Page 53 of Murder at Donwell Abbey
“Prudence didn’t give her any specifics.”
“And no one else saw it?”
“Apparently not. And it was only after Mrs. Hodges pressed her that Prudence admitted what had happened. She said she also didn’t wish Mrs. Hodges to pester you about it.”
George grimaced. “Unfortunate. Are we to assume, then, that Prudence was so upset by this incident that she felt compelled to find solace in spirits? That would suggest she did indeed filch the decanter from the drawing room.”
Emma waggled a hand. “Perhaps, though Harry proposed a different theory.”
“Which is?”
“He thought Prudence was sweet on William, and was distraught to learn he was only dallying with her.”
George scoffed. “While I can certainly see William making a fool of himself at the party, I cannot see him dallying with chambermaids. As I said the other day, his parents wouldn’t stand for it.”
“And you still think he would share such exploits with his parents?”
“Emma—”
She patted his cheek. “I know it’s hard to imagine, because you never acted that way, even in your wild salad days.”
“I neverhadwild salad days.”
“Because you were too busy lecturing me on my various faults and recommending dreary improving books for me to read.”
He ignored her little dig. “What did Mrs. Hodges think of this theory?”
“She thought it nonsense.” Emma held up a restraining hand. “But, she’s also fairly convinced that Prudence had a secret beau.”
George raised his eyebrows. “That sounds rather dramatic.”
“Girls of Prudence’s age are often dramatic.”
“True enough, yet as we have previously discussed, there is no evidence to suggest that William was ever in Prudence’s room.”
Again, she waggled her hand.
He sighed. “There’s more, isn’t there?”
“I’m afraid so.”
He listened with a resigned expression as she explained her discussion with Mrs. Weston and Miss Bates.
“Emma, gossip is rarely accurate,” he commented when she’d finished.
“Surprisingly, it is when it comes to Miss Bates. In fact, it was her suggestion that we speak with Mr. Barlowe.”
George frowned. “Why would Miss Bates suggest such a thing?”
“Mrs. Cox asked Mr. Barlowe to confront William about his poor behavior. Unfortunately, Mr. Barlowe has yet to grab the bull by the horns.”
“How do you—” His gaze turned sardonic. “Of course. You went and spoke to Mr. Barlowe.”
“As I said, it was Miss Bates’s suggestion.”
“Emma—”
She fluttered a hand. “It was fine, George. And very interesting, I might add.”
