The Middle of Things · Chapter
XII: The Grey Mare Inn explained
Viner learns from florist Barleyfield that Ashton regularly visited the Grey Mare Inn, where he often met a mysterious elderly gentleman.
What happens
Viner learns from florist Barleyfield that Ashton regularly visited the Grey Mare Inn, where he often met a mysterious elderly gentleman. Meanwhile, diamond merchant Van Hoeren reveals that Ashton carried a priceless diamond worth £50,000–£60,000, which he showed to strangers in Hatton Garden, raising the possibility that he was murdered for it. Pawle resolves to search Ashton's house for papers.
Themes in this chapter
Crime and Detection
The discovery of Ashton's secret visits to the Grey Mare Inn and the revelation of the diamond provide new investigative leads.
Appearance vs. Reality
Ashton appeared to be a quiet, domestic man but secretly frequented a tavern and carried a fortune in diamonds.
Truth vs. Fiction
Barleyfield's account and Van Hoeren's testimony challenge earlier assumptions about Ashton's character and movements.
Characters to notice
- Richard Viner
Receives Barleyfield's tip about the Grey Mare Inn and Van Hoeren's diamond revelation; delivers Pawle's message to Miss Wickham.
- Mr. Pawle
Plans to search Ashton's house; discusses the diamond's implications with Viner and Armitstead.
- Armitstead Ashton Armitstead
Skeptical that Ashton carried the diamond habitually; suggests the muffler man is the key suspect.
- Mr. Jan Van Hoeren
Reveals Ashton showed him a diamond worth £50,000–£60,000, which Ashton claimed to have obtained in Australia.
- Barleyfield
Florist who informs Viner that Ashton frequented the Grey Mare Inn and met an unknown elderly man there on the night of his death.
- Miss Wickham
Summons Viner to hear Barleyfield's information; unaware of Ashton's evening activities.
Key passages
“One would have thought that Ashton would have mentioned it—and shown it—to Miss Wickham and Mrs. Killenhall. Yet apparently—he never did.”
Viner finds it odd that Ashton never told his female companions about the diamond.
Highlights the theme of secrecy and hidden aspects of Ashton's life.
“I very much doubt if that diamond has anything whatever to do with Ashton's murder... I don't believe that he'd make a practice of walking about London with a diamond of that value in his pocket.”
Armitstead doubts Ashton would routinely carry such a valuable diamond, suggesting it may not be the motive for murder.
Raises a counterpoint to the emerging theory that the diamond led to the crime.
“I can tell you where he very often spent an hour or two of an evening... At the Grey Mare Inn, sir.”
Barleyfield reveals that Ashton regularly visited the Grey Mare Inn in the evenings.
Provides a new clue about Ashton's secret habits.