Very short Wimsey AU sort of meta-fic

[nineveh_uk]

‘You can sit down, you know,’ said Miss Vane, gesturing to the other armchair. Boyes sat.

‘How about some coffee, old girl?’

Miss Vane looked at him coldly. ‘I said you could come round. If you want someone to serve you food and drink, I suggest you employ a maid.’

*

‘Mr Boyes!’ exclaimed Hannah Westlock, opening the door to find that gentleman on the top step, supported by the strong arm of the driver. ‘Now you sit down here, and I’ll ring for the doctor.’

‘Never mind the doctor, get me a brandy. That b- wouldn’t even give me a cup of coffee.’

***

Forget buying poison while giving the name of famous murderers, or living with your boyfriend. Ironically, what ultimately lands Harriet Vane in the dock isn’t a social transgression, but adherence to social rules of politeness, first that Harriet actually agree to Boyes' demand that they meet, second that having done so she is required to play the hostess. Rules so strict that the murderer can rely on them in setting up his alibi: Urquhart offers Boyes Turkish coffee, which Boyes doesn’t like, thus setting up the chance for a statement that Harriet will offer coffee, and increasing the chance of Boyes actually drinking it.

Comments

[sonetka.livejournal.com]

True enough. Still, as weak as the case is against Harriet in the real story, it's hard to imagine her even being detained if neither Boyes nor Harriet ever mentions his having coffee with her. Even less so if he tells Hannah Westlock that the bitch wouldn't even give him coffee :).

[nineveh-uk.livejournal.com]

It would certainly have given Impey Biggs a lot more to work with if she were charged:

"Ladies and gentleman of the jury, this lady is accused of the crime – the capital crime – of murder. Only the greatest certainty of her guilt could justify her conviction in this case. But what certainties has the Attorney General presented the court with? Murder requires motive, means, and above all, it requires opportunity. My learned friend has failed to prove that Miss Vane had the means, he has failed to prove she had any motive, and the words of Mr Boyes himself, speaking now from beyond the grave, assure us beyond any doubt that she had no opportunity."