s guilty, so surely he must be.”
“Mr. Larkins’s guilt is very much in doubt,” Emma replied. “My husband and I certainly do not believe him to be guilty.”
“Nor do I,” Miss Bates added. “Such a kind, good man.”
Anne waved an impatient hand. “But no one really knows, do they? Besides, that’s not what I was asking Mrs. Knightley about, anyway. I wish to know about Mr. Clarke. Do you know if he’s married?”
“Oh, Anne,” her mother sighed.
Susan stepped into her sister’s unfortunate breach. “Mr. Clarke is quite handsome, even if he is a revenue officer.”
Miss Bates looked confused. “How does Mr. Clarke’s profession affect his looks?”
“Because most people hate prevention officers,” Anne replied with a stunning lack of logic. “But who cares if he arrests smugglers? He was dressed quite smart, too, which means he must have some money.”
Mrs. Cox looked ready to die a thousand social deaths. Emma could well sympathize. Having a daughter like Anne would make one wish for a swift and merciful end.
“To answer your question, Miss Cox,” Emma dryly replied, “I have no idea of his marital status. Nor am I inclined to find out.”
“Of course not,” Mrs. Cox hastily said.
Anne ignored her mother. “I tried to get his attention after the inquest, but he was too busy talking to that silly Constable Sharpe.”
“Maybe he’ll return to Highbury,” Susan said in a hopeful voice. “If there are smugglers running about, I expect he’ll be investigating.”
Anne clapped her hands. “That would be splendid.”
Be careful what you wish for.
As if summoned by her thoughts, Emma heard someone come in through the front door.
“That must be William,” Mrs. Cox said with relief. “Anne, why don’t you fetch him? I’m sure he’d like to say hello to Mrs. Knightley and Miss Bates.”
Anne scoffed. “No, he wouldn’t. Not after he embarrassed himself at Donwell Abbey.”
“Fetch him anyway.”
“Why can’t Susan do it?”
“Because I askedyou,” her mother sharply replied.
Anne got to her feet and flounced out of the room.
Mrs. Cox gave Emma an apologetic smile. “I beg your pardon, ma’am. I’m sure William will be happy to see you, especially after you so kindly forgave him for his unfortunate behavior.”
He won’t be happy for long.
William and Anne entered the room a few moments later. When he caught sight of Emma, he pulled up short, causing his sister to barrel into him.
Anne gave him a shove. “La, Will, don’t be such a clumsy oaf. What will Mrs. Knightley think of you?”
Mrs. Knightley was thinking that William Cox was completely unnerved, even frightened. It seemed an extreme reaction when she had yet to even ask him a question.
