Page 135 of Murder in Highbury
“That would certainly endear Mr. Elton to your father.”
“Mr. Elton delivered a very sincere apology, I must say,” Emma added. “It was lacking in his usual flourishes and seemed to genuinely come from the heart.”
In fact, Mr. Elton’s visit had gone even better than she’d hoped for. His humble apology, combined with his dreadful appearance, had done its work. The initial visit, expected to last only fifteen minutes, had extended for over an hour. Mr. Elton had patiently listened to her father recount his own ailments and various treatments and had even eaten a bowl of Serle’s gruel.
Well, he’d managed to choke down half a bowl, anyway. Emma had made sure to whisk it away as soon as her father was distracted, replacing it with newly baked scones and excellent strawberry jam.
When the visit had finally drawn to a close, it seemed that past sins were forgiven. Father had sent Mr. Elton off with a packet of his own headache powders and extended an open invitation to visit Hartfield. Mr. Elton, overcome, had lapsed into old habits and expressed his gratitude in flourishing terms. It was rather silly but obviously well meant, so Emma had sent him on his way with another basket of goodies from the kitchen. That had also cheered him greatly.
“Mr. Woodhouse and Mr. Elton are friends once more, then?” asked Mrs. Weston.
“It appears so. In fact, Mr. Elton is sitting with Father this afternoon. He stopped by Hartfield to return the basket just as I was about to set out for Randalls. He offered to escort me, but I suggested instead that he sit with my father. When I left them, Mr. Elton was regaling Father with the details of his visit to Mr. Perry this morning.”
“That must have pleased Mr. Woodhouse.”
“Indeed. I couldn’t escape quickly enough.”
The ladies laughed, but then Jane grew serious. “I must confess I’m relieved that Mr. Elton didn’t escort you to Randalls. Frank is not best pleased with him, and I’m not entirely certain he would be quite so polite.”
Mrs. Weston breathed out an exasperated sigh. “I’m afraid Mr. Weston feels the same way, which is most unlike him.”
“Ho, now,” said the man himself, walking into the room. “Do I hear my name taken in vain?”
Frank followed closely on his heels. It took a few minutes for husbands to kiss wives, for greetings to be exchanged, and for tea to be served to the gentlemen.
When they were all settled again, Mr. Weston regarded his wife with an enquiring expression. “I believe you were discussing Mr. Elton when Frank and I came in. I hope there’s nothing amiss. We don’t need any additional troubles on his account, do we, Frank?”
“Certainly not. And if Elton has any intention of trying to reclaim money from Aunt Hetty based on that blasted promissory note, he shall have me to deal with.”
Since he was looking rather severe—and Frank was generally not one to be severe—his wife hastened to reassure him.
“Nothing of the sort,” Jane said. “According to Emma, Mr. Elton wishes most heartily to make amends for the unfortunate events of these past weeks.”
“I should bloody well hope so,” he replied.
“Frank! Such language in front of ladies,” Mrs. Weston scolded in her best governess voice.
He flashed her a rueful grin. “My apologies, dear ma’am. But one can’t help feeling rather warm on the subject.”
“There’s no need to worry,” Emma said. “All is well. I even left Mr. Elton at Hartfield, keeping company with my father.”
“Oh, ho,” exclaimed Mr. Weston. “So Mr. Woodhouse has forgiven our vicar. Well, then, I suppose the rest of us must, too.”
“Ha,” muttered Frank, obviously disgruntled.
Jane touched his hand. “Dearest, if my aunt can forgive him, then we should, as well. Mr. Elton has very sincerely apologized. We must not hold grudges.”
“When I see the effect of his actions on you and on your family, I most certainly can hold on to a grudge. The fellow’s a pompous ass, and we all know it.”
Mrs. Weston looked pained. “Frank, that is most unchristian of you. The Lord does call on us to forgive.”
As Frank reached for a scone, he looked not the least bit perturbed by his stepmother’s reprimand. “That would require one to believe Elton is truly a changed man. And you’ll forgivemeif I withhold judgment in that regard.”
“I say, Emma, what is the latest news on Suckling?” asked Mr. Weston in a rather obvious attempt to divert the conversation. “Mr. Knightley went down to Guildford the other day to question him, did he not?”
Mrs. Weston frowned. “My dear, I’m not sure we should be quizzing Emma on the legal elements of the case. Mr. Knightley might not approve.”
“No, it’s fine,” said Emma, waving a hand. “Everything will come out at trial, regardless.”
