The Middle Temple Murder · Character

Stephen Aylmore

A wealthy businessman and father of Jessie, questioned in the case.

minor

Also known as Mr. Aylmore, Mr. Stephen Aylmore, Aylmore

First appearance: Mr. Aylmore

Stephen Aylmore shows up with force in VI: Witness to a Meeting. The page is where that presence becomes real.

Aylmore is identified by Webster as the tall, grey-bearded gentleman whom Marbury greeted at the House of Commons.

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In VI: Witness to a Meeting: Aylmore is identified by Webster as the tall, grey-bearded gentleman whom Marbury greeted at the House of Commons. His photograph is selected from the album of MPs. Later, in Mr. Aylmore:…

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Character Web

11 connections

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Central Mystery Figures
Background & Supporting Cast
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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Closing

This is the dramatic climax because it reveals the psychological reversal where Myerst, the captured extortion…

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In the story

Stephen Aylmore appears across 14 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

VI: Witness to a Meeting
Aylmore is identified by Webster as the tall, grey-bearded gentleman whom Marbury greeted at the House of Commons. His photograph is selected from the album of MPs.
Mr. Aylmore
Identified as Marbury's companion; explains his past business relations with Marbury and the diamonds.
The Man from the Safe Deposit
Identified as the man who met Marbury at the House of Commons and accompanied him to the Anglo-Orient Hotel.
X: The Leather Box
Expected to be the principal witness at the adjourned inquest.
Mr. Aylmore Is Questioned
Takes the witness stand, recounts his meeting with Marbury, and later refuses to answer questions about his past.
XII: The New Witness
Aylmore is questioned at the inquest and resents inquiries into his past. He is later contradicted by witness David Lyell and identified as 'Mr. Anderson' by the Temple porter.
XIII: Under Suspicion
Returns to the witness box, admits to renting chambers as 'Mr. Anderson' and that Marbury accompanied him there to retrieve a document, but refuses to elaborate on the document or his past.
XIV: The Silver Ticket
Discussed by Spargo and Jessie; his refusal to answer questions at the inquest has created suspicion.
XX: Maitland Alias Marbury
Mentioned as the only man who knew Maitland; Spargo speculates he might be Chamberlayne, but physical descriptions contradict.
Arrested
Arrested on suspicion of murder after his bludgeon is found; claims the weapon was stolen from his rooms.
XXII: The Blank Past
Remains silent about his past despite being arrested; his daughters know nothing of his early life.
XXVI: Still Silent
Remains silent despite legal advice; insists on finding the guilty man.
XXVIII: Of Proved Identity
Identified as an ex-convict (Stephen Ainsworth) who served time at Dartmoor; admitted his past in Rathbury's presence.
XXXI: The Penitent Window-Cleaner
Referred to as the occupant of the chambers in Fountain Court, Temple, under the name of Mr. Anderson, from where the stick was taken.

Chapter companion notes

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See Stephen Aylmore in VI: Witness to a Meeting