XI -The woman in the Alcove

Chapter XI of “The Woman in the Alcove” by Anna Katharine Green titled “The Inspector Astonishes Me,” unfolds a significant leap in the investigation into the mystery surrounding the Fairbrother gem. The narrator reveals that no progress was made in improving Mr. Durand’s standing nor in implicating Mr. Grey over the two weeks following the initial events. Mr. Fairbrother contributes a crucial piece of evidence from his sickbed in New Mexico, asserting that the real diamond had a unique setting he acquired in France, suggesting if a duplicate was made, it happened under his wife’s direction in New York.

The narrative then shifts to a visit from the inspector, who arrives with news that breathes life into the narrator’s theories. Initially fearing dire news, the narrator is reassured when the inspector reveals they found truth in her speculations and are willing to pursue a risky plan that could implicate a respected English gentleman, Mr. Grey. This plan is contingent on the narrator’s suggestion, emphasizing its precarious nature and the implications it could have on international relations and personal reputations.

The inspector’s visit is not just procedural; it signifies a crucial turn in the investigation. He outlines the evidence against Mr. Grey: a suspicious valet, a secretive dismissal, strangely altered behavior post the crime, and a particular interest in the Fairbrother gem that ties him to the night of the murder. This disclosure heightens the stakes of the narrator’s involvement, as she must now undertake a delicate assignment under an alias, leveraging a personal connection to gain access to the circle surrounding Mr. Grey. Her preparation is strategic, banking on discretion and the hope that her identity as a significant witness to the crime remains concealed, allowing her to observe reactions and interactions within Mr. Grey’s environment that could confirm her suspicions or reveal new information.

This chapter bridges the narrative from investigative stagnation to active pursuit, setting the stage for the narrator’s covert operation. The emotional undercurrent—her mix of fear, anticipation, and the burden of expectation—adds a palpable tension to the unfolding mystery. The inspector’s trust in her judgment and the peculiarities surrounding Mr. Grey’s behavior and interests weave complex threads into the investigative tapestry, suggesting that the unraveling of this mystery will challenge social conventions and personal courage in equal measure.