Louise Laxton

In the short story The Case of the Caretaker, Mrs Louise Laxton (AKA “Mrs Harry”) was the wife of Harry Laxton. Mrs Laxton was of Anglo-French origin. She appeared as a character in a manuscript written by Dr Haydock.

Louise was described as having a "small, delicate figure, with flaxen hair curled rather stiffly round her face, and big, wistful blue eyes".

Louise possessed a considerable fortune. People in the village were of the opinion that she had always had everything, including good looks, money, and good breeding.

Louise was disturbed by Mrs Murgatroyd's behaviour, and felt that Mrs Murgatroyd hated her and Harry, and was ill-wishing them.

Louise was lonely and unused to life in the village, as she had been used to life in London and the Riviera, and had "no knowledge of or taste for English country life". She was ignorant about gardening, did not really care for dogs, and was bored by the neighbours she met. However, she enjoyed riding on Prince Hal, the chestnut steed Harry had bought for her.

Louise became friends with Clarice Vane, and told her about Mrs Murgatroyd and her threats. She also told Clarice that she hated the village, and the way people gossiped.

Louise was flung from her horse after it was startled by Mrs Murgatroyd. She was knocked unconscious, and died without regaining consciousness, before the doctor arrived.

Initially it was believed that she had died after falling from her horse, but it was later revealed that she had been poisoned with strophanthin.